It's Always Something

As I have said before, I am ever so fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to New York for work every other month. This city is amazing! So many things to do and see. People bustling by with places to be. An undiscovered gem around every corner. (The always amazing Central Park) A large industry conference brought me back to NY this time. A jam packed week of business and pleasure was worth every minute. Here are some pics a nd a list of places I visited during this month's trip: - Babbo Ristorante for happy hour - Landmark for breakfast - the movies to see Funny People (and sleep!) (squishing heads w/ Rod @ the New Yankeee stadium- BoSox vs The Yankees) (the crowded, yet cozy, Westville (EV) for dinner) - the uber hip Coffee Shop (Flatiron) for lunch - Sarabeth's (Upper East Side) for brunch ( the intimate and swanky Village Vanguard (WV) jazz club) (The Guggenheim museum) (Turtles @ The Museum of Natural History) - Central Park - Manhattan Apple Store (insanity here) ...

Today was one of those perfect days that erases all the bad ones from memory. In fact, as I sit and type, I cannot recall how I felt on my last bad day (which was yesterday). *smile* It started off with me sleeping in for the third day in a row and STILL making my two conference calls starting at 9am. Hi5. I got work done, cleaned up a bit, and was able to make a nice lunch for myself, Jeff, and Brooklynn- baked chicken + cous cous & steamed asparagus. Washed it all down with beer and good conversation. Following lunch, Brooke and her dad spent some quality time at the park flying our dragonfly kite while I dozed off on the couch listening to music. Yes, it was a great afternoon. When the evening arrived, we had plans to experience Christmas in July with a friend and his son. As we waited to be picked up, us girls freshened up and packed warm clothes for the night. It's always nerve wracking at first getting two kids together because you never know if they will get alon...

Zocal0 (zoe- cal-o) n. - the main square of a town. Today I met with the owner of Zocalo Coffeehouse in San Leandro, CA (www.zocalo.com). Tim is an ex-Apple executive who made a shit load of money. He purchased the 4,000 sqft coffeehouse for less than $100k 5 years ago. Last year, he recently remodeled the place for $300k. Ouch. However, the place is gorgeous. Tradtional coffeehouse upfront, kid area in rear, and attached yoga studio in back, recycle bins, post-consumer recycled plastic cups, etc. This place incorporated so many ideas I have for my own cafe. It is inspiring. I met with Tim to discuss his coffeehouse experience and hopefully get a look at his business plan. He explains that he hasn't made a dime in profit in 5 years. But he doesn't care. He LOVES it. Our discussion only reaffirms that the dream I am chasing will be worth it. It's funny how I know that my dream will require sacrifice, hard work, long hours, and little profit yet I can think of nothin...

... to great conversations.

I'm taking my time.  Time to think about the past, the present, and the future.   Time to think about Brooklynn.  About me.  Time to volunteer at her school.  Time to listen rather than rush.  Time to make breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Time to enjoy these years. Because time is running out.  Time to breathe. Time to sleep in. Time to walk away. Time to run. Time to recycle the old and start buying the old, too.  Time to plan that cafe. Time to just do it. Time to take my time and enjoy being loved. Time to feel music and depict words. Time to feel free. To just be.