Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Your Subway has Turkey on Whole Wheat with Lettuce, Tomato, and Extra Cheese
Mine has bootleg DVDs, 5 for $20, a gloves salesman, a foul mouthed drunk man at 96th Street who might just fall into the tracks when the train pulls away and a really bad reputation on the weekends.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Hello Snow.
Right Now for
New York, NY
Light Snow
24 degrees
Feels Like 17 degrees
This is more than LIGHT SNOW! And its still "Fall"...
Though I did not leave the apartment today, I know this is just the beginning of what I am going to face during my first winter in the city. It's Me vs. The Elements out there, with no car to protect me. I'm bound to go down with frostbite and numb limbs.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
A Random Semi-Celebrity Encounter
My first.
and its.....
AL ROKER!!!
yesssss. i'll take it.
He was walking towards me, looking very nonchalant and casual. I was staring at him, and he saw me. I kinda smiled at him as I passed.
Location: E84th and Lexington
Time: 7pm
More famous types need to come uptown.
and its.....
AL ROKER!!!
yesssss. i'll take it.
He was walking towards me, looking very nonchalant and casual. I was staring at him, and he saw me. I kinda smiled at him as I passed.
Location: E84th and Lexington
Time: 7pm
More famous types need to come uptown.
Monday, November 19, 2007
This one time I was on set for the Sex & the City movie...
So, I somehow ended up on this email list (I think it was from a craigslist posting) that gives insider information for where and when they are going to be doing a taping for the Sex & the City movie here in NYC.
For instance, I got this info. yesterday for today's filming:
Lennox Hill Hospital
10 East 77th Street at Lexington Avenue (2nd Floor)
Stand Ins: 7:30AM and 2PM report
Background: 7:30 AM and 3PM report
4 babies- 10:30am, noon, 1:30pm, 3pm
One scene is exterior Fall season, One is Spring Season
Well, last week or maybe before I got one of these emails for a 9AM call for stand-ins in the Gramercy/ Flatiron area. Me, being oblivious and not down with movie-lingo thought
that they were just calling for random people from the streets to come in and be an extra essentially. So I went to the Hotel Giraffe on Park Avenue South and East 26th for my big screen debut and for my chance to finally see someone famous.
So I get there, and there's something definitely going on- definitely a movie. Oh wait! There's "Big"!! I go up to one of the Production Assistants and tell her that I am here to be a stand-in and I was told to go to the 11th Floor of the hotel at 9AM. She says she's not sure and sends me to another P.A., who then sends me to another one. This dude keeps "SHHH!"-ing me, so I talk quieter. He gets pissed cause I'm not supposed to be talking while they are filming. At this point, I'm like actually on the set. I see "Big" and he's getting in and out of the back of a black car over and over again. There were no girls in site. Bummer. So I continue on, telling him the information I received. He asks where I got it- and I said in an email. Then he's saying my name over his walkie talkie to some production people I assume asking where I should be! He asked me, "What agency do you work with?" and for some number or something, and at that point, well actually before then, I realized that perhaps I'm not really supposed to be IN the movie, and that maybe the information was just to fill me in on where they were filming. But I just played along, cause well, I made it this far- let's see how far I can take this.
I told him I was independent, and that I wasn't represented by any agency. Then he said they didn't need stand-ins for this scene. Hmm. Another PA said, "She'd be great for the fashion show tomorrow." I thanked them, walked away, and pretended to be really confused. I told the first PA woman I spoke to that I guess I had been given wrong information. She was like, "Well its weird that it said the 11th floor and the time and everything. Why don't you go up and see." So she let me go INTO the hotel, knowing that I had no business being there, but figured what the hell. I was waiting to see Carrie and Charlotte having breakfast in the lobby, but no such luck. I went up to the 11th floor and it opened to an entire floor of production stuff. Cameras, lights, dudes who knew how to work the cameras and lights. I told one of them the same lie- that I was supposed to report here to be a stand-in. They were super nice- one of them even thought he saw me-or my jacket at least on the subway this morning. But, he was going north, and me, south, so no. They mentioned some holding area on another street and other avenue and then I left.
I left the site, hoping to find the "holding area." I walked into a building, but they looked at me funny when I asked if they were there for the movie. I walked around some more, then gave up on movie stardom. On my way back to the subway, I walked past the Hotel Giraffe to try to see if something new was going on, but was trying to be discrete since I had already been lurking on set before. I didn't want them to think I was just some stalker or something... (obviously I am).
For instance, I got this info. yesterday for today's filming:
Lennox Hill Hospital
10 East 77th Street at Lexington Avenue (2nd Floor)
Stand Ins: 7:30AM and 2PM report
Background: 7:30 AM and 3PM report
4 babies- 10:30am, noon, 1:30pm, 3pm
One scene is exterior Fall season, One is Spring Season
Well, last week or maybe before I got one of these emails for a 9AM call for stand-ins in the Gramercy/ Flatiron area. Me, being oblivious and not down with movie-lingo thought
that they were just calling for random people from the streets to come in and be an extra essentially. So I went to the Hotel Giraffe on Park Avenue South and East 26th for my big screen debut and for my chance to finally see someone famous.So I get there, and there's something definitely going on- definitely a movie. Oh wait! There's "Big"!! I go up to one of the Production Assistants and tell her that I am here to be a stand-in and I was told to go to the 11th Floor of the hotel at 9AM. She says she's not sure and sends me to another P.A., who then sends me to another one. This dude keeps "SHHH!"-ing me, so I talk quieter. He gets pissed cause I'm not supposed to be talking while they are filming. At this point, I'm like actually on the set. I see "Big" and he's getting in and out of the back of a black car over and over again. There were no girls in site. Bummer. So I continue on, telling him the information I received. He asks where I got it- and I said in an email. Then he's saying my name over his walkie talkie to some production people I assume asking where I should be! He asked me, "What agency do you work with?" and for some number or something, and at that point, well actually before then, I realized that perhaps I'm not really supposed to be IN the movie, and that maybe the information was just to fill me in on where they were filming. But I just played along, cause well, I made it this far- let's see how far I can take this.
I told him I was independent, and that I wasn't represented by any agency. Then he said they didn't need stand-ins for this scene. Hmm. Another PA said, "She'd be great for the fashion show tomorrow." I thanked them, walked away, and pretended to be really confused. I told the first PA woman I spoke to that I guess I had been given wrong information. She was like, "Well its weird that it said the 11th floor and the time and everything. Why don't you go up and see." So she let me go INTO the hotel, knowing that I had no business being there, but figured what the hell. I was waiting to see Carrie and Charlotte having breakfast in the lobby, but no such luck. I went up to the 11th floor and it opened to an entire floor of production stuff. Cameras, lights, dudes who knew how to work the cameras and lights. I told one of them the same lie- that I was supposed to report here to be a stand-in. They were super nice- one of them even thought he saw me-or my jacket at least on the subway this morning. But, he was going north, and me, south, so no. They mentioned some holding area on another street and other avenue and then I left.
I left the site, hoping to find the "holding area." I walked into a building, but they looked at me funny when I asked if they were there for the movie. I walked around some more, then gave up on movie stardom. On my way back to the subway, I walked past the Hotel Giraffe to try to see if something new was going on, but was trying to be discrete since I had already been lurking on set before. I didn't want them to think I was just some stalker or something... (obviously I am).
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
The City's Babies
It's a strange thing to fathom, as a suburban-raised child, to imagine my life growing up any other way. Minivans. School buses. Vacations. Big houses and backyards. Pets. Mall trips and grocery stores. Getting your license and eventually your own car- if you were lucky. These are things that define a "normal" childhood, but my "normal" does not apply here at all.
When I think about who lives in New York City, I think about young professionals from all over the country who are here with big dreams. Or rich older people with fancy apartments and drivers. Or the people with street cred whose families have been born and raised in NYC for years. Who are the forgotten ones? The many, many children.
A child being born and raised in New York City seems to me like such a far out idea. "It's weird to think that kids are actually raised here." It seems like one of those things only in movies, but obviously it happens here, and it still ceases to intrigue me. "They don't know any different," said one mom. And its true. But they're here- and there is no shortage.
The middle-class we know is transformed completely in the realm of the urban playground.
The children take public transportation to school- subway or bus. They take lessons- piano, French, dance, Spanish, Hebrew (because a city child must be 'cultured'). They have nannies. They have doormen. When they leave the city, their parents use a rental car to travel to Connecticut or Vermont. They share a room with their sibling and are used to limited space. They might have a tutor. They are in a "gifted" school, but its still labeled with a number- Public School (P.S.)- ##. Their parents don't get home from work until really late. They were pushed in strollers down Broadway and are now running with bookbags across it on their way home from school.
The truth is that it is extremely inconvenient to have children here. Things cost way more obviously. NYC is a place where babysitters get paid $15 hour to watch a 22-month year old child when she is sleeping (personal experience), while the parents go out and frolic around town for dinner or Cirque du Solei at Madison Square Garden or take a private French lesson. There are no ramps for strollers on the subway, just stairs and more stairs. A family trip out means that everyone bundles up and heads out with their Metrocards- or piles into a taxi. Finding a good school is incredibly difficult.
The strange thing I noticed about some of these kids is that they are not at all street smart or well-versed on their own city beyond their neighborhood- "Upper West Side is the besssst side!" I think the constant being ushered around by over-paid babysitters and being spoiled and sheltered has not allowed them to really take in their surroundings. It frightens me that we were only about 10 blocks from the family's apartment, and they (ages 12 and 9) did not know the order of the avenues or the north-south numbering of the streets, and thus, could not find their way home. And all the languages in the world can't help them with that.
When I think about who lives in New York City, I think about young professionals from all over the country who are here with big dreams. Or rich older people with fancy apartments and drivers. Or the people with street cred whose families have been born and raised in NYC for years. Who are the forgotten ones? The many, many children.
A child being born and raised in New York City seems to me like such a far out idea. "It's weird to think that kids are actually raised here." It seems like one of those things only in movies, but obviously it happens here, and it still ceases to intrigue me. "They don't know any different," said one mom. And its true. But they're here- and there is no shortage.
The middle-class we know is transformed completely in the realm of the urban playground.
The children take public transportation to school- subway or bus. They take lessons- piano, French, dance, Spanish, Hebrew (because a city child must be 'cultured'). They have nannies. They have doormen. When they leave the city, their parents use a rental car to travel to Connecticut or Vermont. They share a room with their sibling and are used to limited space. They might have a tutor. They are in a "gifted" school, but its still labeled with a number- Public School (P.S.)- ##. Their parents don't get home from work until really late. They were pushed in strollers down Broadway and are now running with bookbags across it on their way home from school.
The truth is that it is extremely inconvenient to have children here. Things cost way more obviously. NYC is a place where babysitters get paid $15 hour to watch a 22-month year old child when she is sleeping (personal experience), while the parents go out and frolic around town for dinner or Cirque du Solei at Madison Square Garden or take a private French lesson. There are no ramps for strollers on the subway, just stairs and more stairs. A family trip out means that everyone bundles up and heads out with their Metrocards- or piles into a taxi. Finding a good school is incredibly difficult.
The strange thing I noticed about some of these kids is that they are not at all street smart or well-versed on their own city beyond their neighborhood- "Upper West Side is the besssst side!" I think the constant being ushered around by over-paid babysitters and being spoiled and sheltered has not allowed them to really take in their surroundings. It frightens me that we were only about 10 blocks from the family's apartment, and they (ages 12 and 9) did not know the order of the avenues or the north-south numbering of the streets, and thus, could not find their way home. And all the languages in the world can't help them with that.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Missed Connections
Everyday on the subway. You catch his eye. He catches yours. You should have said something, but you didn't. Here's your chance.
You gave me money for the subway! - w4m
you were waiting for a customer by central park (riding one of those bike/cab things) It was freezing, i was only wearing a green hoody. you were (i suspect)of eastern european backround. i asked you directions to get home (55 blocks away), on the verge of tears. i explained that my wallet was stolen... you gave me money for the subway and i blew kisses at you all down the block. in that moment, i wanted to marry you. but now, i just want to thank you for your kindness. i forgot to ask your name... ask me mine.
Saturday Night at 9 on the Q with tubs of mozzarella - m4w
We sat across from one another when you got on at 14th Street. You wore a green jacket with a little zipper pocket on the wrist of your left sleeve, you had big blue eyes, you weren't wearing any earrings. You had a little bag with tubs of mozzarella inside. I was wearing a black leather jacket over a red hoodie. I thought you were an absolute dream and would have loved to have known your name. I must have been insane not to abandon my plans and join you when you got off at Canal. Oh well. Perhaps you'll see this.
South Asian (Indian) Guy on Downtown 6 Train - w4m - 26
saw you on the 6 Downtown train today (Sunday) around 230ish. I forgot what station you got on but it was after 59th. You were South Asian/Indian, reading a packet or something, with a red hat, a black backpack and brown (tan) shoes. I was the Indian girl with the bright coat and long hair sitting down behind you. This is a shot in the dark but thought I'd see if you actually saw this-you were incredibly cute and intriguing!
