Ghetto Indian

Since we left our beloved Sirtaj back in Chelsea, we are on a mission to find a new ghetto Indian haunt.

So today we took a hike over to the East Village. Our destination, Punjabi_Deli
suggested by Raj. It was great! The food was awesome and dirt cheap. I had a small rice with 2 veg, a samosa and a tea for the grand total of $3.50! That's incredible...and incredibly good tasting.

Even though the reviewer on Cheapo Eats says they get zero points for swankiness...I say they were swank enough!

They had a really cranking Bollywood soundtrack playing with the bass turned up. So much for the non-swank! I dig it and will definately go back again.

newcam newcam newcam!

Bernie presented me with a brand new Pentax_Optio_S4i
today! Its the smallest and coolest digital cam ever! I can't wait to document my new work neighborhood on Fotolog.

Also today was weird. My bus was stuck in some sort of horrible traffic and we couldnt even leave Port Authority until an hour past our scheduled start time. I didnt get home until 8:45 pm. That's a 3.5 hour commute tonight. Bad news.

All About Falafel IV

Today I continued my Falafel tour in Greenwich Village dragging Raj and William along. Of course the first stop had to be Mamouns_Falafel on MacDougal St. It was swarming with patrons, this tiny hole in the wall. Sweaty men stuffed pitas full of gorgeous green falafel. There was a mountain of lamb roasting behind them ripe for shaving to prepare the other dish...Swarma-something.

Anyway, I ordered Falafel with Hommus (I like to spell it Hummus, but they spell with an "O" and who am I to correct them?) I ordered extra hot sauce on the side and a cup of lentil soup (all vegetarian). This meal was the best bargain yet at $4.50

After carting it back to our office on Broadway, I opened the foil to reveal, much to my chagrin, most of the hommus had leaked out all over the pita. It was a messy dish, albeit, delish. I still say Pita Pan Cafe was better. The lentil soup was satisfying, although all pureed. Normally, I like a bit of whole dal in my soup.

Please note: The hot sauce at Mamouns in nothing to shake a stick at. It is without a shadow of a doubt the HOTTEST condiment on the planet.

Next Falafel review:
Ali Baba also on MacDougal St.

Monday @ Meetup

Today we moved into our new office space downtown. Its quite beautiful. Its energizing to be all on the same floor again. The funniest thing is that the staff has razor scooters to get from one end of this lengthy hard-wood-floor covered office. Some people took of their shoes and just run and slide from one end to the other.

I can't wait to explore the neighborhood and find a good falafel joint.

Monday Morning, 1:16 am.

Friday was great. Bernie and I finally found an excellent Indian Restaurant right in Silverton. Who'd a thought? Its so wonderful. I say we go at least once a month.

Afterward we had a few cups of cappucino and then witnessed Farenheit 9/11. Im not sure what to say about that other than it made me feel really sick and scared inside about the Bushs.

Saturday: I did a major cleansing of my old kitchen fodder and totally cleaned the downstairs closets. Bernie and I hauled away 2 truckloads of unwanted stuff from my house. Its a great feeling.

Sunday: I think we've found the spot for our reception in Sea Girt. Bernie began tossing a lot of his unnecessary stuff. I felt really weird helping him dispose of his late wife's belongings. He would ask me if I wanted this or that...and it kinda freaked me out. I know its just "stuff" and some of the stuff was quite good. Like, I wouldn't allow beautiful crystal to go to Goodwill.

I don't know how to feel. Its just STUFF. I hate stuff, really, and I dont want to be disrespectful. I feel like I shouldn't have to make the decision on whether or not to keep his late wife's belongings. I feel like the bad guy. I told him I just can't do it.

Bernie is so wonderful. I was sobbing uncontrollably with confusion, and he just kept telling me he loves me with all of his heart and that there are no rules and no right or wrong way to feel. It is truely uncharted territory. Its not like a divorce situation, plus I have not hardly any experience with death. The only people I know who died were really OLD people that lived a long life.

Then I start to think of what Bernie went though and it breaks my heart. I can't empathize nor sympathize. I feel helpless. He has worked very hard to stablize his life for himself and Gigi. He is precious. My treasure. I am blessed to walk with him.

Whacky Wednesday

Today I had a few odd things happen today. First, I woke up late and couldnt find a parking spot for the bus. I parked my car in a lot near a gas station hoping I wouldnt get a ticket. Yesterday I paid nearly $300 in old parking tickets from Little Silver. Anyway....I passed out immediately on the bus. I walked the 20 odd blocks to my office. Random: I have this feeling sometimes, usually in the morning crowd on 7th ave...that we are all on autopilot and our spirits are moving us through the crowd. I love how everyone flows.

Okay...so work, work, work. Weird stuff going on there.

After work I packed up a few items from my desk. One being a kinda hideous christmas grab-bag gift of a "family" photo frame. I tucked it into my knapsack, assured that I would toss it out when I reached my destination.

I headed down into the subway to find no more trips left on my Metro Card. I tried to buy a new one, but the vending machine didnt accept bills and wouldnt accept my ATM card for some odd reason. Suddenly panic stricken, (I didnt want to miss my bus!) I march full-steam from 25th to 42nd St. up 8th Ave.

