In case I didn't mention it in previous posts, my office is located directly across the street from Zuccotti Park, which has been the home of the Occupy Wall Street protestors for the last few months. From my desk, I watch them off and on all day, banging their drums and holding up their home made signs. For the most part, they have pretty much stayed in the park and out of our way. Thursday was a different story. Not only could I not get into my building using my normal path (because there were around fifty or so SWAT team cops blocking off my street), I couldn't get into the grand opening of TJ Maxx Wall Street (shame, shame OWS). I think that is what irritated me most. There were hundreds of people swarming around the NYSE, trying to prevent the traditional 9:30 bell from being rung. They were chanting, screaming, and behaving like maniacs. All I wanted to do is shop at my favorite discount store. Fail.
I also got to witness the fight with the police that occurred later that afternoon in the park. Sirens flooded our office, which is rare since we are on the 21st floor and can never hear anything. We saw people running from police, and being taken down and some beaten. It was quite a sight to see. Thankfully, everyone cleared out a little later and didn't come back on Friday. I would say that I have been indifferent, for the most part, with the initiative as a whole. I don't believe these people will change anything without a distinctive purpose and action plan, but I also believe that they have a right to protest. Most of the people I have seen are younger than me. I often wonder who is paying their bills. Is it mothers and fathers, who potentially work for the companies/industries they are protesting? My first reaction is to call them spoiled and unorganized, but I do respect, to some degree, their dedication.
In other news of brutality, I saw Breaking Dawn this past Friday night with my favorite coworker. As she and I were entering the theater, we heard screaming and yelling and thought "have the protestors relocated to AMC Kips Bay?". No, no, no. It was simply a "Twihard" punching another "Twihard" in the face for taking her seat front and center of the screen. They were in a legitimate cat fight, and eventually had to be taken out by security and not allowed to see the movie. Which resulted in both of them crying hysterically on the floor in the hallway. I must say, I'd never seen such a thing while watching the previous three movies in the series back in Nashville. But we ain't in Kansas anymore. This is how we do in the NYC. I would be willing to bet that we had a classic case of Team Edward vs. Team Jacob in the theater that night.
Last night was our small group outing to Korea Town for some much anticipated karaoke. As I was trying to make it there, I ran into someone I should probably consider an acquaintance by now. Zach Woods, "Gabe", from the Office. This is the fourth time I have run into him in public in the last 5 months. This place can really feel like a small town at times. The karaoke place was awesome! There is a $70 per hour fee, and for that amount you receive a private room, a waitress and a few thousand songs to choose from. We spent two hours singing some of the greats, such as Baby Got Back, Bohemian Rhapsody (I contributed the interpretive dance), and my all time favorite...Amy Grant's Baby Baby. Still in the mood for Asian influence after our time with the room had expired, we headed over to a Korean Fried Chicken restaurant and went crazy. And I do mean crazy.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Samuel L Jackson loves Pottery Barn
When you sit at your desk in your home on a Monday night, excited for the peace and quiet, and you hear a jackhammer outside your window for hours on end instead, it is very difficult to find positive things to say about city life. Thank goodness for the little jewels scattered throughout my weekend to outshine the obnoxious sidewalk improvements in front of the Bank of America downstairs.
Friday night I was invited over to a friend's house to watch all three of the movies in the Twilight series, as a precursor to the Breaking Dawn premiere this weekend. On the 4/5 uptown, I got the privilege of hearing one of my favorite subway performers sing between 59th and 86th streets. He always does "Under the Boardwalk", but that night he pulled "Devil Went Down to Georgia" out of his bag of tricks. I never donate to these people, but I pulled out a few bucks after this guy made a very entertaining observation. He said "I LOOOVVVEEEE New York City. Where the women are pretty, and they all have jobs." Well said, my friend. Well said.
Saturday was fairly uneventful, but nice to be able to stay home for the majority of the day. Sunday after church, Brian and I made the trek down to the Brooklyn Target (there is only one in the city, and Spanish Harlem is not a place I care to venture much). We got to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings for lunch, which I was very excited about since there are none in Manhattan. The Target trip was relatively brief, and successful. After dropping off about a 100 lb box of a bookshelf (Brain carried it. I, of course, did nothing but watch), we headed to Lincoln Center for Pottery Barn and Bed, Bath and Beyond. As we were leaving Pottery Barn, the streets packed, I sort of ran into a very tall African American gentleman. As I turned to my right to apologize for hitting him with my huge bag of pillows (I had like 5), he smiled at me and I just kept walking. Until I realized that it was Samuel L Jackson. At that point, all I could do was turn around (very obviously, I might add) and smile. And I did that a few times. Very cool moment.
