Is This Really the Winter of Our Discontent?

Who ever coined the phrase. “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow” needs to have his or her head examined.

Now don’t get me wrong. I do love winter. I have wonderful memories of growing up in New York where winter was a special time. Sledding and walking in the city looking at the fabulous displays in the windows and seeing the tree and watching the ice-skaters at Rockefeller Center.

I loved the first snowfall in Boston when I was a college student. I would take the T to Park Street and wander downtown looking at the lights and displays in Filene’s and Jordan’s. Alas, these shops are long gone but my memory of those winter walks are clear as a bell.

I love Stowe!

Not so long ago our family spent many years skiing in Vermont. Ok. So I don’t ski and neither does my sister. But we loved traipsing through the snow and going to our favorite shops and galleries in Stowe. While the husbands and kids were on the slopes, Shari and I shopped and went for lunches and had a blast. Winter in Vermont is stunning. Clean, beautiful, shimmering, sparkling snow. Somehow, it all seems so right.

Outside my window, it all seems so wrong. The mountains of dirty snow are piling up. People’s tempers are on a short fuse. Don’t get me started about traffic. I can barely get out of my own driveway without scraping against a snow bank. Trying to see around the snow banks is another issue. Take for example, a few days ago at 4:30 AM. I know what you’re thinking, but remember I work airport hours. So here I am trying to squeeze out of my driveway, which is like trying to put on a pair of spanx. Some jerk comes up right behind me and is honking at me to move. At 4:30 in the AM. Seriously??

My driveway's under there, somewhere

Our streets just weren’t meant for the never-ending snowdrifts. We all ask when will it stop? My little cousin Julie posts on Facebook how many days ‘till spring? OK, she’s not so little. She’s a mommy but to me she’ll always be my little cousin. And she’s in hate with winter.

Even my husband says it’s time to think about moving. But to where? I hate heat and humidity so those southern states are out. We all know how I feel about Florida.

Vermont’s looking better and better. Good coffee too!

For those of you up north- stay warm, drive safe and use a good moisturizer. For my southern friends-well hang in there. We know you’re so jealous of our winter wonderland.

Ciao for now.

PS: The Chemical Diaries is closed. You can read past posts but I will no longer be posting new ones. YAY

The Sounds of Silence?

Cell phones, loud conversations, other people’s loud music, constant chatter. It’s enough to make a sane person go insane. What’s wrong with a little silence now and then?

I feel so protective of my personal air space. I don’t want to share it with your phone conversation. Or the music emanating from your ill-fitting ear buds. Or even your car stereo. Wow. Can you make it a bit louder? I don’t think the people 2 towns away can hear it! 

I want to be in a public space, be it a bus, train, restaurant or bookstore (especially a bookstore) with out having to listen to someone’s cell phone conversation. Seriously? I’m really not interested in what you had for dinner last night or the personal details of your relationships or even your business dealings. Find a private space somewhere to talk.

I truly believe that certain places such as bookstores, should have a sign hanging that reads “TAKE YOUR PHONE CONVERSATION OUTSIDE” because we all need a little quiet to concentrate.

These days it’s very difficult to find a quiet space, unless you consider a library or a plane seat. Thank goodness the airlines don’t permit cell phone calls in flight. If I had to sit on a trans-Atlantic flight listening to some inconsiderate jackass on his phone from take off to landing there would be trouble. BIG trouble.

The other day I was sitting in a small area outside of my bookstore, stirring my coffee. At the table in front of me was a guy on his phone conducting a business meeting, quite loudly. He turned and glared at me as if to say, “Why are you disturbing my conversation with your stirring?” If looks could kill, he’d be 6 feet under by now.

Noise pollution is something we all need to think about. A lot. As for me, I’m spending my day off reading in silence. Phone on vibrate, music turned off. After a week of noise clutter I definitely need a little peace and quiet!

Happy February!

Tips and Tidbits

A few days ago dear friends of mine asked if I would submit an article for their travel blog. I immediately agreed and then thought, oh dear, what did I just do? They wanted my thoughts on women traveling solo. Ideas, suggestions and the like. I went back into my old blog posts, sent them a few and was told to try and come up with something else. So I did. Something brand new. Hopefully they will post it, but even if they don’t, you should check out their site. It’s so cool. www.takemeshowmetellme.com

I’m not a frequent flyer. I don’t fly every week or every month. Sometimes I only fly a few times a year. However, after years of flying internationally and spending mountains of time in Europe (mostly Italy) I know how to find the best airfare and seats, how to research my destinations (before arriving), how to pack (less is more), what to do in case of an emergency (flight canceled due to hurricane), how to tip (or not), how to blend in with the locals and most of all: how to have an incredible time.

