Happy Ocho de Mayo!

In New Jersey before 10am for what I thought were going to be all day client meetings. Something about this, telsl me that it was not one of the ideas the agency behind Corona brand threw around while deciding on the perfect way to depict Cinco de Mayo…Unfortunately it is exactly how I spent most of my day.

The weather was beautiful, the temperature just near perfect for patio day drinking…Luckily my meetings ended sooner than I thought and I was able to make my way back into the city, my smile from ear to ear. After all, much like St. Patty’s day, Cinco de Mayo fell on a Friday which meant I could lick my wounds the next day while on my couch and not at my desk.

I made it home in the late afternoon, slipped on some jeans, flip flops and even a pair of sunglasses to make my uniform complete. The only thing I was missing was set of maracas. Upon arriving at local Mexican Place in Murray Hill I was not surprised to find a line out the door. However, my friends and diehard loco patrons were already inside with a warm seat and a cold beer waiting for me…

After hours spent at that fine establishment and a grande bill that a vendor of ours happen to pick up, we headed to our normal stomping grounds, Third and Long. To our surprise the place was packed to the point of people hanging out the windows. But of course, in a way that was very similar to the way the Mexican Army fought their way past the French to later defeat them and give us this great day of celebration, we marched right into that place and muscled up at the bar.

Another similar characteristic to that fatal war on this sunny Friday afternoon and now early evening were the causalities as the battle went on…Friends, strangers, and even co-workers were dropping like tequila soaked worms. (It’s a Mexican expression, trust me)

I ran into a large group of friends around 8p and decided that why bother with this large crowd of strangers who had so rudely packed our bar and that we should just all take our beans and rice back to my place. I can only imagine what we looked like cruising down Third Avenue, 15 or so people, laughing their asses off and taking it all in…

The afternoon was good, the evening was great and the next morning was disaster. Let’s just say the bum who finds our reclying bin this week is going to think he or she hit the jackpot! It was a great group of people that made for a perfect Cindo de Drinko…

Thanks for listening

US Weekly

Rock stars, pop stars, actors, comedians, suits, open bars, and just about anything else you could ask for…and that was just your run-of-the-mill Tuesday night in this city I love so much.  

There are perks that come with working in the media / advertising industry that I sometimes forget about or don’t realize the magnitude behind until after they’ve happened.  Another party that started in the early evening and went on until the early morning was my poison earlier this week. A small little mom and pop shop by the name of MTV decided that it was time to throw a bash and make sure their bash was better than the rest.  

Well I’m no rock star but God damn I sure felt like I was, as the number of celebrities seemed to almost outnumber us commoners.  There was Jon Stewart who started the show only to be followed by Kanye West who only warmed up the stage for his fellow collaborator Jamie Foxx.  As the presentation continued with Jessica Alba, and some guy by the name of Jerry Seinfeld I decided I really like my job today…yes I do.

After the presentation was put to bed by a small garage band, The Red Hot Chili Peppers it was off to the after party.  It was a quick walk from the Theater at Madison Square Gardens to the site of what would soon be a room of fully loaded media mavens.  As a whole it’s a pretty good looking industry and that was certainly put on display in all directions.  Women dressed in their sexy white blazers and their pointy shoes, hiding their pain by way of a Cosmo talked and gossiped until all hours of the morning.

I was lucky enough to meet up with a group of people I just started working with and hand a blast.  There are some people who are able to do that transition from work to play and I was pleasantly surprised to find a couple of seasoned veterans who did just that…Another pleasant surprise came by they way of a lovely young lady that I know who works on the sales side of the business.  I deal with her on a weekly basis, sometimes on AIM, sometimes over the phone, and occasionally (although certainly not often enough) in person.  

I have only actually seen her a few times, this time taking the cake or mini brownie as they were served as the night went on by an army of servers.  She’s witty and seems to be very comfortable, confident, and did I mention makes me laugh?  So there was an exchange of numbers and I hope that’s not the last thing we exchange!  Oh you’re sick, I was thinking about exchanging witty banter so get your mind out of the gutter!

