Baby Steps, Baby Steps

After writing a teary-eyed post Monday night, hitting re-dial with what seemed like a bazillion times, and an ever-growing panic attack at the thought that my world as I knew it was falling apart, I finally reached Mom on the damn phone sometime late Tuesday afternoon to finally get that all-knowing "motherly advice" I desperately needed. We talked about my options for scheduling surgery, discussed how this diagnosis is now going to change my lifestyle, and tried to speculate why it has taken 32 years to finally get the answers to all the questions we have been asking since the day I took my first steps. (Yes, apparently there have been clues that a trained physician could have deciphered at any point before now . . . whodathunkit?)

We both agreed that I will probably have a much more enjoyable holiday season without a full cast, crutches, ice packs, and narcotics (although they might be more cheery with drugs and alcohol, I am sure). I also recognized that I was becoming increasingly overwhelmed at the idea of leaving the office and all my open projects in just three weeks (with one of those including a foreign business trip). Additionally, by delaying the surgery, I can afford some time finding another doctor to offer a second opinion.

After a few days of thoughtful consideration and a long talk with my boss, I've decided to schedule the surgery in January 2010. I figure I am already in constant pain, but the pain I will feel post-surgery will be much worse; and, I really want to be able to sit on the floor opening gifts under the tree on Christmas morning with my nieces and nephews. Plus, after having to endure my birthday with a broken foot three years ago, I would really like to spare myself a repeat of that agony.

So, here is my plea: Is there anyone who would like to volunteer to come spend a week in the Big Apple in January? You won't get to see much of the city since you'll be feeding me, doing my laundry and generally being my bed-nurse . . . but if you'd be kind enough to come help me with my recovery, I will promise to take long, drug enduced naps each and every afternoon, giving you the opportunity to take in a Broadway show, tour the MOMA, take photos from the top of the Empire State Building or to see any other sites that you've never had the chance to discover.

Sure, it'll be winter, but not to worry; we don't really get much snow and there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy! Besides, for those of you that are unemployed (or have an open calendar), when else are you going to have the opportunity to pick up and jet to the NYC? Volunteers welcome!

Crippling News

After nearly a full year of walking in pain along the streets of New York City; countless doctor's appointments; several MRIs, x-rays, and neurological tests trying to find the source of my pain, I finally met with a surgeon who today told me that he needs to completely "rebuild" my left foot and ankle.

I was prepared for the news that surgery was inevitable, but I was not ready to hear the extensive details of how he will have to break my foot, cut my achille's tendon, and re-anchor the tendons and ligaments on the exterior of my ankle. Getting the play-by-play, I nearly "lost it" in his office and I am definitely losing it now as I write this post.

I'm a cripple (for lack of a better term, really). Many of you have at least one, if not many, memories--I am sure--of me falling, tripping, or tumbling down stairs, slippery floors, or incredibly something as simple as my own two feet (yes, it's possible and I do it a lot, folks). And, after years of broken bones, sprains, and more, Dr. Weinfeld has finally confirmed what a few of New York's finest physician's have suspected for the last year--I am genetically pre-disposed to being "accident-prone." It seems funny, but only because I am making my best attempt at finding this diagnosis humorous right now . . .

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome is a hereditary neurological disorder that causes shortened calf muscles, extremely high arched feet, and weak ankles. The root of all these side effects is a syndrome that will slowly over the course of my life kill the nerve endings in my hands and feet, which will eventually atrophy all the muscles in my extremities. Much like muscular dystrophy, I will progressively lose most muscle strength in my feet and/or hands over my lifetime. . . The surgery that Dr. Weinfeld wants to perform will likely be the first of many that I will have to endure for years to come in order to maintain full use of my feet.

I am incredibly terrified, but at the same time calmed that I have found a surgeon that is so well-versed in this condition and is confident that I am going to recover well from the surgery. But, I can't help thinking what does this diagnosis mean for me and the rest of my life? What does this mean for the opportunity to have children some day? (I can't help thinking now that it's probably a blessing in disguise that I never married and had children in my 20s . . . )

Now, what to do? When to schedule my surgery? Should I do it now in the hopes that I will be in a walking boot in time to travel for the holidays? Or, do I wait until January when the officework is a little slower, but snow is on the ground and I am stumbling with crutches to get into a cab every morning to get to work ? How will I take care of myself in my little studio apartment; in this big city without a car? I really am losing it . . .