I subscribe to many travel websites and a few on youtube as well. Over the years I’ve learned so many interesting tips and ideas from people who know how to travel. Even if you travel a lot there’s always something new to learn.

Here is a tidy little list of some of my favorite travel sources:

www.kayak.com

Put yourself on a fare alert. You can get daily updates in your email. It will give you an idea of the seasonal fare trends. When the price is right, bite.

www.seatguru.com

Now that you have your booking, time to figure out which seat to choose.

www.routehappy.com

Another fun site to help you find the flight of your dreams.

www.smartertravel.com

I love this site. Tips on everything from packing to getting seat upgrades.

www.tripadvisor.com

Read reviews, find a hotel or restaurant and connect to websites via this site. Trip Advisor is not a booking agent but it will point you in the right direction.

www.airbnb.com

My favorite places to stay. I’m not big on hotels. I like small, cozy and personal.

www.travelchannel.com

Research, research, research. And the photos are stellar!

www.vayable.com

Intimate, personal tours and things off the beaten path. This is one cool website to explore.

www.flight001.com

Travel store deluxe. Everything you need for travel. Not your most inexpensive gadget store but I’ve gotten some great ideas just from perusing their site.

On youtube:

Sonia’sTravels: She’s so interesting, gives great tips and she’s cute too. Posts every Thursday.

TravelwithKate: Kate doesn’t post weekly but her videos are fun and informative.

woltersworld: This guy has been everywhere. I am in awe. He’s well spoken and gives you an in depth look into corners of the world.

Books and Magazines

Ah, travel guide books. I could buy them all. Most travel guides have expiration dates. It’s not the places that change, but certain hotels, restaurants and museums may have changed their pricing or may not even exist anymore. Always good to double check online if you’re using an older edition of a travel guide.

Some good guide sources:

Frommer’s

Fodor’s

Lonely Planet

DK Eyewitness

Rick Steve’s

Afar Magazine

Budget Travel Magazine

National Geographic Traveler

There are many more. Check out your newsstand or bookstore.

There are also language phrasebooks. You don’t need a dictionary. Seriously. You’re going for what…say a week or two? Conjugating verbs is not going to help you find the nearest bathroom or learn to read a menu. These little phrasebooks are a gem. Just enough phrases to help you ask the price of that fabulous pair of shoes. They are also small enough to stick in your back pocket. 

OK. I’ve given you some good basics. Now get out there and see the world!

Snow Day or Sick Day?

There’s a raging blizzard outside. My bed is so warm and comfy. The idea of calling in sick is so tempting. But I can’t. I just can’t. Unless I’m having a relationship with the porcelain god (standing or sitting) or suffering from an intense migraine-the kind where it feels like 200 fraternity boys are having a keg party inside your head- I go to work. I go to work when I have a fever. I go to work when I have a sneezing/coughing/sore throat kind of cold. I go to work when I can’t talk and can barely breath. I won’t come in if I know I’m seriously contagious. That wouldn’t be fair to my colleagues ( I did 3 weeks ago-sorry you guys).

I’ve called in sick so infrequently that sometimes I amaze myself. This is retail for goodness sake. It’s not rocket science. It’s unbelievable the amount of employees that call in sick in a single week. Even when I was teaching full time I didn’t call in sick. It was too much of a bother to explain my lesson plans to a sub. Nobody wanted to sub in music. Too complicated. The only time I ever called in for a sub was when my child was home sick and then the following week I too would be miserable and sick. And working.

Growing up with a nurse for a mom we never were able to fake it. She knew. Even the penny under the tongue didn’t work. Now that I think about it, it’s a wonder I didn’t catch some kind of disease from putting a filthy coin in my mouth. Mom was never one to tell us you’ll catch a cold if you go out in the cold or stand in the rain. She’d hand us an umbrella or an extra sweater and say go. To this day I will argue ‘till I’m hoarse that you catch a cold from germs. Not from 20 degree weather or a monsoon.

I remember once, in third grade, we were scheduled to go on the best field trip: Circle Line boat cruise around Manhattan harbor with a visit to the Statue of Liberty and then the Empire State Building. It was kind of a rite of passage for New York kids. The night before the trip my mother took a concerned look at me and knew I was coming down with something. After confirming that with a good old mercury thermometer, it was decided that I would have to miss the trip. I cried myself to sleep that night. The next summer we went as a family on the field trip that I missed. It was the only time I really remember being so sick as to miss school for several days in a row. Yes, I had chicken pox, mumps, measles, rubella and all that. I was too young to really remember it. And then there was the time I had mono the summer I was 19….but that’s a different story.

