It has been one big holiday fest here in the big apple. Hanukkah was great this year, it was nice to have so many people to celebrate with. My Judaism class enjoyed Latkas from a Kosher restaurant, Sandy, Terry, and I celebrated night one together, and Esther, Mikie (via cell phone), and I celebrated evening number two. The highlight was evening six. A large group of us got together for a pot-luck dinner at Mark's apt. Esther and I made Chicken Paprikash, Susan made amazing latkas and salad, and Victoria (Esther's best friend growing up) made wonderful desserts and candy.
The city is all decked out for the holidays. The crowds can be maddening but there are things worth putting up with that for. There are great make shift holiday booths and stores up all around the city. Union Square has outdoor booths with mostly wreaths and pine trees for sale. Bryant Park is fun. There are little holiday "stores" you can walk in and an ice rink. Josie (a friend from work) and I had fun doing some holiday shopping and getting some Belgian Hot Chocolate at Le Pain Quotidien. Le Pain is one of my favorite lunch spots, it is a chain in Manhattan. They serve organic soups, salads, and sandwiches. I love it because they serve half sandwiches without a top slice of bread. They have regular tables but they also have a big communal table. One of the funniest moments I ever had there was sitting across the communal table from three business men who were so concerned that there were no burgers or fries served.
The other great place for holiday gift booths is Grand Central Station. The main concourse has a periodic light show that makes you feel like you are in a kaleidoscope. It is very cool. Of course the decorations and store fronts in midtown are legendary.
In other events, Esther and I finished our Payley Center season with Kyra Sedgewick. It was fun we watched an episode of her show The Closer and then she talked with the audience. I am excited to see what shows they will have for the winter/spring season.
Unfortunately I had to drop out of the Vagina Monologues due to time constrictions. In other theater news though thanks to a generous gift from Esther, my friend Josie and I saw the Homecoming on Broadway. Amazing performances but the most intense show I have ever seen.
Last night Esther and I had a great New York experience together. It was horrible outside. It kept sleeting and raining all afternoon. We were going to do some shopping uptown but vetoed the idea. Instead we met at Grand Central and had dinner at the Oyster bar which was so much fun. We were lucky enough to snag seats at the coveted counters (great for people watching). Any seafood you can imagine they have. It was a great way to finish up the week.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007
The Iceman Cometh
Hello all and greetings from a rather chilly NYC. Well I am back up in the fashion department full time and it is nice to be back. I am very lucky because my co-workers are such a blast that it makes going to work enjoyable each day.
This week Esther, our friends Jane and Arthur, and I went to listen to Dave Brubeck at the Paley Center. It was great the students from the Dave Brubeck Institute played and then Dave himself joined them. Walter Cronkite was also in the audience and was only recognizable by his bushy eyebrows.
My friend from Grand Rapids, Lucas Brooks goes to the New School. He is studying theater. He invited me to audition for the Vagina Monologues since they would like staff and faculty involved so yours truly is a narrator for the February show.
Yesterday I enjoyed a day of bumming around in Brooklyn. I did some holiday shopping on 7th avenue which was great. There are tons of cute stores, restaurants, and coffee houses but none of the crowds that you get in Manhattan. Then I went to BAM (the Brooklyn Academy of Music) in addition to live performances the Rose theater shows movies. So I finally got to see No Country for Old Men. It was INTENSE but great. Then Sandy and Terry introduced me to their friend Angelo who is adorable (and an architect who designers department stores, so of course I love him). The four of us met Esther and Michael at this cute french restaurant on the Upper West Side. It was yummy and the owner would go to tables and sing in French.
Today it is snowy and cold (but not Michigan snowy). But I had to brave the cold and track up to SoHo. I volunteered with the Makor group from the 92nd street Y. We went to this great organization called God's Love We Deliver. They make and deliver meals to people living with HIV or AIDS. We made scones and my team finished early so I also got to make Eggplant Parmigiana with another group of volunteers. But tonight is a good night to be bundled up, do laundry, clean, and sip some white lavender hot cocoa. :)
This week Esther, our friends Jane and Arthur, and I went to listen to Dave Brubeck at the Paley Center. It was great the students from the Dave Brubeck Institute played and then Dave himself joined them. Walter Cronkite was also in the audience and was only recognizable by his bushy eyebrows.
My friend from Grand Rapids, Lucas Brooks goes to the New School. He is studying theater. He invited me to audition for the Vagina Monologues since they would like staff and faculty involved so yours truly is a narrator for the February show.
Yesterday I enjoyed a day of bumming around in Brooklyn. I did some holiday shopping on 7th avenue which was great. There are tons of cute stores, restaurants, and coffee houses but none of the crowds that you get in Manhattan. Then I went to BAM (the Brooklyn Academy of Music) in addition to live performances the Rose theater shows movies. So I finally got to see No Country for Old Men. It was INTENSE but great. Then Sandy and Terry introduced me to their friend Angelo who is adorable (and an architect who designers department stores, so of course I love him). The four of us met Esther and Michael at this cute french restaurant on the Upper West Side. It was yummy and the owner would go to tables and sing in French.
Today it is snowy and cold (but not Michigan snowy). But I had to brave the cold and track up to SoHo. I volunteered with the Makor group from the 92nd street Y. We went to this great organization called God's Love We Deliver. They make and deliver meals to people living with HIV or AIDS. We made scones and my team finished early so I also got to make Eggplant Parmigiana with another group of volunteers. But tonight is a good night to be bundled up, do laundry, clean, and sip some white lavender hot cocoa. :)
Monday, November 26, 2007
Autumn Leaves
Well it has been a couple of weeks since I have written. Life is busy as ever but very well. It is hard for me to believe that my first semester at New School is almost finished. I really am enjoying it here. At the end of this week I will go back to the Fashion department full time. I have been given more responsibilities which always makes me happy because I would be so bored in a job that was routine and had down time.
Let me see what have I been up too since my last post......hmmmmmm. Oh well for starters the stage hand strike has not effected off Broadway which is good because a couple weeks ago I saw the play Peter and Jerry staring Bill Pullman. It was amazing (the opposite of the happy musicals that I usually see) but powerful.
