Every Sunday our local newspaper highlights someone who “loves” her job. I can’t help but read these articles and scoff since I work for Bookmans. What other company would send employees to BookExpo America with the specific direction to find good books and have a blast in NYC?

When we arrived, I was excited our hotel was next door to the fabled Algonquin. Unfortunately, the hotel has exploited its history a wee too aggressively. After an embarrassingly non-Irish meal at something calling itself an “Irish pub,” we all returned to our rooms to watch portions of Almost Famous and prepare for the first day.

Next morning, we met on the curb looking like some serious accountants. Actually, once he acquired a tie, Ed looked more like a politician. Marshall put us all to shame when he appeared as himself. Once at the show, the shopping began. As usual, we fell in love with the Chronicle booth and their latest free totebag. I drooled profusely at all the university presses while Sheila demanded we browse the children’s booth area. Once the glamour wore off, we remembered the other reason we were in NYC –  FOOD – and headed off the Chelsea for sushi.

That evening we had dinner with Jeff, one of our favorite reps. Too much merry was made. I blame the “wry smile,” the first gin drink I’ve ever enjoyed. On the way back to the hotel, we stopped off at a bar and I engaged in an argument about Steven Spielberg and war films with Eddie. Thankfully, it turns out I wasn’t a total jerk.

On Saturday, Marshall and I decided to see the City. Neither of us wore the appropriate shoes. Though thwarted in our search for pizza, we make it to Grand Central station, the NY Public Library, Central Park, the MET, and Greenwich Village. Though sadly unimpressed by the library, the MET blew me away. I would have stayed all day if not for the pizza quest. At lunch by NYU, Silver Spurs, we finally got a real waitress, NY-style.

Sunday was an all day workout back at the convention center, but highly satisfying. I love to see all the wonderful books we have to sell on our return to Arizona. Ed took us to a fantastic Spanish restaurant, Quixote, for dinner and we all hurt ourselves.

On the plane back to Tucson, I thanked my lucky stars I work for Bookmans. Great coworkers, an orgy of books and food, and a chance to play in NYC. Can it get any better?