My Fans Have Been Calling . . .

The posts have been few and far between this summer, I know. But, I guess it's true what they say -- absence makes the heart grow fonder . . . fans and readers have been coming out of the woodwork asking (almost begging, really) for more updates on life in the Big Apple. My apologies; I promise to make a better effort at posting (you notice I didn't promise to post more often, but only to make a better effort . . . I suppose it's healthy that I can admit my weaknesses to even myself.) In the meantime, here are some of the best moments from the Summer of '09:

In July, my friend Fiona and I took a day trip to Atlantic City. While I sadly lost $250 in just 30 short minutes, I did finally learn where all the street names' in Monopoly originated from. . . A week later, I made a road trip to Lancaster, MA to watch my nephew Kyle play and win the US Youth Soccer National Championship for 14-year-olds! It felt so great being able to cheer Kyle from the sidelines along with my brother and sister-in-law. I couldn't believe they were all here; it was just so surreal with plenty of hugs and well wishes throughout the weekend! It was especially meaningful for Kyle and his teammates when he celebrated his birthday during the tournament too.

August brought the Fall semester for LIM College and my first teaching experience. To be honest, I am completely wrapped up in it. . . I had no idea it would be so much work, but I am completely committed to it. My students are very enthusiastic and eager to learn (it's a total self-esteem booster, really), but I've been struggling with getting them to put in the work along with the classtime.

September has brought with it Fall in its fullness; the air has been cool and crisp, but filled with sunshine. My friend Sarah came to visit me Labor Day weekend; it was great to visit and catch up after such a long absence. I love it when my girlfriends come to visit me!

Who Parties Like a Rockstar Under the Sea?

SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS!

This week is the official 10th anniversary of SpongeBob's premiere on Nickelodeon and Nick did it up right with a kick-off celebration at our offices here in Times Square. The entire staff was invited to dish on krabby patties, french fries, yellow cupcakes and yellow pineapple-tinis in our very own Bikini Bottom themed cafeteria.

We had a "spongey" good time toasting to our favorite optimist! The afternoon was topped with a special visit from the Naked Cowboy, donning SpongeBob underwear and a Bikini Bottom-decopaged guitar. He sang a little tune to our honored guest before posing for pictures with our company president.

We also had a special appearance from SpongeBob and Patrick themselves, none other than Tom Kenny and Bill Fagerbakke (some of you may remember him from his days on Coach with Craig T. Nelson) who affectionately informed us that 40% of us would be laid off following the meeting . . . something about management thinking we could take it easier if we heard the bad news in a cartoon voice.

I hear the cupcakes were delicious . . . you can't imagine how difficult it was for me to abstain from partaking in all the culinary goodness. Every single item was forbidden on this new cleansing diet of mine . . . I just keep thinking to myself, "will I really make it 6 months?"

I ♥ the 80's!

Congratulations to Team Atreyu, the 3rd Place winners at the 80's Trivia Night at Big Daddy's Diner!

Our team ended a fun filled Monday evening successfully placing third, only two points behind the evening's winner Yo Mallory, despite an upsetting final round sprint from Jessie's Girl that ultimately robbed us of the much coveted first place prize!

After a successful showcase of correctly answering trivia questions like the principal's name in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off", Baby's full formal name in "Dirty Dancing", and what person Alex P. Keaton idolized in "Family Ties", Team Atreyu entered the final bonus round well in the lead and sure we would take the win! Unfortunately, the game was opened up as a free for all during the Bonus Round with a karaoke sing off of the theme song to "Growing Pains". When their name was randomly drawn, Jessie's Girl earned a full 5 bonus points just for singing the song to the angering crowd!

Team Atreyu was definitely disappointed, but we still managed to secure a bronze prize! After an evening of fun, food, and friends, we won a $50 gift card toward our next visit at Big Daddy's. We're ready for a re-match and will be watching our fave 80's flicks in preparation for it!

Looking Good for 232 years . . .

This year's 4th of July celebration was such an improvement over last year's! Carrie has been in the Hamptons since last week, but she was kind enough to come back to the City for the weekend since she knew I had such a miserable 4th of July weekend last year . . . she was determined to make it better for me this year!

