My Morning Commute

Happy New Year 2012!

2012-01-26T18:28:00.000-05:00

First Snow 2012

2012-01-21T11:24:00.002-05:00

Don't hit me with the snowball, Dad!

Ha! Missed!

Saturday night at Grandpa's

2011-10-08T15:14:00.004-04:00

Claire and cousins, Julia and Isabella, at Grandpa Gena and Valentina's house for Saturday night dinner.

First Day of School

2011-09-13T11:02:00.001-04:00

She ran up the stairs and didn't look back; I didn't cry. Yet....

Happy 3rd Birthday, Claire

2011-09-13T10:56:00.002-04:00

Happy 3rd Birthday, Claire! And Happy Birthday, Aunt Deneie!

It's been a year since I last updated this blog and so much has happened, potty training, spending a month with Mimi and Papa Joe while the elevator was being repaired, and now starting school...time is flying by!

Happy Birthday, Claire

2010-08-28T08:43:00.003-04:00

You're 2 years old now. I can't believe it. I love you.

Happy Birthday, Papa Joe!

2010-08-20T09:41:00.002-04:00

Two of my great loves, my Dad and my Daughter

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream

2010-05-13T13:25:00.002-04:00

Claire has on her new Ice Cream Cone sweater sent to her by our Aunt Carolyn. Love, love, LOVE it! Thank you so much, Aunt Carolyn...it's definitely going into high rotation in her wardrobe!

Kids Get you Free Stuff

2010-05-06T20:47:00.001-04:00

Especially when they get away from you and take bites out of the unprotected cupcakes at Downtown Atlantic. Thanks, Downtown Atlantic, for comping the cupcake - it was delish!

High Performance Driver

2010-05-06T20:45:00.001-04:00

The wheels on the bus go round and round...on the bus at the Brooklyn Children's Museum.

Junior Firefighter

2010-04-23T20:23:00.002-04:00

Claire's Uncle John has been here for a week-long visit. Today we went on a field trip to our local firehouse to take them a delicious cake John baked and to visit a bit. Claire was fascinated with the firepole and loved trying to slide on it.

Walk a mile in my shoes

2010-04-05T11:27:00.002-04:00

One day you'll walk in size 10's, Claire, one day...

Easter Egg Hunt 2010

2010-04-05T11:20:00.003-04:00

Somehow we managed to not get a single picture of Claire gathering eggs at a lovely Easter egg hunt organized by our friends Jasmina, Phillip and Alex, but if you look really closely at the bottom right-hand corner of this photo (also taken by Jasmina) you'll see the tiniest sliver of a blue egg in Claire's hand. Candy, found in many of the eggs, was almost as popular as a couple of temporary tattoos!

Nancy Sinatra

2010-03-22T07:28:00.002-04:00

These boots are made for walking...if you're a size 10!

Otherwise, they're made for just standing in and looking really cute.

Beautiful, but messy, girl

2010-03-15T22:26:00.003-04:00

A little dirty, OK, a lot dirty, after applesauce at dinner but seriously

one of the most gorgeous pictures we have of her beautiful face.

My First PB&J

2010-03-12T16:23:00.002-05:00

Got Milk?

2010-03-11T16:20:00.002-05:00

Who needs the Stinkin' Super Bowl?

2010-02-08T12:53:00.004-05:00

When you can hang out in Mommy and Daddy's bed

and watch the Puppy Bowl?!?

Go Pound Puppies! I can't wait for the Kitten Halftime show!

Left alone with her Daddy

2010-02-08T12:51:00.001-05:00

Fruit Loops, a phone, bottle of water and - apparently - Seasame Street

with Elmo's World on the TV.

Southern Girls Gang

2010-02-08T12:48:00.002-05:00

Watch out or we'll pink you to death!

If Daddy and I both put our minds to it

2010-02-08T12:44:00.002-05:00

One day I'll be able to pee in the potty and

not on the floor in front of the potty.

Bubble Wonderland

2010-01-25T08:54:00.000-05:00

Running away to join the circus

2010-01-23T08:02:00.005-05:00

Watch out for the next Big Apple Circus star

Time to cut back on the snacks, maybe?

2010-01-20T14:30:00.002-05:00

Shirt, meet skirt; skirt, meet shirt. 'nuff said...