Friday night I was invited over to a friend's house to watch all three of the movies in the Twilight series, as a precursor to the Breaking Dawn premiere this weekend. On the 4/5 uptown, I got the privilege of hearing one of my favorite subway performers sing between 59th and 86th streets. He always does "Under the Boardwalk", but that night he pulled "Devil Went Down to Georgia" out of his bag of tricks. I never donate to these people, but I pulled out a few bucks after this guy made a very entertaining observation. He said "I LOOOVVVEEEE New York City. Where the women are pretty, and they all have jobs." Well said, my friend. Well said.
Saturday was fairly uneventful, but nice to be able to stay home for the majority of the day. Sunday after church, Brian and I made the trek down to the Brooklyn Target (there is only one in the city, and Spanish Harlem is not a place I care to venture much). We got to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings for lunch, which I was very excited about since there are none in Manhattan. The Target trip was relatively brief, and successful. After dropping off about a 100 lb box of a bookshelf (Brain carried it. I, of course, did nothing but watch), we headed to Lincoln Center for Pottery Barn and Bed, Bath and Beyond. As we were leaving Pottery Barn, the streets packed, I sort of ran into a very tall African American gentleman. As I turned to my right to apologize for hitting him with my huge bag of pillows (I had like 5), he smiled at me and I just kept walking. Until I realized that it was Samuel L Jackson. At that point, all I could do was turn around (very obviously, I might add) and smile. And I did that a few times. Very cool moment.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
The Creme De La Creme of Outlet Malls
There is nothing like a good outlet mall to whip you into a cheerful mood after a long week at work and a major weather change. I had heard of this place called Woodbury Commons, so this weekend I decided to check it out for myself. About an hour's drive north of the city, this place is nestled among some beautiful rolling hills (I almost want to call them mountains) which happened to be at their peak in leaf changing season.
This outlet is unique because it features just about all of the major designer labels. Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Valentino, Prada and Coach are just a few of the stores I went into where I knew I couldn't afford anything just by looking in the window. Even at outlet prices, the cheapest thing I saw was around $1000. The trip wasn't entirely wasted though, because they at least had an Ann Taylor and a J Crew where I had some pretty serious success.
Since I walk all the time now and need comfortable shoes, and since I now have a bunion on my right foot at the ripe old age of 29, Naturalizer has now become my shoe store of choice. It used to be Nine West, by the way. As I was searching around for just the right pair of brown flats, size 9, wide width (thanks to the bunion) I stumbled across some that were in my price range. After putting them both on, a woman about the age of 75 walked by and said "Those are beautiful, dear." Now, I was grateful for the compliment. But because I seemed to be the only person in the store who wasn't retired and she was wearing some sort of Dr. Scholls loafer herself, I pulled those suckers off as fast as I could and ran out.
Today I got to see the musical "Memphis", which won the Tony last year for best show. I definitely recommend it for anyone making a trip to the city soon. The student rush tickets are $27.50 and we were able to sit in the box. I loved everything about it, from the story to the costumes, and of course the music. Put it on your list!
This outlet is unique because it features just about all of the major designer labels. Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Valentino, Prada and Coach are just a few of the stores I went into where I knew I couldn't afford anything just by looking in the window. Even at outlet prices, the cheapest thing I saw was around $1000. The trip wasn't entirely wasted though, because they at least had an Ann Taylor and a J Crew where I had some pretty serious success.
Since I walk all the time now and need comfortable shoes, and since I now have a bunion on my right foot at the ripe old age of 29, Naturalizer has now become my shoe store of choice. It used to be Nine West, by the way. As I was searching around for just the right pair of brown flats, size 9, wide width (thanks to the bunion) I stumbled across some that were in my price range. After putting them both on, a woman about the age of 75 walked by and said "Those are beautiful, dear." Now, I was grateful for the compliment. But because I seemed to be the only person in the store who wasn't retired and she was wearing some sort of Dr. Scholls loafer herself, I pulled those suckers off as fast as I could and ran out.