Hell, and that was just Tuesday night…

Once Wednesday afternoon rolled around I started getting rid of the “wow, was last night a long night or what,” feelings that had been beating me up all day.  Ordering in, maybe an episode of Dead Wood, followed by an early bedtime was all that I wanted…But as we know you don’t always get what you want!  

I was unable to make it home after work because I had prior arrangements and engagements that needed to be my undivided attention.  Ok, fine, you win…I had a party at my favorite bar Third and Long I needed (and I used that term loosely) to go to.

I have a group of friends that are now very close to me that started from that little watering hole.  They are a group of individuals who are truly that, individuals…No two people are alike in age, career, or even hometown.  But there is just something about the mix that just makes it all come together.   It sounds funny to say “oh, that’s my group of friends from the bar” but that’s what they are…and more with every passing Sunday spent together.  

The night was just as I thought it would be, a perfect blend of drinks, drinking games, laughs, hugs, cheers, and thanks…I am truly thankful that I have this band of misfits in my life because they make “my kind of town” feel like home…

Thanks for listening

Sun And The City

It was not as early as I would have liked it to be, but nonetheless I was out of bed and into my gym clothes. The sun was beaming into my bedroom window like it was bragging about just how beautiful it was outside and the fact that I should have gotten up earlier seeing as though I didn’t even go out last night. Laces tied, t-shirt and I was out the door. However not to the gym quite yet, it was really, really nice out…Maybe a stroll around the block and a coffee were in order first?

As I strolled down Third Avenue, in my gym attire no less I was fighting through one of the best signs that the warm weather is here to stay…a street fair. These weekend events that bounce from neighborhood to neighborhood are always the same no matter their location. The tents line the street selling everything from dress socks to roast corn-on-the-cob. This eclectic group of people is always moving from street side to street side hoping the weather is always permitting. I think it’s safe to say these people and their tents are only a Ferris wheel away from being carnies.

After dodging about three or four different tents selling smoothies, I finally made my way to Fourbucks, AKA Starbucks. As I waited in line I noticed two different groups of attractive women scattered about the store/living room. One group looked to be studying while the other looked to be discussing the previous night’s activities. (One was definitely sporting a big bed-head motif)

Once I had ordered and paid for my grande cappuccino I did as we all do once we know we’ve done our part. I moved to the side and waited for my order to be called. It was around 11am so there was definitely an abundant amount of caffeine sliding across that poor counter top. With yet another twosome of twenty-somethings walking in as I made my way out of the store I decided that the coffee is not the hottest thing Starbucks has to offer. My coffee breath and I will certainly have to return to this location in search of a not-so-tall, mocha latte, with brains too!

The better part of my afternoon was spent laying around Central Park on a day I hope the Board of Tourism was not out and about for…After all if there was any footage of the grand lawn at 2pm this afternoon, and that footage made its way to the Internet, the city would be overrun with hoards of people looking to enjoy the life style that this city offers.

It literally looked like a movie set all afternoon. There were cute young couples, dressed in their bright spring colors and their beautiful babies with camp setups that made M*A*S*H* look like a Boy Scout’s campsite. They had blankets, baskets, toys, strollers, and those were just for the mini human that was not as big as a loaf of marble rye. They had their own tools of the trade too. There was the huge bag from Dean & Deluca that carried a spread of cheeses, olives, and a chilled bottle of white wine to enjoy as the sun was just warm enough and the breeze was just cool enough.

Normally the abundance of couples and their constant showing of affection drives me crazy but I had my fair share of company today. I had a girlfriend of mine I hadn’t hung out with, just the two of us that is, in way too long. We stopped for sandwiches and drinks and even a couple of cookies at a deli on 83rd and park before we ventured into the park. We work very well together…so much so the store clerk, a fiery gray haired man said how lucky we were to have each other. A compliment we just ate up and acted as though we had heard a million times before…Hell for Mr. Single it was great to at least act like I had a lil lady friend for the day!

