Spring is here!

I have been a very busy girl this past month, with either guests in town or a trip every weekend since March.  My first visitors were my cousin and his friend from college, who I traveled with to Chicago a few years ago.  We had a perfect Saturday, complete with a brunch at Calle Ocho that was to die for, a trip to the park where we took a nap in the grass while listening to some jazz musicians, and a night at the theatre where we saw “Sister Act.”  One of my favorite parts of the weekend was a trip to a very old bookstore on the Upper West Side.  It had one of those really tall ladders, and old used books everywhere you looked.  Books in front of books, shoved anywhere they would fit.  I ended up purchasing Edith Wharton’s “Summer”, because I remembered loving “Ethan Frome” in high school.  I also found an old airline ticket in the book, which my boss thinks is from the 70s.  Someone went from San Fran to NYC in a non-smoking seat, while reading this amazing book!

This past weekend I had the privilege of seeing two dear friends from middle/high school, and we followed a very similar agenda.  One difference was that we saw “Anything Goes” for only $22!  My wonderful roommate told me about this program called Hiptix, which allows people under the age of 35 to receive show discounts.  Never in my life have I heard of such a thing, but I will take it!  If anyone knows of any other discounts you can get between the ages of 35 and 50, please let me know.  We did try out a restaurant in my neighborhood that I had never been to before, called Chin Chin.  The food was spectacular, and our host’s name was Jimmy.  Actually, he was the manager and came around every ten minutes or so to make sure we were happy.  Although he was Chinese, he spoke with a heavy Jersey accent, which didn’t surface until later in the evening.  We loved our Jimmy.  He has been managing that restaurant for the last 25 years, and has put three daughters through college (one through Harvard) by working there.  I will definitely be back.

Last weekend was my very first trip to Washington D.C.  Since it’s only four hours away, it’s perfect to do in two days.  A friend of mine and I decided to go via bus.  There are multiple bus companies in New York who offer service there, and most are reasonably priced, but we selected Bolt Bus.  Occasionally they offer a $1 round fare ticket (at random, obviously), which we got because we ordered together.  Our round trip bus fare ended up being only $33 per person, and considering the fact that driving yourself would’ve cost gas and tolls, we were pretty happy with that.  The bus was perfect.  Wi-Fi is available, as well as outlets in the backs of each seat.  The bus driver even stopped half way through to let us all get off at a rest stop and grab dinner.

Saturday was spent walking…and walking…and walking some more.  Thankfully we stayed in Arlington, which is right across the bridge, because we were exhausted and ready to rest our weary legs fairly early.  We were there mainly to see the cherry blossoms, but were unfortunately about two weeks too late.  Most of them were already on the ground, as well as the tulips.  Regardless, at least we got to be there for the Cherry Blossom Festival, and had perfect weather.  We made visits to the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, MLK Memorial, the White House, the Treasury, the Aviation Museum, the Art Museum, and the National Archives.  Our lunch took place outside the Smithsonian Castle, on a playground.  As I sat at a picnic table eating my ham sandwich with chips on the actual sandwich (yes, I’m five when I eat), this elderly gentleman screamed across the yard “is that there sandwich better with the chips darlin’?”  Why yes sir, yes it is.  Arlington Cemetary, the Pentagon and the 9/11 Memorial were on Sunday.  All in all, a great time.

 Another Big Apple bucket list accomplished this week-The Tribeca Film Festival.  I have to be honest, I had no idea exactly what it was going into it.  A friend of mine picked the film based on the time and our availability.  It was a Turkish picture (do people still say “picture”?) entitled “Beyond the Hill.”  Our tickets were $25 each, and after our screening of this 90 minute “picture”, we were able to ask the director and two of the actors, who were in attendance, any question we wanted.  There were questions like “Can you speak to the role of women and the connection between the female characters and the goats?” and “What inspired you to utilize the Poplar tree as a symbol of the communities relationship to the military?”  All I wanted to ask was “Why wasn’t Ryan Gosling cast as Zulu?”

