Weirdness
I went to high school with this guy. I was randomly reading adrants and saw this video. Haha. Once we went ice skating together. I could never figure out if it was a date or not but he picked me up in his light blue convertible or something like that. Anyway, I love the 'Neck. Gotta give props to my home town.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sqUspQBq38&hl=en&w=425&h=355]
August Rush
Just saw August Rush. Pretty good movie. Sort of Disney like- weird to see Robin Williams as the bad guy. And everything was very clean as far as the whole serendipity, coincidences thing. But the music made up for it, and I have a girl crush on Keri Russel big time. Jonathan Ryce Myers isn't so bad either. The last line was something like, "the music is all around us. You just have to listen." That kind of thinking is bigger than the movie and something I believe in. Maybe I've seen one too many episodes of Oprah, but I definitely believe there's something to be said about what the universe is telling you, and sort of following signs. I guess you believe what you want to believe. But seriously.
Like for instance, there was one job I had last year that I wouldn't have necessarily taken if I hadn't been working briefly for a crazy person. Ended up being somewhat life changing. Or my apartment. After walking into dozens of apartments and meeting countless potential, future roommates- I walked into this one 2 1/2 years ago and it just felt right. Then other things came together. My apt number happens to be a long time favorite number of mine. It's on the 3rd floor.. and these 2 numbers were my winning numbers for this year's Super Bowl pool. And the list goes on.
Promises in a Pill
Last night, after watching Gone With the Wind, I ejected the DVD and changed it to TV mode on channel 3. Save the Last Dance was on. I got excited for that but then it switched to a commercial. It was seriously a commercial for a pill to enhance your eh hem.. The commercial was so bad and effectiveness of the drug so questionable that one almost thought it was a SNL sketch that somehow made it's way onto channel 3. I can't believe stuff like that is allowed to exist. Fortunately, I didn't have any dreams about growing penises as a result of that.
Concidences
Whenever I leave something in my apartment and have to go back up, I always end up realizing I forgot something even more important. Like last night I was half way out the door and realized I forgot something. Went back inside and realized I forgot to close my window. Then on my way out, ran into my hot next door neighbor with is girlfriend. He told me that the guys downstairs play Guitar Hero. So that was sort of critical information that I've been wondering forever.
Contrasts
I was supposed to hit a spinning class but then didn't feel so hot and realized I needed to find an outfit for tonight. Unfortunately, for the first time ever, I brought my gym clothes including spinning sneakers and 2 magazines to keep me entertained before class. So I had to lug them around while I shopped in the crowded Flat Iron, and had a vegan apple muffin at the farmer's market.
Before heading into Forever 21 at Union Square, I heard chanting and saw a massive crowd of people. It was a peaceful protest and candle lighting to honor those Tibetans tortured by the Chinese. The images definitely brought tears to my eyes and I found myself mesmerized by both the chants and graceful movements of the men ceremoniously lighting the candles. Then, as most New Yorker's have probably done, without thinking of the connection, purchased two items of very cheap clothing that was probably manufactured by underpaid Chinese workers. In continuing my failed attempt for balance on my walk home, I stopped in at Jamba juice and purchased the most unhealthy, chocolate, banana and peanut butter shake with, of course, protein powder and vitamins to supplement my dinner.
And tonight, I'll probably drink too much and stay out too late, but all in the name of charity. Seriously, I would have stayed in tonight if it wasn't for the charity aspect of tonight's festivities. I'm going to a bar event benefiting an animal rescue organization, hosted by a former college classmate.
Wandering through Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO and Carrol Gardens
My two friends and I had an absolutely love walk through Brooklyn. We started off in Brooklyn Heights, then got pizza at Grimaldi's, then hot chocolate at Jacque Torres. And promptly each gained 5 pounds. We stumbled on a fantastic furniture store in Brooklyn Heights/ Atlantic Avenue with beautiful, handmade, rosewood pieces. Then walked on to Carrol Gardens where we found the perfect home goods store filled with flatware patterns that we envied. Definitely want to move to Brooklyn if my sweet East Village deal runs out.
On the way home, my friend and I were walking on Lafayette when we heard a loud "Pop!" And looked over to see a sad, lifeless pigeon. My friend says it perfectly "That was def a nice walk but very traumatizing to hear the bird pop like a plastic bag as a cabbie destroyed his life right before our eyes."
Interesting to see people's reactions to that. I guess not all New Yorkers are jaded. 
TED Stuff
I love how there's always something going on in the media, or wherever that reminds me of one of my former jobs. Nice.
http://valleywag.com/362415/why-the-ted-list-is-troubling
I'm pretty pissed off at valleywag.com for posting Chris Anderson's email. I mean jesus, I think Nick Denton and his company should study a little something I'd like to call Karma. How many media outlets directly profit off of someone else's pain or embarrassment. Is that also part of human nature. So I posted a reply but I don't know if it will get published. Incidentally, they approve your comments. So they can say anything they'd like, but us common folks have to get our comments approved. So much for free speech. Almost makes you want to start a blog.