*parental disclosure, it's blueberries in the bowl

First busted lip

2010-01-12T20:27:00.003-05:00

Along with the walking comes falling down. Today was the first major fall resulting in a puffy lip and a little cut on Claire's chin. She's fine, Mommy's gonna eventually be OK too.

Just 'cause the pajamas are cute

2010-01-12T20:13:00.002-05:00

Claire has really found her sturdy walking legs and is moving all over the house. She happens to have on some really cute pajamas today, too.

Watch out, Shawn Johnson

2010-01-12T09:24:00.001-05:00

It's a good thing Shawn Johnson won the DWTS competition, Claire is hot on her heels to take over as a world-class gymnast!

Mrs. Wiggins

2010-01-05T12:31:00.004-05:00

Now, if I could just teach her how to make work calls for me...

The Best Toys

2009-12-11T14:57:00.004-05:00

Are the boxes the toys came in...

Keep on Dreamin'

2009-12-11T14:56:00.000-05:00

Lemon Face

2009-12-11T14:53:00.001-05:00

Claire will eat about anything but had never really tried a lemon before. She seemed to like them!

Take the Picture Already

2009-12-11T14:52:00.002-05:00

Go Big Blue!

2009-12-02T10:16:00.002-05:00

Only 17 more years until she goes off to college!

That's the one you want?

2009-12-02T09:44:00.002-05:00

OK, I'll get it for you...says Uncle John

Opening presents with Papa Joe

2009-12-02T09:40:00.002-05:00

Our Griffee family Thanksgiving always ends with opening Christmas gifts, this year Claire was given a number of fabulous new toys. Thanks to all who gave her a gift, she loved everything!

Reading with Uncle John

2009-12-02T09:36:00.002-05:00

Claire and her favorite Uncle, Uncle John (aka Uncle Tattoo) reading during our visit to Kentucky over Thanksgiving.

A girl and her horse

2009-11-06T12:02:00.002-05:00

Legend has it that when I was a young girl I walked into my Grandparents home and asked my Papaw when was he going to buy me a pony. Well, I got that pony and all of the grandchildren had many fun years with her. This horse is also from my grandparents house and has been through several generations. Claire looks awfully comfy on that horse...now to start teaching her how to say 'Papa Joe, when are you gonna buy me a pony?'

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-06T12:00:00.003-05:00

A little blurry, but riding high on her Daddy's shoulders Halloween night. The first time we ever attempted that - she loved being so high and looking around!

Cat

2009-11-06T11:55:00.004-05:00

Claire has mastered the word 'Cat' and loves to chase our cat, Sabaka around for a gentle pet or tail tug. Sabaka has now started to go to extreme lengths to hide from Claire. Two recent attempts:

Under the packing paper in the Bongo drum box. Yes, she actually dug the paper out of the box and set herself in there under it. On Halloween night as I was home alone with Claire. The rustling paper scared me to death!

Perched high up on the couch...Claire isn't THAT tall yet, is she? She can't reach me up here...

Just call me Alfalfa

2009-11-06T11:53:00.000-05:00

Queen of the Baked Bean face

Don't Drink and Drive

2009-10-01T12:50:00.003-04:00

Or you might end up with no pants on and the hood missing from you car

Some summer highlights

2009-09-29T23:16:00.006-04:00

Swim lessons with Daddy

The longest a bow has ever stayed in her hair.

Look Daddy, dinosaurs!

I am Mommy's pearl at the American Museum of Natural History.

Happy Grandparents Day

2009-09-14T10:38:00.004-04:00

A day late, but not forgotten - Happy Grandparents Day!

Love to Grammie, Papa Joe, Mamaw, Babuschka, Gena and Valentina

Happy 1st Birthday Claire!

2009-08-25T08:59:00.002-04:00

Good Morning Birthday Girl!

Eating off a Plate

2009-08-18T16:45:00.002-04:00

Drinking and Bathing, can I get a ticket for this?

2009-08-10T12:53:00.002-04:00

Only a ticket for being too darned cute!

Still Can't Quite Catch the Cat

2009-08-06T10:05:00.003-04:00

Even on her own set of wheels, Claire can't quite get to the cat. Better watch out kitty, Claire's hot on your trail!