On the 1 uptown or was it the 2? who knows.. - m4w - 23 (Midtown)
let's see, this was on Thursday night, I was heading uptown to visit some friends and really just spend some trivial time when I saw you across the train car. You were blonde, with freckles, and green eyes to kill for. I wanted to tell you right away (like they used to do in the old times) that I wanted to marry and have a big family with you, and travel the world and grow old, or of course at the very least grab a cup of coffee together and talk. But I was too shy, how could I have not been shy when I had the most beautiful vision for the day/week/lifetime. Anyway I'm very doubtful you'll actually get to see this; in any case, I thought I should do my part in telling the world there's such a beautiful creature walking the earth. Who was I? The tall guy with black hair and dark brown eyes, wearing a green jacket who was staring at you and trying to figure out something nice to say until you got off, the same guy who didn't have the courage to get off at your stop and follow you and tell you how I felt. PS I think it was the number one, but in my state of awe at the moment, I could have been on an airplane to China for all I cared.
To the pretty Latino I left at 167th St. - w4m - 23 (Manhattan->167th St. Bronx)
We were on the 4 heading Uptown. We were in different cars, but when I got off at 167th you saw me through the window. The train pulled away and you looked back at me and I smiled at you. You are a gorgeous latino with a plaid(?) scarf and I am a petite gringa with a blue scarf. These are the stories romantic comedies are made of...
I want some subway love
-----------------------------------
Guys, Quit Acting All Shifty on the Subway and Ask Us Out Already!
Ladies, Stop Edging Away From Us On The Subway And Ask Us Out Already!
You gave me money for the subway! - w4m
you were waiting for a customer by central park (riding one of those bike/cab things) It was freezing, i was only wearing a green hoody. you were (i suspect)of eastern european backround. i asked you directions to get home (55 blocks away), on the verge of tears. i explained that my wallet was stolen... you gave me money for the subway and i blew kisses at you all down the block. in that moment, i wanted to marry you. but now, i just want to thank you for your kindness. i forgot to ask your name... ask me mine.
Saturday Night at 9 on the Q with tubs of mozzarella - m4w
We sat across from one another when you got on at 14th Street. You wore a green jacket with a little zipper pocket on the wrist of your left sleeve, you had big blue eyes, you weren't wearing any earrings. You had a little bag with tubs of mozzarella inside. I was wearing a black leather jacket over a red hoodie. I thought you were an absolute dream and would have loved to have known your name. I must have been insane not to abandon my plans and join you when you got off at Canal. Oh well. Perhaps you'll see this.
South Asian (Indian) Guy on Downtown 6 Train - w4m - 26
saw you on the 6 Downtown train today (Sunday) around 230ish. I forgot what station you got on but it was after 59th. You were South Asian/Indian, reading a packet or something, with a red hat, a black backpack and brown (tan) shoes. I was the Indian girl with the bright coat and long hair sitting down behind you. This is a shot in the dark but thought I'd see if you actually saw this-you were incredibly cute and intriguing!
On the 1 uptown or was it the 2? who knows.. - m4w - 23 (Midtown)
let's see, this was on Thursday night, I was heading uptown to visit some friends and really just spend some trivial time when I saw you across the train car. You were blonde, with freckles, and green eyes to kill for. I wanted to tell you right away (like they used to do in the old times) that I wanted to marry and have a big family with you, and travel the world and grow old, or of course at the very least grab a cup of coffee together and talk. But I was too shy, how could I have not been shy when I had the most beautiful vision for the day/week/lifetime. Anyway I'm very doubtful you'll actually get to see this; in any case, I thought I should do my part in telling the world there's such a beautiful creature walking the earth. Who was I? The tall guy with black hair and dark brown eyes, wearing a green jacket who was staring at you and trying to figure out something nice to say until you got off, the same guy who didn't have the courage to get off at your stop and follow you and tell you how I felt. PS I think it was the number one, but in my state of awe at the moment, I could have been on an airplane to China for all I cared.
To the pretty Latino I left at 167th St. - w4m - 23 (Manhattan->167th St. Bronx)
We were on the 4 heading Uptown. We were in different cars, but when I got off at 167th you saw me through the window. The train pulled away and you looked back at me and I smiled at you. You are a gorgeous latino with a plaid(?) scarf and I am a petite gringa with a blue scarf. These are the stories romantic comedies are made of...
I want some subway love
-----------------------------------
Guys, Quit Acting All Shifty on the Subway and Ask Us Out Already!
Ladies, Stop Edging Away From Us On The Subway And Ask Us Out Already!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Ridiculist
Free Milk
Date: 2007-10-31, 12:27PM EDT
We have a gallon of milk that we're giving away. Expiration date Nov. 10th, never been opened. We bought an extra one and realized we won't use it. Email us as soon as you can if interested.
Location: Astoria
free hangers
Date: 2007-10-31, 9:12PM EDT
I have a whole bunch of plastic hangers that I don't have room for. Some are blue, some are white. Free, must be able to pick up tomorrow evening in Brooklyn Heights. Please e-mail if interested.
OFFER FOOD SCRAPS
Date: 2007-10-31, 8:50PM EDT
I know it's kind of a weird thing to be offering. However I thought I would be doing a lot more composting as well as have a worm farm at this point, but it's just not happening for me yet. So I have a grocery store bag full of frozen food scraps, bones and used paper towels that are white, used for wiping hands and food, no chemicals. If you compost or have a wormfarm, this would be perfect for you. NOTE: this is food scraps for composting and worm farms only, not for eating. Please let me know, I can keep doing this for you, as I promised myself I was going to cut down the amount of garbage I put in landfills, this is just one way I've been keeping that promise. Thanks Donna
Gay dog walker wanted (Chelsea)
Date: 2007-10-30, 12:23PM EDT
We are looking for a gay dog walker in Chelsea that has time to walk one small, very cool and very cute dog. He is a great 5 year old Patterdale Terrier (looks like a puppy Chocolate Lab). He weighs 18lbs, loves to play and loves people. Actually, he really only loves gay people. We can't explain it but he generally does not like straight people, does not like facial hair, does not like people wearing baseball caps and does not like fat people.
Date: 2007-10-31, 12:27PM EDT
We have a gallon of milk that we're giving away. Expiration date Nov. 10th, never been opened. We bought an extra one and realized we won't use it. Email us as soon as you can if interested.
Location: Astoria
free hangers
Date: 2007-10-31, 9:12PM EDT
I have a whole bunch of plastic hangers that I don't have room for. Some are blue, some are white. Free, must be able to pick up tomorrow evening in Brooklyn Heights. Please e-mail if interested.
OFFER FOOD SCRAPS
Date: 2007-10-31, 8:50PM EDT
I know it's kind of a weird thing to be offering. However I thought I would be doing a lot more composting as well as have a worm farm at this point, but it's just not happening for me yet. So I have a grocery store bag full of frozen food scraps, bones and used paper towels that are white, used for wiping hands and food, no chemicals. If you compost or have a wormfarm, this would be perfect for you. NOTE: this is food scraps for composting and worm farms only, not for eating. Please let me know, I can keep doing this for you, as I promised myself I was going to cut down the amount of garbage I put in landfills, this is just one way I've been keeping that promise. Thanks Donna
Gay dog walker wanted (Chelsea)
Date: 2007-10-30, 12:23PM EDT
We are looking for a gay dog walker in Chelsea that has time to walk one small, very cool and very cute dog. He is a great 5 year old Patterdale Terrier (looks like a puppy Chocolate Lab). He weighs 18lbs, loves to play and loves people. Actually, he really only loves gay people. We can't explain it but he generally does not like straight people, does not like facial hair, does not like people wearing baseball caps and does not like fat people.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Screwed by the City.
yet again.
NYC : 500
Me: -5
this elaboration is for you...
I will be home until I don't know when. Then back here eventually to start ALL OVER AGAIN once I build up the strength and stamina to do so. I might even try to work at my old part time job this weekend so I can try to make some freaking money. My savings has been devastatingly drained these past months.
The sad truth: After dedicating myself for 32 hours a week for the past two and a half months, promises were made and broken, and I yet again, have no job. I am so hurt, really pissed off, and completely confused. The job that I was promised and was mine, is no longer.
I can't just quit, so I guess I have to keep trying. (just when I finally thought things were figured out) My luck is unfortunate.
All I really can tell
Is that I always get hit
NYC : 500
Me: -5
this elaboration is for you...
I will be home until I don't know when. Then back here eventually to start ALL OVER AGAIN once I build up the strength and stamina to do so. I might even try to work at my old part time job this weekend so I can try to make some freaking money. My savings has been devastatingly drained these past months.
The sad truth: After dedicating myself for 32 hours a week for the past two and a half months, promises were made and broken, and I yet again, have no job. I am so hurt, really pissed off, and completely confused. The job that I was promised and was mine, is no longer.
I can't just quit, so I guess I have to keep trying. (just when I finally thought things were figured out) My luck is unfortunate.
All I really can tell
Is that I always get hit
Sunday, October 21, 2007
You "Are" Where You Live
In NYC, your neighborhood, says a lot about you. Or well, traps you into a stereotype based on where you choose (or can afford) to pay rent.
Midtown ...you work at a bank and have a lot of money (or live in a closet and are struggling to pay rent)
Upper West Side ...you're highly liberal, possibly Jewish, and have a family. You might have gone to Columbia.
Harlem... means you have street cred.
Upper East Side...you wear Gucci, shop on 5th Ave and Madison and probably have a small cutesy dog (and a dog walker).
The Village... you're so hip, you might be artist, or just pretend to be artsy
Chelsea/ Meat Packing... its ok if you're gay
Williamsburg, Brooklyn... you're a hipster and your boyfriend wears girls pants. Or maybe you just like hipster watching.
Prospect Heights, Brooklyn... you push a stroller and are such the liberal parents
give me more.
Midtown ...you work at a bank and have a lot of money (or live in a closet and are struggling to pay rent)
Upper West Side ...you're highly liberal, possibly Jewish, and have a family. You might have gone to Columbia.
Harlem... means you have street cred.
Upper East Side...you wear Gucci, shop on 5th Ave and Madison and probably have a small cutesy dog (and a dog walker).
The Village... you're so hip, you might be artist, or just pretend to be artsy
Chelsea/ Meat Packing... its ok if you're gay
Williamsburg, Brooklyn... you're a hipster and your boyfriend wears girls pants. Or maybe you just like hipster watching.
Prospect Heights, Brooklyn... you push a stroller and are such the liberal parents
give me more.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
How to tell if the guy you're talking to in the park is schizophrenic:
It started with him having a conversation in an invented language with a person who wasn't there, moved on to my "ballet shoes" and how the sun is the best source of Vitamin D- especially while drinking milk at the same time.
Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia:
Unusual emotional reactions - check
Deterioration in personal hygiene - check
Unusual sensitivity - check
Social isolation - check
Hyperactivity or inactivity - check
Inability to concentrate - check
Delusions - check
Hallucinations- check
Grossly disorganized behavior- check
Disrupted thoughts and behavior- check
It ended with him showing me his handwritten (scratched) version of the bible- including the phrase "aforementioned 'NAPPY HAIR' from my ancestors", mumbling rants I couldn't really understand, talks about how God has an "invisible grip" on the world, and then how he predicted JFK would be shot.
neveradullmoment
Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia:
Unusual emotional reactions - check
Deterioration in personal hygiene - check
Unusual sensitivity - check
Social isolation - check
Hyperactivity or inactivity - check
Inability to concentrate - check
Delusions - check
Hallucinations- check
Grossly disorganized behavior- check
Disrupted thoughts and behavior- check
It ended with him showing me his handwritten (scratched) version of the bible- including the phrase "aforementioned 'NAPPY HAIR' from my ancestors", mumbling rants I couldn't really understand, talks about how God has an "invisible grip" on the world, and then how he predicted JFK would be shot.
neveradullmoment
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Flowered Taxis
Out of nowhere taxis began popping up with flowered sticker decals on their hoods. I thought it was for some event, but they've been on there for a couple weeks now, and they're in every neighborhood. I just figured out why.
"Garden in Transit may be the most ambitious community collaboration and public art project in New York City history. As part of this groundbreaking motivational art, education, and creative therapy project, thousands of kids in schools, hospitals, and community institutions are painting vibrant flowers -- symbolizing joy, life, beauty, and inspiration -- on adhesive weatherproof panels that will be applied to the hoods, trunks and/or roofs of thousands of New York City taxis. Beginning in September 2007 and until year's end, New York City will be visually transformed, as the ubiquitous yellow icon becomes a mobile artistic canvas or -- "Garden in Transit." "
more:
http://www.portraitsofhope.org/git/about_git.php
pretty cool.
"Garden in Transit may be the most ambitious community collaboration and public art project in New York City history. As part of this groundbreaking motivational art, education, and creative therapy project, thousands of kids in schools, hospitals, and community institutions are painting vibrant flowers -- symbolizing joy, life, beauty, and inspiration -- on adhesive weatherproof panels that will be applied to the hoods, trunks and/or roofs of thousands of New York City taxis. Beginning in September 2007 and until year's end, New York City will be visually transformed, as the ubiquitous yellow icon becomes a mobile artistic canvas or -- "Garden in Transit." "
more:
http://www.portraitsofhope.org/git/about_git.php
pretty cool.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
True Life: I Live in the Spanish Ghetto
It's true. There's no denying. No amount of sugar-coating can change the fact that I do, indeed live in SPANISH HARLEM. The ghetto... en español.
