A Treasured Moment (9-28-89) Celebrated

The Gayla Pink Apple

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Celebrating A Treasured Moment!

September 28, 1989

 

 

You know you're with a great friend and wonderful person when you get an invitation that says..."I'll take you to dinner on Blair's birthday."  So, tonight, Virginia and I celebrated my daughter's birthday with dinner at the Packet House which just reopened this week.

 
The food was excellent - we both had the small filet, medium, and it was cooked perfectly.  It came with, what I call mashed potatoes, but they had a fancier name for them, and asparagus. Our house salads were very good, perfectly dressed and with slivered red onion, tomatoes, and walnuts. They did not serve bread of any kind and we thought it was odd.  We discussed it and concluded it perhaps was no longer acceptable to serve bread.  As we were leaving we commented to the waiter that we were surprised they didn't serve bread and he said 'oh, he could have brought it - just didn't'.  Must confess that didn't set too well with me.  He implied we should have asked for it - that they do not bring it unless you ask for it.  Not sure I am OK with that - but, whatever! 

It was also obvious that our waiter wasn't too pleased he wasn't able to sell us an appetizer - he tried too hard to tell us what was rrreeeaaalllyyyy good - which of course - was the most expensive appetizer.  He didn't pull it off - it was obvious he was supposed to push the appetizers. 

The girls at the front entrance seemed awkward.  They do not have it down yet.  There was one girl who was supposedly there to open the door for you but she stood against the wall and about the time we pushed the door open to leave, she says 'ooops, let me do that' - it seemed like she forgot she was to open the door as patrons come in and out.    

 I do not have anything negative to say about the food - but the room was freezing cold and I had on a black suit and even with my suit jacket I was trembling cold.  The air vents are in the floor and some of the tables are sitting on top of the vent so you have air blowing directly on your legs.  Considering the air conditioner was on last night it was terribly cold. 

Yes, it was their first week.  Yes, I will go back because of the food.  I am a fan and hope the place will be a great success, but it was overall somewhat of a disappointment.  And, lastly, there was no wait, it was not a packed Packet House.  Hope that isn't a sign!

As you know, Blair is in NYC, and not being with her on this day doesn't mean I don't celebrate her birth.  Afterall, it is a day I'll always remember.

Top photo is me with Blair and bottom photo is Virginia with Blair!

 

Celebrating Life's Treasured Moments,
Gayla

Happy Birthday Blair

The Gayla Pink Apple

Happy 23rd Birthday, Blair

September 28, 2012

Blair Jordan Sybert

My midnight baby celebrates her 23rd birthday today.  No, she is not a baby, but, Yes, she is my baby.  Blair was born at midnight and the doctors let me decide which day to call her birthday, the 28th or 29th. 

Blair at age 18 months



Blair and me - Emerson College Commencement Day - May 14, 2012

Blair is a beautiful young woman - beautiful inside and out - and I'm most proud to be her Mother.  If you know Blair, well, you are very lucky.  If you do not know Blair, you are missing a true blessing.

 

Photo of Blair and me in 2006 --- My favorite photo of us! 

 Photo taken by Susan G Komen Photographer 

 The pink things in the picture are pink boxing gloves 

 Live for Today, Fight for Tomorrow!

 



Happy Birthday Blair!  Hope you have a fabulous day.  I love you!

 

Love,
Mommy aka Lovey

Storage Pros - Thank Goodness for Websites and Emails!

The Gayla Pink Apple

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Storage Pros

Thank Goodness for Websites & Email

 

(The Move from Hell Follow up)

 

 

Do you remember the move from hell post?  One of many issues was, upon arrival to the storage facility, we were informed the climate control 10x10 unit was not available.  I had in hand a written confirmation for the reserved unit.  We were forced to move into two smaller units which did not work.  Our belongings were distorted and disfigured with undue pressure on pieces, etc.  So, we flew back to move into a different unit, and this time, upon arrival the correct unit was available to us...

 

The Storage Pros error ended up costing me in excess of $500 because I had to fly back to Boston, rent a car and return to the facility and move everything into the larger unit.  Upon my arrival home, I discover in my stack of mail, a letter from Storage Pros with a first notice of late payment.  How on earth could I already be late with a payment when I just moved in the larger unit Sept 12th and originally moved in August 30th??????????????   The notice was dated September 19th. 