Baby on the Move!

2009-08-04T10:36:00.002-04:00

For my family - no, the bow is not taped to her head, it's on a small barrette.

A Whole New View, or not...

2009-08-03T15:28:00.002-04:00

David and I were out for a stroll over the weekend and he wanted to try the Ergo carrier on his back. It was moderately successful. Claire was distracted trying to figure out where she was most of the time, as the scenery never changed!

Like Father, Like Daughter

2009-07-13T09:59:00.004-04:00

Claire had her first swim lesson on Saturday (more on that later...I'll have to find pictures where she is not too blurry, that kid moves all the time!) and proceeded to konk out hard afterwards. My budding Michael Phelps needed her rest...take a listen, she is sawing logs just like her Daddy does.

That is quite a story.

2009-07-09T23:08:00.002-04:00

I just wish I knew who, or what, it was about.

Drumming + kitties...you figure it out...

2009-07-09T22:58:00.002-04:00

Who needs fancy toys when you have an empty formula can, a spatula and a finicky audience?

Yea! Fourth of July!

2009-07-09T22:50:00.002-04:00

Happy Fourth of July from America's Sweetheart. Our Sweetheart, too!

Thank you to all of the men and women who have dedicated their lives to public service and keeping us safe.

Prospect Park Zoo trip

2009-07-01T12:42:00.006-04:00

Over the weekend, we went to the Prospect Park Zoo. It's pretty close to our house and the perfect size for holding the attention of a 10-month old fidgety girl!

We started the day with a hat. It didn't last long.

Just because it's a really cute picture.

The tiny Saki Monkey really mesmerized Claire

Random Body Parts

2009-07-01T12:35:00.003-04:00

Now that Claire is pretty mobile, she moves all around in her bed at night. I often find random body parts sticking out of the crib slats before I go to bed each night. Here's a sampling of what I see when I enter Claire's room...

Just the legs

An arm and a leg

Slip Sliding Away!

2009-07-01T12:30:00.004-04:00

Sliding with Daddy, that didn't work so well.

Waving to her people at the park.

Let me think about this for just a minute before I go sliding down...

If all else fails, just walk down!

It's been a while...

2009-07-01T11:53:00.015-04:00

Claire and I made a trip to Kentucky to visit friends and family the end of May - here are some photo highlights.

I know it's a bit blurry, but I love this picture of Claire and her Uncle John.

Claire and her Aunt Julie - thanks for all the books, we read every one of them!

Brandy and Olivia, daughters of another college best friend, Robin, reading with Claire. Can't go wrong with a new book!

Lydia and Timothy, and their Mom, Agatha (my cousin) came to visit us from Evansville. Claire says 'hi!'

Chillin' poolside with Aiden, Karla's son and brother of Keegan.

Keegan, the daughter of my best friend from college, and Claire learning how to shovel. Or at least chew on the shovel.

When Papa Joe naps, everyone naps!

While Mamaw can't get down on the floor and play with Claire, they can read together, one of Claire's favorites!

Right before we were leaving, Grammy and Claire enjoying some final time together!

Concentration Required

2009-05-18T14:34:00.003-04:00

Claire is working on her pincer grip to be able to feed herself. Good thing since her first tooth seems to be making its entrance!

Post Bath Fun and Giggles

2009-05-18T13:31:00.004-04:00

Claire is usually a giggling, talking bundle of fun after her bath every night. She has now started to try and imitate what you are saying to her. You can hear it a couple of times in the video.

Escaped Feets

2009-05-13T18:44:00.003-04:00

I always go into Claire's room to check on her before going to bed. Last night I found her feet sticking out between the crib slats, underneath the bumper. Looks like she has her Daddy's giant feet!

Rollie Pollie Ollie

2009-05-13T15:38:00.007-04:00

Claire is really rolling around and starting to move! She finally gets it all rolled over about 50 seconds in.

I don't know how to edit, or I would take our dorky voices and comments out, but it only makes it that much more fun...this glimpse into our exciting rollie pollie life. Enjoy!

Shh...the baby is sleeping!

2009-05-04T12:52:00.001-04:00

Claire sacked out in her carseat during some errands on Saturday.

Friday at the park

2009-04-28T11:39:00.003-04:00

Claire might just get the hang of the swings and enjoy them!