I made it! yah! So, Im standing on the cue waiting for the 556 express to Freehold Mall and I reach into my bag and pull out the frame (it was blocking my purse) . An elderly hispanic woman complimented me on the frame. I gave it to her. She was over-joyed! Finally! a place to put the pictures of my granddaughter! yay! She tell me all about her commute with is WORSE than mine. WAY worse. Anyway....

The driver of the 556 is really irratic. One time he drove us through the side and back streets of Hoboken to avoid traffic. Today was one of those days. I board the bus, settle in with a fresh copy of the APP and start reading.. We are motoring along the NJ Turnpike when suddenly I look up....."Milltown, NJ" is listed on a water tank in the distance. MILLTOWN? This is close to New Brunswick...which is NO WHERE NEAR where we should be right now!

I start to panic slightly....Did I board the wrong bus? No! of course not! I always take the same bus....then wait....has this bus driver decided to commandere us all to Wilmington DE? We're getting closer to the Burlington Bristol Bridge. Finally he turns off at exit 8 and heads west.
We make it home...I was on the right bus, but why he decided to take the turnpike all the way...is beyond me.

I think I am tired and Im going to bed.

All about Falafel III

Before I discuss my most recent and best yet Falafel find, I must state that for some odd reason I can no longer cut and paste text into my blog nor can I insert links.

This makes me very sad.

Okay, back to Falafel. Today I visited Pita Pan Cafe on 9th between 22nd and 23 (I think) it was the best yet. (I would insert a link, but I can't) Anyway, the falafel with hummus was scrumptious. Lots of fresh veggies included. The texture was somewhat more like Pita Hut, green and earthy.

It passed the ultimate test in my book. My belly felt happy after I consumed this dish. I also tried the Carrot Smoothie which was simply carrot, celery and strawberries. Quite yummy!

Go to the Pita Pan Cafe. Its clean. Lots of nice tables and great airconditioning.

Sunday Night in New York
 
I'm posting from Hampton Bays NY, still here at my brother's house.   Friday night, Bernie and I had a rare date, our first out to hear music.  We headed up to Asbury Park to  The Saint and unbelieveably, one of my favorite Indie bands, http://http://www.dadatheband.com/news/
was performing.  It was totally unexpected and awesome!   Bernie found out that one of his good friends, Rob Dye, will be playing at the Saint in August with Shannon McNally.  He actually plays all over Asbury Park.  Next week he'll be at the Wonder Bar at 4pm on Sunday. 
 
Early the next morning I drove up to Hampton Bays with my children, parents and brother Chris to visit with my youngest brother Tony and his wife Alma and their adorable son, Ronan.   
 
My brother took us out on his 20 ft Cobalt speedboat into Shinnecock Bay.  We anchored at a small island and swam around a bit.  The  water was very clear, sun hot.  It was really quite lovely.
 
So we've been relaxing, walking, visiting. eating all sorts of lovely food.  Its nice to be able to relax sometimes.  I found a set of interesting antique silver teaspoons at a little shop in town.  I took the kids to see Anchorman, which was a little to racey for kids, but ...oh well.
 
Tomorrow early I'll be taking the Montauk line back into NYC.
 

If the sun refused to shine, I would still be loving you.
If the mountains fall to the sea, there would still be you and me.

All about Falafel II

Today after I soothing pedicure and manicure I tracked down another suggested Falafel joint:
Pita_City

I tried the falafel with hummus pita with turkish iced coffee. The falafel was different from Pita Hut in that it has less green and sesame and was not fried as long. Definately more pleasant, but Pita Hut tasted more healthy for some reason. Both good choices.

The turkish coffee tasted like kerosene at first, but began to grow on me.

ZEN

All about Falafel

On Monday I prepared Falafel for supper. It made me feel very happy inside. So today Raj and I ate lunch at Pita_Hut

Read the review! It was really quite good. I also had a "body cleansing" fresh juice made from beets, carrot and cucumber. The atmosphere inside was not as bad as the reviewer makes it sound. It was clean and cool with hand-painted murals on the walls. The man behind the counter is very entertaining. I had a great time listening to him talk to his other family members.

Wow this is crazy! A man actually passed the One Million dollar mark playing Jeopardy. Read all about it!

Pop Vultures!

Tonight I was listening to a fairly new program on WXPN (see previous posts) entitled,
Pop_Vultures the hostess, Kate Sullivan is kinda funny. Her analogies are really naive and fresh, which is cute. Like, if my 15 year old daughter hosted radio show, this would be it.

Anyway, they were discussing the merits of Mary_J_Blidge comparing her to the likes of Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner, like, she's carrying the touch for the Queens of Soul.

