Freedom to Marry

Score one for New York! The past weekend the great state of New York became the 6th and most populous state to legalize same sex marriage, that's right MARRIAGE, not civil unions. Congrats to Gov. Cuomo who made it a top priority during his campaign and actually delivered on a political promise. I've said it many a times that same sex marriage is inevitable because an equal right is an equal right. Not only does the ruling bring joy to the tens of thousands of couples residing in New York, it also has New York's tourism department jumping for joy (not to mention event halls, florists, bakers, and struggling musicians). The state is projecting a minimum extra $180M of new revenue from gay weddings to be injected to the state's languishing economy within the next year. I hope other states are watching because gays CAN save the economy.

Play Ball!

I recently crossed off another item on my list of things to do/accomplish this year. I went to a baseball game. As a kid I was a HUGE jock. Basketball was my sport. Every team I played on was a championship team. I even helped lead my middle school to the first winning season in over 5 years. Sadly, in High School my love for the game dwindled and I gave up on my first love. Lately, I've been getting back into sports and watching everything from a baseball game to a rugby match (but not soccer), needless to say I longed to see a game in person. Maybe the old jock in me would come out full force and really have some fun.

We pulled up to Yankee Stadium to watch the rematch of last year's World Series: Yankees vs Phillies. While the Phils got slaughtered, I absolutely loved the game and the ambiance (checked in on foursquare and got 2 new badges :). While I was not impressed by $10 beers and $7 ice creams, I was impressed by the look of the field, the lights and the crowd. I can't wait to go to my next game! I'll just remember to eat before I go.

Broad St. vs Broadway

In case you haven't heard, this year's World Series is between the NY Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies. While I am not a big fan of baseball, I've watched both games in the series thus far and they have actually been very good. Cliff Lee in game one was nothing short of great. He was cool on the mound and damn near pitched a shutout (had it not been for Rollins) and only allowed 4 hits. The Yankess in Game 2 retaliated with great pitching and great hitting. No doubt in an attempt to show Pedro Martinez who's his "daddy". Can't wait to watch Game 3 in Nashville, TN the day before my first business conference. I'm excited and a little nervous, but I'm sure I'll come back with interesting stories of the places, sights and people!

So the city I live in is playing the city that's given so many great memories and friends. Sigh, I won't choose. Philly: Get it together. New York: See you when this all dies down.

GWB Challenge

A couple weeks ago I had the pleausre of participating in the GWB Challenge. A walk across the George Washington Bridge in NYC. I performed the 5k walk and donated $20. My organization did a wonderful job on raising funds, volunteering and participating. Afterwards, there was a great BBQ, music, face painting, fake tattoos and just a plain old good time! Only the pics can truly capture the feeling. Enjoy!

SMOOTH '09

The weekend has come and gone but it was a great one! Words can't express the fun I had watching some good performances, hanging with sisters and friends, and doing things for a good cause! They say pictures are worth a thousand words. Enjoy!

It ends in The City

This past weekend was a curse and a blessing all in one. Let's start with the good news:
My boss recently moved into a new apartment and then got sick, leaving me...YES ME...in charge of the department for about 2 days. Wasn't too bad. I got things done and held it together, the place didn't burn down so I did a great job. Spent time drinking with my Ship and her friends and received a "Cheers" type greeting on the patio of Fridays on the Parkway. Off to a CUS probate (never a disappointment), then home to rest. Hopped a train to Jersey, then off the The City with mi lady. Met some cool people, ate some great food, and broke the bank my getting tatt'd up. Honestly, at this point couldn't have asked for a better Memorial Day weekend.

The Bad News:
After a "blah" Sunday, and a Monday filled with Star Wars watching (don't judge! The movie is madd deep if you pat attention), mi lady comes home--with Taco Bell--both of which made me happy. Now at this point I am content and answering some text messages, then...it happened... the lady is being aggressive (as usual) and I am not in the mood (as usual), not at the moment at least. Maybe after a shower...who knows. Then the question "who are you texting?" Innocent enough. Jokingly, I respond with another person's name. No real reason behind it. It was a bad attempt at a joke that I was immediately going to correct, but decided not to because it was "no big deal"...or so I thought. Then it came; the questioning, the worry, the tears, the consoling.

The Result:
Mental and Emotional death. In ANY situation there are always 3 choices: "Change it. Accept it. Leave it." I've already tried 2, maybe its time to choose the other.