Photography Filled Weekend
Totally shouldn't be awake right now. Perhaps the 4:30 PM coffee wasn't a good idea. But I'm feeling uber inspired. I had a fantastic weekend from start to finish. Spent some quality mom, sister, best friend (old friend), new friends, old boyfriends, and new dates-- time. All in one long weekend. Oh, and quality photography time. In lieu of a recap, here are some of my favorite shots.
Writer/ actor/ comedian/ friend
My beautiful sister
Eclectic crowd at Good-bye Blue Monday in Bushwick
Rejection
Me thinks that doing the rejecting is just as hard as being the one rejected. Okay, not just as hard or time consuming. It doesn't involve obsessively checking ones phone/ email and bouncing off theories to friends as to why said boy hasn't called. Instead of taking the guy/ ignore route, I'll carefully compose a text response politely explaining that while I enjoyed his company, it's not a match. What's worse? Why can't guys do this?
I've been disappointing my 5 fans with my lack of relationship/ love juicy tid-bits. And I will continue to do so. But I will say that it seems like I find guys who are a perfect match for me in theory- i.e. share similar values, my taste physically, have stuff in common, interesting, etc. But then we have no chemistry. Instead, I find chemistry with the close minded, conservative, jerkish, not terribly attractive guys. Do I have a problem? This is annoying. I'm not worried though, cause there are a lot of fish in the sea. See, haven't I come a long way!? Lots of smart fish I might add. Schools.
Quote of the Day
Quote of the day from my 20-year old sister from email subject line "you are so right."
"I believe you once told me, "give it a couple years and every guy in high school will come out of the closet"
Nothing like starting out the day with an email from the sis with subject heading that I'm right. For an even better way to start out your Tuesday, I got on this email list- like a mini craigslist and these two kittens are up for adoption. If your heart doesn't melt, you have a cold, cold soul.
Weekend Update
Had an amazing weekend. Worked late on Friday and stayed watching Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy. Then actually got up early for the gym, and spent all day Saturday walking around with one of my absolute best friends. It's so relaxing spending time with someone I feel completely comfortable with especially since I've been meeting lots of new people lately. We walked through Park Slope, mostly Northern but I don't know the area enough to say for sure. Ran into the kids I babysit for who were a bit confused to see me. Then took the train to Downtown Brooklyn and walked through Cobble Hill and Carrol Gardens. Good times had by all. Saturday night, I met up with a friend at Solas and was stupid enough to have 3 of Allan's ridiculously strong drinks. I felt queasy around 6am this morning but somehow it subsided by the time my parents got into the city.
Today, I went to brunch with the folks, then we sat in the Tompkin Square Park doggy park for a good hour. I spotted my favorite singer, Sia who was with her dog. AND, Dr. Lisa Cuddy from House. I had my camera and walked over to where there was some serious doggy "action," then made a joke about doppledangers.. that she laughed at. Just as we were leaving, my parents wanted to know what kind of dog Sia had. I finally got the courage to talk to her and she was super duper nice. Told her one of her songs was actually in my head when I saw her.. and she seemed to appreciate that I was a fan. She has two dogs, one who's three-legged and another who needed to go to "rehab." Okay, I know, I know.. if I move into Brooklyn, I won't see celebs on a daily basis, but I'm so okay with that! My day ended with an awesome loft party in Williamsburg for a college friend. I met a ton of super cool, artsy, interesting, sweet people and took some good pictures. Also got a lead on finding an apartment.. hmm. Okay, so maybe Williamsburg isn't that bad after all.
Peace and love.
Happy Friday!
My friend was kind enough to sit for me a few weeks ago after a long day at work and dinner. I took the following for my portraiture class and the teachers (we have two) absolutely loved them. Loved the graphic quality. I'm excited because I wasn't sure how they would come out. I guess I should get better at editing and recognizing what's good in my work. Anyway, no pressure K- but they want you to put out an album.