Last weekend Sandy, Terry, and I went out to the far northeast end of Long Island which has dozens of Vineyards and wineries. We stopped at three Borghese http://www.castellodiborghese.com/, Waters Crest http://www.waterscrestwinery.com/, and Bendell http://www.bendellcellars.com. It was lovely. Borghese was the most fun because I had met Ann Marie (one of the owners) at the truck show I went to the week before. She and her husband were very nice and fun random fact his ancestors were Italian nobility.
After wine tasting we had dinner at the Snack Bar which is a diner that was built in 1950 and has not updated their look since (which I adore).
Esther and I saw the film Love in the Time of Cholera. I recommend the film and the book...who am I kidding I would recommend anything with Javier Bardem. Speaking of which I was in Cleveland this week for Thanksgiving. Sarah and I were supposed to see No Country for Old Men but when Sarah figured out what it was about she decided we would see Enchanted instead. (can you tell we have different tastes in movies) But it was cute.
Thanksgiving was nice. The Rosenberg family went to Sans Souci for dinner which was lovely. It was wonderful to see my Aunt, Uncle, and cousins because I do not get to see them very much anymore after moving from Ohio. I also got to see my friends Brian and Suzie and their seven week son William. It was wonderful getting to see them and William is just precious.
Other then then that I have been enjoying getting together with new friends in NYC. A co-worker introduced me to a great Japanese/Thai restaurant in the Village and a friend from BJ (yes that is the nickname of the synagogue I attend) and I met to talk about social justice, volunteering, and traveling. I have also enjoyed window shopping and lunch outings with co-workers.
The holidays are around the bend so I have several parties to attend. Busy, busy, busy but loving it and loving NYC!
Let me see what have I been up too since my last post......hmmmmmm. Oh well for starters the stage hand strike has not effected off Broadway which is good because a couple weeks ago I saw the play Peter and Jerry staring Bill Pullman. It was amazing (the opposite of the happy musicals that I usually see) but powerful.
Last weekend Sandy, Terry, and I went out to the far northeast end of Long Island which has dozens of Vineyards and wineries. We stopped at three Borghese http://www.castellodiborghese.com/, Waters Crest http://www.waterscrestwinery.com/, and Bendell http://www.bendellcellars.com. It was lovely. Borghese was the most fun because I had met Ann Marie (one of the owners) at the truck show I went to the week before. She and her husband were very nice and fun random fact his ancestors were Italian nobility.
After wine tasting we had dinner at the Snack Bar which is a diner that was built in 1950 and has not updated their look since (which I adore).
Esther and I saw the film Love in the Time of Cholera. I recommend the film and the book...who am I kidding I would recommend anything with Javier Bardem. Speaking of which I was in Cleveland this week for Thanksgiving. Sarah and I were supposed to see No Country for Old Men but when Sarah figured out what it was about she decided we would see Enchanted instead. (can you tell we have different tastes in movies) But it was cute.
Thanksgiving was nice. The Rosenberg family went to Sans Souci for dinner which was lovely. It was wonderful to see my Aunt, Uncle, and cousins because I do not get to see them very much anymore after moving from Ohio. I also got to see my friends Brian and Suzie and their seven week son William. It was wonderful getting to see them and William is just precious.
Other then then that I have been enjoying getting together with new friends in NYC. A co-worker introduced me to a great Japanese/Thai restaurant in the Village and a friend from BJ (yes that is the nickname of the synagogue I attend) and I met to talk about social justice, volunteering, and traveling. I have also enjoyed window shopping and lunch outings with co-workers.
The holidays are around the bend so I have several parties to attend. Busy, busy, busy but loving it and loving NYC!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Avant Garde
This week has been really busy and included some off the beaten path experiences.
I was invited for a house meeting at the synagogue that I am taking classes at to talk about Social Justice. I met some really nice people and we talked about some really important issues and how we can get involved to lobby for change.
Esther and I had dinner at Nikko's, a really cute Greek restaurant where you can order fish grilled on wood planks. We also went to see Glenn Close speak at the Paley center which was very fun. Esther and her friends were hosting a trunk show for their mutual friend, Radmilla. She works as a designer for a lot of the major lines in Paris (Dior, LaCroix, YSL, etc). She also designs her own accessories and handbags.
This week was also a week for some exploring. I went to the Earth Room in SoHo which is a large art instillation. It is a loft that has been filled with soil www.earthroom.org The first thing you notice (other then the fact that there is soil all over the room) is the smell of clean air. You can even stick your hands in and play in the soil. I know this sounds odd but remember I don't live in the Midwest anymore. :) I also went to the Morrison Hotel which is an art gallery that specializes in photographs of rock stars. Some of you may recognize the window from a album cover of the Doors.
Today was nice and low key. I went to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens which may be my new favorite place. It is beautiful and meant to be enjoyed all four seasons. Some of the highlights include the Japanese Gardens with the Cherry Tree Esplanade, the Fragrance Garden where I am convince Paul Simon wrote Scarborough Fair (because it smells of Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme among other things), and the Shakespeare Garden full of flowers that Shakespeare mentions in his plays. There is also a celebrity walk of famous people who were from Brooklyn.
It is so beautiful and quiet. I adore Central Park but I love that you can walk around the gardens and not see another soul. Later I went to a local coffee shop (no Tommy, not democracy and coffee, although I promise to take you there when you visit sometime) and I started writing. I used to write for fun all of the time but have done little since starting graduate school. I started writing a book while in college. I had about 90 pages finished and then felted block. So far I am not revisiting that but I did start writing something new. I am interested in seeing where it will go. Well yawn, I am old and it is almost bedtime. Time to sleep so that I can work, play, and explore more this week. :)
I was invited for a house meeting at the synagogue that I am taking classes at to talk about Social Justice. I met some really nice people and we talked about some really important issues and how we can get involved to lobby for change.
Esther and I had dinner at Nikko's, a really cute Greek restaurant where you can order fish grilled on wood planks. We also went to see Glenn Close speak at the Paley center which was very fun. Esther and her friends were hosting a trunk show for their mutual friend, Radmilla. She works as a designer for a lot of the major lines in Paris (Dior, LaCroix, YSL, etc). She also designs her own accessories and handbags.
