Birthday Kitten

Meow Meow Meow

It's my birtday tomorrow - and i'm already starting to enjoy the day because of the amazing friends i have in my life. Rich sent me the most beautiful bouquet of roses - gorgeous - they arrived this morning, along with an awesome little note that was just so perfect. Thank you baby - they are so beautiful - MWAH. Literally right after the roses arrived, another package shows up at my door. I teased rich about getting me a bottle of wine - or a bottle of veuve cliquot (our favorite) - he said it wasn't him. SO, I proceeded to open it - still thinking it was from him - and oh my goodness - OH MY Goodness - but what do i pull out of the package - only a decadent bottle of Dom Perignon - vintage '96 - from my darling and amazing friends Matt and Jeremy! YAY! Champagne is wonderful - and there are a few that i truly enjoy - regularly - but a bottle of Dom - is just so special. Thank you thank you thank you!

How lucky can a girl be to be blessed with such wonderful friends. So very very lucky - on so many levels...

I'm heading to Napa tomorrow - as i did several months ago - aboard a bus full of friends to go tasting at a few select vineyards. Cannot wait - will be so great to see my 'boys' - I haven't seen them in a while - and it's always a guaranteed great time when we all do get together.


Here i am kissing the "Cline guy" on our last trip to Napa - he was really disgusting and made of some weird malleable plastic - it almost felt like skin - the winery had several of these 'guests' in and around the wine tasting room... kinda creepy - yet very entertaining after an entire day drinking...

I don't want to 'taste' to the extent that i did last time - and i'm hoping we will actually get to go out for drinks at Balboa once we return home. I wish rich was here so he could enjoy my birthday and wine tasting with me - but he's coming out for Labor Day Weekend and we have a slew of things planned. And honestly, it's just a day... we have the rest of our lives to celebrate.

Okay - i must go - off for a little birthday pampering in the form of a mani and pedi.

Meow

NY Wrap-up

New York was amazing. Truly. I'm finally recovering from the jet lag of which a nearly 4 hour plane delay only compounded. I'll try to back up a little bit and go over the last week of my trip. That saturday, rich and i headed to Soho (shock, i know) to do a little shopping and have brunch at Mercer Kitchen - we sat across from Keira Knightley (who looked bored, but pretty) and Neil Young was across the way. Lunch was wonderful as usual - and i discovered a new little cocktail called the Caiproska - so delicious - it's mashed black cherries, lime and vodka. I could have had several - but since it was so hot out - held off on the alcohol consumption. The rest of the day was spent wandering around the stores and finding yummy things to bring home to family and friends.

I'm still so tired and having difficulty remembering what we did - oh yeah - sunday we went to brunch at Panorama and then headed off to a very cool flea market (i love them - hear the ones in paris and london are to die for!) on the West Side - we spent a little bit of time perusing the tables - some shabby chic french country home accents and furniture, some handmade soaps, a table of limoges and herend porcelain, a lot of crappy jewelry, some nice jewelry, and a small farmers market off one end. It was dreadfully hot and humid - and we cut our perusing short and walked to the park down the block. Sitting in the shade - we talked and hung out - watched the dogs and people pass...it was nice and relaxing - and cool - which was most important.

I think we ordered in that night, can't remember...

Monday was work again - a deal was closing and i got 2 more - which made it a busy day. That night we went to Dos Caminos on Park Avenue South - it was so good! I love mexican food and this was undoubtedly some of the best i've ever had. It was delicious.

I'll cut to wednesday - i wanted to surprise rich with a nice dinner someplace fun and unusual. I spotted the central park boathouse restaurant on the way home on and thought it was a great place - on tuesday, in our cab ride home - we passed the boathouse and he said - ooh - i want to take you there! I played dumb, asked him what was there, etc...and he explained to me - a very romantic restaurant - on the water - with a beautiful view. Hmm - sounds good. :)
We head out on Wednesday night - and i finally reveal to the cab driver where we're going - rich was totally excited. We got there a little late - i had no idea you had to walk into the damn park - i wore, of course, high skinny heels, and teetered down the path to the boathouse - so we had a cocktail while they prepared our table. We took a few pictures - the night was gorgeous - humid - but not terribly. Our table was right on the water - and after we were seated we ordered another round of cocktails (too warm for red wine and i don't drink white) - and checked out the menu. The restaurant itself could easily be a 5 star if they tried - however, i personally wouldn't go back for the food - it was mediocre, at best. My grilled chicken resembled poached salmon (so much so that i actually had to ask them if it was indeed chicken) - and my tuna tartar was not quite chilled enough. However, the company was perfect. We finished dinner, despite the bad food and boorish waiter, and made our way back up the walk to the main gates.

While we were meandering up the path, handing the phone back and forth to each other (my parents on the other end) - what sounded like a loud explosion rang out - we stopped in our tracks, turned toward the noise and brilliant colors lit up the sky. FIREWORKS! I told my mom i'd call her back - and used my cell phone to capture the moment. It lasted at least 10 minutes - and was incredible. The philharmonic was playing in the park that evening and that capped off the grand finale. It was the perfect way to end the evening.

Thursday evening came around and we went to dinner at a cool little spot called Acme - it's all about southern, new orleans cooking. I spent a month in new orleans a few years ago while working on a deal for a client - and i have to say - Acme came pretty close to duplicating the flavor and selection that 'nawlins' is famous for. Sadly, i was exhausted - and while dinner was wonderful (with 2 dear friends) - i kind of tuned out toward the end of the meal and wanted to go. The restaurant was incredibly noisy - we literally had to yell at eachother - and my patience was wearing thin - so we paid up - and headed down the street for coffee. Afterward, we all piled in a cab and headed to our respective homes - and once home, i made a bee-line for the bed and fell fast alseep.

Friday was Balthazar - and it was incredible as always. We each started with the usual - i had the decadent french onion soup and rich had the escargot - and for our main courses, rich had the steak frites and i had the halibut - it was incredible. Adam Duritz - lead singer of the counting crows sat a seat away from us - with 3 other friends - i didn't recognize any of them. One guy - who looked vaguely familiar - had a huge ring on (thing superbowl huge) - so i think he was sports related - other than that - no clue about the others. Adam kept getting up - and with the narrowness of the space btwn tables at Balthazar - kept making the girls at the next table grab their wine and water bottles to avoid his ass from knocking them over. His hair is atrocious by the way - atrocious.

We made our way back home after that - snuggled up with eachother and fell asleep.

Saturday we called matt, jeremy and dave for a late brunch. We decided to meet at 2-ish at Mercer Kitchen - secured a corner table at lobby level (can't stand downstairs - too dark) and cocktailed the afternoon away. It was so great to catch up with them - initially it was just matt and dave, and then jeremy, who hadn't been feeling quite well, joined us later in the afternoon. We ordered some food - cocktailed - chatted and people watched - it was actually a perfect saturday afternoon! Once jeremy arrived - we ordered once last round, and headed out to the shops. I had to go to Louis Vuitton - it was 6:30 and they closed at 7pm - so we all made our way over there. I shopped a bit - picked out a few bags that i wanted - and asked the boys for their opinions. After selecting 3 - and noticing that we were the last people in the store - we made our way up and out and headed down the street to a very cool - hip little shop called Kid Robot - which carries 'toys' for adults, and no - you perv - not 'those' kinds of toys. Cool japanese anime, action figures, etc... we hung out there a bit - and then it was time for us to go our separate ways...

We said our goodbyes - hugged and double cheek kissed - excited to know that while my trip to NY was almost over, i'd be seeing matt and jeremy in SF in a few short weeks. YAY! Rich and i made our way back to the apt - had dinner - and spent the night wrapped up in eachother.

Sunday was hard - i didn't want to go. We got up early and headed out - i had a few things i needed to do and a seriously sexy pair of stilettos i had to buy at bergdorfs. We went downtown first - got a few things i needed and then made our way back uptown and then home. I packed - we played - fussed around the house - made sure i had all my stuff and then, waited. And waited. My plane was delayed. So we hung out some more and i finally made my way to the airport - where i waited even more. My flight was supposed to take off at 8:00 - didn't take off until 11pm. I couldn't sleep at all on the plane - so i was miserable and exhausted when we finally arrived in SF at 3:00 - i fell into bed around 3:30am and don't think i moved a muscle until my alarm woke me out of a dead sleep.

Long trip home - but the trip itself - the 17 days rich and i had together couldn't have been more perfect.