 

I spent about two hours this morning on the telephone with them and they were not able to explain the transactions of crediting two small units to one larger unit.  Finally the on site manager told me it was an even switch.  No, it was not an even switch!  The two small units totaled $134 month and the one larger unit is $115.  So, no, that's not correct.  She says "Well, YOU think WE owe YOU money.  YELP, I SURE DO!!! 

 

I didn't say it like that - but I did remind her of the 'ordeal' their reservation error had caused me,etc etc.  She said "WELL, THAT IS NOT MY FAULT"  Yes, it is YOUR fault - YOU being STORAGE PROS!  It isn't MY (Gayla) fault - well - I guess it is my fault.  It is my fault that I reserved a unit with STORAGE PROS!!! 

 

My little southern feathers are ruffled and since my fingers can do the talking, I find the contact / email for the President of the company (dlevenfeld@the storage pros dot com) and the COO (iburnstein@ the storage pros dot com) and before I knew it I am hitting the 'send' button of an email.

 

Within thirty minutes, I received a call from Mr. Levenfeld!  All resolved!!  Apology accepted and my next payment is December 30th.  Thank goodness for websites and emails!  Then, I get a call from the Regional Manager also letting me know my account had been resolved and giving me his direct number in case I had any more questions.

 

Hope you had a good day, on-site manager, and hope you learned something today in your customer service session!

 

Lock it up,

Gayla

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Do you Snore? How Do You Know?

The Gayla Pink Apple

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Do You Snore? 

Yes / No ?

How Do You Know?

 

 

Well, of course not, I do not snore!  I know that I don't - that's just not something I've ever done.  Right?  Of course, I'm right.

 

Just ask Blair!  Wait, No, Don't ask Blair - I'm not sure she will tell the truth on this one!  Seems since we discussed this a week or so ago, she decided to record me during the night a couple nights before I left NYC.  The next morning, Blair smiles at me so sweetly and says "I've got blackmail evidence on you"!  WHAT?  What are you talking about?  I haven't done anything that would require the need to blackmail me.  What are you talking about?  That devilish smile remained on her face and in a very soft voice she says "I recorded you sleeping last night and - hmmmmm - and ah ---- you were snoring" 

 

 

OH NO, THAT CAN'T BE!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Let me listen to it!!!!  Oh, that's not snoring - that's heavy breathing!  Whew, I knew I didn't snore. 

 

Do you snore?  Yes / No?  How do you Know?  Because, I just know, that's how!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

Sweet Dreams,

Gayla

Prancing Like a Little June Bug

The Gayla Pink Apple

 

Prancing Around Like A Little June Bug

 

What does prancing around like a little June bug mean, anyway?  Hmmmm, I am not sure except in my world it always meant excitement! 

Casey when she was much younger - age 7 or 8 yrs; she is now 14 yrs old

I call this her 'fancy' portrait - all groomed and fancy

 

Excitement describes what little Casey was last night when I got home.  Casey is our little 14 year old shih tzu.  She was so excited and surprised to see me walk through the door.  She was prancing and dancing around with excitment.  Just in case you're wondering why that warrants writing about - well - Casey doesn't hear well and doesn't see very well.  Her prancing and dancing days were somewhat of the past.  She can't get up and down the steps to go outside.  We pick her up and set her down so she doesn't have to struggle getting up and down the porch steps.  As always, she goes out to "do her business" as soon as we get home - last night after my arrival was no different  - except - on the way back in the house -  instead of stopping at the steps to be picked up she went zooming up those two little "big" steps!  That's when I really realized she was so excited to see me she forgot she can't get up and down the steps.   The thought through my head was "Awwwwhhh, she is dancing around like a little June bug." 

 



Casey in a recent photo - age 14 - This is how she spends most of her time!

 

Regardless of how much prancing and dancing, or lack thereof, from a pet, they are always glad you're home and so proud to see ya!

I received these flowers a few months ago for my birthday - remind you of Casey????  Yelp!

Home Again,

Gayla

 

 



A "Gayla" of a Time

The Gayla Pink Apple

 

It's Been A "Gayla" of a Time!