This week was also a week for some exploring. I went to the Earth Room in SoHo which is a large art instillation. It is a loft that has been filled with soil www.earthroom.org The first thing you notice (other then the fact that there is soil all over the room) is the smell of clean air. You can even stick your hands in and play in the soil. I know this sounds odd but remember I don't live in the Midwest anymore. :) I also went to the Morrison Hotel which is an art gallery that specializes in photographs of rock stars. Some of you may recognize the window from a album cover of the Doors.
Today was nice and low key. I went to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens which may be my new favorite place. It is beautiful and meant to be enjoyed all four seasons. Some of the highlights include the Japanese Gardens with the Cherry Tree Esplanade, the Fragrance Garden where I am convince Paul Simon wrote Scarborough Fair (because it smells of Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme among other things), and the Shakespeare Garden full of flowers that Shakespeare mentions in his plays. There is also a celebrity walk of famous people who were from Brooklyn.
It is so beautiful and quiet. I adore Central Park but I love that you can walk around the gardens and not see another soul. Later I went to a local coffee shop (no Tommy, not democracy and coffee, although I promise to take you there when you visit sometime) and I started writing. I used to write for fun all of the time but have done little since starting graduate school. I started writing a book while in college. I had about 90 pages finished and then felted block. So far I am not revisiting that but I did start writing something new. I am interested in seeing where it will go. Well yawn, I am old and it is almost bedtime. Time to sleep so that I can work, play, and explore more this week. :)
Friday, November 2, 2007
Lots of News
So this past weekend I was in Cleveland. I got my winter clothes and Sarah and I raked my mom's yard...thank goodness I am not a home owner. I would be annoyed if I had to do that on a regular basis.
This week has been busy at work. For the month of November I am with the freshman Monday-Wednesday, and Friday. I am only in Fashion on Thursdays till December. This week has been busy outside of work as well.
I am taking a class on Mondays on Judaism at the synagogue that I go to on the weekends. A very select few of you know this but the past couple of years I have been in sort of a spiritual questioning. I have had issues that I can not resolve and had been going to temple with some friends from Hillel in Graduate School. I am considering conversion hence my taking a Judaism course. The reason only a few of you know this is because I wanted to wait until I started going through formal study and until my immediate family knew before sharing this.
I really don't want to get into this too much (especially not in a blog) but I just want to say that I have nothing but the utmost respect for all of you and your personal beliefs if you are Catholic, Secular, Muslim, etc. great for you. I think we all have our own spiritual paths to follow and while most of you are not Jewish, I hope that you can respect my decision. I really hope that this does not affect our friendships and believe me I do not bad mouth whatever all of your personal beliefs are. Some of you are the most faith filled people I know and I love that about you. You are following what your heart tells you is true, I only ask to be granted the same.
In non religious news... I saw the premiere of the new Who documentary and met Roger Daltrey (whom I LOVE). Halloween was pretty quiet. It was the one day I didn't have to be anywhere so I did not attend the parade I went home and rested. Yesterday I had dinner with Esther and her friend Arthur which was nice. This weekend is also busy and I am sure I will have much to report on later.
This week has been busy at work. For the month of November I am with the freshman Monday-Wednesday, and Friday. I am only in Fashion on Thursdays till December. This week has been busy outside of work as well.
I am taking a class on Mondays on Judaism at the synagogue that I go to on the weekends. A very select few of you know this but the past couple of years I have been in sort of a spiritual questioning. I have had issues that I can not resolve and had been going to temple with some friends from Hillel in Graduate School. I am considering conversion hence my taking a Judaism course. The reason only a few of you know this is because I wanted to wait until I started going through formal study and until my immediate family knew before sharing this.
I really don't want to get into this too much (especially not in a blog) but I just want to say that I have nothing but the utmost respect for all of you and your personal beliefs if you are Catholic, Secular, Muslim, etc. great for you. I think we all have our own spiritual paths to follow and while most of you are not Jewish, I hope that you can respect my decision. I really hope that this does not affect our friendships and believe me I do not bad mouth whatever all of your personal beliefs are. Some of you are the most faith filled people I know and I love that about you. You are following what your heart tells you is true, I only ask to be granted the same.
In non religious news... I saw the premiere of the new Who documentary and met Roger Daltrey (whom I LOVE). Halloween was pretty quiet. It was the one day I didn't have to be anywhere so I did not attend the parade I went home and rested. Yesterday I had dinner with Esther and her friend Arthur which was nice. This weekend is also busy and I am sure I will have much to report on later.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Autumn Cleaning
Well I am at Newark airport. My flight to Cleveland was delayed but fortunately I can hang out in the Continental President's Club and enjoy the free beer. I am on my way with empty suitcases to stock up on my winter clothes in my mother's basement. As Esther says...happy shopping in your closet.
This week has been really low key which was nice because work is really busy right now. Registration and midterms are keeping the students busy. In addition to that my office is also busy with programing and such. I have also been asked to sub downtown for a month and work with freshmen. I will still be in my office one day a week and once December rolls around I will move back to the fashion department. I am excited because I keep getting more responsibilities and projects. I like to keep busy and fortunately I work in an office that is able to keep me busy. :) I really do enjoy the environment I work in and getting to know my advisees.
Esther and I went to the movies and saw Elizabeth the Golden Age. I recommend it even though Esther and I did get annoyed with it at one point. In a way over the top moment Clive Owen's character jumps off of a burning ship and there is the slow motion sequence of him diving underwater while the Spanish ship he has attacked catches fire. You see a horse jump off the boat and Esther and I just started busting out laughing. We were both convinced that Clive Owen was going to land on the horse, ride underwater, and jump onto the cliff where Cate Blanchette was waiting. That did not happen but other then that one over the top moment the movie was great. We also had dinner at a really cute restaurant themed from the book Don Quiote.
I am sad that I will not be here this weekend because all sorts of fun events go on around Halloween. But the weather is not that nice so I am not too upset. Well hopefully my plane will board soon so I should be off. Happy pumpkin carving ;)
This week has been really low key which was nice because work is really busy right now. Registration and midterms are keeping the students busy. In addition to that my office is also busy with programing and such. I have also been asked to sub downtown for a month and work with freshmen. I will still be in my office one day a week and once December rolls around I will move back to the fashion department. I am excited because I keep getting more responsibilities and projects. I like to keep busy and fortunately I work in an office that is able to keep me busy. :) I really do enjoy the environment I work in and getting to know my advisees.
