Eat. Jog. Cry.

I'm not quite sure what the hell is going on with me this week, but I've been *overly* emotional.  Take this morning, for example:  When I went on a jog, I ran past a sedentary, obese man with his small black Schnauzer.  You should have seen the doting expression on the sweet pup's face as he gazed up at his master.  So doting, in fact, that this was all it took to get me going...

Bam!  I burst in to tears.  I'm talking serious waterworks here, folks.  What the fcuk?   But, being the champion stubborn athlete that I am, I kept on jogging.  And bawling.  At the same time. 

Have I lost my mind?  Maybe.  Probably.  But I have a feeling that this outburst could be attributed to a bizarre conversation I had last night with a girlfriend...

Friend:  "So, are you dating anyone?"

Me:  "Um, not...Well, that's kind of a loaded question."

Friend:  "Have you ever thought about moving?"

Me:  "Huh?  Where did *that* come from?  Move where?  Listen, girl, I busted my ass for 3-years to get to this city, and there's no way I'm leaving.  To meet a man, no less!  Trust me, the dating scene elsewhere is just as redonkulous."

Friend:  "Well, what about Jersey City?"

Me:  "Huh?  Are you nuts?  Why the hell would I move to Jersey City?"

Friend:  "Well, all of the guys here are looking for the 'next best thing' which, in most cases, is a 22 year-old.  Maybe there's less of that in Jersey City."

Me:  "Honey, every red-blooded male in the universe is looking for the 'next best thing.'  As am I!  Look, all jokes aside, I'm not worried about finding a guy.  I'm worried about finding a *normal* guy.  You know, someone who doesn't ask me to wash my feet before I get in to bed.  (True story)  And what about you?  Are you not worried that your man is 'looking for the next best thing?'"

Friend:  "Well, he's 40.  I'm 25.  So..."

...Wow, if that conversation didn't make me feel like the most inadequate senior-citizen on the planet.  (*Oh, ex-squeeze me while I go change my catheter and drink my Ensure shake.*)  And I'm only 31, for god's sake! 

OK, now getting back to my a.m. outburst:  I think it was seeing this larger man with a dog who loves him unconditionally, no matter what he looks like or lacks.  I'm not knocking fat people, folks - I know first-hand what it's like to be heavy.  Maybe it's time that yours truly got herself a canine companion...?  After all, isn't this the kind of love that we all crave?  In human form, of course?

~

Things that *aren't* making me cry this week:

**This view, courtesy of the 51st floor of the Bank of America tower:

**I came across this surprising slideshow:  "Secret Loooovers! Secret Relationships We Didn’t Know About Until Years Later."  You won't believe who some of your favorite stars dated! 

**Tonight, I'm meeting one of my most favorite readers, Tammi, for drinks!  I am so excited to finally meet this woman in-person!!

**No rain is forecasted for the next week!  God knows I could use some good ol' fashioned vitamin D!  Could all of the precipitation be the source of my blues?

