Good Morning and Happy Thursday
I scanned in a whole bunch of old pictures last night so I'll be posting them a few at a time. Above is one of my all time favorite photos. I hope we can all approach life with the same kind of fascination and wonderment that we did as children. I may also like this photo because it proves I probably broke my nose at some point. My current bump is more likely a result of that incident vs. me being a "Jewthuran." But that's neither here nor there.
Self Reflection and Discovery
For the last few weeks I've been doing lots of soul searching regarding my career and the wonderful world of advertising/ photography. I still love both industries.. but.. have gotten really into digital marketing. In fact, I tend to jump from one interest to another and have been known to do so throughout my whole life with gusto. Growing up, I enjoyed art classes, ice skating lessons, running, biking, creating and selling beaded jewelry, photography, volleyball, softball... and the list goes on. The epitome of a jack of all trades. I suppose I should add writing to that list. Lately I've started to wonder whether or not my vast array of interests is the result of ADD. Unfortunately, my lack of focus can't be solved with a pill according to a very intelligent Park Avenue psychiatrist that I recently visited. He theorized that I don't trust my own decisions and over think things. I felt this was an accurate assessment, although like Oprah preaches, I have learned to "trust my own instincts" more often.
Despite his assessment, the direction of my career has been bouncing around in my head like a fast moving ping pong ball. Last weekend I researched getting either a masters or MBA. See, I can't even start moving forward until I figure out what test to take! Unsatisfied with my research, I looked to a higher power. No, not God, although I did briefly pray in my head for him to give me direction - but the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Eureka!
The test revealed that I'm an ENTP = (Extraversion, iNtuition, Thinking, Perception) and re-enforced some of my own assessments but now I know how to harness my personality traits. Like for instance, it said I like generating ideas but not following through with the day to day. Check. Loves constantly learning new things and apt to move on to the next activity once mastered a skill. Check. And obviously the list go on and on but I now have a specific direction for my career. (It's a secret) I'm excited to learn that fellow ENTP's include: Walt Disney, Thomas Edison, Lewis Carroll, Alfred Hitchcock, John Malkovich, Nikola Tesla, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Benjamin Franklin, and Richard Feynman so along with sharing a birthday with Leonardo Da Vinci, I better eventually do something amazing! I wonder if your birth date and sign actually do have an effect on your personality because lots of the qualities for Aries coincide with the traits for an ENTP but then again, only 3% of American are ENTP's while obviously a much larger percentage share my Zodiac sign.
Anyway, I now feel like I can sleep at night.
And on that note. Good night!
Introducing.. Proof that there's no way in HELL I was adopted
I'm the one in red and holding white bear. Incidentally the adorable girl to my right is not in any way related to me.
The youngin is my sister of course. I have other pictures where it's more like I'm looking in a mirror. She's holding our loving cat Cappy who was terrified of me probably cause I pulled her tail at the raucous age of 2.
And can you guess which one is my mom? It shouldn't be too hard. She's the adorable blond in the front with the short shorts.
Hello Genetics!
Career DNA Test
I'm going to take a moment to disregard the moral implications of this test and ask: Where the hell can I get it??!!
http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/js/2.0/video/evp/module.js?loc=dom&vid=/video/world/2009/08/04/chang.china.genetic.gifts.cnnEmbedded video from CNN Video
Great Pacific Garbage Patch. etc.
Glad that CNN is finally covering the issue of floating garbage in the ocean. See article here. They don't know much about the garbage and how it's effecting the ecosystem. They say most of it is tiny bits of plastic that gets ingested by birds and ultimately kills the birds or finds its way into their food.
By the way, am so happy that the Current.tv journalists, Laura Ling and Euna Lee, were freed by the Korean government. Definitely makes Bill Clinton out as the hero, saving the damsels in distress. I'm curious to hear more about what they went through- if they're even allowed to share their ordeal at this point. See CNN's article here. It makes me feel good that Bill Clinton and Al Gore are still involved in our politics to some extent even though Bill sort of bailed out Gore's employees.
Picnic in the Park
For those of you that can't have enough picnics in the park this summer, here's the perfect all in one folding chair and picnic set for two (Seat n' Eat). How romantic. If you know any single guys between the ages of 27-35 that enjoy sitting in the park, drinking wine and eating cheese- send them my way. Once again, I spent the whole day in Central Park and took my dad to the Shake Shack. Before that, had the most productive morning cleaning my room and deciding what Papa Dukes should bring back to New Jersey. And had coffee at Java Girl where I sat outside and had philosophical conversations with the locals of the Upper East Side. I kid you not. I love my new apartment. I still can't believe this delightful establishment is across the street from me.
Four Hot Naked Women
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrTiKP84kAA&hl=en&fs=1&&w=560&h=340]
Some promo. Apparently all for the release of Guitar Hero 5 via Adrants. I guess sex sells.
Happy Friday!
A gorgeous photo via a very talented photographer Tanveer Badal off his travel blog here. It's actually off his flickr page but don't think that's public. Definitely check out his blog and hire him for your wedding. His photos are inspirational and he's a super nice guy.