Esther and I went to the movies and saw Elizabeth the Golden Age. I recommend it even though Esther and I did get annoyed with it at one point. In a way over the top moment Clive Owen's character jumps off of a burning ship and there is the slow motion sequence of him diving underwater while the Spanish ship he has attacked catches fire. You see a horse jump off the boat and Esther and I just started busting out laughing. We were both convinced that Clive Owen was going to land on the horse, ride underwater, and jump onto the cliff where Cate Blanchette was waiting. That did not happen but other then that one over the top moment the movie was great. We also had dinner at a really cute restaurant themed from the book Don Quiote.
I am sad that I will not be here this weekend because all sorts of fun events go on around Halloween. But the weather is not that nice so I am not too upset. Well hopefully my plane will board soon so I should be off. Happy pumpkin carving ;)
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Social Butterfly and Fix It Girl
Well this week has been quite busy.
Tuesday I met up with my friends from Michigan Brad, Meghan, their daughters Hayley and Jamie and Meghan's mom. We had dinner and dessert at Serendipity 3. It is adorable. They are known for their frozen hot chocolates. Quite tasty.
Wednesday I met up with another friend from Michigan. Lucas Brooks who goes to college at Eugene Lang (also part of the New School). We went to this really cool place in Chelsea called Slate Grill. It is a really casual menu. Things like salads, burgers, and such but they also have a dance floor downstairs and a billiard and ping pong room.
Thursday Esther, her friend Linda and I had dinner at Metro Marche where they know the General Manager Alan. We then went to the New Victory Theater to see Young Frankenstein, which was amazing. I am dying for the soundtrack to come out. The musical stars Roger Bart (whom I had seen in the producers, if you watch Desperate Housewives he played George the psycho Paramacist). It also stars Meghan Mullaly, Andrea Martin, and Sutton Foster (whom I have heard on many soundtracks but had never seen before, she has been in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Little Women, and the Drowsy Chaperon, and is incredibly talented.) Other then the famous Putting on the Ritz number (which is still hilarious) my favorite moments were two new songs that came from famous lines from the film version, Roll in the Hay and He Vas My Boyfriend. Get this soundtrack immediately when it comes out.
Friday was a nice quite night of laundry, cleaning, and one of my landlords Terry make dinner. Yes for the first time in probably three months, someone cooked for me. Amazing!
Yesterday was also low key. IKEA came and delivered my furniture, which I am currently building. I am very impressed that so far my dresser looks like a dresser. Sandy and Terry (my landlords) thought it was funny when I asked to borrow tools. They asked me what I needed and I showed them the instructions and said I know this is a flathead and this is a philips but other then that I have no idea. They just laughed and gave me a lesson in tools.
Today I was planning to see the Grace Kelley Exhibit at Southeby's but the line was all the way around the block. So instead I went for a walk around the Upper East Side and did some window shopping. Then tonight Esther, Sandy, Terry, and I had dinner in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Esther and I were amazed because we have gone for Pris Fix dinner in Manhattan which is expensive and sometimes only so, so quality wise. But tonight we had $25.00 pre fix which was amazing. It was fun because we all share dishes but we had things like wild boar, a pasta with pumpkin and prosciutto, pork with Gorgonzola tater tots, butterscotch creme brule, pecan crunch gelatto, it was incredible..and cheep. I do adore Brooklyn it is really growing on me and their are neighbourhoods that are just as lovely as the Upper East Side in Manhattan.
Tuesday I met up with my friends from Michigan Brad, Meghan, their daughters Hayley and Jamie and Meghan's mom. We had dinner and dessert at Serendipity 3. It is adorable. They are known for their frozen hot chocolates. Quite tasty.
Wednesday I met up with another friend from Michigan. Lucas Brooks who goes to college at Eugene Lang (also part of the New School). We went to this really cool place in Chelsea called Slate Grill. It is a really casual menu. Things like salads, burgers, and such but they also have a dance floor downstairs and a billiard and ping pong room.
Thursday Esther, her friend Linda and I had dinner at Metro Marche where they know the General Manager Alan. We then went to the New Victory Theater to see Young Frankenstein, which was amazing. I am dying for the soundtrack to come out. The musical stars Roger Bart (whom I had seen in the producers, if you watch Desperate Housewives he played George the psycho Paramacist). It also stars Meghan Mullaly, Andrea Martin, and Sutton Foster (whom I have heard on many soundtracks but had never seen before, she has been in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Little Women, and the Drowsy Chaperon, and is incredibly talented.) Other then the famous Putting on the Ritz number (which is still hilarious) my favorite moments were two new songs that came from famous lines from the film version, Roll in the Hay and He Vas My Boyfriend. Get this soundtrack immediately when it comes out.
Friday was a nice quite night of laundry, cleaning, and one of my landlords Terry make dinner. Yes for the first time in probably three months, someone cooked for me. Amazing!
Yesterday was also low key. IKEA came and delivered my furniture, which I am currently building. I am very impressed that so far my dresser looks like a dresser. Sandy and Terry (my landlords) thought it was funny when I asked to borrow tools. They asked me what I needed and I showed them the instructions and said I know this is a flathead and this is a philips but other then that I have no idea. They just laughed and gave me a lesson in tools.
Today I was planning to see the Grace Kelley Exhibit at Southeby's but the line was all the way around the block. So instead I went for a walk around the Upper East Side and did some window shopping. Then tonight Esther, Sandy, Terry, and I had dinner in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Esther and I were amazed because we have gone for Pris Fix dinner in Manhattan which is expensive and sometimes only so, so quality wise. But tonight we had $25.00 pre fix which was amazing. It was fun because we all share dishes but we had things like wild boar, a pasta with pumpkin and prosciutto, pork with Gorgonzola tater tots, butterscotch creme brule, pecan crunch gelatto, it was incredible..and cheep. I do adore Brooklyn it is really growing on me and their are neighbourhoods that are just as lovely as the Upper East Side in Manhattan.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Best Day Ever!
