I read a good fortune cookie recently and saved the note:

“Define yourself before your detractors do [in bed].”

LOL

On New Year’s Eve, I met a wise and wildly Italian woman who reminded me of an early life lesson learned.

She looked me straight in the eyes and implored, “It’s like that everywhere and in anyone you might meet. Do you understand what I mean?”

I nodded.

It’s been a while now, but I still believe in signs.

I woke up from a bit of sleep to use the bathroom and couldn’t get back to rest afterwards. In your thirties, there’s a certain kind of soberness that greets you at three in the morning in the hallway – like a postcard in the mail with no return address simply stating: you are here.

Later that morning, I had a dramatic dream about a giant ancient ivory elephant and young white ram battling each other for power over territory. I tried to run from their charge as they continued to hunt each other wildly through the air, land and sea.

Finally, the young white ram lost and was dragged by its horns with a great white noose into the ocean. Floating in its magnificent defeat, the ram now looked like a grand unicorn disappearing among the whitecaps.

When I woke up again, I realized… I was mourning my twenties and all that it had represented.

Order #45 on the menu and you’ll discover why this Vietnamese chain is one of Zagat’s top-rated restaurants and one of my faves – melt in your mouth morsels of grilled beef cubes (bo luc lac). A few years ago the UES location drew heat for exploiting its workers but hopefully they’ll eventually return to my hood.

Saigon Grill @ Union Square
New York, NY