While there are some suburban-raised young professionals, I predict that the neighborhood's ethnic breakup is as follows:
65% Hispanic (mostly Puerto Rican, some Dominican and Mexican)
30% Black (a lot of Afro-Latinos)
3% Are wondering how the hell they've found themselves in this neighborhood
This is dramatically different than my Morningside 112th and Broadway apt. only about 7 blocks west.
I took a walk to the post office 2 blocks down 110th- the Oscar Garcia Rivera Station, por supesto. On the way there, I passed a bunch of sketchy little stores- a laundromat, some convenient stores, random flower shops that I always pass on the way to the subway, but are never as hopping as they are on this weekend day. I hear a man yelling in Spanish, and as I get closer I see a black man with a microphone. He was talking too fast for me to begin to translate. I'm sure it was something to do about Dios (God) because those overly religious types seem to be drawn to microphones in this city, regardless of language. I passed this "garden" thing where they were setting something up- maybe for Halloween I don't know. There were fake gravestones. One read that a person died because of an "ingrown toe" That sounds painful. And then the neighborhood hangout yard where old latino men go to listen to salsa, eat, talk, and watch the girls walking by.
On the post office building it reads "HELL'S GATE". I'll just leave that alone. Inside the tellers are bilingual. It's weird to feel almost wrong for speaking English in a country where I am a citizen. It's weird to feel like a country built by Europeans is actually and literally being taken over by Latinos. Don't get me wrong- I have no problem with Latinos and have many amigos from home. In fact- my dream man is from South America, but are we losing our identity? It's not just in this neighborhood that there is an overwhelming Latino presence- they are all over. Yesterday I was in the 80s of the Upper West Side there was reggaeton playing in Circuit City! Now, I love me some Daddy Yankee and Tego, but it feels slightly like a takeover.
So afterwards, instead of walking back, I decided to take the scenic route back and explore the hood a bit more, since my sights so far have been pretty limited. I walked north, deeper into it along Lexington to 116th street where I read was the "center". I walked passed the countless chicken restaurants, Dominos, KFC, Burger King, Wendy's, water ice vendors, people selling food from foil-lined containers from ontop of shopping carts (and there were lines!!), ghetto clothing stores where you can get a shirt or skirt for $1.25, shoe stores, Washington Mutual Bank with signs in Spanish, super markets...
Now when I constantly mention the fact that people hit on me left and right its not for my ego. Truth is that none of these people who direct their attention towards me have a chance of me reciprocating. It's just really shocking how they are so open and vocal. It was kinda like that in Argentina- creepy older doormen would say things in Spanish, but nothing like this! I've heard "Have a good afternoon" a couple times, once with an attached, "Have a good night!" Today, literally within 10 minutes I was greeting and hollered at by like 5-6 Spanish-speaking men. "Hola!" and a handicapped black guy crossing the street told me, "Good afternoon and God Bless!" To top off my walk around El Barrio, as I was unlocking my front door, a guy walking by said, "Can I come home with you?" Jesus Cristo!
Now I hear salsa music blaring. This neighborhood is lacking in many areas, but no one can say this neighborhood is lacking character or culture...
While there are some suburban-raised young professionals, I predict that the neighborhood's ethnic breakup is as follows:
65% Hispanic (mostly Puerto Rican, some Dominican and Mexican)
30% Black (a lot of Afro-Latinos)
3% Are wondering how the hell they've found themselves in this neighborhood
This is dramatically different than my Morningside 112th and Broadway apt. only about 7 blocks west.
I took a walk to the post office 2 blocks down 110th- the Oscar Garcia Rivera Station, por supesto. On the way there, I passed a bunch of sketchy little stores- a laundromat, some convenient stores, random flower shops that I always pass on the way to the subway, but are never as hopping as they are on this weekend day. I hear a man yelling in Spanish, and as I get closer I see a black man with a microphone. He was talking too fast for me to begin to translate. I'm sure it was something to do about Dios (God) because those overly religious types seem to be drawn to microphones in this city, regardless of language. I passed this "garden" thing where they were setting something up- maybe for Halloween I don't know. There were fake gravestones. One read that a person died because of an "ingrown toe" That sounds painful. And then the neighborhood hangout yard where old latino men go to listen to salsa, eat, talk, and watch the girls walking by.
On the post office building it reads "HELL'S GATE". I'll just leave that alone. Inside the tellers are bilingual. It's weird to feel almost wrong for speaking English in a country where I am a citizen. It's weird to feel like a country built by Europeans is actually and literally being taken over by Latinos. Don't get me wrong- I have no problem with Latinos and have many amigos from home. In fact- my dream man is from South America, but are we losing our identity? It's not just in this neighborhood that there is an overwhelming Latino presence- they are all over. Yesterday I was in the 80s of the Upper West Side there was reggaeton playing in Circuit City! Now, I love me some Daddy Yankee and Tego, but it feels slightly like a takeover.
So afterwards, instead of walking back, I decided to take the scenic route back and explore the hood a bit more, since my sights so far have been pretty limited. I walked north, deeper into it along Lexington to 116th street where I read was the "center". I walked passed the countless chicken restaurants, Dominos, KFC, Burger King, Wendy's, water ice vendors, people selling food from foil-lined containers from ontop of shopping carts (and there were lines!!), ghetto clothing stores where you can get a shirt or skirt for $1.25, shoe stores, Washington Mutual Bank with signs in Spanish, super markets...
Now when I constantly mention the fact that people hit on me left and right its not for my ego. Truth is that none of these people who direct their attention towards me have a chance of me reciprocating. It's just really shocking how they are so open and vocal. It was kinda like that in Argentina- creepy older doormen would say things in Spanish, but nothing like this! I've heard "Have a good afternoon" a couple times, once with an attached, "Have a good night!" Today, literally within 10 minutes I was greeting and hollered at by like 5-6 Spanish-speaking men. "Hola!" and a handicapped black guy crossing the street told me, "Good afternoon and God Bless!" To top off my walk around El Barrio, as I was unlocking my front door, a guy walking by said, "Can I come home with you?" Jesus Cristo!
Now I hear salsa music blaring. This neighborhood is lacking in many areas, but no one can say this neighborhood is lacking character or culture...
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Making the Band
Today I woke up and I just didn't feel like going to work. And that's ok. I had a great day, which included Friends, Regis & Kelly, and that Saved by the Bell episode where they sleep over in the mall. I made some calls I needed to make (its official- my mp3 player is dead), I took a nap, and I didn't change out of my pajamas until 2. It was awesome.
Then I took advantage of a free 3-day membership at the New York Sports Club at 96th and 3rd Avenue. I felt like Diddy should be showing up to make sure I was sweating hard enough. (Making the Band, the show on MTV, reference) It was very nice. I used the weight machines, the eliptical (which had a connected tv which kept turning itself off..) I swam a bunch of laps (with a borrowed/mandatory shower cap) and got complimented on my excellent butterfly form. thankyouverymuch. Of course I saw some boobs, cause I mean, what NYC woman's locker room would be complete without a free peep show? And, exhausted and sore, walked back to the subway station through the lovely Yorkville- which is not quite Upper East, but its closest relative. Brownstones! Cute stores. Kids getting off school. A very cute area. I went into my favorite ghetto supermarket chain, Associated, got some cheap buys, then headed back. Despite my wet hair and gym attire, I still heard kisses being blown. sick.
After getting off the subway (oh. I mean "the train"), I heard singing and I figured it was just a performer, but didn't see him. I heard him more as I was leaving the station and again out on the street. It was a black guy listening to music, singing his heart out. He was so soul. He had it in him and couldn't hold it in. His eyes were closed as he was walking down the street, feeling the music. No one could complain because he was too good. People smiled when they saw him and I smiled back. Some girls clapped for him as he kept walking west along 110th. "He wants to be on American Idol!" said a beautiful Latina woman. I told her he'd been singing since he was on the subway and she laughed. A boy, who commented on him earlier saying "He's having a good day. He's in love" added "We'll vote him off tomorrow" We all laughed and I shared my first true bonding session with the neighbors.
I got chills, and was reminded once again of the guys from the show walking across the George Washington Bridge in the freezing cold singing their hearts out. Music. I looove it.
Don't cut me Diddy. I want to make the band.
Then I took advantage of a free 3-day membership at the New York Sports Club at 96th and 3rd Avenue. I felt like Diddy should be showing up to make sure I was sweating hard enough. (Making the Band, the show on MTV, reference) It was very nice. I used the weight machines, the eliptical (which had a connected tv which kept turning itself off..) I swam a bunch of laps (with a borrowed/mandatory shower cap) and got complimented on my excellent butterfly form. thankyouverymuch. Of course I saw some boobs, cause I mean, what NYC woman's locker room would be complete without a free peep show? And, exhausted and sore, walked back to the subway station through the lovely Yorkville- which is not quite Upper East, but its closest relative. Brownstones! Cute stores. Kids getting off school. A very cute area. I went into my favorite ghetto supermarket chain, Associated, got some cheap buys, then headed back. Despite my wet hair and gym attire, I still heard kisses being blown. sick.
After getting off the subway (oh. I mean "the train"), I heard singing and I figured it was just a performer, but didn't see him. I heard him more as I was leaving the station and again out on the street. It was a black guy listening to music, singing his heart out. He was so soul. He had it in him and couldn't hold it in. His eyes were closed as he was walking down the street, feeling the music. No one could complain because he was too good. People smiled when they saw him and I smiled back. Some girls clapped for him as he kept walking west along 110th. "He wants to be on American Idol!" said a beautiful Latina woman. I told her he'd been singing since he was on the subway and she laughed. A boy, who commented on him earlier saying "He's having a good day. He's in love" added "We'll vote him off tomorrow" We all laughed and I shared my first true bonding session with the neighbors.
I got chills, and was reminded once again of the guys from the show walking across the George Washington Bridge in the freezing cold singing their hearts out. Music. I looove it.
Don't cut me Diddy. I want to make the band.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Lunching on Leftovers in Madison Square Park
1pm. It's lunchtime, and I'm the kind of person who needs to leave the office to enjoy lunch, and get away from the phones and people bugging me. Luckily, Madison Square Park is just a block away and its fabulous for many reasons.
1. The people watching - It's amazing here for people watching. It's a wonderful blend of New York's finest. There are a ton of business suit types (some attractive) from nearby banks and corporations mixed with homeless trashcan pickers, bench sleepers, little kids roller blading, black nannies with white babies, socialite-looking girls with huge sunglasses, young trendy-dressed professionals, tourists, old women with dogs, old men, gay guys, model-y looking people, lesbians, mafia-looking men, spanish speakers, italian speakers, people singing, people writing, people eating, people walking by on the street, people pulling large plastic objects that they are tied to (?), people on the phones crying to their mom because they can't find the bank, people talking to themselves, people watching me watching them.
2. The views- From the right bench, there is a beautiful view of the Empire State Building. There are trees surrounding paths surrounding fountains. Benches to sit on. Chairs and tables. The hot sun. The cool shade. The Shake Shack ALWAYS with a line of 30 people, though I've never been. The playground with the drenched squealing children from the spraying water.
3. The animals- There are a ton of people in the park during lunchtime, but there are about 5 times more animals. There is a "dog run", which is less than impressive, but the dogs flock. Tons of them, all to go socialize and play in the gravel- their urban playground. Persistant pigeons watch you as you eat, waiting for a crumb to drop. They'll get so close to you, you have to push them away with your feet. I fed a pigeon a piece of chicken once, just to see if it would eat it and it did and I was truly grossed out. It seemed cannibalistic- or well, birdibalistic. A bird eating another bird!?? "That's like me eating an Asian!" If the birds are persistant, the squirrels are INSANE. These animals are socialized more than some humans are. They will come up to you and eat out of your hand. Tourists seem to think its funny. The leap all around you, mounting the trashcan right by your bench, making a strange noise you never thought a squirrel could make. Meanwhile birds are flying at your head. Today I imagined myself at the hospital because a bird flew into my eye, but then I was happy when I remembered I had my sunglasses on (and more happy it didn't hit me). A dog comes by and is let loose by its owner. It leaps beyond the fence, chasing all the squirells out of their captured-food graveyard and up into the trees. The noises continue. Barking. Despite the "Please Do Not Feed the Animals" signs throughout the park, these animals are well fed. (I wish I could say the same for the trashcan pickers and bench sleepers.)
It has been in this park that I have and will continue to witness many "only in New York" moments. Political old women hounding me to write to Congress. A random parade through the park today. Lunch and a free show. Wanna meet me for lunch?
Where will I go in the winter....?
1. The people watching - It's amazing here for people watching. It's a wonderful blend of New York's finest. There are a ton of business suit types (some attractive) from nearby banks and corporations mixed with homeless trashcan pickers, bench sleepers, little kids roller blading, black nannies with white babies, socialite-looking girls with huge sunglasses, young trendy-dressed professionals, tourists, old women with dogs, old men, gay guys, model-y looking people, lesbians, mafia-looking men, spanish speakers, italian speakers, people singing, people writing, people eating, people walking by on the street, people pulling large plastic objects that they are tied to (?), people on the phones crying to their mom because they can't find the bank, people talking to themselves, people watching me watching them.