Today I got to see the musical "Memphis", which won the Tony last year for best show. I definitely recommend it for anyone making a trip to the city soon. The student rush tickets are $27.50 and we were able to sit in the box. I loved everything about it, from the story to the costumes, and of course the music. Put it on your list!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
The Late Night Effects of a Late Afternoon Coffee Break
Why on earth do I drink caffeine after 2:00 p.m.? I certainly know better, but obviously decided against common sense today and had a cup at 4:30. So this is what you get, folks. My brain is not tired, so let the rambling begin.
I've been in conversation a lot lately with some of my fellow single ladies. I think the first signs of fall (or in my case here, winter) always triggers a mood swing for our kind. The question has been posed in every discussion "When will it be my turn?" I must say, I ask that quite often myself. I have no idea what lessons I am supposed to be learning during this time, and sometimes I grow very weary because of uncertainty.
In these same conversations, we also spoke about what the world, through the media (mostly), tells us what is normal. What is acceptable. What our life SHOULD be. These messages are all around us, and despite what we would like to think, influence our patterns of thinking.
Take, for example, any of the movies in the Disney Princess collection. My personal favorites were always Cinderella and the Little Mermaid. The messages in both of these movies are the same. A woman changes something about herself to be with the man of her dreams (who is perfect in every way). No matter which movie it is, there is always some dramatic, unrealistic path to the relationship, which always ends "happily ever after." As a young girl, you begin to think this is normal (or at least I did), attainable and that the only other option is to be the wicked witch/evil stepmother. This HAS to happen to you at some point. And then it doesn't....
I've been in conversation a lot lately with some of my fellow single ladies. I think the first signs of fall (or in my case here, winter) always triggers a mood swing for our kind. The question has been posed in every discussion "When will it be my turn?" I must say, I ask that quite often myself. I have no idea what lessons I am supposed to be learning during this time, and sometimes I grow very weary because of uncertainty.
In these same conversations, we also spoke about what the world, through the media (mostly), tells us what is normal. What is acceptable. What our life SHOULD be. These messages are all around us, and despite what we would like to think, influence our patterns of thinking.
Take, for example, any of the movies in the Disney Princess collection. My personal favorites were always Cinderella and the Little Mermaid. The messages in both of these movies are the same. A woman changes something about herself to be with the man of her dreams (who is perfect in every way). No matter which movie it is, there is always some dramatic, unrealistic path to the relationship, which always ends "happily ever after." As a young girl, you begin to think this is normal (or at least I did), attainable and that the only other option is to be the wicked witch/evil stepmother. This HAS to happen to you at some point. And then it doesn't....
I am a huge fan of the chick flick, romantic comedy genre of film. For some reason, they always make me feel like everything is going to be alright. Among my favorites are 27 Dresses (probably because I have like 12 myself), 50 First Dates and the Proposal. Whenever I have a bad day, my therapy is one of these movies and a bucket or tub of something that is incredibly bad for me. I really don't know what I gain from doing this. Once again, they make me feel that I will find my prince charming someday and then my life will be perfect and complete. But what if I don't...
Watching the ones I love get married one by one and hearing about the men I used to love marrying women who aren't me, will take a toll on the heart, especially when you are watching it alone. Of course I am very happy that they are happy and it brings me joy to see them fulfilled. But you do begin to wonder if there is some repulsive flaw about you that you are blind to. And there is also a sense of abandonment when you realize you are the "last man standing" among your circle.
The thing is this. We are not promised anything that movies or television or magazines tell us we need, just because we are born and breathe and live here on earth. Fulfillment does not come from constantly trying to keep up with these messages. I wish they would make a movie, write a book or create a television show about a woman who lives a full, complete, love-filled life as a single individual. Paul himself was single, and said that if one could handle the lifestyle, that it was preferable.
Obviously your relationship status is not the only thing we are "told" should be a certain way. There are messages about children at a certain point in your life, or adding another child to the family, having your "dream job", being anything you want to be, etc. Everyone is affected. Singleness just happens to be the life situation I relate to the most. I want to believe that if I live for the next 60 years as a single woman, that I can give my whole heart to those people around me who will become my family. I can dedicate my life to serving them, and to experiencing the world to the greatest degree. I want to believe that this is enough. And maybe, if I stop filling my mind with things that suggest the contrary, I will be able to accomplish that.
