Weekend Update
Believe it or not, I spent the majority of the weekend watching True Blood. Despite moving in about a month, I sadly just discovered that I have HBO On Demand. I know. There are no words.. I guess I thought that it only went into my roommate's room. So yeah, I'm kind of depressed that vampires don't exist. Not that they bring any real benefit to our lives but it gets easy to fall into the world of magic and mystery. I know that the world is a beautiful and mysterious place and there's so much we have yet to discover, yada yada, but it can be depressing that in many ways, things are just as they seem. Or are they? Perhaps this is why I don't read fiction very often. If I find a fictional world that I like, I won't be able to get out of that world. I'll read or watch the series until my eyes are closing. And slip into a slightly cranky, mild depression once I have finished the series.
Yeah, I'm in one of those funks again. Lots of changes going on. Well- maybe just one but it's a big one. I haven't figured out exactly how I'm going to move, and of course, where. I'm not sure if I'll regret moving out of my neighborhood. Will I miss the people I see everyday? Do I need to say goodbye to my neighbor I see once a month? My grocer? Will I get annoyed traveling home on the subway from the gym? Resent paying for cabs? Miss being able to walk to Washington Square Park on the weekend?
And the the old questions and desires are coming back. Should I go to grad school? Apply in the fall? Move to Paris? Florence? Will I ever pay off my debt? These are the thoughts that bang around inside my head on a daily basis, giving me a headache. I don't know what it will take to push me forward and complete one of my goals.
On a more positive note, here are some of the favorite shots I took this weekend of my sister and her friend, Ben.
It looks like Ben is trying to control my sister with his eyes. I suppose I should retouch a light beam coming from his eyes.
Another favorite. I handed them the books as a random suggestion when I was trying to figure out what they should do. Afterwards, I realized how perfect it was because the two of them literally grew up with Harry Potter. I believe their ages corresponded exactly with Harry's. Not to mention there's that whole play on innocence vs. adolescence, reading in bed as a child vs the cliche image of two adults reading in bed. Anyway, check out the set and let me know what you think. I need to edit it down.
Rainy Day
I'm trying to enjoy my day off right now. Perfect weather for lounging around except I've been on my work email all morning. Oh well, such is life.
Yesterday, my photography class took a field trip to Times Square to demonstrate how to photograph flash in ambient light, especially ambient light that's so transient. My teacher also wanted us to see how he is able to go up to strangers and photograph them. He had a funny line about this. "Taking portraits of strangers is similar to kissing. Once you get the first kiss, it's pretty much guaranteed you'll get the second."
The image below is no way related to Time Square or kissing but I thought it's post it for some visuals.
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Apartment Search and then Some
I'm taking the Upper East Side off the table again. I hung out there yesterday and although it's close to the park and people I hang out with, I just feel like it's too generic. Not sure how I feel about the general population that lives there. I love how each neighborhood in New York has a distinct character even from one block to another. Plus having to wait for the 456 probably takes just as long as having to wait for any train in Brooklyn.
In other news, I went to the doctor again- follow appointment. This is nothing new, but apparently I have to give up all refined carbs if I want to lose weight. My doctor put it in terms that I could understand- it's like being an alcoholic.. all or nothing. I have to give it all up because apparently I can't handle moderation. Yeah, that's pretty accurate. Although ironically, he didn't try to deter me from having a glass of red wine every once in while. In fact, he seemed to encourage it. It's definitely harder to plan meals given this information. Seems like refined carbs are easier to grab on the go but yeah, I already know this. Anyway, I'm making an announcement in the hopes that it will keep more motivated. Besides, there ain't no AA for reformed refined carbaholics. Okay, maybe there is- it's called Overeaters Anonymous but I'm not ready to go there. Anyway, you can put off a lot of things, but you can't put off weightloss.
So um, here's to the first day of the rest of my life. That would be tomorrow I mean. No more refined carbs. No more pizza, no more bagels (actually gave that up months ago), no more bread basket, or pasta, or pastries, or muffins. BUT here's to cheese!, nuts, peanut butter, butter, delicious vegetables, fruit, and anything creamy and fatty.
I suppose I'll keep you posted on my progress. The goal is to lose 20 pounds by November. I'm hoping that by telling my readers that, I'll be more likely to achieve it.
Film Maker from my Home Town
My favorite line and so true is how he says when someone says they're from New Jersey, they're automatically like a brother or sister to him. Thanks sis for the link!
Telling Dream?
Yeah, I know.. talking about your dreams with others is kind of lame so I'll make it short. Last night, I dreamed that I was in a small plane, and in the front for some reason. Maybe even the cockpit, and I was talking to my dad on my cell phone. Then all of a sudden, I saw the ground getting way too close, hung up and realized the pilot was passed out. So I tried to steer the plane to safety but ended up crashing it (but good enough that we sort of landed). Then grabbed the nearest bag and hopped out of the plane. Then of course, seconds later, it burst into flames.
When I got out, some people came to help me but they didn't seem terribly concerned about the whole situation. Believe it or not, I think we landed in Kansas or maybe it was outside Kansas City, Missouri. In the end, I was freaking out that my camera was damaged and my computer. But it turned out I had grabbed the right bag that held my camera, although my computer was toast.
I'm curious to understand why my sub-conscious thinks I'm "crashing" or nearly about to crash but take comfort in know that my love for photography, etc. will pull me through. Or it's what I need to focus on.
