Hello friends. If you've been a dedicated checker-of-the-blog, I thank you. Obviously I haven't written in a very long time. I felt that I didn't have much going on and I had nothing much but whining to dish. While me whining is nothing new I try to keep it to a minimum in order to keep ya'll happy. Maybe I fail at that mission but maybe I don't!
So I decided to just drop in and say what's up with me.
Some of you know that the month began with me becoming engaged. In a way it's nice to see a relationship develop. It's totally like a promotion from Mark. 'Congrats on being a wonderful mate, you move up to the next phase!' Of course many people have wonderfully happy long-term relationships that never become 'engagements' so all this is my personal take on my relationship.
The proposal was a total surprise which I think is my favorite part of all this. No, I didn't see it coming. No, we didn't go on a vacation where all I could think is "This is it!" (not that I'm that kind of girl anyway). No, it wasn't a Christmas or Valentine's proposal (Thank God!). In a way the election of Barack Obama will always be the "when did he propose" reminder.
We quickly went to stores to get my finger sized because the size 5 ring was much to big. After learning I'm a size 4 we sent away the ring and we were told it would take about 8 weeks to get it resized. I said goodbye to my ring "see you in January!". True to their excellent customer service (and unbeknownst to me) Blue Nile, our jeweler, had my ring back in exactly one week. Which means Mark not only surprised me once with a ring but twice! That guy is good!
Other than that, November has been pretty standard. I'm not in love with my job but some days are okay. Some days I think that the kiddies are just the cutest things in the world. I'm more just nervous of where to go from here. I still don't know what I like, what someone would hire me for,what I can stick with.
I'm grumpy about the time change. It's already dark by the time I (and thousands) get off of work. Which means my after-work walks through the trees are cancelled until further notice.
Have you seen the new Go-Phone ad with Steve Buscemi as the voice of a gingerbread dad repairing his gingerbread house? Awesomely funny.
Thanksgiving Dinner at the Uncle and Aunt's house was tasty. My highlight? The latest addition to our family is now 2 years old and he's a cutie.
My introduction to the world of Yoga is going well. My Saturday class is pretty much done. It was really basic but it gave me something to do. The teacher told me she has another class on Tuesdays and Thursdays which I didn't know about, it was never advertised. I wonder if it's like an invite only type of thing since all the students know her well.
So I registered and attended, not wanting to lose my rhythm of having any physical activity. It's intense! Nothing like my Saturday class which is filled with some Senior-types. I loved it even though it leaves me with a rushed feeling all day, having to get home quickly to walk the dog, eat, and change before class. And then when I get back from class it's pretty much bed time!
While the positions are challenging I really like it. The "challenge" I don't love is my right wrist. It's so damaged from time at the computer and using a mouse that it's really weak and I have trouble supporting my weight doing some poses. A huge bummer since I'm only in my twenties!
I'm having trouble getting into any reading. I haven't finished a few books I started and nothing is really catching my interest. I'll have to do some big shopping at the library. I'll need a good read for my holiday break coming up. If you have any suggestions please let me know!
'Til Later.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
14th Street
I obviously love the city I grew up in. I made Mark move back here with me so there must be some affection, right? But at the same time when I walk through my neighborhood all I can think is "I hate it here." But maybe it's just my neighborhood. Today as I was walking west on 14th Street heading towards the A train I saw all this randomness that made me feel glee at being there.
First, I fucking love the architecture. I never knew I loved architecture but every time I learn anything about architecture and/or the history of a building and why it appears and was designed the way it was I soak up the information and feel pure happiness at learning it.
The way the sun set was glowing off the top of Empire State Building and the subtle artfulness of the details on the older buildings along the street made me so excited. And even though it can be heart wrenching when some ugly glass beast gets erected occasionally they are so stylish that the juxtaposition of the shiny structure next to a beautiful pre-war building can be quite charming in that Old World meets Modern City kind of way.
I especially love the new ways that awkward old buildings are being used. On the corner of 14th and Eighth Avenue there is a Balducci's, an upscale grocery store. It's housed in an old bank building. Awesome.
