the view

The *Ahem* "view"... outside of the office I am working from currently. That's Brooklyn Decker, tennis ace, Andy Roddick's wife. Lovely couple, very simple, giving and down to earth. Brooklyn's granny was mighty proud she was chosen the 2010 Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover girl. Apparently it's a big deal.

The picture I posted is much smaller than what I'm actually looking out at BTW. I don't think I'd get any work done this afternoon.

# 4 on the current wish list

Now, only if they'd apply the rule to all public transport systems, Starbucks stores, most local restaurants & eateries, Banana Republic & J Crew stores..hell just about everywhere in this city. Attempted to knock down a tourist lady on my way to work this morning. Felt good, like evil goody good..muhahaha!

summer days

It has been a busy few weeks - work was a little more than I could handle, and personal life was just about OK, I think(?)

Summer has arrived with a bang! The city's been sweltering at 105+ degrees. It was pretty bad the past two weeks. Had a major thunderstorm this evening, so hopefully the heat shall mellow a bit in coming days. I must admit, am not a summer person. I turn into this completely different *creature* during summer - mostly do everything indoors, from playing tennis, running, or just chillaxing at home. My friends think that's odd, given I was raised in the Middle East (I don't get it either). Honestly, I don't know what it is about summers - I sort of want to stick my head in a freezer.

Beside the steamy weather, something I do not appreciate is summer wear. To be precise what some women wear during summer. Every year, the tops, shorts, skirts an' all seem to get shorter and shorter - from barely there, to the *not there anymore*. This year, I've seen tops & shorts/skirts, which in terms of size can only be defined as a headband and/or a wristband. It's funny 'cause the accessories (10 inch heels and extra large handbags, which could be used as a makeshift live in tent) are more in volume than the actual clothes on these women. Am not sure if it's to be comfortable, or attract attention - am guessing the latter. I understand it is summer, and people need to dress comfortably. However, I can't appreciate the lack of clothes on some people (both men & women). There are a hundred alternatives that offer comfort as well as modesty. Being modest or modesty in itself, isn't that subjective, I think.

Summer season is also brisk tourist season in NYC. People from all over the world flock into the city. It's fantastic to see the city buzzing with tourists. It's also nice to have random folks with different accents, gestures, greetings, approach me for directions, have pictures taken, ask away about the city, Broadway shows, central park, subway system and smile at what they think is a New York accent - which isn't true, 'cause I do not have an NYC(or an American) accent.

Am not travelling on work for the next few weeks, so that's good. Am thinking of selling my place and getting a larger one. Apparently home prices have come down a bit everywhere, except where I live and there is plenty of brand new inventory in the market. Mom was scheduled to visit this July - she changed her plans, again at the last minute. So am having n-o-b-o-d-y visit me from home, this summer as well - blah!

Well that's about it from the past few weeks. Usual city life, with work, friends, social life, summer and all - oh! I turned 32 on the 7th, so belated sana hilwa to me :)

going home

Less, than 8 hours to my flight from JFK to DXB and hopefully I shall be on my way home for Christmas. Busy with packing and some re-packing. I am almost done with last minute shopping, or so I thought, till dad threw in a few stuff (whilst I was on the phone with him ...... and packing)

Christmas in New York City is just amazing. Though, I have not spent a Christmas eve in NYC there is an amazing cozy yuletide cheer in the air. The city is brilliantly lit up - people shopping midst Christmas trees, lights, soulful carols and family get together. There are bits of snow and cold chilly breeze and at times crisp fall days with brilliant sunshine and blue skies - it all adds to the yuletide. A drive thru to the suburbs and you shall see beautifully lit homes with Christmas trees, lights & snow filled gardens - mom's dads', grandma's/pa's, cousins & friends, all home - in the hometown they grew up - meeting for Christmas, to reminisce the growing days & and treasured memoirs - share laughs, recipes, home cooked meals, love & care and more.

Had a few parties and dinners to attend, and there's plenty more should I stay back, however must spend Christmas eve with mom & dad, family, friends, home cooking, around the pine & presents at home and all else that matters.

Am quite excited this year on my trip - partly 'cause this year I've had a some added challenges with life and at work, however, it's all in the past and well now. At this point, I look forward to spending time with family & friends. Once home, I’ve got plans/trips thought out - hopefully I'll get to some of them. I wait anxiously for this time of the year. As soon as fall sets in, I am super excited as a little kid off on summer holidays - and start counting the days, book my flights - get started with the shopping and all.

At this point, I am all festive & happy - can't help humming away Amy Grant's sleigh ride - love the tune & lyrics ..... "just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring-ting-tingling" .... :)

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match makers

OK, so everyone knows New York City is the place for singles - single men & women move into the city from all over to meet prospective partners, hopefully for life. Whilst we all have specific thoughts on the better halves, there are also a fair share of wild ducks amongst the sane ones.

Below is an advert (and the response) from a single woman, on craigslist. There is much debate going on at the moment, between friends & I. I think the advert is honest to the point, it's a bit obnoxious, whilst the response is sorta funny & fitting ......well, I think :)

Advert Reads:

"What am I doing wrong?