Well. Okay. Kate Sullivan's favorite Mary J. Blige song is:

"PMS"

I wanna talk to the ladies tonight
About situation I'm pretty sure y'all be able to relate to
Trust me

Today I'm not feelin pretty
See I'm feeling quite ugly
Havin one of this days
When I cant make up my mind
So don't even look at me
See I don't wanna hear your problem
Cause I'm having some of my own
I know it was not your fault
That I'm feelin down
I just wanna be left alone

Down I'm down and out in depression
I think the worst of everything
My lower back is achin'
And my clothes don't fit
Now aint that a bitch

Got an attitude and I aint talkin to you
Only if the shoe'd fit
I don't care what you think about me
I don't need you cryin' around me
Don't need your sympathy
I don't need it, no no
PMS

Go through something in nights
Is the some at day
I don't need to understand
Where I'm coming from tonight
See I'm feelin messin
Told you, you would be able to late tonight
My lower back is achin'
PMS

And I don't know what I'm gonna do
I'm fulled stressed
I want y'all to hear what I'm sayin
PMS, PMS, PMS

Understand what I'm sayin tonight
Understand where I'm comin from
Feelin really bitch yeah
And I don't feel like be a nice to nobody
Don't feel like smilin no
Don't feel like smilin no no
See I already know that I'm talkin
PMS

And I don't need you to remind me
See cause PMS
Is takin no all right now
if you understand, understand where I'm comin from
Sing along, PMS
This is the worst part of everything
The worst part of being a woman is PMS
Give me a break, give me a break
Cause I don't wanna have to set it on tonight
________________________________________________________

So, see what I mean? If you know any Mary J. Blige, you know that she writes about some really tough life situations. PMS? I know thats tough, but....okay.
Like I said, If my 15 year old hosted a radio show, this would be it.

(it helps that my 15 year old daughter's intitals are "PMS" fer realzzzz! Pherrin Marie Strain....)

Smooth Sailing

You know your having a good day when your greatest concern is whether to weather the weather or take the subway. I weathered it. So I was a bit damp, but it was a warm wet.

This past weekend was chock full of changes. Bernie and I gave our relationship a major push to the next level. Details as they become more clear. We also spent lots of time dreaming about household renovations, which is really fun. I found new homes (hopefully) for the three kittens and even gave away Tiger, the mother cat. I just have my ginger boy left and he is loving life as the only cat in the house.

I'm really happy. Dreams are coming true. I feel peaceful and full of love and hope.

How have I lived my life for 42 years and not heard
Blue_Rodeo
from Canada?

She sees the world through rose-coloured glasses
Painted skies and graceful romances
I see a world that's tired and scared
Of living on the edge too long
Where does she get off telling me
That love could save us all

She takes my hand and leads me to nowhere town
No matter where I stand it's always neutral ground
And in the cool of the evening blue
I feel so tired and alone
Where does she get off telling me
That love could save us all

And it's day after day
I keep hanging around can you tell me why
Night after night I know I should leave
But there's something in those eyes
That keeps me hanging on I'm hypnotised
It breaks my heart and I don't know why
Tell me why tell me why

She sees the world through rose-coloured glasses
Painted skies and graceful romances
See a world that's tired and scared
Of living on the edge too long
Where does she get off telling me
That love could save us all

And it's day after day
I keep hanging around can you tell me why
Night after night yeah I know I should leave
But there's something

Day after day after day after day
And I don't know
Day after day after day after day
And I don't know why

The past few days Ive been drinking a strange vitamin packed sugar free orange juice called, "Vita-J" Its given me citric acid burns on the insides of my mouth.
UGH!

Busing

So tomorrow marks one full week of busing to NYC from bucolic Howell, NJ. Its actually pretty good, provided we don't hit traffic. Its pros include: comfy, clean, padded, reclining seats (not a feature on the Train) No eating or drinking allowed, thus keeping the smells and mess at bay. No Cellphones! YAY! no radios!

The only bad part is on Wednesday evening....all the housewives come up to the theater. Today was pretty awful. Chatty yentas all the way home, the lady next to me sighed, "Its Matinee Day" "This is a nightmare" I sighed. I enjoy passing out before we get to the Turnpike and waking up just south of Sayreville. Conversely on the way up, falling asleep around Marlboro and waking in Secaucus...although, this morning I didnt wake up till we were heading into Port Authority. Now thats travel comfort.

Life in the Sahara

Well. Water? Well water, no.
Woke up without water on Wednesday.

Celebrity Sighting....
Raj, Camille and I just came back from a walk over to Billys_Bakery. Apparently, Al_Roker was inside and had taken over the bakery to interview its owner. They let us inside anyway and we hung out about 10 minutes with Al.

Last night, late...driving home in the moonlight I enjoyed listening to my most favorite of all Public Radio Stations, WXPN broadcasting from Penn State in Phila. Luckily I was able to catch The_World_Cafe which is my favorite of all radio programs. Our local public radion station, WBJB broadcasting from Brookdale Community College dropped it a bunch of years ago much to my chagrin. In any event, they were featuring one of my favorite "world music" performers,
Angelique_Kidjo.

It was a beautiful ride home.

I was reminded, not that I need to be...but I was, of how much I love Bernie and reasons why I began to be interested in him, one was our mutual love of WXPN. I hadn't met anyone near me who even knew this radio station exsisted. WXPN and the agreement that Jasmine Rice was far superior to other rices.