Then there was the energy of being in Union Square. The people who conglomerate there trying to make a buck. You've got tables of "pashminas" next to rows and rows of Obama buttons, stickers, T-shirts. You've got the table with African inspired earrings and bracelets, the guy selling all his old James Patterson novels, the smell of hand mixed frankincense being burned. Today my particular favorite was the older man with the snow-white hair in the style of Doc from Back to the Future. He was decked out in his plaid suit complete with vest, buckets of fresh vegetables lined up in front of him demonstrating these knives, maybe a vegetable peeler. A kitchen knife demonstration on the corner of 14th and University?
Sometimes I feel self conscious walking around that area. So close to the Village, NYU housing, Fifth Avenue. Everyone is so freaking trendy and stylish it makes me feel like a hobo. But then you pass Forever 21 and Strawberry and realize that you can appear trendy for not too much money it's just a matter of putting a lot of effort and a little less body fat into it. And who needs trendy anyway, right? If anything, I enjoy the fact that there are so many senses of identity, so many ideas of what style is. I can appear perfectly fine in my sneakers and SSC fleece, my knee length jacket. As long as I have headphones I appear to be like everyone else.
So that's when I like New York. When I'm in an area where there are so many great sensory things to take in. My neighborhood just doesn't have that glam. Never will.
First, I fucking love the architecture. I never knew I loved architecture but every time I learn anything about architecture and/or the history of a building and why it appears and was designed the way it was I soak up the information and feel pure happiness at learning it.
The way the sun set was glowing off the top of Empire State Building and the subtle artfulness of the details on the older buildings along the street made me so excited. And even though it can be heart wrenching when some ugly glass beast gets erected occasionally they are so stylish that the juxtaposition of the shiny structure next to a beautiful pre-war building can be quite charming in that Old World meets Modern City kind of way.
I especially love the new ways that awkward old buildings are being used. On the corner of 14th and Eighth Avenue there is a Balducci's, an upscale grocery store. It's housed in an old bank building. Awesome.
Then there was the energy of being in Union Square. The people who conglomerate there trying to make a buck. You've got tables of "pashminas" next to rows and rows of Obama buttons, stickers, T-shirts. You've got the table with African inspired earrings and bracelets, the guy selling all his old James Patterson novels, the smell of hand mixed frankincense being burned. Today my particular favorite was the older man with the snow-white hair in the style of Doc from Back to the Future. He was decked out in his plaid suit complete with vest, buckets of fresh vegetables lined up in front of him demonstrating these knives, maybe a vegetable peeler. A kitchen knife demonstration on the corner of 14th and University?
Sometimes I feel self conscious walking around that area. So close to the Village, NYU housing, Fifth Avenue. Everyone is so freaking trendy and stylish it makes me feel like a hobo. But then you pass Forever 21 and Strawberry and realize that you can appear trendy for not too much money it's just a matter of putting a lot of effort and a little less body fat into it. And who needs trendy anyway, right? If anything, I enjoy the fact that there are so many senses of identity, so many ideas of what style is. I can appear perfectly fine in my sneakers and SSC fleece, my knee length jacket. As long as I have headphones I appear to be like everyone else.
So that's when I like New York. When I'm in an area where there are so many great sensory things to take in. My neighborhood just doesn't have that glam. Never will.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Updates and Thoughts
I love the fact that New York City parking tickets come in neon orange envelopes. There is something festive about the bright color. Like Halloween! But then again it might also be reminiscent of convicts coveralls. And that's not so festive.
It's like:
Dear NY City vehicle owner. Welcome back to your car! Here's a surprise for you!
On Thursday at 9am I will have ALL FOUR of my wisdom teeth removed. I'm terrified. The scheduling of the whole procedure was a real pain in the ass. As someone who works in a classroom taking time off during the school week can be a real issue with your employer for obvious reasons. I was hopeful that I could schedule my appointment for this coming Monday afternoon and then have Tuesday off for Veteran's Day. Problem solved!
But with this procedure I'm having general anesthesia so they expect you to come in early in the morning because you will have had the whole night with no food or water. So I have to go in early. Top that off with the fact that the oral surgeon I'm seeing only works on Thursdays. What a life! So now I have to go in on Thursday. The scary part: I'm expected at work bright and early on Friday. UGH. I really hope I'll be able to pull that off. It's just one day right? Yeah, right.
In other news Your's Truly is engaged. Freaky. It's so adult I don't even know how to process it. But I really like my ring! It's sparkly.
