A WORD on: The Wisdom of Elders

Today my parents and I were visiting my grandmother in her Michigan nursing home. While my grandma slept, we talked with her 92 year old roommate Genevieve, who is simply a stitch.

Genevieve often tells me about my "mischievious eyes." Apparently I have them. But then again, if you speak to any of my coworkers about this, it will be met with a "duh." response.

Today Gen paused, looked at me, and said to my mother "That kid of yours always has a smile on her face. I like it. I bet the boys are tripping after her..." (making a stepping motion with her index and middle fingers). My mother thought about it, and replied "she does!"

Disclaimer: There are many instances in my recent and very distant past that would serve to refute as well as prove my mother's assertion.

Having received this affirmation, Gen looked at me and said, simply "Run!"

I peeled over laughing at this. I could not help it.

Gen went on..."Run. The ones who are worth it will run after you and fall in line. The ones that drift off...PHOO-EY (making a swatting motion with her right arm). They aren't worth it. Run, girl."

After regaining my composure, I said to Gen "That's the truest thing I've heard in a long time."

Genevieve sensed this, but she still was glad to know.

A WORD on: My Retail ESP

Daffy's is one of those stores that remain a secret to be cracked. I always manage to get into conversations with people who shop there successfully, yet whenever I venture into that store I'm left baffled with how unsatisfying the experience is. It's almost as if they pump gas into the air in that store that works with the receptors in my brain, sending the message: "Keep your wallet in your bag, Mar, there's nothing here for you but regret."

When the Daffy's on 18th Street and Fifth Avenue closed, I suppose it wasn't very surprising. I made one last attempt during its last days to shop there one last time, but was only reminded of my past distaste. The one major selling point of that particular Daffy's location was its physical space...multi-level, and on a prominent corner. I thought to myself..."what a prime location for a store to sweep in, and with the way the store is laid out, the only chain that makes any sense to take this space over is H&M. In fact, H&M is crazy if they don't buy this space" Within weeks of Daffy's departure, the facade of the store was enshrouded in white boards, just begging for the grand announcement of whatever was going to be ushering itself into the neighborhood.

Tonight, while walking home from Grand Central, I received sweet validation. The folks at H&M clearly think the way I do. Indeed, apparently either I belong in the marketing business, or I just shop way way waaayyyy too much.

A WORD on The Bigger Picture

If Jose hadn't have made this Friday the Friday that I get to take off....
Then I wouldn't have swapped Late Nights with Ann...
And worked last night until 6 o'clock.
After which I stopped at Circuit City...
Because my internet cable needed to be replaced...
And if I hadn't stopped for a minute to see whether they had Season Two of Project Runway...
Then I wouldn't have gotten on line to pay when I did...
And run right into my beloved friend Mike who I haven't seen in a year and a half.

Obvious Conclusion:
EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON!!!