Ups and Downs
Ups- my photography teachers remarked that various shots from my edit were $500 portraits. Sweet. So yeah, hire me for your head shots. I gotz the skillz. That's where I need to focus on the positive. I can't remember a time in my adult, post college life where I have been so consistently inspired. Nothing like following ones passion.
Down. So this whole dating thing is having its ups and downs. Der. I kind of knew what I was getting into but it seems like every time a date doesn't work out, I get annoyed cause it requires me to go back to the drawing board. And then I wonder if I can find another smart, cute and interesting guy. Then a week goes by, and I usually do. It's just that being impatient and dating really don't go together. Then again, being impatient is something I need to work on and probably doesn't serve me well in any situation.
Ups- ever have one of those days where you look at yourself in the mirror and it's after a long day at work, rainy out, gross weather.. but you think, "damn, I look good." Come on, don't lie. You know you do. So yeah, I'm having one of those. Two very hot, but obviously younger guys stopped me on the street on my way home asking for advice on Thursday night hot spots. At what age is a woman old enough to become a cougar?
And down, even though I hate to end on a bad note-- two of my favorite coworkers are moving on from our company to pursue other endeavors. A company is all about its people and it's interesting to see how it evolves, grows, changes, etc. based on the particular group. Then how we evolve, grow and change to accommodate those changes.
Very Cool Ad
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0rx1srLsh0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1&w=425&h=344]
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
Vote for the King
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvSZkrGGz2w&hl=en&fs=1&w=425&h=344]
Coworker's husband who is very nice. Vote for him on the Dunkin Donuts site here.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit spoon - smart purchase of the week and nice way to start off the morning.
But Of Course
Just a typical day OUTSIDE the office honey. Lunch break in Union Square:
Guy selling t-shirts Mmm. Spicy.
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.
Introvert or Extrovert
Not to bite off of Nonsociety's links but found this article about introverts and extroverts interesting. Despite my tendency to tell the world my life story, I'm somewhat of an introvert at times. The thought of spending all day with people scares me but then again I'm not constantly connected through my phone, twitter, etc. I've never found myself to be boring and in fact, would rather do something by myself than someone I don't 100% click with. Food for though. Introvert or extrovert?
All Updates Fit to Print
I'm hoping you weren't crying yourself to sleep every night wondering when you'd see my next post. This week was action packed. Okay, maybe "action" is not the right word. Tuesday night had a meeting for an event I'm helping to organize.. more details to follow but save the date for Thursday night, June 25th. Wednesday went home to Schmersey for a mere 4 hours to see my dad get a worthy send off after serving the Board of Education for 12 years. It was beautiful to see both of my parents recognized and appreciated and the impact they've had on our town. The fact remains that I grew up in a very special town and they're continuing to do great things. Yeah, I'm a dork.
Thursday, I had my photography class and afterward, attended an end of semester party for Brooklyn Law. I was wearing my chucks and jeans while all the girls were wearing heels and dresses. It was awesome. My friend introduced me to some cool peeps. Of course they were drunk and I was tired.. which I guess sort of puts us at the same level.
Then Friday, thankfully I had a day off. Let's not even talk about the ending to Grey's Anatomy. Okay, let's. Any thoughts??? Holy crap! Saturday, I spent all day walking around Brooklyn. I checked out the NY Photo Festival, last day is today so GET THERE. Managed to run into about 6 people I know including someone I used to work with at ted.com. It always comes back to ted. Like aaalways. Then walked from DUMBO to Carrol Gardens - nothing like an evening stroll with my music and myself. Then met friends in Park Slope to attend a house party. At the party, spoke in length to a girl who went to Harvard undergrad and now attended MIT for grad school. It was funny that she talked about people being insecure about their Harvard background. What an interesting but understandable perspective. Then we headed back into Manhattan where I had my first Katz's Deli experience.. I know, I know. And finally back to my beautifully, comfortable bed where I would have slept my Sunday away if my mom hadn't called around 11:30.
Off for another adventure. Tootles.
here's some visual entertainment. Shots I took for my class.
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.
My Other Blog
Marking the year anniversary (+2 days) of another blog started last year and not really finished with a photo of Mr. Bobblehead #2. Okay, back to work!
Ponderings
I'm gathering the Jpegs for my upcoming photography class. We had to shoot portraits using side lighting and Rembrant lighting. Both lighting styles are very dramatic-- well at least how they want us to do the assignment, using our flash on a stand. It's hard to make flattering portraits since they're such high contrast. Anyway, I just realized that oddly enough, 2 out of my 3 subjects are named Kirsten. What are the chances? I'm sure I could find other similarities, like they're both artists.. but I'll stop there.
And side note.. I consider myself a reasonably happy person. I'm rarely bitchy, and tend to have a optimistic, nearly naive view of the world. But lately I have found myself surrounded by negativity and after all these years (2 to be exact), it's really starting to get to me. I cannot imagine how someone can walk around with so much constant anger and such a bitter view of the world. I started out feeling bad for this person, but now that the negative energy is starting to effect me, I'm less inclined to feel that way.
Okay- one more hippie-dippie comment. I rarely ever read my horoscope, but saw a link to Astrology Zone through Julia Allison. Anyway, it said on May 9th, I'll be getting a chunk of cash. And wouldn't you know it- the people I babysit for just asked if I can sit on Saturday night. Of course despite having a million tentative plans I said yes but still..
-Image to put me in happier place.
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..