Thank you, as always, for listening.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Freddy Krueger Meets Frosty the Snowman
That's right folks...snow on Halloween weekend here in New York. I think we are all a bit confused about which holiday we are actually supposed to be celebrating. It is very difficult to be scared and freaked out about anything when the entire ground is white and flakes are cascading down from the sky.
Despite the crazy weather that has been incredibly inconvenient, there have been a few highlights from the weekend. On Friday night, my roommate and I went to Ikea in Brooklyn to buy new furniture for our living room. This was an experience within itself, as you have to take a boat to get there. The store is located along the water in Brooklyn, and isn't convenient by mass transit. Once we made all of our purchases (I am VERY excited about our white couch!) we headed to the cafe for one of their famous cinnamon rolls. Also, I ate 2 hot dogs, chips and a drink and I paid a total of $5 for everything. This is unheard of in the city, so you can imagine how happy we were to do it. As we boated back to Manhattan, we noticed a very impressive fireworks show going off around the Statue of Liberty, and decided it was in celebration of its 125th birthday. They lasted for our entire trip back, and we had such a great view. What perfect timing!
Everything is being delivered tomorrow, and we had painters in over the weekend to cover the entire apartment in blues, yellows and tans. I am so excited to see the final product tomorrow night after everything is done. It is finally starting to feel like a home, as opposed to my college dorm room. Not that there is anything wrong with sitting on a futon or eating on a tray table when you are almost 30 years old. Now all we have to decide on is new wall art and other accents for the room, and then I will be ready to post pictures.
Another exciting aspect of the weekend was the musical I got to see yesterday. "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" is currently starring Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and has been quite the sensation due to his extreme popularity from the movie series. So much the sensation, that the line for Rush tickets typically starts forming around 8 a.m. for the 10:00 opening of the box office. I have tried once before to get these $30 tickets, and they sold out before I made it to the front. But not yesterday. I was probably the fifteenth person in line and was able to secure two FRONT ROW BOX tickets to the matinee for $30 each! We were so close you could almost see the zits on little Danny's face. My favorite part was John Larroquette, who won a Tony for his performance in the show. Hilarious!
Despite the crazy weather that has been incredibly inconvenient, there have been a few highlights from the weekend. On Friday night, my roommate and I went to Ikea in Brooklyn to buy new furniture for our living room. This was an experience within itself, as you have to take a boat to get there. The store is located along the water in Brooklyn, and isn't convenient by mass transit. Once we made all of our purchases (I am VERY excited about our white couch!) we headed to the cafe for one of their famous cinnamon rolls. Also, I ate 2 hot dogs, chips and a drink and I paid a total of $5 for everything. This is unheard of in the city, so you can imagine how happy we were to do it. As we boated back to Manhattan, we noticed a very impressive fireworks show going off around the Statue of Liberty, and decided it was in celebration of its 125th birthday. They lasted for our entire trip back, and we had such a great view. What perfect timing!
Everything is being delivered tomorrow, and we had painters in over the weekend to cover the entire apartment in blues, yellows and tans. I am so excited to see the final product tomorrow night after everything is done. It is finally starting to feel like a home, as opposed to my college dorm room. Not that there is anything wrong with sitting on a futon or eating on a tray table when you are almost 30 years old. Now all we have to decide on is new wall art and other accents for the room, and then I will be ready to post pictures.
Another exciting aspect of the weekend was the musical I got to see yesterday. "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" is currently starring Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and has been quite the sensation due to his extreme popularity from the movie series. So much the sensation, that the line for Rush tickets typically starts forming around 8 a.m. for the 10:00 opening of the box office. I have tried once before to get these $30 tickets, and they sold out before I made it to the front. But not yesterday. I was probably the fifteenth person in line and was able to secure two FRONT ROW BOX tickets to the matinee for $30 each! We were so close you could almost see the zits on little Danny's face. My favorite part was John Larroquette, who won a Tony for his performance in the show. Hilarious!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
On Broadway...
I can officially check off one of the items from my New York bucket list. Today, I walked the entire length of the island, all along Broadway. Although 13.4 miles didn't initially sound like a lot in my head when I first came up with this idea, my feet have a different opinion. This morning around 9:00, I took the 1 train to the last stop on the island at 215th street. I had to walk a few blocks to actually get to the river, but did so gladly. I wanted to share a few highlights from the day.
