frozen
Last Sunday we woke up to a fridge so empty that even I – who eats the most random and disgusting of combinations – couldn’t find a thing to eat.
Since sending Ali to the grocery store has proven to be an exercise in answering 1,000 questions about products on the grocery list and their exact location on the grocery store shelf, fielding several phone calls about how something simply does not exist, and then lamenting missing items upon return, I decided to hit the grocery store solo.
And 5 steps later I learned exactly what freezing rain is.
Never thought I’d ever see / feel 5 degrees, with a windchill of 10 below…
At this point I realized I had to make a decision. Continue walking the ¾ of a mile to the store and risk breaking my neck? Or just be hungry. And deal with a hungry (and therefore cranky) Ali and Maya as well.
Obviously I had no choice but to go with Option A.
Pretty view from Bryant Park Grill
20 minutes later I nearly jumped for joy when I safely reached Trader Joe’s. I quickly bought whatever I could carry, congratulated myself on missing the usual weekend TJ-chaos, and headed home.
Very carefully.
But my congratulatory mood was a bit premature because when I was no more than 5 minutes from our front door, I slipped on ice, fell on my @#$, and watched as Maya’s coveted hash browns rolled down the street.
Lunch @ Bryant Park Grill : root vegetable soup, cod cakes, Ali’s baked pasta
The worst part of the whole situation wasn’t that my groceries were all over the filthy NYC streets, or that my beautiful new messenger bag
No, the worst part was that the man walking his dog in front of me, and the guy two feet behind me couldn’t have cared less that I’d fallen and couldn’t get up. Forget offering me a hand, or even calling out a “Are you okay?” They didn’t even glance over twice.
I think it’s safe to say that chivalry is officially dead.
While I'm not going to win Mother/Wife of the Year Award anytime soon, I haven't killed anyone yet or shot myself in the head. And that, my friends, is how I calculate success these days. 
FANCY THAT FANCY THIS 
Oh, yes, totally agree. Chivalry has died. I have lots of stories from the days when I was pregnant and flying every week…from kicking the back of my seat as I reclined the plane seat to not offering any help when I would put up my luggage overhead…and many more. Glad you are okay and didn’t get hurt from the slip.
Did I ever mention that my husband’s first name is Ali…and yes, I am tired of answering the phone 100 times every time he goes to the grocery store.
Stay warm.
Not sure why people won’t help me with my carry on either…but not helping a pregnant lady? That’s just nuts!
I didn’t know your have an Ali in your life as well…you have my sympathy my friend… 🙂
I completely agree with you when you sAy that chivalry is dead. Nobody cares even if you have broken your neck anymore. It’s sad but true 😦
I feel like I should move back to Canada where people are SO nice and SO helpful!
I fell down flat on my face when I was living in London once (have repeated this multiple times since). This woman on the phone saw me, laughed, and then proceeded to tell the caller all about it.
I laughed. My my life was *clearly* more interesting than hers.
My gosh that’s insane! So hard to imagine a not-so-nice English person – they are usually the epitome of politeness!
Did you also slip on ice?
What I did was just stupid – I tripped up some steps!
Not stupid…I’ve tripped up AND down steps. 😦
I think that officially says “welcome to New York”. You are now a part of the unnoticeable masses. My good friend has lived in Manhattan for the past 10 years and said that it was when she recently fell, at 9 months pregnant, belly first onto the sidewalk and people walked around her that she decided she has had enough of NYC.
Oh my gosh! I must just be an emotional North Californian then, because I quite possibly would have burst into tears for your friend, upon witnessing something like that. I hope all is okay! Accidentally receiving an elbow to the stomach in a grocery store line is what I’m certain sent me into labor with my daughter. The person step backed into me elbow first and I felt my daughter make a huge shuddering movement. When I got home my water broke! I was five days past my due date though.
Heather – That is horribly sad…I can’t even imagine. Where did your friend end up moving? I hope she was okay after that fall.
Keirrehs – An elbow in the stomach…scary. I’m glad that all was fine in the end but I can’t even imagine how painful that must have been.
Keirrehs, that must have been so frightening and what a bizarre thing to put you into labor.
My friend had to go into the hospital but was okay and able to carry her daughter the remaining weeks until her due date. They are still in Manhattan but looking for jobs elsewhere. Where is a hotly debated topic in their house. Her husband is British and wants to be in a large city.
They should move to London…that’s my next stop! I love that city.
And as a bonus I don’t think they get too much freezing rain….
That sounds like a terrible day!! Poor you – guess you should’ve called out to those guys like in the movies, “It’s okay, I’m fine! Don’t need any help here”. Jerks!!
I totally should have…I’m a bit slow on the comebacks. Wish I’d said something now that I think about it.