I’m quickly becoming a regular at Chelsea Piers, to take advantage of the early bird special at the driving range (which really isn’t a special at all, so much as it is a “get there immediately after work so you aren’t waiting two hours for a spot” thing.  I also have done fairly well at the bowling alley there recently, tying with an eight year old girl with a broken leg.  I keep waiting for a Groupon (obsessed) to come out since the range is around $35, but sadly, I have seen none.  I did, however, recently purchase a four hour baking class (cookies-my favorite), a hot stone massage, another dance class, and a boat cruise around the harbor.  I am halfway through my Krav Maga classes, and let me tell you, I don’t know how I’ve survived it.  During the last class, they had me sparring with a grown man.  He kept telling me to hit him harder, so when I did and missed the bag guarding his chest, he wasn’t the happiest with me.  However, I am now convinced I could kill someone with my elbow if necessary.

Finally, my acting submissions have paid off on Casting Networks, because I have been asked to audition for a small feature film called “Texas to Hollywood.”  If cast in this movie, I would be filming in Austin and Las Angeles for a few months during the summer.  This would require me to quit my job, which I am completely okay with.  Not because I don’t like it (because I do), but because who in their right mind would pass up such an opportunity.  Why not throw caution to the wind and act like a reckless, irresponsible human being?  I feel like this is just what I need in my life.  Plus, it would pay $500/day, which isn’t too shabby.  I’m not holding my breath, but I will give it my best shot.  A five minute comedic monologue…I think I can do that.

Sunday night I met a girl at an improv comedy club who is from Franklin, TN and in New York to pursue acting.  She is my age, and happens to be on this very plane I fly home to Atlanta on as I write this.  (See…New York is really a small town).  She has been here for four years, and is about to give up the dream and move home.  The city has been hard on her, as it is on many people.  I have not had the same experience, and for that I am grateful.  That is not to say I haven’t had bad days/weeks, and that there are times when I just want to start screaming at people on the sidewalk, or ripping out whatever wires make a car horn work.  But overall, I have felt welcomed, even embraced, here.  I predict that my day will come to head back down south once and for all, but until then, I plan to seize the day!

Saturday Night Excitement

Don't get your hopes up folks....it's just the best time to do laundry.  Not a soul spotted for miles (okay, yards) around the laundry room, which by the way, is now down to only 3 operating washing machines.  Most of you are probably wondering why this makes me so happy.  I don't have to wait on anyone, fight with anyone and the process will not take over three hours.  To me, this is about as exciting as it can get.

What a crazy couple of weeks.  Dad came to visit, and we had a ball.  He and I have taken a few trips together in the past, but none have turned out as great as this one did.  We got to see the Apollo, went to see the musical, Rock of Ages (which I do NOT recommend seeing with your father after all), heard some amazing local musicians at a blues jam, got to be in the audience for a taping of the Late Show with David Letterman (and Will Ferrell!-one of my top 10 favorite New York moments, by the way) and top it all off with the Allman Brothers.  I couldn't have asked for a better time with him, and I'm so grateful he got to come.  I think I might have even changed his mind about New York. : )

I don't even really know where to begin about all the rest.  But let me start with my cab driver on Thursday night.  I usually take a cab home after small group, since it takes over 45 minutes to get home by subway.  In twenty minutes, for around $15, I can be home by 11:00.  I hate spending that kind of money on transportation, but for someone who goes to bed by 9:30 every night, it is well worth it.  Anyway, I happened to hail a cab driver who was actually on break.  He was nice enough to switch his light on and let me in.  Usually, these people do not speak, and I really don't mind that at all.  But this guy was quite a talker, and he was eating the most amazing smelling grilled corn.  We talked about his corn for at least 10 blocks, and I went on and on about how much I loved it.  Before I got out of the car at my apartment, he hands me a paper bag and says "this corn cob is for you."  I took my corn cob, tipped him well, and was on my way.  Love that guy.

Let me just tell you about St Patricks Day here.  I have never seen people so happy, and the streets so crowded at 10 a.m. on a Saturday.  I thought that when the Giants won the Super Bowl, this city had given all it had.  Oh, how wrong I was.  The day started off with a celebrity sighting on my way to the grocery store: Enrique Iglesias, post-mole.  Much better looking without it.  After that, I was invited to a coworker's friends house for a housewarming/St Patricks Day get together.  My friend Michele joined me, and we did not expect to stay long...but five hours later, we were still having a great time.  The rest of the evening was spent eating pizza, chicken wings and any other junk food item I could get my paws on.  I was planning to start the Daniel Fast-round 2 the next day, so I had to get all of the good stuff out of my system.  This is day six of the fast, and I must say, I don't really miss my old way of eating.  The process has been a lot easier this time around, and I am grateful for that.  AND I've already lost 4 lbs!

