I lost 205 pounds

I lost 205 pounds and I really don't feel like celebrating. I now know that there is no advantage to holding on to him, other than being there when he needs me. It seems being needed has always filled my voids and gaps in my own happiness or fulfillment.

For years I opened my heart and my home to those whom could not care for themselves; family matriarchs, and lost children. For the first time in ten years I have no one to shelter or raise. In hindsight i should have continued spending the time on myself.

Taking care of myself carried me to Brazil, Argentina, Egypt and Dubai within a year. I traveled alone but never found myself lonely. It was here back in the states that I thought I found something else, but in reality it was simply being needed.

I am just amazed as to how long it took for me to realize, or perhaps accept, that I freed myself from a life of sacrifice, to my own detriment, only to gleefully enter into another situation. It is difficult to see what someone asks of you when your hands and heart are always giving. This is where my learning begins again.

I've learned many things from the wisdom and generosity of Maya Angelou. One lesson in particular is to believe someone when they show you who they are the first time.

Thank you Ms. Angelou!

"Te conozco bacalado si viene disfrutado"

Dear Santa, I have totally flipped for The Flip

The Film Twilight is Excellent

Last night I joined tens of thousands of young girls at the midnight showing of Twilight. My attendance was totally unplanned and yielded a wonderful surprise. The highly anticipated film adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s novel about a young girl who falls in love with an unconventional vampire. The studio has plans to make a trilogy having acquired the rights to “New Moon” and “Eclipse,” the second and third books in the book series.

The movie is much more of a love story than horror film. I found myself pulled into the story and completely engaged by the cast. I am quite excited to read the best selling books. Some predict that this Trilogy will rival the Harry Potter franchise.

I began my evening at Sang Kee Peking Duck House in Chinatown for a delicious meal with four friends. The Dong Yum Seafood Soup, infused with LemonGrass, and my Seafood Triple Delight were both excellent. The menu is quite extensive and I heard raves reviews of their Peking Duck.

After dinner it was off to the Apothecary Lounge. A chic new lounge on 13th, unfortunately parking was at a premium and I refused to pay for another lot. After circling the gayborhood I eventually ran into Woody's to use the bathroom before heading home. It was there over a cuervo and grapefruit that it occurred to me to see a film.

He's back, 007 in "Quantum of Solace"

Last night, my wait was finally over, it was the premiere of the latest Bond film, "Quantum of Solace". the story line was unexpected but nevertheless a pleasant surprise. Daniel Craig was quite impressive in Casino Royale, he recast the Bond mold. In Quantum of Solace Craig takes ownership of the franchise; gone are the gadgets our hero is now three dimensional.

I am one of the few Bond fans who adored Roger Moore, it was the navy blue blazer and white dinner jacket, he was a walking GQ layout. Then there was Pierce Brosnan who embodied everything a new age Bond had to be, handsome, smug, smart, and tech savvy.

Quantum of Solace replaces the gadgets with actual cutting edge technologies. They are not as much improbable as they are cost prohibitive, but they are real.

I highly encourage you to watch Casino Royale again before seeing this film. You will appreciate my advice and the film that much more. Please let me know what you think. My greatest disappointment was in the new Bond song. I've read how the troubled Amy Winehouse was tapped to sing the tune, then rumored to be replaced by Leona Lewis and finally Beyonce. Unfortunately neither songbird graced the soundtrack as only they could. The song is a collaboration between Jack White and Alicia Keys, it is quite forgettable.

I love the Bolivian subplot but I can't discuss it for fear of spoiling your experience.

Please share your opinions I am very curious what you think.

Rum Bar 10-27 - 11/2

Architectural Design - 56 Leonard in Tribeca

Unparalleled Design by Herzog & de Mueron

Artist rendering of the Lobby of 56 Leonard St in Tribeca, the Annish Kapoor sculpture anchors the stunning structure.

The innovative glass tower is most often compared to a glass "Jenga" tower.

The residences have floor to ceiling glass with spectacular views and multiple terraces.


Penthouse floor plan

Construction of the much anticipated 56 Leonard is underway in Tribeca. The collapse of the global economy left many with doubts that the project, now a hole in the ground, would move forward. Construction of the magnificent structure is a green lighted.

The Anish Kapoor sculpture is reminiscent of his, well known, Cloud Gate installion in Millennium Park, Chicago. This project is designed to be a seamless integration of Art and Architecture, 56 Leonard will be his first permanent installation in New York.

Residences are being offered by the Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group , floorplans, pricing, and photos are now available.

Ms. Tootsie's Halloween Masquerade Ball

Ms. Tootsie's Restaurant Bar and Lounge, a KeVen Parker Company, presents it's Black Attire Halloween Ball. Click here for more information.

Indulgence - Lowes Happy Hour

One of my favorite haunts and weekly indulgences is Happy Hour at the Solefood Bar in the Lowes Hotel. it is sheer perfection. It is offered daily from 5 until 7 pm.

The menu consists of over 30 inventive martinis priced at $5 dollars. The menu is simply delicious, a few personal favorite are Oyster Mignonette Du Jour , Tuna Tartare, Spicy Chicken Drumettes, and Prince Edward Island Mussels. Each are deeply discounted to $3 dollars during happy hours.

The most sumptuous of all treats are the live performance each Wednesday through Friday of Joanna Pascale and her Jazz Quintet. Joanna's voice never ceases to captivate me; her soulful style and vast repertoire are pure delight. The Quintet is simply exceptional. Their performances elevate the evening to one of sensory indulgence.

Joanna is a pure delight; either listening to her soulful rendition of the Jazz standards or chatting with her in between sets. She is a class act and the opportunity to experience her performance for free is When she is not busy performing or recording she is a music professor at Temple University.