What Did You Learn Today?

“They really were birds of completely different feathers, weren’t they?”
-Ira Levin,
‘Rosemary’s Baby’

Last night I enjoyed dinner at a place in Tribeca, New York City called ‘FORGE’. It is becoming a local haunt in the Tribeca area. I recognized our waitress, Miriam, from another restaurant.
"I worked at the 'Union Square Cafe' for five years," she said.
I am so good at recognizing faces. Touche!
http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/forge/
FORGE is a rustic, cozy and a fine place to celebrate my Birthday Month. Tonight was actually Joe Fingerett’s official birthday so he was given all of the limelight. It was an honor to toast him. The dining guests included me, Alan Freiman, Gloria Cohen (Alan’s mother) and Joe Fingerett (Gloria’s beau).

As the dinner went on with discussion on the activities of our busy Friday I came up with a great dinner conversation question.


“What did you learn today?” I asked.


Gloria says, “While at the Whitney Museum I learned that Edward Hopper spent his early years in Paris.”

Alan says, “I learned that I slept so well last night and I think I attribute it to the spices in the satay chicken at the restaurant in DUMBO called RICE.”

Joe says, “I learned that the artist, Edward Hopper, was primitive in-style. He started to use darkness and shadows during his early years in Paris.”

It was my turn.
“I learned or was reminded of the fact that all attorneys love to make themselves sound confusing. They’re good at that. I also learned that this restaurant, FORGE, has the best ‘whole chicken’ for two.”

What did you learn today?

Twenty-five years ago today:

May 9, 1984
Wednesday

Midnight: I watched ‘Dark Shadows’ and the werewolf storyline is the current happening in Collinwood. I will likely have nightmares now. And to think I have to present that damn speech on Thursday’s meeting, too. I did decide to focus the speech on ‘fact finding’ while conversing (in a positive way) with our customers.

I telephoned mom from work. She was about to depart with John to the hospital to see Ashley. How exciting when I think about my little niece.

I hung out in the lounge at lunchtime. When I telephoned Chris Cordellos he was entertaining company. The company included Leandra and ‘who knows’ who. We did talk briefly.
“I might drive up,” I said with a tone of encouragement, knowing I probably would not take on the drive.
“Well, I may come down,” Chris said.
It sounds like we’ll meet again soon (either way).

While driving I stumbled upon co-worker, Steve Gaster, at a bus stop after work. I was late for my ‘Sperm Bank’ appointment because I chose to be ‘A Good Samaritan’. I had Steve hop into my car and I drove him home to Alameda. Then I had to drive back to North Oakland for my appointment.

When I arrived home for dinner I was happy that my mom chose to take the day off. She was in ‘Grandma’ heaven. I called it “Grandma-itis”. We went to MACY’s together. She helped me choose a birthday gift for my brother, Tony. I couldn’t help buying a couple of shirts, too. It was mom’s treat. I like mom’s who have ‘Grandma-it is”.

While watching DYNASTY, the TV show, I prepared myself for my speech tomorrow. I am ready. Well, my corporate attire is ready. Smiles.