And this winter wonderland is going on literally in my back woods. Seriously, across the street. I just got a bit jealous looking at blogs from Sweden featuring wonderful snowy scenes. So I decided to prove (to myself) that here in Staten Island we too can have a winter stuff.

A little stream completely frozen!

To take the picture above I actually laid down on the ground, like I see all the photographers do. Hm... I don't know, did it make some kind of difference? Of course I didn't notice a bunch of little twigs right in front of my camera!!!

Ten days till Nico arrives..! I'm curious if this trip will bring new developments. As Kaiya pointed out our every trip had some sort of underlining theme; seeing eachothers' home towns, meeting families, romantic get-aways, so we'll see what this one will be about... :)

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What I saw on the subway today.

Ewww!

So I had a headache today and didn't feel like using layers of protection on the subway (such a s keeping my head in a book so I can spare myself looking at UGLIES.)

Anyway, so there I was, looking around and its amazing how its always a perfect mix of New York City characters represented on the subway. Lets have a look see:

(not really in any particular order)

1. The Token Crazy Person - the one who mumbles to him/herself, makes fast unnecessary movements with their arms, legs, head or any other body parts that are large enough to draw attention of everyone in the subway cart.

2. The Token Homeless Person - the one that sits/lies/snores/smells in the corner.

3. The Token Singing Person - who insists on belching sounds while walking around with their cup of pennies. (AND who sings the SAME freakin song EVERY DAY! My goodness, how hard is it to alternate your repertoire just a bit eh???)

4. The Token Smiling Girl that just had sex - yes the one that sits there smiling to herself like an idiot with disheveled hair, wearing sweats. Yes congratulations, you're officially a whore, I'm sure everyone in your village of North Dakota or wherever you came from would be proud.

5. The Token Little Smiling Asian girl - uffffff!!!! What's up with Asian girls always looking happy? I think that's why all men love them. They're small, thin, cute, and happy. Oh they make me so mad! Just cus they're probably making lots of money doing something financial, have lots of guys on their shiny black tail and have huge apartments (sponsored by Daddy in Tokyo) this does not give you the right to be all smug lookin'! ((yes some of my best friends are Asian, and once in a while I call them to bitch about being annoyed at little asian girls forgetting that they're in fact Asian... ooopsiii... you know what I meant..heeeeee))

6. The Token Jewish Princess - yes the one with a big nose and an even BIGGER FREAKIN ENGAGEMENT RING on her finger!!! Well I'm SO GLAD JDate worked out for you and that Ira/Moisha/Gosha/Matriosha will be now putting in a deposit on that big ass house in the gated jewish community.

7. The Token Loud Business Men - there is always two or three of them standing right next to each other SCREAMING at the top of their lungs to each other as if to compete some kind of pre-Ice Age competition of "The Animal with the strongest Lungs wins." Yeah, don't forget boys, your manager is most likely a woman! ...Now proceed with the yelling.

8. The Token Happy Immigrant - the ones that sit there with manila folders in hand usually coming or going to some kind of immigration appointment or office, picking up/dropping off some useless papers all for the pleasure and privilage to be FREE to ride the damn subway for the REST OF THEIR LIVES!!! Hmm... don't know, but being super poor living in a tiny village in Mexico somewhere on the river bank, getting together for fiestas with loved ones... sounds much better to me then being super poor in NYC riding the dirty subways and sleeping on bunkbeds in apartments with 20 strangers. But hey to each his own.

And probably the MOST annoying kind of all:

9. The Token Snob who thinks she(he) is better then everyone, sitting there rolling her eyes, sighing with disgust and spraying perfume around herself. Yes, I'm afraid that's the category I fall into. Well, if I wasn't me, I'd say: "If you're not happy to be here, GET THE F.. OUT! NYC is too crowded as it is, no need for ungrateful bastards like you to be here thinking you're above it all!!!!" But since I AM me, I'll just say: "I'm tryyyyying, I'm trying! "As soon as" I'll be OUTA here."

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How sweeeeeeeeet! How cute is Nico!?!!!

I was all giggly all day! Awww!! Don't you just luuuuuve being in luuuuuve!!?!!!!

(Yes my assistants are distributing barf bags and you'll get yours in a second.)

Guys in NY totally lack any kind of finesse. True, they're spoiled because lots of girls here just hang themselves on them, but still!!!

