The Story Behind the Picture

This picture is all over the internet.

It's on this site, and it's also my Twitter avatar. It was originally my profile pic on Weddingbee too. I occasionally use it on Facebook.

What am I doing and where am I? I'm on a small charter boat taking a tour of the San Francisco Bay. It was my first time in Northern California, and Husband J and I were taking advantage of some stunning NorCal weather that day. We didn't get to actually go to Alcatraz, but it was still a fun time tooling around the bay. I don't have the photo edting skills to delete the woman behind me. Have you ever noticed her in the pic?

Alcatraz from afar

The white boat is one of the official ferry tour boats you can take to Alcatraz. We were too cheap and crunched for time to do that. Something else to do next time.

The Golden Gate Bridge

Passing underneath the bridge. I wish the bridges on the East Coast were red.

At the time this was Fiance J (or Mr. Swan, if you read Weddingbee) and not Husband J

I want and need a new signature pic as I like to call it. Yet in some ways, I like looking back at this picture because it was taken before I even began to blog (and before I obsessively took pictures of anything with the intention of writing about it). Actually, I remember the day I wrote my first blog post on my personal wedding blog. It was December 14, 2008, a few weeks after this was taken. I got up the courage to actually have my little space on the internet. Thank you ladies of Weddingbee past who inspired me to do it!

I guess it's a good thing that pre-blogger me is represented all over the internet. It makes me remember what my life was like before I talked about myself incessantly on the interwebs. :) I have always thought that remembering and understanding who you have been in the past informs who you'll be in your future. Cheers to pre-blogging me! :)

Happy Weekend, everyone!

Meeting Baby J

Okay, I just have to share.

Husband J and I went to see my newborn niece a few weeks ago. If you remember, BLT, Husband J's brother, and his wife, SLJ, came to visit us in late August. By the way, baby J was one of four children I knew born that week. A friend in Italy gave birth one Saturday; Baby J and other couple friend's baby were born on the same day a few days later; and my cousin gave birth the following Saturday. Four babies in one week! :)

Anyway, introducing Baby J.......

She's such a cutie pie!!!

My brother-in-law and sister-in-law are brave people. They let ME hold Baby J. I am deathly afraid of newborns (3 months and up is more my bag), yet here I was feeding her. I even got her to make a nice audible burp. Go me!

I think she does looks a little scared though. I don't blame her considering I am not that knowledgeable on all things baby.

Since it was Halloween, Baby J got dressed up. I think her outfit is very chic. :)

She was a little zebra!

Okay. Thank you for indulging me, the gushing auntie. :)

Zoning Out in Arizona - A Slow Day at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel

Phoenix seems like it is a nice place. I say "seem" because I didn't really get to see much of it outside of what I caught driving through the city to our hotel and a few other places.

For some reason, I had brought all of the rain and cool weather to the desert from New York. I couldn't believe the thunderstorms and downpours we experienced in Phoenix for our one day there. Added to the fact that Phoenix didn't strike me as a place to wander around on foot, we ended up spending much of our day in Husband J's hotel room (I was leaving the next day). Well actually, I watched TV and read, whileHusband J worked remotely. I did wander some around the hotel though.

For his conference, Husband J got to stay at the Arizona Biltmore. It is a beautiful hotel that takes you back in time with its architecture. The grounds are meticulously maintained; and, in addition to the hotel, there is a planned community of gorgeous homes and a world-class golf course.

The pool area. Very Art Deco 1920's looking, isn't it? I picture old Hollywood actresses wearing classic bathing suits and sunning themselves here.

I got a kick out of this life-size chess set. There were checkers there too in case that's your preferred game.

So, can you tell that I like these?

Of course after exploring the hotel, I did not take a picture of our room. It was a pretty standard one but most definitely spacious. If anything, it was freezing in there from the air conditioning and cool temperatures from outside and therefore not particularly comfortable. I spent a good part of the afternoon under the covers in bed.

