Sometimes, when fighting the gusting winds on 8th Avenue and shivering on the subway platform and drinking coffee to suppress hunger, I begin to question the life I'm living. Then I get a text from my old college roommate sharing news of a baby on the way, and I really start rethinking things. Not to say if I had stayed in Austin and found a nice Southern man to marry and a job I liked and start popping out babies of my own that I wouldn't have a similar feeling at some point BUT I feel its a little different up here.
A quiet life like the one I was raised, seems pretty ideal, especially in the dead of winter. (I will admit this is usually the hardest time of year for me). But when I reflect on the years I've spent in NY pursuing this crazy life of uncertainty I cannot help but smile. Many tears and many laughs I've shared with some of the most extraordinary people here. I have no guarantees about my future, which is exhilarating and petrifying all at once. Lucky for me, I have support and faith.
But if spring could come a little early, I'd really appreciate it!!!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
A Week Gone By
Alright, the writing every day thing was a lofty goal, but one I'm continuing to strive for, just so you know!
I caught a glimpse this past weekend of the madness of pulling together a wedding and trying to appease all expectations of everyone the day is NOT about! My dear friend came in from LA and exhausted herself shopping (very successfully, I might add), finding bridesmaid dresses for her wedding late this summer in Hawaii! Her pains were rewarded bringing together an ensemble of delightfully different dresses while utilizing various shades of her colors. As someone who values comfort over fashion, if the dress fits and I don't look heinous, then it works. So when I tried mine on and waited for her comments, she feared I did not like it! I laughed and said, "Do you?" I suppose it will be my dress so I do need to have an opinion, but its her creation of a vision that is her wedding day, so wherever I fit into that picture, I'm fine. I just don't want to mess it up! Heaven help me when its my turn to make all these decisions for my own day! This is no where close to happening so I have no worries for the time being!
Another milestone was reached this weekend... I ran 7 miles. At least I think I did. Its hard to measure distance in the park. Whether or not I did is secondary to thinking that I did! So hooray for me!
Back to work!
I caught a glimpse this past weekend of the madness of pulling together a wedding and trying to appease all expectations of everyone the day is NOT about! My dear friend came in from LA and exhausted herself shopping (very successfully, I might add), finding bridesmaid dresses for her wedding late this summer in Hawaii! Her pains were rewarded bringing together an ensemble of delightfully different dresses while utilizing various shades of her colors. As someone who values comfort over fashion, if the dress fits and I don't look heinous, then it works. So when I tried mine on and waited for her comments, she feared I did not like it! I laughed and said, "Do you?" I suppose it will be my dress so I do need to have an opinion, but its her creation of a vision that is her wedding day, so wherever I fit into that picture, I'm fine. I just don't want to mess it up! Heaven help me when its my turn to make all these decisions for my own day! This is no where close to happening so I have no worries for the time being!
Another milestone was reached this weekend... I ran 7 miles. At least I think I did. Its hard to measure distance in the park. Whether or not I did is secondary to thinking that I did! So hooray for me!
Back to work!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
The Art of Busyness
I assume that is the correct spelling, as spellcheck did not throw a red flag. I call it 'art' because that is a qualifying statement making me feel justified for not writing rather than guilty. Rest assured that despite my few days away from this 'journal' I've been filling my time with worthy activities and reaching levels of exhaustion that could be unhealthy!
On an extremely positive note, the high today is in the mid 50's and I am moments away from packing up my winter gear for good! AND today my dearest friend from Cali arrives, so I get to go on vacation in my City (meaning I will spend more money than normal and get nothing productive accomplished and I don't even care)!
On an extremely positive note, the high today is in the mid 50's and I am moments away from packing up my winter gear for good! AND today my dearest friend from Cali arrives, so I get to go on vacation in my City (meaning I will spend more money than normal and get nothing productive accomplished and I don't even care)!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Stupid Sunday Subway Schedule
Like the alliteration?
Anticipating a typically unreliable Sunday commute, I left my house a tinge early to have time to stop and grab breakfast before heading to work. That means departing my apartment at 6:30 a.m. A gloomy morning greets me, no beautiful sunrise over Harlem today, just gray, but at least its not too chilly. After a long ride on the A (which is local... shocker) I do arrive with just enough time to grab breakfast, rush to the restaurant and clock in. Phew!
However, I learn my wee pitstop was entirely unnecessary and apparently the restaurant is actually using the $2.50/day they take from our paycheck and are providing breakfast for the staff on the weekends (b/c we never get a break due to the crazy brunchers of Tribeca). I had to ask twice if I was hearing my manager correctly, and she just laughed and said yes, they are feeding us! Amazing! Granted this is on the level of Super 8 motels with bagels and cereal, but still a very big step in the right direction, no?