I am so sorry about the fall, hope you didnt hurt yourself or sprain anything..I cant imagine what its like 10 below because we have temperature in high 20s in the morning and thats more than enough for me.
Yeah I’d never experienced anything below maybe the low 30’s, until I moved here. 5 degrees is nothing like the low 30’s….
Sorry to hear about the fall! I used to have one epic fall every year, but I’ve somehow gone the last few years without one (knock on wood). And yes, chivalry just doesn’t exist in most parts of the world. One good thing about Fargo is that at least one person (likely several) would stop to make sure that you’re okay, especially if they were right by you at the time. Now if it would just stop being -20 when I wake up the world would be a much better place.
As an expert in cold weather, can you please suggest an appropriate pair of shoes for icy sidewalks? Because I really, really need to avoid falling like that again. Unless I’m in Fargo, where people might care.
Honestly, I’ve just been wearing my running shoes. I have a greater chance of falling when wearing boots than I do when wearing my running shoes.
Funny…I was wearing my running shoes when I slipped and fell!
Of course you were! That’s my luck, suggesting something that failed someone else. SIGH. In that case…heels with spikes on them. You’ll be classy and safe. 🙂
Welcome to NYC, I guess. — Different story here in a lot less cynical Maine, when I slipped on ice a few years ago and fell on my a$#$ umbrella and handbag in hand, I had 3 people help me up. The perks of a non-anonymous life in a moderately populated state.
I’ve always wanted to visit Maine…and now I want to visit it even more!
I hope you are okay managed on your own! I’m so sorry to hear that nobody helped you…
After many false starts I eventually picked myself up. 🙂
Ah you poor thing. I would have stopped and helped you. That man with his dog needs a whooping!
*kisses* H
I know you’d help me H…next time I come to London I’ll call you to help me. 🙂
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Oh Poor you I can’t believe it. Even here someone would help you up. I hope everyone go their supper even if some of it had skittered off down the road. GG
Yes, everyone at home got their groceries. Which is all they really care about anyway. 🙂
OMG. I hope you are OK!! How rude and inconsiderate for people to just keep walking, like it’s an every day occurrence in their life to notice someone has a fall. Ugh. I’m sorry you went through all that 😦 I would have done the same thing as you, though. I would have assessed my options of whether or not I’d want to make the effort and drive to the store in horribly unplowed roads or be cranky. Getting food usually wins for me too. Stay warm there! ❤
Thanks Aparna…such a nice comment. Having a car makes things easier in a way because you don’t have to walk as far but I’m sure the unplowed roads are no fun…
You stay warm too!
welcome to the big apple. you’re lucky they didn’t snatch your bag! and from someone who will spend no more than 30 bucks on a bag, i have to say that is why i don’t spend more than 30 bucks on bags. i hope you’re not sore. falling on ice is the worst.
I never thought of that…Had I been in a busier patch of sidewalk I suppose things could have been stolen! Silver lining I guess. 🙂
Glad you’re ok! I don’t think chivalry is dead everywhere. LOL. Maybe just in NYC. Just kidding! And as far as weather is concerned, you guys need to make a trip down to Miami – just what you need to thaw out a bit! 🙂
Ali is on his way to Florida this month. TWICE.
Funny how his “meetings” are in warm places…
Someone would have helped you up if you lived in the Midwest. 😉
Or Canada. Such friendly people in both places!
Ouch.. I could just imagine. Ice is never fun to walk on or to drive on. It’s tricky & dangerous. I’m glad you’re okay. I think it’s actually (unfortunately) a compliment because now you’re officially a New Yorker not just a visitor 🙂 Stay warm and be careful!
Any shoe suggestions to handle the ice Lydia? I am all ears!!
I love my old reliable boots. I lucked out and found them years ago (the brand/tag were already gone so I don’t know the brand) in a clearance, very warm (they have faux furs inside) and have very good grip on the bottom. I usually wear them when I walk or drive during snow/ice situation and I bring another (nicer/regular boots) pair to change when I’m inside.
In my opinion, Hunter boots probably well enough for snow but I think Sorel snow boots will be better on the ice. Zappos and Nordstrom carry Sorel I believe.
Or if you’re more adventurous, they sell ice shoes grippers (usually for ice fishing) at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=ice+shoe+grippers&tag=mh0b-20&index=aps&hvadid=3484091955&ref=pd_sl_1eg0euo3uk_b
They look unattractive and I’ve never tried them myself, but they definitely look like they have great/better grip for ice, plus you can use your own boots with them.
Good luck in your boots hunting. Hang in there Ameena, we’ll get through this winter together! 🙂
I have Hunters which are great in snow, you are right. I will definitely need to look into Sorel. Thank you for the suggestion!