Activity Booster
Twenty Foods that will boost your activity. Re-posted below via LifeHacker, that was via Lifehack
"Most people eat to lose weight, get healthy and build muscle. There are some people, however, who snack correctly in order to enhance their productivity. The following is a list of 20 foods you can eat to improve your eye-sight, improve your performance, energize your brain and keep your day on track.
- Avocados. These keep you from bloating up after a big lunch and are tasty either on their own, with sugar or salt on top, or with your salad.
- Almonds. Great for brainpower. Read more here.
- Raisins. Want more energy? Grab a pack of raisins. They are high in energy and antioxidants , and low in fat and calories.
- Figs. They help maintain high energy levels while keeping your appetite far away. Whether you find fresh figs or a pack of dried fruit, enjoy its natural sweetness.
- Olives. These are anti-inflammatory and they reduce symptoms to arthritis, asthma and menopause.
- Walnuts. These are full of omega 3 fatty acids to help you think more clearly and keep you focused. Excellent source of protein, but be sure to chew well.
- Carrots. I love carrots and have at least six carrots in a big glass of juice every morning. They are also good for other times too. Snacking on one cup of chopped carrots will give you six times your recommended daily value of Vitamin A. They improve eyesight, especially in the dark.
- Strawberries. As with carrots and flaxseeds, strawberries surprisingly aid in better eye sight. Eating strawberries has also been linked to preventing cancer.
- Flaxseeds. If you’ve been working hard all day, have some flaxseeds. They are great for your eyes to stop them feeling a little dried out, and allowing you to feel fresh even after a hard day.
- Water. Nothing beats water, the healthiest drink on the planet. It speeds up your metabolism, makes you feel fuller instead of eating junk and keeps you hydrated.
- Sunflower seeds. A popular way to beat fatigue. Chew properly as it can take some time.
- Papaya. The colorful fruit helps protect you against the potential damages of secondhand smoke, rheumatoid arthritis , and even the common cold.
- Pear. Usually only available during the pear season and when they come out, I always get them. They taste good, they’re cool in the mouth and they are hypo-allergenic.
- Green tea. So this is probably one of the trendiest tea’s out there, but it’s also very healthy for your body. They are full of antioxidants and strengthens your immune system.
- Ginger. Great for beating nausea and stomach gas. Have it as ginger tea, ginger in your stomach or as low fat ginger cookies. Also helps ease stomach tummy muscles.
- Peppermint. If you have a stomach bug or just need to perk up a bit, have a peppermint drink. It’s a great muscle relaxant and helps you clean up your nasal passages and breathe easily.
- Watermelon. There is nothing like cool, red sweet watermelon that gives you great energy and nutrients without any calories. It’s a great energy booster.
- Low fat yoghurt. Yoghurt is refreshing and cool when you put it in your mouth so it’s a great, tasteful wake up call for your mind.
- Dark chocolate. Having one small bar a day will satisfy your cravings for sweets and give you a load of antioxidants.
- Raspberries. These beautiful fruits are a great source of antioxidants which are great to neutralize your free radicals which can affect your cells."
Totally Inspired
So far Summer 2009 is marked by change: New apartment, new roommate, new neighborhood, new approach to life.. and perhaps a new career. I've been seriously soul searching about grad schools and where I want to go with my career, flying on the coattails of my new move. I'm hoping this momentum will also encourage me to tackle my eating habits as well. I'm considering either the BluePrintCleanse or seeing a nutritionist once and for all. My attempt to go gluten free mostly failed although I have cut back on grains. It's hard to give up a major, dare I say, important part of my life without a specific diagnoses. And then there's that whole 10 year high school reunion coming in November. Weight loss and getting in shape is definitely not something you can put off. Boo. But then again, what's a few hundred bucks spent on getting in shape when there's a high school reunion involved. Hmmm.
I digress.
Today I went to a super awesome work seminar led by Niall McKinney, a digital marketing guru. And yes, your suspicious are correct: he is a charming, intelligent Englishman and also the founder of UTalkMarketing, a British company about all things marketing. I'm starting to think that digital marketing is where I'm going at this point. I know, I know. So ADD you say. Well! I can finally now vouch thanks to a recent doctor's visit that no, I am not, in fact, ADD but rather, slightly obsessive compulsive. Hmmph! I don't know how I feel about that diagnoses. But I agree that I over think things and go back and question decisions I've already made. However, I do find it exciting to immerse myself in an industry that's actually growing. I'm sure that if I turned photography into an actual business, I'd lose my passion for it.
That's all. I'm off to read "Anna Karenina" so I can eventually read "The Power of Now," by Eckhart Tolle, "The Long Tail" and "Free" both by Chris Anderson, and finally "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell. Phew. Good thing I still don't have a TV but I've gotten by watching episodes of Merlin and The Philanthropist on Hulu. I don't miss the morning shows although it's possible I was on Fox 5 this morning being interviewed by the weatherman? about my choice to buy iced coffee. Oh and eventually study for the GRE's.
On that note. Peace and LOVE.
Makes Me So Happy
Wow.. people from Minnesota seem so damn cool. A re-do of the wedding dance on the Today's Show. I've been listening to "Forever" about twice a day now.
P.S.