It's like:
Dear NY City vehicle owner. Welcome back to your car! Here's a surprise for you!
On Thursday at 9am I will have ALL FOUR of my wisdom teeth removed. I'm terrified. The scheduling of the whole procedure was a real pain in the ass. As someone who works in a classroom taking time off during the school week can be a real issue with your employer for obvious reasons. I was hopeful that I could schedule my appointment for this coming Monday afternoon and then have Tuesday off for Veteran's Day. Problem solved!
But with this procedure I'm having general anesthesia so they expect you to come in early in the morning because you will have had the whole night with no food or water. So I have to go in early. Top that off with the fact that the oral surgeon I'm seeing only works on Thursdays. What a life! So now I have to go in on Thursday. The scary part: I'm expected at work bright and early on Friday. UGH. I really hope I'll be able to pull that off. It's just one day right? Yeah, right.
In other news Your's Truly is engaged. Freaky. It's so adult I don't even know how to process it. But I really like my ring! It's sparkly.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Take Heed Dear Friends
FYI-
If you lose your immunization record, you're screwed.
Many moons ago when I first registered for college I had to show proof of my immunizations, like so many of us do. So my mom whipped out a little white card and entrusted my 18-yr-old self with keeping it safe. I promptly lost it. I never thought much of it, it's information not being asked for for many years.
Back in August when I was hired to be an Assistant Nursery School Teacher I had to get a physical and was nervous about that huge chart on the back that asked for my immunization history. I felt a sigh of relief when the assistant at the Doctor's office took a big black Sharpie to it pretty much telling the receiver of the document "F off". I was thrilled. Surely a doctor's office blacking out the section was official.
Recently we were visited by the Board of Health and wha'd'ya know? The inspector picks me from a pile of paperwork and demands that I show proof of my immunization history STAT. I guess that whole working with little kids makes them really cautious. And while not being able to go to work would be sorta awesome that whole not getting paid thing doesn't really work for me.
I was lucky enough to have a number of days off and so I went to task. I was told by my head teacher that there was a clinic her college sent people to who needed shots. A few clicks and I found an immunization clinic run by the City of New York.
But first I did try emailing my college who last had that information and I emailed AmeriCorps who last gave me a tetanus shot. I even called the Board of Health in Englewood, NJ where my very first pediatrician was located. The two big organizations didn't have even the decency to get back to me and the BoH, NJ was kind enough to call and wish me luck on my doomed search, for they were unable to help me.
So here I am, a little tipsy on wine (I'll explain), and I have a really sore left arm. While I'm pissed off at the Board of Health for demanding I show proof of my immunization history, I am thankful that they have that whole immunization clinic thing that hooked me up with some free shots. For that was the whole 'painful' thing about all this. I have to show I've been immunized by November 9th but my insurance doesn't kick in until the end of November. Paying for something I've already had was really pissing me off. So thanks taxpayers of NYC (myself included)!
Earlier today when Mark was heading off to work I gave him a big, sad hug and said "See you next weekend." This is what our life is like now. Between our schedules I never see him. If we're home at the same time he's asleep when I'm awake and vice versa. We usually see each other on Sunday only and Mark sleeps in until Noon because he's so exhausted, so I barely get to spend any time with him.
As I was hugging him I made the joke that it's like I'm dating an off-shore fisherman. I see him for 1 maybe 2ish days, then he packs up and leaves again. The next time I see him he's fully bearded and smelly. He pointed out the ironic fact that his employer has a nautical theme...sigh.
So it's Tuesday: The Mom is at her night class and The Pops is at work. This means I sit around and stare at my bird and dog. I get pretty lonely. So instead of sitting around and talking to animals that can't reply I went out, bought yet another sandwich for dinner, and a bottle of wine!
I was really excited to open the bottle because I've never opened a wine bottle myself. While it took me 6 minutes to open I must say I'm proud that I didn't get any cork in the wine.
So here I am. Listening to iPod shuffle, working on a blog post, and drunk.
Now we'll see if those damn animals will talk back!
If you lose your immunization record, you're screwed.
Many moons ago when I first registered for college I had to show proof of my immunizations, like so many of us do. So my mom whipped out a little white card and entrusted my 18-yr-old self with keeping it safe. I promptly lost it. I never thought much of it, it's information not being asked for for many years.