Sorry I haven't written in a couple of weeks. My computer was sick and I was also really busy.
Last weekend was in Grand Rapids to celebrate my friends Adam and Elissa's wedding. It was beautiful and it was nice to see some friends whom I miss.
This week has been action packed as well. Tuesday was the launch of the new Menswear Suiting Floor at the Harold Square Macy's. Thursday Esther and I saw Mary Tyler Moore at the Paley Center for Arts. She was part of a lecture series on women in TV. Friday my dear friend Dave came into town and we bummed around the village and SoHo. Later we went to see Legally Blonde on Broadway which was very cute and cleaver.
Okay now for the best day ever. Yesterday (Saturday) I meet up with Dave (I know Dave. That already makes it the best day ever the rest of this story is just a big bonus) That morning we fit in a street fair, the Time Warner Building (which is a shopping center at Columbus Circle), Central Park, shopping down 5th and Madison Avenue...yes it was a busy morning. Then in the afternoon we met up with Mel and Michelle who were two of my high school teachers. It was so fun to see them again. Then we did some more shopping in Midtown, Chelsea, and the Meatpacking District. Then we went to see Cyrano De Bercerac stating Kevin Kline, Jennifer Garner, Daniel Sunjata, and Chris Sarandon. It was amazing, even with the technical difficulty of the curtain getting stuck. I know this sounds like a pretty cool day but here is the really awesome part.
Dave and I go to have post-theater dinner at Bar Centrale. Bar Centrale would be hard to find if you didn't know it was there. It is in an unmarked brownstone, so it looks like an apartment building. On our way to dinner I notice Mel Brooks on the street. (It gets better) A minute later he is joined by Andrea Martin (Aunt Voula from My Big Fat Greek Wedding). (It gets even better) So Dave and I go up to the restaurant and are seated. Two minutes later Mel and Andrea come into the restaurant and are with Susan Stroman (famous Broadway director) and Nathan Lane. (I know this is hard to believe but it gets better) They are seated at the table next to us. (There is still more). About five minutes later Megan Mullally (Karen from Will and Grace) join them. So for a recap, I got to spend yesterday with one of my best friends, we had tons of fun, met up with some old friends that I haven't seen in years, saw an amazing show, and had the mother of all celebrity citings. That is why it was the best day ever.
Today I had lunch with Dave. We made a quick trip to the GreenFlea Market...I bought that vanity finally. Then we had to say goodbye (which was sad). Now I am headed back to Brooklyn (Esther let me crash in Manhattan this weekend so that I would be closer to Dave) and getting my vanity brought to me.
Last weekend was in Grand Rapids to celebrate my friends Adam and Elissa's wedding. It was beautiful and it was nice to see some friends whom I miss.
This week has been action packed as well. Tuesday was the launch of the new Menswear Suiting Floor at the Harold Square Macy's. Thursday Esther and I saw Mary Tyler Moore at the Paley Center for Arts. She was part of a lecture series on women in TV. Friday my dear friend Dave came into town and we bummed around the village and SoHo. Later we went to see Legally Blonde on Broadway which was very cute and cleaver.
Okay now for the best day ever. Yesterday (Saturday) I meet up with Dave (I know Dave. That already makes it the best day ever the rest of this story is just a big bonus) That morning we fit in a street fair, the Time Warner Building (which is a shopping center at Columbus Circle), Central Park, shopping down 5th and Madison Avenue...yes it was a busy morning. Then in the afternoon we met up with Mel and Michelle who were two of my high school teachers. It was so fun to see them again. Then we did some more shopping in Midtown, Chelsea, and the Meatpacking District. Then we went to see Cyrano De Bercerac stating Kevin Kline, Jennifer Garner, Daniel Sunjata, and Chris Sarandon. It was amazing, even with the technical difficulty of the curtain getting stuck. I know this sounds like a pretty cool day but here is the really awesome part.
Dave and I go to have post-theater dinner at Bar Centrale. Bar Centrale would be hard to find if you didn't know it was there. It is in an unmarked brownstone, so it looks like an apartment building. On our way to dinner I notice Mel Brooks on the street. (It gets better) A minute later he is joined by Andrea Martin (Aunt Voula from My Big Fat Greek Wedding). (It gets even better) So Dave and I go up to the restaurant and are seated. Two minutes later Mel and Andrea come into the restaurant and are with Susan Stroman (famous Broadway director) and Nathan Lane. (I know this is hard to believe but it gets better) They are seated at the table next to us. (There is still more). About five minutes later Megan Mullally (Karen from Will and Grace) join them. So for a recap, I got to spend yesterday with one of my best friends, we had tons of fun, met up with some old friends that I haven't seen in years, saw an amazing show, and had the mother of all celebrity citings. That is why it was the best day ever.
Today I had lunch with Dave. We made a quick trip to the GreenFlea Market...I bought that vanity finally. Then we had to say goodbye (which was sad). Now I am headed back to Brooklyn (Esther let me crash in Manhattan this weekend so that I would be closer to Dave) and getting my vanity brought to me.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Lazy Sundays (not really) ;)
Well I am settling into my new home. Sandy and Terry (my landlords) are fantastic. It is nice to have my privacy but it is also nice knowing that if we chose to the three of us can hang out. Sandy and Terry are in Aruba right now so I am on pet duty. Blaze (the cat) and Shana (the beta fish) knock on wood they are both fine. I must say this was good practice for me. I always wanted a dog after finishing school but I realize how unfair to the dog it would be to have an owner like me. I am rarely home. So until I become independently wealthy enough to have a permanent dog walker or some such arrangement, no pets for Paula. :(
This week was busy at work. A couple of later nights. I am now in charge of advising's end of students on internship. I have also been given the responsibility of advertising programing to the students. Which is fun and a bit stressful at times since I work at a design school. You have to really be careful with advertising because if it looks bad the students won't come. I have to be creative because the faculty hate clip art and I am not allowed to use it (truth be told I hate clip art too, but it is easy).
Esther and I saw Pygmalion this week on Broadway. We liked it but we didn't love it. The supporting cast was great. Esther and I both warmed up to the leads after the first couple of scenes. It was much better once Claire Danes lost the cockney accent.