2. The views- From the right bench, there is a beautiful view of the Empire State Building. There are trees surrounding paths surrounding fountains. Benches to sit on. Chairs and tables. The hot sun. The cool shade. The Shake Shack ALWAYS with a line of 30 people, though I've never been. The playground with the drenched squealing children from the spraying water.
3. The animals- There are a ton of people in the park during lunchtime, but there are about 5 times more animals. There is a "dog run", which is less than impressive, but the dogs flock. Tons of them, all to go socialize and play in the gravel- their urban playground. Persistant pigeons watch you as you eat, waiting for a crumb to drop. They'll get so close to you, you have to push them away with your feet. I fed a pigeon a piece of chicken once, just to see if it would eat it and it did and I was truly grossed out. It seemed cannibalistic- or well, birdibalistic. A bird eating another bird!?? "That's like me eating an Asian!" If the birds are persistant, the squirrels are INSANE. These animals are socialized more than some humans are. They will come up to you and eat out of your hand. Tourists seem to think its funny. The leap all around you, mounting the trashcan right by your bench, making a strange noise you never thought a squirrel could make. Meanwhile birds are flying at your head. Today I imagined myself at the hospital because a bird flew into my eye, but then I was happy when I remembered I had my sunglasses on (and more happy it didn't hit me). A dog comes by and is let loose by its owner. It leaps beyond the fence, chasing all the squirells out of their captured-food graveyard and up into the trees. The noises continue. Barking. Despite the "Please Do Not Feed the Animals" signs throughout the park, these animals are well fed. (I wish I could say the same for the trashcan pickers and bench sleepers.)
It has been in this park that I have and will continue to witness many "only in New York" moments. Political old women hounding me to write to Congress. A random parade through the park today. Lunch and a free show. Wanna meet me for lunch?
Where will I go in the winter....?
Friday, September 21, 2007
Welcome Back
Well, I never left, but I haven't really been here mentally.
A few hours in Central Park and I'm feeling quite reconnected.
I have a lot to say, a lot that has happened, but this is whats on my mind most right now:
The Blockhouse at Fort Clinton is officially NOT a place to take the kids on a field trip anymore as its historic values have been stripped away by a man wearing only a G-string sunning on an adjacent rock. It was unfortunate for myself and the fort.
Remind me about the purple underwear I saw falling off the drunk old man on the way to Cafe Hell. The parade with the skanky costumed steppers. The horse riding by. The drunk man with the $40 tab. Makeup application on the subway. MADISON SQUARE PARK. Trashcan picking ok. So much more.
Brief updates:
1. I live in a new apartment with 3 other girls around my age. Its in East Harlem aka Spanish Harlem aka "El Barrio" on MADISON AVENUE. I am in the minority. I hear a lot of "Ay Mami"s. The grocery store carries more Goya products than anything else. English is the second language. Its not as awesome as my beloved West Side, but to make up for it, my actual apartment is quite fabulous (including views of Central Park, all new appliciances, a dishwasher (!!!), brand new floors, a lot of space, etc.). I'm still trying to get adjusted. I was sleeping on an air mattress for probably like 2 weeks. Thankfully it was comfortable and there were no deflating issues. I would have posted, even had a subject, "The Air Mattress Diaries", but that was not possible as I had no internet until last weekend. About 2 weeks without internet or cable. Inconvenient to say the least, but then again, this city to me, isn't known for much different.
2. I am working at the magazine still for free, Monday- Thursday 9-6, which is extremely unfortunate, but I was told that it will be in the very near future that I will be hired full-time. I hate commuting on the 6 train (like J.Lo) more than anything, and that will be subject of a future post.
3. I am also still working at the ghetto coffee shop aka Central Perk Hell aka Cafe Hell aka "This is ridiculous". We still do not have half the ingredients. We still only have one server on on weekend nights. I still always make pretty good money, so... Its hell, but its cash. Oh! Julia Stiles was in there last weekend right before I got there. damnit. Don't ask me if I've met any celebrities... I haven't.
4. My camera broke, which is extremely crappy because there have been many many moments deserving of a photo.
5. So I guess I'm staying here for now.
I'll keep you posted.
A few hours in Central Park and I'm feeling quite reconnected.
I have a lot to say, a lot that has happened, but this is whats on my mind most right now:
The Blockhouse at Fort Clinton is officially NOT a place to take the kids on a field trip anymore as its historic values have been stripped away by a man wearing only a G-string sunning on an adjacent rock. It was unfortunate for myself and the fort.
Remind me about the purple underwear I saw falling off the drunk old man on the way to Cafe Hell. The parade with the skanky costumed steppers. The horse riding by. The drunk man with the $40 tab. Makeup application on the subway. MADISON SQUARE PARK. Trashcan picking ok. So much more.
Brief updates:
1. I live in a new apartment with 3 other girls around my age. Its in East Harlem aka Spanish Harlem aka "El Barrio" on MADISON AVENUE. I am in the minority. I hear a lot of "Ay Mami"s. The grocery store carries more Goya products than anything else. English is the second language. Its not as awesome as my beloved West Side, but to make up for it, my actual apartment is quite fabulous (including views of Central Park, all new appliciances, a dishwasher (!!!), brand new floors, a lot of space, etc.). I'm still trying to get adjusted. I was sleeping on an air mattress for probably like 2 weeks. Thankfully it was comfortable and there were no deflating issues. I would have posted, even had a subject, "The Air Mattress Diaries", but that was not possible as I had no internet until last weekend. About 2 weeks without internet or cable. Inconvenient to say the least, but then again, this city to me, isn't known for much different.
2. I am working at the magazine still for free, Monday- Thursday 9-6, which is extremely unfortunate, but I was told that it will be in the very near future that I will be hired full-time. I hate commuting on the 6 train (like J.Lo) more than anything, and that will be subject of a future post.
3. I am also still working at the ghetto coffee shop aka Central Perk Hell aka Cafe Hell aka "This is ridiculous". We still do not have half the ingredients. We still only have one server on on weekend nights. I still always make pretty good money, so... Its hell, but its cash. Oh! Julia Stiles was in there last weekend right before I got there. damnit. Don't ask me if I've met any celebrities... I haven't.
4. My camera broke, which is extremely crappy because there have been many many moments deserving of a photo.
5. So I guess I'm staying here for now.
I'll keep you posted.
Friday, August 31, 2007
It's true what they say...
New York City is an incredibly mean city. You are your own team. You have to really really want it.
These past weeks have been a nightmare:
Countless hours, subways, and stress.
Weekends. Weekdays. 11pm dinners.
Shady apartments, shady neighborhoods, and shady people.
Door knobs in my hand with Hasidic Jew landlords, walk-throughs, closet rooms, being the minority in Jay-Z and Biggie's old school neighborhood (Bed-Stuy for REAL)
I'VE FOUND SOMEWHERE TO LIVE. (and its quite fabulous)
Hello east side.
Now I can finally get
BACK ON TRACK, BITCHES
I came here to own and will do nothing but
Only the strong survive. Only the incredibly buff succeed.
(now its your time to amaze me)
These past weeks have been a nightmare:
Countless hours, subways, and stress.
Weekends. Weekdays. 11pm dinners.
Shady apartments, shady neighborhoods, and shady people.
Door knobs in my hand with Hasidic Jew landlords, walk-throughs, closet rooms, being the minority in Jay-Z and Biggie's old school neighborhood (Bed-Stuy for REAL)
I'VE FOUND SOMEWHERE TO LIVE. (and its quite fabulous)
Hello east side.
Now I can finally get
BACK ON TRACK, BITCHES
I came here to own and will do nothing but
Only the strong survive. Only the incredibly buff succeed.
(now its your time to amaze me)
Friday, August 24, 2007
Lets just hope this is a joke....
On Craigslist. aka Nightmarelist.com
$500 Beautiful 1 bedroom (flex 2) share! (East Village)
Reply to: hous-405053168@craigslist.orgDate: 2007-08-24, 2:38PM EDT
$500 Beautiful 1 bedroom (flex 2) for rent in our Manhattan apartment!
Available immediately, we have an extra bathroom in our apartment that we are looking to sublet to a qualified tenant. The bathroom has a window, sink, shower and includes additional amenities listed below.Mini FridgeThis is stored under the sink. It's really great for storing left overs, drinks {non alcoholic please} or other perishablesHot plateGreat for cooking up meals.Mirror Great for looking at selfAero MattressThe idea here is simple. You can easily switch between bathroom/shower mode and sleep mode with inflating the aero bed. Please note, that we have allocated in the monthly rent a total of 40 inflations per month. If we catch you inflating the aero bed more than your allocated limit, we will have to increase rent to cover for the added electrical expenses we accrue.Q&A:Q: "How much light does the bathroom get?"A: The bathroom is bathed in pure sunshine from about 4:05pm to 4:15pm during the summer solstice, we are unsure of how the light behaves during the winter months - thats part of the excitement...Q: "What is your guest policy?"A: When you have guests, you must leave the bathroom door open at all times for security reasons. They are strictly forbidden to be in the apartment between 9:00am and 5:00pm.Q: "How is this a flex 2BR?"A: The curtain of the shower can be closed to create two separate living spaces.Q: "How many sq. feet is this?"A: It's extremely tedious to measure the inside of the space for obvious physical reasons. But you can see from our architect's notes that you can fit at least one and a half more tubs if you were to remove the toilet and sink. We are not opposed to doing this but it might be a problem with our landlord (he is EXTREMELY strict about this sort of thing).Q: "How do you usually inflate the aero mattress?"A: Our last tenant found it was easier to place the aero mattress out of it's case flat on the toilet with the lid closed. At this point he would flip the switch and step back into the tub with his SHOES OFF (required). I don't reccomend placing the mattress inside of the tub or beside the toilet.Q: "What do I do if the fixtures become clogged with hair?"A: In your fridge we have stored an unwound coat hanger (with hook) which we regularly use to dredge hairballs etc from the sink and toilet.We have very strict rules on this sublet, please make sure (before applying) that you are willing and able to follow these 3 rules:RULES1) You cannot occupy the space from 6:00am to 9:00am Monday Through Friday. During this period you may use the "Commuter Lounge" located in the front hall closet. There is a folding chair located behind the coats which you may use for sitting purposes ONLY DURING THE HOURS 6:00am to 9:00am Monday through Friday. We need to use the facilities in the morning before work, etc. WE BETTER NOT CATCH YOU IN THERE DURING THESE HOURS ... (this was a problem with our last tenant, who really liked to 'sleep in' ... was a big sleepyhead)2) Re-Read Rule #1! IMPORTANT!3) Please view map below for our comprehensive "Space Availability" planIf you are caught in the NO-GO area, you will be fined $250 and/or be removed from the apartment. Bathe in absolute luxury in this charming, cozy bathroom share! Can't wait to hear from all of you. To make our "Roommate Review Process" more streamlined and convenient for all parties, please apply with photograph and resume to the email address listed with this posting.Thanks so much for reading!! See you soon!
$500 Beautiful 1 bedroom (flex 2) share! (East Village)
Reply to: hous-405053168@craigslist.orgDate: 2007-08-24, 2:38PM EDT
$500 Beautiful 1 bedroom (flex 2) for rent in our Manhattan apartment!
Available immediately, we have an extra bathroom in our apartment that we are looking to sublet to a qualified tenant. The bathroom has a window, sink, shower and includes additional amenities listed below.Mini FridgeThis is stored under the sink. It's really great for storing left overs, drinks {non alcoholic please} or other perishablesHot plateGreat for cooking up meals.Mirror Great for looking at selfAero MattressThe idea here is simple. You can easily switch between bathroom/shower mode and sleep mode with inflating the aero bed. Please note, that we have allocated in the monthly rent a total of 40 inflations per month. If we catch you inflating the aero bed more than your allocated limit, we will have to increase rent to cover for the added electrical expenses we accrue.Q&A:Q: "How much light does the bathroom get?"A: The bathroom is bathed in pure sunshine from about 4:05pm to 4:15pm during the summer solstice, we are unsure of how the light behaves during the winter months - thats part of the excitement...Q: "What is your guest policy?"A: When you have guests, you must leave the bathroom door open at all times for security reasons. They are strictly forbidden to be in the apartment between 9:00am and 5:00pm.Q: "How is this a flex 2BR?"A: The curtain of the shower can be closed to create two separate living spaces.Q: "How many sq. feet is this?"A: It's extremely tedious to measure the inside of the space for obvious physical reasons. But you can see from our architect's notes that you can fit at least one and a half more tubs if you were to remove the toilet and sink. We are not opposed to doing this but it might be a problem with our landlord (he is EXTREMELY strict about this sort of thing).Q: "How do you usually inflate the aero mattress?"A: Our last tenant found it was easier to place the aero mattress out of it's case flat on the toilet with the lid closed. At this point he would flip the switch and step back into the tub with his SHOES OFF (required). I don't reccomend placing the mattress inside of the tub or beside the toilet.Q: "What do I do if the fixtures become clogged with hair?"A: In your fridge we have stored an unwound coat hanger (with hook) which we regularly use to dredge hairballs etc from the sink and toilet.We have very strict rules on this sublet, please make sure (before applying) that you are willing and able to follow these 3 rules:RULES1) You cannot occupy the space from 6:00am to 9:00am Monday Through Friday. During this period you may use the "Commuter Lounge" located in the front hall closet. There is a folding chair located behind the coats which you may use for sitting purposes ONLY DURING THE HOURS 6:00am to 9:00am Monday through Friday. We need to use the facilities in the morning before work, etc. WE BETTER NOT CATCH YOU IN THERE DURING THESE HOURS ... (this was a problem with our last tenant, who really liked to 'sleep in' ... was a big sleepyhead)2) Re-Read Rule #1! IMPORTANT!3) Please view map below for our comprehensive "Space Availability" planIf you are caught in the NO-GO area, you will be fined $250 and/or be removed from the apartment. Bathe in absolute luxury in this charming, cozy bathroom share! Can't wait to hear from all of you. To make our "Roommate Review Process" more streamlined and convenient for all parties, please apply with photograph and resume to the email address listed with this posting.Thanks so much for reading!! See you soon!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Now it's time for a breakdown
right now i REALLY HATE new york.
i'm working for free, my p/t time job SUCKS, i have no where to live in 2 weeks, all the guys i like like boys.
i just really want to go HOME.
why do i have to work 15x harder for things?
cheery, delightful posts are at a standstill until I get things back together. I might have to rename this blog:
Delaware Girl & The Streets.
i'm working for free, my p/t time job SUCKS, i have no where to live in 2 weeks, all the guys i like like boys.
i just really want to go HOME.
why do i have to work 15x harder for things?
cheery, delightful posts are at a standstill until I get things back together. I might have to rename this blog:
Delaware Girl & The Streets.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
A little rain and this city shuts down
SO last night we got a crazy storm here. I remember being woken up thinking that it was hailing cause the rain was so hard. This morning, I wake up and hear that it took someone 2 hours to get to work.