Okay, I'm tired of beating around the bush. I'm a beautiful(spectacularly beautiful) 25 year old girl. I'm articulate and classy. I'm not from New York. I'm looking to get married to a guy who makes at least half a million a year. I know how that sounds, but keep in mind that a million a year is middle class in New York City, so I don't think I'm overreaching at all.

Are there any guys who make 500K or more on this board? Any wives? Could you send me some tips? I dated a business man who makes average around $200K - $250K. But that's where I seem to hit a roadblock. 250,000 won't get me to central park west. I know a woman in my yoga class who was married to an investment banker and lives in Tribeca, and she's not as pretty as I am, nor is she a great genius. So what is she doing right? How do I get to her level?

Here are my questions specifically:

-Where do you single rich men hang out? Give me specifics- bars,restaurants, gyms
-What are you looking for in a mate? Be honest guys, you won't hurt my
feelings
-Is there an age range I should be targeting (I'm 25)?
-Why are some of the women living lavish lifestyles on the upper east side so plain? I've seen really 'plain jane' boring types who have nothing to offer married to incredibly wealthy guys. I've seen drop dead gorgeous girls in singles bars in the east village. What's the story there?
-Jobs I should look out for? Everyone knows - lawyer, investment banker, doctor. How much do those guys really make? And where do they hang out? Where do the hedge fund guys hang out?

-How you decide marriage vs. just a girlfriend? I am looking for MARRIAGE ONLY

Please hold your insults - I'm putting myself out there in an honest way. Most beautiful women are superficial; at least I'm being up front about it. I wouldn't be searching for these kind of guys if I wasn't able to match them - in looks, culture, sophistication, and keeping a nice home and hearth."


Response from a guy

"Dear xxxx

I read your posting with great interest and have thought meaningfully about your dilemma. I offer the following analysis of your predicament. Firstly, I'm not wasting your time, I qualify as a guy who fits your bill; that is I make more than $500K per year. That said here's how I see it.

Your offer, from the prospective of a guy like me, is plain and simple a crappy business deal. Here's why. Cutting through all the B.S., what you suggest is a simple trade: you bring your looks to the party and I bring my money. Fine, simple. But here's the rub, your looks will fade and my money will likely continue into perpetuity...in fact, it is very likely that my income increases but it is an absolute certainty that you won't be getting any more beautiful!

So, in economic terms you are a depreciating asset and I am an earning asset. Not only are you a depreciating asset, your depreciation accelerates! Let me explain, you're 25 now and will likely stay pretty hot for the next 5 years, but less so each year. Then the fade begins in earnest. By 35 stick a fork in you!

So in Wall Street terms, we would call you a trading position, not a buy and hold...hence the rub...marriage. It doesn't make good business sense to "buy you" (which is what you're asking) so I'd rather lease. In case you think I'm being cruel, I would say the following. If my money were to go away, so would you, so when your beauty fades I need an out. It's as simple as that. So a deal that makes sense is dating, not marriage.

Separately, I was taught early in my career about efficient markets. So,I wonder why a girl as "articulate, classy and spectacularly beautiful" as you has been unable to find your sugar daddy. I find it hard to believe that if you are as gorgeous as you say you are that the $500K hasn't found you, if not only for a tryout.

By the way, you could always find a way to make your own money and then we wouldn't need to have this difficult conversation.

With all that said, I must say you're going about it the right way. I hope this is helpful, and if you want to enter into some sort of lease,let me know."

the weather today

Rather crazy day in the city today. Some sort of tornado hit Staten Island (one of the 5 boroughs that make up New York city). The sun came up in the morning, didn’t stay for long - in a few minutes it went back to being dark. A while later I could hear thunder & heavy showers and could see floods forming. An hour later, the showers stopped, but it was hot & very humid – with increased flooding.

Morning rush hour was bad (read terrible). Subways, buses, ferries all delayed given the weather. It took me an hour to get into work, which I think is much better than most people, since it took most 2 to 3 hours.

I've always known Manhattan is an Island, however realization (of some sort) hit today. Why do people have to come to work on an "island"? If you think about it - it's a bit strange, especially for someone like I, who has always lived & worked in separate cities, SHJ & DXB, but never have had to travel into an island for work.

Most corporations have worldwide head quarters in Manhattan, and though there are those fortunate amongst us who can afford to live in the city, the large majority of folks who work in NYC, live in the boroughs of Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn & Bronx, and in the suburbs of New Jersey, Connecticut and Philadelphia (which is at least 2.5 to 3 hour bus ride). There are several tunnels, bridges and ferries commuting people into the city. I would say about 90% of people working in the city use one and/or multiple public transport systems to get into the city. I read somewhere the population in Manhattan goes upto 8 million on a weekday.

Hence today, given the weather it was quite unfortunate to witness, almost an entire city of people, dripping wet head to toe with rain & sweat given the humidity – yet patiently waiting, forming (long) disciplined queues for delayed transit systems and for water, coffee & breakfast.

I got into work around 10AM, and we had people walk in past 11AM. Thankfully the office has a shower – which had a wait time thru lunch and into the later afternoon. Some folks went out to the GAP & Banana Republic stores next door for new clothes - given that they were drenched.

