Underpinnings

Years ago I purchased a book titled, The History of Underclothes. It isn't prominently displayed in my bookcase, but people notice it nonetheless.

The book isn't as exciting as the subject matter may suggest. I didn't make it past page 60.

Over the weekend I went to an exhibit about underclothes at the Merchant's House Museum. My former burlesque teacher had posted a link to the exhibit on Face Book. She hinted that it was sensational, and I was intrigued. Through Face Book, I made an arrangement to see the show with a former work colleague who also expressed interest in the show.

Unfortunately, the underwear exhibit was weak. It was composed of approximately 6 items: a pair of stockings, a corset, and three hoop skirts or petticoats.

The museum was small and a bit worn down, and the meager exhibit was disappointing. But on closer inspection, the place revealed some some charming aspects.

I learned that a pie safe was intended to keep bread products safe from vermin. My 20th century-formed mind thought it safe guarded goods from snacking residents of the house.

An artist had spruced up a falling ceiling with a faux leg, which struck me as a positive way to handle the crumbling ceiling crisis. I wish I had been as clever when dealing with a similar problem in my apartment.

The pulley system on the gas chandeliers was interesting. It is an elegant combination of frill and function.

Most importantly, I got better acquainted with my former work colleague. We often interact on Face Book, but hadn't socialized outside of work. We are both a little geeky about historical details, so meeting at the museum was perfect.

She is smart, and has unusual qualities. She is a marathon runner who has completed races on every continent (including Antarctica). She recently visited a remote town in Alaska because it is the northern most point of the United States. She is a chocolate enthusiast with a refined palate, and she has organized a chocolate tasters club in New York. She kindly introduced me to a marvelous chocolate lunch at MarieBelle in Soho.

Spending time with her reminded me that there is much in the world to explore, even on a small scale. Sometimes things that initially disappoint deserve a second look to yield modest wonders.

Dinner and Drinks

Last night I met a friend for happy hour at XES. I caught a posting about a hole in his schedule on Face Book, and thanks to social networking we soon had a plan to meet.

We have been close friends for years. Until recently, our offices were a couple of blocks away and we would meet for lunch every couple of weeks. I hadn't seen him in a month and a half and I missed him.

He has put his social life into high gear. It sounds like he is visiting several bars and parties every night.

I met several of his friends and he and I caught up. He always makes me laugh. It was also good to be out and about doing something I would have done prior to being laid off. It make me feel more normal and less like a desperate person holed up at home waiting anxiously for more freelance work or a real job.

I should have saved money and gone home to eat, but I wanted to spend more time with him. We went to one of my favorite pizza parlors, Waldy's. This is one of the places we frequented for lunch, and it turned out they had a recession special: soda, small cheese pizza, and salad for $10.

Hurrah for my friend, Waldy's, and XES happy hour. I got a fun night out in NYC for less than $20.

Unraveling Net

My friends far and wide have been wonderful in helping me look for work. They have provided me with people to call to network, which is the best way to find employment.

A friend from high school contacted me through Face Book and gave me the name of a woman at a PR firm to contact. Today I called her, but she was no longer at the firm. It appears that she was laid off.

This seems to indicate the depth of the unemployment crisis. The laid off are reaching out to the employed network, and finding out their network contacts have also joined the ranks of the unemployed.