 

 

I am not sure yet how much I will continue to blog when I return home in LR - my life isn't nearly as exciting as it has been the past month while in Boston and New York City.....I'll  have to wait and see. 

 

I've booked my flight home. I'm excited to be going home, yet a little bit sad to leave NYC.   Thank you, Blair, for allowing me to experience your last two weeks in Boston and then these past three weeks in NYC with you. 

 

I grew up in the country and appreciate the values and genuine love and beauty from my youth - but have to admit I really do love being in a big city - whether it's DC, Chicago, Boston, or NYC (ones I've spent time in) - I love the hustle and bustle and then the ease of walking a few blocks for whatever I need or want.  It may be soap and toothpaste, or bread and milk, regardless,  it is just across or down the street.  I love walking to dine in a local restaurant where you get to know the people by their first names.  I love seeing the doorman every time I go in and out of the apartment and stopping to say hello to him.   I love hailing a taxi - LOL - makes me feel so citified to step off the sidewalk and hold up my arm with such force as if to say "hey, pick me up."  Silly to some, I'm sure  -  but for me - it feels like living life! 

 

Yes, I love the country side and the beauty of the trees too.  Although I enjoy the calm and peacefulness of sitting outside at my parents looking through the woods, it also brings that funny feeling in my heart - that sadness that make me feel like I'm alone and wonder if life has past me by.  That odd feeling in my soul that makes me reminisce of the past and wonder if I have accomplished anything in my 57 years.  The part of me that's scared and sad to admit I have regrets and fears of what is ahead.  Then, when I'm finished allowing all those feelings to navigate through my body, I feel God  - his peace, joy, and love.  As the saying goes, I'm in God's country -- all is good.

Then a jolt of reality where I pull myself together to stand tall with confidence and put one foot in front of the other and continue - some days unsure where I'm going and other days the mundane repeat of where I usually am.  The jolt of reality that sometimes I'm content and other times I'm restless.  The jolt of reality that regardless of where I am, time passes, people come and go, things change, life happens!

 

To be frank, I guess it really doesn't matter if I'm sitting in the backyard in Arkansas or in an apartment in NYC, life still ticks by year by year, month by month, day by day, moment by moment --I try to live and enjoy each day granted to me!  The joy comes from being with the people you love, whether it's my country roots, my little city, or the big city - or anywhere else!

 

Off to the airport!!!! A long day ahead of boarding planes, departures, landings, connecting flights, etc.  and eventually will land in the ROCK!!!  For now, for me, it is -- so long - farewell NYC!! I've had a "Gayla of a Time"!!! I've enjoyed blogging with you all.   Hope you enjoyed  - I certainly enjoyed sharing my stories.

 

The Gayla Pink Apple,

 



Keep on Pounding!!!

The Gayla Pink Apple



My Feet Keep On Pounding
Manhattan Bridge Run

Blair and I ran the Manhattan Bridge today.  So glad to be able to squeeze one more bridge run into my week.  I was thinking earlier I didn't have time to run any more bridges - so it was nice when we decided to squeeze it in today. 

Gayla after Manhattan Bridge run 9-23-2012

I enjoyed this run - it was not crowded and the view of the River was nice. I wasn't able to get a good photo opportunity - just not a good angle no matter where I stood. The Manhattan Bridge is not as pretty as the Brooklyn Bridge but I am glad that we ran it anyway! 

My Feet Need a Rest,
Gayla

All that Jazz!!





The Gayla Pink Apple

 

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All That Jazz!

 



 

Have you ever heard of Cleopatra's Needle?  Well, me neither!  Well, actually I have, but had forgotten how I'd heard of it.  After being reminded - of course - I saw it on Rachel Ray's $40 A Day Show several years ago.  Rachel Ray went there on one of her shows.  I don't really care much for the Rachel Ray Show (talk show) and do not watch it - as matter of fact - I've never watched a complete show.  But, when she did 30 Minute Meals and $40 A Day on Food Network I indeed watched fairly often.  I don't think RR made Cleopatra's Needle famous...believe it was famous long before RR visited. 

I've never been too keen on jazz but admit a few years back was visiting with an old friend who loved jazz.  I listened to some jazz as I reminisced a little and actually enjoyed it. 