I remember from my wild times of living in the city, one guy decided to be elegant and after and evening full giggling on the roof of a popular local bar, to walk me home. On the way there he ducked into a local deli "to grab us a few Snapples" but emerged with a bouquet of little pink roses with red trim. Very nice! At that point I decided that should he ask me out, I would say yes! After all, he was cute, polite and now even sweet!

He apparently had different ideas, and thought the bouquet of roses would actually get him and invitation to come upstairs! Um... r-u-kidding!? Anyway, we had a nice good night kiss at the building door and after he tried a bunch of times to ask me what my apartment number was, he decided to give up. He did say that he'll be back to wait for me underneath the building and sooner or later I would agree to invite him up. At which point I was VERY glad that the building we were standing next to wasn't even MINE! (Always use the building around the corner for such purposes!)

Though the question still stands, what the heck was so difficult in asking me for my number and taking me out to a few dinners? Yes it would have been a bit of a time investment on his part, but that's just the bare minimum come on! Anyway, living in NYC and meeting all these boys that didn't even want to risk a time investment of 3 weeks and perhaps $300 worth of dinners, I realized that I would only take a guy seriously if saw some investments!

That's why it was SO easy to fall for Nico so fast, even to MEET me for the first time he had to cross the Big Water on an Iron Bird!

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Out and about

I always "yell" at other bloggers to post about what they ate, where they went... etc. So I guess I should do the same, I have been doing a bit of going out lately...

Besides, no better way to dissipate winter blues then hit it right between the eyes with FUNNNNN!!!!!

Ok, so last week Wallstr and I had a real casual pow-pow at everyones (her and mine) favorite brewery:

Always busy with tons of students, something about seeing their stressed out little faces makes me so glad that I'll never have to do homework again!

I LOVE spicy buffalo wings! Trying to extinguish the flames with beer works to every one's advantage.

Next to us was a couple that were discussing wedding plans with the guy's father. I don't know why (well I do) but it just SO annoys me to hear about people getting married.

Wallstr is going to yet another wedding and while I don't even know that girl I'm already annoyed at her choices of wedding hall, etc etc.

What is it about weddings that just makes everyone an award winning critic? Its like why do we pick at every little detail while we should just be happy to have been invited to a big party with lots of drinks!?

Jealousy? Sure, why not. But not about being married, I think just a natural reaction for people when they see others getting ALL the attention. If its your friend that's getting married, then its a simple straight forward hatred towards the both of them for ABANDONING us. Its like a big "Good buy" party. Maybe the people going away are happy but not their friends that are saying good buy. Blah! I guess if you are already part of a married couple and go to a wedding its like a "Welcome" party so obviously you're glad to welcome new people into your sphere.

Whatever lets not dwell on this.

Highcontrast, Jazz and friend we all went to take advantage of New York City Restaurant Week and went to a really lovely place, with lovely modern decor, where we had an incredibly lovely dinner (and drinks!) all served by very lovely waiter boys.... mmmmm delicious (the food of course).

After which a bit of bar hopping ensued. Standard procedure.

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Joyeux anniversaire grand-mère!!!

The weekend was absolutely fabulous and what better way to end it then a fancy-shmancy party!!! My Granmare really knows how to party it up, and what a number: EIGHTY!

The table was almost breaking underneath all kind of plates full of delicacies. There was crab salad, julienned mushrooms, roasted potatoes and a bunch of wild animals and fishes cooked to varying degrees in various sauces... OHHhhhhhh

Not to mention the cheese plates...

Drinks? There were so many drinks that if you poured them all together you could probably create a small-medium sized river, raise your sails and sail towards the sunset...

There was laughter, there was more laughter, and there was even some loud singing in a language I don't understand! (There is one like that... called Yiddish.)

Now I'm at work suffering the worst case of the "Mondays", the only consolation is that its already Tuesday!

au revoir mes petits amis!!

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SOHO survival guide!

It is always great fun to have an excuse to enjoy NYC without having to wear the usual "I'm slightly bored and unamuzed" look that is a must when walking around Manhattan.

Kaya was in town this weekend to entertain HighContrast and I. I mean, we were entertaining her... right, that's how it was... Anyway, the weekend was a blur of laughter, psychoanalysis, serious shop browsing... and of course food and drinks!

Here is what I suggest if you have an afternoon in NYC in which you just want to relax and have the sights pass you by (instead of you passing by to see them).

SOHO will provide you with plenty to laugh about on any given weekend afternoon! But keep in mind you'll need plenty of colorful drinks to help you handle the constant FLOW of people up and down Broadway.

