Ack.
I've had a wonderful weekend... girl's night on Friday, where we hung out at Stanton Social- the Stanton Tea for me (really a politely-named delicious martini) and French Onion soup dumplings, with melted cheese on top, that gush once you pop one in your mouth, like those long-gone squares of chewing gum with liquid-flavor centers... but much much tastier.
Today my Mom and I wandered around Grand Central Station for a bit, admiring the beautifully restored constellation ceiling, soaking up the clubby atmosphere of Campbell's Apartment, and then slurping up some Bluepoints and Wellfleets at Oyster Bar. Sitting at the high counter, we watched the line cook stir up oyster stew after oyster stew, and were sorely tempted to order it, but decided to wait for the ultimate dinner destination- Peter Luger's. *sigh* Props to Mom!
I was a bit scared approaching the host, not because Luger's is more masculine (as most steakhouses are) and no-frills, but because it was 8 pm on Saturday, we had no reservations, and there was a crowd at the bar. However, I am happy to say that this is a place where nice girls do NOT finish last. After giving a smile and a few hopeful glances, we were seated in about 10 minutes. Our waiter was beyond sweet, and the steak and German potatoes were divine. Really, absolutely, amazing.
Here's the *ack* part. A 20 year-old boy committed suicide by jumping off a major highway overpass and landed 20 ft. in front of my friend's car (distance after the breaks were slammed and the car stopped). My friend's three adorable kids were in the car, and they stayed inside that car for the next two hours it took to sort out the whole situation. This was Friday, just past 4:30 pm- rush hour. Which means: way too many people craning their necks for a peek. One man even parked his truck in the right lane (hello- shouldn't that be clear for the EMT?) and GOT OUT of his car to observe. Ack.
Hmm... entering the home stretch of '05. The next two months filled with many occasions for me to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate. First, Thanksgiving, when we count our blessings and face the family. Then my birthday, when I get to face getting older. Christmas brings even more joy in festive family togetherness (you really get to reflect on where you're coming from, and who doesn't love getting the annual braggy report... oh, I mean *Christmas* cards?). Then New Year's- when you set a course for next year. It's almost too tiring to think about all at once.
