Almost a New Year.

Once again, I apologize for the delay in post sequences. Since my last post, I have turned 24 and celebrated Christmas. Now it is almost the New Year.

While the new year is almost upon us, most people begin thinking of things they will start doing as of January 1st. How about things to stop doing? While skimming Chris Brogan's blog, I found a very interesting list of things to consider in your work environment for the new year. List below.

1. Stop putting yourself down.
2. Stop waiting for something to come that will make everything better (if only).
3. Stop thinking you can read minds.
4. Stop trying to do it all yourself.
5. Stop trying old things in new places, unless they’re really old.
6. Stop making excuses for not doing things to move your career ahead.
7. Stop presuming everything will get better because someone else will fix it.
8. Stop writing “me too” posts, or doing “me too” work. Build on the body of work.
9. Stop beating yourself up when you don’t create something on a given day.
10. Stop striving for perfection, and strive for execution instead.

Try concentrating on one, and see how it changes your attitude and/ or performance.

What I did over Thanksgiving.

Wow. So it has been a while since my last post. There goes my consistency. The Holiday season tends to get crazy, with work and family and friends. But this post is dedicated to my Thanksgiving retreat. I was lucky enough to escape the bitter cold of the City and head South to Puerto Vallarta. Some old family friends of ours actually moved down there and have been living the easy life for a few years.

I absolutely love having a family that appreciates traveling. We are definitely a "beachy" family. While others love to ski, or hike - we prefer anything near the ocean. For me, this means doing absolutely nothing while I bask in the sun (with sunscreen, of course). Almost 5 days of sightseeing, pool wading, reading, and Tecate drinking. I could not have asked for a better break.

The highlight of the trip was a trip out on the boat that our friend Captains. We went out and cruised the PV coast, with a little stop to fish. While we didn't catch anything, it was still a great day. Nothing makes me happier than being on a boat in the sun.

my love of the grape.

Last night, I joined my colleague Kate and her boyfriend Trevor to this cozy wine bar in Carrol Gardens - Black Mountain WineHouse. Trevor happens to occasionally work here, and helped us wisely choose an enjoyable bottle (or two). He then gave us a mini wine lesson and how different wines are categorized - European wines usually by region, American by grape, and so forth.

Amid conversation we did have time to order food - mac-n-cheese with mushrooms and truffle oil was a hit. If you are in the area, you should definitely check it out. The lit fireplace in the back definitely adds a warm environment and makes you feel at home!

Black Mountain Winehouse
415 Union Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231(718) 522 4340

weekend rush.

This past weekend, my mom came up for a quick visit. This means lots to do. My mother is not one to sit around and relax, especially in this hectic city. It is constantly go-go-go. So just to highlight a few of the things this weekend....




Craftbar: Delicious. Owned by THE Tom Colicchio, it is a sharp, modern restaurant with a delicious seasonal menu. Not as pricey as the original Craft, but just as enjoyable.Ordered: House-Made Ravioli, Goat Cheese, Medjool Dates.











In the Heights: While this play is recently new to the Broadway world, it is so refreshing and has extremely catchy tunes. This play won "Best Musical" last year at the Tony's, and the main character (plus writer/ producer) was worth going to see alone. Plus, it's all about Latinas which I clearly relate to given my upbringing on the Mexican border.





Fred's at Barney's: Tucked away on the 9th floor of Barney's this delightful restaurant has great views and an enjoyable atmosphere. Expect to wait, unless you make a reservation, and don't show up looking shabby. Great salads.





New York Rangers: While I usually enjoy a good match of sweaty Canadian men hitting each other on the ice, the NY team was not playing up to par. The games are usually pretty exciting, but this night they could not get their act together. We left early to beat the crowds and later discovered they tied the game with one minute left and won in a shoot-out. Go figure.





Bar Americain: This place is my latest obsession. We went for brunch, and were immediately blown away by the delicious looking drink menu. However, I refuse to kick back cocktails in the A.M (at least with my mom). The food was divine. And I only ordered a hamburger (smothered in goat cheese on a honey wheat bun). So good. You MUST go here.

Jersey Boys: one word - AMAZING. I have been dying to see this play, as it received enormous reviews when it debuted two years ago. This play is especially entertaining because you will recognize almost every song in the play. Portraying the life of Frankie Vali, the plot bounces around the members of the Four Seasons and the history of their famous career. I HIGHLY recommend going to see this. I went home and immediately downloaded the entire soundtrack.

new york, new york.

