B

has been working in New York City for the past five years. He is from Hong Kong so he is no stranger to the crowds or the fast paced city life. In fact, he enjoys seeing all the smiling and curious tourists in Times Square whenever he goes out for his lunch breaks. He thinks Times Square may be congested with people but it is a much happier area to be than say, down by Wall Street, where people seem to be more serious and down to business.

During the limited period of time that I worked down in that part of town, I just loathed the windy and shortened winter days. People seemed to vanish from the streets by the end of the business day. Definitely not a place for those like B, who used to enjoy the bustling night life of a city like Hong Kong, where many businesses (restaurants and retail) stay open until the wee hours of the night.

B has no major plans for the holidays. Looking back at the past year, he is most grateful that in spite of the tough economy he has a job. He hasn't made any New Year resolutions. According to B, if he needs to accomplish something he can work on a goal at any time and doesn't need a "New Year's resolution." At the expense of sounding a little arrogant, I must say that I share that sentiment. But nevertheless, for the less determined like me, I will make a resolution for the upcoming year, which is to talk to more strangers during my mcbreaks.

As the holidays close in, the shopping is done, the cards sent out (nah - was too lazy for that), I look back at the people I met through this venue and appreciate that no matter where we come from or where we're going, most of us are grateful for the family and friends in our lives and for having a job or (for those who are searching for one) being able to pursue our dreams. Until 2010, I wish a Merry Christmas to All And To All A Happy New Year!

Patti

barely made it out of Minnesota yesterday due to the blizzard. But by the time she arrived in NY, the weather was beautiful. She is visiting NY with her two daughters and they are enjoying many of the Christmas attractions and pastimes. Tonight, Patti and her daughters will be going to see the Radio City Rockettes and will stop by to admire the famous Saks Fifth Avenue Christmas windows.

Patti's favorite carol and Christmas songs are O Little Town of Bethlehem and I'll Be Home for Christmas. Ironically, Patti will be spending this Christmas at her home away from home in Rio Grande, Texas. Even though beautiful MN is where her life-long "home" is, Patti and her husband started to spend winters in Rio Grande, Texas, because her husband could no longer bear the fierce winters in MN. This will be their second winter there. They chose Texas because they had gone to school in Austin and still have close friends there.

Patti planned this NY trip in March but decided to make a few changes at the last minute. While her daughters will stay in NY for a few more days, Patti decided to take up her friends' offer to join them on a cruise. So tomorrow she's headed to sunny Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Christmas in the south must make for a completely different experience, similar to Christmases in South America when we celebrated the holidays in the midst of the summer. Yesterday's episode of ABC's "Modern Family" portrayed how a modern family incorporates and adapts to the changing traditions. The head of the family, Jay, has recently re-married. His new wife, Gloria, is a hot Colombian divorcee who is about the same age as his grown daughter. Jay's step-son with Gloria is the same age as his grandkids. In addition, Jay has a grown gay son who has just adopted an Asian baby with his partner. It makes for some fun family dynamics. One of the new traditions that this modern family was incorporating to the celebrations were fireworks, courtesy of the Colombian influence.

We had those fireworks in Argentina too. I'm not sure whether it was an Argentinian tradition or the tradition of a Korean family living in Argentina, but my parents would always gift a bottle of Sidra (sparkly cider) and a Pan Dulce (dried fruits cake) to all our closest neighbors and friends on the day before Christmas. At midnight, we would watch the midnight mass on TV and then head outside to admire the fireworks, which in retrospect were very modest. At the time, my brother and I could only "dream of a white Christmas." Same holidays but just so many different ways to celebrate them.

E

was punching away the keys of his PSP game (hand held video game). What started like a casual conversation about his NY background (lives in Flushing, Queens) and and the holiday season, turned into a talk about some current events like Tiger Woods, of course. Until very recently, one of E's favorite PSP games was a Tiger Wood's game and he would have never guessed that all hell would break loose in the golfer's life. E thinks that a guy like Tiger who's allegedly a sex maniac, should have never married and stayed single like George Clooney.

E then went on to share his opinion on other topics like the healthcare debate and government spending. He believes that the current administration should be more fiscally responsible and allocate resources to pressing issues like the economy and national security as supposed to healthcare and green projects. According to E, Democrats want too much government control and the solution to unemployment is less government and less taxes, along the lines of the income and capital gain tax cuts of the Reagan era. The government has lots to juggle from the economy, war, healthcare, trying terrorists in NY, and E doesn't believe the Obama administration has a handle on these matters. He thinks President Obama is leading the country in the wrong direction and away from the entrepreneurial and capitalist values that represent the US.