Back in August when I was hired to be an Assistant Nursery School Teacher I had to get a physical and was nervous about that huge chart on the back that asked for my immunization history. I felt a sigh of relief when the assistant at the Doctor's office took a big black Sharpie to it pretty much telling the receiver of the document "F off". I was thrilled. Surely a doctor's office blacking out the section was official.
Recently we were visited by the Board of Health and wha'd'ya know? The inspector picks me from a pile of paperwork and demands that I show proof of my immunization history STAT. I guess that whole working with little kids makes them really cautious. And while not being able to go to work would be sorta awesome that whole not getting paid thing doesn't really work for me.
I was lucky enough to have a number of days off and so I went to task. I was told by my head teacher that there was a clinic her college sent people to who needed shots. A few clicks and I found an immunization clinic run by the City of New York.
But first I did try emailing my college who last had that information and I emailed AmeriCorps who last gave me a tetanus shot. I even called the Board of Health in Englewood, NJ where my very first pediatrician was located. The two big organizations didn't have even the decency to get back to me and the BoH, NJ was kind enough to call and wish me luck on my doomed search, for they were unable to help me.
So here I am, a little tipsy on wine (I'll explain), and I have a really sore left arm. While I'm pissed off at the Board of Health for demanding I show proof of my immunization history, I am thankful that they have that whole immunization clinic thing that hooked me up with some free shots. For that was the whole 'painful' thing about all this. I have to show I've been immunized by November 9th but my insurance doesn't kick in until the end of November. Paying for something I've already had was really pissing me off. So thanks taxpayers of NYC (myself included)!
Earlier today when Mark was heading off to work I gave him a big, sad hug and said "See you next weekend." This is what our life is like now. Between our schedules I never see him. If we're home at the same time he's asleep when I'm awake and vice versa. We usually see each other on Sunday only and Mark sleeps in until Noon because he's so exhausted, so I barely get to spend any time with him.
As I was hugging him I made the joke that it's like I'm dating an off-shore fisherman. I see him for 1 maybe 2ish days, then he packs up and leaves again. The next time I see him he's fully bearded and smelly. He pointed out the ironic fact that his employer has a nautical theme...sigh.
So it's Tuesday: The Mom is at her night class and The Pops is at work. This means I sit around and stare at my bird and dog. I get pretty lonely. So instead of sitting around and talking to animals that can't reply I went out, bought yet another sandwich for dinner, and a bottle of wine!
I was really excited to open the bottle because I've never opened a wine bottle myself. While it took me 6 minutes to open I must say I'm proud that I didn't get any cork in the wine.
So here I am. Listening to iPod shuffle, working on a blog post, and drunk.
Now we'll see if those damn animals will talk back!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Two Complaints
What? Did you think it was going to be all roses and daisies when I reappeared on my own blog?
1. I often get upset at myself because even though my few friends think of me as adventurous, I'm not. I'm a big scaredy cat. Mark would be happy to confirm. One of the hurdles I'm trying to jump is ordering the same food over and over at places I frequent.
There is a newer cafe in my neighborhood that I'm starting to visit more in order to avoid an old demon. I'm a huge fan of their variation of The Cuban Sandwich. A delicious concoction that I would happily suggest to my friends who are interested in such foods. But-I always order the Cuban sandwich.
Today, headed home to two animals and no humans I went in to order and forced myself to order The Thanksgiving. Turkey, cranberry mayo, stuffing. How can any lover of holiday meals not try this sandwich?
IT SUCKED.
Some old, shredded turkey sprinkled on top of a sad excuse of homemade stuffing. It was basically mushed bread served on a hero with some turkey shreds thrown on top. I would never go back there if the Cubans weren't so tasty and the coffee delicious. Sigh.
2. For some reason I have a need to trust commercials. I want to believe! I'm not talking about the late night basic cable commercials that are so ridiculous that anyone who orders that crap from some PO Box in New Jersey plus shipping and handling deserves whatever bull-crap product they get. I'm talking about commercials like the new Scotts Turf Builder commercial.
You know...the one where some good ol' average suburban white guys and one woman thrown in for good measure are talking about how they never thought about feeding their lawn in the fall, but hey! It turns out to be the greatest idea for your lawn EVER. Wow, Scotts, thank you.