How excited am I that the new season of Top Chef has started, and that it will be taking place in none other than NEW YORK! Wednesday's episode introduced us to the 17 (now 15) chefs who will be vying for the honorary title. It is still too soon to pick favorites, but I can already tell you who I am NOT find of - both European chefs. Although Stephan won the overall challenge, his attitude and demeanor reflect a sense of European snobbery. No thanks.

I am already getting close to Gene - the Hawaiian gangster who has no professional cooking education, but has learned through working in the kitchen his whole life. He looks like a punk, but won Padma's heart with his take on an ideal Indian cuisine.

I don't know what qualifiesyou as a foodie - but I love to eat, and learning about food. I don't cook as much as I should (especially coming from parents who cook ALL the time) but am genuinely intrigued with the creativity some people have in the kitchen.

Top Chef - Every Wed. at 10:00PM/EST on Bravo.

Check it out.

hard to understand.

This post it somewhat of a sadder one. Being in public relations, especially non-profit, it is part of my job to inundate myself with the news. What is happening - every day. While I skim the majority of the papers, due to time constraint, I often come across articles that really catch my attention - some for the better, and some for the worse.

During the excitement of Election Day, some people lost thought on a hardship that California faced - the passing of Proposition 8. This legislative piece denies the rights of same-sex couples to be acknowledged by law to marry. While thousands of Californians protested in shock, a similar and more disturbing law passed as well, this one in Nebraska.

Arkansas's Initiative Act 1, approved by nearly 57% voters, bans people who are "cohabitating outside a valid marriage" from serving as foster parents or adopting children. Beginning on Jan. 1, a grandmother in Arkansas cohabitating with her opposite-sex partner because marrying might reduce their pension benefits is barred from taking in her own grandchild; a gay man living with his male partner cannot adopt his deceased sister’s children.

It is to hard for me to understand how this kind of inequality is instilled within our democratic system. This means that almost 60% of the state voted to make this happen. How? and why?

I suppose the only thing you can do is hope for change.

Full editorial in New York Times below:

"Anti-Gay, Anti-Family
By DAN SAVAGE

COUNTLESS Americans, gay and otherwise, are still mourning — and social conservatives are still celebrating — the approval last Tuesday of anti-gay-marriage amendments in Florida, Arizona and, most heartbreaking, California, where Proposition 8 stripped same-sex couples of their right to wed. Eighteen thousand same-sex couples were legally married in California this past summer and fall; their marriages are now in limbo.

But while Californians march and gay activists contemplate a national boycott of Utah — the Mormon Church largely bankrolled Proposition 8 — an even more ominous new law in Arkansas has drawn little notice.

That state’s Proposed Initiative Act No. 1, approved by nearly 57 percent of voters last week, bans people who are “cohabitating outside a valid marriage” from serving as foster parents or adopting children. While the measure bans both gay and straight members of cohabitating couples as foster or adoptive parents, the Arkansas Family Council wrote it expressly to thwart “the gay agenda.” Right now, there are 3,700 other children across Arkansas in state custody; 1,000 of them are available for adoption. The overwhelming majority of these children have been abused, neglected or abandoned by their heterosexual parents.
Even before the law passed, the state estimated that it had only about a quarter of the foster parents it needed. Beginning on Jan. 1, a grandmother in Arkansas cohabitating with her opposite-sex partner because marrying might reduce their pension benefits is barred from taking in her own grandchild; a gay man living with his male partner cannot adopt his deceased sister’s children.

Social conservatives are threatening to roll out Arkansas-style adoption bans in other states. And the timing couldn’t be worse: in tough economic times, the numbers of abused and neglected children in need of foster care rises. But good times or bad, no movement that would turn away qualified parents and condemn children to a broken foster care system should be considered “pro-family.”

Most ominous, once “pro-family” groups start arguing that gay couples are unfit to raise children we might adopt, how long before they argue that we’re unfit to raise those we’ve already adopted? If lesbian couples are unfit to care for foster children, are they fit to care for their own biological children?

The loss in California last week was heartbreaking. But what may be coming next is terrifying. "

Brooklyn. twice in one evening.