And here is why....
MTA New York City Transit
Service Alert
Posted on:8/8/2007 9:39:36 AM
Due to severe flooding throughout the subway system, there are extensive delays on all subway lines. Customers are advised when at all possible to use bus service. The detours are as follows:
There is no train service in both directions between the 2nd Avenue Station and the Forest Hills-71st Avenue Station.
There is no train service in both directions between the Astoria-Ditmars Boulevard Station and Whitehall Street Station.
There is no Franklin Avenue Shuttle train service in both directions between the Prospect Park Station and the Franklin Avenue Station.
There is no train service in both directions between the Long Island City-Court Square Station and the Smith-9th Street Station.
The train is running on the line in both directions between the Canal Street Station and the DeKalb Avenue Station.
There is no train service in both directions between the 14th Street Station and the South Ferry Station.
There is no train service in both directions between the Penn Station-34th Street Station and the Brooklyn College-Flatbush Avenue Station.
There is no train service in both directions between the Harlem-148th Street Station and the New Lots Avenue Station.
The and trains are running local in both directions between the Hoyt-Schermerhorn Station and the Broadway Junction Station.
There is no train service in both directions between the 23rd Street-Ely Avenue Station and the Jamaica Center-Parsons-Archer Station.
There is no train service in both directions between the Jamaica-179th Street Station and the Forest Hills-71st Avenue Station.
There is no train service in both directions between the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station and the Jay Street-Boro Hall Station.
There is no , or train service in both directions between the 125th Street Station and the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall.
There is no train service in both directions between the Canarsie-Rockaway Parkway Station and the 8th Avenue Station.
There is no 42nd Street Shuttle train service in both directions between the Times Square-42nd Street Station and the Grand Central-42nd Street Station.
Astoria-bound trains are running on the or lines from the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station to the 36th Street Station.
trains are running with residual delays.
In addition, due to debris on the track at the Church Avenue Station, the and trains are running on the or line in both directions between the DeKalb Avenue Station and the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station.
Please expect delays in service system wide at this time.
Due to street closures in Mid-town Manhattan, the following diversions will be used until further notice:
Staten Island-bound X2 and X5
From 57th Street, south on Lexington Avenue to 42nd Street, west on 42nd Street to 5th Avenue, south on 5th Avenue to 34th Street, east on 34th Street to Lexington Avenue and regular route.
Buses should pick up at X1 bus stops on 5th Avenue, there is no stop at 41st Street and Lexington Avenue.
M98, M101, M102 and M103 South-bound
Regular route to East 42nd Street, east on 42nd Street to 2nd Avenue, south on 2nd Avenue to 34th Street, west on 34th Street to Lexington Avenue, south on Lexington Avenue and regular route.
While the frozen zone is in effect, please expect delays in service on the X2, X5, M98, M101, M102 and M103.
IN CONCLUSION: you can't really get anywhere.
HOLY CRAP. and I actually need to be going somewhere...
And here is why....
MTA New York City Transit
Service Alert
Posted on:8/8/2007 9:39:36 AM
Due to severe flooding throughout the subway system, there are extensive delays on all subway lines. Customers are advised when at all possible to use bus service. The detours are as follows:
There is no train service in both directions between the 2nd Avenue Station and the Forest Hills-71st Avenue Station.
There is no train service in both directions between the Astoria-Ditmars Boulevard Station and Whitehall Street Station.
There is no Franklin Avenue Shuttle train service in both directions between the Prospect Park Station and the Franklin Avenue Station.
There is no train service in both directions between the Long Island City-Court Square Station and the Smith-9th Street Station.
The train is running on the line in both directions between the Canal Street Station and the DeKalb Avenue Station.
There is no train service in both directions between the 14th Street Station and the South Ferry Station.
There is no train service in both directions between the Penn Station-34th Street Station and the Brooklyn College-Flatbush Avenue Station.
There is no train service in both directions between the Harlem-148th Street Station and the New Lots Avenue Station.
The and trains are running local in both directions between the Hoyt-Schermerhorn Station and the Broadway Junction Station.
There is no train service in both directions between the 23rd Street-Ely Avenue Station and the Jamaica Center-Parsons-Archer Station.
There is no train service in both directions between the Jamaica-179th Street Station and the Forest Hills-71st Avenue Station.
There is no train service in both directions between the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station and the Jay Street-Boro Hall Station.
There is no , or train service in both directions between the 125th Street Station and the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall.
There is no train service in both directions between the Canarsie-Rockaway Parkway Station and the 8th Avenue Station.
There is no 42nd Street Shuttle train service in both directions between the Times Square-42nd Street Station and the Grand Central-42nd Street Station.
Astoria-bound trains are running on the or lines from the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station to the 36th Street Station.
trains are running with residual delays.
In addition, due to debris on the track at the Church Avenue Station, the and trains are running on the or line in both directions between the DeKalb Avenue Station and the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station.
Please expect delays in service system wide at this time.
Due to street closures in Mid-town Manhattan, the following diversions will be used until further notice:
Staten Island-bound X2 and X5
From 57th Street, south on Lexington Avenue to 42nd Street, west on 42nd Street to 5th Avenue, south on 5th Avenue to 34th Street, east on 34th Street to Lexington Avenue and regular route.
Buses should pick up at X1 bus stops on 5th Avenue, there is no stop at 41st Street and Lexington Avenue.
M98, M101, M102 and M103 South-bound
Regular route to East 42nd Street, east on 42nd Street to 2nd Avenue, south on 2nd Avenue to 34th Street, west on 34th Street to Lexington Avenue, south on Lexington Avenue and regular route.
While the frozen zone is in effect, please expect delays in service on the X2, X5, M98, M101, M102 and M103.
IN CONCLUSION: you can't really get anywhere.
HOLY CRAP. and I actually need to be going somewhere...
Monday, August 6, 2007
Job application.. or psychoanalysis?
Superstar Editorial Assistant- Wall Street Reporter
DO NOT, we repeat, DO NOT SEND IN YOUR RESUME OR ATTACHMENTS. Instead, write in and tell us:
1) What were the last 3 books you read, and what did you learn?
2) What has been your greatest success, and greatest failure in the past 3 years?
4) What is your astrological sign?
6) If you were an animal, what kind of animal would you be?
8) Do you subscribe to any magazines, or newspapers? Which ones? (Be honest, we won’t judge you, if you say Hustler, or In-Style)
6)Imagine that you’re in an elevator and suddenly the power goes out - you’re stuck for what could be hours. Who would you rather be stuck with? a) Hilary Clinton b) Mike Tyson c)Stephen Hawking d) Donald Trump. - - Why?
7)It’s 5:15PM on a Wednesday, and you’re standing on the corner of Wall & Water streets when you get a call, telling you a suitcase with $5 million in cash is waiting for you - if you can get to the corner of 7th avenue and 59th street within 15 minutes. If you are late, your left thumb will be cut off. Do you take the offer? How do you get to the money on time?
I wonder if the numbers being completely out of order (and like, what about 3??) is some sort of mental trickery or if it was the work of a non-"Superstar" Ed Assistant unknowingly filling his own position.
I'd rather just keep my thumb and send my resume to be honest... and leave the astrology to Miss Cleo.
NEXT.
DO NOT, we repeat, DO NOT SEND IN YOUR RESUME OR ATTACHMENTS. Instead, write in and tell us:
1) What were the last 3 books you read, and what did you learn?
2) What has been your greatest success, and greatest failure in the past 3 years?
4) What is your astrological sign?
6) If you were an animal, what kind of animal would you be?
8) Do you subscribe to any magazines, or newspapers? Which ones? (Be honest, we won’t judge you, if you say Hustler, or In-Style)
6)Imagine that you’re in an elevator and suddenly the power goes out - you’re stuck for what could be hours. Who would you rather be stuck with? a) Hilary Clinton b) Mike Tyson c)Stephen Hawking d) Donald Trump. - - Why?
7)It’s 5:15PM on a Wednesday, and you’re standing on the corner of Wall & Water streets when you get a call, telling you a suitcase with $5 million in cash is waiting for you - if you can get to the corner of 7th avenue and 59th street within 15 minutes. If you are late, your left thumb will be cut off. Do you take the offer? How do you get to the money on time?
I wonder if the numbers being completely out of order (and like, what about 3??) is some sort of mental trickery or if it was the work of a non-"Superstar" Ed Assistant unknowingly filling his own position.
I'd rather just keep my thumb and send my resume to be honest... and leave the astrology to Miss Cleo.
NEXT.
Friday, August 3, 2007
To the cute boy at the subway station:
On my way to an interview this morning, I spotted a cute boy in the subway station. A rare find. I toyed with the idea of getting closer, and then just went for it. I stood next to him on the platform. He was reading. Nothing. Hmm, maybe he's gay. Ego check.
The subway came and we got into the same car, and shared a bar to hold on to. I was occasionally glancing. He was still reading. Then someone got up from the seat in front of him, "excuse me", and I sat down.
He was reading, I was glancing, then CAUGHT, he was glancing too. Very cute. Tall. Good style. Good shoes. Nice jeans. More glances. Smiles. Pay attention you'll miss your stop. He's totally cute. 50th Street. Shit I have to go. Shit I still haven't spoken to him. Glances. Stand up and leave. Excuse me. Grins. A total moment and goodbye....
damnit!!!!
The subway came and we got into the same car, and shared a bar to hold on to. I was occasionally glancing. He was still reading. Then someone got up from the seat in front of him, "excuse me", and I sat down.
He was reading, I was glancing, then CAUGHT, he was glancing too. Very cute. Tall. Good style. Good shoes. Nice jeans. More glances. Smiles. Pay attention you'll miss your stop. He's totally cute. 50th Street. Shit I have to go. Shit I still haven't spoken to him. Glances. Stand up and leave. Excuse me. Grins. A total moment and goodbye....
damnit!!!!
Monday, July 30, 2007
I don't think I'll ever be a "New Yorker"
I don't even say I live here yet. I am living here. That is until September 2. After that is a huge question mark. I refuse to count down the days, but in the back of my mind, a clock is constantly ticking.
The goal was to have a job by September 2, and then find a permanent place. And if it didn't work out, then back home to Delaware? Back home to Delaware? To do what, work at MBNA? To forget about everything I've wanted? To essentially give up?
When people ask me what I'm going to do.. I simply say, "I do not know. I'm just trying to think positively." But that's easier said than done.
Right now I'm 2 interviews and a list of references close to an AMAZING position- the kind I thought I'd have to wait years to get. I really really really want this. I REALLY want this. And I also have a back-up plan, a little more complicated, temp-to-permanent thing, which could end up being equally as awesome. I'm waiting on the first one, though, but is my waiting ruining my chances on the second?
And while I'm doing all this waiting, I am slacking off in applying to other positions, which is baddd because like I've experienced before, you never know how things are going to turn out.
I do think I need to be here longer, though. I'm not done here. I haven't been hardly anywhere. I need to learn more. Live more. Meet more attractive guys :-)
SO.... here's to the future. I've got a month and some days. That's a lot of time.
I may not ever, even in 3 years, consider myself to be a "New Yorker", but hopefully I'll someday at least be "That girl from Delaware who lives in New York City."
(Now is when I need those fortune cookies to speak the truth.)
The goal was to have a job by September 2, and then find a permanent place. And if it didn't work out, then back home to Delaware? Back home to Delaware? To do what, work at MBNA? To forget about everything I've wanted? To essentially give up?
When people ask me what I'm going to do.. I simply say, "I do not know. I'm just trying to think positively." But that's easier said than done.