So here is what you do: forget Balthazar for Bruch, there is honestly nothing super special about it, yes, the food is great but do you really want to be waiting outside for at least an hour to be seated!?!??? Come on! What is this? We are not in a town with only one IHOP on the main street. Just walk around the block and you can treat yourself to an excellent breakfast/brunch at an Indian chutney house (Hampton Chutney). There is a yummy selection of Dosas that will come with a fresh made chutney, and you can sip your cardamom coffee for complete bliss!!

We went there and it was SOOOO GOOOOD!!!!!!



















Its not posh inside or anything but the food is delicious, you don't have to wait for hours nor will you be spending millions of dollars on breakfast! (You will still spend that money in all the boutiques though!!!)

For a quick drink pop into Cafe Bari and sit either downstairs on the bar stool and watch the crowds pass by, or go to the upstairs bar and grab a seat near the window for even more of a view! I had a Kir Royale, Kaya had a mimosa and HighCon opted for a Coka-Cola in one of those pretty vintage bottles. Here is the view from above.



















After more shopping, more walking, etc etc etc... you'll not only get thirsty (again) but also be ready for some lunch. I say you go to Bar 89 on Mercer street (as in 89 Mercer st). Beautiful space with high ceilings to help you relax your eyes after browsing all those shops. Wonderful drinks and good eats. Do not forget to check out the bathroom upstairs! Transparent doors!!! (Fear not, as soon as you close the latch the window magically turns smoky white and you can pee in peace!).
















Now, since we are hardcore shoppers (and drinkers) we went for yet another drink (6 more drinks actually- EACH), at Antique Garage, just down the street. Cozy and cute. (Unlike my hangover today.)


In Soho!

Hampton Chutney - http://www.hamptonchutney.com/
Cafe Bari, Broadway and Spring street
Bar 89 - http://www.worldsbestbars.com/city/new-york/bar-89-new-york.htm
Antique Garage - http://www.antiquegaragesoho.com

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For some strange and unknown reason, all day today I had this ardent desire to pick a fight with Nico.

I'm totally baffled, there is really no reason for this! Needless to say the day was spent in my avoiding opening my email account and hiding the blackberry on the top shelf in the office so that I don't accidentally send any nasty communications accross the ocean. I won, but maaaan that was weird.

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Wallstr and I had a fabulous time sipping our beautiful martinis (hers: pomegranate, mine: dirty with three olives). The place has an unbelievable view and is more or less quiet where people can carry on nice intimate conversations and get all romantical. (NOT that that's what Wallstr and I were doing!) PiuPiu are you taking notes?? :) Here is the link.

This weekend promises to give me time for various activities that I've put off for months and years... for example putting my pictures from a trip I took 3 yrs ago into an ALBUM!!! We'll see... And I'd like to cook a new dish from my wonderful Beautiful Mediterranean Cookbook, no really, that's what its called.

They say a way to a man's heart is through the stomach, so I'm just trying to cover all ground. Plus, a girl's gotta eat too you know!

Oh, and MAJOR news flash: Kaya (aka the Bali Princess) is coming to town!!! She is not really from Bali, but she is so exotic she could be... Anyway, in accordance to her royal and exotic status she has gotten herself a FIRST CLASS ticket!!!! I just love surrounding myself with exotic and royal friends that fly first class! :) We'll try to keep our heads firmly screwed onto our bodies, because when the three of us get together: Highcontrast, me and Kaya things tend to get... loose... guys... I still have guilt pangs about robbing coffee joints... and kinko's...

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We are a genteel bunch alright!

Just want to interrupt the "Princess Diaries" for a second. The other day Jazz, Highcontrast, and friend we went to the see La Boheme put on by City Opera. I like opera, though I must admit the last time I went, I was admitted with a child's ticket. Yeah, last year, no, I wish, maybe like 18 yrs ago...

Anyway, it was a rainy evening and I was already getting annoyed as it is due to having to beat and fight my way through the crowds with umbrellas on Fifth ave. Finally we made it to the theater where we also attended a lecture about opera. The lecture was ok, though the speakers were condescending in their ways of explaining the basic elements of opera, I mean COME ON! Everyone knows what an "Aria" is... if not, you can watch TV where our very own Mr. Highcontrast explains to us what it is. (Yes he was picked out of the crowd to be inverviewed because he is just so pretty.) It really wasn't bad, since before the lecture we were able to grab complementary drinks made with Fernet Branca. I was rather annoyed when server chick tried to explain to me what Fernet Branca was. Dude!!! Don't you know I'm a faux Italian!??? I know my aperatifs and digestifs Grazie very mucho!!!

