Friday, October 25, 2013

Viva la RomCom!



JEOPARDY:  Meg Ryan waited for Tom Hanks with a red rose in which romantic comedy movie?



No, not Sleepless...


...


...



Give up?



What is, You’ve Got Mail.  And Meg waited with her wed wose at Cafe Lalo on the Upper West Side.  No doubt the perfect setting for a, “Viva la RomCom!” Lipstick Lunch.

Trees glistening with lights mark the entrance of the cafe.  The music that evening switched from old jazz to soft techno and the decor is très Montmartre bobo (French slang for BOhemian BOurgeois).  


Bobos in action


I am mad that I was not in the mood for something sweet because their bakery of cakes, tarts, and cheesecakes is sensationally overwhelming.  “Deep dish pecan tart with chocolate chips in a cookie dough crust drizzled with chocolate”  Muaha, I will return.  Had soft-boiled eggs with herbs and gouda cheese and a glass of cabernet.  

Conversation prop:  When Harry Met Sally screenplay, compliments to my neighbor Alex*, who does stand-up comedy and recently attended a Bon Jovi concert.  He rules.

For homework all the girls had to pick their favorite romantic comedy and bring in a quote or a dreamteam from one of the movies to discuss.

While waiting for the girls to arrive, G*, who we will refer to as Girlzilla, read Sally’s part when she orders from a menu. 




If having specifications make us divas, then so be it.  Mantra: I want it the way I want it.

Girlzilla had not seen the movie and so I asked her whether she thought men and women could be friends.  As it is the main question the movie asks.

She replied that a man and a woman can be friends if they are both logical.  

Then C* and K* sat down and ordered a cheese plate and some wine.  C*, Calamity Jane, always has white wine, K*, Kiss Kiss, always red.  

Calamity Jane brought up Shopgirl, the novella turned RomCom written by Steve Martin.  Quite false his impression of women was.  There is no way in hell Martin understands what it is like to have boobs; just because he is obsessed with them doesn’t mean we are.  Sometimes they sweat, sometimes they get in the way, whatever.  

Kiss Kiss said she has a friend who has three nipples.

What a great ice breaker for a first date...

Before we go any further, I’d better tell you now that I have three nipples.

Then just let that simmer for a minute.


Beautiful eyes.




Question #1:  What is your number one deal breaker when it comes to guys?

Girlzilla-  He must believe in G-d.

Calamity Jane-  Don’t be a murderer.

Kiss Kiss-  Wants a reliable guy.


Question #2:  Must the guy pay on the first date?

Yes, HE must pay!
a).  insight for how he will treat you down the road
b).  putting stakes in your potential relationship aka he wants you
c).  it’s just the way it’s done

No, equality of the sexes!
a).  renders you in some form or fashion a prostitute, what is he buying?
b).  why not, you both work hard and can handle the bill
c).  show your balls and buy the beers



The yesterday and tomorrow determining, “who pays the bill” is that there was a time when splitting the bill was inconceivable.  If today we are in the position to pay too, then what will dating be like in ten years?  

Maybe the ideal first date shouldn’t have a paying factor.  Go to a free museum, go for a walk, see an outdoor concert, keep it simple.  



Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Hello, Lipstick Lunch


As I was changing clothes in the women’s gym locker room to go home, I couldn’t help but overhear the conversation between two girls.  Usually I side glance a few bodies- because we are a sexy species- but this time I just listened...

     Headband girl, “Where do you wanna’ go?”

     Sports bra girl, “I want Panera."

    Headband: “Okay.  They did open a Just Salad on 84th.”

    Sports bra: “I texted Debbie* and told her to meet us at Panera.”

    Headband: “Is she on her way?”

     Sports bra: “She texted back, ‘Panera, whatever.’

The two girls were talking loudly over the locker wall between them.  

     Headband girl came around to face Sports bra girl and asked her, “Well she is probably coming just to hang out.  Where is she now, anyway?”

    Sports bra: “She said she is on 63rd, picking up a pair of shoes and then she’ll meet us there.”

     Headband: “That is gonna’ take her like 45 minutes, I don’t want to wait that long.”

     Sports bra:  “Yeah, it’s not worth it.  I texted, ‘Another night, we are grabbing something quick.’


Now.  Maybe Headband girl and Sports bra girl had things to attend to besides chatting at Panera.  But really, they could have been more flex and gotten carrot cake cupcakes while they waited for their friend to have dinner.  Bitchiness, keep the dessert a secret.




Friendship is important.  Be a girlfriend!
 Twice a month, girls who live in the NY/NJ area set a theme and go somewhere fun.  It is a social way of exploring the city. 



One year ago...

Similar to Sex and the City,  Lipstick Lunch started out as four girls.  Ages ranging 21 to 40, backgrounds from Utah, India, Manhattan, and Long Island, and vocations in advertising, education, women’s health, and theater.  What we have in common: we love to exchange opinions.


Since the original four girls, whom I appreciate most for supporting friendship, Lipstick Lunch has grown.  The group is a mix of different people I have crossed paths with in both work and play.  Like a book club, all are welcome to join.


I have truly grown with these girls as we share experiences.  I have seen these girls open up their personalities and find that light hearted humor that makes the days go by more peacefully.  Taking interest in other people's lives as they do yours is encouraging.  Makes you feel heard.   



To attend a Lipstick Lunch, simple email:  
                                                  LipstickLunch@gmail.com