I'm all for staying healthy in the 2011 flu season. I keep hand sanitizer in my purse, albeit Clean Cotton scented from Bath & Body Works. I wash my hands and sing Happy Birthday twice before leaving the ladies room. I sneeze and cough into the crook of my arm. I take precautions; I'm no dummy.
Yesterday as I approached the DeCamp bus window to purchase my monthly, way overpriced tickets, I felt a tickle in my sniffer and felt a sneeze approaching! I quickly turned my head to the right and sneezed into my puffy coat. I didn't sneeze into my hand, so I pulled out my credit card and handed it over to the lady behind the 3 inch thick windowpane.
You'd have thought I drowned her puppy. If looks could kill I'd be six feet under. She grabbed at a Lysol wipe before picking up my Visa and wiped it down as if it were slathered in an Anthrax pudding. She handed me a pen using the Lysol wipe and immediately swiped it again when I handed it back to her. So rude.
Maybe she's a germa-phob but in my book she was a rude one.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Your "Eck-tiquette" Tip for the day...
If someone familiar greets you in the following way:
"Good morning - how are you today?" with a smile...
The only acceptable responses are:
It is impolite to say:
In fact, its quite rude to ignore the other person's feelings by not asking how they're doing.
Practice this polite manner of speaking with your friends today!
"Good morning - how are you today?" with a smile...
The only acceptable responses are:
- "I'm fine - and you?"
- "Good, thank you, and how are you?"
- "I'm great. Thanks. How are you doing?"
It is impolite to say:
- "Good."
- "Fine."
- "...."
In fact, its quite rude to ignore the other person's feelings by not asking how they're doing.
Practice this polite manner of speaking with your friends today!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Beautiful on the outside
There are many times I've played "verbally abusive girlfriend" to the city of New York. I've complained about, yelled at, sworn at and even broken up with Manhattan in the past 4 years I've lived up here, but always come crawling back with flowers asking for forgiveness.
When we make the commute from the Bloom to the City each day, we tend to have our heads stuck in books, blackberrys and are pecking frantic emails to work explaining that we'll be late yet again due to "traffic on 3 leading to the Tunnel".
But there is a moment, each day when, as the bus rounds the overpass towards the belly of the Lincoln Tunnel that everyone looks up towards the Manhattan skyline. Even if for just a moment. The NYC skyline is breathtaking; full of history, life, first-kisses, drama and sadly even death.
But as ugly as the city can be on any given day, it is truly beautiful on the outside.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
the saddistic side of sample sales
It is probably common place for NYC women to scour their favorite designers sites for sample sale info and to stand in line outside in 30 degree weather to save $200 or more on this seasons latest, vintage inspired and still way too overpriced look.
It is not common place for me, however. But when I stumbled across a DVF sample sale I was instantly reminded that a very good friend of mine had once uttered, "I'll know when I've made it when I can buy a DVF wrapdress." I was in full support of this dream and off we went to 5th Avenue, the mecca of NYC style and high end fashion.
The very words "sample sale" to me scream, "suck it in because its tiny" and I don't know what I was thinking trying to cram what I like to refer as my "Marilyn-Monroe-Wore-A-Size-14" body into a DVF dress, but I walked into the mayhem that ensued anyway.
Dozens of NYC girls clad in patterened leggings, minis and boots clamoring over one another to grab the sample pieces and spring dresses is what we saw and we reluctantly handed over our bags and coats and begin scouring.
I find a few "my tag says 14 but I'm really a size 6" dresses and we head to what we think are the fitting rooms. But what we find is not multiple rooms but one large fitting room complete with runway-esque mayhem.
Doe eyed and terrified I scan the room to see half naked women in teeny tiny thongs and lacy bras pulling on shirts and tugging on pants.
"Yeah," I say to A, "I don't know if I can do this." My bra seems about as stylish as a salvation army swimsuit top and this ass hasn't seen a thong in, hmm, about a year. There was no way me and my Grannies were stripping down in front of these Louis Vuitton wallet carrying women in their size 4 sweaters. So, I did what any body conscious woman would do. I tried a dress on over my cami and stared straight at the wall. Nope, didn't fit. I wasn't dropping my pants, so I tried an old trick of wrapping the waist band of a skirt around my neck to see if there was hope and nope!