I’ve never had to buy so many shoes for so many different reasons…until I moved here. 🙂
Oh! No…. Hope you are fine. This doesn’t even extend into chivalry, it’s basic humanity to offer a hand or help pick stuff when someone falls. I’d be sad and angry if my brave adventure for food ended this way, which would then translate into a loud speech on humanity with only my hungry family as audience 😦 Well, here’s wishing you loadsa sunshine – literally and otherwise 😀 😀 ! Also…Happy New Year!
I’ve been known to give my own speeches on humanity….trust me. I totally relate.
And you stay warm too! Happy New Year MWAD.
While I was laughing at the situation, I am frustrated with the lack of human compassion this culture is becoming habitually known for. It makes me really upset. I would of started yelling probably. Something like, “IF YOU FELL WOULD YOU LIKE BEING IGNORED????” I”m guessing I would yell this because I find myself saying things like this to my kids all day long. “IF SHE GRABBED THAT FROM YOU, WOULD YOU LIKE IT?????!!!!!!!”
On a seperate note, that bag you mentioned is very chic. I looked at the link. I hope it’s not ruined and I hope your body is not hurt from the fall. As for me I would have picked up all of the food and still used it. But, that’s just me. 🙂 Have a good day my friend,
Shauna
So funny…I say similar things to Maya all the time. And I should have said this to Man #1 and Man #2!
Thanks for liking the bag…I really love it because it’s a cross body bag, which I’ve never had before. And it keeps my hands free for things like bracing myself against a fall…. 🙂
Eeek! Hope you didn’t get hurt! I can’t believe those guys! And I know what you mean about the grocery store!!! Lol! Exact same thing here. Things don’t exist and I get phone calls and text messages with pictures of the items. I can’t understand why.
Sorry you have the same text and calls from the store…I must say I am surprised! It seems like A would know his way around a Trader Joe’s better than Ali. 🙂
When I was at school I was cleaning snow off my car and I slipped and landed right on my bottom. This guy saw me fall and just stared as he walked by. So, yes, I would say chivalry is dead. Or there are just some really stupid people out there.
So crazy! Did he see right through you? Nuts.
Hmm…you were brave to venture out. That’s why I left it up to the professionals and just ordered in. Safer that way. =D
I’m sure the longer I’m on the east coast, the more I’ll resort to ordering in. 🙂
Oh man. Hope you didn’t hurt yourself badly. If it makes you feel any better, I too fell on the sidewalk in New York, long long ago and ripped my leggings. Needless to say, nobody gave a $#it. By the way I’m going to be in NYC next week. Would love to meet up if you’re free.
I would love to meet up Gayatri! I will send you an email to see what your schedule is like.
Chivalry might be dead in NY….. I think, in general, falling is mortifying. I believe people don’t always try to help, because in a sense they can empathize with how embarrassed you feel. I was just discussing with a friend how when almost slipping and falling in the snow, the first thought we both tend to think is, “I hope no one saw that… Who’s around?….did anyone I know see me?….” Falling makes us very vulnerable… And when vulnerable, it can be hard to receive help… So maybe onlookers are waiting for you to ask out of respect. That’s my thought anyway.
I have walked with bags of grocerys in snow and ice before…. It’s hard, but a great core workout! Sorry you dropped your groceries.
When it gets THAT cold, I always order take out in abundance so there will be leftovers. (If I can afford it, that is).
Really good point…maybe the guys didn’t want me to know they saw me fall on my @#$. I never thought of it that way before. Love how you see the good in people, when all I see is the bad. 🙂
I wonder why I see falling as such a big deal. It happens – not sure why I can’t just get over it?
That seriously is sad. Forget about chivalry, it should be basic human courtesy. But then again I was told this when I was in Moscow and falling on ice is a common problem, that people generally dont help somebody fallen because they think that would embarrass them further. They would make sure that they don’t laugh either. But I feel if someone with groceries falls and you see that happening, you should check, ask and help them pick their groceries up.
I am dying to visit Moscow…must get proper shoes for that visit though!
Great point about not wanting those who fall to feel embarrassed…you are the second person to make that point. Food for thought.
Thanks for the comment Shumaila!
I hope you’re okay! People can be so rude and inconsiderate at times. If it makes you feel any better I would have totally helped you up if you fell in front of me!
Hope you had a good breakfast at least!
Thank you Zarine…I appreciate the fact that you would help me up! 🙂
did it mention this before…welcome to New york. i love it
Despite the ice and certain unhelpful people, I love it here too. 🙂
I’ve slipped on ice before. not fun :(. it’s been freezing here too. I can barely walk from my front door to the to the car so, I applaud you for braving the cold and walking around nyc while carrying groceries. I would let my family starve lol.
Sorry you’ve slipped too…I hear its even COLDER where you are. Hard for me to imagine.