This posting is another example of how the blog world has been more about putting people down than anything else. I can say with first hand experience that the people at TED work around the clock. Yes, some of the attendees are celebrities (less than 10-15), but the majority are people who are not only successful but have implemented world saving endeavors. In fact, contrary to what pepelicious believes, TED is often criticized for being less about tech under the leadership of Chris Anderson, and more about social and environmental change. How can anyone put down an organization that has facilitated one.org, eol.org, TED Africa, and countless other initiatives. Why not embrace change and support their goals.
The Catholic Church
What I am about to say may be very controversial, and I should probably have waited to calm down a bit. But I've got to say, I can't stand the Catholic Church. More specifically, its role throughout history. I have no qualms with Catholics or the good things the church has done as a whole. But dear God- and when I say dear God, I mean from myself, not THROUGH a group of MEN- what the Church did during the Inquisition, and through various times throughout history is appalling. Watching Goya's Ghost and I'm guessing it's fairly accurate. Torturing innocent people. Only so a group of MEN could stay in power. Brilliant. The birth of communism? Horrendous. Or even before that, charging people to rid themselves of sin. Please. Even now, the Vatican is extremely wealthy and is the keeper of a variety of secrets, parts of history, and worldly goods but whether or not they were obtained in a godly manner is of question.
Through researching my family, I have learned, incidentally, that I'm a Protestant through and through- and as far back as the late 1700's. As far as I know, not a Catholic bone in my body. I have respect for the teachings of the religion itself, but NOT for those who have abused its power. I come from a line of Norwegian Lutherans, Swiss/French Huguenots and Russian/Polish/Hungarian Jews.
Okay, I think I got most of that out. It's tough looking back at history. As much as we think that our world is a violent place, it doesn't compare to times when making the slightest wrong move could send you to the guillotine by your own people. Of course, unfortunately the most terrible violence occurring today is by groups of people hurting other groups- whether its genocide in Africa or war in Iraq. Wow.. Hopefully we'll eventually evolve and learn right? But seriously. There lies the question. Will we? Ever? Is it human nature? What if women ruled the world? Would we have as much violence? Is violence a necessary part of life?
I Learn Something New Everyday.
That would be chocolate whip cream and blackberries over my waffle.
So at my favorite grocery store, my favorite punkish, cute, deli guy told me they don't carry Splenda because the company does cruel animal testing. Dang. Well I guess that's off my list. I started researching the validity of this claim and had a hard time finding reputable sources but did find some info on sweeteners. I think it's probably obvious that artificial sweeteners aren't the best chemicals for us, but the info I learned has persuaded me to stick to regular sugar- maybe even give up my diet Snapple.
More Family Research
I've been sort of obsessing about researching my family. I guess once I get into something, it's hard to stop. I thought about doing something with history.. but it's the same way I feel about finance- I may find it interesting when it's my own-- but who knows how I'd feel about dealing with other people's families/finances.
Anyway, I also recently read "The Secret." I know.. cheesy. I couldn't even read it in public cause I was sort of embarrassed. I can't say I liked how it was written but I definitely agree with the general principals. Mainly that we send out vibes or whatever to the universe about what we're thinking and what we want. I mean how many times have all of thought of an old friend, and then randomly they called, emailed, or someone mentioned their names. Stuff like that. And the idea that you have to think positively to achieve your dreams. Do you think Tiger Woods is thinking he won't get the ball in? No, he's probably imagined the moment that it's already in.
So going back to family history.. my interest got revived after I started reading "The Other Boleyn Girl." I'd like to finish before I see the movie and have always been interested in European history. Having lost my last grandparent at 11, I never got to hear stories of the past straight from the source but am fortunate enough to have some family documents discussing our history. For one, a "crazy" aunt of my father's claimed we were related to Napoleon. So I started my research there. Still trying to figure this one out.. but so far one of Napoleon's supposed illigitimate sons has a small town in Minnesota named after him. AND the man who named the town happens to have lived in the town my ancestors lived in. Okay.. so there's interesting fact number 1. There's no question that if anything, that's a super coincidence.. and I found part of what I was looking for. Ironically the family that claimed this owned a store called "The New York Store." hmmm.