I spent yesterday evening at my parents - my sister and the littlest one were there as well and tonight i'm meeting with the board of directors for the league of museums in sf - i've been asked to join the board and am meeting 3 of the members - 1 of whom i know well - at Nectar - a chic little wine bar in my neighborhood. I'm looking foward to meeting some of the members tonight - and am hoping they 'officially' extend an invitation to be a Board member. A gala is planned for Oct 22 - the opening of the new De Young museum - and i know i'll have a lot of fun planning that event.

Nothing else to report except that rich is coming out to SF for Labor Day weekend and my parents are totally excited to meet the man that has so captured my heart.

Meow - K

New York New York

I'm in NY again, going on my second week. All is well. Rich and i are getting along perfectly, as this is our little 'test run' for the future. Besides his literally having to drag me out of bed in the AM (not a morning person), it's been a smooth week with no road blocks, let alone, bumps. I decided not to stay at the W this time, to forego the penthouse suite with the wrap-around terrace to stay with my honey. I couldn't have made a better decision.

We celebrated the 4th with friends - on their roofdeck - it was great. We had a wonderful dinner at Zoe the evening I arrived (july 1) - spent that saturday in Soho - with a delicious brunch at Mercer Kitchen and then a little shopping at Louis Vuitton. Rich jokes that as soon as i walk through their doors in Soho, it's like a jackpot going off - ding ding ding ding ding - they know they've just made their quota. However, i really only work with 1 sales associate - Jessica - because she takes care of me, shows me all the newest goodies and has the best understanding of what i want and what i'll buy. She's a doll.

The next day we woke up relatively late, hung out and then went to Eli's to secure a number of delicious items for a barbecue at rich's parents home in New Jersey. We each purchases her something at pottery barn the day before, rich a gorgeous candle and i got her fragrant infused oil with reeds - each in paper white scent. She loved them! It was a great day - we had a wonderful dinner - and ended up staying until nearly midnight. His family is fantastic.

The work week was just that - a work week. Short, but full. I had 2 deals closing, got three more and met the new regional VP on the east coast. Great guy - we had a productive first meeting, and i'm meeting the rest of his team next week. Everything is coming together for the transition to the NY office. They changed my badge so i can get into the NY office so i don't have to check in with security each day when i arrive. Baby steps.

This weekend is going to be mellow - there is a lot i want to do, but i'm not going to push. We're going down to Soho again today, there are a few places i want to visit before the weekend slips away. Next week will be very busy. A lot of work, 2 of the 3 deals i just got are closing so i'll be quite busy.

Rich is coming to visit at the end of the month. We're both very excited about his meeting my family, equally as much as they are about meeting him.

Have to hop in the shower or this day will disappear and the weekend will be half over...

Meow - K

London

The horrific events of 9-11 are again brought to the forefront as London recovers from a series of terror attacks this afternoon. I can't imagine the pain of not knowing if a loved one was safe or missing - or worse. My thoughts and prayers go out those who are starting down a path we are far too familiar with. I'm so very very sorry for your loss...

There are no words.

K

Magic

Rich's mom is a miracle worker! She found the unfindable. She found the Christian Dior Princess Ring. And not 1, but 2! She's one of my favorite new people.

Tiny bit of back story to this...

So, Christian Dior (who i love love love - best handbags/shoes/clothes - so sexy and fun) came out with this fabulous lip gloss housed in an oversized ring. It's hot. And sold out. Both my sister and i had to have one - we loved the lip glosses (2 different shades in the ring once you flip the jeweled top open) and were looking everywhere for them. No one had them - every one was sold out. I couldn't even find them online. Only the eyeshadow version of the ring was available. And EW, it was blue. Blue! No thank you. Never. I finally had to resign myself to not having this decadent little ring - and bemoan the fact that i again waited when i should have bought when i had the chance...

Hello Louis Vuitton gorgeous to die for earrings...dammit

So anyway - Rich told me the other day that he had a surprise for me. And me, liking instant gratification and all, prodded him until he told me that his mom had found the rings and secured 2 of them, 1 each for my sister and me. YAY. I was stunned, literally. HOW had she worked her magic! I would love to have those magic skills, I can only imagine the yummy things i would secure: the gorgeous Dolce & Gabbana fitted t-shirt with their D&G logo encrusted in crystal on the front - to go with, of course, the long boucle D&G coat of raspberry, pale pink and creme cashmere in an oversized plaid; the YSL spectator stilettos - so gorgeous; the Dior logo mules; the simple black Donna Karan winter coat with just the right amount of detail to make it lustful rather than typical; the Marc Jacobs biker bag in silver - so hot; and, of course, the matching winter white wool boucle chanel handbag to match my black one.

Alas, i don't have magic powers, however, i now know someone who does...

Life is good.

Meow - K

Bits and Pieces

It's been a while since i posted last. The oral surgery went incredibly well - i was only on pain killers for 1 day - and the oral surgeon said i had an amazing recovery. It was really easy, shockingly, but while i'd prepared myself for a lot of pain, there was literally none. Lucky me. :)

I spent the weekend at my parents house - and rich surprised me with the most beautiful bouquet of flowers - hydrangea, roses, lisyanthus - and 2 'get well' balloons attached to a sweet little bear. Totally made my day.

Father's Day was nice, had brunch with friends, then went to the North Beach Festival to hang out. I drove to my parents house around 5:30 - and we grilled and relaxed. Nothing terribly exciting, but fun nonetheless. I bought my dad 2 tix to a musical he's been wanting to see - it's about a family on the lower east side called 'a stoop on orchard street'. He mentioned to me he wanted to see it, so i got the tix for him for father's day and we're going tonight. Should be fun.

Other than that i'm still recovering from that cold - the cough won't go away. It's almost gone, finally. It's the end of the quarter at work which means i'm more slammed than usual. I'm juggling an inordinate amount of work - and all of the deadlines are, of course, high priority. It's a little crazy. But, a girl must keep her eye on what's important, and that, for me, is heading to NY at the end of next week to spend 2 weeks with rich. YAY. Can't wait.

We have plans, of course, but on a much more leisurely scale - we don't have to cram everything we want to do into 5 days - we have over 2 weeks to hang out, play, shop, cocktail, dine, see friends, sleep in, and be together. I know we'll go to mercer kitchen, balthazar, hit soho, the seaport and see friends, but we can really be doing anything - as long as we're together - we have fun.

I need to buy some summer stuff - it's never really 'that' warm in SF. I bought a cute pair of capris the other day - i think i'll go back and get more. I also need tops and stylish but comfy shoes. I hate shopping when i 'have' to go - when i have to find something specific - that is when i never find what i need. So frustrating.

All else is well - must go grab lunch and then get back to work - I'll write more when i feel i actually have something mildly interesting to say...

Meow - K

Update

I'm having oral surgery - all 4 wisdom teeth removed - in about 4 hours. Rich made me go to bed early last night to make sure i got a good sleep. Which i did. I'm not really nervous anymore - just sort of anxious to have it done. He called his AM to check in - all is well. I'm working from home - normal for a friday - but i did so much work this week to make sure all my deals were covered off in case recovery is harder than i anticipate that i'm really just do some follow up emails and letting those who i have deals closing with - within the next few days - that i'll be out of pocket for the remainder of today and the weekend. All my SEs are really supportive - wishing me well - and good luck - it's sweet actually - especially during the last few weeks of the quarter - when they're usually terrors.

I'm going to be spending the weekend at my parents house - mom and dad are insisting upon it. I doubt i'll be in any mood or shape to post - but i'll post next week on the surgery and the weekend.

All else is going well - i'm heading back to NY for the first 2 weeks of july and then rich is coming out to SF for a few days around the 30th. Can't wait! He and my dad are continuing with emails. Rich paid up with respect for the bet they had about the yankees - when my dad saw it - his immediate response was (a crisp 20 was included in a fedex to them containing fabric samples rich secured for them from a design house in NY) - Jesus Christ! There's a 20 in here!Well, that's going back. haha. I knew he wouldn't take it - but very funny that rich sent it.

Nothing else to talk about - i've got to hop in the shower and get ready to go.

Take care and wish me luck - K




Here's to you, Mrs. Robinson

Anne Bancroft died this week. SO sad. I know most people know her as Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate - but her comedic talent was also exceptional - and she'll be very missed. I also feel so badly for Mel Brooks - they were such a great couple. Such a loss - Rest in Peace.