Right now I'm 2 interviews and a list of references close to an AMAZING position- the kind I thought I'd have to wait years to get. I really really really want this. I REALLY want this. And I also have a back-up plan, a little more complicated, temp-to-permanent thing, which could end up being equally as awesome. I'm waiting on the first one, though, but is my waiting ruining my chances on the second?
And while I'm doing all this waiting, I am slacking off in applying to other positions, which is baddd because like I've experienced before, you never know how things are going to turn out.
I do think I need to be here longer, though. I'm not done here. I haven't been hardly anywhere. I need to learn more. Live more. Meet more attractive guys :-)
SO.... here's to the future. I've got a month and some days. That's a lot of time.
I may not ever, even in 3 years, consider myself to be a "New Yorker", but hopefully I'll someday at least be "That girl from Delaware who lives in New York City."
(Now is when I need those fortune cookies to speak the truth.)
Monday, July 23, 2007
Coney Island is for Hipsters
Ok. Well, not usually I was told. But on this day, it sure as hell was. It was The Village Voice's Siren Music Festival.
I made the 1 hour and 45 min. trek by subway to the Southernmost part of Brooklyn to meet up with a friend, check out the music scene, and to check out this famous beach and boardwalk. It's reputation did not fail, nor did my enjoyment.
The boardwalk was filled with all the foods reminiscent of my Wildwood, NJ summers. Beach fries, funnel cakes, cotton candy, candy apples. I couldn't decide what to have. I got a hotdog and some clams from the original Nathan's Hotdogs and it was delicious.
I made the 1 hour and 45 min. trek by subway to the Southernmost part of Brooklyn to meet up with a friend, check out the music scene, and to check out this famous beach and boardwalk. It's reputation did not fail, nor did my enjoyment.
The boardwalk was filled with all the foods reminiscent of my Wildwood, NJ summers. Beach fries, funnel cakes, cotton candy, candy apples. I couldn't decide what to have. I got a hotdog and some clams from the original Nathan's Hotdogs and it was delicious.
We walked on the beach and the sand felt just as a real beach would, well, because it was a real beach. This was hard to remember though, as I was in a BEACH in NYC. A strange concept, but one I found to be a refreshing escape. We layed on the beach in our clothes. An Asian guy, carefreely laid in his underwear- the tight white kind. The beach was very very diverse. Reggaeton blaring. 
Mexicans selling mangoes and Coronas illegally out of duffle bags. People of all colors...
Mexicans selling mangoes and Coronas illegally out of duffle bags. People of all colors...Hip? Cool? Independent? Ahead of the trends? Ironic?
The answer is: no.
They are annoying. They try far too hard to maintain their "carefree" image. They all follow one another and their hipster trends. More like stupid.
Too much jewelry. Bad, bad, bad, bad unmelodic shit music. Euromullets. Too-big everything on girls. Too-small everything on guys. Ugly dresses. Head scarves. Rich brats.
Williamsburg isnt trendy; its Hasidic Jew.
Coney Island was lovely.
Famous. Trashy.
...Famously Trashy.
Friday, July 20, 2007
I am Rachel Green in Central Perk Hell
So the plan was always this: Move to New York, get a serving job to sustain myself until I eventually get a real job. Well, the getting a serving job wasn't as easy as I was hoping it would be, so I found other means. Babysitting and doing promotions for a music marketing company. Then I found on Craigslist a restaurant/ coffeeshop that was hiring. I was hired.
Wednesday was my first day. I also had to babysit that morning for 5.5 hours. Am I overbooking myself? I just need enough money to buy milk and ice cream, and the occasional drink or water ice. I went in, nervous, because I was told that I was going to be the only server there that night. The ONLY server on my first night? What kind of shit is that? Considering I can't even stand the smell of coffee, I had no idea what the difference between a cappuccino or a latte or frappe, etc was, let alone how to make them! I had 2 training sessions, both leaving me feeling uneasy. I researched and wrote down how to make the stuff, but I was still def not prepared for what the night would bring..
The staff consisted of: me, a cook, and a dishwasher from Burkina Fasso who spoke like 4.5 words of English. It started out fine. It was calm and there was an assistant manager there to answer my questions. But then she left, and the people started coming and coming.
I had to make their stupid coffee drinks, take their orders, ring up their orders and the to-go orders, take out their food, get them more drinks... People kept coming. The computer system stopped accepting credit cards and had to be restarted while 2 tables waited to pay. I had a list of drinks I still had to make. The cook was delivering food to the tables for me and taking orders. Thank god for her!!!!!!!!!! She helped me soo much. More and more people kept coming. I was getting sooo stressed. How could you NOT have a manager there? Why would you put someone who was brandnew on without someone to help/answer questions. Pure ridiculousness. I wasn't even making a lot of money. A lot of people weren't even ordering food, just stupid coffee drinks. You don't tip $5 on a $3 cup of coffee.... ughhhhh.
The night was winding down, I was cleaning up and we were waiting for a manager to come and close the place down. We called the owner who said to call the 2 other managers. They didn't answer. It's late, I'm tired, and I really am starting to get nervous about walking home this late. More phone calls, more waiting. I stole a brownie for payment. Finally someone comes. She's pissed at the other managers, and gives me money for a taxi home. thankgod.
I work brunch on Sunday next. Apparently it gets crazy, but I'm thinking it will be more actual food then people just coming in for a drink. Lets hope. Lets hope for cash tips, not credit ones I'll get in the form of a paycheck a week later. At least I won't be by myself. I need a real job.
Smelly cat, SMELLY CAT
What are they feeding you?
Smelly cat, smelly cat
Its not your fault...................
Wednesday was my first day. I also had to babysit that morning for 5.5 hours. Am I overbooking myself? I just need enough money to buy milk and ice cream, and the occasional drink or water ice. I went in, nervous, because I was told that I was going to be the only server there that night. The ONLY server on my first night? What kind of shit is that? Considering I can't even stand the smell of coffee, I had no idea what the difference between a cappuccino or a latte or frappe, etc was, let alone how to make them! I had 2 training sessions, both leaving me feeling uneasy. I researched and wrote down how to make the stuff, but I was still def not prepared for what the night would bring..
The staff consisted of: me, a cook, and a dishwasher from Burkina Fasso who spoke like 4.5 words of English. It started out fine. It was calm and there was an assistant manager there to answer my questions. But then she left, and the people started coming and coming.
I had to make their stupid coffee drinks, take their orders, ring up their orders and the to-go orders, take out their food, get them more drinks... People kept coming. The computer system stopped accepting credit cards and had to be restarted while 2 tables waited to pay. I had a list of drinks I still had to make. The cook was delivering food to the tables for me and taking orders. Thank god for her!!!!!!!!!! She helped me soo much. More and more people kept coming. I was getting sooo stressed. How could you NOT have a manager there? Why would you put someone who was brandnew on without someone to help/answer questions. Pure ridiculousness. I wasn't even making a lot of money. A lot of people weren't even ordering food, just stupid coffee drinks. You don't tip $5 on a $3 cup of coffee.... ughhhhh.
The night was winding down, I was cleaning up and we were waiting for a manager to come and close the place down. We called the owner who said to call the 2 other managers. They didn't answer. It's late, I'm tired, and I really am starting to get nervous about walking home this late. More phone calls, more waiting. I stole a brownie for payment. Finally someone comes. She's pissed at the other managers, and gives me money for a taxi home. thankgod.
I work brunch on Sunday next. Apparently it gets crazy, but I'm thinking it will be more actual food then people just coming in for a drink. Lets hope. Lets hope for cash tips, not credit ones I'll get in the form of a paycheck a week later. At least I won't be by myself. I need a real job.
Smelly cat, SMELLY CAT
What are they feeding you?
Smelly cat, smelly cat
Its not your fault...................
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
A Gay Picnic at the Symphony
I just came back from the NYC Philharmonic playing a free performance at Central Park. It seemed to be THE place to be. It was very crowded with all types of people. Many were picnicking on bread, cheese and wine (oh please. pseudo euro sophisticates), others on takeout. One group of 4 gentleman, apparently in touch with their feminine sides, took picnic a step further. They had a table, a short one with a tablecloth and wine glasses! Come on people, its Central Park!
It was disappointing because a huge section in the front was roped off for those with special passes, and the area beyond that was mostly baseball dirt. I felt like steerage in Titanic. Needless to say, scrunching in next to people on my towel was nearly impossible, but doable. This gay man in front of me was incredibly angered by those who insisted on trying to get through the packed section. So angry in fact that he HIT peoples legs who stepped on his blanket. He was such a bitch. One guy, who def liked the boys as well, was like "go f- off" after being hit by the psycho blanket man.
The wind was getting cold, it was getting dark, and I decided to leave since I really wasn't feeling the opera anyways. I wish they just could've done some Beethoven or Copland. I hear fireworks going off now in the distance that I missed. Oh well.
Deh DehDeh Dehhhhhh
It was disappointing because a huge section in the front was roped off for those with special passes, and the area beyond that was mostly baseball dirt. I felt like steerage in Titanic. Needless to say, scrunching in next to people on my towel was nearly impossible, but doable. This gay man in front of me was incredibly angered by those who insisted on trying to get through the packed section. So angry in fact that he HIT peoples legs who stepped on his blanket. He was such a bitch. One guy, who def liked the boys as well, was like "go f- off" after being hit by the psycho blanket man.
The wind was getting cold, it was getting dark, and I decided to leave since I really wasn't feeling the opera anyways. I wish they just could've done some Beethoven or Copland. I hear fireworks going off now in the distance that I missed. Oh well.
Deh DehDeh Dehhhhhh
Thursday, July 12, 2007
The Suburbs, The Beach, and The City
I'M BACK.
I've been MIA from the blogworld. When I let stuff pile up, it makes me stay away. Which is counter-productive. I need to stay ontop of things.
So I was gone from the city for a week. I went home to bond with the fam and friends, and then went to the beach. It was amazing being able to go home and everything be the same. Driving my car, washing my clothes in the house, eating the food my mom bought just for me. Love it. The bay house never disappoints. Good times. Good food. Good sun. Cute boy.
Car->Train->Chinatown bus->Subway
I've been MIA from the blogworld. When I let stuff pile up, it makes me stay away. Which is counter-productive. I need to stay ontop of things.
So I was gone from the city for a week. I went home to bond with the fam and friends, and then went to the beach. It was amazing being able to go home and everything be the same. Driving my car, washing my clothes in the house, eating the food my mom bought just for me. Love it. The bay house never disappoints. Good times. Good food. Good sun. Cute boy.
Car->Train->Chinatown bus->Subway
And then I came back to the city, which was sad to leave DE, but at the same not overly sad.
It was a really hot couple of days and I walked to my babysitting apt., a little bit through the Puerto Rican ghetto. It was really awesome because on the street there was a hydrant turned on. People were washing their cars in it. On my way back, this man who was sitting on the street in a chair invited me to get in the hydrant's water with him. He jumped in, and soaking wet, invited me to join him. I totally would have, but I had to get on the subway and didn't want to be "that wet girl" or worse, "that really sweaty girl", so I opted for the splash and go method. In the project playgrounds there were elephants squirting water with little kids playing in them and sprinklers in lawns where people cooled off. I got a little close to one and got totally sprayed hard in the face, but it felt amazing. The Spanish-speaking men on the corner didn't mind that I was wet as he yelled "Hola! Como estas bonita? Que linda! Que linda!" as I walked by. It was the first time he's spoken Spanish to me. I guess with a tan, he thought I'd be able to respond, and I did. "Bien! Gracias! Gracias!"
Some other highlights:
-Hot Naked Shower Guy in the building next to mine. I've only seen the show once, but I want to keep tuning in.
-Drunk guy in the park in the afternoon, stumbling.
-People dancing to themselves in the subway. Talking to themselves. Holding nothing back whatsoever at any point of their lives.
-Working the Dispatch shows 3 nights. Meeting new friends. Bar in LES (i think it was there). Crazy chanting fans. Drunk girls on the subway who I helped to the Bronx. Drunk guy going to 125th st. who was my friend while we waited 25 min. for the 1- kinda cute. "Yankees suck!" "Ole Ole OleOle!!". Crazyyyy fans. Drunk people. Sneaking in liquor (them not me). Getting it taken away. Crying girls. Security escorts. Hand kisses from creepers. "You're beautiful". Working the employee pass to try to get backstage. 20,000 stupid cards. Trashcans (some fell in). Kids eager to help pass stuff out. "All right, let’s get it over with: This music is quite unpleasant."
-Hired in Harlem. Society Coffee.
-"You look good in green."
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Keep on Drummin
Tonight, I went to Central Park to see the free Rodrigo y Gabriela concert at the Summerstage. After procrastinating at home, being indecisive about going, and not quite sure of how to get there, I only saw them play 2 songs, but the trip was not a waste at all.
Nearby, the roller skating party had died down, but the party was still rocking. The old school hiphop blared as the dancers- some still in their skates- danced on. At times one person would show off their moves- a handstand, some
breakdancing on the floor, but other times they would randomly get into lines and all do the exact same dance. How did they know it? I guess you just catch on after going to the same place in the park every single weekend. None of these people were doing this for money, they were just doing what they love- and I love that.
