So I spent last weekend in Rochester. I did everything from hanging out at a house on the water, going out to eat, partying at an awesome '80s club and getting lost downtown.
Granted there was a bike race in downtown Rochester, but even with the Gus Macker Tournament happening in downtown Buffalo, Rochester's livliness beat Buffalo's 10:1.
Why is this? Buffalo is New York State's "2nd largest city." But, our population is dwindling and our neighbor city to the north seems to be beating us economically and in its waterfront developments.
(And yes, I am aware that Rochester has its downfalls and bad areas, as any city does.)
But, are we too far behind now? Can our generation take our city back?
So there's a new reality show on A&E, and it takes place in Buffalo!
"Confessions of a Matchmaker" airs Saturdays at 10 p.m. (It can be seen on repeat on other nights, too.) The show follows Patti Novak, a local matchmaker, and her clients. It's pretty funny and nice to be able to finally recognize local businesses and locales.
It definitely shows the good sides of Buffalo, even if it does expose the high amount of singles. Check it out at the A&E Web site or on Saturday nights at 10! (or at least DVR it)
So I was recently on a flight, seated next to a wonderful man from San Diego. He was returning home after a week-long business trip to Erie, PA.
His trip east was unexpectedly extended, so he decided to rent a car and come to Buffalo. He checked out Niagara Falls, as well, and spent time driving around the area and hitting up the local casinos.
When I asked him how he liked Buffalo and its surroundings, a huge smile came across his face. He said that to him, this part of the country seemed like America in its purest form. Friendly, working people who simply try to enjoy life.
I feel it's not only therapeutic but also very interesting to keep some sort of "journal." It doesn't have to be a leatherbound book that you keep under your mattress, but it's good to have some way of remembering what you were doing when and how you felt about it.
I know diaries carry the stigma of a 12-year-old girl with a pink pen, but being able to look back at another time in your life in the 1st person can be helpful. It's cool to see what was going on at that point in your life and how you handled it. And you don't have to be too crazy about it: Re-reading old e-mails to friends or looking at old planners can work just as well as an up-to-the-minute re-cap of the past five years of your life.
Our generation has been called spoiled and lazy by older generations since we debuted on this earth. But do we see ourselves that way?
Being children of the baby boomer generation and those that followed, we have been able to enjoy luxuries and technologies like no other generation before. We have also seen many of our parents and/or grandparents enjoy their retirement or hard-earned money. But, do we see that and think that we are entitled to such things, even at a young age?
We are bombarded with the lavish lifestyles of the rich and famous. Do we feel that we are entitled to such things, too?
Are we a generation of flip-flops in the workplace, designer jeans and exotic spring breaks? What will we do when we're....old?
Being in your 20s in Buffalo hopefully consists of more than just looking for job opportunities or working. Last night the summer season kicked off with the first 2007 Thursday in the Square, which is always a good time.
So what are other things we like to do now that the snow has melted? What restaurants, bars and cafes have the best patios? Where are the best drink specials?!
I wasn't in Buffalo last summer, so I want to know the deal. I'm partial to Crystal Beach, but what are other places with clean water, nice sand and hot sun?
What about Shakespeare in the Park, the Albright-Knox or artsy air-conditioned movie theaters?
Tell me what's up!