It did calm me down, the drink I mean.

Ok, now as for La Boheme. I liked BEING at the opera, but the storyline was just NOT doing it for me. Its supposed to be a story about falling in love, though to me it looked more like a bunch of poor people looking for a cheap romp that turns out to be more expensive then thought.

Seriously, the play starts out with 2 guys in their little attic bohemian Parisian pad trying to conduct their bohemian activities (paint and write poetry) but its too cold and they have no money for heat... Then the 3rd guy shows up saying he just got paid and they all decide to go out to dinner, it is Christmas after all...

One of the guys Rodolfo (main guy) lingers behind... this is when the main chick, Mimi shows up at his door BEGGING FOR IT.

According to the story, she is supposed to be this shy, sweet girl who talks in a soft voice... YEAH RIGHT! Who does Verdi take us for?? Everyday fools???

This Mimi slut, shows up at Rodolfo's door under the pretext of lighting her candle that has gone out. Then she mentions that she is out of breath climbing all those stairs, so Rodolfo offers her a seat. Now WHY in the world she didn't knock on her next door neighbor's door instead of "climbing all those stairs" sure beats me! Rodolfo is still being a fidgety dumb ass, so Mimi decides to FAINT into his croch area to speed things up. The moran still doesn't get it, but when she comes to, he does offer her some wine. Ok, good.

She sings him a little "Aria" about how she is a nice, sweet girl who likes romance, hint, hint... who's real name is Lucia, but apparently everyone calls her Mimi (hmm... her prostitute nickname perhaps?) She proceeds to tell him that she lives alone... (Ahhh, ALL ALONE) HINT HINT.

Rodolfo the fool still doesn't get it and decides to sing her an "Aria" in return... after he is done, and after some awekward moments of silence Mimi finally decides to leave. But the shameless slut in her doesn't give up so easily!!! She comes right back and says that she dropped her house key in the apartment, then both candles go out cus she creates a draft in the apartment and both of them end up on their all fours on the floor looking for her keys (which she probably never had to begin with because I dont know about any whores locking up their rooms).

Ok, making long story short, she continues to be really annoying asking Rodolfo for presents and etc... then when he rightfully gets sick of her bony ass, she guilts him into staying with her because she gets sick. (Probably syphilis from all her previous whoring around.) At the end she dies. I don't know WHY, but I'm not sad for her, but extremely relieved for Rodolfo.

Hmmm.. maybe I should try Carmen, see if I like that better. She was a conniving seductress and was not afraid to admit it.

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What part of "NOW don't you understand??

Yeah yea yea...

Ok, so yes I am a total snob. I should explain that the reason I was getting all frustrated about shopping is because I hate stores/malls with tons of people around. I would LOVE to be able to shop in an empty mall!! This is partly due to my complete aversion to UGLY people, and partly because I function on New York City time which requires you to move, talk, walk, shop... with fast choppy movements, which is extremely difficult when you have UGLY PEOPLE walking at ELEPHANT SPEED IN FRONT OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (breathe...1,2,3...breathe...1,2,3..)

This makes me SO MAD that my Shimery Tea Rose Petal nailpolish starts to PEEL OF MY TOES!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes I realize that I'm the problem since I can't relax and shop at a normally accepted speed but since I am the BELLY-BUTTON of the universe this negates the fact that I can be doing anything wrong... So yeah back to ugly people in my way...

Yeah, I was SO FRUSTRATED that I HAD to drag WallStr (who is as big of a Diva-snob-bellybutton-chick as I am) to the nearest BAR, at a VERY New York City speed and order two HUGE bloodymary's to be inhaled immediately!!! Well as soon as the Bar girl decided to move her A$$ and bring it to us!!!!!!!! Which required me to prompt her to do so a few times... Gosh! and we were simply in New Jersey, close enough to New York, but apparently too far for them to comprehend the concept of "I want my drink NOW!"

Oh, yeah, don't even get me started on the sad use of space that is called New Jersey... Lets talk ROADS! If you've ever driven through New Jersey, you can agree that the ONLY CLEAR SIGN you're going to SEE would HAVE TO COME FROM the ABOVE!!!! Of course we got lost the moment we crossed the bridge. Upon asking people in cars while stopped at a red light, all we got are sympathetic smiles and eyes reverting to the sky as if to say: "You want to get to the mall... well how religious ARE YOU???" Religious!? "Yes, apparently that's the only way you'll see the signs..." Yeah, "beacon of Light" takes on a LITERAL meaning when driving in New Jersey.