Friday night I met Esther, Michael (her boyfriend), and Mark (our friend) for Turkish food. Esther and I had been there once before but on the weekends there is apparently Belly Dancing. We ended being a very musical table. Michael loves to sing all the time. During dinner we were talking about an Ashford and Simpson concert that Esther and Mark went to last week (I was confused because at first I thought Esther said she and Mark were going to see Ashley Simpson). So Michael started singing songs from the sixties and Mark and I joined in and made a sing a long of it. The funniest moment was when we were talking about camping as children and started busting out into camp songs. Esther informed us that as a child she had asked her mother to send her to French camp so that she could get out of going to outdoors camp. I say that is the way to go.
The rest of this week has been pretty busy with getting somethings for the apartment. I made a trip to the Container Store in the village and yesterday I took the free weekend shuttle to IKEA in New Jersey. My apt is pretty well furnished I just needed a couple of things. I ordered a day bed and a dresser at IKEA. I am going to go back to the container store for some smaller items (they will deliver for a flat rate of $35.00 to Brooklyn, I LOVE the container store). Sandy and Terry gave me a nice square mirror. I am looking for a dressing table or vanity to use with it but have not found one that I love yet. But I think I will postpone on that till the daybed and dresser are up.
Today has been a somewhat lazy day so far. I have been cleaning, doing laundry (thank goodness I remember how, in Manhattan it is easier to send your laundry out but since Sandy and Terry let me use their basement it is more economical to do it my self again), later today I am going to go to Atlantic Antics which is a festival in Brooklyn. I am meeting some friends from work so it should be fun. Then it is a short work week for me as I prepare to head off to Grand Rapids on Thursday for Adam and Elissa's wedding.
This week was busy at work. A couple of later nights. I am now in charge of advising's end of students on internship. I have also been given the responsibility of advertising programing to the students. Which is fun and a bit stressful at times since I work at a design school. You have to really be careful with advertising because if it looks bad the students won't come. I have to be creative because the faculty hate clip art and I am not allowed to use it (truth be told I hate clip art too, but it is easy).
Esther and I saw Pygmalion this week on Broadway. We liked it but we didn't love it. The supporting cast was great. Esther and I both warmed up to the leads after the first couple of scenes. It was much better once Claire Danes lost the cockney accent.
Friday night I met Esther, Michael (her boyfriend), and Mark (our friend) for Turkish food. Esther and I had been there once before but on the weekends there is apparently Belly Dancing. We ended being a very musical table. Michael loves to sing all the time. During dinner we were talking about an Ashford and Simpson concert that Esther and Mark went to last week (I was confused because at first I thought Esther said she and Mark were going to see Ashley Simpson). So Michael started singing songs from the sixties and Mark and I joined in and made a sing a long of it. The funniest moment was when we were talking about camping as children and started busting out into camp songs. Esther informed us that as a child she had asked her mother to send her to French camp so that she could get out of going to outdoors camp. I say that is the way to go.
The rest of this week has been pretty busy with getting somethings for the apartment. I made a trip to the Container Store in the village and yesterday I took the free weekend shuttle to IKEA in New Jersey. My apt is pretty well furnished I just needed a couple of things. I ordered a day bed and a dresser at IKEA. I am going to go back to the container store for some smaller items (they will deliver for a flat rate of $35.00 to Brooklyn, I LOVE the container store). Sandy and Terry gave me a nice square mirror. I am looking for a dressing table or vanity to use with it but have not found one that I love yet. But I think I will postpone on that till the daybed and dresser are up.
Today has been a somewhat lazy day so far. I have been cleaning, doing laundry (thank goodness I remember how, in Manhattan it is easier to send your laundry out but since Sandy and Terry let me use their basement it is more economical to do it my self again), later today I am going to go to Atlantic Antics which is a festival in Brooklyn. I am meeting some friends from work so it should be fun. Then it is a short work week for me as I prepare to head off to Grand Rapids on Thursday for Adam and Elissa's wedding.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Home Sweat Home
So I have moved to my new apartment in Brooklyn. Things are good. It is very cute and sunny. I am starting to unpack and determine what I need, which fortunately is not much. I still miss my clothes and shoes in Ohio. (tear) :( But I will eventually get those as well. I saw a squirrel in the next door neighbours yard today and realized I am not in Manhattan anymore. But the contrast is nice to have.
Work is busy. I went to the Bryant Park magazine store where they sell international design magazines. My supervisor bought a bunch of magazines and we three advisors are taking turns reading them to stay in touch with international fashion. I also am reading a book on the fashion industry. Yes, I have homework. I am also excited because this month for fashion week I got to go to Bryant Park but didn't have any VIP tickets. The school is going to try and get Melissa and I tickets for one of the tent shows in March.
This week was mostly busy with moving stuff. I did have dinner with Esther and her friend Susan. Susan is inviting me to a truck show at her apartment in November. This coming week is very busy with some late meetings, theater, and dinner dates with old and some new friends. I am sure I will fill you in next week. But for now I need to unpack and then I will crash. I need to adjust to living 25-30 minutes from work vs 10 minutes. But I am excited about the reading time I will gain on the good old Q train.
Work is busy. I went to the Bryant Park magazine store where they sell international design magazines. My supervisor bought a bunch of magazines and we three advisors are taking turns reading them to stay in touch with international fashion. I also am reading a book on the fashion industry. Yes, I have homework. I am also excited because this month for fashion week I got to go to Bryant Park but didn't have any VIP tickets. The school is going to try and get Melissa and I tickets for one of the tent shows in March.
This week was mostly busy with moving stuff. I did have dinner with Esther and her friend Susan. Susan is inviting me to a truck show at her apartment in November. This coming week is very busy with some late meetings, theater, and dinner dates with old and some new friends. I am sure I will fill you in next week. But for now I need to unpack and then I will crash. I need to adjust to living 25-30 minutes from work vs 10 minutes. But I am excited about the reading time I will gain on the good old Q train.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Cheat Sheet
I thought I would make a quick cheat sheet for you all on the neighbourhoods in Manhattan, since I mention them in the blog so often. Each neighbourhood has its own characteristics so it is like there are multiple towns on this 26 mile island.