 

Cleopatra's Needle is named after the famed monument in Central Park, and is a well known New York spot for its'  live jazz.   Cleopatra's Needle is close to us, so I felt I should go and and listen to "all that jazz!"

Cheers,
Gayla

 









Reggie

The Gayla Pink Apple

 

I've Fallen in Love With My NYC Neighbor, Reggie

 

 

While here in NYC apartment with my daughter, I have fallen for the next door neighbor.  No, I haven't spent very much time with him yet.  Well, I've met him once in the elevator and I've seen him several times in the hall, etc.  He is a very handsome heck of a specimen.  He is tall, well built, and catches your eye.  His name is Reggie.  Every single time we get off the elevator he greets us.  No, I can't see him through his door, but I hear him - woof woof - woof woof - woof woof woof.  

 

I've waited to post about my affection for Reggie because I kept thinking I'd meet him in the hall one more time and ask if I could take his picture.  But, I am running out of time so I decided to go ahead and share my lust for Reggie.

My Heart Smiles,
Gayla

 

 

This-N-That to Finish the Day (9-21-2012)

The Gayla Pink Apple

 

This-N-That to Finish the Day

 



After running the Brooklyn Bridge this morning, Blair and I decided to check out Pier 15.  Pier 15 is a double decker above the East River with great views of the Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan.   We found a spot to sit and rest and enjoy the views. .  . kind of a recovery spot for us after our run.





View of Brooklyn Bridge from Pier 15

Photo by Blair - 9/21/12

A walk down Wall Street and stopped to take a picture of the New York Stock Exchange building.  We sent the picture to Randy - very fitting!



NYSE

Photo by Blair - 9/21/12

 

Then, it was off to see if we could get Broadway tickets again for tonight....decided on Peter and the Starcatcher!  The play is about the origin of Peter Pan.  Dinner in Times Square and a Crumbs Cupcake after the play.  Fun day and night - I'm tired.  My blogs (journal) are getting shorter and shorter!  LOL 

Goodnight and Sweet Dreams!
Gayla



The Beat of my Feet - BB

The Gayla Pink Apple

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The Beat of My Feet on the Brooklyn Bridge Today

  

Blair and I ran the Brooklyn Bridge today!  I could hear the beat of my feet as I ran this famous bridge.  Running the Brooklyn Bridge in New York was another special run for me. 

There are a lot of bridges in New York but I won't have the opportunity to run them all.  The Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, and the George Washington Bridge to name a few. 

Brooklyn Bridge -- Photo by Blair-September 21, 2012

As you may know, Blair and I ran the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco a few months ago (in June).  Must admit that the Brooklyn Bridge (BB) can't hold a candle to the Golden Gate (GG)!  Just no comparison.  Sorry BB!  The GG is so much prettier - the water view is so much nicer and it is easy to see the water as you run the GG - you feel the water and the calm.  The BB running area is dirty - I felt like I had to watch every step that hit the pavement.  Much of the running route for pedestrians does not share the view of the water.  At one point you do see the Statute of Liberty - but if you blink you will miss seeing it! 

Blair after running Brooklyn Bridge - September 21 2012

Having said that, the Bridge is very pretty architecturally.   The weather was perfect.   So, all in all, another sweet awwhhhhh moment for this lady.



 Gayla after running Brooklyn Bridge - 9/21/2012 

 

The Beat of My Feet,

Gayla





It's Just A Spoonful of Sugar

The Gayla Pink Apple

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It's Just A Spoonful of Sugar 

Mary Poppins on Broadway
 

Blair and I celebrated her upcoming birthday by going to see Mary Poppins musical on Broadway last night.  We had a great day and evening in Times Square.

 

SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS

 



She love love loved Mary Poppins growing up and could sing every single song.  She could act out the movie as she watched it on VCR down in the playroom when she was about 6 years old.  I can still hear and see her singing "It's just a spoonful of sugar - helps the medicine go down, the medicine go down, etc.   Although some folks might not choose Mary Poppins musical on Broadway while in NYC, we did.  There's even a Mary Poppins collectible Barbie Doll still at my house.  We had orchestra seats tonight and loved the performance. Nice evening and sweet memories for a birthday outing! 

