Yes I willI do keep meticulous track of my accomplishments.  Every year on December 31st, the obligatory accomplishments are noted (completing a Master's thesis), the beyond-words-amazing feats are captured (Nash), even the strange are recognized (experiencing Craniosacal therapy).  This coming year, as I look forward, and create a new list of goals to meet, the classic "Exercise More" is staring me in the face.  And if you're in NYC, its not difficult to break a sweat.  Choose to sweat your backside off while Aerojumping (jump roping with a lot of enthusiasm) ... make your mind sweat discussing American Transcendentalists at The School of Practical Philosophy ... even feel your brow sweat cooking Indian Classics at Miette Culinary Studio.  Just say Yes to breaking a sweat in 2008.

Are We There Yet?When I lived in the Midwest (Chicago), there were limited road tripping options.  Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Ann Arbor, St. Louis ... often disappointing and once was usually enough (sorry wolverines).  From NYC however, the road trip options are seemingly endless.  In the state of New York alone there's the Finger Lakes, Niagara Falls, Syracuse, Buffalo, Cooperstown, Woodstock, Lake George, Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs, Adirondacks, the Hamptons ... Today we're leaving the state however.  At the last minute (this morning) we decided that tradition could not be broken and so this afternoon we will embark on the 16th annual Christmas in Atlantic City road trip (I kid you not).  I'm happy to report that between shopping, dining and entertainment, the East Coast's sin city is slowly improving (despite the Donald).  This time I suspect there'll be a little more preparation involved with baby on board.

Would You Be Mine, Could You Be MineMy neighbors have really cool jobs.  That's the thing about living in the big apple.  I've lived next door to a goldsmith, heir to a modern furniture empire, restaurateur, NY state assemblymember, life coach and real estate developer.  Did they ever ask what should I be when I grow up?  There's also the public figures: a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, NBA and NFL players, male runway model, actor/producer, musician on a late night show (trying not to name names here).  Some of these professions were nominated for the Fast Company 25 Top Jobs list.  And it has been inspirational living next to such driven personalities.  The downside, they don't have much time for small talk and they don't bring by cookies and milk to welcome you to the hood.

Skip the Minivan ... Have Your Whole Foods Purchases DeliveredYes, the lines are almost always out the door.  Yes, you have to elbow your way into the freezer to grab a pint of Ciao Bella or Il Laboratorio del Gelato ice cream.  You know where I'm talking about ... your friendly neighborhood supermarket, Whole Foods!  Plan to eat in the store?  You'll eat standing up or you'll share a table with two strangers.  You will inevitably bump carts in the narrow condiment aisle with this guy and then you'll see him again in the Beer Room.  Is shopping for food this difficult in other cities?  Not sure.  All I know is that for $3.95, my (not) plastic bags are delivered to my doorstep.  And if I'm lucky, on good days the bags are brought right into my kitchen. 

Brainy Babysitter eventually = Brainy BabyI agree with the reviews ... accolades and a big smooch to the Barnard College Babysitting Service!  A win-win concept for aspiring educators and parents alike, the service matches college students with a passion for children to our willing little sponges (and their desperate-for-a-night-out parents).  Barnard is affiliated with the prestigious Columbia University but tradition dictates a no boys allowed policy.   Brainiac alumni include Margaret Mead and Martha Stewart which puts the babysitters in great company.  And what parent secure in their (lack of) domestic abilities wouldn't mind if their baby is looked after by a future Martha?