Answers and Questions
To answer your question, the guy below is my new, and very cool friend. I have no idea how he did it. I tricked him into doing the "crazy face" so I could photograph him. And he obliged, then did some cool computer shizzizzle to make the photos move.
And answer- yes, I am home on a Friday night. BUT for good reason. I went out to dinner with a friend, had a lovely time. Then we headed to my usual and local haunt where I had to apologize to my bartender, bouncer, etc. for not making it to their New Year's Eve party. What can I say. Someone wouldn't let me. Hmm. But I'm not complaining. At which point, my friend and I proceeded to get hit on. It was fairly dead. This guy who macked it to me a few weeks ago was there. He's cute, plays soccer, is a graphic designer, etc. There's one catch. He's married. In fact, I distinctly remember talking to him for a while last time, realizing he was married and being like- "yo, what's the deal?? Go home to your wife! I don't roll that way." I guess he forgot that part of the conversation. So question. Why do men do that? If he's going to cheat he could at least not wear his ring. Even his friends were encouraging his flirtatious with me, insisting that he buy us a round of drinks.
In any case, my friend had to leave and I realized I'd only get myself into trouble by staying. Besides, I ain't no other woman. And supposedly I have an hour and a half spin class tomorrow. Holy crap. So I'm home. And thus my awesome start to 2009 continues. So far, it is continuing to be the perfect mix of meeting new people, developing new friendships, maintaining old, chillaxing and exploring the city. Bring it. On. Life is good and I am thankful for what I have.
The Hunt
I just read the Hunt in the New York Times in an attempt to delay leaving my apartment. And to my pleasant surprise, realize I know at least two of the people they're talking about. The woman, and her friend that is mentioned. In fact, at some point, I posted a video her brother made of him leaving his job in a "creative way." So I believe this is the fourth person I have known that was featured in that section. Hmm. I feel so popular.
okay okay, I'm going to finally get out of the apartment!
Glutenous End to 2008
On New Year's Eve, I made myself fettuccine Alfredo with bacon bits. Something I've been craving for weeks. I thought it best to end a glutenous, pleasure filled year with something overly glutenous and pleasurable. But fortunately I managed to nap and then actually made it to the gym for an hour of running, lifting and stretching.
Okay, I suppose now is the time to reflect on 2008 and what has changed.
I think over all, this has been a great year for me. It has been very comforting and fulfilling to have a full time job that I love. I've met fantastic people through my job and continue building relationships and meeting new people. But as is typical, nothing is perfect. Of course where one area was steady, another part of my life was in flux and turmoil. My dating life in 08 was fairly uninteresting if you don't count the plethora of people I met at Solas. I don't think I dated anyone this year that made a big impact on my life. I suppose 07 fell more into that category. I made friendships that didn't entirely work out, and broke up friendships that were definitely not working. And I continued my wonderful friendships with those that I've been close to for a long time, whether they're in New York, Boston, Utah, California, or Pennsylvania.
I think more important than the drama in my life, I re-ignited my passion for creating. Buying a DSLR and taking a photography class was probably the best thing I've done for myself in years. As much as I oddly try to get away from my creative roots, it always finds me and I eventually realize I'm happiest when I create.
And to reflect on a more global level. A lot of people will look back at 08 and see it as a bad year but I strongly disagree. I think it was a pivotal year that will ultimately lead to some very positive changes. Yes, the financial markets collapsed and there is and will be more fall out in the upcoming months. But it was clearly a system that wasn't working in some areas and eventually the Wall Street talent will put their skills to other uses. Okay, so gas prices were super high. In the end, people got into the habit of conserving energy. Oh yeah, and we elected a new president. Hollar. I can go on but I think my point is obvious.
I think my personal life mimicked what happened globally and nationally. It took sort various dramatic incidents to give us a kick in the pants and hopefully change our ways. Just as I experienced with my relationships over the course of this year.
Awesome
Had an awesome New Years. Barely drank and don't feel hung over but am still super tired.
my mom: I just woke up from a power nap.
me: That's nice. I took a two hour nap. There was no "power" in that nap. In fact, I don't even think it had the power to wake me up.