Fast-forward to the end of my day. I will proudly proclaim I ran outside today! Yes! That's right! (I'm typing with enthusiasm, btw) Outside in 40 degree weather AND I didn't even think it was that bad! Could it be? Am I acclimatizing to this Northeastern weather?! It was along the Hudson too! Yep, strong winds off the water! So great! I ran up to Chelsea Piers, where one of my regulars gave me a guest pass to check out, which is very fortunate b/c I've always wanted to visit this gym and I need a place to train when the temperature drops again- cause we all know that's coming!
After my invigorating run, I hopped on the train to go to church, but apparently I got on the south bound train and every station we stopped at did NOT have north bound trains running. Like all New Yorkers, I was jamming with my ipod missing all announcements made in regards to finding a north bound train. It wasn't until I noticed a longer than normal pause in between stations that I realized I was heading to Brooklyn (entirely the opposite direction from where I want to be). C'est la vie! I got off at the Brooklyn Bridge stop (which also did not have a north bound train running) and just decided to walk back over to Manhattan and get on a train that was running! A pleasant evening allowed for a pleasant stroll and a pleasant conversation with my Air Force brother! I wish I hadn't missed church but it was a nice alternative!
Anticipating a typically unreliable Sunday commute, I left my house a tinge early to have time to stop and grab breakfast before heading to work. That means departing my apartment at 6:30 a.m. A gloomy morning greets me, no beautiful sunrise over Harlem today, just gray, but at least its not too chilly. After a long ride on the A (which is local... shocker) I do arrive with just enough time to grab breakfast, rush to the restaurant and clock in. Phew!
However, I learn my wee pitstop was entirely unnecessary and apparently the restaurant is actually using the $2.50/day they take from our paycheck and are providing breakfast for the staff on the weekends (b/c we never get a break due to the crazy brunchers of Tribeca). I had to ask twice if I was hearing my manager correctly, and she just laughed and said yes, they are feeding us! Amazing! Granted this is on the level of Super 8 motels with bagels and cereal, but still a very big step in the right direction, no?
Fast-forward to the end of my day. I will proudly proclaim I ran outside today! Yes! That's right! (I'm typing with enthusiasm, btw) Outside in 40 degree weather AND I didn't even think it was that bad! Could it be? Am I acclimatizing to this Northeastern weather?! It was along the Hudson too! Yep, strong winds off the water! So great! I ran up to Chelsea Piers, where one of my regulars gave me a guest pass to check out, which is very fortunate b/c I've always wanted to visit this gym and I need a place to train when the temperature drops again- cause we all know that's coming!
After my invigorating run, I hopped on the train to go to church, but apparently I got on the south bound train and every station we stopped at did NOT have north bound trains running. Like all New Yorkers, I was jamming with my ipod missing all announcements made in regards to finding a north bound train. It wasn't until I noticed a longer than normal pause in between stations that I realized I was heading to Brooklyn (entirely the opposite direction from where I want to be). C'est la vie! I got off at the Brooklyn Bridge stop (which also did not have a north bound train running) and just decided to walk back over to Manhattan and get on a train that was running! A pleasant evening allowed for a pleasant stroll and a pleasant conversation with my Air Force brother! I wish I hadn't missed church but it was a nice alternative!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
BRUNCH... I've missed you!
Brunching in New York is one of the most coveted times in a New Yorker's life. Now, as a person who pays rent with money earned at a brunch hot spot, I have not had the pleasure of a New York brunch in a very very very long time. However, today that all changed! I FINALLY have Saturdays to fill with activities I choose and this morning... I brunched (surprisingly spell check has not corrected any of my usages of 'brunch' as a verb).
A dear friend, whom I know from my youth in Virginia, met me for a relatively early brunch in Chelsea. Our first spot was packed so we wandered to V*nyl. Delicious and affordable. This restaurant has a couple locations if I'm not mistaken, and despite a forgetful waiter, it was superb. The menus were old record covers, the tables were mosaics of characters ranging from Liza to Homer Simpson (sorry twin, i didn't get a pic). I sipped a mimosa, savored some delicious eggs and chatted away the morning. I love brunch!
A dear friend, whom I know from my youth in Virginia, met me for a relatively early brunch in Chelsea. Our first spot was packed so we wandered to V*nyl. Delicious and affordable. This restaurant has a couple locations if I'm not mistaken, and despite a forgetful waiter, it was superb. The menus were old record covers, the tables were mosaics of characters ranging from Liza to Homer Simpson (sorry twin, i didn't get a pic). I sipped a mimosa, savored some delicious eggs and chatted away the morning. I love brunch!
Oops!
Ok, so I missed yesterday... apologies!