 

A Spoonful of Sugar,

Gayla

 

 

 



My New York City Splurge Purchase

The Gayla Pink Apple

My splurge purchase 
while in New York City

 

The other day when I was shopping on 5th Avenue, I mentioned my desire for a splurge purchase.  You know, one of those things you buy which is really too expensive, but you just want it and do it anyway.  No justification or need - just a want.  I didn't make a splurge purchase last week - bought Christmas ornaments instead.  But I knew I was capable of making a splurge purchase if I saw the right item. 

Usually it is a handbag or luggage or wallet - something I can't buy in LR - meaning designer name etc. Anyway, I don't do it often - but admit - I have done so when I'm traveling or in a big city. I have made splurge purchases in Washington, DC while traveling there with work the past five or so years; In Chicago with Blair when traveled there several times to visit colleges and see the musical Wicked (twice); and in Boston on Newbury Street the past four years while Blair was in college there!

I think I need a splurge purchase in New York City, don't you?   Yes, I agree - so, my splurge purchase is a pair of Dolce and Gabbana shoes - heels - yes, heels!  Oh dear! Will I wear them?  Yes, I most certainly will wear them. If you know me very well at all you know I've always worn heels, especially to work and when the opportunity arises to get all dressed up!   So, when you see me at Christmas, or at your next wedding, or special event, just look down at my feet to see if I am wearing my Dolce & Gabbana heels!  Smile at me and say "New York City splurge" and you will make my day or evening!!! I might even click my heels together for you, but don't expect us to end up in Kansas City.  :-) 

Clicking My Heels With A Sass,
Gayla


 

Gennaro's New York

The Gayla Pink Apple

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Gennaro's

Gennaro's New York

 

 Gennaro's is a local spot for some excellent Italian food - and our landlady had talked about taking us to this restaurant since day one - she said she wanted to introduce Blair to them.  She dines here often and it was obvious she is a regular by the greeting she received from everyone.  They all knew she had guests with her too - we were treated extremely well.  Of course, I think being with someone who goes there at least every Monday night, if not more than once a week, you could expect to be greeted exceptionally.  As we were leaving, I overheard the lady at the next table say, "see you next Monday!"  GdeL didn't lead us astray because the food was fantastic and very reasonable.  It was obvious by the clientele this is a local place because everyone seem to know each other and - well - you could just tell by the way they looked.  No tourists in Gennaro's, tonight anyway.

 

I love dining at places where mostly locals go and I thought it was so sweet how the staff doted over our sweet 90 year old landlady.  She could recite the menu from memory and she talked with the waiter as if he were family.  How are the children?  He apologized for not having shaved yet (we were there early) and pulled his electric razor out of his pocket.  GdeL said she noticed that! LOL.  He left and told us that when he came back he would look like a different person. Sure enough, he came back with a clean shaven face!  Cute huh?  How many people go into a restaurant and talk with the waiter about whether or not he has shaved yet that day?  He knew her favorites.  She told him she wanted to order the kale salad so we could taste it.  He brought the salad out on three separate plates.  I love things like that - I love it when you are treated with such kindness.  I'm going to try and make the kale salad at home - it was spectacular!

 

A lady at the next table - who obvously knew GdeL - asked how we knew each other.  All three of us looked at each other with a big smile and somewhat puzzled look on our faces because we didn't really know how to answer that.  The lady said "obviously it's a long story."  GdeL said, "well, it's a good one." 

 

I'm confident Blair can go to Gennaro's on her own and - although she may not be able to chat with the guy about whether or not he shaved before work - I'm sure she will be greeted with a very warm welcome - like a local! 

 

Buon Appetito,

Gayla





 

 



 

 



A Slob Blog

The Gayla Pink Apple

 

A Slob Blog 

I feel somewhat of a slob and I am not sure I should feel that way!  Hmmmmmm....No, I am not a slob - actually the opposite.  But, for some reason :) an adorable and lovely 90 year old New York City lady can go circles around me.  I mean seriously, this lady has more lunch and dinner appointments in a week than I have in six months.  I am a little jealous.  She still works and goes and goes and goes!  I think it is FANTASTIC!  But, secretly - internally - just a teeny tiny bit - I feel like a slob.  I can sleep late - not GdeL, she doesn't sleep late (I'll call this lady GdeL since I don't want to give her full name in a public blog post.)  I can nap in the afternoons - seldom does GdeL nap. 