**I'm in town this weekend!

**My current read, "Trail of Crumbs"

**This lil' number, which kind of describes how I'm feeling this week:

**The fact that my girl, Jessica Simpson, is working-out again:

**This "some ecard," sent to me by one of my best friends.  I crack up every time I read it:

Here's to a tear-free Thursday!

~~~

Until we eat again,

The Lunch Belle 

Deep Thoughts: Culinary school / The ingredients of great writing

Deep Thoughts:  Reflecting upon my weekend at BlogHer Food 2012 in Seattle... 

1)  After meeting so many wonderful food bloggers and hearing many of their personal stories, I couldn't help but become even more inspired.  What surprised me most of all is how many of these women are professionally-trained chefs and bakers.  Hence why they are the master creators behind most of the fabulous recipes published on their websites.  This got me thinking:  If I really want to stay afloat in this game, then perhaps I should consider going back to school.  I say "back to school," because I graduated from college with a BS in Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management.  But reading books and attending traditional classes doesn't prepare you for the kitchen the way that hands-on culinary school does.  And I know that because of the recreational courses that I've taken, both during my time at university and beyond.  In this case, "actions *do* speak louder than words."

2)  It has become more and more apparent to me, after reading memoirs and looking deeper within myself, that writers/poets view the world differently than the average person.  From everyday occurrences to transcendent life experiences, their observations seem so much more vivid and emotional.  Here's a great example from Kim Sunee's memoir, Trail of Crumbs:  "...I take my sister's hand and march up to the front of the bus to sit right behind Mr. Larry, the bus driver.  He's got a dark spot on the back of his head that looks like a crater.  He smells like soft caramel and dough and keeps a picture of his dog taped to the rear view mirror."   Can't you almost see and smell Mr. Larry?  I can.

I believe that, in order to write *really* well, one has to have gone through a great deal of pain, loss, and heartbreak.  Whatever the said "pain, loss, and heartbreak" subjectively means to that individual.  I also think that writers tend to be much more sensitive, vulnerable, and susceptible to emotion, both happy and sad.  They "feel" more and, in turn, see more.

...

That's all for now.  I'm just grateful that my experience in Seattle stirred up some 'deep thoughts' and inspiration.

"Hitch your wagon to a star."  Ralph Waldo Emerson

Until we eat again,

The Lunch Belle

Running for my summer swagger

Blame it on all of the hot bodies I ogled in Vegas.  Or, perhaps it's the fact that I just looked at my calendar and realized...TODAY IS JUNE 1ST!!  Summer. Really. Is. Here.

While I'm on the topic of body envy, I had a little "come to Jesus," if you will, upon my return flight from 'Sin City':  If I want my figure to look as smokin' hot as all of those 20-year-old sluts that I spied pool-side at the Wynn, then I'd better shake-up my fitness routine!  Currently, my workouts consist solely of indoor activities:  Watching television, spinning, barre, and, occasionally, ballet.  While each is fantastic and, believe it or not, *fun*, deep down, I'm aching to get back to jogging outdoors...  

The last time I attempted to incorporate jogging in to my exercise routine, I was 40-pounds heavier than I am now.  Because of all of the extra weight that I was carrying, coupled with the fact that I had taken an 8-year workout sabbatical, I ended up fracturing my knee.  How sad and lame is that? 

It's almost been 2-years since that painful incident, and not a day has passed that I haven't thought about putting on my sneakers and hitting the pavement.  For me, running is the ultimate de-stressor (I imagine that boxing would also have similar effects.  Perhaps I'll look in to that, next?).  I tend to carry a lot of anger and emotional weight, so a good jog really helps me to refocus and gain composure.  It's the ultimate "me" time - when I can completely zone-out and lose myself in my music. 

