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)!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
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
Saturday, January 29, 2011
A Beautifully Artistic Day in the Throws of Winter
The feeling of warmth no longer comes from the sun, so during these months its important to find other ways of feeling all warm and cozy. Therefore a day spent practicing one's craft, then reading literature for further understanding, then collaborating with talented peers on new work, then sharing a meal with an adopted family, then entering a world created on stage as the conclusion of one's night... a winter in NYC isn't all that bad, right?
My day began playing in a cold-reading class with one of New York's finest audition teachers, Karen Kohlhaas, who has actually written books on auditions. Actors tend to get a little heady and overly dramatic, so its really refreshing to walk into a class not having to prepare anything. I walk in and just work on instinct, which is very freeing! Makes me want to take improv classes again! Also, highlight of a very bright day, I exchanged pleasantries with Keifer Sutherland on our break during class because he and Chris Noth (whom I chatted with by the elevators last week) are rehearsing a play, "That Championship Season", at the Atlantic Theatre Company.
The ATC is located in Chelsea, which happens to be blocks away from one of my favorite coffee shops in Manhattan, so I popped over there and read a wonderful book about Lee Strasberg and The Actors Studio, until I needed to catch a train to Brooklyn. Myself and two friends had a arranged to start working together on a project... any project! Two incredibly funny women, who I laugh hysterically with, and we want to create work together. This is what makes New York the best place for ambitious, collaborative people. We laughed, we threw around ideas, we did impersonations of each other doing impersonations of each other doing impersonations of other people. Good times! After a quick dinner at a delicious spot, Grey Dog's, back in Chelsea I took myself to the theatre!
A week ago I read a review by Ben Brantley (NY Times theatre critic) on the Fiasco Company's performance of Shakespeare's "Cymbeline". Just read the review and you'll want to fly up here and see it before it closes Sunday! The play was so well done and so simply done. Only 6 actors to fill 15 roles! The first three acts appear to set up a tragedy, but never did I feel an ounce of heaviness from the show. Instead, it had an incredibly light-hearted tone that made even the most desperate moments just that... moments, and then shortly after return to a fun, albeit complicated, story! I've never laughed so much in a Shakespeare play as I did in Act V, where all loose ends are tied up, everything is resolved, everyone leaves friends, family or lovers. But all 6 actors are on stage jumping in and out of different characters that they've portrayed throughout the play, as they all come to a head at the end! So well timed and joyously played out that the audience just loved them for it! Six young actors putting on a brilliant show is incredibly inspiring for this young actor to witness!
One of my favorite days, certainly of this winter! If we get one more blizzard...
My day began playing in a cold-reading class with one of New York's finest audition teachers, Karen Kohlhaas, who has actually written books on auditions. Actors tend to get a little heady and overly dramatic, so its really refreshing to walk into a class not having to prepare anything. I walk in and just work on instinct, which is very freeing! Makes me want to take improv classes again! Also, highlight of a very bright day, I exchanged pleasantries with Keifer Sutherland on our break during class because he and Chris Noth (whom I chatted with by the elevators last week) are rehearsing a play, "That Championship Season", at the Atlantic Theatre Company.
The ATC is located in Chelsea, which happens to be blocks away from one of my favorite coffee shops in Manhattan, so I popped over there and read a wonderful book about Lee Strasberg and The Actors Studio, until I needed to catch a train to Brooklyn. Myself and two friends had a arranged to start working together on a project... any project! Two incredibly funny women, who I laugh hysterically with, and we want to create work together. This is what makes New York the best place for ambitious, collaborative people. We laughed, we threw around ideas, we did impersonations of each other doing impersonations of each other doing impersonations of other people. Good times! After a quick dinner at a delicious spot, Grey Dog's, back in Chelsea I took myself to the theatre!
A week ago I read a review by Ben Brantley (NY Times theatre critic) on the Fiasco Company's performance of Shakespeare's "Cymbeline". Just read the review and you'll want to fly up here and see it before it closes Sunday! The play was so well done and so simply done. Only 6 actors to fill 15 roles! The first three acts appear to set up a tragedy, but never did I feel an ounce of heaviness from the show. Instead, it had an incredibly light-hearted tone that made even the most desperate moments just that... moments, and then shortly after return to a fun, albeit complicated, story! I've never laughed so much in a Shakespeare play as I did in Act V, where all loose ends are tied up, everything is resolved, everyone leaves friends, family or lovers. But all 6 actors are on stage jumping in and out of different characters that they've portrayed throughout the play, as they all come to a head at the end! So well timed and joyously played out that the audience just loved them for it! Six young actors putting on a brilliant show is incredibly inspiring for this young actor to witness!
One of my favorite days, certainly of this winter! If we get one more blizzard...
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