Then I started going back further and found tons of info on Abraham Perry, an great, great, great, grandfather of mine, who also is considered the founder of St. Paul, MN. There are books written about their voyage from Switzerland to Minnesota. It's amazing how much information is out there. I always wonder if 150 years from now, we'll have access to as much documented information. Seems email is more transient. Anyway, his daughter married a guy named James Clewett and upon researching him, I found him to be from Kent England. So fact number one that I have discovered is I am not Welsh as previously thought. But English. AND to finally bring things full circle-- perhaps enough to get me off of my search temporarily and back to reading "The Other Boleyn Girl" - I googled Kent, England and came to their website for tourists. And what did I find popping up on their home page- non other than a guide to movie locations shot in Kent with a still from the movie "The Other Boleyn Girl." Which I might add, does not pop up every time you enter on to the site. http://www.visitkent.co.uk
So as this week's Time Out New York has also discovered, there's some validity to that sixth sense we believe to have. It's only a matter of tapping into it and noticing the signs. So my next goal is to figure out in what direction that sign is pointing.
signing off for now to find some inner clarity with an hour of yoga.
Why I Hate Politics.. sometimes
2 Reasons why I sometimes think politics are stupid:
1- Candidates take opposing positions on issues just so they can differentiate themselves from their opponents.
2- It is frowned upon to change your position. Okay so not being able to make up your mind is definitely a weakness. But shouldn't candidates have the freedom to evolve their thinking and see the other side? I mean taking into account how someone voted years ago on a subject and then comparing it to decisions they've recently made doesn't seem to make that much sense. We are all judged on our past actions, but imagine if people judged me based on who I was 5 years ago, that wouldn't be fair. I'd like to think what I've learned has changed me and helped me evolve as a person.
Cha cha cha changes
Last night I was thinking about how much my life has completely changed between February '07 and February '08. Pretty much every aspect of my life is different except a few friendships, my gym schedule and my family. Last year, I was temping without health insurance at a company completely different than where I'm working now- at a millionaire's loft in Tribeca and very small company. Now I work at a medium sized ad agency that's part of a larger holding company- with very down to earth, friendly people. Last year I was dating an older guy who seemed cultured and interesting and I thought it would last. It didn't. This year, I'm single.
I have ended friendships since then and started new friendships. I even have a new roommate. My sister is in college for her first year. My parents finally have the house to themselves. They have a new kitten. I'm no longer constantly broke. My financial luck has changed. And when I say LUCK, I mean it. The bad luck I had in previous years financially were due to odd medical things like a gall bladder removal.. But this year, my financial luck has come in the form of Super Bowl winnings, universal government rebates and weird pay roll flukes. I even found a $20 bill a few weeks ago on the side walk. And the list goes on. 1 long time friend got married this year. At least 3 friends got engaged. The list goes on.
One thing that I've learned and hopefully any one who reads this will realize is that we have endless potential and there are infinite possibilities. I mean seriously. There were so many times when I was frustrated, thinking why me, and how bad could things get. Then they actually got worse. But as cliche as this is, it's made me stronger. And taught me to persevere and stay positive because things will get better. Everyone goes through ups and downs. So might as well enjoy the ride.
Starting to feel OLD... er
Last night I went to a b-day party for a younger coworker. The bar was in a random area - 35th between 5th and 6th. While I like my coworker and he seems to have cool friends, I have to say- the bar kind of sucked. ASS. The drinks were $9!!!! DUDE- there's a reason why I don't go to the Meat Packing! Or trendy clubs. So I certainly don't expect to have to deal with this kind of shit at a bar a half a block from Herald Square! It was also super crowded. Had to have been above maximum capacity. Do you think being packed in like sardines, having 1 BATHROOM- that's 1 STALL folks- for the women, and uber expensive, water downed drinks makes for a good experience. Although I have to admit, the music was good and I've never seen that many attractive men in one place. I can only assume they are not from Manhattan and are looking for their 24 year old B & T, overly primped counter parts. It all goes back to the movie Jumper. All special effects and flash but no substance. With both the same intent- to make money on the first experience (opening weekend/1 time costumer) without any thought as to how I'm enjoying myself or how to get repeat costumers. And to make matters even worse, they nearly lost my card.
This leads me to the same conclusion I've been coming to a lot lately- I either need to stop hanging out in Manhattan (possibly go to Brooklyn) or stop going to bars! I'm thinking a little of both. Getting too old for this crap!
Pride and Prejudice
Watching the Colin Firth version of Pride and Prejudice and seriously trying not to drool. He's one of the only celebrities I errr.. lust after. So sexy. But so not at all my taste in real life. Although I guess he exudes strength, intelligence and sophistication. All qualities that I admire and wish more men would exhibit. Dang, even the promo for other Jane Austen films was compelling with the perfectly appropriate and romantic Cold Play song, Fix You. Yeah, okay. I'm in that-- it's cold outside, haven't had a boyfriend in a while, just want to cuddle- sort of mode and clearly this movie isn't helping.