So Saturday night I was in desperate need to relax and let go, after taking a 4 hour standardized test (not my favorite thing to do). Chinae and I met up for a lovely dinner at what was supposed to be a lovely little Italian restaurant, al ti da. Apparently everyone else in Brooklyn had heard of it too - because there was 1.5 hour wait. Noooo thanks.

We wandered to another little Italian place- Apertivo. Not too bad - food was good, and relatively cheap. I must say, they had an EXCELLENT chocolate souffle. Did I need a dessert after stuffing my face with tortellini and fried calamari? Absolutely not. But it was quite enjoyable.

After dinner, we managed to trecked to Williamsburg where we ventured into Radegast, a German beirgarten, to meet up with fellow friends. It was a warm environment, crowded, but not unmanageable. However, I must warn you - beers are served in glasses the size of your head. Who knew I could consume that much beer. All in all, it was a good night. Much deserved fun, and worthy of another visit.

Radegast Hall & Beer Garden
113 N 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY‎

ah! Chihuahua's

I must say, living in New York the only thing I find hard to find is acceptable Mexican food. I know, I know, I grew up in the Mecca of all things delicious and covered in refreid beans and cheese - but how hard is it to expect a decent Tex-Mex meal?

I have tried many, and been dissapointed numerously. One place that I discovered a few weeks ago with my colleague, Kate, was ah! Chihuahua's. Not too shabby. Don't get me wrong, I am not screaming off the rooftops - but very decent taco platters. We went again today for lunch and I got a hugh plate full of rice, beans, two tacos with shredded beef and cheese and a generous helping of guacomole for $7.95. Not exactly the healthiest meal, but if you are in the neighborhood and are looking for a quick, filling meal - you should definitely check it out.

Oh, and they have $4 lunch margarita specials.

ah! Chihuahua's
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Midtown
East330 E 53rd St(between 1st Ave & 2nd Ave)
New York, NY 10022(212) 888-6807

yes, we can.

Yesterday, I , along with millions of other Americans across this country cast my ballot in what will go done in history as a defining moment in politics. Not just politics, but American history. At 11:00 PM/EST America decided they wanted Barack Obama to lead our country as the next Commander - in-Chief. Arguably, the hardest job in all of America, he will bring change and a fresh perspective to the White House is less than three months.

I have been extremely passionate about this election since the Democratic candidates were selected, and have been a fan of Obama for many months, voting for him in the February primaries. As I sat in my bed last night, exhausted from a long day of work, I watched as he swept each state, some consistently known to go red.

As he gave his acceptance speech - I cried. Literally, tears of joy and excitement rolled down my face, feeling an overwhelming sense of pride that I live in America. I was speechless, and still am this morning as my friends and colleagues rush up to me with excitement for the years to come. The only words that I keep going back to, are Obama's own.

"Hello, Chicago.

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.
We are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America.

A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Sen. McCain.

Sen. McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.

I congratulate him; I congratulate Gov. Palin for all that they've achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady Michelle Obama.

Sasha and Malia I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the new White House.

And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother's watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight. I know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you've given me. I am grateful to them.

And to my campaign manager, David Plouffe, the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best -- the best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.

To my chief strategist David Axelrod who's been a partner with me every step of the way.

To the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you.
I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause.

It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep.

It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth.

This is your victory.

And I know you didn't do this just to win an election. And I know you didn't do it for me.

You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime -- two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.

Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.

There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education.

There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.

I promise you, we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem.

But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night.

This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.

It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.

Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.

In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.

Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity.

Those are values that we all share. And while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.
As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.

And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.

To those -- to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.
That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.
She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America -- the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.

And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.
Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.

This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.

Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America."

fabulously fall.

Why is Fall the absolute best season EVER? The leaves are starting to change, and the air smells so crisp and clean. (I know, a clean smell in New York sounds impossible) This morning I went to Brunch at Calle Ocho on the Upper West Side (81st and Columbus, to be exact) which was wonderful! A Cuban breakfast that offers endless sangria. I was pleasantly surprised.

After breakfast, a hike through the park to watch the marathon runners hit the end of their 26 mile run. We DID see many costumes, and even a man in a neon-green thong, dressed as Borat, pacing along. He looked very uncomfortable. It was so amazing though to watch the thousands of people who come from all over the world to participate in this marathon. Such a great New York Moment.