I have quite a few visitors coming over the next few weeks, and also a trip to Washington D.C. with some girls from church.  I've never been there before, and we tried to plan it around peak cherry blossom time.  I am proud to announce that so far, this trip has only cost me $100 which includes two nights in a hotel and round trip bus fare.  BoltBus is my new best friend.  I have to say that one of my favorite parts about living here is how accessible so many amazing cities/towns are, that I have never visited.  Now that I have my car here, I can't wait to explore some local places as well, like Sleepy Hollow, Woodstock, Atlantic City and who knows where else.  Since it already is starting to feel like summer here, I'm sure the beach will happen sooner than June.  And of course, the most wonderful time of the year is just right around the corner...FLEET WEEK!!!

March Madness

After living here for a year and a half, there are times when it still feels brand new.  Like today, for example, when I stumbled upon some new neighborhoods and shops after seeing my traditional Saturday morning movie (Safe House).  I rarely go to the villages on the weekends, because of the crowds and the fact that I usually get lost.  I was in a shopping mood this morning though, and there is no better place to fulfill that urge than SOHO.  If you decide to go on a Saturday, plan to spend a good deal of time inching your way on the sidewalks of Broadway.  It is the equivalent of a jammed pack parking lot at Cool Springs Mall.  You won't get anywhere fast, so plan accordingly.

My first stop was the Top Shop (say this three times without stopping).  According to one of Brian's model friends, this is one of the most fashion forward, and yet reasonable, stores in the country.  It is a London based company, which he ranked above my own personal addiction, Zara.  I must say, I was not impressed.  I only found a few items that even fit me right, and that I thought may be considered "timeless."  Everything else would have a closet shelf life of 9-12 months tops.  At the top shop.  I did make it out with a purple knit tank top dress, so all hope was not lost.

Next, was Uni Qlo, which is a Japanese based clothing store.  Much more success here.  Actually I just ended up with one sweater, but the clothes were cheaper and more my pace.  I highly recommend it.  One thing that stands out to me about shopping up here is the check out process.  You can go in just about any department store, and be summoned to your respective cashier when they scream out "Following!"  Now, sometimes they add "guest" into this command, but usually it's just condensed to this one word.  I don't know why I find that odd, but I do.  After finishing the day at Zara (where I waited in a fitting room line for 30 minutes), I headed home for rest and to play dress up.

For those of you who are Seinfeld fans, you can appreciate the fact that I had a Soup Nazi experience this past week.  I was walking back to my office from a client visit, and saw a line of about 20 people standing outside a dingy looking restaurant.  The Soup Spot on 31st street between 7th and 8th is apparently a five star lunch spot that is always packed in the afternoon.  It works the exact same way as the one from Seinfeld, although I did not see anyone getting kicked out of line for taking too long to order.  I had to fight back the urge to just scream "NEXT" as I walked by it.

I am almost finished with my salsa lessons, as this week will mark my sixth and final class.  I have had the privilege of meeting two great girls during the process, since our class usually only consists of the three of us and maybe an occasional straggler or two.  This past Wednesday, we decided to meet up beforehand for a light dinner at this great place called the Amsterdam Tavern, and walk to class together.  As we were eating, I had a moment of gratitude to be in that place at that time with those people.  I'm not sure if that makes any sense at all, but I am calling it another New York moment.  I am glad to have made some good friends who enjoy doing random things, and we are looking into additional dance styles together.  I am also considering starting a six week acting class this coming Saturday, which is led by Edie Sedgwick (Kyra's brother).  I found a great deal on Groupon (addicted) and may book it in the next few days.  

This coming weekend my dad will be driving up from Georgia with my car (because he's a great guy!).  We plan to spend the weekend together, but the main event will come on Tuesday night when we go to see the Allman Brothers at the Beacon theater.  I am so excited to experience this with him, since he has never seen them live, and since we have never been to a concert together where we both like the artist.  I have also been invited to an 80th birthday party in Queens, which I can hopefully convince him to go to.  It is one of my client's father's birthday, and they are Eastern Indian from Guyana.  Apparently the food will be out of this world, and I am just honored that she thought of me at all.  If I am not able to pull it off, I will definitely ask for a raincheck, as well as leftovers.