More details to follow....
Or not.
Old School Goodness
Just copied Evolution by Boys II Men on my computer. Found it in my parents car while at home. QUALITY.
Walking into the Past
I finally got out of my apartment around 12:30 and immediately headed to the Mud truck for some absolutely delicious coffee. I don't know if that one particular guy added the perfect amount of sugar and milk, or if it was just because I hadn't had it in a week.. but I savored every last sip. My goal for the day was to photograph downtown the Wall Street area perhaps inspired by a book I just started reading, "Liar's Poker." It wasn't as interesting an area as I thought, mainly dark and full of tourists so I detoured to South Street Sea Port. As I'm walking away, I see two girls I went to high school with and probably haven't seen for two years. One was visiting from San Francisco, the other from Virginia. Random. Then another high school friend met up with them who I actually ran into a few months ago and lives in NYC. Randomness. And blast from the past.
After awkwardly catching up, I headed towards the West side, walked around the Trinity Church graveyard, St. Paul's, and up into Tribeca. About two years ago, I freelanced for 6 months on Duane Street. As I walked around the familiar streets, I found it fitting that it was a bit chilly. I worked in that location between January to about April and my memories consist of running to get my lunch in the freezing cold. Also running because I was being paid by the hour and not by very much. Ran into the super from the old building that was actually a fancy, residential apartment.
I stopped for lunch at Bazzini's then headed a bit farther north to West Soho on Varick Street. There, I quickly was taken back to my the month I freelanced at an ad agency. But instead, I remember working there during the intense heat of the summer. Every lunch spot felt so far away because it was moments without air conditioning. Either way, I'm very happy to be working on Irving and think I probably work in one of the best neighborhoods of the city. I suppose everything happens for a reason. Who knows where else life will take me.
Then I headed home and once I landed on my street, realized I was probably better off sticking to my hood. Everywhere I turned, there were suddenly interesting, colorful people to photograph.
Yawn
And it remains that I can't seem to wake up before 10:30 if I don't have to. I went to bed around 1 and it's not like I had a strenuous day. So I need on average 9 hours of sleep apparently while my roommate just told me she can function on a regular dose of 4 hours. hmmm
What shall I do today??
A Classic from My West Coast Sister
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcNyk54b3ZU&hl=en&fs=1&w=425&h=344]
and cause I'm on a roll
anyone knows me, knows that I can do a disturbingly killer impression of Kermie singing his line in the Muppet Babies opening song.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR_hpdVuEug&hl=en&fs=1&w=425&h=344]
Hmmm
All good suggestions. This week might be really slow and boring.. I'm actually worried I won't have much to do. So perhaps I'll try the Jdate and Plenty of Fish. I've also heard of crazyblinddate.com which I would try on a dare or if someone paid me. And by paid, I mean either bought something from Arbonne or Cafe Press. Yes. I am shameless.
In any case, my friend and I were on the phone and he was like, "wow, I can't believe you put that picture up. You have no shame."
Yes, I have no shame.
and to see some lovely people that also have kindly given up their shame for my photographic project- please see this link.
hmmm
I'm thinking of joining match.com again. I haven't had any fun, dating adventures in a long while Although maybe I should concentrate on my photography and back to better habits- i.e. working out. Any thoughts? It's damn expensive. $75 for 3 months so if I did it, I'd really have to commit to it. Hmmm.
Christmas in Schmersey
This is one of the first weeks since I was unemployed that I've had absolutely no obligations. Very few errands and can just spend it hanging out. Actually, this is the first week between Christmas and New Years since 2005 that I've had a paid vacation and wasn't freelancing! Despite the turmoil in the financial sector, and various other tragedies, I feel that overall, this has been a fantastic year for me. More on that when I do my "look back."
But for now, here's a sampling of what Christmas in Schmersey is like for me. It involves going to the 5pm Carol Readings at St. Peter's in Citicorp Center where my sister and I, like two children with undiagnosed ADD, scope out the cute boys, write notes on our program, get distracted by the adorable children, sing our hearts outs, and get teary eyed when we listen to the beautiful music and feel the love among our family and congregation.