I spent the whole day "free boobing" it. i.e. Not wearing a bra. It was quite liberating and freeing. I only have one shirt that I can really pull that off with. It's a tube top so extra liberating not having sleeves. And I'm hoping that my term "free boobing" will catch on faster than my term for NJ (Schmersey). Work with me people.
Weekend Update
My mom told me that I don't love her anymore. Then she said that I don't update my blog enough. I'm not sure if the two comments are related but as an ode to my mother.. here's the good ole weekend update:
Thoughts about my new hood- it's really nice being able to walk around Central Park and explore Uptown. It's hard not to think that everything doesn't happen for a reason considering how happy I am. Or maybe as humans- we just adjust to our surroundings and make the best of things. I spent the afternoon walking through Central Park and reading. When I say walking, I mean I walked across the park to the Shake Shack which as of last week has become a weekly habit. Even worse, I stood in line in a downpour. But it was soooooo worth it. I savored every last bite of my cheeseburger, fries and chocolate milk shake. I worked it off by walking slightly North, then all the way across to East End Avenue and back to my apartment.
On Saturday, I had a similarly satisfying and relaxing day. I got highlights downtown. It was weird being downtown again in my old hood but sort of reinforced how much prettier uptown can be (at least East Village vs. uptown). Then had a lovely dinner with a good friend at a restaurant I used to frequent back 3-4 years ago before I moved into the city. After dinner, I met up with a coworker for my first real Upper East Side bar experience at Wicker Park. Well- at least first time as an Upper East Sider. I can't say whether or not the crowd was better- I was told that everyone is away during the summer. But I did feel like the atmosphere was possibly more condusive to meeting people- and the crowd closer to my age.
And finally, my weekend got off to a good start on Friday. I actually hit up a spinning class, then meandered back uptown to my apartment and saw Harry Potter with my roommate.
I have to admit, it feels soooo good to walk through Central Park. I think being able to do that on a regular basis will help keep me sane in the city and not need to go home to quieter New Jersey as often as I do. I just feel so at peace and relaxed.
Smile
This video made me smile. The wedding entrance took place in a church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Hollar. Represent. I definitely do not have that much rhythm and am not that brave nor do I have theatrical, dancing friends.. but I can totally see my wedding being something like that.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0&hl=en&fs=1&&w=425&h=344]
In Honor of Otterbaby
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epUk3T2Kfno&hl=en&fs=1&&w=425&h=344]
Kitty Curiousity
The parentals informed me that yesterday Mischief and Lola briefly escaped the safety of their suburban home and explored the wild unknown of (Gasp!) their backyard. Mischief made it as far as their neighbors backyard while Lola was found slowly sniffing her way from one end of the patio to the next, dumbfounded by her new freedom. Mischief was an asshole as usual and ran away from my dad until he pulled out the big guns; i.e. dry cat food. Oddly, my parents rewarded Mischief's behavior by presenting him with a new stuffed Otter and Otter baby toy. A very odd household obsession that I do not support.
Above Photo: Lola. NOTE: Adorable but devilish grin. 
Above Photo: Mischief. NOTE: Appearance of anger and drunkeness.
Above Photo: Proud parents of stuffed toys. I am told are Otter Mommy #2 and Baby Otter #2.
Simplification
In an effort to simplify my life and delete some stuff, I'm posting things I've had saved on my Stickies for years, minus all my passwords of course. Below you'll find quotes, books I've meant to read and memorable IM conversations.
"the first man in rome" colleen mccoughla
"it's about you having so much sex that your vagina is broken." -Scrubs
REDACTED (10:41:45 PM): u are a good kisser so i understand ur unwillingness to work w/ the less talented
REDACTED (10:41:55 PM): i've cut off my fair share of bad make outs
REDACTED (10:42:04 PM): some people in this world just can't kiss
REDACTED (10:37:16 PM): whomever is overseeing the "REDACTED story" has a fuckin' funny sense of humor
"Founding Fathers, Secret Societies"
Investment Books:
* Four Pillars of Investing - Most detail, for those with longer attention spans
* Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing - Somewhere in the middle
* Coffeehouse Investor - Least detail, short and easier to read
SHIRLEY MacLaine - "The Apartment."
My Name Is Tanino (2002)- w/ rachel mcadams
"if your naughty go to your room, if you want to be naughty, come to mine"
OKAY, that felt liberating.
Friday Night
Last night I met up with some family friends to listen to the Philharmonics in Central Park despite the threat of rain. It was great seeing them, eating tons of cheese and having delicious wine. I especially loved how that particular form of enjoyment seemed timeless. Minus finding each other using our cell phones and being able to hear the music from afar because of technology, we could have been enjoying the same activity 100 hundred years ago. Even 500 years ago. There's something about running home in summer rain that's more invigorating than disappointing that it cut the music short.
Gorgeous Website
Thanks to Cup of Joe, just found this amazing website and posters, etc. Soooo inspiring. I so want to move to the North West for some odd reason. I'm on a kick. Or I really want to spend a weekend in a log cabin, by a lake. Actually, I can't decide between the ocean or the woods but I just know that I want it to be remote. Any ideas? I miss summer camp.