I just remember the malls in Irvine, California... Huge, EMPTY, beautiful!! With fountains... and statues of golden angels.... heaven!!!

Oh, just to report, the drinks helped a lot! Nice feeling when you're head and legs go numb...
Oh and eyesight is blurred so you can't see ugly people...

PS kids: drinking to make your problems go away is NOT good! You must FACE your problems then realize the only way to eliminate them is to go to heaven... ok, or Irvine, California.

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There are free drinks at Gallery openings!

I'm not big on cultural, educational stuff. I drink before going to a museum... (and during). I think its because I've gotten too much culture and museums when I was little when my parents took me out everysingle weekend to some kind of exposition. And I used to LOVE IT! I would read the inscription underneath every single rock, half-rock and rusty nail! And now days, I cross the street when I see a museum. I don't know why, but I think it just plays into my theory that people get dumber as they grow up. I think I've mentioned it before, but can't help to say again, in my almost year of residing in Italy, I successfully did NOT go to any museums, nor did I make time for the Sistine chapel in the 50+ odd times I've been to Rome. I know, DISGRACEFUL! Kids, don't be like me in this case.

Anyway, I took pains to go do something cultural last week and Dulce and Wallstr and I made it to a gallery to see some photography.












This was my absolute favorite. I could just stare at it for hours. The other photographs in the series are majestic as well. I went to the original gallery website www.galerie-poller.com that shows all of them. I was not impressed with the space that was dedicated for it in NYC. Such gorgeous work should not be displayed in tiny maze like corridors with poor lighting. Obviously just my feeble unprofessional opinion.

Here is the back story (full story on the website)...

"The viewer is surrounded by photographs of pine trees found at an ancient grave site near Kyong-Ju (Kyung-Ju, Gyeongju) taken from the central vantage point at which the viewer stands.

Kyong-Ju is located in the southeastern part of Korea about 60 km north of Pusan. It was the old capital city of the Shilla dynasty during more than 1,000 years from BC 57 to AD 992. A lot of historic monuments, especially numerous Siberian styled tombs, are scattered throughout the city.

The achievements of the Shilla people and their devotion to Buddha are evident in the stone images carved on cliff walls and the other stone monuments found throughout the area. It was appointed by UNESCO in 1995 as one of the world historic cultural heritage places. Currently, the population of Kyong-Ju is around 150,000, but in ancient times after Shilla dynasty unified Korea in AD 668, the population was estimated about 800,000, which was one of the most thriving cities of the world. Around that time, the city was the door of Korea to the world."

Yeah, that's why cultural/educational experiences are so depressing, like opening a can of worms. You can't just learn about ONE thing, all these OTHER things you should know about come up!!! Mommy, why didn't you ever tell me about the Shilla dynasty?! (When in doubt always blame the parents).

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Ahhh La Dolce Vita!

So it all started with a dramatic "run towards" each other in the Arrivals Hall.... Well, he was more like walking, and I was more like gliding since the SUPER high heels I was wearing did not really permit any other kinds of movements. My sweet darling BCBGs, I still remember the day I brought them home... Anyway, after that we headed directly to dinner since we had exactly 25 minutes to get there before the kitchen closed! We made it! Then realized no one was actually hungry...

Next day headed to Isla del Fuego. It was a bit dreary, but still warm and a bit humid. There is just something sexy about a brewing storm, all that energy in the air that you can almost taste. It was so nice to sit there with his arm around me... ...pause... (Yes, that was a specially designed pause to allow for involuntary gagging.) Don't worry, we did not look like a vulgar grouping couple, it was a bit windy and I was wearing the shortest skirt known to man, so the arm around me was seasonally appropriate indeed!

Seriously ladies, the right man is SUCH a wonderful accessory its unbelievable. Funny, men think that women are something to carry on the arm, when in fact, its THEM that are being worn around the shoulder, instead of nice shawls... Ahhhh... some things just work out so well!



















Check out the wild beasts that roam the island... well besides Nico and I! Haaaa-ha...ha?





















That evening we had dinner at this awesome seafood place, it stands right on the water and has a little pier for docking your boat while you eat. (Posh no!?) Well, needless to say with the rolling in storm there were no cute little boats docking... As we progressed with our delicious dinners... the only way to describe what was happening is to do an excerpt from our conversation...





















Ale: (bedroom eyes) Hmmm... I wonder how long it will take for the waves to carry us off into the ocean..?

