Is This A Great City or What?

This was one of those outstanding days in New York. It always yields some quality bits and pieces:

-The downtown subway came to a dead standstill in the tunnel between Times Square and Penn Station. The problem? A passenger assault took place in the train ahead of mine. Musta been one hell of a cat fight--there were multiple injuries that required emergency attention from the police and EMT. We were held in the tunnel many minutes while train victims were pulled to the platform for treatment. Apparently some hothead got arrested as well. I do love good street theater.

-So I get to the office and notice an oddly appealing trend. Red, the assistant, is wearing a rather fetching argyle scarf. Then Norma appears, wearing a cool, funky deconstructed cardigan in a soft argyle pattern. When I hit the streets at lunchtime, I suddenly see a sea of people swathed in argyle. Not your Father's argyle; we're talking unconventional and inspiring showing of the argyle. I wish I could test out this pattern, but it'll be lost for those days I'm in Connecticut. Trust me. Dammit.

-You know what I like about being in New York? I like the way men look at women here. It's bold and startling and frank. My stalwart feminism aside, I am still a woman who enjoys obvious appreciation from men. I admit it. My Mom, she who now resides in an urn in the dining room, always said, "Better to be looked over than overlooked." I enjoy passing a man in the street and having him giving me the once over, approvingly. And why not? Today I got a few smiles, a couple of nods, one or two "hellos" and one "HELL-O!" (Right back at you, brother UPS man). Guys, this old broad thanks you. Once outside the city, natural reserve and manners prohibit this kind of in-your-face acknowledgement. If I didn't catch one of my CT male colleagues checking out my rack now and again, I'd think I was completely over the hill.

-I had a nice reunion with The Glamazon. She'd just returned from a long weekend with The Idiot (not Dostoevsky's Idiot; just her boyfriend). They'd been touring Vermont and made their usual stops. One of these places was the famous Vermont Country Store. This bastion of country living features nostalgia products (Dippity Do, Pssst dry shampoo, Jean Nate cologne, etc) and it also features other distinct items. She'd bought a product that neutralizes smells in the bathroom--you actually spray it into the toilet directly so it gives others the sensation that you don't leave smell when you crap. This miracle product is called "After You've Gone." Now, some people bring candy or maple sugar after they tour Vermont; the Glamazon brings us toilet sanitizer. She is such a doodle. See for yourself:
http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/jump.jsp?itemID=0&itemType=HOME_PAGE

-I went for the follow up appointment with my orthopedist. The VERY bad news--Dr. McDreamy is now working at the hospital full time and is no longer attending the private practice office hours. He was replaced by a milquetoast physician named Dr. Rosen. It blows. The good news? No cartilage tears were detected and surgery will not be required; just a little physical therapy before I start running again. And I can start kickboxing again on Saturday! Although (honestly) I would be willing to suffer knee replacement surgery just to have Dr. McD stroking my knee again. And other parts.

-I saw a leopard pencil skirt in the window of Express on 5th Avenue. I bought it. I just had to tell someone.

I do love this joint.