Regardless of your day, you have to eat some time. We stayed onsite and ate at Frank & Albert's for lunch. We were a part of a group of people that sat outside even with ominous rain clouds slowly moving towards us. I wanted to sit outside because I knew that this could possibly be my last meal outside for 2010.

For lunch we had:

Smashed avocados (not guacamole mind you!) made with cilantro + jalepeno with perfectly warmed tortilla chips

Yellow Tomato Gazpacho with cracked crab and smashed avocado for me.

I loved this dish. I was not upset by all of the avocado I was eating for lunch as I can eat them ALL day long. The gazpacho need a bit more seasoning, but I loved the texture and its refreshing flavor.

Rotisserie Chicken Salad (pulled chicken, cabbage, crispy corn noodles, candied cashews, carrots and creamy Pineapple-Ginger dressing) for Husband J

In between bites of salad, a conference call and several furtive glances and sighs directed towards his Blackberry, Husband J said it was good. That's all I got out of him. I tasted a few bites, and it was definitely a standard healthy chicken salad (maybe minus the creamy dressing). Again, some seasoning would have been helpful.

After an afternoon of watching lots of ESPN (a girl has got to keep up with her Fantasy Football team), we headed over to The Phoenician resort and hotel for a tasting event and dinner at J & G Steakhouse. The Phoenician is FANCY and was actually the site of Husband J.'s conference. I'll talk about J & G Steakhouse in another post.

The Phoenician's absolutely fabulous pool area. No more rain!

One thing I will tell you is that I normally won't eat at hotel restaurants in a new city unless they are relatively known. I'd rather just go to restaurant in a fun part of town and get a sense for the area. Why did we not do this in Phoenix? Well, traditionally most restaurants are CLOSED on MONDAY nights. I have to admit that I had not really experienced that before. When I kept researching places for us to eat that night, I kept seeing a pattern all over again: Closed on Monday, Closed on Monday, Closed on Monday...I figured if we ate at a hotel, we'd be able to find some food somewhere. :)

I hope I'll get another chance someday to hang out in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. Maybe not on a Monday? Just kidding! :)

Do restaurants in your city collectively close on Monday (or any other days for that matter?)? Have you ever traveled with a significant other, family member or friend and work got in the way?

Hometown Tourist - Watching the NYC Marathon Brooklyn Style

I love the New York City Marathon. It's one of my favorite fall events in the city. It's usually my Halloween since for a variety of reasons I am not too into that holiday, and it's often within a week of the marathon. I don't know why the marathon makes me giddy. Maybe it's for the same reasons that I told you that I like sports. I like being active (to a point) and seeing others be active too. Yet my love for the marathon is also based on the idea of setting goals, achieving them and pushing yourself beyond what you think you can accomplish. I have always been touched, humbled and awed by the bravery of marathoners to put themselves out there in such a public way. The marathon always inspires me, and I usually get emotional at some point while I watch it (I watch the Ironman Triathlon almost every year on TV, and I am usually a bawling mess by the end).

Enough of my emotional drivel! :) I love being so close to a major NYC event too. Husband J and I live near a corner that makes it extremely easy to see the marathon each year, so we both are usually out cheering on runners early. Apparently, we live at approximately Mile 8. I just learned this yesterday!

I don't know about the other boroughs, but I think Brooklyn does a great job of cheering on the runners. As a matter of fact I overheard a man last year tell his friend, "You know, it's not really like this in other cities." :)

I mean a band playing at 9:30am in 40 degree weather?

In front of the Dunkin' Donuts, of course

You can buy their album on ITunes. The music was actually pretty decent.

Depending on the weather, I try to come prepared to watch. I usually stay out for a couple of hours. This year I had to be pretty vigilant since it was colder than in years past. I think it was in the low 40's at about 9am when I stepped outside.

A thermos full of hot chocolate! :)

Husband J had a little cap on and sunglasses. It was a gorgeously SUNNY day. If I remember correctly, I don't think it's ever rained on marathon day since I've watched.

I must really love you all to post this picture 'cause I look like a hot mess! The marathon organizers gave out these folding cardboard pieces that could be made into signs or these loud noise-making fans.