Inwood-Furthest North Area of Manhattan (I have never been) but mostly housing with very few stores or restaurants. It takes a good 30 minutes or so to commute from there to mid-town which is why many people opt for moving to Brooklyn or Queens instead of Inwood (there is more to do in the other boroughs then Inwood)
Washington Heights- Just below Inwood. Spanish Harlem is located in this area. Again mostly housing not much else. Parts of this neighbourhood are rough.
Harlem- Most famously known for the Harlem Renaissance. At one point parts were unsafe to live in. The area is much safer now but the unfortunate thing is it is now expensive to live there so Manhattan has really become a place where only the very wealthy can live and many people living in Harlem are feeling like they are being pushed out of the city.
Morningside Heights-You can often tell what part of town you are in by the numbered streets. Morningside Heights is just west of Harlem and around the W 120s. Columbia University is in this neighbourhood.
Upper West Side-Below Morningside. This is probably the greenest part of the city with Riverside Park and Central Park Defining its borders. It goes from Columbus Circle at 59th street up to about 110 street (that is the length of Central Park). Lincoln Center, Julliard, Fordham, and the American Museum of Natural History are all in this area. This is also where Esther lives.
Upper East Side- Same boundaries as the Upper West number street wise. This area is on the other side of the park and below Harlem. Museum Row featuring the Met and Guggenheim are in this area. This is also the most expensive part of Manhattan to live in.
Midtown West-Below the park the east and west are divided by 5th avenue. Midtown west below 50th street has museums like MoMA and the Paley Center and is also where 30 Rock is.
Midtown East-Mostly shopping. Mostly expensive shopping on 5th and Madison avenues. Esther's office is in Midtown East.
Theater District-Midtown West from 50th street to Times Square at 42nd Street
Garment District-Midtown West from about 40th street to 34th street. This is where my office is.
Hell's Kitchen-The far west side of midtown. A lot of developments are going in because this will be the new trendy neighbourhood soon. The Soup Nazi Kitchen is there for you Seinfeld fans.
Murray Hill-Far end of midtown east. Lots of Boutiques, Cafes, and more housing for the rich and famous of NYC.
Greenwich Village-Below midtown. Mostly independent stores and restaurants. The West Village is a very cute area. The Meatpacking District still has a few meat markets but is the new 'it" area, with nightclubs and shopping. East Village is more low key.
Chelsea- Just North of the village. It is very artsy. Lots of art studios and independent theaters.
The Financial District-Wall Street, City Hall, and the South Street Seaport. This is where the World Trade Center was.
Lower East Side- Safe all be it grungy sort of area. Independent theaters and such. Seedy in a safe neighbourhood. Chinatown and Little Italy are also there.
SoHo-South of Houston street on the west side of the Lower East Side. Expensive stores and lofts.
Battery Park-Southern tip of the island. Not a ton there but that is where you would go to take the ferry to Elis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
Hope this is helpful.
Inwood-Furthest North Area of Manhattan (I have never been) but mostly housing with very few stores or restaurants. It takes a good 30 minutes or so to commute from there to mid-town which is why many people opt for moving to Brooklyn or Queens instead of Inwood (there is more to do in the other boroughs then Inwood)
Washington Heights- Just below Inwood. Spanish Harlem is located in this area. Again mostly housing not much else. Parts of this neighbourhood are rough.
Harlem- Most famously known for the Harlem Renaissance. At one point parts were unsafe to live in. The area is much safer now but the unfortunate thing is it is now expensive to live there so Manhattan has really become a place where only the very wealthy can live and many people living in Harlem are feeling like they are being pushed out of the city.
Morningside Heights-You can often tell what part of town you are in by the numbered streets. Morningside Heights is just west of Harlem and around the W 120s. Columbia University is in this neighbourhood.
Upper West Side-Below Morningside. This is probably the greenest part of the city with Riverside Park and Central Park Defining its borders. It goes from Columbus Circle at 59th street up to about 110 street (that is the length of Central Park). Lincoln Center, Julliard, Fordham, and the American Museum of Natural History are all in this area. This is also where Esther lives.
Upper East Side- Same boundaries as the Upper West number street wise. This area is on the other side of the park and below Harlem. Museum Row featuring the Met and Guggenheim are in this area. This is also the most expensive part of Manhattan to live in.
Midtown West-Below the park the east and west are divided by 5th avenue. Midtown west below 50th street has museums like MoMA and the Paley Center and is also where 30 Rock is.
Midtown East-Mostly shopping. Mostly expensive shopping on 5th and Madison avenues. Esther's office is in Midtown East.
Theater District-Midtown West from 50th street to Times Square at 42nd Street
Garment District-Midtown West from about 40th street to 34th street. This is where my office is.
Hell's Kitchen-The far west side of midtown. A lot of developments are going in because this will be the new trendy neighbourhood soon. The Soup Nazi Kitchen is there for you Seinfeld fans.
Murray Hill-Far end of midtown east. Lots of Boutiques, Cafes, and more housing for the rich and famous of NYC.
Greenwich Village-Below midtown. Mostly independent stores and restaurants. The West Village is a very cute area. The Meatpacking District still has a few meat markets but is the new 'it" area, with nightclubs and shopping. East Village is more low key.
Chelsea- Just North of the village. It is very artsy. Lots of art studios and independent theaters.
The Financial District-Wall Street, City Hall, and the South Street Seaport. This is where the World Trade Center was.
Lower East Side- Safe all be it grungy sort of area. Independent theaters and such. Seedy in a safe neighbourhood. Chinatown and Little Italy are also there.
SoHo-South of Houston street on the west side of the Lower East Side. Expensive stores and lofts.
Battery Park-Southern tip of the island. Not a ton there but that is where you would go to take the ferry to Elis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
Hope this is helpful.
The Big Move
So Sunday I will finally move to my new home in Brooklyn. I am actually excited. Sandy (one of my new landlords) invited me over this past Sunday to the Flatbush Fair which was held in the neighbourhood that I am moving too. It was very fun. There was music, vendor, wine tasting, wine sorbet (wine seems to be a theme there) , produce, etc. It is nice in someways to live in an area that seems so different from this urban mecca and yet I am only a 15 minute or so subway ride to downtown Manhattan. But it is a very Cleveland Heightish (for those you in Ohio)/a more kept up Heritage Hill (those of you in Michigan). Lots of green space which is nice to see I must say.