Nico: No, don't worry! The thin plastic covering that's separating us from the crashing waves seems to be working very well! (bedroom eyes) More wine?





















Saturday was spent in much the same fashion. The picture above is what the beach looked like on Friday, and on Saturday the water basically engulfed the entire sandy part!!

...to be continued...

Still some questions to answer... Will Nico and Ale really be washed into the ocean? Will they have a yummy lunch?? What beer choices will be made by the diverse international couple on one rainy afternoon...? Will the sun EVER COME OUT????

over and out for now captain!

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The invisible enemy cries in defeat....

Yes perhaps some (all) people may consider this a medically definable disease called delusion, but these people most likely have never lived in NY. Otherwise they would find it perfectly normal to understand that all things that take place in NY are specifically designed to torture people that live there precisely for the fact that they live there.

Oh! You think you're glamorous that you work in Manhattan? Really? Well, we'll make sure you spend at leat 4 HOURS commuting on various forms of PUBLIC transportation with very "public" looking people! Then we'll see if you'll be able to feel glam in your posh office after that..!

Oh, so you decided to move to Manhattan to be close to your posh job and to all the "MARVELOUS" things the city has to offer, wich supposedly include theater and all kinds of exotic restaurants. (Personally I suggest you eat in a Mexican restaurant for an authentically exotic experience since all chefs in Manhattan are in fact from Mexico.) Anyway, you want to enjoy all that??? Well we'll stuff you into a tiiiiiiiny tiiiiiny apartment!!! OH WAIT! That's not enough!! For complete satisfaction we'll CHARGE you extraordinarily for it!!! But don't worry, that forever backing up garbage truck right outside your window that will never stop making these loud beeps, will be there free of charge for you to enjoy... always!

Yes, all bad things that happen to you while you're in Manhattan is the result of this invisible enemy trying to suck the life out of you! Why? For its own evil fun!

Well, today, I won! Working from home, I saved 2 hours of commute time this morning, OH AND 2 hours of commute back... I worked in my pajamas with my laptop on the verandah from 6am to 11am, since its a summer Friday (short work day) I'm done for the day! I have 10 mins till the pool opens and that's where I'll be enjoying the sun!!! Life as it SHOULD be!!! Screw Manhattan!!!!! Not today invisible enemy!!! You can kiss my a$$ when I flip over to tan my back.

*Bad mood is NOT permitted on Sempre Primavera, but aggressive and violent outbursts SURE! Why not!

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Did it again!

Another extremely faaaHHHbulous weekend! Yes, well any weekend that involves the beach and tropical drinks will just be sooooo good!

Jazz and I went to long island, and I just have to say as much as this young lady seems like a diva-diva, she was promptly waiting form me at the appointed hour of 9am in the morning in front of Balthazar with my coffee in hand!! (Yes, that's AM people... AM!!)

After doing an excellent job on our tans, we proceeded to Long Beach for some lunching! All you lunch enthusiasts get ready for a real treat!!



















I had summer salad, greens, tomatoes, goat cheese, and slices of orange... oh was so refreshing and a bit of sweet to it!!!

Jazz's salad had jumbo shrimp and asparagus in it.... we licked those plates clean... which apparently excited the next table full of 18 yr old boys eating big buffalo burgers (which I've had there before and they are supper yummy as well).

For drinks I had a pina colada and Jas a mango daquiry. Sweeeeeet, lip licking goodnes!!!!





















We discussed my man and when it would be appropriate timing to start asking for more presents.... and (guys shut close your ears) how to do it in a way that its TOTALLY his idea....

We also discussed her no good for nothin' ex... (well he was definitely good for one thing... but nothing irreprlacable that can't be procured from another able young gentleman.)

We have concluded that no relationship is a failed relationship if girl got Chloe shoes out of it!!!
But as we like to say here at Sempre Primavera. "Thank you very much... NEEEEEXT!!!!"

Here is Jazzy with her Divaesque hat... single (able) young gentlemen... please bring your bottle of Coppertone cus this baby needs some lotion on her shoulders so they don't burn! Quickly!!

Is that a law journal she is reading??

Probably... I glanced over and didn't see any pictures so I'm assuming it was!

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See ya! Wouldn't wanna be ya! OR would I??