Defeated, I pull on my bulky grey sweater and head out of the hellish fitting room back to the racks. I ponder over a $30 pair of DVF leggings before I remember that I just paid $7 for a new pair a week ago.
As I looked around at the tiny girls with armloads of fashionable finds, I start to feel a sense of happiness that I didn't eat the black and white cookie I craved today. And well, my husband will feel happiness upon reading this because my Amex is safe from debt.
So who cares if that amazing DVF dress didn't fit? I felt lucky to have the means to buy it if it did, and a great friend to have experienced the evening with. And the best part was that she did find her wrap dress, and I couldn't have been happier for her. She has made it :)
Anyway, I think I'll stick to sample sales of purses and shoes from now on. At least I know they'll fit-and I don't have to take off much to try them on.
It is not common place for me, however. But when I stumbled across a DVF sample sale I was instantly reminded that a very good friend of mine had once uttered, "I'll know when I've made it when I can buy a DVF wrapdress." I was in full support of this dream and off we went to 5th Avenue, the mecca of NYC style and high end fashion.
The very words "sample sale" to me scream, "suck it in because its tiny" and I don't know what I was thinking trying to cram what I like to refer as my "Marilyn-Monroe-Wore-A-Size-14" body into a DVF dress, but I walked into the mayhem that ensued anyway.
Dozens of NYC girls clad in patterened leggings, minis and boots clamoring over one another to grab the sample pieces and spring dresses is what we saw and we reluctantly handed over our bags and coats and begin scouring.
I find a few "my tag says 14 but I'm really a size 6" dresses and we head to what we think are the fitting rooms. But what we find is not multiple rooms but one large fitting room complete with runway-esque mayhem.
Doe eyed and terrified I scan the room to see half naked women in teeny tiny thongs and lacy bras pulling on shirts and tugging on pants.
"Yeah," I say to A, "I don't know if I can do this." My bra seems about as stylish as a salvation army swimsuit top and this ass hasn't seen a thong in, hmm, about a year. There was no way me and my Grannies were stripping down in front of these Louis Vuitton wallet carrying women in their size 4 sweaters. So, I did what any body conscious woman would do. I tried a dress on over my cami and stared straight at the wall. Nope, didn't fit. I wasn't dropping my pants, so I tried an old trick of wrapping the waist band of a skirt around my neck to see if there was hope and nope!
Defeated, I pull on my bulky grey sweater and head out of the hellish fitting room back to the racks. I ponder over a $30 pair of DVF leggings before I remember that I just paid $7 for a new pair a week ago.
As I looked around at the tiny girls with armloads of fashionable finds, I start to feel a sense of happiness that I didn't eat the black and white cookie I craved today. And well, my husband will feel happiness upon reading this because my Amex is safe from debt.
So who cares if that amazing DVF dress didn't fit? I felt lucky to have the means to buy it if it did, and a great friend to have experienced the evening with. And the best part was that she did find her wrap dress, and I couldn't have been happier for her. She has made it :)
Anyway, I think I'll stick to sample sales of purses and shoes from now on. At least I know they'll fit-and I don't have to take off much to try them on.
Friday, December 4, 2009
In New York...concrete jungle where dreams are made of...
I'm really digging the "Empire State" song by JayZ and Alicia Keys. It's inspiring to hear a song that represents New York so well, the good and the bad. But I'm listening to the lyrics again and they got me thinking. JayZ quotes Frankie when he says "If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere" and I believe that to be true.
But what does it mean to "make it"? And how do you know if you have?
On paper it probably reads that I've "made it"....does it?
But what does it mean to "make it"? And how do you know if you have?
On paper it probably reads that I've "made it"....does it?
- Amazing husband
- Great friends
- Glamorous NYC Job
- Better than average salary
- House in the 'burbs
- 2.5 dogs
- SUV
Have I done it? Have I achieved the American Dream? Has NYC helped me get there? I'm tempted to say....
wait for it....
No!
Despite the glamour that comes with working and living in / near NYC, I can't help but wonder if something else is missing. Working in NYC is hard. The commute sucks. Its literally a concrete jungle. People are mean. The streets are mean. It's incredibly frustrating, especially walking through Tourist ridden Times Square.
So yes, maybe we've 'made it', but it doesn't make it right. There's got to be a better quality of life out there that lets go of the monotony of black clothing, taxis and sirens, overpriced drinks and impossible to get into restaurants. Where does that all exist?
