Deliver-ease

I placed my first order with Fresh Direct yesterday. I wanted to see how this virtual grocery store worked. I only ordered cases of my favorite seltzer water, some paper towels and a couple of other bulk items that get heavy if you are trying to carry them through the streets of Manhattan. Last night when I arrived home, everything was there right outside my door. All I had to do was shuffle the boxes inside. While I will continue to have heavy items like these delivered so I don't pull a muscle while crossing the street, I still like the old fashioned task of going to the market. Living in New York City, the world is yours to have delivered. You can survive in your apartment for weeks without having to ever lift a finger - dry cleaning, takeout, someone to walk your dog, an emergency supply of Benedryl - you name it, pay for it and it arrives at your door. I do love that I can arrive home after a long day to dinner arriving just a couple minutes after that. There is comfort in knowing that if I run out of toilet paper in the middle of a snow storm, I can remain in my pajamas. Let's be honest though, I mean I would never run out of toilet paper in the first place because of my lists (remember them?) and because I am just too neurotic about making sure that I am prepared for a hurricane. But on a normal basis, I like being able to do my own errands. There is a satisfying sense of control. I like to pick out my own groceries, see what looks good that day. I like walking into the dry-cleaners and seeing Kim behind the counter who without fail asks me if I found a husband yet (yes, even she keeps up on my love life!) And as a single 20-something female, I sure ain't gonna find prince charming if I become tethered to the delivery system. I mean, you never know who you might run into in the dairy case? So for now, I remain grateful that my favorite neighborhood chicken is just a phone call away but happy to keep the normal foot traffic up.

From list to life

I have always been a list maker. One for groceries. Another for to-do’s. I make them at work and at home. Sometimes they run on for pages. Other times there is only one item scribbled randomly across a neon yellow Post-it. Whatever the reason, my lists reminds me of my goals for the day or week, even if some wait to get crossed off tomorrow or the next day. My lists are always changing even if not everything has been crossed off as priorities shift daily. A list helps me from feeling overwhelmed when life gets crazy or complicated. It also keeps me grounded for when life gets easy and relaxed. Some of you have bucket lists or dreams of what you hope for in the future. Maybe you have written things down or they are floating in your head. I have started my own version that I plan to add to. My life list. Some things seem trivial and others impossible. But nonetheless, they are things that matter to me. I have faith that some will get checked off and I am content knowing that some will remain as numbers on the page. I am a believer in being realistic and practical. But I am also a believer in dreaming big in one's own dreams, whether that is to become an accountant or an Olympic athlete. We must set our standards high and give the most of what we can to what we do. And we must always do what we can to keep life from becoming the same long list that never changes. Otherwise we are just lives filled with lists, waiting to be completed by days end. As a creature of routine, I write this as a reminder to myself. New list.

Door Duty

I was happy to see John this morning as I walked out of the elevator on my way to work. We said our usual pleasantries about the weather and wishing each other a great day while he held the door open for me. While the threat of yesterday's doormen strike loomed over millions of New Yorkers last night, I know everyone was relieved to see their morning routines go on this morning per usual. Some worried about the trash and inconvenience of having to get their food from the delivery man in the lobby. Others couldn't bear the idea of having to fetch their own taxi. Who would watch guard over Milly the poodle in the rain while the Mrs. sat comfortably in the warmth of the lobby? I was not one of these people. I can open my own door, hail my own cab, sort my own trash and collect my own mail. Selfishly, I was a bit worried about security and about strangers lurking in the hallway unannounced which is the reason I opt for a building with a doorman in the first place. My building is no fancy pants palace where everything is done for me, which I prefer. But I rely on the men who sit behind the counter for their smiling faces and corny jokes that greet me no matter if I am grumpy in the morning or tired in the evening. I feel just a little bit safer knowing that they are watching out for me. All in all, the final result was a win-win. The doormen earned a much deserved four year contract with a pay raise and benefits, and the Mrs. can keep her coif from getting wet. I am just happy knowing that the doormen are taken care of because they sure take care of me.

Chatty Cathy?