I left work around 8PM and walked to the subway – the sky was clear, there were no signs of rain, the streets seemed dry for the most part, but humidity continued to stay on. As I reached my apartment building, I could see spots of flooding, a few trees down and some stores without power - praying the entire time my building had power - and it did. I got home switched on the air conditioning, took a nice warm/cold shower – made ice tea, threw a frozen dinner into the microwave - just in time for an episode of Law & Order SVU.

They say the weather should be slightly better tomorrow and back to thunderstorms & showers on Friday – however you never know, at times we have all four seasons on a single day in the city. Hopefully the weekend should be nice, am off to Florida on projects & meetings - strongly dislike bad weather when flying.

Am off to bed, exhausted, been a busy week. Good night folks.

it's all in new york city

I'm telling you folks -- it all happens in New York City. We've got superman flying around town, and into outer space preventing asteroids from crashing into the city. Spidey swinging from scraper, to scarper. Batman and Robin pretending they are at "Gotham" which we all know is *really* Manhattan.

We've got the unfriendly (or misunderstood) folks from outer space blowing up things around this town. Yellow cabs blown away into oblivion - La Independence Day / MIB / War of the Worlds. Damn asteroids crashing into the city (Armageddon). Crazy ass ice storms freezing everything on its way (The day after tomorrow).

We also have the Fantastic four flying around. King Kong at the Empire state eh! Oh! Carrie and the girls spreading love (well sort of) and then some! The gang of Friends. Then there is Jerry, Elaine, George and Kramer. The Sopranos. Law & Order and many more.

However, everytime I look out my apartment window, or whilst just strolling out and about the town, I guess I am just surprised I haven't witnessed any of the above! Nope, no aliens (well at least none from another world) – no weird end of the world storm scenarios – no super heroes swinging, flying or skating around, nor the poor love struck Kong at the Empire state.

Most often I just see bunch of cops and car chases, firefighters, ambulances and cops running around, boyfriends caught cheating lol! and plenty of tourists walking the city this time of the year. Plenty of yellow cabs just honking away to oblivion etc all. It’s just business as usual at the Big Apple, and I like it that way.

Big Apple Stay

Often it's weird & funny the incidents & experiences from travels. Below is an experience whilst on my first visit/stay at a holiday Inn in the Big Apple....

On a Sunday evening I check into the Holiday Inn - showered, had dinner - was about to hit the sack, when say around 10PM - I have a visitor (no not a woman) instead a huge fat New York City rodent – a rat.

It came from beneath the door and went underneath my bed. I freaked, called the reception, they sent some guy up to get rid of the rat and changed my room to Room 607!

Now get this, I get the keys to room# 607 - open the door – and to my horror & surprise see this big hairy ass guy, in his B'day suit out of the shower and(presumably) his wife sitting on the bed watching Television?

I am yelled at, I yell back - shut the door behind me and catch the elevator to the reception, give a piece of my mind to the poor soul at the font desk (who, simultaneously is getting it from the naked guy in 607 via the telephone). I am put up, in room 707 – however, hardly caught some sleep for fear of another "visitor"!

Did I mention the rate US$399.99 plus taxes/night – received zero comp for the horrors :(

To chin up, I wrote a casual poem (below) on the events. Welcome to big apple – I guess?


Big Apple Stay

rosh - he was on his bed,
rosh - sleeping the sleep of the dead,

HARK! suddenly, there was a sound, something was around,What was it?
could it be a girl, keen on a nocturnal tryst?
would rosh know what to do with her? Or would he just get pissed?

but wait – it was a female, thou not of the human kind,
was rosh paranoid enough that a rat would bump and grind? or would he be afraid and let out a scream?

rosh rushed down to the reception, not just angry but hopping mad,

he swore and he yelled - what the f**k is going on here?
he had a phobia of rats, you could sense his fear....

" we're sorry sir" said the dude at reception,
"'tis never happened before" says he trying deception,

there was a priest there, quietly looking towards heaven,
and the receptionist says " Sir, we're giving you room 607"

so rosh, relief spread across his face,
grabs the keys and to his new room does race

he wants to go back to sleep, get some rest,
but little did he know that fate had one more test,

he uses the key to room 607 - opens the door
there's someone in the room, some guy and his whore

the girl's sitting on the bed, watching TV, probably porn
and the guy's just standing around, naked as the day he was born

a few seconds of silence, 't was a comical situation for sure
rosh recovered from his shock and slammed the door

he ran to the lift, wondering what kind of people this hotel housed
as he could see the naked guy was all aroused!

rosh was disgusted, he was appalled,
so he went down to reception and the manager he called

"That's the limit man" say rosh in a very pissed tone,
" Just a minute sir, it's your naked friend on the phone""

We apologize Sir, of course we'll change your room again""
Ok, but no rats and no naked guys or gals please - they're really a pain""

Very well sir, we regret the trouble caused, it's a pity,
but enjoy your stay and welcome to New York City""

thank you, i think I'll be fine"" say rosh
oh Sir, here's your bill -that'll be $ 399"