Within five minutes of my journey, I passed a man wearing a University of Alabama sweatshirt. Since this type of garb isn't very commonly seen around town, and also since my father is always speaking to people sporting the crimson, I decided to say "Roll Tide." He turned around with a smile on his face, and we proceeded to talk about the south for probably five minutes. It was a great start to the day.
I met up with my friend Rich around 181st street. He lives in that area, loves to walk and I hadn't seen him in a while so he decided to join. The weather was absolutely perfect for such an activity...sun was bright and the temperature was appropriate for a light jacket. Eventually, we made it to the upper 90s and decided to stop for brunch at Big Daddy's Diner on 91st. We each got the same thing...pancakes, toast, hashbrowns, eggs, bacon, sausage and coffee for $15 each. This place ended up being similar to a Chucky Cheese and we were surrounded by giggling children. My legs were grateful for the break, even though the balloon man blocked me into the booth for about 15 minutes while he created Halloween characters for a table of about ten kids.
After meandering through Lincoln Center and Columbus Circle, we eventually made it to Times Square. I have to say that up until this point, this area has been my least favorite in the entire city. There are ALWAYS way too many people who don't know where they are going, and it's just incredibly stressful to be there. But today, Herald Square, Union Square and SOHO made Times Square (that's a lot of squares) look like the backwoods country. I have never seen so many "non touristy" people gathered in one area, with the exception of the line outside of Trader Joes wine shop the day before Hurricane Irene. Needless to say, we were glad to get out.
We ended the day walking through the protestors in Zucotti Park (something I can see right outside my window at work) and all the way down to the water where you board for the Statue of Liberty. It took a total of seven hours, but if you take out the time we stopped to eat and shop, I would say about five and a half. I really don't see how I am going to move my body out of this bed to go to a pre-Halloween party tonight, but I am very glad I can now say that I have seen every inch of Broadway.
In other news, I was able to fulfill another life long dream of mine here recently. Bush came to the city for a concert this summer, but unfortunately it sold out in less than two minutes. So when they announced they planned to play a show in Long Island, I bought two tickets immediately. My concert buddy coworker and I headed out a few weeks back on a random Tuesday night to Huntington, New York. The show opened with Filter (I caught...no...grabbed the drumstick being thrown into the audience), Chevelle (a little after my time) and of course the gorgeous Gavin Rossdale reunited with his band. Since it was general admission, we made sure to be on the front row!
Three noteworthy things about their portion of the night: 1. At one point, he was standing right in front of me on stage, I reached my hand out and got pushed from behind and Gavin himself grabbed my hand. It was magical. 2. They blew the speakers out three songs from the end of their set, and he proceeded to come mingle with the audience and give us bottled water. When he made it to our section, I told him I had loved him for 15 years and we took a picture. AMAZING. 3. After singing Little Things, he asked the crowd surfers to please be careful because they had just hurt his "friends" in the front row (me and Michele) and he looked and pointed straight at us and asked if we were okay. Unbelievable.
I also was able to take a very random, and very last minute road trip to Vermont last weekend. Gina was in town for a family member's funeral, and we decided it would be best to get away for a bit. Even though it was kind of rainy, we still saw some gorgeous scenery. Portions of Highway 100 remain closed off from damage done during Irene, but the section we got to see was my favorite part of the trip. Also, the town of Woodstock is very popular for a reason. Lots of very old, incredibly beautiful buildings, great shopping and restaurants and lots of cheese. We may or may not have broken into an old church here to go to the bathroom. Aside from Woodstock, we stayed in Rutland, and went to Killington (ski resort area), Stockbridge (woo hoo!), Pittsford (we stopped here for syrup...lots of damage and a covered bridge which was washed away), Hanover NH (where Dartmouth University is located), White River Junction and Londonderry. Leaves were gorgeous everywhere!
Next weekend is my Bear Mountain cruise up the Hudson, followed by Halloween festivities and Georgia/Florida football. The following weekend I plan to make a trip near Westchester for some designer clothes outlet shopping. Before you know it, Thanksgiving will be here and I will be making my way to Georgia!!! This fall is flying by!
