Resting is underrated

I have been resting now for 8 days, which translates to sleeping in until 10am (or later), cooking up "interesting" recipes, making desserts, sewing, staring blankly at the TV watching some awful show or organizing happy hours for my future FSO compadres. I can tell you my disposition has considerably improved, and my outlook on life as well as my own looks have benefited from the lack of stress or daily Bangla training in them. I have been practicing my baking skills and the direct beneficiaries of that have been Diplomat's (and my former) Bengali classmates. Apparently, the cakes have been good enough to summon a friendly mouse to the classroom. No more baking then.I have to report with some disappointment that the Diplomat and his energetic FSO pals did not make it to NYC the previous weekend. I should have suspected so--it really takes a lot of coordination for three middle-aged married men with kids to go away. I, on the other hand, have organized a gals' weekend away in Miami, to take place some time in April. I'd like you to note that my partners in crime on this trip are either single or without children. It wasn't meant that way--simply, 95% of my other friends are pregnant. Go figure!The Diplomat and I came to NYC this weekend to dust off the furniture and paint the town red with some old pals. On Sunday, he and Son went back to Arlington, while I continue to dust the apartment and window shop in Manhattan. Good times!! We spent both Friday and Sat night partying till the wee hours in the city which has been rather taxing on us given that Son wakes up fresh and excited at 6.30-7am, while we have just gone to bed at 2 am. A few brief observations from NY:

1. I have never noticed it before, but in NYC there is a shocking number of (a) people walking dogs, (b) children in Bugaboos and (c) women in highly mismatched clothes also known as "very fashionable outfits."
2. I have finally seen with my own eyes a "greasing of the palm" of a club bouncer. On Sat night we went to the Hurricane Club, where to my utter grown-up, fashionably-clad dismay, we had to wait in line to get in. We were not happy (we=a group of group of grown up professionals)--waiting in line to get into a club was something we did when we were in our early 20 and penniless. While waiting, a decidedly unattractive gentleman came up, nodded knowingly to the self-important bouncer and shook his hand with what appeared to be $40. He went right in. Good for him.
Now, I would like to make a plug for a charity event that I am helping to put together in Washington, DC. I have been helping an organization called Lend A Hand India (http://www.lend-a-hand-india.org/) to launch their first event in Washington, DC. Lend-A-Hand India's mission is to make a difference in the lives of the poor through self help. By partnering with grassroots non-profit organizations, community groups, and local governments, we create better access to education, vocational training, career development, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Our goal is to help the poor realize their full potential to meet their aspirations for a better life.
Originally a NY-based organization, they would like to establish a presence in the capitol city. So I cordially invite you to attend Chocolate Fest @ Lend A Hand DC Chapter Launch and Meet the Founders ! Details as follows:

When: Thursday, March 24, 6:30pm-9:30pm
Where: Eden Lounge DC, 1716 I (eye) Street Northwest (Metro - Farragut West or North)
Join us for a fun evening of chocolate fountain, Bar specials, Live auction and entertainment on the occasion of launch of DC Chapter of Lend A Hand India.
Don't miss opportunity to hear live from the co-founders SunandaCome to know how you can get involved and volunteer with us ! Buy your tickets today..$10 only at http://www.lend-a-hand-india.org/chocolatefest2011_dc.php
On this high note, I will end today's post. I am still in NYC where I have no Internet at home and so I have been in a freezing Starbucks for over an hour checking my endless email accounts. Time for lunch!

PS: I'd like it to be noted that while I was writing this, someone stole my umbrella which was resting peacefully behind my back at Starbucks...I LOVE New York!