"Run Forrest! Run!"...And, speaking of music, I'm in dire need of some kick ass tunes to add to my playlist.  See, it's for this reason, alone, that I love attending exercise classes instead of "doing my own thing."  Why?  Because having to download music and create playlists is overwhelming, time-consuming and, frankly, I'd rather have someone else to do it. 

Check out what's on my current "jogging playlist," below.  And, before you laugh at some of my out-of-date selections, a) shut up, and b) just remember that I don't have a car, so listening to the radio isn't really an option.

What do you jam to when you work out?  I'd love some great suggestions!

...

Rap/Hip Hop 

*This is my favorite type of music.  I've grew up in a Motown household - with a mother who went to more Michael Jackson concerts than anyone I know/have read about - so, for me, rap/hip hop was a very natural transition.

Red Cafe - Fly Together

Love the beat and the line about the "JetBlue stewardess"

Kanye West/Big Sean/Pusha T/2 Chainz - Mercy 

Completely, ridiculously obsessed this song!

Usher - Scream

Sexy lyrics and a great beat

Ice Cube - Check Yo Self

...Great video, too!

Rick Ross/Drake/Chrisette Michele - Aston Martin Music

I love everything about this song - this is one of the first times I had ever heard "Drake" on a track

Rick Ross - B.M.F.

As you can see, I have a lil' thing for Rick Ross.  This song makes me feel like I'm a force to be reckoned with - and that I could kick some serious ass.

Tupac - To Live & Die in LA

One of my favorite Tupac songs of all time - love this tribute to LA

Tupac - I Get Around

Funny lyrics - and I know every last one of them, by heart.  I could acapella the shit out of this song!

Tupac - How Do You Want It

A sexy classic with a killer beat

Nicki Minaj/Drake - Moment 4 Life

For me, the verdict is still out on Nicki, but I adore this duet w/ Drake

Positive K - I Got A Man

The lyrics are hilarious, and I can recite every last one of them.  An old-school classic!

Neyo - Closer

Wow, now if this song doesn't turn you on or make you yearn for the 'one that got away,' then I don't know what the hell to tell you.

...

Dance

Calvin Harris - Feel So Close

This song makes me want to get up from my desk chair and dance!  All-around awesome

Far East Movement - Like A G6

Ultimate dance-party jam.  Love.

Goldfrapp - Ooh La La

Sexy.  Great beat that makes you want to run faster

Anything by Girl Talk

This dude is a fcuking genius.  He doesn't have a boring jam out there

Alice DeeJay - Better Off Alone

Love the lyrics - reminds me of college and makes me smile

September - Cry For You

Euro-pop and totally cheesy, but it has a great beat

...

Pop

Pink - Sober

Whew!  These lyrics are intense, but the song is great and I love Pink's raspy voice

Empire of The Sun - Walking On A Dream

This song just sounds like summer - like California - and it makes me smile

Coldplay/Rhianna - Princess of China

Great beat - love the unusual combo of Chris Martin and Rhi-Rhi

David Guetta/Usher - Without You

Lyrics are sweet and you can only hope that someone feels or has felt this way about you

Britney Spears - Piece of Me

If this song doesn't make you wanna kick some ass, then I'm not sure what will.  It's one of my all-time favorite Britney tunes!

Kanye West - All of The Lights

The ballad of summer 2011 - amazing grouping of singers that only Kanye West could orchestrate.  Still cannot get enough of this one!

Florence & The Machine - Dog Days Are Over

This song radiates happiness and inspires change.  I absolutely adore it

Demi Lovato - Give Your Heart A Break

I have a lot of respect for Demi Lovato, as she's been through quite a lot and has had the balls to share her story.  This song is peppy and sweet, and I love the girl's voice.