My crazy friend and I had an awesome time! Her only afternoon in NY were spent very successfully. Besides a major gossiping session with moi her other request was to get some shopping time in! And since the SLUT! - I mean - nice girl! has a perfect figure, you know the tall, toned, and tanned Scandinavian thing, everything she tried on was a perfect fit.
Of course no shopping experience is complete without a run through Sephora... where you can conveniently do your make up before going out to dinner!

My friend is single at the moment and of course we took the opportunity to talk bitchy about our friends that have DARED to go and get married!! I mean, what's next- BABIES!??? Just too much!! What was quite funny is that I realized that I always completely forget that actually have a boyfriend. What a weird and strange concept for me...

I've always said, until I have a ring on the finger, the guy is not getting any titles. So unless he is a "fiance" he is just a friend. This little philosophy by the way drove my very first boyfriend nuts, since I would introduce him as a "friend". Haha! Well, now since Nico, I've changed my tune a bit... I wish I could just Brand him all over with the following words:

"Ale's PROPERTY! You touch, you DIE!!"

Waw... he really brings out the best out in me! I love it!!

Speaking of branding someone with the words "my property"... I'm off to the windy city for my friend's wedding. Ahhhhh..... this one is really hitting "close to home". She was my absolute partner in crime through college!!! You have NO idea what kind of crazy things we did!!! No seriously. Oh well... I guess I'll always have the fond memories that involve... the kissing couch... 22 cannellonies... our 21st birthdays (we're 2 days apart) in the SHOWER... (DON'T ask)... sounds of champaign popping promptly every thursday at 6.45 pm... and boys boys boys for every letter of the ALPHABET!!!

Though thinking about it... even if I WANTED I would just physically not be able to do all these things that we did before. So I'm sure she is doing the right thing... oh YEAH and her guy is a great one, so I guess its aight! Mazeltof you crazy kids!

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The Brooklyn Diet!

How delicious does that look!??????? Believe it or not, but these wonderful delights can be found in good ol Brooklyn, on Emmons Ave.



















My friend Dulce was brave enough to order the chocolate mousse pyramid while I was delusional enough to think that ONE single piece of baklava would be enough for me.. yeah... NO! We so ended up sharing the wonderful pyramid that held a treasure inside (white chocolate mousse!) .

All I know I want these tables for my pattio!!!
Like NOW!

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You know what I just realized?... I lost my "little black book"!!!

To elaborate: I lost my phone during my drunken stupor of the World Cup final in a classic move of it falling out while I was in a cab. Its not a big deal since I am constantly on email with all my "important" people so I just emailed them to send me their numbers. Out of my 180 numbers I've recovered about 100 of them. The ones that are still missing are: my headhunters' numbers which I'll get when they call me next month (they keep tabs on me quarterly); my ex - managers - I'll just call them in the office; the only phone numbers that I lost and seems like for good are all my ex-boyfriends... I really don't delete people from my life (my phone). I believe in staying on good terms even after the relationship is over, and even if I haven't actually talked to many of them in years, it is still nice to send happy b-day and merry christmas text messages, and plus its good to know that they're in your phone and are accessible at any moment if need be. Well... no more. Ooops...

I guess my little black book has been cleared, hmm funny that it took me a whole week to actually realize it.

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Don't you love snow days!? ...in the summer!!!!???

The airconditioning is so strong in the office that I find it extremely useless that my chair has wheels since the wind from the conditioner keeps blooooooowing me to the other side of the office! I proceed to stand up and fight the wind to wheel my chair back to my table... OH... what's that??? I cant recognize where my table is since it is currently overcome by and ICEBERG OF TITANIC PROPORTIONS!!!!!!

That's ok, I always have my ice pick and ice boots handy (in the summer) so I'll just put them on, rope myself and try to climb on top of the iceberg, I mean, why should an ice mountain stand between me and my work??

It was a long and arduous climb... but luckily I had the beautiful Northern Lights keeping me company! I did encounter a few polar bears, but they were friendly and licked my face with their pink tongues... I was rather freezing so one of the bears's tongues got stuck to my cheek. That was an uncomfortable 20 minutes...

I also met some penguins and they were playful as ever. I inquired after what could possible be making them so gay, and they said that they LOVE spending their vacations in NYC during the summer since its so freezing in all the offices. They were especially looking forward to playing over at the large financial corporations since the're the frozen landshaft offers good ground for sledding. "Ahhh, yes, carry on my gay penguin pals."

Ok, enough goofing around, what I'm trying to say is: TURN THE FRKN AIRCONDITIONER DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nico honey, can you please bring me some hot chocolate and my raindeer mittens!

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Mahhhh siiiii, NY sa festeggiare!!!!