Apartment Searching = Not Easy
I don't know what on earth made me think it would be easy to find a new apartment or roommate share. The market it good but then again, so is the rent on my current apartment. It seems like there is more available in Manhattan than the areas I want to live in Brooklyn but I'm kind of sick of Manhattan. All the craigslist shares listed in Brooklyn seem to be with 2 other roommates. I've never lived with 2 other people and it seems like I'd be moving backwards in that way. It's hard enough sharing a kitchen and bathroom with one other person. And could I live with a guy? I'm wondering if I should suck it up and get a studio. Of course, that would also mean probably using a broker on top of that. Hmmm. Pondering..
I'm Spun
Today's spinning class was one of those classes where I felt like I was going to die within the first five minutes. I don't know if doing 100 push-ups on Saturday somehow effected my legs.. err.. no. That's not it. Or if it was the jumping/ dancing in heels Saturday night to the point where I considered taking off my shoes to walk two blocks. Maybe not. Or if it was my brief workout with the leg press thing before class. Probably. Anyway, I once again entertained the class, but not on purpose. While taking off my spinning sneakers- (the Velcro makes Carl happy- a long running class joke) he pointed out that the boys must be chasing me. Apparently I have that innocent look. Ha! By innocent, does he mean I look like I'm 19 years old. I'm guessing he couldn't harass "chap stick girl" because her man was in class. In other news, this was a nice way to end the day that didn't start off so well. My upstairs neighbor actually STARTED rehearsing or whatever EVIL thing he does with his synthesizer at 11pm at night. Yes, that's right, 11PM. Until around 1am. Even with earplugs in, it still vibrated my bed but not in a good way. Brooklyn here I come.
Mothers - oy vey
My mother should be banned from Facebook. She goes onto my father's account and now I know for certain that she stalks people through it. I logged onto Facebook and saw to my horror that my dad's latest update had the name of someone I grew up with. Weird. I don't even think I've looked this person up on Facebook. I instantly came to the correct conclusion- that she put in the name of someone to look up but in the wrong field. So after going through a few potential password combinations, I thankfully managed to log on to his account and fix her mistake- hopefully before anyone noticed. At least my sister and I got a good laugh.
Celebrity Filled and Productive Saturday - Recap
Fortunately, it did not rain yesterday. Instead of spending a lazy day inside as planned, my day was productive and action packed. I started off by heading downtown with the intention of buying certain unmentionables in Soho. After taking 10 minutes to cross the street against the crowds and entering the store, I realized that was the dumbest idea ever. So I went back to the quieter, less insane NoLita and had a sandwich at MJ Bookstore. Great, relaxing spot with excellent food. Just make sure you get a table first. And I discovered these beautiful mugs called Miam.Miam Moda which I'm sooo buying for my next apartment.
After lunch, I walked back up towards my apartment holding my camera, determined to get one decent shot. On Bleeker, approaching the Bowery, I noticed a swarm of activity and eventually realized I was walking directly across the street from Rachel Bilson. The swarm of activity was actually a swarm of paparazzi. Not wanting to be one myself, I played it cool, sometimes even walking in front of her. We were heading in the same direction anyway. I eventually removed myself from the insanity and lost track of her whereabouts.
After months of not going, I finally went to my weight lifting then spin class at Crunch with my all time favorite teacher Carl. I'm surprisingly not in pain today even though he made us do 100 push ups. I thought he wasn't serious when he was telling us to do them. Holy crap. Did 20 manly and about 60 girlie push ups in between moments of inactivity where I was willing my arms to work. Yeah, during spin, I was sweating Carbernet Savignon. On the way home, I stopped off at Whole Foods for grub and money, hoping that people would find my post work out, sweaty and flushed cheeks attractive. Then still in a post workout daze, I chilled in Union Square, where I caught a dance off - inspiring! And back to St. Mark's where the day portion of my perfect Saturday ended with a bang. The Brothers Moving was playing in front of the old Kim's Video store. Obviously had to do some research to get to that point and bought their CD. They're 3 brothers and one other band mate from Denmark.
As my roommate pointed out, it's unlikely I'll experience this kind of day while living in Brooklyn but I'm still set on my decision.