Summer Cold

I'm sick - have a bad cold. I've been resting since i got home on thursday from work. Friday was very busy (work-wise) but was spent on the couch working from a reclining position rather than at my kitchen table sans the distraction of the tv. Rich has been checking in on me every few hours - making sure i'm resting - drinking fluids - not sneaking out to be with friends - even though i'm incredibly tempted - not only is it gorgeous out - it's one of the biggest party weekends in SF. Dammit. I hate being sick in the summer - it's worse for some reason - when it's so beautiful outside and i can barely muster the strength to make it from my bed to the couch...I'd go relax on my roofdeck - but even that seems like too much effort right now.

Yesterday morning i was surprised with the most gorgeous bouquet of 2 dozen vibrantly colored roses - deep pinks - peaches - purples and salmon. Stunning. I have them on the coffee table next to me. They smell amazing. He's so sweet - even though he can't be here - he's 'here'.

I'm such a lucky girl.

I have to get my nails and toes done today - but right now - i think i'm going to go back to sleep. I have to rest more - i have to get better or i have to postpone my surgery again - and i can't do that - i want this over and done with. So - rest it is...

More later - K

Wrap-up

We stayed up late monday night - i was working - and got a ton of work completed. I thought i would have been done much sooner - we wanted to watch a movie before bed. Unfortunately - work took me to almost 1:30am. We crawled into bed - curled up with eachother and fell fast asleep. Tuesday was busy in the AM - very - closing one of the deals i worked on monday evening - but i was able to get out of the office at a reasonable hour - 3ish. I headed over to rich's office - hung out with his sister for a while and then rich and i headed back to Soho - i had a few last items i wanted to get - and knew if i didn't do it then - there was no way i would be able to do it wednesday.

We walked around for a while - and then once i bought some yummy things for friends and family - we made our way back to his apt. We napped - briefly - then i showered and got ready for dinner. Balthazar is 'our' place. It's always wonderful. This was no exception. We had 10pm reservations - and rich wore one of my favorite banana republic dress shirts of his - i wore a white satin jacket - jeans - heels and a sexy slinky black top. When we sat down one of the waitresses that we've had before (twice i believe) - came over and said hi - then disappeared only to come back with 2 glasses of champagne for us. How sweet. She's such a doll. We ordered wine - a bottle of pellegrino - and made our choices for dinner. It was such a wonderful night. Dinner was relaxing and delicious - rich looked handsome and was so sweet and attentive as always - the people watching is some of the best in the city - and we couldn't have had a better time. We had a picture taken at our table - i'm sure rich will post it - if not - i'll ask him to post it here.

After dinner - we spent a little time outside - it was gorgeous out - and then grabbed a cab back to the apartment. Meow.

Wednesday was hurried - and i didn't want to go. I took care of business for most of the morning - we barely got to see eachother before i left. I hate saying goodbye. I'm such a girl - tearing up - head on his chest - not wanting to close the cab door. But i have to. So we say our goodbyes - and i wave out the cab window as it pulls away and toward JFK.

I call rich when i get to the airport and settle into my seat - until they insist we turn off all electronics...and then power up my phone as soon as we land so i can tell him all about my trip 'home' and how i miss him so very much - and how i got sad on the flight while listening to the CD he made me - and how i'm going to have to postpone my oral surgery because i've come down with a cold. And then i call my parents - tell them i'm fine - have landed - will call when i get to my apartment. They're happy i'm home - but they know where my head is - and having told them over the weekend that i'm in love - i think they understand the inevitableness of a change of address for me.

Called the surgeon today - it's postponed until next friday - which makes it easier on everyone. Sadly - i'll miss one of the best party weekends in SF - the Union Street Festival - it's basically a drunken 2 days - with about 10,000 people - milling about union street - standing in make-shift beer gardens overflowing with locals - perusing the booths filled with jewelry, art, ceramics, etc - it's so much fun...

All in all - a wonderful - amazing trip - i'm sad to not be there - i miss rich terribly - but know we'll be together very soon. I've got a sore throat and a cough - hopefully i'll recoup over the weekend. I'm tired and can't wait to go to sleep. I may leave early today...

Must go now - have much work to do - and a few deadlines looming over me.

Meow - K

Back home in NY

It's Monday night - today was fabulous. We woke up late and spent the day in Soho. I bought a phenomenal pair of shoes at Aldo - then we had lunch at Bar 89 and spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around the area - walking - buying - walking - buying - it was a lot of fun. Found 2 of the most amazing stores: Distant Origin - and De Vera - both are high-end home furnishing/accessories stores - and both had the most incredible things i've ever seen. Portico is another favorite - beautiful things. We're going to stay in tonight - i've got 2 deals closing tomorrow - so we're going to order in - and watch a movie - and hopefully - i'll get the majority of my work done so tomorrow won't be completely chaotic.

http://www.distantorigin.com

http://deveraobjects.com

http://porticostore.com

Yesterday was equally as fun. We again woke late - and tried to pull our stuff together to check out. We were going to be spending the day in Soho - but after i called to ensure a late check out - jackie called - they were downstairs - having just had brunch and rich and i insisted they come up and spend some time on the terrace before heading back to DC. They came up - Jackie - her husband Brandt and their baby Cassidy Rose. We talked and laughed - caught up some more and once we were all ready to leave - we left the W. I'll miss that terrace - it was unbelievable. I'll post pics if i can. Rich and i headed to his apt - and then quickly met his sister and her friend sari at Panorama Cafe for brunch. After brunch - we headed to a great park by rich's apt - on the water - and played with the dogs in the 'little' dog run while both his sister and sari let their dogs run wild with all the other dogs - it was hysterical. Such fun.

We got back later than expected - and while i was able to secure reservations for that evening at Spice Market - we ended up going with the original plans of Cipriani's Downtown in Soho - with matt, jeremy and matt's brother dave - to celebrate jeremy's birthday. It was wonderful - a bit of a scene - but i'm never one to shy away from that - i enjoy all the preening and posing - it amuses me. Shannon Elizabeth was there - black shirt - jeans - very pretty. A round of champagne - then several bottles of wine and great food rounded out the dinner. Rich and i got jeremy a key case from louis vuitton - symbolic as they just moved into a new home - so it was a more personal birthday present and he absolutely adore it. I love giving - so much more than receiving - it's such fun to see how excited people are when you get them something they really love. And who doesn't love louis vuitton...

After dinner we went over to their new apt - on the west side - a penthouse duplex with a roofdeck to die for. They've got incredible views and the neighborhood was wonderful - i think the west side just moved up a notch on the list of potential places for me to live...

We stayed until nearly 2am - drinking wine on the roofdeck - and having a generally easy - relaxing - wonderful time. Such good friends - i'm so lucky to know them.

Saturday was fairly quiet - we woke at a reasonable hour - padded around the penthouse (meow) and the terrace - decided to have a late brunch at Mercer Kitchen and do a little shopping. It was fabulous as always - we had our same table at Mercer - upstairs - lobby level - with a front and center view of everything that comes and goes. Before we went in i was perusing the tables outside - looking at all the dangly earrings, etc. One pair caught my eye - a beautiful pair of chandelier earrings - turquoise and gold - dainty and sexy at the same time. There were 2 pair actually - i held each up for rich's opinion - he liked the same pair better that i did. I put them on hold to pick up after lunch. We're seated - enjoying a cocktail - people watching and enjoying the day. Rich gets a call and excuses himself to take the call outside - when he comes back in - he places a silver box in front of me. Too caught up in everything that's happening around me - i don't even notice...for a few minutes - haha. Finally - i look down - BABY!! - and hurrily open it. The earrings!! They're so pretty - i put them on right there - and slowly shake my head back and forth so he can see them. I love them!! So sweet. I love the little surprises he comes up with.

We shopped at louis vuitton - and Orgin Domain - among others - and then had a 3:30pm apt tour at a new complex in the area. We both thought the place was great - but the price point was a good 30% above market value - so that's a pass. But a good measure of what is out there and available if need be... Afterwards, we end up cabbing back to his place - we have to get ready for the philharmonic and i need a nap. We pass on the early dinner - nap for a bit - then get ready for the evening. The philharmonic was so so wonderful. There was a pianist who was truly amazing. It was incredible. I'm so glad we went. We were supposed to see our friends after the performance - but we opted for a late dinner and some more alone time. Saw kathleen turner at the bar. She has an amazing body - but her face hasn't aged well....