We also found a wonderful grassy knoll, covered in yellow leaves - a perfect Fall setting. We continued to play in the leaves, and have a mini photo shoot to capture the moment. Pictures to follow. All in all, a fabulous day.

I love New York.

always a success.

Lats night, I had another fabulous meal at Vento. If you have never been here, I highly suggest going. I have yet to have an unappetizing meal. With their seasonal menu, you are always guaranteed fresh ingredients, and a lovely ambiance. (We saw them filming Ugly Betty, and happened to stalk the actors trailers parked outside.)

Ordered: steamed mussels with a garlic-pesto sauce to start, followed by mushroom-stuffed, hand-made ravioli. Delicious. Oh, and of course a bottle of wine to top it off.

Check it out.

Real Men Have Fangs.

Can you believe it - front page article in the WSJ on vampires.. I told you they were everywhere! Thanks to Natalia for this fabulous read. Full article below.

Real Men Have Fangs
"With series like 'Twilight,' vampires have crept up from the crypt to the book aisles for women and girls -- and found a rich vein of interest. Laura Miller on why the enigmatic guy with an unusual diet is so hard to resist.
By LAURA MILLER

Pulp genres interbreed as wantonly as alley cats. The vampire novel, once strictly relegated to the horror section, has in recent years infiltrated the romance, science-fiction, fantasy and young-adult shelves of bookstores. Individual authors may specialize in anything from gothic swooning to crime-fighting, globe-spanning action, high-school intrigues, chicklit-style shenanigans and Southern-fried humor.

Vampires have never been more popular. "Breaking Dawn," the final volume of the "Twilight" series by Stephenie Meyer, sold 1.3 million copies on its release date in August. (The film version comes out Nov. 21.) There are six million copies in print of Laurell K. Hamilton's series of vampire detective novels, and Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse books have cropped up all over the best-seller lists since being adapted as the new HBO drama, "True Blood."

These three series are only the most visible examples of a booming fictional genre that's aimed primarily at women and girls. Labeled "paranormal romance" or "urban fantasy," it's a hybrid species that includes dozens of series comprising hundreds of books in which mostly human heroines fall in love with assorted supernatural beings: werewolves, shapeshifters, gods, fairies and, above all, vampires.

The rules of these fictional vampire universes are dizzyingly diverse: in some books, they can be repelled with crucifixes and garlic; in others, not. They may or may not have souls. The ability to tolerate sunlight and silver, to survive on just a sip of blood or on an artificial substitute, to fly or transform into an animal or to reproduce sexually -- all vary according to the author's whim.

Nevertheless, a few indispensable qualities reside at the heart of the vampire's appeal. Vampires are always good-looking, excruciatingly so; the word that Bella Swan, the protagonist of the "Twilight" series, most often uses to describe her adored undead boyfriend Edward is "perfect." Washboard abs are a must. Vampires are also invariably well-dressed, whether in period costume or the pricey designer outfits sported by the blood-sucking boyfriends in Gossip-Girl-style gothics like Richelle Mead's "Vampire Academy" or Melissa de la Cruz's "Blue Bloods," both set in exclusive prep schools. Above all else, vampires are rich. (The source of vampire wealth is obscure, since few of them appear to be gainfully employed. The assumption seems to be that anyone who's been around for 300 years must be in a position to take full advantage of the miracle of compound interest.) In short, they uncannily resemble the heroes of traditional romance novels.

The fusion of the romance and vampire genres isn't as unlikely as it might seem. The archetypal romantic hero owes a lot to two characters from Victorian literature: Mr. Rochester in "Jane Eyre" and Heathcliff in "Wuthering Heights." The two sisters who wrote those novels, Charlotte and Emily Brontë, were, like most literary women of their time, great admirers of Lord Byron, whose stormy, passionate heroes (based on his own bad self) served as patterns for Rochester and Heathcliff.

In turn, one of the earliest stories in which a vampire is depicted as a decadently attractive aristocrat is "The Vampyre" (1819), by John Polidori, Byron's physician, who achieved a minor literary notoriety by writing thinly veiled portraits of his former employer. Both the classic romance hero and the suave vampire are handsome yet dangerous, mysteriously worldly and a little cruel, but gifted in erotic persuasion.