Within five minutes of my journey, I passed a man wearing a University of Alabama sweatshirt. Since this type of garb isn't very commonly seen around town, and also since my father is always speaking to people sporting the crimson, I decided to say "Roll Tide." He turned around with a smile on his face, and we proceeded to talk about the south for probably five minutes. It was a great start to the day.
I met up with my friend Rich around 181st street. He lives in that area, loves to walk and I hadn't seen him in a while so he decided to join. The weather was absolutely perfect for such an activity...sun was bright and the temperature was appropriate for a light jacket. Eventually, we made it to the upper 90s and decided to stop for brunch at Big Daddy's Diner on 91st. We each got the same thing...pancakes, toast, hashbrowns, eggs, bacon, sausage and coffee for $15 each. This place ended up being similar to a Chucky Cheese and we were surrounded by giggling children. My legs were grateful for the break, even though the balloon man blocked me into the booth for about 15 minutes while he created Halloween characters for a table of about ten kids.
After meandering through Lincoln Center and Columbus Circle, we eventually made it to Times Square. I have to say that up until this point, this area has been my least favorite in the entire city. There are ALWAYS way too many people who don't know where they are going, and it's just incredibly stressful to be there. But today, Herald Square, Union Square and SOHO made Times Square (that's a lot of squares) look like the backwoods country. I have never seen so many "non touristy" people gathered in one area, with the exception of the line outside of Trader Joes wine shop the day before Hurricane Irene. Needless to say, we were glad to get out.
We ended the day walking through the protestors in Zucotti Park (something I can see right outside my window at work) and all the way down to the water where you board for the Statue of Liberty. It took a total of seven hours, but if you take out the time we stopped to eat and shop, I would say about five and a half. I really don't see how I am going to move my body out of this bed to go to a pre-Halloween party tonight, but I am very glad I can now say that I have seen every inch of Broadway.
In other news, I was able to fulfill another life long dream of mine here recently. Bush came to the city for a concert this summer, but unfortunately it sold out in less than two minutes. So when they announced they planned to play a show in Long Island, I bought two tickets immediately. My concert buddy coworker and I headed out a few weeks back on a random Tuesday night to Huntington, New York. The show opened with Filter (I caught...no...grabbed the drumstick being thrown into the audience), Chevelle (a little after my time) and of course the gorgeous Gavin Rossdale reunited with his band. Since it was general admission, we made sure to be on the front row!
Three noteworthy things about their portion of the night: 1. At one point, he was standing right in front of me on stage, I reached my hand out and got pushed from behind and Gavin himself grabbed my hand. It was magical. 2. They blew the speakers out three songs from the end of their set, and he proceeded to come mingle with the audience and give us bottled water. When he made it to our section, I told him I had loved him for 15 years and we took a picture. AMAZING. 3. After singing Little Things, he asked the crowd surfers to please be careful because they had just hurt his "friends" in the front row (me and Michele) and he looked and pointed straight at us and asked if we were okay. Unbelievable.
I also was able to take a very random, and very last minute road trip to Vermont last weekend. Gina was in town for a family member's funeral, and we decided it would be best to get away for a bit. Even though it was kind of rainy, we still saw some gorgeous scenery. Portions of Highway 100 remain closed off from damage done during Irene, but the section we got to see was my favorite part of the trip. Also, the town of Woodstock is very popular for a reason. Lots of very old, incredibly beautiful buildings, great shopping and restaurants and lots of cheese. We may or may not have broken into an old church here to go to the bathroom. Aside from Woodstock, we stayed in Rutland, and went to Killington (ski resort area), Stockbridge (woo hoo!), Pittsford (we stopped here for syrup...lots of damage and a covered bridge which was washed away), Hanover NH (where Dartmouth University is located), White River Junction and Londonderry. Leaves were gorgeous everywhere!
Next weekend is my Bear Mountain cruise up the Hudson, followed by Halloween festivities and Georgia/Florida football. The following weekend I plan to make a trip near Westchester for some designer clothes outlet shopping. Before you know it, Thanksgiving will be here and I will be making my way to Georgia!!! This fall is flying by!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Ray, Radiohead and Grannys for a Greedless America
Fall is off to a great start in the city! We went from 80s to 50s within a matter of days, so there hasn't been much time for that period of transition. I am certainly not complaining though. I love this weather.