We lay around for hours, joking and mostly talking about the hundreds of people that surrounded us. We ate our lunches, never even cracked open our books, and simply enjoyed each other’s company. I think a great sign of a solid relationship, friendship or romantic is not if you can continue to always have seamless conversation but if you’re completely comfortable with the silence in between those conversations…

Thanks for listening

The Six to Serenity Now

After spending Tuesday evening in a Luxury Box at Yankee Stadium drinking canned beer and bullshiting about every possible sports stat in modern time, last night was quite the change of venue. It was that time again. That special time that happens about every 6 weeks, if I can make it that long. It was time to head to the East Village to that special little oasis that lets me forget that I work 30 blocks north, in a glass and metal monstrosity where phone calls and emails occur at an alarming rate. It was time for…wait for it…wait for it…t was time to get a hair cut.

I was cutting it close as I flew out of work and headed to Grand Central to jump on the 6 train down to Astor Place. I hate to be late, whether it’s for a hair cut or just meeting a friend for drinks. (Note to self, put tardiness on my dislikes list) I feel like there is a 5 minute bumper zone here in the city as most people have to rely on public transportation. This is a far cry from the “I’ll be there in 25 minutes,” which really means 45 minutes in LA’s native tongue.

As I waltzed in a just few minutes late the place as bumping. It has such a good vibe and positive aura that just seems to fill the room from floor to the tin ceiling. The dynamic of the people occupying my little safe haven is always really interesting. Most of the stylists have crazy hair and attire that is dripping in personal style. The funny part is while these purple Mohawk masters of the scissors do what they do, they’re client’s are usually very clean cut and look like they’re imports into the neighborhood just as I am…

As I sat patiently waiting for my guy, the owner, to finish up with his current client, I noticed he didn’t look too far into the process. I’m mean I’m no hair guru but when over heard him say “so what are doing here” as he played with the guys hair assessing his work load and clearing his canvas. At that time the always very polite and attractive dark skinned beauty from behind the counter came over and asked what my name was…

Apparently the gentleman who was just in the stages of “um, yeah just take it up a little in the back” slid into my appointment by answering yes to “hi, are you Just Some Guy” and “are you hear for Nelson?” That bastard! But as I mentioned this place is so calm and comforting, I shrugged it off and headed to the deli on the corner for a cup of coffee and the post. In a city that is so damn full of hustle and bustle there was no way I was going to pull my hair out over something like this…

Thanks for listening

Mental or Mattel?

My post yesterday must have rung loudly with the sounds of loneliness or desperation much louder than I thought it did because it was like a game show all afternoon trying to find yours truly a special little lady. I mean don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a little help, I’d be a fool not to.

I did have an interesting thought on my way to work. It may be a little too much “A Brave New World” and definitely a little too much adolescent fun, but I’ve got an idea. What if dating and finding the one that sets your heart on fire was like play Mr. Potato Head, or Ms. Potato Head in my case?

I mean outside of her round figure that I’m sure a couple a sessions of cardio a week could help transform, I think it’s one hell of an idea. I have spoken in a past post about the little oddities and blemishes that we usually overtly overlook because the person they belong to is that great. Well forget that with this new means of dating. Good bye Match.com, good bye EHarmony.com and hello you sexy spud!

But what an idea? Her eyes aren’t exactly what I’m looking for and I think those frames a bit outdated. No problem, I’ll just go into my small plastic box of parts and see what we can find. After finding a pair of beautiful blue eyes and opting for her to get lasic I ditch the frames…

Ok, this does sound a little creepy, a bit weird science, I know. I’m just saying that wouldn’t it be fun? I know I have had past girlfriends as well as girls who are friends that I would love to have as parts in my plastic box. If I could grab the heart of my first girlfriend, way back in 8th grade who I’m still very close with to this day, I’d do it without even thinking. Then I’d move on to the intelligence and ability to adapt to any situation from Five Stars to Dive Bars the my best girl friend in college had and still has to this day…

Hell, I haven’t even gotten to the body and lord knows that could take more time, space, adjectives, and a lot more thought. I know this is unrealistic, but in a way isn’t this what we do while we date? Isn’t dating like a big experiment or a big process of elimination? We move from one person to the next, finding what we like and what we don’t like only hoping that our conclusion is a mix of the good, a dab of the bad, and just feels right…

Alright now that I’ve played Dr. Frankenstein and Dr. Phil in matter of paragraphs I better quit while I’m ‘Potato Head.’