If the conventional romance and the vampire yarn share an ancestor in the poetry and persona of Byron, they achieved their first communion in 1976, with the publication of "Interview With the Vampire," the first of Anne Rice's "Vampire Chronicles." Ms. Rice's brooding vampire hero, Lestat, espoused the whole spectrum of Byronic defiance and license, even turning rock star, to assume the cultural role of bad-boy celebrity that Byron is often said to have pioneered.
Vampires have been used to represent sexual minorities, artists, drug addicts, bikers, even the mafia: any group, in short, both subject to ostracism for its social transgressions and prone to romanticizing its outcast status. The vampires who star in paranormal romance, however, are seldom scruffy or strung out. The cliché is that vampirism is a metaphor for sex, but the vamps of paranormal romance don't need metaphors for that: they tend to cavort their way through a range of impressively explicit bedroom escapades. What these undead lovers promise is not just eroticism, but a particular variety of eroticism that their female admirers more than half suspect of being reprehensible and anachronistic, if not flat-out extinct: They offer old-fashioned romance in the arms of an alpha male.

Here lies one of the unique pleasures that the vampire romance can provide for its female readers: the opportunity to enjoy an 18th- or 19th-century courtship while remaining a 21st-century woman.

The problem with historical romances is that if you want a man who behaves like Mr. Darcy, you have to live within the constraints imposed upon a woman like Elizabeth Bennet; in addition to the lack of voting rights, credit cards and any chance of pursuing a profession, there is the fun-squashing little matter of virginity taboos. In order to bask in the chivalry of a Regency-era gentleman, a modern woman can be magically transported back to his time (another popular romance device), but she'll still be stuck in a society where she hasn't mastered the rules and her freedoms are severely curtailed.

Make the gentleman immortal and he brings with him into her modern world not only his ancestral estate and fortune, but an anachronistic understanding of how to treat a lady. Replete with old money, the vampire hero has plenty of leisure time to embroil himself in politics (fictional vampire societies tend to be complex and conspiracy-ridden hierarchies) and to woo the heroine.

Vampires have long served as a nightmare symbol of the idle hereditary gentry as seen through the eyes of the hardworking bourgeoisie. The original Count Dracula, as conceived by Bram Stoker, came from a backward corner of Mitteleuropa and had the atavistic, parasitical authority of all aristocrats, whose claims to power and status are founded, tellingly, in blood. Dracula, with his schemes to feed off the "teeming millions" of London, coolly selects the rational, upright solicitor Jonathan Harker as both prey and instrument, confident that obedience is his birthright. Then, by night, the count plunders the womenfolk.

But "Dracula" was written by a man, and so his vampire aristo is more monster than seducer. Jonathan Harker's modern-day female counterparts -- independent lawyers and businesswomen -- would no doubt balk at acknowledging a duke or an earl, let alone an ordinary commoner, to be anything better than their equal. Nevertheless, the nagging longing to be plucked from the ashes and exalted by an exceptional, masterful man remains hard for contemporary women to exorcise. If flesh and blood men disappoint, if men's innermost thoughts have proven to be largely coarse and selfish, a vampire, at least, has a perfectly valid claim to superiority. Besides his wealth, his looks, the wisdom afforded by his centuries of existence, a vampire possesses superhuman strength, heightened sensory perception, the capacity to hypnotize his victims and, last but not least, immortality.

Not only is there no shame or degradation in surrendering to a lover this powerful, but a woman can ogle him freely without rendering him effeminate. He can wear his hair long, murmur preposterous lines like, "Allow me to touch you or I will go mad," as does the master vampire lover of Karen Chance's Cassandra Palmer series, without coming across as vain, ridiculous or psychopathic. Best yet, if he is troubled, as he should be, by his conscience (and most vampire heroes are), that conflict can throw numerous obstacles onto the path to consummation, further prolonging the couple's delectable courtship.

In "Twilight," Edward is reluctant to deflower Bella (he maintains that if he loses control he might bite and kill her). But it's not the absence of sex that makes the readers of Ms. Meyer's series sigh and neglect their home and housework to spend hours posting in online discussions with titles like "The intensity... will it ever go away?" Though technically chaste, the couple engages in marathon sessions of what used to be called "heavy petting": drawing out the erotic tension to just shy of the breaking point. You could call it all a big tease, but as many a woman can testify, sometimes the tease is the best part, and it certainly does add zest to the finale.