Lots of S's

1.  Superbowl:  WOW, is all I have to say about this.  Never in my life have I seen people here so excited.  I can't say that I know how they feel, considering I have grown up with the Falcons and the Titans.  I actually watched the game at a friends house with around 10 people who had no interest whatsoever in the game, or either team for that matter.  Actually, there were two Patriots fans there.  Both of whom were girls, in a room full of guys.  After the big win, the commute home was a tad interesting.  There were people hanging from fire escapes screaming at the top of their lungs, toilet paper in the street (which of course is not all that unusual), intoxicated idiots pouring out of bars complete with face and body paint, and people singing that obnoxious Alicia Keys Empire State song on the street as well as on the bus I took home.  Yesterday was the Giants parade, so it was just as crazy during the day.  Of course the parade route is right by my old office, and my desk would have been prime real estate for many a fan who probably would have paid me to use it.  Alas, I now work in Korea Town....sigh.

2. Shooting:  This was pretty much the highlight of my week.  I was in the mandatory introductory class with a group of people gathered for a birthday party, and none of them had ever touched a gun in their life.  One of them had a bunny on her head.  Not a real life bunny, but one of those animal toboggans.  I knew immediately she would pose no threat.  After about an hour with an NRA certified trainer, he finally let us in the range.  He told me that he could tell I had done this before, and proceeded to refer to me as "Gunslinger" and "Annie Oakley" at least twice during the session.  While I was in the middle of one of my rounds, he decided it would be a good time to ask me for my information.  Turns out, there is no time that would be good for him to ask me for that.

3. Salsa: Round 3 tonight, which marks the halfway point of my training.  This time, there were actually enough guys for the girls to dance with, so I felt everything coming together.  I got some good feedback from my instructor, and he actually danced with me a lot.  I get so nervous and apprehensive before every class, but I always feel like a million bucks when I leave.  He really does a great job.  One of the other male students was actually really talented, fun to dance with, and tall enough for me.  The other guy, unfortunately, came up to my chin.  This made for a difficult spin, but he did try his best and I ducked like a champ.  I was wearing this Harvard tank top and he asked me if I went there, to which I replied "oh, of course not!"  Then I asked where he went to college...MIT.  My response: "Well that's just right down the road!!!"  He looked at me, turned, and chose another partner.  Fail.

Superbowl Sanity

So, as it turns out, the Black Swan is actually a pretty nice lady.  AND she didn't perform as well this past week, which makes me like her even better.  We had a different instructor this time, and he had a much more aggressive teaching style.  There were multiple times when he would just throw his hands up and walk away when I did something wrong, and finally told me that I needed to let my inner woman out.  Apparently I am still not good at following.  After the class was over, I told him not to give up on me, to which he replied "don't give up on yourself!"  Good point, my friend.  Good point.

This past Sunday I was finally able to go to the driving range at Chelsea Piers, and hit some balls.  It has been way too long since I've done that at all, and it has certainly never happened here.  With the exception of the fact that it costs over $30 for balls and clubs, the range is actually pretty awesome.  It extends over the Hudson River, so you have New Jersey as your background (which at night, isn't half bad).  I quickly became attached to my 3 wood rental, as it proved to be the most accurate club among them.  Also, the tees are automatic and I was able to use one of the compartments on the top floor.  Amazing experience.

I've often wondered how the subway tracks are cleaned, and when that happens.  Rarely am I out past midnight at any point during the week, but last night I had a very late dinner with a friend who lives in Queens and found myself heading back to the city around 1:30 a.m.  What I found on the platform of the Manhattan bound M/R were about thirty guys down on the track with brooms, sweeping up all the trash.  And when I say trash, I am referring to garbage that is soaked in water and most likely, urine.  Obviously they have to work feverishly before the next train arrives, and move to the median when this happens.  I think it definitely ranks at the top of my "I would rather have a tooth pulled than do this job" list.

New York (as well as most other states up here) take their professional football very seriously, so you can imagine how big of a deal tomorrow is for everyone here.  I've seen homemade signs in restaurants, office buildings, apartments, on the subway, designs in chocolate shops and on cookie cakes (yes, I've been back to Miss Fields) all in support of the Giants.  I plan to go to a friend's house to watch the game, and am excited to see the city decked out in blue and red.  Naturally, the part I am looking forward to most is the food.  Just about everyone in my office has already taken Monday off in preparation, and I am honestly shocked it has not been deemed an official holiday.  I may be the only one in this city excited for Monday though, as I will be attending my first target shooting training that evening.  What a great way to start off a week!