Thanks for listening

No Hair Below My Adam's Apple


Unfortunately this story is far less dramatic than the title would lead it to be. Call me the New York Post, but great headlines grab readers. I mean, it’s no “Wacko On His Backo” but you’re still reading aren’t you?

The focus group was much more normal and legit than I though it would be. I had planned on pages and pages of hilarity from the mere chance that the actual focus group could live up to the persona of the woman who recruited me. Sadly it was not.

But now down to the nitty gritty I’ve left running around my head this past week, instead of my pages., It’s my love life, or lack there of, that will be the object of humor seeing as though my “Male Grooming” Focus group proved to be nothing more than the easiest $75 I’ve ever made.

The summer is only six weeks away and that means two different, yet equally important birthdays are soon upon us. Mine is one of them, where I will have to change the description of this blog to a 25 year olds’ battles of the Big Apple. The second is more important and should be and probably will merit a much more grand celebration. On June 28th, 2006 I will raise a glass (shot, pint, wine or martini) in the air as I mark the completion of my second year in New York City.

I don’t know any other city or state that people remember the exact move date like people do with New York. If you ask most, especially those who were not raised, grew up, or went to school in the tri-state area, more times than not they will be able to tell you the exact date they embarked on the safari that is this concrete island.

A lot has changed in the time I’ve spent here in New York. I have changed in every way imaginable but hope that my core, my values, the meat and potatos that make me, me are still strong and as constant as they always have been. Sadly there is one element of my life that is the exact same…It is the same now as it was when I arrived, it is the same today as it was yesterday and the day before and the day before that and so on…I’m still single.

Now, in the grand scheme of things, that’s completely fine by me. Had you asked me two years ago if I would be single, I would have probably have not only said yes, but bet large sums of money on the fact that I would be. It has been for most of my adult life part of what makes me ‘Just Some Guy.’

However, as general as that pseudo name may be, I feel that I’m anything but that…I don’t think I’m one archetype or one male lead seen on a screen before now. That wouldn’t be any fun if we all fell into molds of the characters we so closely relate to on TV and in Film. We’d know how our story ended. We’d know that we end up with Carrie, or that we would confess our love to Sally on New Year’s Eve. As frustrating as falling for the wrong girls who never seem to give me a chance to fail or succeed, over and over again, I can honestly say that I’m not ready to jump to the last page of this book…not yet.

Thanks for listening

Dont' Call It A Comeback!

For some reason, I’ve found the writing is a lot like going to the gym. Well, sort of…Once you get in a routine, getting your butt to the gym every day or every other day, it’s easy. It’s easy because it you just do it. But on the flip side, skip a day and it’s a lot easier to skip the next day, and so on and so on…

And just like that, “I can do anything” good feeling I get after a great work out, I get that same type of rush after writing a post I’m proud of…but as you can tell I have lost that loving feeling of late. Well not anymore, I’m back baby!

I wish I would have had a more eventful weekend to write about, but with weather that looked a scene out of A Perfect Storm, it was pretty damn low key. After a work week that consisting of all things, a “Department Re-Organization” a weekend of quality couch time was well needed and desired.

I guest bartended on Friday night at my local watering hole, Third and Long. The happy hour crowd came a little later than expected and left a little earlier than desired. That being said it wasn’t a very busy evening. In what was the first day of a wet weekend, I’m using that for the reason behind a weak showing from my friends.

Saturday was much like Friday night, very slow and very wet. I don’t think there are any two qualities that make for a better nap so that’s just what I did. I did however muster up enough energy to get my butt back to the gym. I’d be lying if I didn’t say my sudden motivation comes from the fact that I’m headed back to Arizona, the land of the beautiful and always in shape, in just a few weeks.

I have a Focus Group this evening that is centered around Shaving, so I’m plan on having plenty of material for tomorrow’s post.

Thanks for listening