The ride back into New Jersey included us singing our hearts out some more- this time to Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terril. Our newest tradition has been to get bagels and lox. Perhaps a nod to the Jewish half of our Jewthuranism despite my doctor's orders to limit my carbs. This year we got caught up watching National Treasure on TV as a family, so involved that we post-poned opening presents. Finally, we sat in the living room to open up presents- a Christmas Eve tradition that is apparently Norwegian. Despite perpetuating my extreme impatience and tendency towards instant gratification, I feel it's more romantic and relaxing. Instead of opening our presents groggy-eyed, we sit, laugh, and enjoy.
A Charlie Brown Ad Agency
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnxSEg8pQlw&hl=en&fs=1&w=425&h=344]
I got this from my West Coast sister. I would have posted this sooner but I was too busy working! This is so hysterically accurate from the insecure creatives to missing your weekend events, to hooking up with coworkers while drunk. Anyway, here's to advertising! I love it!
Holy Crackers
I've been working non stop like a Mo' Fo. Ain't even gotz time for Christmas Shopping. Holy Crap.
Gotta get back to work.
Cozy in Schmersey
I'm so glad I made the trek to my parent's today. It's so nice and cozy. No massive pipe banging to keep me awake. And I can literally spend the entire weekend in their house and not feel lazy, lonely or lame. There's something about being able to walk through various rooms, up and down stairs, that make staying inside not that claustrophobic. And all the goodies my mom buys. Case in point.
Me: looking through the cabinets. "Mom, why did you buy all these pastries? You know we don't need them."
Mom: "Because they were on sale."
Me: Noting that this is the same answer she always gives and shakes head. "But mom, what's the point of buying something on sale if we don't need it and will make us fat..." trails off.
Verizon Still Sucks
It's been nearly a month and I still haven't gotten my $369 back. The dumb folks at Verizon gave me about 2/3rds then said I needed to go to the store where I purchased the original phone. Then I went back to the store, and they told me Verizon made a mistake. So here I am waiting another 2-3 week for the rest of my money. Joy. Come on. You know you want to switch to the iPhone. All that talk about Verizon having a better network is BS. I haven't taken my phone outside the tri-state area.. but come on. iPhone.... It's about the same amount as Verizon with a data plan but unlike Verizon, there aren't bullshit, hidden fees. And the phone is so much easier to use.
Global Warming Isn't Going Away
2008 record hottest year and 98-08 hottest decade. See here.
Music is My Boyfriend...
These last two nights have been all about the music, and some damn good music at that. Last night, I went into Williamsburg at Pete's Candy to see the Nightrats, sort of mellow, but interesting sound. Can't figure out who to compare them to but I like their style, and they mix French into their lyrics which is cool. On top of that, met some really cool people. I can't tell you how nice it is to meet artistic people. As much as I've enjoyed the last 5 year and value the friendships I've made, it gets old speaking with finance people, etc. Definitely nice to be appreciated or recognized for my creative abilities instead. I've felt like I've made a greater effort to understand what people do in finance than anyone has in asking me what advertising, etc. is all about. But maybe that's just me.
Then tonight, I went to another Symphonics Live show, pictures to come soon. As always, it was inspiring and moving. Shawn has a knack for finding some seriously talented people and mixing it up in an eclectic, sophisticated way. And the types of people that are drawn to him have a mutual respect for spirituality, musical talents, honesty, and we all let ourselves be moved by the music. One of the singer's one year old child was in the audience, and to every one's amazement, had perfect, natural rhythm. He instinctively wanted to dance the minute any music came on. And the icing on this week's cake (although the week's not over), was a party I went to on West Houston for a few drinks where I met up with some cool coworkers. I still owe this blog a comparison to my life last year. I guess I might as well wait until New Year's at this point. But let me tell you, I know I'm young and maybe not the wisest, but life definitely has it's ups and downs. And when I say that, I'm focusing on the ups.. because I believe that no matter what you're going through, life will turn around. I feel blessed to have the strength and support from family and friends to help me ride out the waves. And am always learning about myself and others.
peace and love.