The Wow Effect

It is the weirdest thing. This time when I got into NYC and was anticipating the crazy, warm sensation rolling over me that I usually get when I cross the Williamsburg Bridge entering Manhattan from JFK. The joyous madness of being in love with the city that never sleeps and all it has to offer. However, something was different this time. And it wasn’t the cab, the smell, the July heat or the city lights from the concrete jungle. No, it was me. My feelings were different…. I didn’t feel the jolt in my belly or recognize the instant smile I usually get on my lips when in the Empire State. Can this really be? Is it possible that my undeniable passion for NYC is cooling off like day old, luke-warm water?

I sort of kept this discovery to myself the first couple of days. I mean, who wants to be out of love with the coolest city in the world? And I lost myself in work and the beach and high-life in The Hamptons. Now, back again in the city working and playing like I was paid to do so (which I am ha ha… Man, I feel blessed)… I’m contemplating again. Have I become the unspeakable? Have I joined the enemy and left the cool pack and become one of ‘those’… I can hardly utter the word here in Manhattan. ‘A Los Angeles lover’….????? I wasn’t sure about this new ambivalent state of mind I found myself in, which used to be a crystal clear ‘Empire State of Mind. Have I fallen out of love with the man of my dreams??????

this was the question that I kept asking myself since I arrived late Saturday night. But then something happened.

This morning I went down to the street to pick up my single shot skim latte and a tea for my friend and I got a little lost in the neighborhood. Soon I found myself wandering the area around University, 5th ave and East 11th street debating, which coffee shop to pay a visit. The weather today is overcast, mild and feels like a bliss after 5 days of 100 degrees merciless heatwave. And right there on the corner of University and East 11th street it struck me like lightning. I fell in love all over again. Hard, passionate and sensational!!! Just like I remembered it. NYC is still the hottest thing I ever involved myself with. I might like LA and love the lifestyle and my work on the West Coast. Trust me – I do. But NYC and I will always be an item no matter how involved I get with LA or any other city on the planet.

To celebrate my rekindling flame I’ve decided to pay my favorite Spa a visit – The one and only Miss Christine Chin – to get a deluxe facial. Later I’m meeting my girls for dinner and debauchery since I’m not working tomorrow. yay!!

Here are a couple of shots from last night’s shoot and other random NYC stuff….

I paid my favorite NYC hairdresser Mazja a visit down at Arrojo Studio on 180 Varick . On Thursday’s before 4 pm they have ‘bring a friend day and get half-off’. So my old NYC friend Jeff and I decided to test it out. This shot is taken just before Mazja transformed my haystack of hair into something looking more healthy and groomed. Thanks girl!

Sipping wine and touching up between takes from last night’s shoot on location in Jersey with Max. Oh and check out how healthy my hair looks 🙂

…mirror stuff…

…more mirror stuff….

Tine & I at restaurant Lion. The people behind The Waverly Inn opened this restaurant recently. The food, wine, crowd and ambience is impeccable. All I can say is: When in NYC, go there!