TV Talk

I have this theory that TV exists for two forms of entertainment: primary and secondary.

The primary form, of course, is the joy we get from laughing out loud/cringing in horror as we watch the latest twists and turns on our favorite shows. We are also entertained by the regularity of it; you know that every Thursday night from 10 — 11 PM (with the exception of this horrible winter hiatus) you will be at the mercy of Shonda Rhimes' writing, subject to any emotions she forces you to feel. And you love it.

The secondary form, however, is less obvious (at least at first). TV exists so that we–as Americans–have something to talk about, argue, and bond over that is not politically charged or controversial. The biggest arguments are usually whether or not so-and-so deserved to be eliminated on Dancing With the Stars (no, she didn't) or how much nudity was in the season premiere of Girls (an expected amount). We can go to work/school each weekday morning eager to discuss with our colleagues/classmates what we think about the latest plot, what we think is going to happen next week, how we would do it differently if we were the writers of the show, etc. 

It's crazy, actually. I know television has been part of our society for a long time now (and of course, for my entire lifetime), but seeing as it occupies so much of our current conversations, I can't help but wonder what people talked about before the existence of primetime television shows. 

I would spend more time thinking about it, but I have to catch up on Parks & Recreation before someone spoils it for me.

Mani Minute

Have you every made an appointment for a manicure? Have they ever told you no?

I bet not.

Here's how it usually works:

"Hi, can I make an appointment for a manicure?"
--Oh, we're very busy......how about 15 minutes?
"Ok!"

If you don't have the foresight to call ahead, and instead just walk in for an appointment, here's how it goes:

"Hi, can I get a manicure?"
--Oh, we're very busy......how about 15 minutes?
"Ok!"

 See the difference?
(Answer: there is none)

There is no such thing as "wait time" or an "appointment" in the world of nail care. Seriously. They will always welcome you with open arms (and sometimes hugs), and will never, ever, ever turn you away.


Note: If you do make an appointment, there is no such thing as a guarantee that you will actually be taken at the time of your appointment. Most likely, they will send you to a pedicure chair and let you experience a "back massage" until they are done with the most recent walk-in customer.

Quotable - Part 2

This quote is so powerful that it deserves its own post, all by itself. No explanation needed.

From a post on Facebook (originally from a chalkboard sign outside a bar)

"A bird sitting on a branch is never afraid of the branch breaking, because her trust is not in the branch but in her own wings.

Believe in yourself."

Uniformly Stylish

Go outside. Look around you. Find the women. What are they wearing?

(Hint: The same exact thing)

Over the past few months, I have come to notice an unspoken "uniform" that most stylish New York women sport, especially in the winter months. Though never explicitly stated, the women in my neighborhood buy the same brands, the same items, and–quite often–the same color. While some would think this makes them look like clones, the real effect is that I secretly want to go out and get all those things to look just like them.

The Uniform
-Longchamp bag
-Burberry quilted coat
-manicured nails

Yes, these things are all expensive, and I realize that the sampling I've taken of the women in my neighborhood is probably not representative of the average population. But, it's fun to fantasize, and it gives me things to try on (just for fun) when I go into Bloomingdale's.

Things That Exist But Shouldn't - Part 21

21) The World Is Your Living Room

Why bother fixing your hair at home when you can just brush it while riding the subway? Why eat your tuna fish sandwich at home when you can just unwrap it in the movie theater?
Why schedule your gynecologist appointment at home when you can list the symptoms of your UTI while standing in line at Chop't?

It's no secret that there are certain things that should be done in secret–or at least in the privacy of your own home–that many New Yorkers fail to identify. True, most people go about doing their own thing and ignoring others, as we are taught to do, but that makes it no less disgusting when you are settling into a 3-hour movie with the smell of fish in your immediate vicinity*.

It's definitely funny (and provides great material for my blog), but it's pretty inconsiderate to other people. Here are my suggestions:

Ran out of time to fix your hair? Stop in a Starbucks bathroom (JK, they'll never give you the key), so use a store window to brush your hair to perfection.
Craving a tuna fish sandwich? EAT IT AT HOME.
Need a snack for the movie? Bring a non-smelly sandwich, OR be a normal person and buy smuggle in some popcorn.
Desperately need that gyno appointment? At least wait until you're standing outside of Chop't so the average passerby has a decreased chance of hearing the entirety of your symptoms.


*However, I will share with you a fantastic travel tip I always use. Booked a ticket on a bus or train? Want the double seats all to yourself to stretch out? 
Pack a tuna fish sandwich. Sure, it's rude and everyone will think you're a horrible human being, but I guarantee no one will sit down next to you. Enjoy the ride.