Some adult women worry about the effects of the "Twilight" series on young girls. They point out that Edward is overprotective and controlling. Worse yet, when the deplorably passive Bella isn't mooning over his "bewildering perfection," she's running herself down for being unworthy of his magnificence: "There was no way this godlike creature could be meant for me." Bella is the exception among paranormal romance heroines, who tend to be the sort of women described as "kick-ass" in back-cover blurbs. (The obvious inspiration here is TV's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer.") No matter how tough, intrepid, sassy and smart these heroines may be, however, their vampire boyfriends will always be stronger.

It's hard to imagine any real man pulling that off, and so the authors and readers of paranormal romances have simply ceased trying to imagine it. As fantastical as the paranormal romance may appear, it reflects a rueful pragmatism. The classic romantic hero has been relegated, like the vampire, to the realm of legend and superstition."

'tis the season.

So Halloween is two days away and the overload of scary movies and advertisements for tacky costumes is everywhere. (Granted, I walk past Ricky's Costume Store on my way to work every morning.) I thought it was about time to pay tribute to my new(ish) fetish of the vampire phenomenon. It's true. My friends think I'm a freak, but lately there has been a huge media push towards the undead. HBO's True Blood series, Stephanie Meyer's Twilight collection , and a new movie based on the series being released in three weeks.

I can't tell you how excited I am for this movie to come out. I am a movie buff, and fell in love with Robert Pattinson circa Harry Potter 4 (Cedric)...that's right, I like the HP movies too. Don't judge me. He is officially my latest Hollywood crush. What I find interesting, is that the director, Catherine Hardwicke, is actually from my hometown of McAllen, Texas. What a small world. She has a niche for darker movies, i.e Thirteen and Lords of Dogtown, so I am really interested in how she is going to capture these characters.

Anywho - if you haven't read the books - check them out. They are a quick read and quite addicting. Plus, they will get you in the mood for the Halloween season! Nothing like a good vampire cult to jump start the festivities!

Twilight is in theatres November 21st. You know you want to go.

keep living the dream. class of '95.

I have let a few days slip away from me - but the weekend was chaotic, and I was greeted with a Monday crazier than expected. That's usually how my Monday's are.

But what a great weekend. I can't even tell you how much fun I had visiting my school (completely re-done I may add) and catching up with my favorite people. Granted, Haley and I got a LITTLE lost driving around Dallas trying to find Sara's apartment, and got pulled over, which we talked our ways out of, we arrived to such a warm welcome. All of our girlfriends were there - with cocktails waiting. It was so nice to see everyone's faces again! I know a lot of people may say this, but I am so luck to have a group of accomplsihed friends. Listening to where everyone was in their life, whether law school or nursing, I realized, I have really smart, successful friends.

After chatting- it was on to the bars in Dallas. We went to Knox Street Pub and danced our pants off. literally. what a blast. Woke up early Saturday morning (with the help of 2 Excedrine Migraines) and geared up for a full day of tailgating. We all pitched in and rented a 16 passenger van to drive to Ft. Worth, which ended up being a great idea. We arrived at Fuzzy's and 2 scooners later, we were ready to party. We continued to tailgate and walk around until the game was over (we won, by a lot). Then on to snookies. No changes there - kareoke, and disgustingly cheap drinks. I miss Texas prices...

Anyways, the rest of the night was blurry - but I do remember having a BLAST. I love my friends more than life itself and cherish every opportunity I get to spend with them. We have all moved to dfiferent cities, but still make the effort to come see each other. And when we do - it's always such a good time.

Next Reunion: New years's eve.

south-bound.

So, I'm off! I leave this afternoon to fly to Dallas and visit some of my favorite people in the world (not all of them - some were unable to make the journey. tear.) It is TCU's homecoming! I don't think we will actually go INTO the game, but I can't tell you how excited I am to drink some cold beer in 78 degree weather with girls who mean the world to me.

In honor of this vacation, I would like to remember back to the good old days before 10 hour work days. The photograph above was taken during the firts year of our Chateau expereince. Honestly, I can't explain what we are exactly doing, because it wouldn't make sense to anyone who wasn't there. Let's just say that one house with five girls = a lot of crazy times. I can't wait to go back and see how much of the house has changed, as well as the campus.