There are quite a few amenities for the runners close. Our location 1/3 of the way into the race would probably require a water break. I would need one at Mile 1!

A water station. I love the volunteers' windbreakers.

A medical station

Inside the medical tent. Edison Pena, the rescued Chilean miner who ran the marathon stopped into one of these in Manhattan before finally finishing.

We did notice a little bit of stepped up security this year. In the past at the early portions of the race, we were able to be really, really close to the first batch of runners (the Elite Men & Women aka the pros). This year, we were told to get on the sidewalk before ANY participants came by.

The police canine team was out this year too (never saw this before). That dog REALLY didn't like some people.

Being relegated to the sidewalk did mean one good thing: warm air vents! Nice!

Finally, it was time to see some marathon-ing. First out were the wheelchair and some other of the other participants with physical disabilities. I am most awed by their determination and physical strength.

Maybe one day, I'll be one of these guides.

At that point a sizable crowd had gathered.

There's definitely a different kind of buzz in the air when the Elite runners are about to pass by. First, there are police officers on motorcycles, but then there is a truck carrying the official time for the race.

While not up close and personal, we did get to see the pro runners.

Here's the first group of the Elite Women. If you can believe this, the woman who won, Edna Kiplagat of Kenya, is actually the woman wearing a white singlet all the way to the right and barely in this picture. Shalane Flanagan, wearing the white knee socks, was the top US finisher and came in 2nd place. Love the knee socks!

After a brief break, the men came by.

Yes, this is a blurry pic, but I wanted to show you the time. 39 minutes and 41 seconds. Wow! That's slow by NYC marathon standards actually. Crazy thought, ain't it?

This is all I could get of the Elite Men. They were that fast!

Then the masses came. :) My favorite thing to do is to call out peoples' names with words of encouragement. Often runners will wear T-shirts and singlets with their names on them. For the most part, I think they appreciate the shout out.

The NYC marathon is a really an international event, and the runners are often representing their countries pretty proudly or not taking themselves too seriously.

This guy in white and waving a Japanese flag ran the marathon in a swan costume. I like swans. :)

If I ever run the marathon, I want a nice big sign like this. I hope Thijs from the Netherlands appreciated this flag!

Every year, Husband J and I notice one of the local fire companies out cheering for one of New York's Bravest (local nickname for firefighters). We didn't see them for awhile, but they eventually showed up!

This is the flag of the Philippines.

Some runners actually managed to find their friends and family and drop things off like this guy! I wonder if I would have the presence of mind to even do that.

I guess this marathon was of even greater interest to me since I've started to run a little. The day before I had just finished 2.5 miles at a decent pace on the treadmill (Husband J and I ran the afternoon of the marathon too). I would not have been able to do that even a few months ago. Maybe my goal of a 5k is not as crazy as it seemed a few months ago.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed a look at one of my favorite NYC mornings in the fall.

In My 'Hood - Mile End Delicatessen

I've been inadvertently passing by Mile End Delicatessen in my neighborhood for awhile now (Hey, it happens. It's off a side street!). Husband J has been telling me about the lines out the door on weekends. Since I am not a really big meat eater, I guess I was not in a rush to try it; but I am glad that I stopped off for lunch a few weeks ago.

Mile End is a spiffed up, modern, hipster-y version of the traditional Jewish delicatessen...matzoh ball soup and all. I actually wish I had tasted the matzoh ball soup. I LOVE matzoh ball soup! Mile End is also known for its Montreal bagels. Seriously, y'all, I didn't even know that there were special kinds of bagels from Montreal! Apparently, they are thinner than regular bagels, boiled in honey infused water, then baked in (world-renowned, who knew?!) Saint-Viateur wood-burning ovens. Sadly, Mile End only serves them on the weekends. They claim that they truck down the bagels from Montreal the night before. I was disappointed that I couldn't try them. Bummer...The bagels are available for pre-order online, so next time I'll try to be more proactive.

What did I get instead?