And for the evening portion.. I met up with friends at the Annex. I generally try to avoid the LES and any place with a cover. The bar sort of looked like any other bar in the LES but super duper dark. Like dark to the point that if I ever go again, I won't put myself together. In fact I'll look grungy, where a hat and hope people mistake me for a celebrity. Oh- speaking of celebs, Winona Ryder was there. She's tiny. Maybe tinier than Rachel Bilson. Agnes Dynes was there- the blonde haired super model (do they have super models now?) and Michael Pitt was there. Exciting stuff. I'm sure there were a shit ton of other celebs there but it was so dark. Oh- so maybe that's why they hang out there.
The night ended at the pizza joint on Second Avenue. I know, I know. I shouldn't have. Since all the other tables were taken, these two guys (who I learned were Swedish) sat with me. I also learned that Swedes speak a dialect of German that the Germans don't understand and isn't a written language. And that not everyone living in Zurich is rich despite all the banking. Hmm... sound familiar. So over all, a very interesting day. I'm now looking forward to my uneventful, rainy Sunday.
Cheers!
I Can Stand the Rain
I'm kind of excited to have a rainy weekend. It's a good excuse to stay in and be lazy. No pressure to go running in the park or rollerblading. And by the end of this weekend, I won't be one step closer to developing skin cancer. Cheers to that.
Okay, so this is way past due but by the time Sunday night rolled around last week, I was sunburned, dehydrated and exhausted from the sun. I volunteered to take pictures at a bake sale benefiting BARC- Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition. I'm not much of a dog person but the dogs from the shelter definitely charmed me and I'm hoping have been adopted since the event. But on the crazy off chance that no one has recognized they make perfect companions, check out the site and stop by the shelter in Williamsburg. I mean really.. just try to resist those eyes...
Happy Birthday!
TO ME!
Perhaps some of the worst weather I've had on my birthday but the forecast for the next few days certainly makes up for it. Coincidentally, my sister will have similarly bad weather on the 20th- her birthday. So yeah, I'm turning 28. In 2 years, I will no longer be a twenty-something. Two year countdown to achieve everything I set out to do in my twenties.
Cheers!
Advice for Single Ladies
Ever get that feeling sometime about 15 days after you've had your period? You're feeling thin, sort of on fire, hot, like you are turning yourself on? And like all eyes are on you? Well folks, it's called ovulating. These feelings are like our unconscious mating calls. Use it to your advantage. Not that I would ever um, advocate drinking but if there's one weekend you shouldn't stay in it would be the ovulating weekend. Read more here. Take notes. And for those brave ladies having trouble deciding if they really have chemistry with their beaus, take a sniff of him sans cologne, while he's relatively clean of course.
A quick look at a Wikipedia article reveals that ovulation only occurs in one day. Der, I suppose I should remember this from health. So ladies, that's only one day to get yourself out there and um, don't get pregnant in the process. Jeeze. No wonder why it's so hard to find a man! Oh boo. Meanwhile.. I have discovered that my next one (is this TMI??) falls on a Monday so fat chance of me finding love on one of the lamest days of the week.
Hello Gorgeous
I recently got back from IKEA where I can safely say that I lost an hour and a half of my life that I will never get back. Granted they have some good stuff, but my father has some weird mistrust and hatred against the Swedish giant, clouding every purchase. After many fantasies of actually organizing my tiny apartment by making use of vertical space, I walked out with a single swivel chair and 2 magenta window curtains. Reality set in that perhaps it wasn't the best idea to push my abilities to lug things up 3 flights of stairs. It's best that I wait until after my potential move. I left and instinctively headed to West Elm, a much calmer scene full of beautiful objects I could neither afford, or carry up 3 flights of stairs. Defeated once again, I decided to check out the new Fairway that just opened up in Paramus.
Conclusion. I cannot live in the suburbs of New York or at least overcrowded, over commercialized Northern, New Jersey. And on that note, here's some real decorating inspiration!