I want to believe that the plaid t-shirt wearing men who love Sunday football, drive a Chevy Tahoe, and love to barbecue on their expansive, over watered emerald lawns really do spend their free time feeding their lawns in the fall. I'm totally ready to believe that these are real, happy customers.
BUT SUDDENLY the red-headed dude who plays the cable installation man in the Verizon FiOS commercials shows up and my bubble bursts. Dude! You messed it all up. Now I know it's all just a big corporate fib. I'm glad you are having a successful commercial acting career (I saw you trying to pay a restaurant tab with pennies too) but you're really starting to mess up the believable factor for me.
There...I'm done.
1. I often get upset at myself because even though my few friends think of me as adventurous, I'm not. I'm a big scaredy cat. Mark would be happy to confirm. One of the hurdles I'm trying to jump is ordering the same food over and over at places I frequent.
There is a newer cafe in my neighborhood that I'm starting to visit more in order to avoid an old demon. I'm a huge fan of their variation of The Cuban Sandwich. A delicious concoction that I would happily suggest to my friends who are interested in such foods. But-I always order the Cuban sandwich.
Today, headed home to two animals and no humans I went in to order and forced myself to order The Thanksgiving. Turkey, cranberry mayo, stuffing. How can any lover of holiday meals not try this sandwich?
IT SUCKED.
Some old, shredded turkey sprinkled on top of a sad excuse of homemade stuffing. It was basically mushed bread served on a hero with some turkey shreds thrown on top. I would never go back there if the Cubans weren't so tasty and the coffee delicious. Sigh.
2. For some reason I have a need to trust commercials. I want to believe! I'm not talking about the late night basic cable commercials that are so ridiculous that anyone who orders that crap from some PO Box in New Jersey plus shipping and handling deserves whatever bull-crap product they get. I'm talking about commercials like the new Scotts Turf Builder commercial.
You know...the one where some good ol' average suburban white guys and one woman thrown in for good measure are talking about how they never thought about feeding their lawn in the fall, but hey! It turns out to be the greatest idea for your lawn EVER. Wow, Scotts, thank you.
I want to believe that the plaid t-shirt wearing men who love Sunday football, drive a Chevy Tahoe, and love to barbecue on their expansive, over watered emerald lawns really do spend their free time feeding their lawns in the fall. I'm totally ready to believe that these are real, happy customers.
BUT SUDDENLY the red-headed dude who plays the cable installation man in the Verizon FiOS commercials shows up and my bubble bursts. Dude! You messed it all up. Now I know it's all just a big corporate fib. I'm glad you are having a successful commercial acting career (I saw you trying to pay a restaurant tab with pennies too) but you're really starting to mess up the believable factor for me.
There...I'm done.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Oh...Hello!
I was browsing some blogs of friends and acquaintances when suddenly I came across a nude, charcoal sketch of yours truly. Talk about a surprise! Apparently the artist I modeled for a handful of times back in Lake Tahoe exhibited the one large charcoal sketch she made of me.
I had been to a few of her shows and nothing with me ever appeared. I think I was okay with that so it's just funny to know that I made my naked and anonymous debut both on her site and at her gallery show and I wasn't even there to feel self-conscious.
Well...I guess that will end my Internet browsing for tonight. Farewell.
I had been to a few of her shows and nothing with me ever appeared. I think I was okay with that so it's just funny to know that I made my naked and anonymous debut both on her site and at her gallery show and I wasn't even there to feel self-conscious.
Well...I guess that will end my Internet browsing for tonight. Farewell.
How I Celebrate Rosh Hashanah
I would like to give a special thanks to four lovely MoMA ladies who met me at Whiskey Trader's on W55th St. on Monday night for Happy Hour. I showed up early and had a social anxiety moment when I thought no one was going to come and drink with me. But eventually they came, we drank, I had fun.
So even thought they might not necessarily read this post I want to throw out a cosmic "What Up!" to them and thank them for making my hangover on Tuesday a hangover filled with girl-bonding (aka gossip) memories.
So even thought they might not necessarily read this post I want to throw out a cosmic "What Up!" to them and thank them for making my hangover on Tuesday a hangover filled with girl-bonding (aka gossip) memories.
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