And so, there’s a blizzard outside but I’ll set my alarm clock and hit the floor running when it goes off. After all, it may take some time to clear the foot of snow off my car.

Happy Blizzard everyone. Stay warm!

What's in a Number?

So I took the plunge. I joined AARP. Yes, indeedy. I even have my little membership card to prove it. My friend Cathy was horrified. I don’t care. I’m all about discounts. If I can save a buck here or there it’s all good. And I get a glossy magazine in the mail and online tips on everything from health and well being to recipes, fashion and money advice.

 

I’m not one to lie about my age. Sure, I’d like to be 30, 40 or even 50 again. Ain’t happening. There is no fountain of youth. There is no magic pill. Age is inevitable.

BUT…looking your age is not inevitable. My greatest thrill is when I ask for a senior discount and I get a wide-eyed look followed by the blunt statement, “you’re kidding, right?” I’m pleased I don’t look my age. It’s all about attitude, lifestyle and a great nightcream.

I’ve embraced my age. I’m not a kid anymore. But I’m young at heart as the saying goes.

And you know what? That little plastic card can go a long way and my wallet thanks me.

Here’s to a great new year!

Happy 2014!

When In Rome

Actually, I’ve never been in Rome. I know what you’re all thinking. What?! Yes, I’ve been back and forth to Italy many times over the years. Sometimes more than once a year.

I recently returned from my annual October trip to Trieste. Rehearsals, gigs and hanging out with friends. All and all in was a stellar time with the exception of the weather. Who knew it would be so uncomfortably warm in late October? Muggy, rainy, steamy. My hair had a big time meltdown.

But I must say. I am truly blessed to be able to experience Italy not as a tourist. Oh sure, I had a chance to do a bit of traveling to new exotic places…but it was off the beaten path. Places that Americans just don’t see.

Hallowed halls

University of Pavia

I was fortunate to attend the graduation of a friend at The University of Pavia. It was an incredible experience. No pomp and circumstance. Just a solo explanation of his thesis to a panel of professors. All about physics. I didn’t understand a word. It’s ok. If it had been in English I still wouldn’t have understood it!

 I also had a little day trip to the Italian alps.

Love those alps!

 Every twist and turn of the road brought another postcard view. Even in the rain, the Dolomites are stunning.

Dolomites

 Of course the best part of being in Italy are my friends and acquaintances. Sharing meals be it in a little trattoria or in a friend’s kitchen is always an event.

Pasta by Matteo

 Heated and passionate discussions about food to politics and everything in between is de rigueur. Italians LOVE to talk and LOVE to argue. What an American can say in 4 seconds an Italian will take 2 hours and a 4 course meal. Mostly I sit and listen and try to absorb. Comprehension is getting better.

Me, Sammy and Save having a coffee in Save's kitchen

 The dialects are still a bit mystifying. Italians take forever to get to the point and therefore everything takes longer. Mostly I’m OK with this. Sometimes it pisses me off, especially when rehearsals are involved.

So when in Rome…er..Italy..I go with the flow. Yes, there will be transit strikes (there was) and yes there will always be a canceled or rescheduled event (daily). Try not to take it personally. Shrug and smile and pour the wine. Viva Italia!!

Is a Picture Worth 1000 Bites?

Food porn is a big business these days. EVERYbody is taking food pics. Not to say that I don’t love looking at them. Some are totally mouth watering. Like I want to lick the screen of my phone or my PC monitor.

I too, am guilty of taking a pic of that oh so perfect plate of food. The right light coming in through my kitchen window. The sizzling food in the pan ready to hit the plates. Wait…don’t take a bite yet…I need to take a pic.

I have food porn albums in Facebook and in my computer. On Pinterest and Instagram. 

And so I said to myself: STOP. Enough is enough. Eat the damn food and just enjoy it. Savor each and every bite without worrying whether this gastronomic event is worthy of a food porn moment.

And so I stopped. In fact, I deleted most of the food porn pics from my Instagram. Do people really want to see the tofu stirfry or the poached salmon I had for dinner last night? Eh. If I really want to capture the moment I can do it and save it in my PC files for my own benefit. To remind myself that I made a stellar meal.

I’ll still take photos of meals with friends. But I think I’ll focus on the latter. After all, as good as the food is, the friends are what make the meal special.

Buon appetito!