R y G are Mexican guitar players who are really awesome and there were a ton of people there to see them. Muchos latinos y hay algunos guapos!! Hola papi! It was really cool, and I wish I could've seen more. I'm also really disappointed that I'm going to miss Wyclef hosting next week's free performance there. ohhhh well... its not like he's the performer anyways.
So after I was done scoping out los chicos calientes and eavesdropping on their conversations en espanol (and after that creepy kid on the bike realized I wasn't going to be his new best friend), I started walking back, but had remembered on my way to the stage, that I had passed these cool drummers. Well, they were still there, and are apparently there, according to some Hombre, every Saturday and Sunday from about 2-who knows when. Black people, latinos, and a random white guy all with big drums or other percussion- cowbells, scrapers, recorders- lined the bench. There was a huge crowd surrounding them- tourists with cameras (i must look like a tourist wherever i go), regulars, people 
getting into the music and dancing like crazy, white people with no rhythm who were "feeling it"..
getting into the music and dancing like crazy, white people with no rhythm who were "feeling it".. They would just keep drumming, the rhythm and the pattern changing. Sometimes they'd stop and it was almost like a competition who would be first to set the new beat. It was AWESOME! I have a pictures almost exactly like these. The only difference was it was taken in a park below the equator, in Recoleta, in my belovéd Buenos Aires.
I hung out for a while just taking it all in. I wanted to bust a move (white girls got rhythm), but I just stuck with the casual, yet rhythmically evident, head bobbing. This random old foreign man made me dance with him. I don't know what the hell he was doing- trying to twirl me around, kinda. I asked him where he was from and he said "I forgot." White girls jumped all around as a black girl was getting seduced by her own personal drummer.
Nearby, the roller skating party had died down, but the party was still rocking. The old school hiphop blared as the dancers- some still in their skates- danced on. At times one person would show off their moves- a handstand, some
breakdancing on the floor, but other times they would randomly get into lines and all do the exact same dance. How did they know it? I guess you just catch on after going to the same place in the park every single weekend. None of these people were doing this for money, they were just doing what they love- and I love that.
Next time, I'm gonna bring my drum and bust a beat with the best of them, and my dancing shoes so I can bust a move.
There's so much to see and do here that it can be, at times, very overwhelming.
So now I leave back to the Homeland (and the beach!). The land with garbage disposals, washers and dryers, my car in the garage and nothing to do but lay on the sofa and cuddle with my cats. Oh, but I'll be back..
I might just miss you New York.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
96....103....110 get me off this thing
Oh the subway. You are a strange place. When Carrie said "everywhere in Manhattan takes 15 minutes" she was obvi only talking about the over-priced taxis that she could actually afford about as much as her Manolos. When I'm CEO of MTV I'll have a damn driver.
3. I hate when oblivious people don't move when everyone is trying to get off. DON'T STAND IN FRONT OF THE DOOR WHEN THERE ARE PEOPLE TRYING TO GET OFF!
4. I hate when I JUST miss it. It's happened twice in one day.
5. It's normal to sit cramped in between complete strangers who smell and/or act funny.
6. The performers. Drums. Mariachi. You name it. Screaming men selling whistles (??) who tell you to "hold your ears" then get mad when you don't. Be entertained. Give me a dollar.
7. The "cool" bandit types of jump between cars illegally.
8. Some trains are ghetto as shit. The 1. Some are nice and new and have automated announcers instead of disgruntled, yelling MTA employees. The 2. Some are oddly wide. I forget. The C?
9. I really really wish that my stop was an express stop. Life would be much easier, and far less damn transferring.
10. TRANSFERRING IS A PAIN IN MY ASS!!!!!! ughhhhhhh
11. Walking like 17 blocks underground at Times Square to... transfer of course.
12. Getting anywhere East<->West.
13. Bus transfers? Who knows how to work those anyways?
14. CONSTRUCTION!!!! Detours!! The downtown station being closed from 11AM-3pm Mon-Fri!!! Having to go into Harlem- 137th street, then downtown just to get to my damn stop! The 2 and 3 not running express during the weekends!! ughhhhhhhhhhhhh
and finally, the worst part about the subways is.....
15. GETTING SHUT IN THE DOORS. ouchhhh. Not a good time.
I've been on the subway 30-something times already, and I'm kinda over it.
1. The damn Metrocards ALWAYS have issues. I bought a month pass, and the first time I went to use it, I had to be let through the gate by the attendant.
2. It's normal to fall on people, step on them, or shove into them (ok. I admit that I've done this) HOLD ON PEOPLE!3. I hate when oblivious people don't move when everyone is trying to get off. DON'T STAND IN FRONT OF THE DOOR WHEN THERE ARE PEOPLE TRYING TO GET OFF!
4. I hate when I JUST miss it. It's happened twice in one day.
5. It's normal to sit cramped in between complete strangers who smell and/or act funny.
6. The performers. Drums. Mariachi. You name it. Screaming men selling whistles (??) who tell you to "hold your ears" then get mad when you don't. Be entertained. Give me a dollar.
7. The "cool" bandit types of jump between cars illegally.
8. Some trains are ghetto as shit. The 1. Some are nice and new and have automated announcers instead of disgruntled, yelling MTA employees. The 2. Some are oddly wide. I forget. The C?
9. I really really wish that my stop was an express stop. Life would be much easier, and far less damn transferring.
10. TRANSFERRING IS A PAIN IN MY ASS!!!!!! ughhhhhhh
11. Walking like 17 blocks underground at Times Square to... transfer of course.
12. Getting anywhere East<->West.
13. Bus transfers? Who knows how to work those anyways?
14. CONSTRUCTION!!!! Detours!! The downtown station being closed from 11AM-3pm Mon-Fri!!! Having to go into Harlem- 137th street, then downtown just to get to my damn stop! The 2 and 3 not running express during the weekends!! ughhhhhhhhhhhhh
and finally, the worst part about the subways is.....
15. GETTING SHUT IN THE DOORS. ouchhhh. Not a good time.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Come Visit Me, You WIll be Entertained.
In New York City, there is never a dull moment.
Thanks to my friends who came to visit me this week!
Thanks to my friends who came to visit me this week!
The boat rides in Central Park, taking an hour to find the boats, free rowing advice from strangers (novelists?), The Afrobats, being the only white people in the Puerto Rican restaurant, the Meatpacking District, Australian creepers with visions of us on the beach with him, wrong subways to Central Park North, Tom's Restaurant.
11AM-12:30pm no parking on the left side of the road, lunch on the stoop, running to the first 5 trains on the subway, the huge ferry line, being 12 for $4.50, resisting the countless ice cream trucks, not resisting the man with the steel drum, being a tourist at the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, pasta in 5 minutes in Times Square, Chinatown, "Coach" whispers and long walks to hidden underground rooms with ripoff purses, running away 
fast after no purchase, 2 lunches for $1.80, fake everything, $2 margaritas 81st and 
Amsterdam, Jake's- karaoke and new crazy EMT friends, express trains to everywhere, Central Park picnic, 90 degree weather, bye bye sissy
fast after no purchase, 2 lunches for $1.80, fake everything, $2 margaritas 81st and 
Amsterdam, Jake's- karaoke and new crazy EMT friends, express trains to everywhere, Central Park picnic, 90 degree weather, bye bye sissy 
Friday, June 22, 2007
Adventures Up and Down Broadway
You know what the coolest person from Delaware who is living in NYC does on a fabulous Friday night in the city....?
BREAK DOWN AND BUY ICE CREAM. I couldn't do it anymore- it had been nearly 2 weeks. Another fabulous surprise came when I went to open the cones that I bought at the Mecca (walmart). I came to find out they were WAFFLE CONES. Ok, no seriously, I'm going out tomorrow night...
Earlier today I took the 1 up to 86th, going in to every single restaurant on my way back to try to find a part-time job. I got interviewed at one place, and at another Greek restaurant the manager was called in- literally by phone, to meet me. He came through the door of the place a couple minutes later- big, old, and wearing a scummy, tattered tshirt. I thought to myself, "I hope its not him." Well, he sat down and our "interview" began.. He asked me, or well, mumbled me some questions in his best try at English. More like Engleek, or Grenglish, if you prefer.
It was basically like this:
ScaryGreekMan: You. parttime?
Me: Yes. Part-time.
SGM:Whadyou mean parttime?
Me: Umm.. what?
SGM: (louder)Whadyou mean partime?
Me: Um like 20-25 hours a week (?)
SGM: And the other time you will be looking for job?
Me: Yes.
SGM: We are not looking for parttime. Only 40 hours, must be flexible. 40 hours. Must be flexible.
Me: Ummmmmmmm Ok. thanks anyways.....
Then at this jazz restaurant I was taken back into this little nook where the manager/owner or something was just sitting, alone, by himself. It was strange.
Then on the way back I got a call from a real job at an awesome company, to do entertainment PR! hellloooooo yesssss. Hopefully that will work out, in the mean time, SGM, kiss my colarraki.
And then I walked allll the way back. This is why city dwellers are less overweight. (disregard the aforementioned ice cream)
BREAK DOWN AND BUY ICE CREAM. I couldn't do it anymore- it had been nearly 2 weeks. Another fabulous surprise came when I went to open the cones that I bought at the Mecca (walmart). I came to find out they were WAFFLE CONES. Ok, no seriously, I'm going out tomorrow night...
Earlier today I took the 1 up to 86th, going in to every single restaurant on my way back to try to find a part-time job. I got interviewed at one place, and at another Greek restaurant the manager was called in- literally by phone, to meet me. He came through the door of the place a couple minutes later- big, old, and wearing a scummy, tattered tshirt. I thought to myself, "I hope its not him." Well, he sat down and our "interview" began.. He asked me, or well, mumbled me some questions in his best try at English. More like Engleek, or Grenglish, if you prefer.
It was basically like this:
ScaryGreekMan: You. parttime?
Me: Yes. Part-time.
SGM:Whadyou mean parttime?
Me: Umm.. what?
SGM: (louder)Whadyou mean partime?
Me: Um like 20-25 hours a week (?)
SGM: And the other time you will be looking for job?
Me: Yes.
SGM: We are not looking for parttime. Only 40 hours, must be flexible. 40 hours. Must be flexible.
Me: Ummmmmmmm Ok. thanks anyways.....
Then at this jazz restaurant I was taken back into this little nook where the manager/owner or something was just sitting, alone, by himself. It was strange.
Then on the way back I got a call from a real job at an awesome company, to do entertainment PR! hellloooooo yesssss. Hopefully that will work out, in the mean time, SGM, kiss my colarraki.
And then I walked allll the way back. This is why city dwellers are less overweight. (disregard the aforementioned ice cream)
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Don't be the Tourist, be the *Attraction*
In my searching for things happening in the city, I came across this Times Square Summer Solstice celebration thing. Free yoga class in the middle Times Square? I HAD to do it.
I got to the class which was being held between 43rd and 44th, Broadway and 7th Ave- right in the center of the chaos that is Times Square. We set up on the huge median between lanes of traffic, which was covered in fake turf. I set down my pseudo yoga mat (ahem..beach towel) and just stared at the scenery from my centrally located seated view of Times Square.
Flashing lights. Sirens. ABC studio. Some crazy promotion where people were running on tredmills on a huge screen. Tourists were already flocking, staring at us and wondering what the hell we were doing. Can I blame them?
The music was pounding, the yoga was fast and intense. But it was awesome. Taxis drove by, honking at us. People yelled and whistled from bikes and trucks. Tourists and maybe some curious New Yorkers flocked to the median, just staring. A New York Sightseeing bus
drove by, the passengers armed with their cameras, and with a story to take back home to Kentucky. "You'll never believe what I saw...!" Photographers. Videographers. Police. Security. We were supposed to be blocking out everything around us- the ultimate challenge. But hell, I never take yoga seriously anyways.
I was mid-triangle pose when I grabbed my camera and joined the tourists. This was just too bizarre and unreal not to document.
Afterwards there were articles in the NY Times, CBS News, and even the Boston Globe. Probably on TV too.
I got to the class which was being held between 43rd and 44th, Broadway and 7th Ave- right in the center of the chaos that is Times Square. We set up on the huge median between lanes of traffic, which was covered in fake turf. I set down my pseudo yoga mat (ahem..beach towel) and just stared at the scenery from my centrally located seated view of Times Square.
Flashing lights. Sirens. ABC studio. Some crazy promotion where people were running on tredmills on a huge screen. Tourists were already flocking, staring at us and wondering what the hell we were doing. Can I blame them?The music was pounding, the yoga was fast and intense. But it was awesome. Taxis drove by, honking at us. People yelled and whistled from bikes and trucks. Tourists and maybe some curious New Yorkers flocked to the median, just staring. A New York Sightseeing bus
drove by, the passengers armed with their cameras, and with a story to take back home to Kentucky. "You'll never believe what I saw...!" Photographers. Videographers. Police. Security. We were supposed to be blocking out everything around us- the ultimate challenge. But hell, I never take yoga seriously anyways.
I was mid-triangle pose when I grabbed my camera and joined the tourists. This was just too bizarre and unreal not to document.
Afterwards there were articles in the NY Times, CBS News, and even the Boston Globe. Probably on TV too.
I did yoga in the middle of Times Square. Now, can you say that?