First Words

2009-04-27T14:35:00.002-04:00

Here it is...Claire's first words. I think the best version is about 50 seconds into the clip.

Easter, a little more casual

2009-04-12T21:12:00.002-04:00

This is how I ended my Easter...a little more casual, but still sportin' a bunny.

Thank you Easter Bunny, Bawk! Bawk!

2009-04-12T21:09:00.006-04:00

Thank you very much Grammy and Papa Joe and Uncle John and Aunt Julie for my fabulous Easter bunnies. Where's the candy?? Mommy really likes the Cadbury Creme eggs...

Fancy Dress on Easter Sunday

2009-04-12T21:05:00.001-04:00

Claire in her first Easter Dress

Just because the look on her face is too precious

2009-04-12T21:03:00.001-04:00

David and Claire, hanging out on the couch

Babies Gone Wild

2009-04-08T11:31:00.003-04:00

Little did we know that the reason Claire has been sleeping so well - she's out clubbing all night! Just kidding...the library storytime leader gave kids handstamps at the end of storytime. Still gonna have to keep an eye on Claire though, I wouldn't put it past her to be out dancing the night away.

Diaper Doody

2009-04-06T14:05:00.003-04:00

David is usually pretty good about helping out with diapers. This particular occasion he just did not want to be a part of the fun and doody.

Oh, and check out his outfit...now do you see why I have to post the funny pictures of his outfits for Claire?? This is what I'm workin' with here, people!

Don't tell Mommy

2009-04-06T14:04:00.002-04:00

But I'm going to give Daddy a snuggle!

Swingin' Single

2009-03-31T15:34:00.004-04:00

Claire's first time on the swings at one of our neighborhood parks

Can you tell by the white-nuckly grip she has on the swing...not so sure about this ride just yet!

When bad outfits happen to good babies

2009-03-27T08:55:00.003-04:00

Faces have been hidden to protect the innocent.

David Ann says this matches. This solidifies my need to set out an outfit the night before for Claire.

Today I learned to splash in the bath

2009-03-25T22:58:00.004-04:00

Claire decided to splash around in her bath tonight for the first time and had a fabulous time. She is such a giggly girl!

Claire at 7 months

2009-03-25T22:55:00.003-04:00

Claire is 7 months old today and is finally outgrowing her 0-3 month clothes. They're not too tight, they're getting too short as evidenced by the, um, capri pants and 3/4 length shirt she is wearing. Bless his heart, David Ann usually dresses her in the morning as he is on duty with her but it looks like I'm going to need to start setting out something for her the night before, just to make sure it's the right size and season.

The wheels on the bus go round and round

2009-03-25T22:43:00.007-04:00

Getting ready to sing
Round and round!

Doors go open and close, open and close!

Who doesn't love a rousing multi-verse singing of The Wheels on the Bus?

Can we just hold hands, then?

2009-03-25T22:41:00.002-04:00

Claire has become aware of Sabaka and desperately wants to be friends. Sabaka...not so much.

The Circle of Neglect

2009-03-25T22:23:00.003-04:00

David Ann laughed at me when I called the Jumparoo the "Circle of Neglect". Sometimes I call it "Mom's got to pee"... Either way Claire enjoys playing in it and seeing exactly how many of her own fingers she can get in her mouth at the same time. I think the all time high so far is about 8 fingers at once. Lots of career options with skills like that!

She's bald, just like me!

2009-03-25T22:18:00.001-04:00

But I love my baby anyway!

Claire at 6 months

2009-03-25T22:15:00.002-04:00

She is too cool for school in her snowman coat and fabulous purple scarf knitted by her Grammie. Seriously, does it get any cuter? Well, yes...

Trying to keep up with it all...

2009-03-25T22:13:00.002-04:00

I told myself that I was going to try and be better about posting, especially photos of Claire, to keep my family updated on her goings-on. Well, I haven't been so successful on a daily basis to date, but I continue to try. I'm going to post several highlights of the last month, hope you enjoy seeing Claire grow and change. Time is flying by!

Solid Foods - A Pictoral Essay

2009-03-02T21:00:00.016-05:00

Claire, ready and open wide for her first solid food - mushy banana.

Small bites, small bites.

Not so fast, Mom...