I don't recommend taking a multi-vitamin before going into a hot yoga class. You know how the label says take with food? I did take it with a banana thinking it would be alright. So not the case! The label should also include, Do Not Take Before a Hot Sweaty Yoga Class. Let my mistake be your lesson!
Straight after, I had to rush home, change and book it down to a rehearsal and then out to Brooklyn for dinner with friends. We went to this lovely little French Caribbean cafe in Park Slope called Kaz An Nou. Delicious! In all honesty, no marketing done yesterday for myself but that is what today is entirely devoted to! (that and laundry)
I don't recommend taking a multi-vitamin before going into a hot yoga class. You know how the label says take with food? I did take it with a banana thinking it would be alright. So not the case! The label should also include, Do Not Take Before a Hot Sweaty Yoga Class. Let my mistake be your lesson!
Straight after, I had to rush home, change and book it down to a rehearsal and then out to Brooklyn for dinner with friends. We went to this lovely little French Caribbean cafe in Park Slope called Kaz An Nou. Delicious! In all honesty, no marketing done yesterday for myself but that is what today is entirely devoted to! (that and laundry)
Thursday, February 10, 2011
What did the Groundhog say?
Good Afternoon All!
I've completed my training for the day. Unfortunately, the temperature outside is 26 feels like 11 according to The Weather Channel! Also, my trial membership at NYSC has expired and its either join the club or see ya later! As nice as the facilities are... the price is not. I'm counting on an early spring, so here is the plan: try as many clubs in Manhattan that offer a trial membership. Preferably one week trials, but if I get desperate, I'll take the one day trial. I have no moral qualms about this either, for anyone questioning my motivation. I could be in the market to join a gym and I would like to make a thorough investigation before sinking $100+ into a membership! Plus this half-marathon is in April, two months, not worth joining a gym for 2 months! I will learn to run in the cold!
But seriously, is spring coming soon?
I've completed my training for the day. Unfortunately, the temperature outside is 26 feels like 11 according to The Weather Channel! Also, my trial membership at NYSC has expired and its either join the club or see ya later! As nice as the facilities are... the price is not. I'm counting on an early spring, so here is the plan: try as many clubs in Manhattan that offer a trial membership. Preferably one week trials, but if I get desperate, I'll take the one day trial. I have no moral qualms about this either, for anyone questioning my motivation. I could be in the market to join a gym and I would like to make a thorough investigation before sinking $100+ into a membership! Plus this half-marathon is in April, two months, not worth joining a gym for 2 months! I will learn to run in the cold!
But seriously, is spring coming soon?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
"Bird by Bird"
I've begun many things at the same time in my life, but I would like to attribute that to winter (and A.D.D). Lots of time indoors + many interests = several projects happening simultaneously. Ready for the list?
1. Book an indie film by the end of March (this is a big one, which is why it gets #1 spot)
2. Train for half-marathon April 3rd which I will be running with my incredibly disciplined sister (who doesn't know i'm 3 days behind on training)
3. Write every day-- this one you (the reader) will benefit from and also I feel will help hold me accountable for my other endeavors.
So for the next 8 weeks this will basically be my online journal. Yes, I will still throw in delightful anecdotes about life in Manhattan, but I promise to write everyday! Now I've got to finish going thru my list of casting offices that I will be dropping off my stuff later this week and preparing for my rehearsal this afternoon! Oh, I've just returned home from a yoga class which will count as my training for the day! Gotta balance out the running with the stretching right? And anyone that's done Bikram yoga knows this is hardly a day off!
I will appreciate any support (and gifts) you'd like to send my way, but mostly encouragement and prayers! Thanks in advance! Here we go!
p.s. the title of this entry is a book I'm currently reading by Anne Lamott
1. Book an indie film by the end of March (this is a big one, which is why it gets #1 spot)
2. Train for half-marathon April 3rd which I will be running with my incredibly disciplined sister (who doesn't know i'm 3 days behind on training)
3. Write every day-- this one you (the reader) will benefit from and also I feel will help hold me accountable for my other endeavors.
So for the next 8 weeks this will basically be my online journal. Yes, I will still throw in delightful anecdotes about life in Manhattan, but I promise to write everyday! Now I've got to finish going thru my list of casting offices that I will be dropping off my stuff later this week and preparing for my rehearsal this afternoon! Oh, I've just returned home from a yoga class which will count as my training for the day! Gotta balance out the running with the stretching right? And anyone that's done Bikram yoga knows this is hardly a day off!
I will appreciate any support (and gifts) you'd like to send my way, but mostly encouragement and prayers! Thanks in advance! Here we go!
p.s. the title of this entry is a book I'm currently reading by Anne Lamott
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