John's
Okay, it's obviously a really common name but lately, it keeps popping up everywhere. At one point, I was dating two of them. On V-Day, I may have a date with another. Today, for the millionth time, I ran into my ex-boyfriend's friend named John. I'm related to one, two if you count distant, by marriage. I hang out with two on a fairly regular basis- both of whom I refer to by their last name. What is the universe trying to tell me? With all my johns..
err.. haha.
Strange But True
Monday night I had a dirty dream about my yoga teacher.. (a woman). I'm not going into detail but needless to say I know enough about dreams to guess it doesn't simply mean I'm a lesbian. Anyway, today I was dumb enough to leave my keys in my apartment. I specifically remember the moment that I was going to obsessively check my bag before leaving, and thinking of how obsessive I am and that it's probably in there, so I didn't. Wrong. Der. So I unknowingly left without my keys and had a pretty good day. I wore a very cute, new shirt dress from H&M and got lots of compliments.. and after work I sort of felt like I wanted to go out. In fact, I texted my friend and said I wanted to go out but should go to my yoga class.
Well, I got what I wished for when I realized that I couldn't actually get into my apartment and had to stay out. So I chilled in Starbucks and eventually when I didn't hear back from my roommate by 7:15, figured I'd buy something at the Gap to wear tomorrow and go back to NJ. Weird but true- ran into my yoga teacher at the GAP who I had above dirty dream about. I explained to her that I hoped to get to her class and she wisely said that maybe this was all meant to be. Finally, while in the changing room, I got a text back from my roommate that she wouldn't be home for another hour. So seeing as how I needed to get some new workout clothes, I bought clothes there and ran to my class. Home sweet home. I don't know what all that meant. But clearly I'm giving a friend a copy of my keys as soon as possible-- something I should have done a long time ago. It's like insurance. It's a pain to make copies, etc. but can save a hell of a lot of money not having to call the locksmith. tootles.
Famous Model
I work in the same building as a famous fashion designer and right before the fashion shows, our office has the pleasure of taking the elevator with beautiful, mostly Eastern European Amazonian women. Today, in walks a "famous model" (from Canada, blond and not Amazonian).. and she knocks my coworker with her folded, wet umbrella. My coworker scolds her and tells her to put it away. Then the model asks if there's a 15th floor, to which I reply she's probably looking for the 9th. And she proceeds to ask someone closer to the bottoms to push them for her. Then eventually it's only me, my two coworkers and the famous model. I awkwardly tell them a funny story and the model laughs along with them.
Awesome. I love. My Life.
Pondering about my family
I'm in Schmersey because my sister is home for a week and I wanted to greet her at the airport with my pops. As they happily bonded over the St. Olaf cold weather, traditions, and academic life (my sister goes to my father's alma mater) I noted how her college choice is yet another thing that aligns her with my father- another similarity. To elaborate- it's like our family is divided down the center- me with my mom, and my sis with my dad. Not that we don't all get along. But here is goes--
My mom and I are both Lefties.
My dad and sis- both Right handed.
Mom and I- both artists.
Dad and sis- are writers who dabble in art.
Mom and I- names start with an "M"
Dad and sis- with a "J"
Mom and I- hazel eyes
Dad and sis- blue
Mom and I have darker hair
Dad and sis- blondies
anyway, the list goes and I find it sort of eerie. Is this the case with other 4 person families?
Washington Square Park
They found bones while doing the renovations for Washington Square Park. That's pretty freaking cool. I mean with all due respect to the dead that are buried there. But with all construction and newer, modern buildings, it's a good reminder that there's so much forgotten history. I should definitely take a walking tour or NYC history class. That's on my list of things to do. What's also interesting is how the city develops.. and parts don't develop. Like for instance-- this is me talking out of my ass because I really can't say this for sure.. but I bet there are tons of places in Brooklyn and the outer edges of Manhattan that are up and coming or have been hot for a while because they are beautiful brown stones. But the reason why they have remained as brownstones, possibly recently restored ones, is because the area wasn't desirable enough back in the mid 20th century to tear them down and replace them with modern high rises or condos. So what's old is unique and cool.
Discovery Channel has a great DVD Series called "We Built This City," that has in depth details of how NYC, Paris and London were built. It's very interesting stuff, also perfect tidbits - sort of useful at cocktail parties. Like for instance, boats were buried to make landfills in lower Manhattan and that most of the outer, bottom edges of the island are made from landfill. Or that one guy decided to create a grid system- forgot when- maybe early 1800's and his system involved tearing down 40% of existing land. Or that Central Park is a completely man made structure including complicated, underground water pumping. AND, Paris is unable to have skyscrapers at least in the center of their city, because their foundations are like swiss cheese. Hundreds of years ago, they ran out of room to bury their dead, so they started carving out the lime underground to create catacombs. Can't remember anything off hand about London but I wish they produced features on other cities. I'm hooked.