Friday was a work day - spent the day at the hotel - on the terrace - finishing deals and taking conference calls. It's amazing how much work i got done. Thankfully...

My darling girlfriend jackie called around 6ish - and we all decided to grab a late dinner downstairs - blue fin i think - it was fun - lots of little tastes. Brandt - her husband - and she LOVED rich. They thought he was great - such fun - and that we're awesome together. Their daughter was sleeping for most of the evening - and Brandt - having just flown in from Zurich the night before from a business trip - excused himself and the little one and headed upstairs. Jax, rich and i stayed downstairs and chatted for another hour before we headed our separate ways. So nice to have the confirmation of dear friends in what i already know to be true.

Thursday night i arrived - settled in - had a glass of wine and was greeted by rich with a gorgeous bouquet of peonies (my favorite) - some little presents (as i had for him) - and a long awaited kiss. Matt, jeremy and dave came over that evening and we went through 2 bottles of wine on the terrace - catching up and relaxing. Rich took a ton of pictures - i'm sure he'll post them.

More to tell later - i'm exhausted...

K

Amazing

I have the penthouse suite at the W - it's amazing. Rich and i are having friends over for cocktails on my terrace (which occupies 2 sides of the hotel - it's unbelievable) in about 10 minutes - have to finish getting ready. The view is incredible. I love (love love love) NY.

Will write more later in the weekend - things couldn't be better.

Meow - K

Define and discuss

Will someone please - please - give me a good definition of the word 'hipster'. I am so sick of hearing it and everyone seems to have their own version of what it means - or who should be labeled with it.

Dicuss ...

Prepare for flight

I've got a million things to do before my flight this coming early early thursday am. So excited for NY. I've got to get my nails and toes done - i have to return 2 tops to banana republic - too big - buy a silky/lace camisole top at banana republic to go with a gorgeous cashmere/silk short kimono-ish top i recently purchased elsewhere - god it's amazing - i also have to organize my other outfits - and clean my house as i'm having my surgery 2 days after i return.

Oh. Not sure if i mentioned. The appt with the oral surgeon went really well - he's wonderful. I need all 4 of my wisdom teeth out. So it's planned for June 3. I'm on penicillin right now and taking advil for any pain or discomfort. Not looking forward to it - but my mom and dad are being so sweet and despite the fact that they've got 2 parties to go to over the weekend - they're insisting i stay at the house so they can 'care' for me. Basically - mom is going to pick me up after the surgery - wisk me home - tuck me in - throw on her heels and head to the dinner party with my dad. I should be fine for work that monday although i'll most likely work from home rather than drive to my office.

I was supposed to have dinner with my sister and the babies tonight but i'm just going to go over for a few minutes to pick something up i need to bring to NY for rich. I'll give the babies lots of kisses before i head out the door and sammy a little present i bought him yesterday. I think i'll start packing tonight - so i'm not completely frantic and rushed tomorrow night. I've already called the town car to pick me up at the airport so that's taken care of - now i have to secure a terraced suite. I should have an assistant. haha.

What else what else - i'm just so excited to be in NY with rich. It's only been a month - or thereabouts - but it feels like forever. I can't wait to just fall asleep in his arms. I so adore him.

Back to work - so much to do.

Meow - K

Mystery solved

So i went to the dentist yesterday because i had been getting headaches and my jaw was hurting and it turns out i need to have my wisdom teeth pulled. Youch. I have a consultation with an oral surgeon tomorrow at 1:30 - and will most likely have the procedure done the friday of the week i get back from NY. I'm not looking forward to this - but at least they've identified the issue and we're taking steps to get it resolved quickly.

Perfect timing on rich's part - i got into the office today and waiting for me were 2 dozen gorgeous red roses with the sweetest card. Thanks darling - they're so beautiful...

NY is turning into one great big weekend with friends. One of my best girlfriends - jax - is going to be in NY with her husband and her darling new baby girl (4.5 months) - we're going to get together with them - at least once - hopefully more. Matt and jeremy are scheduled for at least dinner and definitely cocktails - lani and her new husband are going to be cocktails too. Add a bbq with rich's sister and her boyfriend along with seeing other friends and the weekend/week is booked.

We have an appt to look at an apt on friday. It's my number 1 choice - in soho - brand new - terrace - gourmet kitchen - marble bath. Cross your fingers :)

Nothing else to report - work is hectic as usual. I'll write more tomorrow once i get home after my consult with the surgeon.

Meow - K

Catching up

It's friday and i'm working from home. I was going to go get my nails done - but i'll do that tomorrow. Took 2 conference calls this am and then fielded a bunch of work - put two deals to bed and got 3 more in. Not bad.

I'm supposed to go out tonight - have cocktails with friends. This weekend is supposed to be a really busy one - out tonight - shopping tomorrow - out tomorrow night as well and then the 'bay to breakers' on sunday. It's a fairly famous race - everyone does it - and the majority of the people who go don't run - it's more social than anything. There are the real runners - and there are the crazy people who 'run' after them. Every year people show up in the craziest outfits - there are the usual naked runners - the centipedes - the elvis's - nuns - babies - basically - it's like halloween if you ran a race while out partying. Last year our group had a shopping cart filled with alcohol - so needless to say - our group was quite popular. The only problem - if you lose your friends - you better make some new ones quickly because the chance of you finding them again is nil. There are thousands of people.

When i had insomnia the other night - i did end up calling rich and we talked for a while - until i was able to fall asleep. We talked about everything - and it's so comforting knowing that no matter what time - i can call him and he's there.

I'm heading back to NY - spending a week there - so looking forward to it. We're going to be looking at apt's while i'm there and have an appt at our 'number 1 choice' the day after i arrive. I personally like Soho - and the upper east side and the upper west side come in 2nd and 3rd. But honestly - it's going to be the place that dictates the location not the other way around. If we find a fabulous place on the west side - then i'll be there - i'm not married to any specific location. I'm just anxious to get there...

Mother's day was wonderful - we had brunch at the country club in napa with my sister's 'family in law' (her mother in law - father in law and sister in law). Brunch was lovely - even though it was raining heavily - sammy and i spent the majority of the time playing and i fed cole for my sister. My brother in law's sister was a wretch as usual - she's just a miserable person. I contradicted her about something nearly 2 years ago - and she hasn't spoken a word to me since. It's hysterical. I really don't bother with her - she's just generally a very unhappy person. It actually works out that she acts like such a twit - she had wanted to 'hang out' before this all happened - and now - obviously - i don't have to dodge that bullet. Anyway... gave my sister a beautiful antique porcelain dish and my mom a set of gorgeous etched glasses. I also gave holly's mother in law a small book of walking tours of paris - as she and her husband leave on the 20th for 3 weeks. She loved it!

Brunch lasted for several hours and then we all said our goodbyes. Rich called while i was in the car with my parents heading back to marin - we talked for a bit - and then he had to return to his own mothers day dinner which sounded like a lot of fun. Once he got home that night - he called and we spent some time on the phone - comparing notes and catching up on our day.

This week was terribly busy - very hectic. A lot of international deals - a lot of pressure. It's going very well - but it's a lot to juggle. I'm glad the week is over. Thankfully - i have no deals closing in the first 3 days of this coming week - which gives me some breathing room.

All else is well - things could not be better with rich and me. I've never been happier. He's amazing. I truly feel so lucky to have found someone who is so attentive - affectionate - loving - hysterical - smart - passionate and always there for me. It doesn't matter how busy he is - if he's in the middle of work - or rushed - he makes the time. And - i do the same for him. Relationships are not easy - they take work - and my personal feeling is if you aren't in it with the same goals - ideals - values and respect - it will never work. I'm reminded daily how good we are together - and how much i want to be with him. I could gush some more - about how lucky we are - about how much i love him - and how we feel about eachother - but i think this is enough for now.

Time to wrap things up with my work week - i'll try and post mid-weekend.

Meow - K

Wide Awake

Insomnia again. Such fun. This sucks. I've been up for about an hour - give or take.

Heading back to NY at the end of the month for a week. So looking forward to it. Have plans to see friends - look at apartments - do the usual Soho brunch/shopping/cocktail crawl. My dear friend - matt has moved to NY with his boyfriend jeremy from london. I am so excited to see them again - rich and i saw them in february - dinner at pastis - drinks another night - just so thrilled they're going to be living there. Nice to have a built in social circle once i move...

