Winter Update in Open Diary 2001-2018 (Pre-Prosebox)

Long time no see. Not really sure that there’s a lot worth reporting, but I feel like checking in anyway.

Exhausting week in NY. Probably the busiest one I’ve ever had in terms of meetings and development work. Ever since I’ve picked up more responsibility at work it’s been a whirlwind of new stuff. I’ve been thrown to the wolves and don’t really understand what I’m doing yet. During my trip, there were times when I’d find myself sitting in a meeting, clueless, listening to everyone speaking a foreign language. Sometimes I didn’t even have enough background information to ask even stupid questions! I have so much to learn it’s frightening. Overwhelming. Exhausting.

Luckily (in some respects), my social life lagged on this trip. I was sad, but certainly not heartbroken when I never heard back from “New” New York Guy. I’d left a night free for him without ever actually making a date because I knew he had been out of the country and would probably call when he returned. I suppose it’s possible that he extended his trip, but I don’t really even care.

That left my night free. I’d already been asked to go to dinner with a potential vendor, and by the time our meeting was over (6:45), I was ready to at least have a drink and dinner was sounding like a great idea. The meeting just happened to be a the Grand Hyatt (at Grand Central Station), and I’ve always wanted to go to the Campbell Apartment (also at Grand Central) for cocktails, so I asked Joe (vendor guy) if he wanted to go there with me. He agreed, and that was the beginning of an interesting night.

The place was gorgeous and packed full of fascinating characters. We both chatted with our drinking neighbors and each other. Really cool guy, that Joe. Formerly an insanely intense businessman (the kind that work hard and play much, much harder) headed straight for a heart attack, suddenly decided to make a lot of life changes. Dropped 70 pounds, stopped partying so hard, and changed his work attitude. He was so laid back and gentle with me. I felt completely comfortable with him and agreed to go to dinner. Plus, he told me that his son would be meeting us out…his tall, handsome, single, man-about-town, 28-year-old son. Who am I to disappoint?

He’d made dinner reservations at the Mercer Kitchen. I’ve always wanted to try that place, but never had the opportunity. Ultra hip. I wish I hadn’t had those two martinis at the Campbell Apartment so that I would have paid more attention to the scene. Joe works for a Turkish company, and his business partners met us there. The partners are young, handsome, and very strict Muslims. I wasn’t sure if I should even have a glass of wine, but Joe ordered us a bottle…so I felt okay.

Soon, Joe’s “hot son” showed up. Yes, he was tall, and sure, he was handsome. But damn! So freaking intense! By that time, I’d had several drinks and simply couldn’t get a handle on all the shit he was spewing. But spew he did. It was like a combination of over-interest in the conversation and braggadocio. I suppose he was a chip off the “old” dad’s block. I wonder if he’ll settle down with age as well.

After dinner, I somehow found myself headed to yet another bar with Joe and Hot Son. More drinks (for me, it was a heavenly chai tea martini….oh yummy….that HS kept re-ordering and re-ordering for me). More irritating blather from HS. And finally, we decided to call it a night. So when Joe hailed a cab and I walked toward the door, HS acted surprised. He asked, “Aren’t you coming with me?”

Huh?

I was confused and maybe a little bit flattered, but there was no way I was going to endure another second with that guy. Had he a few years on him and settled down just a bit, and I would have been all over that suggestion. Instead, we said a quick goodbye and I let the cab whisk me back to my nice, warm, cozy hotel room.

And ahhh. I was in love with my room. Big corner room with great views and delicious, gigantic bed. I cranked the heat, cracked a window for fresh air, and hunkered down into that bed every night. I am becoming all about the hibernation this winter.

I did find something disturbing in my room this time, though. A full-length mirror that horrified me each time I stepped in front of it (which, because of placement, was constantly). It is imperative that I lose that last 10 pounds quickly. I refuse to carry these saddle bags into spring. No. No. NO! Absolutely not!!

Because I’ve been stuck at this weight for several weeks now (since Thanksgiving!), I’ve decided to try to kick start it again. I went to the Target after my workout yesterday to get a bunch of Slim-Fast stuff. I’m gonna do a strict SF diet this week and see if that helps. It better. I’m headed to So. Cal. next weekend, and I want to be down for that. I was a good girl and worked out almost every morning (except the one after the dinner/drinks with Joe and son). But because I knew I was going to start the SF diet this week, I was bad on Friday night and ate and drank everything in sight. That actually popped me up 2 lbs! Bugger!

Speaking of food, I met these fascinating guys on the plane on the way back. They have invented a method of pulling the protein out of wheat, leaving out most of the carbohydrates and creating flour alternatives for baked products. What that means is…low carb breads, cereals, pizza crusts, etc. etc. etc! They are working with all the big bakeries, food manufacturers and restaurant chains. Can you say future kajillionaires?! We chatted for three hours and drank the plane dry! I was really kind of hot for the inventor (handsome–but married–Aussie), but it was the partner (not really attractive, recently divorced, kind of annoying sales guy) who was obviously vying for…something. I made the mistake of giving him my phone number, and he’s called several times over the weekend to see if I want to go out with them. I should have gone, because these would be great people to know…ya know? But again, I was sucked into the lure of hibernation. Especially after my kinda late Friday night.

Saw Cute DJ on Friday night. Remember him? The one I invited over at 2:30 one morning and then wouldn’t let him touch me? I was so happy to find that he was as friendly as ever and acted like nothing had ever happened. Wow. A mature guy. Shock of shocks! I was impressed and strangely attracted. Luckily, I didn’t do anything stupid this time. Walked myself home and hunkered into the down of my bed. Mmm.

Well, I think I’ve come close to reaching word limit and my fingers are getting kinda tired. There’s an ice storm taking place outside right now. So maybe I’ll just go back to bed for now.

Happy hibernation!