Except for supporting the President's decision to deploy more troops to Afghanistan, E practically opposes all of the executive decisions and legislative agenda of the administration or their party. But in spite of his conservative stance, in the not too distant past, E had succumbed to Obama's charms and had hopes for a brighter future under a Democratic administration. Such hopes, however, were very short lived and now he believes that the President is a sinister character and a socialist. Let me just say that these were E's kindest words when opining about Pres. Obama. Although my eyebrows rose a few times during the course of the conversation, I welcomed this opportunity to hear the opinions of an ultra-conservative who didn't mind sharing his views and opinions with a stranger and without reservations and in a very animated fashion, especially considering that we are in a primarily Democratic state.

Not surprisingly, E is a fan of Glen Beck, Rush, Cheney, Huckabee, Palin, Giuliani, and he voted for Bloomberg for NY Mayor. He works in Times Square. I am not sure what E does for a living because he didn't get into details about his job. But since we're so close to Fox News and given his passion for the current state of affairs in the US and Fox's most popular anchors/shows, I said that he should apply for a job at Fox. He did say that he had once worked for a radio (or cable) show but unfortunately, that didn't go too well. He still liked the idea. May be the next time I see E, it will be as a commentator or guest speaker on the O'Reilly Factor.

For now, E's political inclinations are predicting that in 2010 the "Republicans will be coming back like a Tsunami" following the gubernatorial victories in New Jersey and Virginia.

My political prediction is that it will be an uphill battle because the administration is still young and people will remain receptive for at least another year. I do believe, however, that conservatives could gain ground by doing a better job at rallying the crowds in cyberspace, just like liberals reach millions of citizens every day through MoveOn.org and therein lies the benefit of having a broad base of young followers.

On Dec. 21st, E and his family will be going to Wyoming to spend time with his wife's family. E is Jewish (but not too religious according to him) and his wife is Lutheran. They have a 16-month old son. It may be the most wonderful time of the year and just as hectic as the family celebrates Hanukkah and Christmas. E's favorite part of the holidays is spending quality time with his friends and family, regardless of their political views.

Bob

was wearing a green sweater so I figured he may be in the spirit for Christmas. Indeed, Bob has already put up his 6 1/2 feet tall Christmas tree. It took him four hours to decorate and hang each of his 1000 ornaments! Yes, 1000 pieces!! His favorite ornaments are the ones that his students made for him over the years.

Bob is a Social Sciences teacher in upstate New York and teaches students in grades 5 through 8. I immediately made the assumption that teaching teenagers must make for a high stress job but Bob believes that it is the best age because the kids are old enough to get the jokes but not too old to get jaded. I asked if he would share a few words of advice for parents, like me, who are prematurely dreadful of the teen years. Bob suggested to encourage open communication at all times and to refrain from over-reacting because it is important for kids to be able to come back to talk to you. I shall keep that in mind and will try to keep the jokes flowing while the kids are receptive to them. Kids grow so fast though. On Saturday, we had "breakfast with Santa" (school sponsored event) and my five year old daughter whispers "that is not the real Santa; he's too young." I was speechless for a moment and then made up a reason for this "pretend" Santa. She didn't seem too convinced by my response but was willing to move on. Whew!

After all the holiday celebrations and eating at favorite places like Da Rosina while in NY City, Bob will tackle his New Year's resolution, which is to lose weight. I bid him buena fortuna!

John

was talking on the phone and telling the person at the other end of the line that he would go to ToysRus and pick up some toys. I admit that it is rude to eavesdrop on someone else but I could not resist. I had made three earlier attempts to talk to someone and today was one of those days when people did not want to be bothered. So this was going to be my fourth and last attempt of the day and at last, someone gave in!

It turned out that John was on Santa duty and planning to pick up some Christmas toys for his children, a son who's 5 and a daughter who's 3. His kids completed their wish lists, mailed them to Santa and are anxious to see what Santa will leave in their stockings this Christmas. If they weren't too naughty Santa may have some nice treats like DS video games or princess themed ornaments ...

Yesterday, I asked Candace her opinion about the Tiger saga so today I wanted a guy's take on it. John feels bad for Tiger's family and mostly for the children who have to deal with all the drama and possible long-term implications of Tiger's "transgressions" but besides that, he deems it a personal matter. I, like so many other fans, am simply disappointed at another clean cut type of guy who's taken a bite or two out of Eve's apple. What's new though? Historically, men think with their penises and woman with their bosoms and that's how we keep it balanced. I will let it go.

Yesterday, Candace asked me whether some people decline speaking to me and I said yes and that the rejections come more often from New Yorkers. Of course, there's no magic formula to determine whether someone is a New Yorker. Many people, especially those who are born and bread in NY, have strict standards. But for purposes of this blog and when trying to decipher whether someone is a New Yorker, I make a determination based on the way someone acts, dresses and talks. Some give it away through their outer borough accent although one of my friends swears that New Yorkers do not have an accent. And what about people like me who don't look or talk the NY talk but live like one? I consider myself to be part of a NY breed of adopted orphans. I have noticed that visitors are more open to conversing with a stranger. But today, John cracked that stereotype and came to the rescue. He was born and raised in Manhattan and made today's mcbreak possible. Thank you, John! I wish John, his family and his limousine business, which is coincidentally named http://www.ROMEOlimousine.com, much joy and prosperity in 2010.

