Dave and The Mave Do New York

Last week The Maven was in NYC on official AGD business.  Annually the AGD sends two people to NY to meet with Health/Beauty editors of publications like Allure, Women’s Health and Marie Claire, etc. to talk about what’s new and current in the world of dentistry/oral health.  The Maven was chosen this year…and the bonus was that She got to spend time with the current AGD president, Dr. David Halpern.  Dave is a really down to earth, smart, funny guy who can take a good ribbing almost as well as he can dish it out.

With our two Public Relations specialists, Stefanie and Ashley and our driver “Albert,” our posse criss-crossed Manhattan for 2 days.  It’d been a few years since The Mave had been in Manhattan and She’d forgotten just what 8 million+ people in 305 square miles feels like.  And how that population density affects its denizens. New York Rules of Engagement:  don’t smile, don’t make eye contact, be impassive, don’t talk to anyone you don’t know (they’ll think you’re mentally unstable) be haughty, be rude.  (all requirements antipodal to The Maven’s innate behavior)

Oh but the fashion!  Nearly all NY women are dressed to the nines.  Complete with minimum 5 inch heels…on concrete sidewalks…even the 65 year old gals are all glammed-up in heels. Knowing there’d be walking required The Maven opted for only 3 inch heels as years of practice at that elevation allows the Maven gazelle-like sprinting when necessary. (a linear reduction in speed and maneuverability occurs with each ½ inch vertical increase) But, looking around the byways of Manhattan, The Maven felt positively puerile and in need of heel-Cialis in her paltry 3 inchers.

Despite the feelings of inadequacy, the tour was successful, Dave was--as ever--a blast.  Don’t ask how he does it, but the dude always manages to eke out a few freebies….drink coupons, breakfast coupons, drink coupons, free this, drink coupons, free that…so, The Maven probably had a teeny tiny bit more Chardonnay than she ought….but hey, waste not want not.  Thanks Dave!!!!

Here’s the round-up of positives for our two days:

• One English speaking driver
• Zero Sidewalk sex-pamphlet solicitations!
• Four (okay, maybe 5) free glasses Kendall Jackson Chardonnay
• Only One weirdo on a bicycle tried talking to me on the street…repeatedly
• Received only one full body check while walking, and since only wearing 3 inch heels - totally recoverable check.
• No heels caught in subway grates
• No ticket for J walking right in front of a NYC cop car
• Two days with AGD Pres. and pal Dave Halpern?  Priceless.