Little Peach in the Big Apple

Update for the update

I was just reminded that I forgot to mention a few additional highlights from yesterday!

1. Last night, I ate ROD DEE!! Yes, I did! Thanks to Jeff and Matt, hahaha. Matt for bringing it back from Boston, and Jeff for giving me his portion! For those who are not familiar with Rod Dee, it is by far the BEST Thai food in Boston - it’s located on Beacon Street, fairly close to the BC campus. I lived on Rod Dee for years (there were weeks when I ate there EVERY day!), especially Junior and Senior year when I had my car up there. R1 Thai Style, BABY! Ohhhh, I can’t believe I finished the whole thing in one sitting. It was SO GOOD!

2. After work, I stopped by Mama Ng’s home. Heh. She’s been like my 2nd Mom since I moved to NYC, and there definitely would have been times when I wouldn’t have survived without her. Despite the changes in my relationship with her family, she still treats me the same - and I am most grateful for that. Last night, she packed some home-cooked goodness for me (which I will be devouring tonight!) Some rack of lamb, baked yams, and even some roasted chicken that I can use in a sandwich tomorrow! Yeehaw, I’m eating well~

By the way, if you haven’t noticed already, the way to my heart is by feeding my belly. It’s been like that all of my life Haha…

Uncategorized | 21.11.2008 18:32 | No Comments

Weekly update

I’m not sure why I called this a weekly update. I don’t even know if I’ve written every week.

It’s been a helluva week. I spent a nice weekend with Mom down in the Peach State. We went for a walk by the Hooch, grabbed some Southern goodness for lunch, and made our rounds to some favorite shopping outlets. But my stomach problems that were lingering from the week before prevented me from seeing some of my friends. I really wanted to catch up with them too… *sigh*

Back in NYC, work has been quite a roller coaster ride. The retail climate is just terrible. I’m hearing of 80% markdowns at Macy’s! It’s great for the consumer, but for the retailer it’s not a pretty sight. Stores are asking vendors (people producing the goods) for markdown money. This is all while a lot of these retailers try to maintain their same profit margins as in the past… Vendors are already reducing their margins to offer lower price points, but apparently it isn’t enough. The retailers are wanting the vendors to ‘partner’ with them and give them a lump of cash for markdown money. Does that seem fair? Meanwhile there are retailers who are posting millions in losses in the 3rd quarter, and others who are going bankrupt left and right. I don’t even want to read WWD anymore, it’s depressing.

Someone once told me there are 3 main industries that I should consider if times get tough. Anything related to food - people will always have to eat. Anything related to apparel - people will always need clothes on their backs. Anything related to housing - people will always need shelter. With the way people are reacting to today’s economy, I’m not sure if there is any industry that is protected…

On a happier note, I got a nice little care package today. Someone was sweet enough to pick out and send only the watermelon flavored Jolly Rancher Creepy Pops!

I had a celeb sighting while leaving work today. I was taking the elevator from my office. I was in it alone, when it stopped at the 2nd Floor - the Rachel Roy NY showroom/office. Guess who steps in? Rachel Roy herself and her hubs Damon Dash. Yep, the dude from Roc-a-fella Records. He was busy on his phone while she had her hands full of samples. Interestingly enough, I had just read about them a few days ago… No wonder they didn’t look too happy.

I can’t say it was an exciting celeb sighting. Seeing David Hasselhoff in front of the McDonald’s around the corner from my apartment was a bit more exciting than today’s encounter. Or maybe even coming out of the same movie theater as Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter could top today’s sighting. Anyway, you never know who you’ll run into in this city.

I feel like I’m rambling. I should probably head to bed.

Uncategorized | 21.11.2008 0:57 | No Comments

i almost want to take back what i wrote yesterday, especially about the professional life. haha. so much for grabbing the bull by its horn… work kicked my butt today. what a long day! but we won’t go there

i came home pretty beat, but was pleasantly surprised by an envelope from California. Little Ethan sent me a photo and a thank you note for the Thomas and Friends themed birthday present i had sent him a few weeks ago. i opened the envelope in the elevator coming upstairs and i was literally bawling by the time i got to my door. it really turned my day around, thanks little E~

Some random linkage again (because I can’t really think straight these days and I might as well share a few things that I’ve come across):
- So with the proposed income tax increases I had mentioned earlier, Bloomberg also ‘cancels‘ the Property Tax rebate for NYC homeowners. He’s really screwing up my plans here…
- There may be MTA fare hikes?? oh please, no~
- the Comme des Garcons launch at H&M tomorrow is going to be madness! Our designe asked me to go with her, but I don’t know if I have the stamina…
- so I get this feed for random MN news, and here’s some entertaining reading material I came across today. It’s like a police blotter but with a sprinkle of sarcasm. I love it.

