Just Say No

I have certain "friends" who sometimes call me and demand me to perform tasks for them or provide them with information on demand. I have one person who demanded I get one of his clients booked for a paid speaking engagement at my company. When I said I couldn't help him because that is so out of my realm at such a large company, he insulted me by stating, "I thought you were very important. I guess that's a myth," and then he hung up on me. (If he hand't hung up on me, I would have continued to ask around.) I had another friend request the number of my hair colorist. She made an appointment with him, showed up late, insisted on seeing another colorist I didn't recommend and ended up freaking out at him and me when she didn't like her hair. This, of course, according to her was my fault and she still asks me if I have my hair done there and then critiques my hair in a negative way.(I was stupid and gave her the number for the guy who cuts my hair. She hated her haircut.) This same person called me today and demanded the phone number of another friend of mine to help her sell something and I said I was not comfortable handing out her phone number without asking her permission. This friend who requested the number was upset I wouldn't just provide the information immediately and hung up on me in a huff. (I still sent the information she needed.)

The thing , I'm always happy to help. I've helped four friends get new jobs this year. I've sent my hairdresser a lot of new clients. I've promoted products, movies or shows I like on this blog at the request of some publicists. I'll pick up your dry cleaning or walk your dog if you ask. I want to recommend you to the co-op board because I know what an awesome person and neighbor you are. I, however, can't just always say yes and perform magic and if you are a friend, I expect you trust my judgement and respect my boundaries.

Right now, as I go through this very slow and painful process called "grief," I've been thinking about and evaluating my personal relationships. While I have some friends that I may see or talk to more than others, I really value the people that my friends are and how much they mean to me. I see the goodness in their hearts and and respect their individuality. Some may be neurotic, be on tour, be super busy at work, have little kids or live far away, but I love them and know that they have my best interest at heart and I have theirs. I, however, do not have tolerance for those kind of "friends" who call me with demands and when I cannot deliver, they hang up on me. Hanging up on friends is simply unacceptable. When I used to get upset with myself for not being able to deliver these types of unreasonable requests, Teeks used to say, "That person is being unreasonable. That person is off the list." From the great beyond, I'm taking his advice and wisdom to heart.

Surprise!

Last night I attended a fabulous surprise party for my good pal Chris. As you can see, we had a blast and Chris was extremely surprised. Chris is always asking to be written about on the blog, so this post is a special gift this to you, buddy! You're a great person and loved by all of your friends. The photo above is all of us excited to surprise you before you arrived! Happy Birthday!

Gemma Massot: Where in the hell are you?

The woman on the right used to be my very close friend and ward named Gemma Massot. I would like to get back in touch with her. If any of you can find her or have her information, please contact me! I miss her!

New Beast in Babylon

A woman in my 30's, I'm constantly receiving endless birth announcements from my friends having human babies. I, however, would like to salute the nontraditional new members into the nycbabylon family. These cats, dogs, horses, fish and other beasts continue to bring joy and purpose into the lives of my fabulous single friends. For this reason, I'd like to congratulate my dear friend Deirdre on the arrival of her new beast, Ryley Horse Silver.

The High Cost of Bowling

This is what a modest night at Bowlmor in NYC will cost you:
2 Games with 2 Friends=$55
Dinner and cheap beers for Friends=$80
Shoe rental=$15
Socks for 2=$10

Total: $160

Fun with your two best pals=Priceless!

All Madame Tuesday!

Watch this special video of vintage Solid Gold with a surprise visit at the end from our favorite dame Madame!

Nightgown Friday

Are you there God? It's Me, nycbabylon!



The Softer Side of xoxoanp




I realized that me and fellow blogger xoxoanp.com both took self portraits in our nightgowns this week. While I'm more modest than ANP, I'm posting my own nightie shot along with hers that I stole from her blog. These sexy shots can inspire all you readers to get excited for the first annual "NYCBABYLON and XOXOANP Caribbean Consumer Generated Media Blowout Week" which will start 3/15 in Aruba. From Aruba, we will be blogging, youtubing, flickring, while getting our tan on! We need a better name for our event. Any suggestions?

Hot Times in the City

I'm on vacation in my hometown New York City! As you can see from this photo taken of me and my good friend Annitah, I'm having a blast. Now, I have to start the 2007 diet. I stole this photo from Anittah b/c her camera is better than mine.

The Company Party

So, tomorrow night is the annual company Xmas party. And the truth is, although I love parties, I dread the annual holiday party. I always get cornered by someone I don't want to talk to and I am never comfortable drinking at these mass events and I hate standing in line for food. I don't mean to sound ungrateful and think it is very nice companies go all out for their employees, but for some reason, I just can't get into it anymore. Perhaps I'm spoiled. Lorne Michaels and Broadway Video used to host the best holiday party ever. I remember one year winding up with my head up Janeane Garofalo's shirt to smell her new chocolate scented cologne. This was when she was somewhat famous. After that party, I felt much closer to my coworkers and we all had a blast. Now, it's a different story. Last year one of the bankers got sloppy drunk and called one of our coworkers a slut, and she burst out crying and stormed out. I witnessed the entire incident. I didn't like the offender anymore and was forced to face him at work the next day. Thank god, he quit later in the year. So, I'm going to go, eat my free food and keep my mouth shut until next year in the blog.