Thoughts
Wow, has it been that long since I last wrote. Lately I've been feeling sort of restless. I guess cause I'm hitting on my 28th birthday on Wednesday. Yikes! I'm pretty sure every person who has asked for my age has been shocked when I have told them I'm approaching 30. Hopefully it's only because I look young rather than act it. Back to this feeling of restlessness.. I'm feeling the pressure to do something crazy like move out of New York City and live in Paris for a few years. I'm single, have a good, solid group of friends I know I can maintain touch with. And the past 2 years has taught me that I can easily make new friends. And I know myself well enough to realize that if I don't achieve everything I've set out to do, then I'll have regrets.
So while we're on the subject, here's a tentative list of what I'd like to achieve before I'm 30. Um, no pressure Molly. Really.
1. Start a Masters program. This is yet to be decided on. Either an MFA in photography or if something crazy happens within the next year that sways me a different way- an MBA, MA in Art History, Communications or something related to Environment/ Marketing. I know. I'm so decisive.
2. Pay off all credit card debt. Jeeze it's about time, although going to graduate school would be counter-productive in this area.
3. Find a boyfriend/ future husband. Thanks to that thing called my biological clock, I need to start a family fairly soon.
4. And- now this is a crazy one that I haven't discussed at all yet- Finish novel.
Now I put this one out to my readers. What crazy changes have you made in your life as a last minute effort to achieve a goal before turning 30? Was it a good decision?
Apartments and Cha cha cha Changes
I'm definitely enjoying my stay in San Francisco. It's been so relaxing to walk around alone and explore, then meet up with my friend for dinner and drinks. Plus it's nice to wake up to sunlight! Even with the shades drawn closed, we get more light pleasantly waking us up in the morning, than in my apartment. I guess it's for the best since people start their work days here at 8am. Yikes! I've been contemplating moving here just because if I'm going to live somewhere else for a time, now is it. I'm single. Have no babies. Have tons of friends in New York and my family is there but I can always keep in touch with them.
I think my sub-conscious freaked out about all my thoughts about change. I had a bad dream this morning that involved people changing our office around completely while I was away. They moved my desk to uncover a family of kittens. Looked up kittens and it said something about an independent, playful spirit. Hmm. Anyway, I was sort of freaked out about it all. Then I went to tell this couple about the situation, blah blah blah, and woke up to see my friend (who was in my dream) texted me. Weird.
That's all for now mainly cause I need to get my butt out the door and continue exploring. My friend's apartment is beautiful. She has tons of space and only pays slightly more than I do even though she has a studio. Perhaps if I don't move to San Francisco, I'll at least finally move to Brooklyn where I'll have more space. Cha cha cha changes.
Twilight Hangover
I finished the 4th and final book of the Twilight series about 3 hours ago and sort of feel hung over from the book. I'm already missing the world of friendly vampires. This is a very annoying feeling that I knew would happen. It could be why I stray away from fiction that's not based on something that can really happen. Like the feeling I'm sure we all had when we read the final Harry Potter book. Happy that we can re-enter the world of the living, so to say, but sad that we don't live in this world of mystery. And then over the last few days, I've gotten off track with reality. For the millionth time, my interest in the supernatural is renewed. Desire to study history instead of photography. Or become a treasure hunter. Yay, this is a whole other side of me that gets unleashed. The part that buys books on ESP, secrets of the Vatican, etc. and enjoys books like the DaVinci Code, Rule of Four, Historian, etc. Searching for antiques, mysterious family heirlooms in my basement that I'm hoping exist and a strong desire to marry someone who has a unique family history. And the sudden, intense desire to research my family history. All thoughts definitely NOT rooted in reality. Although I must say, I do have a strong feeling that there's always been something in my parent's house that I have yet to discover. Like evidence that my grandfather had an affair among the hundreds of slides, movies and his travel journal that I haven't read yet. Or other strange objects hidden in that attic that we missed like the 100 year old lantern I found in fourth grade. Or some evidence that I am, in fact, related to Napoleon. All likely mysteries yet to be solved..
From a scientific perspective, just because we haven't discovered something- it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. There is more evidence of ghosts and UFOs that Jesus..