Salsa and Shooting

One of my New Year's resolutions was to learn something new, take classes, better myself.  There are a million things that I would love to try, and most of them can be done here in the city.  So, naturally, my first thought was to check out the websites for discounted activities.  Groupon was a bust, Living Social didn't have anything that interested me, but Amazon came through in the end.  I found a coupon for six salsa dancing lessons for $35!  I immediately signed up, and had my first class on Wednesday night.

Before arriving, I was a tad skeptical that for the price, this would be a legitimate class with capable instructors.  However, I was pleasantly surprised with the studio and the amount of people who showed up.  They split everyone into three groups, beginner, intermediate and advanced.  Obviously, I belonged with the beginners, and if there had been a group to fall below that, there I would be.  Maybe a group of children would have suited me better?

Six girls, one old man and an instructor who looked like he enjoyed sweets a little too much....this is what we had to work with.  Did I mention that one of the girls was a professional dancer?  She justified her presence there by saying she had never done salsa, just ballet, tap, ballroom, blah, blah, blah.  I stopped listening after ballet.  We shall refer to her as the Black Swan going forward.  Black Swan loved to shimmy all over the dance floor, and in so doing, knock me into the wall.

The older man would remind you of Pedro from Napoleon Dynamite, in fifty years of course.  He was actually quite adorable, and caught on quicker than I thought he would.  Since he was the only male student, it was his responsibility to do the spin move with every girl in the class.  While counting out loud in a very thick accent, he was able to do this successfully with most everyone there.  With the exception of yours truly.  Apparently, I'm not very good at spinning, following or counting for that matter.  I also have, quite possibly, the worst rhythm of any white female who has ever lived.  However, this will not stop me from going back.  I will conquer this activity!

In one week, I will be the happy participant in a two hour training course at the only gun range in the entire city of New York.  Westside gun range will teach you how to shoot a .22 caliber rifle for just a mere $65.  Following the training course, you are able to go back for $30 sessions.  Why would I be interested in a course of this nature, you ask?  It's not like I can legally carry a gun here, nor do I want to.  The reasons are threefold.  1. It reminds me of home.  2. It actually relieves stress. and 3. I am a pretty decent shot, thanks to a three year relationship with a Kentucky boy who loved guns.  I am excited to try my hand at it again.

So I am off to a good start for the year fulfilling my resolution.  At some point, there will be cooking and acting classes.  I also think I want to try fencing, which happens to be offered for free in front of Bryant Park every Wednesday in the summer.  There is something pretty empowering about learning new things, or maybe just having goals in general.  It has become a very effective way to preoccupy my mind and motivate myself to improve.  I'm thankful to have the opportunity to do that here.

C is for Cookie

Picture it...New York...2012...a 15 degree winter Friday with nowhere to be for the next 24 hours, a new job secured for the next week and a pocket full of quarters.  The only logical thing for a girl to do is take that long anticipated trip to Miss Fields.  I walk in, people everywhere are smiling, I see a delivery boy jumping up to click his heels out of pure joy with his job...I think I even hear some Disney soundtrack playing overhead.  This is my place, for sure.  I approach the counter with maybe a bit of drool in the corner of my mouth, and order a slice of cookie cake...or a double doozie....or BOTH!  Who cares, I'm on the top of the world.

I tell the lucky lady working behind the counter that this has been one of the best days of my New York life, and that I live just a mere twelve stories above her wonderland of cookies.  She welcomes me to the store, tells me it has only been open for two weeks, and offers a free cookie since we are "neighbors." I gladly accept said cookie with a big smile on my face, and proceed to knock over a sign that was on the counter...onto the floor...shattering the holder into a million pieces.  She nods and smiles, assures me I shouldn't worry, some guy comes from my left almost immediately with a broom to fix the problem, and I am on my way.  

Thank goodness we painted the apartment this fall, got new furniture, redecorated the whole place, and that my interest in reading has actually been rekindled, because I do not plan to leave these four walls until April at this weather rate.  I love my apartment.  It is so warm and inviting, and definitely worth the investment to perk up a bit.  My favorite thing to do after work and gym is to come home, light a candle, put on some Billie Holiday and write/read/watch a host of television shows I am too embarrassed to admit I watch.  This is how one spends a winter in New York.  Very little interaction with the outside world, and this is an understanding you have with everyone you know.  I probably won't even see half of my friends until it is socially acceptable to wear white again.  So until that time, you may hear a lot from me. : )