Proof Positive

While in the Adirondacks, we were putzing around looking for cool things to do. We happened upon a nice older woman who gave us loads of good ideas. One of those was taking a mineral bath, something the area was famous for during the gilded age when the elite would come to soak up the health benefits of mineral waters.

We made an appointment. Arrived 15 minutes early, per the spas instructions. While sitting in the lounge sipping tea and awaiting our personal attendant, we noticed a familiar sight. In a room of roughly 10 people, we were the only ones under the age of 55. Again. We are in fact, the worlds oldest couple under the age of 65.

The mineral bath, by the way, was quite nice. The tubs are deceiving cuz they are super deep, but don't look like it. The water is brown-ish, filled to the gills with rejuvenating and hydrotherapeutic mineral water and oils. It's effervescent too, so it's a bubbly tubly. I would recommend it, followed by a massage, pedicure, or facial.

Polly Politic

*Let me preface this post, with a disclaimer: I in no way support any one candidate or political party*

OK, that's done. Now, on to the good stuff. I'm a funny mix of things. I like to read cookbooks, People magazine, and The Economist. I watch Food Network, So You Think You Can Dance, and cable news programs religiously.

Perhaps the overload of junk (celebrity gossip, style tips, interior decor) makes me crave something more worthwhile. It's my yin and yang. If I indulge in too much trashy (which cross-my-heart-and-hope-to-die, I'm certain I couldn't live without), I start to feel my mind turn to mush. I need intellectual stimulation. Up to minute news. Political commentary. I need to feel informed.

As a result, I love politics. The ideas, the forum, the change, the courage. Granted, much bad (rhetoric, demeaning behavior, rehearsed speeches) follows the good. But still. It sucks me in. Everytime. I make it a point to become as well-informed and educated as I can be. Why not get to know the candidates as well as I can for as long as I can? I've always found it silly that people only really pay attention when things come down to the wire. To me, it seems that is the time when candidates are being the least genuine, just vying for votes. Or that people side with the opposing candidate simply because they despise the other. Why not stand up for the one whose ideas truly inspire you? I say, why not get to know these people a bit better? See them when they're not quite as polished? New to the game? Less afraid to say what they really believe in? Albeit, with some candidates, this is incredibly unlikely to happen. But, still.

I've been to political receptions for different candidates. I watch every debate. Read the news. Watch the interviews. I love it. Especially getting to hear and see candidates in person. No matter what sense you have for a person in TV or print, that inevitably changes or becomes more apparent when you see them in person. A great way to get a better sense for not necessarily what they believe in or the change they want to make, but what kind of person they are. What they're made of. Their real self. I think that's one of the things I value most in a candidate.

That being said, I'll be the first to admit that I rushed home from a political reception late last night to catch the re-run of the re-run of Paris Hilton on Larry King Live. It's a strange world I live in. But I challenge you to be involved. Be open-minded. Listen to everyone. To never let politics interfere in your personal relationships. Just love it, and leave it at that.

NYC Getaway: Adirondacks

It seems that just about every weekend we don't have something going on, G. and I make a getaway. A last minute decision on Friday afternoon. Pick a spot on the map and go.

When we walked into the Saratoga Diner for breakfast on Saturday morning, realizing we were just about the only folks there under the age of 55, we knew we had hit the jackpot. The Adirondack area and the town itself are bustling with life and young bucks. Yet, it always seems that the places we are drawn to suit the older crowd much better. We've come to the conclusion that we are, in fact, the worlds youngest couple over the age of 65.

Then came the coupon covered, you can clip 'em out if you want placemat. These are a personal favorite to peruse, and I was certain we were in good hands here.

As if things could get any better, the real gem of our dining experience, was when Diane brought the check. Yes, the check. Just about the most endearing and unusual check I've ever received. Clever lady, that Diane, it inspired me to leave her a larger tip. And snap a photo.

Between the Sheets

Sometimes in the morning, I just like to lie there. Pull the sheets up over my head. Watching the light come through in soft, muted tones. I want to bottle that golden, dewy goodness and carry it in my pocket. The whirring of the fan over my head. Just listen. Think. Wonder. In silence. Before my brain starts its marathon churning and turning ideas over and over and over. Just a minute or two. Listen. Think. Wonder. Then my day begins.

Black & White

Lenny's has the best black & white cookie in all of NYC. As one who regularly consumes fine baked goods, I feel I can say this with certainty. More cake-like than cookie, with just the right amount of frosting. Speaking of frosting, it's so so good. The sugary white side is sweet and the chocolaty black side has just a hint of coffee (of course, to enhance the chocolate flavor). At $1.75, it's a steal of an NYC deal too. One of my favorite treats is to get a Lenny's sandwich (#1 Lenny's Combo or the G3), specialty soda, and cookie on 74th & Columbus, then head over to Central Park for a picnic.

What a Difference a Year Makes

Last year, late nights with sisters and loved ones consisted of The O.C.-fests. Huddled in front of the flat screen at my parents house at the designated time of midnight, just wasting the night away. Mountain Dews and sparkling Martinelli's runneth amuck. Never-ending plates of super nachos accompanied by homemade salsa. Committing to a single episode, undoubtedly followed by a wail of "Just one more! Last one! This time I'm serious, last one!" Until inevitably it was 4 a.m. and we were thoroughly satiated with visions of Seth, Summer, and the rest of the Cohen gang dancing in our heads.

These days, it's late nights in the pink bedroom. Our trusty laptops by our sides, with Diet Cokes and a bag of Twizzlers. Bla-bla-bla-blogging, shopping, writing, working, wedding planning, Facebooking, picture downloading, and general surfing of the worldwideweb.

We've gone from wannabe teeny boppers to internet nerds in 12 short months (maybe less). My mom snapped this shot at about 2 a.m., when she came up to us tell it was "time to go to bed, or we wouldn't get anything done tomorrow." To which we replied, "Duh, Mom, we're on vacation!"

Anyone got a new TV show suggestion? 2 requirements: must be available on DVD, and must go well with junk food and late nights.

Perfect 10

Bowling shoes are so so cool. Though they definitely have their time and place (not church or cocktail party appropriate), I am convinced they make any everyday outfit 10 times cooler. Sometimes I want to sneak them home with me, though I'm certain I'd feel far too guilty (I am a good citizen, remember?) and end up never wearing them because of it.

Swoop De Doop

Since the weather has taken a turn for the wetter (Boo!), I've been baking up a storm in my mothers gourmet kitchen. Nothing quite like staying in on a rainy day, the scent of oven-baked goods wafting thru the air.

The greatest joy--for me--is not in the making or the baking, but in the taking. While flitting about the kitchen, I make a mental list of people who need a little sugary sweetness in their lives. This week, I attempted the most manly cupcakes I could muster. One plate for my bestest cousin who graduated from HS, one for my in-laws, and one for dear friends mourning a loss.

I think they turned out quite nicely. I've been practicing my oh so professional cupcake swoop. After making BFF with my local cupcakery's long-running employee of the month, I think I'm finally getting it. He shares his swooping secrets with me, and I adore him for it.

Poolside

I've always told myself that if I can come home at the end of a long day (or even for a dip in the afternoon) and jump in my swimming pool, that's when I'll know I've made it. Turns out, I still think I'm right about that. I don't have a crystal clear pool to call my own in NYC, so I take advantage as much as possible when I'm home. That's why I've been away from bla-bla-bla-blogging. Too busy swimming--and living my dream. If only for a little while.

P.S. SPF 30 at ALL times (55 on the face). I'm not getting skin cancer.