Tag: Toast The Moon

By majhonlenel Posted on

Toasting Romance in Baltimore

I would welcome anyone: to listen to the stories of Edgar Allen Poe while sipping a drink at America’s oldest pub (The Horse You Came In On), to listen to jazz and enjoy local oysters at Keystone Korner, to sail around the Harbour with America’s Sailing Tours, to have a crab feast at L.P. Steamers, to see Fort McHenry where Francis Scott Key penned The Star Spangled Banner, to walk around Fells Point and get lost in the row houses and architecture, to watch a sunset at Canton Park… Then, tell me how Baltimore isn’t a city to love. Baltimore is “Charm City” and it lives up to its name.

By majhonlenel Posted on

Toasting New York’s Newest Island: Little Island

I’m excited to come see shows at Little Island, while overlooking a sunset on the Hudson. I know that the build-out was controversial, but I’m thankful for donors like Diller who have dreams for the city and the funding to see them into fruition. I think that this idea was beautifully realized and will be a welcome addition to the ever-expanding west side of the city for many decades to come (or at least 20 years!).

By majhonlenel Posted on

Toasting Governors Island

Only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, this ferry-only accessible island is New York’s summer playground – literally. It is 172 acres of gardens, lawns, rolling hills, recreation areas, playgrounds, and concessions. You could spend the day lounging in a hammock overlooking a garden of lavender and butterflies, or you could bring your friends out for a day-long championship of ultimate frisbee, or you could take a date and picnic on a lawn overlooking Manhattan, or you could geek out on American History by scouting out all of the historical plaques, buildings, and museums, or you could bring your family and slide down New York City’s longest slide (57 feet!), or you could simply hang out at the Island Oyster Bar and while the day away with cocktails and oysters. Whatever you decide to do, Governors Island is relaxing, rejuvenating, beautiful, picturesque, and loads of fun.

By majhonlenel Posted on

Toasting the Fight Against Winter Blues

It’s a month and half into the new year…And, I’ve heard many of my friends, colleagues, and neighbors complain about how depressing this time of year is. Dreary….Cold….Dark….Nothing to do … Continue reading Toasting the Fight Against Winter Blues

By majhonlenel Posted on

My Life with a Systems Engineer: 5 Tips to Engineer Your Best Life at Home

Noah is perfectionistic, calculated, careful, grounded, honest, analytical, and systematic. These traits make him an awesome systems engineer and manager at work. These traits also come home with him…

By majhonlenel Posted on

Pretending, Normalizing, Mistaking…Feeling?

Never-ending calls to customer service…Bank account errors…Work meeting escalations…Stimulus checks and unemployment system failures…Arguments…Depression…Anxiety…Short tempers…Mistakes… How many of those are hitting close to home for you? I can count seven … Continue reading Pretending, Normalizing, Mistaking…Feeling?

By majhonlenel Posted on

Adjusting to Tiny Spaces: Downsizing and Upscaling

Tiny island…tons of people…tiny spaces. What did we really “need”? And, what could we improve to make the best use of the space? We decided that saving money on rent would be worth the upfront investment. We’ve spent quite a bit of money on our space-saving ideas. But, we will make the money back in rent/real estate saving within two years!

By majhonlenel Posted on

New York: Awakening from COVID-19 Slumber

I’ve been here a week, and what I’ve learned is that New Yorkers are a resilient bunch. While the rest of the country was whining about not being able to go get ice cream, this city lost almost all “normal” services and opportunities. They witnessed the horrors of neighbors and friends disappearing to never return. Small businesses shut down in droves… 20% of workers became unemployed… nearly 32,000 have died so far. […]

By majhonlenel Posted on

Midwest Manners, California Idealism and New York Passion

Who, except a couple of crazy people, would sell three cars, liquidate a business, downsize their entire life, and sell a house in the middle of a pandemic and economic collapse? No one. I’ve decided that we are absolutely out of our minds. But, that’s exactly what we’ve done.

By majhonlenel Posted on

On the Move During COVID-19

Noah and I have been preparing since October to move from sunny California to the Empire State. We had arranged everything with our work, we had told our family and friends, we had found an apartment and signed a lease. We were three weeks away from our big move when quarantine struck Santa Clara County.

By majhonlenel Posted on

Escape Quarantine with Themed Nights-at-Home

Are you celebrating? I think that finding reasons to throw a party (no matter how small) is especially important in times of high stress and crisis. I’ve noticed that on the days I create a “special occasion” in our house, both of our spirits are lifted. If you have children, it’s even MORE important to create a bit of normalcy in celebratory ways. And, if you’re alone, find a reason to bust out the champagne and special chocolates! YOU are worth it!

By majhonlenel Posted on

United We Stand – Apart

The light at the end of this tunnel shines brightly. Don’t think this is end. The earth is using this time; it’s healing itself. People around the world are coming together to show compassion and love for their fellow man. Animals are taking over their natural habitats and enjoying their time for freedom. And, we will too. This too shall pass.