It's a Hell of a Town!

It has been a while since I have posted on here. I really need to be better about it. I always intend to add a thought here or there, but I typically think of it at midnight. Not really feeling like getting out of the cozy covers at that point. Thus, another day rolls by.

I spent a few days in New York earlier this month. I tend to get up there a couple times a year for work. Man, I really enjoy that city! As far as work was concerned, it was a very productive trip. I got to visit with several colleagues who have become friends over the years. It is always great to see them. Additionally, I made several good leads for prospective new members for work.

Personally, I got to visit with a few friends who live in the area. I had brunch with Todd on Sunday and got to see Scott and Shawn’s new brownstone place in Brooklyn, followed by a great meal Saturday evening! Spoke with Wendy and Jackie, but was not able to connect up with them this trip. I hope to see them when I am back up there in January.

I didn’t do too much stuff other than eat, shop, visit with some friends and catch a Broadway show – Spamalot. I highly recommend it. Tim Curry and David Hyde Pierce are too good! It was a totally over the top version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. I believe I actually enjoyed it more than the movie. I did do one touristy thing. The observation deck atop Rockefeller Center (Top of the Rock) reopened after about a 20-year closure. Awesome 360 degree views of the city from 57 stories up. The weather was beautifully clear the day I went. One could see fall colors dotted throughout Central Park.

After being in New York several times, nothing really stands out to me as odd anymore. At least, not until this trip. A brief summary…Basement of Macy’s on Broadway. Cellar/Restaurant area. ATM machine. Amish man in full attire. Cash withdrawal. Independently, nothing out of the normal. Put them all together…that made me take a step back and go, “Hmmm.” And by the way he was navigating through the ATM, this Amish gentleman was no stranger to FastCash!

Top: L - R: Leisa, Sally, Granville
Bottom: Central Park

It Had to Happen...

Well, today I turned 40! Not sure what I was expecting. Feeling different, maybe? Breaking a hip? Feels pretty much like 39 and 364 days. Which, in turn, feels a lot like 30. Not sure why people get so worked up about age. I am 40. No big deal. I am pretty darn happy with myself, my life, my family, my friends. I still have a ton I want to do and see in my life. Nowhere near old here...just in a different age bracket for group health pricing. Could be worse!

Only 53 shopping days left until Christmas! Okay, I know that is still quite a lot of time. I typically don't start until around mid-December then slide into panic mode. However, through absolutely NO planning on my part, I started early. I actually have a couple gifts already knocked out as I stumbled upon them. Wonder if the trend will continue and I will be finished early this year to enjoy the season without having to deal with shopping-induced mall havoc? I doubt it. Just wouldn't feel right if I did. Fa-La-La-La-La...

I can't seem to get motivated this afternoon. I had a nice, long lunch at Pierpont's this afternoon with some past co-workers. We all try to get together once every month, or so, to see each other and keep current. We always seem to end up at the same place...though definitely not a bad thing. Pierpont's is an upscale restaurant specializing in steak and seafood. Everyone was able to show up today. It was really great to see them. As an added bonus, a retired co-worker was also able to join us. Afterwards, since we were all stuffed and needed to move, plus the fact it is a beautiful Fall day, we walked a couple blocks over to the Crown Center branch of UMB Bank where I use to work. I was able to see a couple more past co-workers. Was great to see everyone, but I am so glad I no longer work for that organization. It was very political and divided when I was there about five years ago and now seems even more so. All in all, a very good day. I am now ready for a nap.

Above: L - R: Mark, Pat, Jeff, Carol, Carla