Expect the unexpected
Jan
14
A UFO with disco lights, a Sasquatch in a tuxedo, a flying pig in a tu-tu and Kenny Rogers busting out into hardcore hip-hop. Okay, so maybe you wouldn’t expect it, in fact, it’s highly unlikely, but don’t discount that the unexpected does happen, especially with a new year in front of you. So when I came back from Italy at the end of October, I certainly didn’t expect that one big sexy apple was right around the corner.
I’m always amazed when I go to NYC at how incredibly amazing, yet overwhelming it is. So I was tickled, and hardly slept the night before. With a huge smile at the airport, I quickly got in my matchbox-sized airport seat and buckled up. Let’s go, zoom, zoom baby. I’m ready.
[Enter the unexpected]
Ladies and gentlemen, I’m sorry to report, we are having technical difficulties. You are going to have to deplane.
After getting off the plane in a huff and cursing an airline that I won’t mention because it will be proceeded with some less than pleasant words, I caught the next flight out…two hours later. Expect the unexpected, right? 2010 can’t be all sunshine and roses. But knowing how unpredictable transit can be, I was prepared. Allow me to present to you le stash a la airport: protein bar, an empty shaker cup, Vega protein mix and Vitamineral Greens (sample size found at the Big Carrot). Finishing up my protein bar, I filled up my shaker cup with water, Vega Protein and Vitamineral Greens. Ya, I was jacked and people were looking at me funny.
What…you don’t like my green mustache? You don’t think I look sexy? Well booyah. I feel good and your cranky. Sucka.
Okay, maybe I was a little over confident.
But I arrived, met up with a very handsome Mr. Bling and was nervous. I hadn’t seen him since Florence and the day and half I had with him could have gone incredibly sour.
[Enter the unexpected]
It went better than expected. We hit up the Mercer Kitchen in Soho, feasted on buttery scallops, sipped on fine red wine and nibbled on a dessert tray of cookies while I sipped on Hennessy in a heater snifter glass. Oh yes, I was in culinary heaven where Mr. Bling never stopped to remind me that I lit up the room. Holding out the door for me, we slipped into a cab and were off to the Meatpacking district where more drinks followed and conversation flowed. While any woman in their right mind would certainly be attracted to this fine specimen, I also realize that he travels almost as much as he goes to the washroom and commitment is likely the furthest thing from his mind. It’s another man in constant flight, so with it, I enjoyed the evening for what it was and then it happened.
[Enter the unexpected]
I’d love it if you came to Brussels Melissa.
[Flattered, Melissa morphs into a deer caught in headlights]
Caught in my own breath, I exhaled and thanked him for his generousity and company and then I was off…my God, Brussels?
After slipping myself into a cab to run a couple of errands in the city while I was there, I had the afternoon before my flight to putter around and was excited to meet up with the New Yorker on the other end of town. His raw accent, sweet smile and charisma charmed me. Taking me around the city that he knew like the back of his hand, he agreed and was open to going to the place where I continually draw inspiration from, Sarma Melngailis’ One Lucky Duck. Now I hear all about her mallomar treat, but dear God…
The following photography is courtesy of Erica Graff from discoveringraw.com
[Expect the unexpected]
…it was better than I thought. Seriously, I think my taste buds wanted to stay in NYC. Thinking ahead, I bought a bag of chocolate macaroons and raced to Newark Airport which had me frazzled even though I was in good hands. Unfortunately for me, my hands were slightly buttery when I lost my wallet in Newark Airport…um yyyya.
[Expect the unexpected]
Running back to my initial gate, it was so gone that it practically never existed. Running to my new gate, I realized, I left my carry-on at the old gate…dear God Melissa. Seeing an airport buggie on the move, I made a run for it and hopped on it like a moving train.
PEDDLE TO THE METAL BROTHER. I HAVE FIVE MINUTES BEFORE MY PLANE LEAVES.
Thankfully retrieving my bag, I jumped back on my trusty buggie and morphed into a loud New Yorker yelling and fanning at people to get out of the way. The driver even let me honk the horn…how cool. And best of all, I made it with seconds to spare and was on a plane back to Toronto. (Although truthfully, with that last act, I think I could have sprouted a superwoman cape)
Yes, life is unpredictable and at this point, I’m almost never surprised at the funny things that life throws to make us pay attention, to live in the moment and to welcome the future without fear. Love, career and success (however you define it)…2010, bring it on. I’m expecting you.
[Enter flying pig with a tu-tu that magically floats across the starry night]
