"I Know I Need Unique New York"

After running class tonight, a friend and I walked over to the NY Philharmonic in Central Park. We were sweaty and gross from the workout and completely out of place because New Yorkers take their outdoor-cultural-event picnics WAY too seriously. This isn’t some Wawa-hoagie-and-six-pack ordeal, nuh uh. We’re talking about fully-stocked wicker picnic baskets, real silverware, bottles of wine WITH GLASSES, candles, portable Crate & Barrel tables and gourmet spreads from Citarella or Whole Foods. It’s absurd. By the time we wove our way through the sea of plaid blankets, we realized we were jealous and famished. We considered swiping a nearby fruit salad and making a run for it (“Hey, we’re both pretty fast, right?”) but thought better. He said the magic word (“margaritas”) and we were out of there. In true Jackie form, I ordered a Taco Salad, which contained roughly three pieces of lettuce and quickly became Taco Soup, but it was served in a giant deep-fried edible bowl, so I was happy. And I’m checking the Philharmonic off the list anyway, as a technicality.

The Summer To-Do List is coming along nicely. There have been a few additions and deletions, but it’s been a successful few weeks. Last night after a bike ride in the park I sat on a bench and listened to The Decemberists play an impressive set on SummerStage. I get hung up on New York City sometimes (the ever-increasing cost of rent, the noise, the crowds, etc.) but nights like last night and tonight remind of why I live here: for free outdoor events, pretentious picnickers, and good margaritas within walking distance of any location.

But man, what I’d give for a Wawa hoagie and a six-pack right about now.