Uncategorized | 13.11.2008 0:47 | No Comments

The password function on WordPress doesn’t work so well. I gave it a try, but I’m more annoyed with it than anything and I know it’s annoyed some of you, so I’ll leave my posts public for now…

Somehow, I came out of work today thinking it was already Thursday, but it’s only Tuesday. Sad. It’s just one of those weeks. I don’t see it improving within the next few days, but at least I can escape to Atlanta this weekend!

Outside of work, things haven’t been so bad. This week, I’ve been making a special effort to catch up with several friends - some I haven’t spoken to in years. It’s great to be able to talk to a friend you’ve lost touch with for 8+ years, and yet feel so comfortable catching up them as if you don’t have all that time and distance between you. It makes you recognize the genuine relationships versus the more superficial ones. I’ve had ‘reconnections’ in the past that have resulted in forced conversations and awkwardness, and if you know me, I’m certainly not good at faking things so those encounters have never been pleasant… haha

In 5 days, I celebrate my 7th month anniversary since my closing. This year in particular, I feel like I’ve really followed my heart, my instincts, and my dreams. In both my personal and professional life, I’ve just ‘gone’ for things as not to have any regrets. For a person who’s not much of a risk taker, I’d say it’s a pretty big deal. Let’s see what the future holds.

Uncategorized | 12.11.2008 0:55 | No Comments

A few random updates and ramblings…

- Dad came into town for work one day last week and we had a nice dinner at Torys. I must admit, I love my neighborhood! There are so many great restaurants, although I admit I’m always drawn to the Japanese ones (and there are plenty of them around!). I feel so proud to have a home in one of the best neighborhoods in the city

- I may just cry… I saw this a few days ago. Raise taxes by 15% in NYC? Bloomberg say What!? Anyone else ‘thrilled’ about this possibility??

- For my Pinkberry and Red Mango lover friends, check this out. Who wants to try out the new pomegranate flavors with me??

- Came across something on one of my favorite sites today - Apartment Therapy. Voila~! Manhole Mats! These are so UGLY! You would think they could choose some interesting and colorful manhole covers from Japan. Some people have poor taste

- So I had one meal today, all day. A BK Whopper meal. It was purchased at 3pm, and finally eaten at 5pm. That should tell you how my day at work went. *sigh* The days of being swamped with work up the wazoo are back and Aki don’t likey! haha, actually it’s not so bad, but I do wish I had received a little help from an absent assistant today~

- Here is something that whets my appetite - Jerk Chicken Sandwich! Anytime I think of jerk chicken, I recall the ones that were like 2 bucks on the beaches of Negril, Jamaica. They were grilled right on the beach and handed to you wrapped in foil - the tender, juicy chicken, with all of those spices, Mmmmm! Being able to plop yourself on the beach to eat and stare out at the ocean was priceless. And how can you not love a country where you can hire a driver named “Bunny” for a day excursion with friends to check out some of the cool waterfalls and other local landscapes, all while he’s completely HIGH off his tush! Good times… not one I need to re-live or tell my future kids about though.

Uncategorized | 11.11.2008 0:56 | No Comments

Go Eagles~

So I actually watched the entire BC vs Notre Dame game tonight. All while cleaning out the apartment. And… we WON 17-0. Six years in a row baby! Woot Woot!

And now… I’m putting up my Christmas tree. It’s a 6-footer, and it’s so adorable and fits so well in my apartment. Pictures to come soon…

Ohhhh, I just pulled out my ghetto-fab music. Maybe I’ll have a fabulously pimp crunked-out tree. haha. It’s gonna be a rap-tastic holiday season!

Good night.

Uncategorized | 9.11.2008 1:25 | 2 Comments

Protected: Birthday Wishes

Uncategorized | 5.11.2008 1:19 | Enter your password to view comments

A Smart Mouth

Last night I went to dinner at Anjuli and Matt’s. OMG, they spoiled me rotten!!
Check out Anjuli’s site for the recipe and photos of the delicious green curry we ate!
On my way out, I had one of her dates with cashew butter - honestly, I’ve never liked cashews before - BUT, this stuff was heavenly! I’m craving some right now…

Thanks guys!!!

Uncategorized | 29.10.2008 23:38 | 4 Comments