I think, that after the time spent in NYC I've become a stronger person; perhaps it's been better for my career, but it's also made me a bit more cynical and pessimistic than I'd like to admit. So I think the time has come to search for greener pastures. Perhaps I'm ready to make it anywhere else but here.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Everyone loves the house!!
In planning for a visit from Mom and her best friend Joyce I've sent them 'reservation confirmations' from our "hotel", aka our house. Enjoy! But look at my sister's response below. Its not like she spends every weekend at the hotel or anything! LOL.
Please do not reply back to this email message as this email address is used for outbound messages only.You are receiving this email notification to advise you that your travel arrangements have been posted to the Chateau D'Eck Travel Groups web site. This web site allows you and any other person(s) you have designated to view and print your travel invoice/itinerary 24 hours a day for up to 90 days. ** Travel Tip - Pack your bags for a fun filled and relaxing Spaaaah....weekend. This email serves as confirmation of your hotel reservation at:
Chateau D'Eck, Bloomfield, NJ
Hotel Details: Chateau D'Eck opened for business just three short years ago in charming Bloomfield, NJ. Hotel owners Heather and Tom are delighted to have out of towners in their warm and cozy 1929 home. Make yourself at home in this out of the ordinary Chateau where service is never second best. While staying with us enjoy complimentary shuttle service to and from Manhattan, just 15 miles outside of the city of Bloomfield. Dine at 5 star restaurants like Gencarellis in hip Montclair, NJ. Wine, water and coffee are complimentary at Chateau. Hungry for breakfast? The chefs specialize in banana pancakes and blueberry muffins with fresh squeezed orange juice, or grab a bagel at the local noshery. Join us on Saturday evening for a "Spaaaah Night" (ladies only please). Please let us know how we can be of service to you during your stay.
Dates: Thursday 9/24 - Sunday 9/27
Check in: After 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 8:00 a.m., Sunday, 9/27
Room Rate: $0.00 / night
Rewards Redeemed: 500,567
Balance Remaining: 33 J
Joyce
Room Name: New Orleans (NOLA)
Room Type: Single occupancy, queen sized bed, non-smoking, pet-friendly
Room Details: Recently renovated, including new ceiling fan installation. View overlooking the north lawn and patio area, iron, ironing board, bedside table and reading lamp. Complimentary hi-speed internet service.
Turn Down Service: Promptly at 7:00 p.m.
Wake Up calls are available - please confirm with management upon checking in
Robbie
Room Name: The Green room
Room Type: Double occupancy, queen sized bed, non-smoking, pet-friendly
Room Details: Beautifully renovated guest favorite. View overlooking the west lawn, bedside table, reading lamp and fan. Complimentary hi-speed internet service.
Turn Down Service: Promptly at 7:00 p.m.
Wake Up calls are available - please confirm with management upon checking in.
If you require airport shuttle service please confirm at least 24 hours in advance with your flight time and number.
Tip is not included in hotel price. Thank you and enjoy your stay!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Stacey's Response~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Management,
I was delighted to receive the confirmation for my stay at Chateau D'Eck this weekend but disappointed to see that my room reservation was not included. I have included the details of my stay from when I made the reservation and hope the Chateau can accommodate my stay.
Room Name: Living Room
Room Type: Single occupancy, green microseude couch, non-smoking, pet-friendly
Room Details: Comfortable living room space with television including DVR and movies on demand. Views of the front lawn and lovely relaxing sounds of the grandfather clock. Complimentary hi-speed internet service.
Turn Down Service: Promptly at 7:00 p.m.
Wake Up call: When yellow lab stares at you or licks your feet
Please let me know if services can be rendered. Otherwise I will be required to sleep in the Brookdale dog park. Thank you!