~~~

Until we eat again,

The Lunch Belle

Brunette ambition: weekend dates & hopeful to-do's

Dear readers,

TGIF!  Oh, and to all of you stoners out there, my most sincere wishes for a laughter and munchie-filled "420."

Since the entirety of last weekend's 48 precious hours was spent either a) partying like an unemployed 22 year old, or b) sleeping, I plan to take it easy tomorrow and Sunday.  Very easy.  All that I have penciled in is:

• Tomorrow:  receipt of my Fresh Direct order.  First grocery order since January!  Sad, right?  Currently, the contents of my "bachelor's" fridge include ketchup, 2 eggs, and some beer. 
• Tomorrow night:  dinner in Brooklyn.  This is where I'll probably give in and imbibe.
• Tomorrow and Sunday:  a couple of exercise classes
• Sunday:  "doggie play date" with Karl Lagerfeld (the puppy that I'm babysitting while his lucky Mommy is in the Turks & Caicos), Carol, and her pooch, Biscuit. 

Karl Lagerfeld, the teacup Pomeranian: Now, be serious, have you *ever* seen a cuter dog? Now, if I'm feeling extra ambitious and/or guilty that I wasted every daylight hour of last weekend on sleep, here are some chores that I'd like to accomplish:

• Clean out the entirety of my very overpriced storage unit.  
• Respond to emails and update the sites that I manage.
• Return phone calls even though I LOATHE talking on the phone.
• Figure out what the heck I'm going to wear to Tuesday night's Toast to the Children event.  Help!  I have a coral-hued dress in mind, but what color of shoes do you wear?  Purse?  Normally, I'm an all-black kind of gal, so wearing this bold shade will be quite a new endeavor.  Advice?
• Cook, cook, cook!  The contents of my Fresh Direct order contain ingredients to make the following:
  • Chia-seed Pudding
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts
  • Pan-roasted Monkfish with Mushrooms and Scallions
  • Mexican green chile & potato chowder

Too ambitious, maybe?  Perhaps.  Perhaps not.  I'll let you know what all I accomplish - especially if it involves whipping up some/all of the above recipes!