The Smoked Meat sandwich (beef brisket on rye bread with mustard) & Coleslaw

I loved the tangy red cabbage coleslaw instead of the usually creamy, sweet kind. I did like the brisket. It was a little dry, but the parts with the fat were heavenly. I think the fat made the meat more moist and tender. It was seasoned perfectly with just enough flavor to not overpower the beef. I did have to add extra mustard here and there, but golden mustard is really a deli staple, so I didn't care. Overall, a tasty lunch.

While eating at Mile End, I found out that they were about to shoot a commercial for Blackberry. Hey, I've got a Blackberry, even though I really want an Iphone. Get with it, Verizon!!

AND they didn't cast actors. They cast FOOD BLOGGERS. They were supposed to be at Mile End talking about how their Blackberrys help them in blogging. This I'll have to see 'cause I don't feel like mine helps me in this way AT ALL (tweeting, yes; blogging, no). Hey, I blog about food stuff, and I've got a Blackberry...what's up? Can I be in a commercial? :)

Hey guys, over here! Film me...LOL!

I eventually had to get up and leave, so perhaps I am in a shot or two. It's supposed to air on major networks.

Anyway, I had to sign a waiver and loved reading some good 'ol legalese. As a non-practicing lawyer, I sometimes like reading a good contract to take me back to the old days. I love the lines where they tell you they are going to sue the pants off of you, but do it in a nice way. I love you, lawyers! I was actually surprised at what I signed. I doubt people understand some of the ramifications.

I HAVE to go back to Mile End for the:

1. Fresh Challah available on Fridays and by special order during the week.

2. Montreal bagels - I am totally intrigued!

Mile End Delicatessen

97a Hoyt Street

Brooklyn

Happy weekend!

Zoning Out In Arizona - My Faux Hike in the Grand Canyon Western South Rim (Part 2)

Faux hiking? Oh yeah! I'm not really into outdoorsy stuff. Perhaps you've noticed that. I mean I guess I'm not really destined for it. Having grown up in a Black working class neighborhood in New York City in the 80's and 90's, sleeping in a tent in the cold with no bathroom wasn't exactly what many considered a vacation. Just sayin'. Even Oprah noticed the lack o' folks o' color during her recent trip to Yosemite. (By the way, I love the name of that blog link, Outdoor Afro.) While Husband J grew up doing more outdoor related things than me, even he likes the comfort of a warm bed (hence, our stay at the El Tovar).

One of the most popular and challenging ways to see the Grand Canyon is to hike to the bottom of the canyon itself. It's recommend that you do a two day hike with an overnight camp. If you do try to hike to the bottom in one day, make sure to carry more than enough food, water and plan accordingly for the day's weather conditions. The temperature at the canyon bottom can easily reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

During our full day in the Grand Canyon, we decided to see the western portion of the South Rim and make an attempt at a faux hike. Husband J and I walked to one of the bus shuttle stations for access to the western portion of the South Rim. You can't drive to this area of the park. Only shuttle buses, walking and bikes are allowed. The bus shuttle stops off at scenic points along a prescribed route going west towards Hermit's Rest, a rest area.

I say that this was a faux hike because we really didn't go to far off the beaten path. Even though we were on a walking trail, it was right next to the main road. You could always see the buses passing by through the trees. It's not like we went off somewhere by ourselves. :)

Even if it wasn't that far into the wilderness, there was a portion of the walking trail that did get a little rough and required some work.

There were several crazy steps along this portion of the walk. It kinda got a little hairy.

Here are some of the beautiful vistas that we saw along the way:

I actually got Husband J to take a picture of me. How about that?

Can you see the Colorado River?

After quite a bit of walking (and another hop onto the shuttle bus), we finally made it to Hermit's Rest!

It's really just a cute little rustic souvenir shop but still worth the effort. It was designed by Grand Canyon architect diva, Mary Colter.

By the way, you don't have to do our faux hike. You can take the shuttle bus the entire way to Hermit's Rest.

If you have a chance while you're in the South Rim, take a trip to its western edge. It's totally worth it!