Candace

I forgot to ask Candace about the meaning of her name so I looked it up online and found that its Greek origin means "fire-white" and its Latin origin means "pure". The meaning of her name does her justice because Candace's candidness exuded a combination of serenity and transparency but at the same time, I could see the fiery sparkles in her blue eyes.

Candace enjoyed her train ride from Boston and is here for business and leisure. After attending several meetings during the earlier part of the week, she took the day off today. She may stop by to see the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas tree and she has tickets for the musical Memphis. Since Candace had a few minutes I asked for her opinion on some current events:

1. On Obama's speech about Afghanistan: She supports our Commander in Chief's decision to deploy more troops to Afghanistan. She is sorry that so many more US men and women will be in harm's way for the next few years but she appreciates the fact that President Obama reached such decision after many weeks of deliberation and in order to further the safety of our country. Candace's best friend's son has served in Iraq and several of his comrades had perished fighting the war so she knows the perils and heartaches of the service men and woman and their friends and families. To all those men and women who serve to protect us, we are forever indebted and most grateful.

2. On the Salahi's crashing the White House party: They should bear the consequences, maybe not by going to jail, but by being fined or put on probation, or something to teach them and others who fancy similar ideas that there are certain things and places, like the White House, that should be off limits from social pranks. I couldn't agree more. What is it with these publicity seeking stunts from people like this couple or the family of the balloon boy?

3. On Tiger Woods: She's very disappointed by the Tiger whom she had viewed as an honorable sports figure. He is "human" after all, and a "man" I would add. Wait, I am jumping to the conclusion that he did have a mistress :p

Candace has exciting plans for Christmas and New Year. Her mom will be turning 90 this month and to celebrate, 32 members of her family, which include siblings, children and grandchildren will head to Florida, from there they will embark on a week long cruise trip. Candace is most grateful that her mother is 90 years old, healthy and that she will be surrounded by her loved ones during this milestone! Candace is from Italian decent. Her Grandfather was the first family member who immigrated to the US. When he was 14 years old, Grandpa worked in Great-Grandpa's farm herding sheep. Grandpa liked to play his mandolin, more so than following his sheep. On one occasion, he got distracted and lost control of his herd. Some of those sheep went missing. When Grandpa told Great-Grandpa that some sheet were lost, Great-Grandpa was furious, took his mandolin and smashed it to pieces. It was at that time that Grandpa decided that he wanted to go to America to pursue his dreams and embrace his passion for music. Several generations later, his children and grandchildren continue to embrace that love of music. For the past 55 years, the family and relatives numbering 100+ have gathered for a family reunion every year. They rent a hall or make reservations at a restaurant. After the Italian feast, each "branch" of the family must present an act or sketch. The mandolin or guitar definitely play a big part during the presentations. I can only imagine the sounds of music, laughter and energy emanating from that room. I am sure that planning and coordinating the logistics of such family reunions is not an easy feat. According to Candace, it takes one person who is willing to keep the tradition. Then, each of the six families take turns planning each annual event.

Families, friends, peace and love ... hope all can enjoy them as we "celebrate the reason for the season."

Ines

Works as a maids supervisor at a hotel in Times Square. She loves her job as much as she loves NY. The tourist industry in NY City may have seen its good share of slowdowns over the past decade, especially after 9/11 and most recently as a result of the economic downturn. Ines' job, fortunately, was not affected by either. She remains very satisfied with the benefits that are offered by her company and continues to give her 100% today as she did when she first set foot at the hotel 25 years ago. A valuable word of advice that she likes to share with her son is to love your job because that is the only way you can give it your 100% every day. A very wise advice indeed, especially since I sensed that she meant and lives by her words! She is a very dedicated person and many people would take all the credit but Ines remarked that it is "gracias a Dios" (thanks be to God) that she has been so fortunate.

Over the 25 years that she has been working at the hotel in Times Square she has come across many interesting and peculiar characters. Recently, she responded to a service call and when the guest opened the door, she saw a man who was dressed, tattooed, pierced and spoke or growled like a tiger. I think Ines was referring to the Cat Man, described by Times Square Gossip as "The Cat Man AKA Dennis Avner. Cat Man has transformed every inch of his body to appear tiger like from filing his teeth, tattooing tiger stripes on his skin and undergoing 20 facial surgeries becoming the most modified human being in the world." I am sure that it was an interesting and somewhat frightening encounter!

When asked whether she would share something that is in her Christmas wish-list, she wasn't able to respond right away but after a brief moment of deliberation, she said money. She wishes she had a little extra money so she could help her family or do something "special" during this jolly time of the year.

On a chilly day like today, even someone like Ines, who loves the Big Apple, reminisces about Colombia, her home country and cherishes the warmer climate that extends throughout the year. According to her, she's getting old and she can feel the chill much more intensely.