Everything in New York is tougher, even the cream

I got to spend a couple days in New York this week. I really enjoy my trips to New York, not only because I am from the East Coast and like being back, but because they are generally exciting trips. On one hand, I am definitely more efficient, given that I have meetings spread throughout the day with great people on the East Coast and still work with people in my office on the West Coast until the end of their day, so I get a solid 12-13 hrs of quality work done. On the other hand, there is more to do outside of work so I end up wearing myself out by burning the candle at both ends, but have a great time doing. That is why New York is so exciting. The people have more endurance and there is just more to do. But what I didn't realize until this trip is that everything else in NY has more endurance too. I was at the office and opened up the refrigerator to get some half and half for my coffee, checked the Sell By date and it was...wait for it...here's the punchline...DECEMBER 17! Umm...its November 16th. Thats a month away! When I buy half and half in San Francisco, is has a shelf life of about a week. I guess there are some things that I have grown accustomed to on the West Coast and fresh natural food is one of them. I am not going to use half and half today...