When You Need It Bad...

...We've Got It Good. Remember that jingle from the '80s for vacationing in the Bahamas? Well, if you live on the West Coast you may not. Slogging through a New York winter for the first time in 13 years, I am reminded of the ubiquity of advertisements for tropical vacations. The Bahamas has a huge ad campaign in the subways. And oh, we need it bad. Andres and I made a terrible mistake in our approach to winter here. We didn't plan a sunny vacation. We thought about a quick trip to Puerto Rico at the end of this month, but it was too expensive and just around the time Sharon is coming to visit.

We may not live near Hawaii anymore, but next year, bring on Bahamas! Jamaica! Bermuda! Barbados!

Well, it wasn't sunny, but I did have a bright spot in my day yesterday. Last night I went to a monthly party a friend of mine from high school has been throwing for a few years called The Magic Garden. I know this is very snotty, but it's only for people who grew up in New York. I guess she got tired of never meeting natives at parties and bars. Anyhoo, each month the party roves to a different bar owned by a NY native. I'd been a couple times on trips to NY and am always pleasantly surprised to run into old friends. Last night was no exception. Here's who I saw:

- Justin, from my high school class, is the Magic Garden DJ. Warmly embraced me. Turns out he lives just across Prospect Park from us!
- Lara, from high school class also, makes funky clothes and sells in local boutiques. Last sighted at our 10 year reunion in 1999.
- Larry, from high school, last sighted in 1989. Very warm and friendly. Apparently works high up in city government.
- Dina, works at the 92nd Street Y as a teacher in our nursery school. Told me how wonderful a place it is to work - she's been there 7 years. I definitely need to spend some time with her....
- Charlie, grew up in my building on west 86th street in the apartment directly below me. Since he was 3 years younger, I never really talked to him, but he knew exactly who I was, how old I am, and what my older brother's name is. Had a nice chat with him. He works at the U.N. as a speech writer for diplomats.

and last but not least

- Zoe, the party thrower, who was my high school senior class president, and threw great parties back then, too. Studying at FIT (fashion institute) and all around busybody and funny lady.

All in all, a very fun gathering. It's amazing to be welcomed back into a random circle of people who you knew 20 years ago. Made me love New York all over again.