Why is it that some people feel the need to share everything while others prefer not to? Some think that their day needs to be explained with every detail while others choose a more brief approach with a of couple words. I guess like everything thats what makes relationships balanced - better to have a talker and a listener. I categorize myself more as a listener and an observer. The phone to me is a great form of communication, but I would rather not spend hours on it, disecting a topic. My life is really not that exciting or interesting. I know that is ironic coming from someone who has a blog...maybe that is why I have a blog. Writing allows me to say what I hesitate from saying out loud, for fear it is irrelevant or boring. No one has to read my thoughts (other than my family of course!) or pretend to be listening when they are really wanting to look at their blackberry. Which brings me to another point, blackberries. I was out to dinner the other night with a close friend who I had not seen in a while. I was looking forward to catching up in person. She on the other hand, had better things to look at on the screen in her lap.Throughout dinner, she was constantly texting. She wasn't quickly checking for a brief instance or apologizing for her actions, but spent minutes at a time looking down and not responding to me. I nearly through my napkin across the table but restrained myself. It seems to me that we have gotten the whole human connection backwards. When we are with people, we are distracted by texting and facebook status messages, and while we are alone, we are busy organizing the next time getting together while looking at pictures of the latest mutual friends wedding. I am not pretending to be above any of the former, but I do think that we are mixing up the idea of being "friends" with what it means to be a friend. And as for the chattiness? Well, I guess I'd rather have chats when together than chats apart - as long as the blackberry use is minimal!

Longing for Lulu

If you have not been introduced to Lulu Lemon but see her with the likes of women of all kinds and been wondering why she is so popular, you better just go meet her to find out for yourself why she is so special. She always makes you feel good about yourself, no matter what you look like. She is supportive and forgiving, flattering and encouraging. On days when nothing feels right, she makes you look good. You can take her anywhere - dinner, the gym, shopping, even to bars. She has no limits. When you work out with her near, you feel inspired to do one more lunge and while doing eagle pose she gently reminds you to keep your tummy in. Whether you are feeling fitter than Lance Armstrong or a bit guilty after a late night pizza, she doesn't judge. She will change your life.

What's your soundtrack?

I took my second walk in the Park yesterday of the season and overnight, Spring has arrived. The flowering cherry blossom trees line the bridal path in a candy land of pink sprinkles that makes it hard to believe Mother Nature creates such beauty. Everyone has come out of hibernation in the blink of an eye and put on their shortest shorts no matter the thigh size. Walking along, IPOD in hand, I notice everyone around me running or walking to the soundtracks of their life. I wonder what they are all listening to. Sometimes I think life would be so joyous if we all broke out into song or dance throughout the day...a musical of life. People groove past me and I quicken my stride to the sound of Beyonce. I notice three women power walking, or attempting to, who are laughing about something that "Susie" did at work. Ahead of me, a little girl is learning how to ride a two-wheeler while her father assuredly holds the back of the bike. I look right and a couple is taking baby in carriage for an evening stroll. I am a hopeless romantic but this is just ridiculous I think to myself. I feel like I am in a movie - cue the birds to come sing on my shoulder and tie my hair in a ribbon. Its amazing what fresh air, sunshine and a warm breeze can create. I just cooked dinner while shaking my hips to "Its Raining Men". Who cares what the neighbors might say?

Listen to the soundtrack in your head and let the sun shine in...

Of Bunnies and Eggs

My Easter bonnet is packed and tomorrow I am heading to the train to go home for the weekend. I am excited that this year the weather is supposed to actually feel like Spring. I thought I would share a couple of reminders for this Easter:

1. We all love the chocolate bunnies and candied eggs that somehow appear within reach. Enjoy each one but don't put any in your pockets for later - chocolate and body heat do not coexist well. Your washing machine will thank you later.
2. Let the spring weather inspire you to bring out the bright colors but remember what you say when the scrap book is pulled out of Easters past - plaid, florals and polka dots all in bright colors worn together still looks like the '80s.
3. Be nice to your relatives, even those whom might get a bit to close inside your personal space - some day that will be us.
4. Dye eggs, make an easter egg hunt or do the bunny hop - we are never to old.

I am missing those who are a bit too far to hop home (you know who you are) but you remain near in my heart. As Good Friday welcomes the Easter weekend in, this Bear wishes you a hippity hoppity happy Easter.