I'm a big girl, I can do it myself. Thanks!

Maybe this mushy banana is a bit overripe.

I can't decide which I like more...big girl food or my toes.

Either way, I'm too cute, even if I am wearing the majority of the bananas.

Overheard while in a different room...

2009-02-28T13:55:00.003-05:00

David Ann saying to Baby Ann "On today's very special episode..." in reference to wearing her shoes as opposed to eating them. Baby Ann is now at the tender age when every thing she can pick up she tries to put in her mouth. Including the shoes on her feet.

Cup Holders

2009-02-27T20:16:00.004-05:00

Today I received a promotional email from "What to Expect When you are Expecting" co-branded by a convertible car seat company and Target. While we are a long way, hopefully, from having to purchase a new car seat for Baby Ann, I read a bit about the advertised seat and used the link to click through to Target.com and was directly connected to the convertible car seat section. I picked through all six pages and began laughing the longer I looked. The first few were seats with cow-print covers or flower covers or some sort of geometric shapes. By the time I made it to page three of seat options, they had drop down arms on them and I reached the full guffaw point at the seat with a cup holder on one side and - what I would guess to be Cheerio holder - on the other. Cars are now promoted with these conveniences, why wouldn't a car seat be sold with them??

Too funny. But you know we'll have one when it's time....David Ann would have it no other way.

Weekend Driving

2008-05-12T09:56:00.002-04:00

This past weekend David Ann and I ventured to suburban Maryland to visit DA's best friend as his wife had a baby about a month ago. It was interesting seeing David Ann with such a small person, he was scared to death he was going to break her. Lots to practice before Baby Ann arrives!

The ride on the way home provided some interesting sights of what people do in their cars while driving and riding - singing along with the radio, combing their hair, picking their nose, reading the paper, doing their weave. Yes, you read that correctly, putting in a hair weave while riding in the car. I was completely mesmerized. And because traffic was moving slow, I was able to watch as the woman made several attempts. I didn't get to see the finished product as there was a split in the highway and we went our separate ways.

Until the next roadtrip...

It just scared me.

2008-05-06T08:15:00.002-04:00

David Ann and I went to BabiesRUs over the weekend to start a baby registry. We were the first ones at the registry desk when the store opened. At that point, the store was fairly empty and not such a bad place. They explained the whole process, gave us a 'parent's necessities' sheet that was organized to drive you around the store and sent us off with the scanner gun. We had barely made it to the bottles section (section 1) before I was freaking out. How can there be 5+ different brands of bottles and all the stuff that goes along with them - warmers, brushes, sterilizers, nipples, the list goes on and on. I literally stopped a woman with an infant strapped to her chest and asked if we could pay her to do this for us. I just hope we don't forget Baby Ann at the hospital, knowing us there is a good chance!

By the time we were finished (and headed off to a baby shower for someone else!) the store was bustling. The registry check-out procedure took a while as there was now a line, but we were given a gift box of stuff that I didn't have a chance to investigate until arriving home. It included a diaper, a small pack of wipes and our favorite treat - a small bottle. David Ann decided he needed to test it out and filled it with Diet Coke. In case you were wondering...it works.

No, really...

2008-05-06T08:10:00.002-04:00

To the lady who needed to get on the train before me last night, please, go right ahead. And to when you about knocked me on the floor whipping your multiple bags around to get a seat that had just opened up, how dare I be in your way! I realize I don't look like your typical pregnant woman, but I am and would appreciate not being run over by you because you have decided to move the entire contents of your desk via the subway. I meant the look I gave you. Really.

Subway - Shame on You!

2008-04-21T20:12:00.002-04:00

Today for lunch I went to Subway for the $5 footlong sandwich. The plan was to get a turkey sub that would last today and tomorrow. Well, when I arrived, only 5 sandwiches - meatball sub, veggie delight, ham, cold cut combo and tuna salad - were a part of the $5 special. When I asked the vegetable guy to add more, he told me I would have to pay extra. Sure, fine, whatever... And sure enough, I had to pay extra!