Work is a bit crazy - a lot of international deals. Sinapore - Sydney - Sweden - UK - Spain. It's going well. It's a little intense - but it's going well.

I would call rich - but he didn't get a lot of sleep last night and i don't want to wake him - but - it is almost 8am in NY - maybe i'll call.

I'm off - can't take much more of this - i think i'll just toss and turn for a while...oh joy.

Night - or morning - all - K

Rules

I have several girlfriends in the same boat at this particular time - the boyfriend boat. Luckily for me i've never been happier - but i swear it must be a full moon because issues and chaos are coming out of the woodwork in the shape of boyfriend trouble.

Girls - there are a few rules to live by - they've worked for me and i'm sure they'll work for you.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

You're fabulous - don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. Period. Tell anyone who thinks opposite to bugger off.

You're beautiful. Yes, you are, so hush.

Be selfish. It's okay. I know it's not in your nature - but you're allowed. Stop trying to please everyone else and take some time for yourself. Say no. Be busy when you're not. Go on, try it, trust me - it feels gooooood.

Pamper pamper pamper. Seriously girls - indulge yourself - buy something yummy and decadent - something girly - or whatever makes you feel better. For me - it's a new handbag - or jewelry - or cashmere - or a new nightie - or a delicious candle...you get the point.

If it's not working out - move on. Period. He won't change. Really, he won't.

You're worth it. Stop making allowances for people who don't measure up to your standards.

Set expectations. Minimum standards for yourself and of those you invite into your life.

Prioritize your life (that is actually written in lipstick ((bobbi brown burgundy - fabulous color)) at the top of the mirror in my closet as a daily reminder). Keep what you like - get rid of what you don't. Occasionally that happens to be people. So be it. Bye bye.

Smile. People like being around happy people. Smiling also makes you look prettier - so get to smiling.

Smell good. It's a proven fact that men find those who smell appealing something like 20% more attractive than those who have no 'smell'. You're at a charity event with your darling girlfriend - you're both chatting up a handsome man - he catches a whiff of your perfume and - voila - you're now 20% more attractive than her. Just make sure you smell delicious. I have 2 scents i wear - neither of which i will divulge - but let's just say - men love them. meow.

Wear heels. Not clunky low heels - but high sexy skinny heels. Kitten heels also work. Mules and slingbacks especially. Unless you're on your feet all day - and i mean all day like a sales girl or something - wear heels.

You're important and unique and and you have to love yourself. Truly.

Bottom line - do what you need to do to make yourself happy. Change what needs to be changed - go see a shrink - work it out - go to the gym - get a little botox - buy something extravagant - drink champagne for 'non-special' occasions - laugh a lot - cry when you need to - life is simply too short to be miserable and the longer you stay with the man or job or haircut or whatever that's making you unhappy - the less likely it is that you're going to find the man or job or stylist that will.

So my darling girls - you know who you are - you know i love you - and i want the best for you - i just hope you want the best for yourself.

Kisses - K

short & sweet

It was a quiet weekend. Spent saturday visiting a dear family friend (along with my mom and sister) - she just had her baby - after many many months of trying - and her little girl couldn't be more beautiful - charlotte grace. Rosiest little lips and perfect little nose - she slept soundly on me for over an hour while we all caught up. Afterward, I did a little shopping - nothing exciting - just a few necessary things. Almost bought a gorgeous ring - but decided against it. My sister bought these fabulous green suede pointed-toe flats that i have to get next weekend. Saturday was a birthday dinner for a friend - but i passed instead and opted for sunday brunch - which i also ended up not attending. Sunday night was spent with rich on the phone - laughing and conspiring our next time together.

Work was crazy last week - but all is well today. Fielded the usual monday morning chaotic phone calls and once again fell into an easy rhythm.

I feel like i'm missing something - i don't know what it is - something in my personal life - or work life - and i can't remember... dammit. I wonder what it could be.

I'm having the most difficult time with Mother's day presents for my mom and sister...while i think i'm going to get H something from hermes - a scarf or a bracelet - i don't know what to get my mom. Christofle has these gorgeous hand-dipped silver sea shells - or maybe a vase... i just don't know. Any suggestions?

Must go - K

Happy Passover

Happy Passover to all.

It's been nice being home - i'm recovering from slight jet-lag - getting back into the swing of things here in SF - my morning and evening routines - seeing friends - doting over my nephews - planning my next trip to NY. While it's nice being home - i'm pulled in another direction - i miss NY - and rich (enormously) - and want to go back. Soon.

I passed on a quick trip to Tahoe this weekend in lieu of heading to Napa with my parents to spend passover and enjoy a seder with my sister, her husband and his family. I was so excited to see my nephews. I hadn't seen then since before i left for NY and was definitely missing them. I wore black pants, a white satin jacket and a pastel floral halter top that was tied back with pastel satin strings knotted at the end with beading (all from banana republic) - very pretty. My sister looked gorgeous - black suit - lavender cashmere sweater and a long double strand of crystal beads.

The seder was lovely - sammy sat next to me - was a little concerned that he was going to be called on to read - given that fact that he can't (he's only 4 - and while he knows some words - reading passages at a seder is a bit more advanced - even for a smart monkey like him). I assured him that he wouldn't be asked to read but gave him the task of turning the pages for me. The seder lasted about an hour and we then broke for dinner - my sister and i chatted for a bit - i finished bottle feeding the baby - who was completely awake - surprisingly - and happily pulling the satin strings tied around my neck holding my top up. After dinner we finished the seder and then had dessert. Around 10pm it was time for everyone to leave. We said our goodbyes - H and i planned dinner this week while her husband - M - is away on business - either tuesday or wednesday. I'll bring S's gifts from NY with me - he's very anxious to have that snow globe back in his possession. Luckily for him - he's getting not 1 - but 2 - to replace the first one i brought him back in february (thank you rich).

Sunday was very mellow - i did a little work at home - cleaned my house - unpacked and put away my clothes from my most recent trip - napped and talked to rich on and off throughout the day.

Time to go - much to do - i'll update later in the week...

K

NY revisited

I'm back home after a wonderful 6 days in NY. We had such fun. I'll try to pick up from my last post which was us getting ready to meet friends at cafe Luxembourg. It was wonderful! The food was fantastic - had these tasty little artichokes with an olive tapenade to start and then chicken for dinner. It was great to see our friends! We left close to 1am and headed back to the hotel. Luckily, we were able to sleep in on Saturday before we headed down to SoHo. Lunch at Mercer Kitchen at 2pm and a star sighting (Robin Williams - just my luck - the one star i see is a local star to me! I see him all the time in SF) - 2 glasses of wine - a cocktail for rich and a delicious lunch was a great start to the day. We headed off to do a little shopping - louis vuitton - armani casa - banana republic - etc - stopped to check out some of the stuff the sidewalk sellers were offering (nothing of note) - and just genuinely enjoyed the day.

We initially stopped by louis vuitton because i wanted to pick up a darling pink vernis key case - unfortunately they were sold out. Sadly, we made our way upstairs - i was bummed out they didn't have the piece in stock - when we ran into the darling girl who always helps us when we come in and she ushered me over to the jewelry case. I've been loving this one ring they have - but when she showed me the earrings - i was floored. They were gorgeous! Long and dangling - white and yellow gold - tiny oblong pearls - and miniature charms matching the LV logo. I had to try them on. I knew i was in trouble when i tried on the first. I then put on the second and fell in love. They were perfect. They were art. I had to have them. Truly - they needed to come home with me. Oh dammit. They're entirely too expensive. So conflicted. I can handle spending thousands on art or something more tangible than earrings. But these are definitely an investment - i would have them forever. So we put them on hold. Rich thought i should get them - as did i - but i was having trouble with the cost - not financially - that wasn't an issue - it was the idea of spending that much on earrings. We nearly went back to pick them up - but instead decided to wait - sleep on it - and go back sunday. We spent the rest of the day - wandering in and out of stores - people watching and enjoying the day.

We headed back to the hotel around 7ish - i was very tired - and needed to nap. We had plans to go to sushi that night and then come back and watch a movie. The nap lasted a little longer than planned and by the time we were ready for dinner - we decided against sushi which opened the door for numerous possibilities. The thing that is wrong with numerous possibilities is that sometimes you can't narrow it down to a select few. We went back and forth - unable to decide. By the time we decided on mexican - all the places we wanted to go to were closed. So rich ended up picking up take out from smith & wollenski's. It was great. The movie, on the other hand, was a david lynch film, which essentially means bizarre and disjointed and confusing. Mulholland Drive was no exception. We both crashed and fell asleep in the middle.