Be prepared for an update of photos, and hopefully some good stories.

See you Monday.

Spread the word. Not the flu.

With the great season of Fall, comes the flu season as well. It's awful and annoying, but a fact of the times. I am lucky enough to have a company that provides all employees with free flu vaccines - but these can be given at any CVS, Walgreens or from your local doctor. It takes 5 minutes and will in turn save you from a lot of misery.

"Influenza" is caused by influenza viruses. It spreads easily from person to person—at home, at school, at work, at the supermarket, on the train. It gets passed on when someone who already has influenza coughs or sneezes. You can also get influenza if you touch something that has the influenza virus—a door handle, a phone, or a pen—then touch your mouth or nose. People can also be infectious (able to pass on viruses) before they even know they have it. Healthy adults can transmit influenza from one day before becoming sick and for up to five days after. EWWWW.

Please for the sake of the other 7 million people living in this city - get vaccinated! Something to think about the next time you grab that rail on the subway..

Do it!

wine or exercise? you decide.

Wow. What a day yesterday. I have come to completely agree that one person's attitude is reflected in every other person they encounter in that day. Working in such a small group, it is hard to stay cheerful when stress trickles down the totem pole.

I would be at the bottom of the totem pole.

With the work load picking up and eventually exploding in November, I need a reliable way to vent my stress, because I, on the other hand, DON'T believe that by yelling at others, you will feel better. So I have come to a cross road - what is the better relaxer - wine or exercise?

Because I was a little heated last night by the time I got home from work, I decided not to indulge in my usual glasses of cab sav, but rather eat a reasonable dinner and go to bed early. I woke up (with the sound of the trash men) and went for a morning run. I must say that I already feel better. Something about pouring sweat that early in the morning, cleanses not only your body, but clears your mind.

However, this study is not over. The month of November will be the test, and by December 1st I will have a conclusion.

To be continued..

the power of change.

While skimming the news yestedray, I found this amazing picture taken at an Obama rally in St. Louis, Mo. on Sunday. Over 100,000 people showed up to support the presidential hopeful - the largest crowd for an Obama event in the U.S. Politics is a topic that can be argued until you are blue in the face, but I think this photo captures such a surreal moment, especially during such an exciting and monumental election.

100,000 people. Wow. I am from a town in South Texas with a 100,000 total population. Seeing this photo just solidified why I find Barrack Obama to be so inspriing - he ignites a sense of hope throughout Americans. A sense of change, that even with the sprialing economy, more troops being deployed to Iraq, and a failing energy plan, there is still something to be hopeful for - a man who genuienly wants to help.

Although I could go on and on about why I am voting for who I am, I think it's most seen through this photo. Clearly, I am not the only one who feels this way.

vote : November 4th.

-allison

if you are in the market.

With Fall officially here, it's about that time to dust off your boots and warm, layering gear. For me, boots with a 3 or 4 inch heel tend to send a wave of hesitance through me. Why, you ask? Because I walk...EVERYWHERE. Living in this city, one of the first things you learn is to invest in shoes that don't make your feet feel like they are going to fall off.

For me- my latest find are these pair of Nine West booties. (Currently on sale - they also have a lot of other cute Fall boots)

The ultimate test was executed Saturday night with a full night out. From Fiddlesticks in West Village to Catch22 in Gramercy ( where we stood ..even though we "had a table"..I don't know why) then to the 12 block walk home, I was completely surprised that my feet felt great.

I'm not sure if it's the extra padding in the soles, but if you are looking for a comfortable pair of boots - these are key.

Do it.

-allison

it's official.

Apparently I am the last to catch on to the trend of blogging - but with a little encouragement, and guidance from my creative, tech-saavy friends, here I am. Who knew it was that easy. A few short steps, and I have a permanent place in the cyber world of communication. How empowering.

To get the facts straight: this blog has no theme, no particular rythym or rhyme, just me, and whatever nonsense I think is worthy of spreading to others. Basically, just another outlet for me to share my words of wisdom...

The challenge: to blog (efficiently) for one year straight. Anything and everything I experience, see, feel, eat, drink, meet, and visit. So by all means, stay tuned. It will hopefully get interesting.

until then -

allison