WTF, Dude

I don't think I have any particularly accented English or that my pronunciation of letters, numbers, and words is really that far off from the standard American. However, according to OH SO MANY of these stupid "speak your answer into the receiver" automated phone menus, I must somehow have acquired innate knowledge of Swahili because no matter how clearly I say things, they NEVER GET IT RIGHT. WTF!!!!! It's so frustrating! What makes me wonder, then, is how people who really do speak with an accent ever get through those menus? Could this just be a conspiracy by The Man to make customer service inaccessible to 99.99% of the population?

Whatever happened to...

Lee Lee Sobieski, she of Helen Hunt-lookalike fame?



And, for that matter, whatever happened to Helen Hunt???

I'm Going (Going) Back (Back) to Cali (Cali)

I <3 San Francisco. I <3 that I don't need air conditioning. I <3 the food. I <3 the people. I <3 the rolling hills and the skyline.

But I must admit...only here will I be paying a dollar for 40 minutes to park outside a residential library so that I can check my email using my laptop on their free wireless.

I also headed down to LA this past weekend. It was awesomeness itself to see my friends and hang out with Law Fairy. We schmoozed with the glamorous beautiful people on Sunset, Getty'd up, walked Venice Beach, and shopped Third Street. All in all, quite a successful outing.

On the drive back, I took 101 (yes, I'm crazy like that), but the hills, valleys, and coastal views were definitely worth it. They reminded me of why California is such a fantabulous place.

Come next week, however, I will be back in NY to unpack my boxes and decorate my ab fab apartment. Once I'm done with it, HGTV will be knocking down my door. ;)

Sorry for the light posting of late, but, as I'm sure you can guess, it's been kind of kee-raaaaazy around here.

Sucking Is Good For You

For some reason, I really miss Chupa Chups. The creamy ones were especially delicious. I haven't seen them around NYC. Granted, I haven't been actively searching, but still...

WOTD

Today I learned a new word: cougar.

Or, in the words of A: "The thing that makes a cougar a cougar isn't being hot and seasoned age-wise... It's the attention they give young guys... a 35 year old non-cougar is a woman who's trying to meet men her age, maybe a little older, maybe a little younger.. but with the intention of actually dating and having a relationship...Cougars don't have relationships. They have sex. Specifically, they have sex with young guys who'd never seek a relationship with someone of her age."

How could my education ever have been so lacking?

4 Stops Away

You Belong in Soho

Although you may not be a professional artist, you do dabble in one form of art or another. And you like indie culture of all kinds - from little boutiques to art house films.

Where Should Your Inner New Yorker Live?

Thanks, crayon17!

Oh heck, why not another one?

You Are a Pegasus

You are a perfectionist, with an eye for beauty. You know how to live a good life - and you rarely deviate from your good taste. While you aren't outgoing, you have excellent social skills. People both admire you - and feel very comfortable around you.

What Mythological Creature Are You?

Thanks, Slater!

NYC Tidbits

In my bid to divert food funds towards decorating funds, I'm on the hunt for cheap eats in NYC. I've so far discovered that a bagel with egg whites can yield a meal and a half. A gai mei bao down in Chinatown is 50 cents. A Vietnamese sandwich down on Broome Street is $3. Falafel sandwich off the L's Bedford Ave stop is $3. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Some things my fellow UES'ers have seen me carry through the neighborhood over the past few days: white Daewoo microwave, bedside lamp + lampshade (I am no longer living in darkness!), and a 4' x 6' "ebony" rug from Pier 1.

Note to the uninitiated: No matter how much you need x, y, or z, do not go to the 24 hour Duane Reade alone past 11PM. You will be hit on by the men stocking the shelves. Repeatedly.

I'm a manatee!

Yeah right, seacow!!!!

Just when you thought NYC couldn't get any cooler...

(And, yes, I did arrive safe and sound.)