Sunday we slept in again (yay) and then met his sister and her boyfriend for brunch after we checked out. Brunch was fun - great omelet. We all headed to a pet store after - they had 2 month old puppies - lhasa apsa's, shitsu's, and chihuahuas. The chihuahua was the most darling little thing i'd ever seen. She was chocolate brown with the sweetest little face and the most mellow demeanor. I held her for a while - as well as the shitsu. So darling. I almost bought that precious little chihuahua - half the price of those earring (HA!!). I really wanted her - she was adorable. I think i would have named her cocoa. Sweet. In the middle of all of this - the heel on my mule breaks and we decide to head back to the apt before going back to SoHo. So after the puppy handling - we head to rich's - and end up watching a movie rather than run back down to SoHo. The movie - 'who dares wins' - was fantastic. Old school drama/thriller with lots of amazing action scenes. We had 9pm reservations at balthazar - and it delivered as it usually does. A wonderful bottle of wine - french onion soup - escargot - skate and duck confit - the crowd was the usual - see and be see scene - and i think when we got there i had a b-list celeb sighting - rich couldn't confirm it was her - but i think we saw stephanie march who played the DA on law & order a few years back. She looked gorgeous. We took a walk after dinner - down broadway and then hailed a cab back to the apt.

Monday was back to work - lots of deals - but i ended up staying at the apt rather than go in - the construction wasn't complete and i'd get more work done without the fumes from the paint giving me a massive headache. I was looking for a place to plug my computer in - and the one i found gave me few seating options. So, while clearing off a chair to get to work, i hung up his jacket that was on the chair - which led me to hanging up other things - and then more and more - and suddenly - i'm organizing his apt. I completely thought he was going to be upset with me - i know men have a method to their madness - and i didn't want to disrupt that. But i couldn't stop - haha - by the time he got home - i had cleaned and organized his bathroom, living room and his bedroom. When he walked in - i was so hoping he would be happy with it. And he was. He was thrilled actually. We hung out for a bit and then went to dinner at york. It was wonderful - the windows were open because of the mini heat wave hitting NY - and we sat and laughed and had a wonderful dinner. No dessert for us - stuffed from dinner we headed home.

I was supposed to leave on tuesday - head back to SF - but i had several deals closing on wednesday that i wouldn't be able to cover off completely if i left mid-day on tuesday. So on tuesday morning - i made a quick call to my director - and let him know i would be prolonging my trip - no issues. I changed my flight - called rich and told him the news. I headed over to rich's office for lunch with his sister and dad - we went to the brooklyn diner. It was fun. Afterwards - i headed back to the office - to finish up the deals i was closing. I left around 5:30 - headed back to rich's - where we all piled in the car and went to pick up rich's mom. After getting dropped off at the apt - rich and i relaxed and made plans for dinner. Rosa Mexicana was awesome! Great food - fun ambiance - wonderful sangria. We sat next to 2 older couples who either had ties or lived in SF - i couldn't tell without obviously eavesdropping. But they definitely had a strong connection to SF - as they knew different areas (marina ((where i live)) - pacific heights - etc) i think maybe their children may have lived there. One thing i did pick up on was that one of their son in law's was just fired from his 6M a year job. Ouch.

Anyway - monday was quick - a little shopping - a little lunch - and a long goodbye to rich. I hate leaving. It's so tough. But every time i go - i know that more and more it's where i should be.

Have to go - dinner calls - meow - K

New York - day 1

I arrived last night - grabbed a cab at JFK and headed to the W New York - my suite wasn't quite ready - so they offered me free cocktails while they prepared my room. I met a very nice man - on the board of some bank - we chatted for a while - intermittently while i pestered rich to get to the hotel quickly. Finally my suite was ready - and i opened a split of red wine and relaxed - waiting for rich to arrive. I left a key at the front desk for him - so he wouldn't have to be bothered with calling up - and he keyed into my suite around 8pm. Saddled with his overnight bag and a beautiful bouquet of roses for me - he dropped his stuff in the living room 'area' and joined me in the bedroom. The rest is not going to discussed - private and amazing and splendid and incredible - as usual. We ordered room service - too tired to go out - sashimi - and some other nibbly things - and relaxed on the couch.

We got up this am - ready for the day - well - mildly ready for the day - i was exhausted and literally needed to be dragged out of bed. After bitching and bemoaning the fact that i actually have to get out of bed - we both get ready for work. I head to my office - which is in shambles - i'm one of only - maybe 5 - people there - that aren't construction workers. I get ushered to a conference room where i handle an inordinate amount of work in a very short amount of time - deal after deal - answered and 'cleared' off my plate. I call my dear friend - jim - who i haven't seen in at least a year - and tell him i'm in town and we need to cocktail. He emphatically agrees. We cut out early - 3ish - and head to a very cool - small bar in Hotel 41 - split a bottle of veuve cliquot champagne and catch up. Rich arrives shortly thereafter - we order another bottle - and some appetizers and spend the next few hours laughing and catching up and people watching. Jim - father of four - needs to head back to reality and his family waiting for him at home. Rich and i walk him to the train and then catch a cab back to the hotel. We're meeting friends for drinks and dinner later and intend to continue having entirely too much fun. Must go - rich is in the other room and i need to join him...

Until later - meow - K

Heading back to NY

It's sunday evening and it's beautiful out - mid 70's in marin and 61 at my apt - i live 2 blocks off the water so it's normal for the ocean breeze to cool everything down. The weekend was mellow - hung out with my mom for a bit - went shopping - got some fabulous new things - a pair of sexy stilettos - a black slinky top - a white slinky top - my perfume - new lipsticks - among other things - oh - and a gorgeous honey colored velvet jacket - really beautiful. The rest of the weekend was spent relaxing and hanging out.

I'm heading to NY on thursday - can't wait. I've got several deals closing so i'll be working out of the NY office for part of the time that i'm there. Rich and i have our plans - mercer kitchen - balthazar - york - the met - the whitney - bergdorf goodman - takashimaya - louis vuitton - etc. NY has such an amazing energy to it - a palpable buzz - i think it either wears you out or invigorates you. There is so much i want to do when i'm there - i barely feel like we have enough hours in the day to do what we want - to go where we want - to see want we want - so we taxi all over the city - uptown - downtown - crosstown - capturing the day in its fullest - squeezing every minute - collecting memories along the way. This time we have together is the best - filled with laughter and food and wine and art and love and little luxuries - it's perfect - and simply cements what we already know.

It's tough not being in the same city - but there's a contentment in knowing how we feel about eachother - that certainty - and it eases our longing to be in the same city. At least for the time being - and i'm still focused on the fall as the move date.

So that's that. All is well - i'm supposed to go to a charity art auction this wednesday - but given that i have an early thursday am flight - i'm probably going to pass on that event. Oh well. Other than that - life is on course. No complaints. Yay me.

Must go - time to decide what to order for dinner - K

The Light and the Dark

The Light -

I'm on a 6 hour conf call today - 6 hours - can you imagine! Needless to say rich is entertaining me with text messages and IM's (thanks baby). All is well - the weekend was nice - spent saturday night taking care of my nephews while my sister and her husband went to dinner with friends. The baby is crawling now - and teething - so he was putting everything and anything in his mouth - my bracelets - my shoulder - the sleeve of my jacket - my knuckle (that was a favorite) - the remote control - his bunny - etc - all for mere seconds (except the knuckle and the bunny) - i'd pull something away and he's latch on to something else. God he's adorable. I think it's time for a burberry baby outfit :)

I'm heading to NY next week (yay) - can't wait - going to spend some time at the NY office and the rest of the time with rich. We'll definitely hit Soho again - maybe brunch at Mercer Kitchen - hit a few home stores - i'm really into buying stuff for my home these days - moreso than for wearing - i'm eyeing a new couch - a new coffee table - rich and i keep going back and forth with respect to what to do for a coffee table - i love the look of a large leather ottoman as a coffee table - rich doesn't 'love' it - so who knows. The new Series One collection at Pottery Barn - their higher-end furniture line has a gorgeous couch i'm going to get - and their coffee table is also nice - not sure yet. Also - the furniture at Wms Sonoma is amazing - gorgeous. So many choices. Must choose wisely...