Last weekend I decided to explore the villages a bit, and it ended up being a great idea. I found the apartments that Friends and The Cosby Show were based on, and I'm sure looked like a crazy person standing outside them both taking pictures. As I meandered throughout these adorable little neighborhoods, I stumbled upon my very first "yard sale." Basically, it was a blocked off section of the street where people had set up card tables to display all of their junk. And when I say junk, I mean junk. However, apparently New York junk is worth more that junk in other places because there were no items under $5. There was a tiny mirror that looked like it had been bought at Wal-Mart that they wanted $75 for. I did enjoy looking though. By this point, I was in a major thrift store mood so I found the nearest Goodwill to browse around in. Cheapest thing in there was $15! Shocking.
Last Monday night a friend of mine at work and I made a very last minute decision to go to the Ray Lamontagne concert in Central Park. It was a part of a series called Summerstage, and it really was a great show. The band Punch Brothers opened for him, and the lead singer is Chris Thile who once played mandolin for Nickel Creek. Ray was incredibly awkward with the audience, but an AMAZING performer. It really was a perfect night...not a cloud in the sky, perfect weather and third row from the front. While in line for pizza, I realized I was standing behind two reality TV stars from the Bachelor Pad...Michelle and Graham. Normally, I wouldn't have a clue who these people were, but my roommate has kind of gotten me hooked on the show. So...in my typical fashion...I inconspicuously snapped a photo of their backs. : )
As you probably know, there have been protestors downtown (right by my office) for the last two weeks. They are expressing their disgust in the influence of corporate America/money and greed on our political system. Friday it was announced that Radiohead would be playing a free show amongst the crowd around 4:00, so of course I made my way down. After waiting for almost an hour, with no sign of Radiohead, I went back to the office. But I did get to witness a. a girl who hadn't shaved her armpits in weeks, b. someone having their ear pierced in multiple places with a needle and nothing to ease the pain, c. a guy who wanted to end the fed and d. a group of "Grannys for a Greedless America." It was quite a spectacle.
Lots of trips coming up...church retreat in the Catskills, a drive through Vermont and possibly Niagara Falls. Excited to see the leaves changing!
Last weekend I decided to explore the villages a bit, and it ended up being a great idea. I found the apartments that Friends and The Cosby Show were based on, and I'm sure looked like a crazy person standing outside them both taking pictures. As I meandered throughout these adorable little neighborhoods, I stumbled upon my very first "yard sale." Basically, it was a blocked off section of the street where people had set up card tables to display all of their junk. And when I say junk, I mean junk. However, apparently New York junk is worth more that junk in other places because there were no items under $5. There was a tiny mirror that looked like it had been bought at Wal-Mart that they wanted $75 for. I did enjoy looking though. By this point, I was in a major thrift store mood so I found the nearest Goodwill to browse around in. Cheapest thing in there was $15! Shocking.
Last Monday night a friend of mine at work and I made a very last minute decision to go to the Ray Lamontagne concert in Central Park. It was a part of a series called Summerstage, and it really was a great show. The band Punch Brothers opened for him, and the lead singer is Chris Thile who once played mandolin for Nickel Creek. Ray was incredibly awkward with the audience, but an AMAZING performer. It really was a perfect night...not a cloud in the sky, perfect weather and third row from the front. While in line for pizza, I realized I was standing behind two reality TV stars from the Bachelor Pad...Michelle and Graham. Normally, I wouldn't have a clue who these people were, but my roommate has kind of gotten me hooked on the show. So...in my typical fashion...I inconspicuously snapped a photo of their backs. : )
As you probably know, there have been protestors downtown (right by my office) for the last two weeks. They are expressing their disgust in the influence of corporate America/money and greed on our political system. Friday it was announced that Radiohead would be playing a free show amongst the crowd around 4:00, so of course I made my way down. After waiting for almost an hour, with no sign of Radiohead, I went back to the office. But I did get to witness a. a girl who hadn't shaved her armpits in weeks, b. someone having their ear pierced in multiple places with a needle and nothing to ease the pain, c. a guy who wanted to end the fed and d. a group of "Grannys for a Greedless America." It was quite a spectacle.
Lots of trips coming up...church retreat in the Catskills, a drive through Vermont and possibly Niagara Falls. Excited to see the leaves changing!
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