A tribute to my dad

As of today my dad is officially retired. In honor of him, I post this tribute.

I've learned a lot of my dad over the years- how to water ski, to value tradition, to believe that all guys are sorry until they prove otherwise. But some of the most important lessons were about jobs and work. Whenever my sister or I would complain about a job, he would always remind us- there is a reason WORK is a four-letter word.

Despite this seemingly negative adage about work, I learned several positive truths from my dad.

1. Develop a strong work ethic.
Too often people mistake this idea with the belief that work has to become their #1 priority and they end up becoming workaholics. Instead, my dad simply taught us that a strong work ethic means giving your best to the job or task that is requested of you. As a result of the example set by my dad, both my sister and I started working at a fairly young age. Like my dad, the skills I learned in those early jobs have contributed to developing my strong work ethic.

2. Work hard, but play hard also.
My dad has always been a hard worker. I remember the times when he worked night shifts, the Fair days, and the part-time jobs. He did all of these things because it allowed him not only to provide for our family, but also to be with us. These jobs equaled family vacations to the beach or Disney World or cruises.

3. Whatever you do, do it with integrity
My dad didn't actually talk about his job at home very often. He was usually too busy listening to me, my sister or my mom complain about our jobs. But I've hear comments over the years which lead me to know that my dad is respected by those he has worked with.

As someone who has never been at any job longer than 2 years, it is especially impressive to me that my dad is retiring from the Police Force after 32 years. For 32 years he has given his best to his job. This was a career of service and sacrifice. To the department and to his family. And so, like so many others, I simply want to say- thank you.

I know I should be flattered...

I was carded at the wine store tonight! I can't remember the last time I was carded. Sure if I go to a bar after 10, I get carded. But they card everyone at that time. I haven't had a wine store ask me for ID in quite a while. I wanted to yell at the guy that I will be 30 in less than a year! Instead, I left the bottle at the check out and walked out.
I won't be going back to that store. I like the store where I can show up with just a credit card and buy a bottle of wine.

just a random Friday night in NYC

Last night I went to happy hour with some friends at Byrant Park. Unlike our usual happy hours, this definitely was an "after work" scene. Most of the crowd had that professional look. We mingled around looking for interesting people to meet. By that I mean, single men. While we didn't have the success we had hoped for, it was still a good time with good friends and cold beer.
After happy hour, we decided it was a good idea to eat some dinner before moving to another bar. My friend knew a "great" restaurant not too far away. Apparently, she forgot that it was somewhat fancy which means somewhat pricey. I guess that happens when you go on a date and someone else pays. However, they were participating in Restaurant Week. I had actually wanted to go to Restaurant Week, but it didn't seem to happen. Suddenly I was at Restaurant Week completely unexpectedly. Deciding to make the most of it, I went not only with the Restaurant Week menu but also the wine pairings. Overall, it was a wonderful experience. I don't often go to the fancy restaurants of New York so it was a fun way to spend the evening.
After our random Restaurant Week dinner, we went to the Gingerman and enjoyed some beers and conversation with several strangers. This was more like a typical Friday night for me. In the end, it was pretty much a perfect way to spend my Friday.
Oh, and I had bought a new dress to wear out that apparently made me look hot.

the end of another chapter

I'm moving again. Moving might be my least favorite thing. Ever.
I have to pack up all my stuff, throw out things, arrange for movers, disrupt my life. I'm fairly apprehensive about this move. I have to leave my very cute studio apartment with two spacious (by NYC standards) closets. I'm moving into a friend's apartment. My room will likely be filled to capacity and my tiny closet will certainly not hold all of my clothes. Also, I will have to readjust to having a roommate. Sure, I've been lonely at times on my own this past year, but you can never be sure that a good friend will make a good roommate.
I just keep telling myself- I'll be saving money. My rent was going up and my salary unfortunately has not. So I'm moving again. Hopefully it will be wonderful, and I won't have to move again. The neighborhood is cute, even if it is far from the subway. My commute to work will be longer- about 45 minutes.
But at least I'll be saving money.
So I'm moving again. Tomorrow. Looking around my apartment right now I'm just hoping I will be ready when the movers show up.

and suddenly it's spring

Today I walked home through Central Park. I was halfway through the park when I suddenly realized- the trees have leaves!
Maybe it is appropriate that my last post was written in February about my snowy non-snow day. It was a long winter. It started to get cold the end of October and continued to be cold until the middle of April. Maybe my non-blogging was a reflection that this winter put me into a hibernation mode. If I had not started seeing signs that spring was coming, I probably would have continue to spiral into a state of official depression.
I first saw hints of spring with the flower planted not only in the park, but all over the city. Next came the blooming cherry trees. Despite these signs, the trees continued to be bare and the grass continued to be brown. When I couldn't see the flowers and cherry trees, the city continued to have that dreary, dead, depressing winter look.
Then suddenly bright green leaves appeared on the trees, and the grass was green, too. It's officially spring. I'm able to wear skirts and short sleeves and sandals. I only need a light jacket, occasionally. But the best thing of all is that my mood seems to be remarkably improved.
It's finally spring!