We'll probably end up at Balthazar again - i can't help it - i love that place - the food is always amazing and we always have such a great time. We're doing sushi for sure one night - and maybe York another night. We'll go to the Whitney and probably the Met - do some shopping on Madison and 5th - hopefully get to see his sister and parents again as well - other than that - the only thing on the agenda is spending time together. I can't wait.

Yawn - this call is dragging. Is it bad that i'm shopping online while on this conf call? Is it bad that i'm oohing and aahing over the newest Gucci handbags rather than totally listening? Is is bad that i'm ordering yummy things for myself when i'm supposed to be actively participating in this discussion? Probably. Most likely. I should probably get back to the call. But i'd really rather not.

Dammit.

Ooh - it's winding down actually - a little early - i think people have actually just tuned out and aren't asking questions anymore. Not shocking. It was entirely too long. Okay - i have to pretend i've been listening and add some 'value' to the final minutes of the call. Wish me luck...

Meow - K


The Dark -

That big slobbering bastard who played "Big Pussy" on the Sopranos turned out to be just that - a ginormous pathetic blathering self-aggrandizing ego fueled pussy. He beat his girlfriend up on the streets of SoHo last weekend - and then drove off as she lay on the pavement. What a sweetheart. They were heading to her family's house - and were running late - so he took it upon himself to slap her around, slam her head into the dashboard and then - then - pull the car over on Mott Street to drag her out of the car by her HAIR and finish her off in front of by-standers. Nice. Class act that 'pussy'. And by class act i mean fat fuck.

Rest in Peace

Terri Schaivo has passed - finally. It's simply so sad that this woman wasn't able to die with even 1 ounce of dignity. Her parents should be ashamed of themselves.

Rest in Peace.

Blah

Nothing terribly exciting to report - just the usual - still crazed at work - the weekend was really relaxing - didn't do much of anything except a little shopping and a mani/pedi - and spent some time with my parents.

I - joyfully - get to work from home on friday's now - fabulous! I called rich last friday afternoon teasing him with the fact that i was still in my nightie - after 1pm - lounging on my couch taking conf calls and wrapping up deals in my living room. Even though i was working all day - i still felt like i was playing hookie. Thank god i'm disciplined.

Heading to a wine tasting tonight at nectar - should be fun. I don't want to be out late - but i'll go - say hi to everyone and have a few tastes - i think we may be grabbing a little bite to eat afterwards - but i've already made it known that i want to be home by 9pm.

I'll talk about the wine tasting tomorrow...

Meow - K

Myth

A group of us went to Myth last night for dinner. It was fabulous! It took over the space that used to house the restaurant MC2 - the disaster that Adi Dassler (adidas) poured money into for years - it had it's run - but it was so cold and austere that it never became a local favorite. The people behind Myth simply transformed this space - from uber-modern and stark to warm and lush.

While looking for parking - not an easy task at 6:30 and in that area - dilly calls and tells me that they're seated and waiting on me and 1 other. I give up on trying to find a place to park and hand my keys to the valet (so much easier...) - quick check in the mirror to make sure i look presentable - add a touch of gloss - head into the restaurant. I'm shocked - it's gorgeous. I poke my head around the corner - looking for my table - and the host comes up - asks me who i'm with - spots them and escorts me to my seat. Air kisses all around - a few quick hellos - and i'm seated.

Heidi is next to me and kevin and sirous are across from us - anna and sean are next to kevin - and dilly and leslie are next to heidi. There is only 1 spot open - at the head of the end of the table - and amy is making her way across town to join us. There are several bottles of wine on the table from the wineries we visited over the weekend. I settle in and begin looking at the menu - it's wonderful - everyone orders cocktails - but i pass and ask for a sparkling water with lime (so much more refreshing than lemon) instead. We decide on several appetizers - foie gras - escargot - and a delicious seafood timbale with avocado mousse - and by the time those arrive at the table - the cocktails are finished and the first round of wine is being poured.

Amy arrives shortly after the first glasses are poured - and settles in after her own hellos. Neither heidi nor i can decide between the salmon and the monkfish - both kevin and sirous are having the new york steak - someone is ordering the scallops - someone else the striped bass - another new york steak. More wine is poured and the talking resumes - the wine tasting trip - the hook-ups - the trip to the ski cabin planned for april - my trip to NY in the next few weeks - my impending move to NY in the fall - sirous buying an engagement ring for his girlfriend - and who was that hot, beautifully dressed woman - sitting all alone - in the booth across from us. There was a lot of back and forth - but it heated up when her date arrived - after 45 minutes of her sitting alone. He was older (my first assumption - he must have 'lots' of money) - well dressed - not handsome - but not unattractive - they were familiar but not overly affectionate - we couldn't decide whether she was a highly paid 'date' - or perhaps she was 'kept' - or if she was just a gold-digger - but the pair did not match up - and it was fairly obvious what each was getting out of the situation. Amy comes back from taking a call and sits down - gasps - and mouths to the table - 'oh my god - that's my CEO!' Amy works for one of the largest internet portal companies - i won't say who here or give any clues - because any clue would give it away. Sufficed to say - huge scandal. God i love a good scandal. Meow!

Entrees are eaten - the monkfish was phenomenal - heidi loved the salmon and both kevin and sirous ate every bit of their new york steak - everyone else loved their dishes as well. We go through the second bottle of wine with dinner and amy orders the third off the wine list. I've stopped at a glass and a half - i have my car at valet - and drinking and driving is absolutely not okay. At this point it's nearing 9pm - we've already been at the restaurant for nearly 3 hours - and we haven't even ordered dessert yet. Our plates are cleared and the dessert menus passed - and the table is deciding what to partake in - i'm pretty much done at this point - so i hand the waiter my visa and ask him to charge $70 for my portion of the bill. Perfect. Once the desserts and espressos land at our table - i'm out - make my round of the table - with hugs and kisses - and then head for the door. Once i'm behind the wheel and safely on my way - i call rich and tell him about the evening - such fun - gorgeous new space - great food - internet dalliance - and all the good gossip. Great night.

Can't wait to see everyone again - most likely this weekend - but definitely at a wine tasting event next tuesday at nectar lounge - featuring cantena winery - should be fabulous.

I finally get to meet my darling friend jax's tiny new bundle - born in january - cassidy rose - i'll spend some time with her on saturday before she and her husband head back to DC. I sent her a yummy cashmere baby blanket and matching sweater when she was born - and wanted to get her something else - and rich and i had this back and forth about a tiffany baby spoon - i think it's a gorgeous gift - something you'll have forever - that yes, may in fact end up in the bottom of a drawer or closet - but still gorgeous nonetheless. So we went back and forth several times - and i ultimately decided that something more baby friendly would be a better gift. I ended up at baby gap - and bought the most darling outfit and sleepy thing - a little white terry hoodie with matching terry shorts - and an adorable flowered onesie to go under it - as well as a pink sleepy outfit - entirely too cute - i have to admit - a much better choice than the spoon.

Time for me to go - deals to be dealt with - K

Wine Tasting

On saturday - i got up at an ungodly hour for a weekend morning (8am) - and got ready for our day of wine tasting in Napa. A group of 20 of us - boarded a small bus with a cooler full of champagne, wine and beer - and headed north.

Our first stop was Ravenswood - known for their reds. We were led on a tour of the vineyard by the winemaker - and then headed inside to barrel taste (if you ever wine taste - make sure you get to taste from the barrels - it's truly the best way to taste wine - the flavor is incredible) - we gathered around the barrels - tried 5 different wines - 1 white - 4 reds - learned the history of the winery - met the winery's resident cat - who's meowing echoed through the caves - awesome - and generally had a great time. A catered lunch followed in the garden over-looking the valley on one side and the vineyard on the other - truly a beautiful spot. Several people opened some of the bottles they had just purchased and we toasted to a great day.

After lunch - with it starting to rain - we made our way back inside the winery - several people made some more purchases - and then we again boarded the bus. We were a little tipsy - just mildly at this point - everyone was in a great mood - chatting - pouring wine and champagne - handing filled glasses to the people in the rear of the bus.