I found this to be odd, given that Subway has used Jared and the healthy alternative marketing campaign for the last 10 years. So I called their consumer line. After finally being connected to a customer service agent, I explained to her my frustration with the entire situation. She told me that the $5 special was to be for any sandwich on the 6 grams of fat or less menu (yeah, somehow I don't think that the meatball sub and I know that the tuna salad isn't under 5 grams of fat!) with only a couple of sandwiches not a part of the special. The I also expressed my frustration with the lack of vegetables on a sandwich and being charged for the more than 6 pieces of green pepper on my sandwich. My comments were to be relayed to the store owner and district manager. I also left my name and number in case they wanted to get in touch with me. I am still waiting for that call.

Shame on you Subway for this kind of treatment, shame on you!

But I salvaged the afternoon with a glass of $1 sweet tea from McDonald's. At least they didn't bait and switch or overcharge me!

MMC has been on the road again!

2008-03-23T19:38:00.009-04:00

David Ann and I went on a mini-break to Jamaica last weekend to enjoy a bit of sun and fun after a couple of busy months and before Baby Ann joins us. Highlights from our trip include:

*Air Jamaica - Hope you like Jerk chicken. It's all they serve. Really.

*Tattoos - That random tribal symbol you had inked on your lower back, shoulder, ankle or around your bicep at age 20 is there forever. EVER.

*Swimsuits - Before you buy, look at it from all angles. Every. Single. One.

*Beach Aerobics - Unless you look like the instructor, it's probably something you shouldn't be doing in a swimsuit.

*Extreme tanning - Admittedly everyone benefits from having a bit of color in their cheeks, but when you are the color of a weathered handbag, it might be time to break out the sunscreen.

*Pedicures - Both women and men can benefit from a good pedicure, especially if you plan on exposing your toes.

* Being an Ambassador for your country - Usually does not include getting messy drunk within moments of arrival and yelling at other tourists at the swim-up pool bar. There might have been a reason for the stuff on the German's lips. Can you say sunscreen??

*General Rule of Thumb in Jamaica - Don't. Leave. The. Resort.

*Snorkeling - Not smart to do when the waves are surfable (or without sunscreen in David Ann's case.)

*Human vs. Coral Reef - Coral wins every time. See photo.

*Hair braiding - If you're going to have to take it out for work when you return home, I'd suggest not having your entire head done.

*A couple of final travel tips:

You can't take a jar of homemade pickles through security anymore. Not even in Jamaica.

Walking around with bare feet really shouldn't be done in the airport. Kroger feet, anyone??

All in all, we had a really good time and can check Jamaica off our list of places we've visited. Next year a new island!

Driving in the Car

2008-03-13T12:29:00.002-04:00

This week I've had a conference event in NYC, which means I can sleep in my own bed at night, but do have to get up to be at work early. The beauty of it is there is a parking garage right across the street from our conference venue so I have been driving in. Parking is $30/day and a car would be $30-35+ each way, so I'm really coming out ahead of the game.

But to get to the point...I forget how much I enjoy driving to work...no one touching you, no one pushing you, no one standing in front of the subway car doors...it was such a beautiful thing. I really want to car commute again.

Joe Gentry is happy!

2008-03-10T11:55:00.004-04:00

Joe Gentry dances for his future grandchild.

It's Been a While...

2008-03-09T21:58:00.002-04:00

I really have no excuse for the delay in posting other than I just haven't posted. I come up with all these great topics and proceed to forget them by the time I get to a computer. And yes, the answer to the question you are thinking - I do have a notebook, 2 of them as a matter of fact!, in my bag to jot down notes, but I forget to do that as well.

I've been commuting in some great locations in the last few months - London, Paris, Palm Desert, CA. Wish I could remember all the great stories for you. Mostly it boils down to slow moving people that inevitably stop right in front of the stairs/escalator/elevator doors and don't think to move out from the traffic flow.

I'm going to try and post more, but I make no guarantees...I've got pregnancy brain these days. Yes, boys and girls, David Ann and I are going to be parents - probably one of the most frightening thoughts anyone has ever had! :) I'll be my own case study on whether people get up for the pregnant woman on the train. Let's just hope they do...

[Guest Post] Public Decency Announcement

2008-02-22T13:08:00.002-05:00

A hooded sweatshirt, even if it is three sizes too big, is not a dress. There's a reason sweatshirts and sweatpants are grouped together and called sweatsuits.