She has her coffee made in her cute french coffee press before I can get my coffee in mine.  She even grinds the coffee beans for both of us.   Yes, I am a french press coffee gal but stopped using it a few years back when the kcup and Keurig machines became the thing.   Plus, I hate emptying the coffee grounds from a french press.  I make a huge mess cleaning the thing - not GdeL, she can empty hers using a little strainer and not make a mess at all.

GdeL is up and has her hair and make up finished and I'm still walking around in my cami and pj bottoms.  She can go to the market and run errands and back before I get off the toilet.  She can take the bus downtown to a business meeting and lunch and get back and I'm still in the den drinking coffee and looking at facebook and blogging!  I go nap and when I get up she is refreshed, and having another meeting in the parlor with a glass of wine, and an hour or two later she is out the door to dinner. 

 

GdeL's phone rings off the wall.  My phone seldom rings.  And, I carry that iphone around with me like someone might need me pronto - well that is true - I carry it just in case my child needs me - but you get my point.  GdeL has her cell phone but honestly she is too busy to mess with it.  Her phone even rings at night after I'm in bed.  She has more phone messages on her answering machine than my machine can hold, I think!  She can fly through listening to them and quickly hit the delete button or take down notes on which calls are important or not.  She even has an ipad (I don't) but heavens she most definitely doesn't sit still long enough to tap and scroll on an ipad screen and when she does it is not going to be devoted to tapping and scrolling.  She will be reading or listening to music.  To say she is one of a kind is an understatement. I will say she always stops and takes the time to sit and visit with me, in spite of her busy schedule, and I have loved every minute. 

  

Indeed this adorable and lovely 90 year old NYC lady can go circles around me - but in my defense - she has lived here since she was about 7 years old!!!  I think I'm entitled to do whatever I want  - don't you? 

This Slob (Not) Smiles,
Gayla

 




Dogs, Dogs, & More Dogs + Soapy Bubbles & Cheers

The Gayla Pink Apple

 

Dogs, Dogs, and More Dogs

Soapy Bubbles

Cheers!

Dogs, Dogs, and More Dogs --- Why does everyone own a dog in NYC?  Everywhere you walk there are people and their dogs.  Their dogs pee and poop right there in front of you on the sidewalk.  Yes, most owners pick up the poop but still no wonder the wind smells like pee.  Dried dog pee is everywhere you step.   I am serious -  It seems like 8 out of 10 people walking have a dog on a leash.  Part of me feels sorry for the dogs – they don’t know what they are missing not having grass to walk on or a nice back yard.  Man’s Best Friend – literally!

Soapy Bubbles --- Laundry is in the basement of the apartment building.  Not a big deal, but must share a little laugh.  Monday was laundry day for us.  There were four washing machines in the room and two were being used.  We used the other two.  Being somewhat untrusting I decide not to leave the machines unattended. I sat down to wait and chat as the washers took our clothing from dirty to clean.  There was a water drinking fountain at the end of the room.  You know, one of those drinking fountains we used to see in school where you bend over and turn it on and put your mouth in the water as it shoots up.  All of a sudden soapy bubbles start coming up from the drain of the water fountain.  Our eyes widened and we look at each other and start laughing.  I really wanted to take a picture of it but didn’t have my iphone with me.  Dang it!  Oh well, no big deal, everyone has seen bubbles coming out of the drain of a water fountain, right?  It gets better….all of a sudden this young asian boy – guessing in his late 20’s – walks in and bends over the drinking fountain and gets a drink of water.  Yes, the bubbles are still there and he works hard to tilt his chin as not to get bubbles on his chin.  HE MUST HAVE BEEN VERY VERY THIRSTY!  I indeed believe he left with soapy bubbles on his chin!   Good Gracious!!! 