We arrived at Tantalus - a small boutique winery about 15 minutes later. The winemaker of Ravenswood helped plant the vineyard at Tantalus so there was a nice connection - something very common in the valley - it's amazing how many wineries are connected - one way or another. Tantalus was great - it stopped raining as soon as we arrived so we were able to taste in the garden which sat at the base of a mountain. We tasted 5 or 6 wines - all fantastic - except for the white which i discreetly tossed in the bushes (not a fan of white wine - only white i like is Caymus Conundrum - i'll pass on everything else) . We tasted and learned about the winery - the wine maker - and then made our way back to the tasting room - Tony and Sonny manned the tasting bar while it seems like everyone made purchases. I bought 6 bottles - 3 of the tempranillo and 3 bottle of the old vine zinfandel - great fragrant reds - smooth with a lot of body. Tony bought a case - kevin and dilly both bought 6 - others bought in the same range. Tantalus was a hit! We drank and tasted more wines inside for another 20 minutes. No one wanted to leave - but we were late for our next and last winery - so we said our goodbyes - and made our way back to the bus. I think it would be safe to say that at this point - we were more than tipsy - we were drunk.

We arrived at cline 15 minutes later - we step off the bus - and head into a tented tasting area - very cool - sadly - not 'our' tasting area - instead - we are ushered across the property and into an old (but restored) train car. With a table set up in the middle - with a selection of crackers and cheeses - we're given glasses and poured a taste of white (ug) - we're then asked to follow our tour guide - who definitely seemed overwhelmed by all of us - to another barrel room. We try several more wines - and 'listen' to his history of the winery - but at this point - we were going in 10 different directions - and i think he may have given up. We went back to the train car - opened several bottles - late harvest mourvedre - ancient vines zinfandel - syrah. We then - after pillaging the train car of the unopened bottles we liked (thank god chanel makes large purses ;) ) - went to the main tasting room and harangued our beleaguered host for more tastes. Poor dear man.

After a few surprising wine induced hook ups - oh my! - lots of pictures and purchases - we're herded back to the bus - on our way back to kevin and dilly's apartment for an impromptu 'after party'. It was a fabulous day - so much fun - and we're planning to do it again soon. Dinner tomorrow night at Myth with several of the people who went on the tasting - i'm sure the stories will be making the rounds....

Back to work for me - meow - K

Birthday presents

The last 2 weeks have been so hectic...barely able to catch my breath - thankfully this week isn't as bad - still major deadlines (my own personal march madness) - but rather than juggling 9 deals - i've put those 9 to bed and am now juggling only 5 new ones. I'll be so happy when it's april.

I'll just highlight the most important thing that happened over the last week which was rich's birthday last thursday. I knew i wanted to get rich a few things for his birthday - we'd gone shopping in Soho during my last trip and spied a lovely louis vuitton monogram glace leather key case - really handsome - understated - doesn't scream LV - but it's very elegant - there was also a stunning louis vuitton ink pen with black crocodile casing - amazingly beautiful - but at $1000 - a bit more than i wanted to spend. So i made a mental note of key case as an option for his birthday....

Went to a favorite store (men's) on chestnut - Jack's - and got him a great lacoste oxford - traditional - but lacoste is so hot now - it's a great hip addition to his wardrobe. I also purchased a very cool shirt by 7 diamonds - hip sort of retro print - really fun. Found a lovely black croc embossed leather frame and added one of the pictures we took in NY to it - along with the CD of all the pics from the monday in central park viewing the gates. I finally secured the key case as well - tracking one down relatively close to me (they're sold out everywhere) - and rushed to make that purchase and send his birthday care package on its way.

I had to bite my tongue for all of wednesday and thursday - i so wanted to tell him! I'm terrible at keeping secrets - but i really wanted it to be a surprise - so i forced myself. Thursday came and i wished him happiness love and success and tried to surprise him with a special dessert where he and his sister were having lunch - but the restaurant had already taken care of that - the benefits of being regulars ;) - when he got home - he called - having already opened the package i sent and was discovering all the treats. He was so surprised - he thought i was going to wait until i came to NY - or just send a card - so not me - birthday's mean shopping and i think we all know where i stand on that topic.

He loved the shirts (knew it) - loved the frame and all the pictures - loved the silly cigar bar baseball hat i got him - and chastised me on the key case - haha. I just kept telling him 'just say thank you baby' - and after a few more rounds of you shouldn't have - of course i should have - he finally said 'thank you baby'.

You're so very welcome honey.

Happy Birthday

HAPPY 35th BIRTHDAY RICH!!!!!

Sweetie - I hope this year is everything you want it to be - wishing you all the love, success and happiness you deserve - may all your dreams and all that you desire be within your grasp.

I love you madly - Kaia

Organized chaos

I haven't posted in some time - last week was hellish at work - end of quarter so all the sales executives are getting their deals in - which in turn means i'm working my ass off making sure what they present to the clients will win the business. No small task. Friday night i was so exhausted - i think i went to bed around 9:30pm...

I did manage to go to a charity cocktail party on wednesday night - at Shreve's - an amazing jewelry store - similar to Tiffany's - but it's locally owned. The cocktail party was fun - saw lots of girls i hadn't seen in ages - nibbled on some passed hors d'oeurves and sipped a glass of champagne while i perused the silent auction offerings. I bid on a half case of Chateau Potelle 1999 VSG Cabernet - completely undervalued at my bid of $100 (yay) - and then admired all the gorgeous baubles on display - tried on several necklaces - and then chatted with charity ball chair. The auction was ending so i made my way back to the area to check on my bid - and hello - i'm still the leading bid - fabulous! Suddenly - some girl in a dumpy dress squeaks an 'excuse me please' and squeezes in between me and my bid - just as Marni is collecting the bid sheets - she writes her name and out bids me by $10 dollars. She then turns and smiles at me - and squeaks another 'excuse me please' and disappears. I'm dumb-founded. Who was that? Who let her in? Why would she wear that dress? Was she actually wearing suntan pantyhose? Do they still make suntan pantyhose? Gia breaks my train of thought by asking if i won my wine to which i quickly respond - no, some little twit outbid me - she pouts for me and we both move up to the front to wait for the chairty ball chair to announce the numbers for the $5,000 diamond ring Shreve's was giving away.

5 (yes!)
7 (yes!)
5 (yes!!)
6 (YES!)
9 (YES!!!!)
8 (noooooooooooooo)

Gia lets out a shocked squeal and jumps up and down waving her ticket in the air.

She deserves it - i would have sold it - it looked estate-ish and that's not the style i like. So i give a round of air kisses to my dear friends and rush out the door to hail a cab and call rich. I bore him with the highlights of the evening - some bitch got my wine - the girls aren't as pretty as when i was in the group - Gia won the ring - air kisses - etc...

The rest of the week was basically me working, eating and sleeping - it was exhausting.

On saturday, my dad and i took my 4 year old nephew sammy to the USS Hornet - an aircraft carrier docked in Alameda - it was actually very cool - sammy wore his flight suit - decorated with real military patches from my dad's service in the marines - my dad wore his flight jacket - and we cruised around the hanger deck looking in old fighter planes - tomcats - helicopters - bombers - etc - we then went up to the flight deck and sammy and i pretended to repair the F-11 while my dad talked shop with the docents (the docents were made up primarily of men who had served on the USS Hornet when it was active) - we then took a tour of the air tower and made our way back down to the hanger deck. All the docents couldn't get enough of sammy - and they actually opened up one of the cockpits and allowed him to sit in the front seat - pretty awesome - and i've got the most darling picture of him smiling with his arm out the side of the cockpit giving me the 'thumbs up' signal. After a few purchases in the gift shop and a few more pictures of him standing next to the various planes we headed back to my sister's house. I made a quick retreat home to power nap as i had to head back there in a few short hours to babysit saturday night. It was a long day after a long week - and i fell into bed on saturday night - barely moving from the position i fell asleep in when i woke on sunday.

Sunday was easy - no agenda except to buy a new phone for my house - took rich with me (via cell) and shopped the various options at best buy. Bought what i needed - went grocery shopping - bought flowers - came home - cleaned - showered - relaxed - and talked to rich.

This week is looking like last week - to a lesser degree. I shouldn't be as crazed - hopefully.

All else is well - rich makes me happier beyond words and there's a calmness in my heart when i speak to him. I'm such a lucky girl. It's his birthday this week - weighing my options on a few choice presents...i'd divulge what they are here - but knowing he stops by on occasion - i wouldn't want to spoil the surprise. So i'll keep the secret until friday - or as long as i can...

Meow - K