Random Observations, Complaints, and Annoyances Part 1
1. I'm seemingly the only one in Manhattan with tan lines. I guess no one has been to the Hamptons yet..)
2. The water that comes out of the sink is so bad, not even Brita can save it.
3. Most people in NYC that I have come across are not fashionable. Not even a little bit. I seriously want to call Stacy and Clinton everytime I get on the subway.
4. Ice cream costs $7.99. A half gallon of Edy's for like 8 bucks. yeah right. I'm an ice cream addict and I still can't do it. I should've brought my ice cream maker from the homeland.
5. Who you know is more important than what you've done. I already lost one job before the interview because "someone's friend" got it. I need cooler friends.
6. It takes FAR too long to get to the the east side of Manhattan. I'm talking like 3 subway transfers, 40 minutes, and a bottle of vodka (optional). Either make the subways run horizontally or let me have my damn car.
7. The water temperature in the shower changes every minute. You'll be enjoying a nice warm shower then suddenly its scalding your back. Or like today, you just won't get any hot water at all.
2. The water that comes out of the sink is so bad, not even Brita can save it.
3. Most people in NYC that I have come across are not fashionable. Not even a little bit. I seriously want to call Stacy and Clinton everytime I get on the subway.
4. Ice cream costs $7.99. A half gallon of Edy's for like 8 bucks. yeah right. I'm an ice cream addict and I still can't do it. I should've brought my ice cream maker from the homeland.
5. Who you know is more important than what you've done. I already lost one job before the interview because "someone's friend" got it. I need cooler friends.
6. It takes FAR too long to get to the the east side of Manhattan. I'm talking like 3 subway transfers, 40 minutes, and a bottle of vodka (optional). Either make the subways run horizontally or let me have my damn car.
7. The water temperature in the shower changes every minute. You'll be enjoying a nice warm shower then suddenly its scalding your back. Or like today, you just won't get any hot water at all.
8. The NY network on Facebook has an abundance of creepers. Here's proof:
*You have a friend request.*
Darryl says, "Hi Kathy.Have just moved to NJ for work. Was browzin tru profiles in the n/w & found urs kinda cool & interestin.I understand, u don kno me but I believe in takin chances.Just lookin 2 make new friends in a new place!(p.s: I like ur pics)."
Would you like to confirm Darryl as your friend?
UMMM WHAT DO YOU THINK?!?!?!?!
oh. there will be more.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
I thought I heard a gunshot, but it was probably just the recycling truck
Now where did I leave off....
Ah yes. Friday night my dearest former (and future, hopefully) roommate was in the city for her bf's band's performance at the Knitting Factory in Tribeca. The area, from wh
at I saw anyways, is highly overrated, but anyways. The show was good, besides the cute boy with the possessive fatty I was unable to even sneak my number to. Afterwards, we gathered on the corner to decide where we would be going for food. Two old guys walk by, and one asks us "Where are you ladies heading?" I was 
personally creeped out, but they ended up telling us that there was a taping of Law & Order SVU going on a few blocks away. So we went to check it out. If I was into this show it would've been alot cooler, but despite my disinterest, I was slightly interested. There were huge lights that lit the closed down streets. A production assistant made sure no one was walking onto the set, which was filled with a bunch of people sitting around doing nothing it seemed. Cool nonetheless.
Saturday night I had no plans until my sister's friend Reza called, saying she was in the city visiting her bro who lived very close to me. So, we all met up and Jonas took us to this shady little underground Japanese saki bar in the East Village- the kinda where it seemed like you need a code or secret handshake to get in to. There were 2 servers working the verrrry small bar- a girl and a tall Asian guy wearing weird clothing and ponytail fro thing on the top of his head. I got a lychee martini- strong but good. My first drink in NYC. Then we went to another place where they had free pizza when you bought a beer and also skeeball. A taxi r
ide back (my first when not lost in Chinatown and nearly missing the last bus), and then bed at 3AM. An early night by NYC standards...(Fast food vending machine in the pic)
Today - interview at Natural Health Magazine today, proceded by laying out at Central Park. To the cute curly haired camp counselor- HELLOOOOOO BOY! The trip home was, once again, like walking through Puerto Rico, including catcalls en espanol que ellos piensan que yo no comprendo, pero comprendo todo. callete la boca.
y entonces me voy.
Todavia estoy buscando por mi amor latino perfecto... jaja. Buenos suertes a mi.
Besos,
La Chica de Delaware y la Ciudad
Ah yes. Friday night my dearest former (and future, hopefully) roommate was in the city for her bf's band's performance at the Knitting Factory in Tribeca. The area, from wh
at I saw anyways, is highly overrated, but anyways. The show was good, besides the cute boy with the possessive fatty I was unable to even sneak my number to. Afterwards, we gathered on the corner to decide where we would be going for food. Two old guys walk by, and one asks us "Where are you ladies heading?" I was 
personally creeped out, but they ended up telling us that there was a taping of Law & Order SVU going on a few blocks away. So we went to check it out. If I was into this show it would've been alot cooler, but despite my disinterest, I was slightly interested. There were huge lights that lit the closed down streets. A production assistant made sure no one was walking onto the set, which was filled with a bunch of people sitting around doing nothing it seemed. Cool nonetheless.Saturday night I had no plans until my sister's friend Reza called, saying she was in the city visiting her bro who lived very close to me. So, we all met up and Jonas took us to this shady little underground Japanese saki bar in the East Village- the kinda where it seemed like you need a code or secret handshake to get in to. There were 2 servers working the verrrry small bar- a girl and a tall Asian guy wearing weird clothing and ponytail fro thing on the top of his head. I got a lychee martini- strong but good. My first drink in NYC. Then we went to another place where they had free pizza when you bought a beer and also skeeball. A taxi r
ide back (my first when not lost in Chinatown and nearly missing the last bus), and then bed at 3AM. An early night by NYC standards...(Fast food vending machine in the pic) Today - interview at Natural Health Magazine today, proceded by laying out at Central Park. To the cute curly haired camp counselor- HELLOOOOOO BOY! The trip home was, once again, like walking through Puerto Rico, including catcalls en espanol que ellos piensan que yo no comprendo, pero comprendo todo. callete la boca.
y entonces me voy.
Todavia estoy buscando por mi amor latino perfecto... jaja. Buenos suertes a mi.
Besos,
La Chica de Delaware y la Ciudad
Friday, June 15, 2007
Four Boobs, 300 Calories, and some Pop-Lockin
I went to the gym today. Equinox at 92nd. 2 subway stops and 2 blocks away. I had a free pass (helloooo the only reason!), and let's just say it was interesting...
So I go in to get signed up and stuff, get shown around, pretending that I was actually interested in joining (not that I had a list of 5 other gyms w/ free passes after this one..) Then I headed down to the locker room to change.
WELL apparently the locker room is some sort of nudist colony/ underground lesbian ring. As I was walking to the bathroom to change, I saw BOOBS coming out of the shower! I turn and see MORE BOOBS, as this crazy chick is leaning over with them all out and proud while picking her face in the mirror. 3 more women come towards me in towels only.. OMG OMG. It's insane! Can't these people shower at home? What is happening? So I'm like laughing in the bathroom stall over the ridiculousness of what I've just witnessed, then I come out and go to change my shoes. Homegirl at the mirror slides down closer to me (did she think I needed a better view?!?!?!?!!?!?) and is like boob flashing all over the place! I even saw her ass!! WHAT THE HELL! She wasn't even dressing!! She wasn't even toned!!
She was just doing a towel peep show. I swear she wanted me to look! It was truly bizarre.
So then after I escaped that madness, I was on the weight machines and theres this guy near me listening to music in between reps. Next thing I know he's doing a muted pop-lock all over the place! Repeatedly. I'm guessing he likes the boys... ahhh hahahahhahaa. These people are crazy!!
I went upstairs on the elliptical and burned 300 calories though. Success. 2 more free days. Apparently this is "the best gym in NYC" Yes, aren't they all. Maybe I'll go to a free yoga class on Saturday, but I'm gonna be careful this time to shield my eyes.
So I go in to get signed up and stuff, get shown around, pretending that I was actually interested in joining (not that I had a list of 5 other gyms w/ free passes after this one..) Then I headed down to the locker room to change.
WELL apparently the locker room is some sort of nudist colony/ underground lesbian ring. As I was walking to the bathroom to change, I saw BOOBS coming out of the shower! I turn and see MORE BOOBS, as this crazy chick is leaning over with them all out and proud while picking her face in the mirror. 3 more women come towards me in towels only.. OMG OMG. It's insane! Can't these people shower at home? What is happening? So I'm like laughing in the bathroom stall over the ridiculousness of what I've just witnessed, then I come out and go to change my shoes. Homegirl at the mirror slides down closer to me (did she think I needed a better view?!?!?!?!!?!?) and is like boob flashing all over the place! I even saw her ass!! WHAT THE HELL! She wasn't even dressing!! She wasn't even toned!!
She was just doing a towel peep show. I swear she wanted me to look! It was truly bizarre.
So then after I escaped that madness, I was on the weight machines and theres this guy near me listening to music in between reps. Next thing I know he's doing a muted pop-lock all over the place! Repeatedly. I'm guessing he likes the boys... ahhh hahahahhahaa. These people are crazy!!
I went upstairs on the elliptical and burned 300 calories though. Success. 2 more free days. Apparently this is "the best gym in NYC" Yes, aren't they all. Maybe I'll go to a free yoga class on Saturday, but I'm gonna be careful this time to shield my eyes.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Today was supposed to be a calm day...
..but I'm thinking those might be rare.
I applied to some server jobs around my neighborhood, then ventured to the 50th St. stop to apply to the Fridays down there. Well that is right near Times Square, and
you just can't ignore Times Square! So I walked around a little bit, saw this crazy rapper man who was barking into a mic when he saw dogs, then went to cross the street and loooooook who is there:
I applied to some server jobs around my neighborhood, then ventured to the 50th St. stop to apply to the Fridays down there. Well that is right near Times Square, and
you just can't ignore Times Square! So I walked around a little bit, saw this crazy rapper man who was barking into a mic when he saw dogs, then went to cross the street and loooooook who is there:
THE NAKED COWBOY!!!!!!! I laughed hysterically and told him that out of all my NYC trips, I've never seen him. And then he told me to touch his pecs as a random woman attempted to take our picture in the middle of 7th Ave. It didn't work, but this next pic he said "Touch my butt!" and then I told him that I lived there now and that I would DEF be seeing more of him and he said, 
"I like your attitude!"
"I like your attitude!"Then I continued walking East and ended up at Rockefeller Plaza, past the NBC building, Saks, a crazy church, and lots of restaurants that I wanted to get food from, but resisted since I'm technically unemployed and all...
Tomorrow will be low-key... unless of course I leave this apartment, which, in that case- nevermind.
Hi Mom! I'm on MTV!
New York City is the media capital of the world. Everything is centered here, which is why I have centered myself here.
Last night, a band I have liked for a couple years (but have never seen play), CARTEL, was
playing a free show on the Hudson River at the Chelsea Piers. They are the Band in a Bubble, which featured several episodes on MTV chronicling their 20-day lockdown in the bubble-shaped building where they ate, slept, and recorded their new album.
Normally, I would have been sitting at home watching this show on MTV, wishing I could be a part of it all, but there is no more sitting at home..
It was downpouring as I got off the A to 14th Street and I was standing in line outside of the pier with 15 year olds swarming. I decided to get out of line and go to the front to find this Lee guy. Since I am on the CMJ mailing list (because I volunteered for the Music Marathon in Oct.), I was told to ask for Lee in order to get to the front of the stage) Well, let's just say I know how to work it and got in front of all the kids and was directed towards the front of the stage. I may not be quite VIP yet, but I'm certainly a VIP-in-progress. (I went to the left.)
Cartel played some old stuff that I recognized and also some new songs. They sounded really good live. It was really cool to see the huge MTV platformed cameras, to see Blaire, the VJ from MTV who hosted the show (whose friends from MTV were behind me), and to be a part of a live broadcast where they did countdowns to air time and made you scream louder.
This is what is all about. This is what I want to do.
Last night, a band I have liked for a couple years (but have never seen play), CARTEL, was
playing a free show on the Hudson River at the Chelsea Piers. They are the Band in a Bubble, which featured several episodes on MTV chronicling their 20-day lockdown in the bubble-shaped building where they ate, slept, and recorded their new album.Normally, I would have been sitting at home watching this show on MTV, wishing I could be a part of it all, but there is no more sitting at home..
It was downpouring as I got off the A to 14th Street and I was standing in line outside of the pier with 15 year olds swarming. I decided to get out of line and go to the front to find this Lee guy. Since I am on the CMJ mailing list (because I volunteered for the Music Marathon in Oct.), I was told to ask for Lee in order to get to the front of the stage) Well, let's just say I know how to work it and got in front of all the kids and was directed towards the front of the stage. I may not be quite VIP yet, but I'm certainly a VIP-in-progress. (I went to the left.)
Cartel played some old stuff that I recognized and also some new songs. They sounded really good live. It was really cool to see the huge MTV platformed cameras, to see Blaire, the VJ from MTV who hosted the show (whose friends from MTV were behind me), and to be a part of a live broadcast where they did countdowns to air time and made you scream louder.
This is what is all about. This is what I want to do.
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