A trip back to Boston to move into the correct storage unit was on the ‘to do’ list this week.  Surprisingly, the storage facility had the correct unit this time.  Wonder why?  All of a sudden the climate control 10 x 10 unit was available - a week after we showed up with movers and a moving truck and were told no such unit – even though we had a written confirmation in hand!  I am curious if my call to the home office where we were told the unit should have been available because their records indicate there were several cc 10x10 units empty.  I was also told they would be following up to find out what went wrong.  I didn’t question or comment – took the unit – and B & G Movers moved all of the furniture without help from others.  It fit perfectly and we’re happy!  Happy about the way the things fit, but not happy that their error cost me two airfares from NYC to Boston, a hotel for one night in Boston, a rental car to get back to the storage place and two taxi fares at $60 each in NYC to get back and forth to the airport.  All in all their error costs me a lot which should have never happened in the first place.  That’s life isn’t it? 

Yesterday’s agenda was a run in Central Park around the reservoir and today it’s a pedicure – Apple Spa!  Fitting name isn’t it!  I agree!  Big difference in visiting NYC and seeing the famous sights, Broadway plays, and fine dining than living in NYC and trying to navigate as a resident in a neighborhood.  Thank goodness for our sweet landlady who tells us exactly what we need to know.   I’m making plans for return to LR soon.  I’m confident Blair will be taken care of – she already loves her landlady and I'm confident the landlady will love Blair.  I told the lady tonight that she would need to fill in for me the 28^th because it was Blair’s birthday.  She smiled and said one son birthday was Sept 24^th; the other son Sept. 26^th, and Blair Sept 28^th.  How cool!!! 

It’s time for Champagne… celebrate our nice accommodations with a wonderful lady with a bottle of champagne!  Cheers!  It’s been a good week!  Yes, it’s a ‘gayla’ of a time!

My Heart Smiles,

Gayla

The Big Pink Apple

 

Hello New York

The Big Apple

 

The Big Pink Apple

 

Susan G Komen 5K - Central Park - New York City

September 9, 2012 

WOW!  How do I even start this blog.  Honored and privileged beyond words to have run the Susan G Komen 5K in Central Park, New York City, today.



Blair and I ran this event today with great pride and joy and I am at a loss for words to describe how I felt.  As a victim of breast cancer in 2005 and today as a breast cancer survivor, I have worked hard in an attempt to stay active for my health and well being which in part includes running. 

I ran my first 5K last year ( October 2011 ) which was the Susan G Komen Arkansas 5K after training with the SGKomen Foundation Arkansas Affiliate at War Memorial Stadium last year.  Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever believed at age 56 I would actually run a quarter of a mile much less a 5K (3.1 miles). 

NYC Central Park Race for the Cure

Emotions are high and over power me during any SGKomen event as I think of the thousands of women who are victims of breast cancer - some losing their battle - while others survive.  Today, participating in the Susan G Komen 5K in Central Park in New York was just an over the top experience for me.

My Tears of Joy Flow - My Soul Grateful - I was given a second chance at living so I live each day trying to live life instead of just exist.  Some days I'm successful, other days not.  But regardless of which day it is, I'm lucky for the opportunity to do either.  This morning was one of living life in the sweetest way for me - it took my breath away!

My Heart Sings and Smiles,
Gayla

Hallelujah - NYC Housing Acquired!

The Gayla Pink Apple

NYC Housing Acquired 

Hallelujah
Prayers Answered - Thank You, Lord

 

 

HOUSING ACQUIRED!!!!!!!!!!  Finally a full nights sleep with no waking up with my heart racing and my stomach churning and my mind fretting of  panic - fear - tears!  A night of peace with a big sigh of relief. 

 

Blair will be staying with a wonderful lady in a clean and nice place!  I do not wear my faith on my sleeve, so to speak, but THANK YOU, LORD.  This person does not rent room/s in her home.  She has opened her home to Blair after being told by complete strangers to us - yet someone she knew - about Blair.  I'm grateful beyond words!  I feel there is God behind all this and that there is real meaning in Blair meeting and staying with this warm and kind lady.

 
I am not going to share the details of this because of security and safety and this being a public blog. I will say that the first day here we walked into a hell of a mess - and ended up in a room that was difficult to live in - but at least off the street. We made the best of it and I ended up enjoying the lady who scrambled at the last minute to clear out a spot for us in her home.  However, it was not a solution, it was merely getting us off the street.  It is a great relief and comfort to have found a nice clean place for Blair with a wonderful lady and I am welcomed as well. 
 

My Heart Smiles Again,

Gayla