What do you have on deck for Saturday and Sunday? 

~~~

Until we eat again,

The Lunch Belle

My Sassy Empire State of Mind

You know, it's a funny thing:  whenever I go home to Texas or California, it takes me a good 48-hours before I'm fully acclimated to the slower, calmer, outwardly friendlier, and more laid back way of life.  My mom still reminds me of the time when, after having fetched me from the airport in San Diego, we went to the grocery store to pick up a couple of items.  As we were approaching the entrance (from the parking lot), a man tapped me on the shoulder.  I turned around, threw my hands up, and blurted, "WHAT?"  He just wanted to let Mom and me know that we had left our headlights on.  That's all.  

While it may take 48-hours to soften my tough NYC exterior abroad, it's only a matter of seconds before I'm fully re-acclimated to city life upon my return home.  Once again, I find myself:  dropping f-bombs and other obscenities aloud - blurting "asshole" to any man who does not let me off of an elevator first - getting in to fights with cab drivers and random security guards who take their badges too seriously - yelling at poor, innocent tourists who do not walk on the right side of the sidewalk - first staring down, then confronting, the idiots at my bagel place who repeatedly cut in line - and threatening to take-up boxing to alleviate my aggression, because "spinning just ain't cuttin' it."  Whew! 

OK, I realize that I sound like a class-A psycho, but I'm sure that anyone else who lives here can attest that the daily stupidities we all face take a toll on our mental states!  Maybe that's why so many people here are in such phenomenal shape?  I mean, there's nothing quite like an intense workout to alleviate stress and aggression.  Plus, beating the shit out of a punching bag - or spinning off your 'liquid lunch' - ironically infuses the body with endorphins.  Funny how that works...!

So, in light of my return to the evil city streets from the saccharin-friendly state of Texas, I created a list of things that have been 'chapping my hide' of late.  That's Texas speak for "pissing me off."  Enjoy!

Is she EVER going to give birth? Jesus Christ.

In no particular order, of course:

1. While visiting Texas this past weekend, I realized, once again, that I'm the only one of my childhood friends/high school friends/kids that I used to babysit for who isn't a) married b) married and pregnant c) married with child d) married with children.  Now, how's that for feeling inadequate?  <Thank god for NYC - the land of '30s and single.'  For here, I am not a leper.>
   
2. ...to that note:  during my visit, I happened to run in to some of these said old friends/friends of the family.  And the first thing - even before "How are you?" - that a handful of them  had the balls to ask me was, "So, are you dating anyone?"  Because, obviously, my ring finger was naked and my stomach wasn't protruding.  Followed by a very dramatic, almost deep whisper, "Are you really happy in NYC?  You can tell me."  No, dumbass, I've lived in NYC for 8-years now because I HATE it.  What do you think?   
3. Jessica Simpson.  Doesn't it seem like the girl has been pregnant for 2-years?  Seriously, WTF? 
4. Self-righteous women who think that, just because they've lost 5-10 pounds, they have the authority to give the world diet/exercise advice.  Yo, don't you realize that most Americans need to lose upwards of 20 pounds?  Do you have any clue how annoying your small victory sounds to someone who is legitimately fat?  C'mon now.  
5. Coworkers who sneeze/cough without covering their mouths.  Hmmm, maybe that's why I was stricken with strep last week?  Oh, and that one guy who hocks loogies in to the trash can under his desk.
6. Spin instructors who feel the need to routinely belt out "yee haw" and "yep" during class.  Reminds me a lot of those annoying female tennis players who grunt - like they're having sex - on the court.  Ewwwwww! 
7. Guys who think they're funny.  Like the dude that you're on a date with - cracking lame-ass jokes - and it takes more than two cocktails to perfect your best "fake laugh."  Being an actress is hard work...
8. Jennifer Hudson's Weight Watchers commercials.  Look, it's not her that drives me nuts - granted, I'm proud of her success - it's that damn theme song! 
9. Guys who incessantly quote movies.  No one cares that you've seen the entire Batman franchise.  Especially me.  Plus, there's a 99% chance that, if it wasn't on Lifetime, I haven't seen it, anyways!  So, shut the F up!   
10. PR people who send me press releases for restaurants/hotels located outside of NYC.  In places like Minnesota or one of the Dakotas.  Did you not see the word "NYCentric" on my *home page*?  Stop wasting your time.  And mine.  Oh, and do your homework!
11. Women - and men - who wear fake designer bags/goods.  Still.  Don't y'all know that counterfeit goods promote terrorism?  
12. Passive aggressive people.  Just say what's really on your mind, fool!
13. Mama's and Daddy's boys/girls.  GROW UP!  MOVE OUT!  CUT THE CORD!
14. 99% of all single men in NYC.  You're either gay and gorgeous - taken - or have so much baggage that you make a woman look like a light traveler. 
15. People who you secretly HATE, but have to be nice/cordial to because they're in your greater social circle.  Sigh.
16. George Clooney and his weird, Amazonian girlfriend, Stacy Keibler.
17. The fact that I can no longer eat burgers/meatballs/chile con carne/chicken fried steak because of PINK SLIME.  Thanks a lot, government!
18. People who don't RSVP.
19. People who RSVP "yes," and then don't show up (w/o giving you a heads up).
20. Friends who get pissed off if you have to leave a function/bar on the early side.  I wouldn't care if your ass had to leave!
21. The entitled fat ass on the subway who doesn't even try to scoot over on the bench when you attempt to sit down.  Don't worry, fool, I'll squeeze my way in and make you *really* uncomfortable.  Or, hell, I'll just sit on your lap!  How's THAT?
    
22. And, speaking of the subway:  when it's ME - not the dude to my left or right - who gets up to let a pregnant woman sit down.  For the love of god, people, did your mama not teach you anything?
    
23. The dude who physically turns off the automatic light switch every time he leaves that particular room.  And, yes, he is fully aware that it will shut itself off in 3-minutes.  
24. The fact that I just paid $13.01 for a sandwich.  At lunch.  And I'm eating it at my desk.  
25. My parents think that, whenever I'm sick or have fractured a limb (as was the case in October 2010), I will be *fired* for taking necessary days from work.  In fact, I did not speak to them from Tuesday through Friday of last week because we got in to a huge fight.  I was home with strep throat and a 101-degree fever, and they gave me hell about staying home on Monday and Tuesday. 

As much as it raises my blood pressure and makes me threaten violence on occasion, I love NYC to the core.  I miss the hell out of this city even when I'm on the most lavish of vacations.  Now, how many of you can say that about the town/city where you reside?  Probably not a lot. 

There is not another place in the world that I would rather be.

~~~

Until we eat again,

The Lunch Belle

Bam! The Top 50 Rap Lyrics About Food

...because I love rap music almost as much as I love food:  The Top 50 Rap Lyrics About Food

Enjoy!

~~~

Until we eat again, my G's!

The Lunch Belle