Please do not reply back to this email message as this email address is used for outbound messages only.You are receiving this email notification to advise you that your travel arrangements have been posted to the Chateau D'Eck Travel Groups web site. This web site allows you and any other person(s) you have designated to view and print your travel invoice/itinerary 24 hours a day for up to 90 days. ** Travel Tip - Pack your bags for a fun filled and relaxing Spaaaah....weekend. This email serves as confirmation of your hotel reservation at:
Chateau D'Eck, Bloomfield, NJ
Hotel Details: Chateau D'Eck opened for business just three short years ago in charming Bloomfield, NJ. Hotel owners Heather and Tom are delighted to have out of towners in their warm and cozy 1929 home. Make yourself at home in this out of the ordinary Chateau where service is never second best. While staying with us enjoy complimentary shuttle service to and from Manhattan, just 15 miles outside of the city of Bloomfield. Dine at 5 star restaurants like Gencarellis in hip Montclair, NJ. Wine, water and coffee are complimentary at Chateau. Hungry for breakfast? The chefs specialize in banana pancakes and blueberry muffins with fresh squeezed orange juice, or grab a bagel at the local noshery. Join us on Saturday evening for a "Spaaaah Night" (ladies only please). Please let us know how we can be of service to you during your stay.
Dates: Thursday 9/24 - Sunday 9/27
Check in: After 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 8:00 a.m., Sunday, 9/27
Room Rate: $0.00 / night
Rewards Redeemed: 500,567
Balance Remaining: 33 J
Joyce
Room Name: New Orleans (NOLA)
Room Type: Single occupancy, queen sized bed, non-smoking, pet-friendly
Room Details: Recently renovated, including new ceiling fan installation. View overlooking the north lawn and patio area, iron, ironing board, bedside table and reading lamp. Complimentary hi-speed internet service.
Turn Down Service: Promptly at 7:00 p.m.
Wake Up calls are available - please confirm with management upon checking in
Robbie
Room Name: The Green room
Room Type: Double occupancy, queen sized bed, non-smoking, pet-friendly
Room Details: Beautifully renovated guest favorite. View overlooking the west lawn, bedside table, reading lamp and fan. Complimentary hi-speed internet service.
Turn Down Service: Promptly at 7:00 p.m.
Wake Up calls are available - please confirm with management upon checking in.
If you require airport shuttle service please confirm at least 24 hours in advance with your flight time and number.
Tip is not included in hotel price. Thank you and enjoy your stay!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Stacey's Response~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Management,
I was delighted to receive the confirmation for my stay at Chateau D'Eck this weekend but disappointed to see that my room reservation was not included. I have included the details of my stay from when I made the reservation and hope the Chateau can accommodate my stay.
Room Name: Living Room
Room Type: Single occupancy, green microseude couch, non-smoking, pet-friendly
Room Details: Comfortable living room space with television including DVR and movies on demand. Views of the front lawn and lovely relaxing sounds of the grandfather clock. Complimentary hi-speed internet service.
Turn Down Service: Promptly at 7:00 p.m.
Wake Up call: When yellow lab stares at you or licks your feet
Please let me know if services can be rendered. Otherwise I will be required to sleep in the Brookdale dog park. Thank you!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Day 2...
9/22/09
Weight: 203?! (At home WW scale vs one at Curves...which is right?!)
Feeling: well rested!
So I survived yesterdays Nutrisystem meal planning, albeit I didn't eat enough apparently. I forgot to stock up on veggies, fruits and eggs to supplement the portion controlled, read, teeny tiny, meals. So, after a long and hunger ridden day I stalked to the grocery store for some food!
Back at home I tossed mushrooms, shallots, zucchini, squash, tomatoe and a touch of olive oil with some garlic and pepper. Whala! Instant veggie medly and right on time. The sweet and sour chicken meal made me want to toss my cookies so I opted for dessert: almond chocolate cookie and a sugar free, 60 cal pudding cup. Yummmmm.
No time for work outs today; I've got homework tonight, so back to being curvalicious tomorrow! Have a great day!
Weight: 203?! (At home WW scale vs one at Curves...which is right?!)
Feeling: well rested!
So I survived yesterdays Nutrisystem meal planning, albeit I didn't eat enough apparently. I forgot to stock up on veggies, fruits and eggs to supplement the portion controlled, read, teeny tiny, meals. So, after a long and hunger ridden day I stalked to the grocery store for some food!
Back at home I tossed mushrooms, shallots, zucchini, squash, tomatoe and a touch of olive oil with some garlic and pepper. Whala! Instant veggie medly and right on time. The sweet and sour chicken meal made me want to toss my cookies so I opted for dessert: almond chocolate cookie and a sugar free, 60 cal pudding cup. Yummmmm.
No time for work outs today; I've got homework tonight, so back to being curvalicious tomorrow! Have a great day!
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