Stay warm Piya!
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Ugh!! Sounds awful. I would have been so darn annoyed. I hope that frozen ice melts soon.
Things are melting! The scary ice is gone. I’m walking around less fearful already. 🙂
I hope you’re ok and that you recovered those hash browns! And for what it’s worth, I’ve fallen down many a time on Montreal ice. It’s really too bad NYC is so fantastic because the winter sounds just terrible!
My parents used to live in Montreal and said it was SO COLD. I’m sure you are now an expert at navigating winters everywhere!
OMGOSH,
those men are horrible. I’d be appalled if Mr. Liverpool did not help you up!
B*stards. xx
Horrible is right. Mr. L is the opposite, I’m sure.
such freezing weather is unusual even for NY, but the frigid people,they are very NY!
Its getting warmer this weekend though. I’m so glad I gave the polar vortex a complete miss and spent the entire time on gorgeous sydney beaches. (not to make you jealous or anything!)
I’m jealous, must admit. But if I have to endure a polar vortex at least it’s here in NYC. I still love it here!
Time for Yrader Joes to start delivering their groceries. I am sure you were too shocked by the slip to consider hurling the hash downs at Jerk 1 and Jerk 2, but next time perhaps.
They do delivery groceries, but you have to go there to order them. No, it doesn’t make any sense to me either….
Hopefully there won’t be a next time!
Oh boy. I really am sending you as many hot LA weather vibes as I can. Although please don’t begrudge us out SoCal hardships: I needed a sweater tonight
I needed 5 sweaters tonight. And today was quite temperate at 32 degrees! LOL
A brief respite, eh? I actually do understand, I was in St Louis recently and the thirties are downright balmy:)
Oh no chivary isn’t dead. Just in NYC. Try that move in Texas and see what happens 🙂
I must visit Texas…for so many reasons!
Oh noooo! How could they ignore you like that? Yes freezing icy sleety wind chill below NYC is not a fun ride. Especially when the fridge is empty.
You should schedule weekly Fresh Direct visits until summer.
I really should look into Fresh Direct, at least for a few staples. I feel so so sorry for the delivery guys…hardest job ever. Especially in this weather!
oh gawd the trader joes chaos ensues every weekend. i’ve taken to going friday after work and even though a bit frenetic, better than sat/sun shoppers. ouch! what an arsehole! i hope you’re ok!
It is better Friday after work? Because it’s not around here.
The only good time it seems is in the morning, right when it opens.
Dear Aminah Happy New Year to you and your beautiful family. So sorry about your experience with horrible weather. You’ve made this post so light and refreshing. One of my best friends is in New York, maybe you’re near her, In Queens, Malba. The horror stories she told me about arctic rain, I’m mentally scared for rest of my life now. I doubt I’ll be paying her any visit. She has to come to UK.
Happy New Year Maha! I’m not that far from Queens, although I haven’t been yet! It’s on my list, along with Brooklyn. 🙂
Man, Ameena. YOu are one courageous woman.. I would have cabbed on the way back cause I’m afraid of ice. Chivalry is most certainly dead in NYC.. that’s why everyone here thinks people from Cali are so nice!!! I’m sorry, hope you are okay and didn’t get hurt.
It’s been ridiculously cold… these temps are not normal for NYC.
OMG… the food looks amazing.
I keep a list of all your restaurants now so when I’m looking for one, I just know. 🙂
I probably would have chosen to walk for food (in the cold!) than stay at home and be hungry!
Seriously, not even an “Are you okay?” ?! Have people seriously resorted to just staying within their own bubbles 24/7?
You poor thing! I hope you’re feeling okay now. I was out in that rain too—I saw an older gentleman who’d fallen and hit his head. A lady was trying to talk him into going to the ER because he was bleeding. Some New Yorkers actually do nice stuff like that. Once I fell and a woman (who was walking with a cane, by the way) actually offered me a hand up. Signs of life.
Oh you poor thing. I hope it didn’t hurt too bad! And honey, chivalry is dead the world over…although it might be a little more dead-er in NY and Mumbai too. Atleast, they didn’t stop and stare at you, which they would totally do back in India.
Your story beings me right back to the good old days in the Northeast – still, they should have offered to help! You were a brave soul to go out in the freezing rain. I think I probably would have stayed home and under the covers (in my dreams!). Hope you’ve recovered from your fall!
ouch!
ps. my husband is the same way. I have sent him to the grocery store with drawings.
Oh no – I so hope you didnt get hurt !
You are indeed brave to have ventured our, I don’t think I would have!
That’s NYC for you. That day was SO COLD. I was dying.
Aww sorry to hear! I love the UWS tj’s btw! Only one in the city that doesn’t Always have crazy lines.
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