A new view of the city

I took the bike out today for the first time since I've moved here. I definately thought that it would sit on the landing the entire time I lived here, but I proved myself wrong. It was the perfect weather today for a little jaunt around town, nice but not too hot. I called Heather first, because I needed a little extra push and she did the trick. Although she couldn't come with me she got me excited to go on my own.

I started easy with a trek along the East River, which has a well formed bike/walk/run path. The scenery is pretty good but it goes along the FDR highway for a majority and that's not so pretty. When I finished I was feeling pretty good and sauntered over to Central Park, which was by far the highlight. On the weekends, they close some of the roads and they are free for bikers, runners and bladers to take over.

I did, of course, have to venture onto the streets to get from point A to B. Surprisingly, it was not bad venturing in and out of the traffic. No close calls. That bike may make it ouside again sometime.

Semi Blind Nill

When I was in high school we would play Spades every chance we got. I guess it was just destiny that the world's largest casino ended up in our town. The most exciting move was to bet blind, before looking at your cards. A blind nill, with the wrong deal could prove fatal, but the most clever of players can make amazing things happen with the most imerfect cards.

These semi blind dates through my online gig have been something of a gamble as well. We have a little online profile and usually talk on email and the phone before we decide to meet. I think of it as a sample of the cards, but not much to bet on. I went on a lunch date Tuesday and the guy has called me four times a day since. If he put "needy and persisent" on his profile, I wouldn't be in this situation. Granted, I won't be putting "impatient and moody" on my profile anytime soon.

It's less about the cards you have and more about how you play them.

The Jig is Up

Memorial day weekend was the culmination of months of planning on the part of my siblings and myself. We were planning a surprise party to celebrate our parent's 40th wedding anniversary. In the tradition of surprise parties, we had all the fun beforehand - stealing giggles at the thought of mom bringing a jello desert to her own party; them driving an hour the night before to go out for our diner celebration (where Mikey surprised them from flying in from New Mexico); and just the act of harboring the secret.

I know at times we were nervous we would spill the beans - maybe send an email about the surprise and CC: mom or dad. The cover story was that we were celebrating my nephew's party and every time mom or dad asked me "about the party" I got all defensive and retorted "what party?" They know!

As in all great surprises, we tormented ourselves to the very last minute. Do they know? Will they be specially dressed up, knowing this is more than just a little picnic? Per Kurt - "If dad is wearing a button down shirt, he knows." In the end it was only a half button down polo shirt so if he knew it was only an inkling.

I was certain they were on to us, my suspiciousness was seeping out my pores, but they swore they had no idea. Actually it was apparent in their step - Dad waving as Donna and I snapped photos of them (not thinking it's odd that we would be doing such a thing as they walked to a six-year olds' birthday party); and the sudden slowing of their walk as they saw good old friends. A total success.

Overall, it was a blast working as a team to plan the day. Now that it's over, I don't know what to do with my free time.