Men in Tights

2008-01-08T20:31:00.000-05:00

OK, so maybe not so much tights but more khaki work kilt. Yes, you read that correctly, a khaki work kilt. I really couldn't figure out why the dude had on a kilt in January - thank goodness today is unseasonably warm at 60+ degrees - but it seemed to be working for him. More power to you and your kilt, dude!

I feel sleepy

2007-12-23T04:07:00.000-05:00

David Ann and I have continued on our extended vacation by taking the Eurostar train from London to Paris on Saturday. It was one helluva commute. Unlike the Amtrak, you are assigned a seat from the time of your booking on the Eurostar. Well, they must have known we were a bit chubby as we were seated directly across the table from the two other chubbiest people in our car. One of them - plaid shirt guy - was sitting across from David. I got to see his bellybutton most of the ride as it was hanging out of his shirt. 12-point buck sweatshirt guy was sitting across from me and so thoughtfully stuck his legs all the way out underneath the seat leaving me no leg room, thanks!

After the train got moving, which it does very fast - 2.5 hour trip from London to Paris - both of these guys went to sleep. Well, thanks to 12-point buck sweatshirt guy I am now very acquainted with the lack of dental hygiene and services available in the UK. Dude, really, brush your teeth! Oh, and stop snoring. It was just annoying, especially since I couldn't poke you in the ribs and tell you to turn over.

About 15 minutes out of Paris we stopped. Yes, the train just stopped. Something was in front of us and we couldn't go any further delaying our arrival by about 20 minutes. 20 extra glorious minutes with chubby and chubbier! Yeah!

This one's for you, Missy

2007-12-23T04:04:00.000-05:00

Sorry I wasn't fast enough to get a picture, but on the way to the train station yesterday (more about the train ride later...) we passed a hair salon that I am sure you will hold near and dear to your heart: HypeHair. Here's their website so you can take a look at their Hype Hair: www.hypehair.co.uk

Jam ON!

2007-12-20T16:20:00.000-05:00

David Ann and I are vacationing in London this week and have been experiencing the joys of a new public transportation system. While in the UK we have been enjoying our gracious hosts, Trish and Jean-Luc, neither of which enjoy using public transportation, in any city! Trish has just been introduced to MMC and inquired the other day - after taking public tranport - as to why didn't I write about people listening to music too loudly and being their own private dancer while on the subway/tube. Admittedly there are often people on the NYC MTA who ride with earphones in and the music up so loud I can often hear it many (many) feet away. The riders of the London Underground are no different - they listen to music loudly through headphones, unaware that many people around them really don't want to share in their music. Turn it down...hearing aids are not going to allow you to put ear buds in your ears later in life.

Heat wave!

2007-12-12T21:03:00.001-05:00

This morning at 6:30a the outside temperature was 52-degrees. Yes, December 12 and the temperature was 52. One man on the F-train was really taking advantage of the unseasonably warm temps going shirtless. Now, don't think that he was sitting there in all his glory commuting into Manhattan, oh no...he decided to accessorize his hairy arms and back with a vest, I am guessing fleece, unzipped about half-way down his chest. As I noticed him, many questions ran through my head - Did he dress that way on purpose? Did he get on the train, then get hot and decide to take off his shirt but leave the vest on? What kind of job does one have where the vest-only is considered appropriate dress?

I really need to be better about bringing reading materials on the train...

Catching some zzzz's

2007-12-12T20:57:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning I selected a seat next to a woman snoozing on the way into Manhattan. This part is nothing unusual, lots of people snooze - myself included - on the way to and fro. However, this woman was beyond just taking a commuting nap, she was full-on snoring. Snoring loud enough that had she been David Ann, I would have punched her in the ribs and told her to roll over!

After an earlier incident...

2007-12-05T20:41:00.000-05:00

These are the words no commuter ever wants to hear. It means there's some sort of issue and your commute is - most likely - going to be long and painful. After waiting, waiting, waiting for an F-train tonight with no success and hearing it would be at least 8 minutes until the next train through 42nd Street, I decided to take the express train to Brooklyn and make a change from there. Well, as luck would have it, the next express train was a D-train, so I was off to Brooklyn knowing that I would need to transfer to the bus to complete my journey. 90 minutes later I made it home. Some days I really miss commuting by myself in a car.