The weather could not have been more perfect. We had a high of 81 with low humidity and a fresh breeze from the ocean water. After making a wonderful picnic dinner, Carrie and I invited some of our girlfriends from church to stake a spot for the fireworks display. We arrived early and were able to pick a perfect place along the Hudson River nestled in the middle of a clearing of trees. From our vantage point, we were able to view all 5 barges along the river and watched the sky light up! What a way to celebrate!

You Want to Transform This Into a Date?

After a chance meeting at last week's Floating Kabarette and a week of friendly email banter, Taz and I agreed to go see Transformers 2 Friday night. I had intended to see the movie with my colleagues, but missed the film last week when I got called into a last minute meeting with Dreamworks. I was delighted when a week after the premiere, I finally found someone who hadn't already seen it themselves! And, Taz seemed like a really nice, fun guy to join me!

But, I quickly found that Taz interpreted my invitation as a formal date. Before I could blink, he had already purchased both our tickets and was leading me up the escalator to our theater. And, over the course of the 2.5 hour film, his body slowly drew closer and closer to mine. Without even allowing the credits to finish, he immediately turned to me and asked, "what are we doing now?" I asked if he was hungry and he suggested we get dinner.

With the non-stop rain finally letting up this weekend, we enjoyed a wonderful walk around Union Square before deciding on a late night dinner at The Coffee Shop. Sitting outside in the warm summer air was wonderful and Taz was a gracious host with plenty of non-stop conversation to offer. In fact, we had managed to talk so long that the server was ready to kick us out of our seats. We then moved inside to the bar and managed to converse late into the night before I finally announced I had to go home at 2am.

After Taz walked me to the subway and wished me goodnight, I couldn't help but ask myself, "what just happened here?" I really like Taz; he's easy to talk to, smart, kind, and respectful. I'm just not attracted to him. . . why must dating be so complicated?

A Floater of a Good Time!

So, in an effort to make new friends and discover this great city of mine, I recently joined several interest groups at Meetup.com. And, when most of my friends left town, leaving me to fend for myself this weekend, I managed to find a really fun group to join Saturday night.

The group was fantastic! About 20 of us young professionals traveled to Brooklyn to see the Floating Kabarette, a variety and comedy show complete with Cabaret dancers, gymnasts, and magicians. After playing musical chairs throughout the evening, I was able to meet everyone in the group, including Lauren, who lives just a few short blocks from me here on the UES. I experienced a most unusual and unexpectedly fun evening, making a few new friends along the way!

A Prayer to the Theater Godot(s)

This month has quickly become one of the wettest Junes on record in NYC history with rain nearly every single day. So, many summer activities that New Yorkers look forward to--like baseball games, outdoor movies, outdoor theater, and concerts--continue to be cancelled. Carrie and I had planned to go see an outdoor production of King Lear in Battery Park this evening after work. But, after arriving and apprising the dark clouds over our heads, we thought it best to not stay in the open air.

Luckily, Mrs. Mitchell (Carrie's boss-lady) had two extra tickets on hold to see Waiting for Godot at the Studio 54 box office. She offered them to us. So, we quickly headed uptown in the hopes of arriving in time for the 8pm performance.

Along our walk to the theater, I stopped at Cosi to purchase an egg-salad sandwich to curb my ongoing hunger pains. While Carrie entered the theater to claim our tickets, I stood outside to finish eating my sandwich. You can imagine my surprise when Cloris Leachman walked up right behind me and started talking to the couple standing next to me. I was tickled pink and rushed over to get Carrie's attention to point her out . . . only to turn around and see Martin Short standing next to me in the Will Call line!

After getting settled in our seats, I saw Cloris again and slowly watched her settle into the seat directly behind me anticipating a dramatic performance. And, we were not disappointed! Nathan Lane, John Goodman, Bill Irwin, and John Glover all delivered an amazing performance!

THE report from THE trip

I finally returned safely home this morning after a long trip out West. The first week was spent keeping the masses under control for all our meetings and marketing presentations at Licensing Show. We arrived at our weeklong accommodations at THEhotel late Sunday night. Everything at THEhotel is deliciously called "THE"--THE cafe, THE lounge, THE lotion, THE shampoo, even THE tp . . . I loved it!


After a full schedule of meetings all week, I drove to So-Cal for a visit with the family and friends. I was so excited to give my nieces and nephews a hug & kiss in person! It felt so good!

Upon my return home, I stopped back at THEhotel for a night to wish Crystal a happy 30th birthday in Sin City. It was so good to spend a little time with all my friends and to help celebrate such a special day with Crystal!