What a crazy finale!!!!!!!!!!!!



















I'm glad at the last minute I decided to cheer the Mamma's boys. I decided I felt passionate enough about not wanting the roosters to win to cheer for the mammones. AND WHAT A TREAT!!!! Honestly, I did not expect Azzuri to pull it off, but once they got that first goal, I KNEW they were taking it home (..home to mamma obviously...)!!!!!!

It all about the Mediterranean sun and salt. It does something to people that is not possible to explain unless you've tasted it. This game was nuts because the two Mediterranean spirits were fighting each other. It wasn't a game of kick-ball this was a game of emotional strength.

I'm not about to comment who played better, whose technique was better... they both played well, this was about who kept it together and who failed to stay strong in the head.

As far as I am concerned Italy played stronger because they didn't fall apart after the first French goal. They collected their emotions into a fist and went forward and scored! I think after that goal they all realized that they can really take this thing! And this feeling is very important because it grips you and if you go with it you will be unstoppable!! On the opposite side, if you loose this belief for even a second... its OVER for you. I think in this case its what happened to France. They were hoping to ride it out on the one goal... but it didn't happen. They played a great game, but because in their heart they lost that feeling of sureness it brought them down.

And once again, it all about blindly KNOWING you can do it. This again is exhibition of what we are trying to promote here at sempreprimavera, what exactly happens when you believe anything is possible??? Well that's what happens! You DO IT! YOU GET IT!!!!

A bit heavy of a discourse for the day after the big game... as I'm sure those of us who celebrated still feeling the effects of the birras... as I am for certain... Mammamia!

So I leave you with some party shots!!! It was CRAZY I tell you!!!!! CRAZYYYY!!!!!!!!






Nothing happens in NY without police involvement...

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I love you!

Ok, I'm going to give you a play by play RE-play of Sunday's game Brazil vs Australia...

28 minutes to kick off - arrive at the bar - way to full- people chargin COVER price - get disgusted go next door.
27 minutes to kick off - next door bar - too full - the screen is not big enough- leave
26 minutes to kick off - go across the street - grab some space at the bar - big huge scree - perfect!
25 minutes to kick off - order a cerveza fresca!! ufff its hot... 11:35 and already 90F!!
(never mind the drinking part before noon... hey... beer is not even a drink really... its food... so... like breakfast!)


















0 minutes to kick off - make friends with Australian fans sitting next to me - tell them I really hope Australia can score at least ONE point...
Watching...
Watching...
Watching...
15 minutes - SCORE!!!!! (ANOTHER BEER)
Watching...
Watching...
Watching...
23 minutes - SCOOOOOOOORE!!!! (ANOTHER BEER!)
Watching...
Watching...
Watching...
Half-Time - thank goodness!!!!!! Take pictures of my... shirt...





















For all the foreigners, let me translate what the shirt says on the bottom:
"World football"

Ok, game back on...
Watching...
Watching...
Ronaldo is so fat....
Watching...
Those Aussies are really Cute actually.....!!!
Watching....
Goooooooal!!!!!!!
Wow!!!! I forgot what I was even doing here...! Oh yeah, cheering Brasil! so..YEEEEEYYY!!!!!
Watching...
Ronaldo goes on the bench... yeah, he was panting...
Watching...
Gooooooal!!!!!!! YEEEEY!!!!
and double yeeeey that game is almost over....

Sorry, but this game was just not magical for me.. or maybe I was spoiled on Saturday by the game USA vs. Italy.. now that's DRAMA!!! A mountain of yellow cards, exciting passing, footwork, pulling, pushing, BLOOOD, THREE RED CARDS!!!!! and not to mention Italians scoring two goals! One for them and one for the Americans.... eeehheheeee But jokes aside, I was impressed with how our guys played, and it was beautiful how we have all kinds of nationalities, faces and colorful last names on our team!

Game over... left me wanting more... something... more...
So we went over to a sweet little cafe for some Cafe' Glisse'!! Yummmmm, coffee and a ice cream just like back in the old country!!! And this here people is the magic of America, you can cheer the Brasilian team then go around the corner to have a French desert... and maybe shop for some Colombian artisan purses... All within the RADIUS OF FEW BLOCKS!!!!

America IS beautiful!!!

Where else can you see Brasilian, Aussies, Koreans and the French cheering their teams... SIDE BY SIDE?? Maybe we're not so ignorant and EVIL... maybe we actually have the RIGHT IDEA!!!!!!!!

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