New York Times Connections

Aw, I went to high school with this guy... Super cool dude and his (now) wife is very sweet. Of course ran into them at a bar a few years ago.

And supposedly went to college with this girl although I'm not sure I knew her. Weird how that works. On top of that, ran into my ex boyfriend's friend today and some guy I went to college with. Just a typical day in NYC. Hmmm.

In other news, I went to a party in Williamsburg that ended up being really cool. I met some new and interesting people. Both girls told me the story of how they met their husbands/fiance and in both cases, they strayed off their beaten path and did something they wouldn't normally do. One went to a bar she normally wouldn't have gone to- to watch the debates when she would have rather stayed home. And the other was set up on a blind date by a coworker - with a man who lived in a different city. So.. yeah, I've sort of been following this motto over the last few weeks in terms of networking, etc. but it's a good thing to reiterate. That yes - there's a time and place for staying in, watching a movie, working, etc. But if you have the opportunity to meet new people, go to a different neighborhood, hang out with different groups, etc. definitely go for it. Reschedule time with your good friends. I must say, they'll always be there.

Love,
Molly

Al la Peanut Butter Sandwiches

When we last left off, I posted the morning of my birthday stating why I thought 29 was going to be a good year. Well.. three crazy days later, I still share these sentiments. It all started when I got laid off from my company of nearly three years ON MY BIRTHDAY! Holy cow. I had some great opportunities and am very aware of how volatile advertising is. And naturally, the timing of it makes for a great story, where as if it happened a day before or after, it would have just SUCKED. Technically, the experience marks the end of my 28th year so the year ahead is full of opportunities.

That being said, these past few days have been fantastic. Spent Thursday night surrounded by good friends who finally all got to meet each other for the first time. Friday was very productive job-wise and I have no interest in using this time to relax. Although at least now I can finally hit the gym regularly and cook more. Then Saturday, had dinner and super quality time with wonderful friends I've known since middle school. And finally, Saturday night, went to a birthday party and hung out with newer friends. Was probably the first time I've gone OUT since the early fall when I started dating my ex. I realize that low key, quiet bars are a great way to spend quality time with people but if you're with an enthusiastic group and have the right music, there's nothing like an all out dance partay!

And here's where it gets strange. File under: Extremely ridiculous coincidence that only happens to me #652.

Earlier that evening, I jokingly mentioned to my roommate that I wanted to set her up with a guy we'll call "M," who I very briefly dated last Spring. I thought they would make a good match and I have mentioned this before. As always, she rolled her eyes and I dropped the subject. Fast forward 2 hours later and the two of us are walking around crowded Arlo & Esme trying to find the birthday girl. And then dot. dot. dot. - I see him. M! My jaw drops and I nervously say hello, mind racing with thoughts of why the universe likes to mess with me. I awkwardly introduce him to my roommate and ask him why he's at the bar. He's here for his girlfriend's birthday party, he responds. Ha! So much for that! But even funnier that his girlfriend's birthday is a day before mine. And so... the night continues. Until around 5 am where I found myself in a new friend's kitchen, surrounded by three other new friends, discussing how he should cook us pasta and tackle our list of "things that need to be fixed in the world.." because he is in finance and went to school for engineering. What magic will this week hold for me? End Scene.

Java Girl

I spent the last hour sitting in Java Girl attempting to read The Law of Attraction but was distracted by the conversations around me. Two women sat next to me, one Brazilian, but living in the city. The other, a 29 year old from San Diego. Their conversation about men, the troubles with meeting them in the city, how they've dealt with friends who liked them, etc. mimicked some of my experiences to a T. I almost wanted to join in and become their friend. Instead, I moved outside where it was quieter. Two minutes later, a couple sat down. The guy started talking about his experiences with wheat and how he discovered he had a wheat allergy but couldn't understand why dairy gave him problems as well. I had to stop myself from chiming in that he should look into Celiac's and that people with Celiac's often can't handle dairy either. Finally, I gave up trying to concentrate and am now back in my apartment, waiting for my sis to come in from New Jersey.

10 PM Plus

And the fact remains that I can't leave my apartment without running into someone I know from my past. Around 9:15, I had the sudden urge to jet over to The Strand and check out some photography books. I really need to amp up my photo book collection. The internet is great and all but sometimes..

I get to the photography section and who do I run into, but someone I grew up with who happened to be a fantastic photographer. He still is and is getting his MFA. Hmmm. That's an idea... But the commercial and fine art world are so different. I suppose I should look at getting an MFA from a financial perspective. I don't have a trust fund and the likelihood of me winning the lottery are slim to none. In any case, I thought it was a fun full circle sort of night. Running into someone who was considered probably the best artist in my class. Unfortunately, I came in second. But we were both in the same aisle, he pursuing the fine arts and me involved in the commercial.

Nighty night. I must rest. I have another session with my trainer tomorrow. Yeah, what was I thinking? I've tricked myself into thinking I'm fully recovered - enough for an intense workout. At least the weather will be nice!

Only in My World

My roommate and I are both sick with the flu. No, we don't make out. This shit happens when you live in tight quarters with someone. i.e. a shoe box. She thinks she got it from her cousin.

I just stepped outside to get a prescription. It was a calculated move.. not too late before the sunset and before Oprah. I'm all bundled up. No makeup of course. Geek specs, generally looking rather shitty. And who do I run into on my 10 minute errand? No other than a coworker. Mother freaking aye. What are the chances? He was out to get lunch at the late hour of 3:30! I texted him later saying I didn't think it was that cold after all to which he replied that I was crazy. So I guess 101 degree temperatures are good for something after all...