In other news work is busy but good. The students keep me busy and on my toes but they are really such a fun group to work with. In addition to working with the students I have also been learning more about the fashion industry. I have been attending some of the students' courses and special events to wrap my head around what it is they are actually doing in their studies. I am also getting ready to go on a "field trip" up fifth and madison avenues to explore the difference in quality in clothing.
Last week I went to Broadway Blessings which is an annual ecumenical prayer for a successful season on Broadway. Actors sing, read prayers, and perform. I was sitting across the aisle from Marian Seldes and Frances Sternhagen who were amazing when they performed. They are both big stars on Broadway. Many of you may know Marian Seldes from the film Mona Lisa Smile (she was the President of the college) or as Mr. Big's mom on Sex and the City. Frances Sternhagen was also in Sex and the City as Bunny, Trey's mother.
Shona Tova! (Happy New Year) Yes I now get both Christian and Jewish holidays off.
This weekend I went to my first sample sales. They have really great deals but get there early or you will be stuck with size 5 shoes or sizes 11 shoes being the only ones left on the racks. :(
I did a little (mostly window shopping). I had tea sandwiches at Bergdoff Goodman's cafe which were quite tasty. Then it was a trip to Takashimaya which is a Japanese, uber expensive department store. I do not (unfortunately...because what they have is cute) by clothing there but they do have a garden tea room and gift hut. It is my new favorite place to buy a host or hostess gift. Esther's friend Mark had invited some friends over for wine and hors d' oeuvres the other week so instead of bringing a bottle of wine I brought these Sesame Crackers that were in the shape of Japanese Dolls and some Hazelnut Buttercookies. Both were big hits. So this weekend I picked up some Ginger Cookies and some Egyptian Chamomile and Black Currant Tea (which Esther and I will sample later this evening). I then went to the other extreme in Asian department stores which is Pearl River Mart in SoHo. It is AMAZING. This store sells traditional Chinese clothing, kitchen and home goods, groceries, cosmetics,and party favors at ridiculously low prices. They have a website but it does not do the store justice. If you are familiar with NYC you will understand why it is so ironic that this store is in SoHo. SoHo which stands for South of Houston street is an area of downtown that is nothing but store after store of expensive designer clothing.
Last night I went to my favorite part of the city which is the West Village. I love it because instead of high rise apartment and office buildings everything is 18th and 19th century brick homes and brownstone townhouses. Christopher Street is this eclectic area full of antique stores, tea and spice shops, and how shall I put it leather stores (by leather I mean riding crops and bondage wear not coats and wallets). Bleeker Street has a few designer stores that have creeped in but is mostly full of independent restaurants and shops. One of my favorite things to do is go to Magnolia bakery and get a cupcake (because they are the most amazing cupcakes ever) and people watch in the Bleeker Street Park. Esther and I met up later in the village and saw the film "I want someone to eat cheese with" it was cute. IFC is a very cool movie theater that plays independent movies, classic movies, and older foreign films.
One of the things I love best about this city is you never know where the day will take you. :)
In other news work is busy but good. The students keep me busy and on my toes but they are really such a fun group to work with. In addition to working with the students I have also been learning more about the fashion industry. I have been attending some of the students' courses and special events to wrap my head around what it is they are actually doing in their studies. I am also getting ready to go on a "field trip" up fifth and madison avenues to explore the difference in quality in clothing.
Last week I went to Broadway Blessings which is an annual ecumenical prayer for a successful season on Broadway. Actors sing, read prayers, and perform. I was sitting across the aisle from Marian Seldes and Frances Sternhagen who were amazing when they performed. They are both big stars on Broadway. Many of you may know Marian Seldes from the film Mona Lisa Smile (she was the President of the college) or as Mr. Big's mom on Sex and the City. Frances Sternhagen was also in Sex and the City as Bunny, Trey's mother.
Shona Tova! (Happy New Year) Yes I now get both Christian and Jewish holidays off.
This weekend I went to my first sample sales. They have really great deals but get there early or you will be stuck with size 5 shoes or sizes 11 shoes being the only ones left on the racks. :(
I did a little (mostly window shopping). I had tea sandwiches at Bergdoff Goodman's cafe which were quite tasty. Then it was a trip to Takashimaya which is a Japanese, uber expensive department store. I do not (unfortunately...because what they have is cute) by clothing there but they do have a garden tea room and gift hut. It is my new favorite place to buy a host or hostess gift. Esther's friend Mark had invited some friends over for wine and hors d' oeuvres the other week so instead of bringing a bottle of wine I brought these Sesame Crackers that were in the shape of Japanese Dolls and some Hazelnut Buttercookies. Both were big hits. So this weekend I picked up some Ginger Cookies and some Egyptian Chamomile and Black Currant Tea (which Esther and I will sample later this evening). I then went to the other extreme in Asian department stores which is Pearl River Mart in SoHo. It is AMAZING. This store sells traditional Chinese clothing, kitchen and home goods, groceries, cosmetics,and party favors at ridiculously low prices. They have a website but it does not do the store justice. If you are familiar with NYC you will understand why it is so ironic that this store is in SoHo. SoHo which stands for South of Houston street is an area of downtown that is nothing but store after store of expensive designer clothing.
Last night I went to my favorite part of the city which is the West Village. I love it because instead of high rise apartment and office buildings everything is 18th and 19th century brick homes and brownstone townhouses. Christopher Street is this eclectic area full of antique stores, tea and spice shops, and how shall I put it leather stores (by leather I mean riding crops and bondage wear not coats and wallets). Bleeker Street has a few designer stores that have creeped in but is mostly full of independent restaurants and shops. One of my favorite things to do is go to Magnolia bakery and get a cupcake (because they are the most amazing cupcakes ever) and people watch in the Bleeker Street Park. Esther and I met up later in the village and saw the film "I want someone to eat cheese with" it was cute. IFC is a very cool movie theater that plays independent movies, classic movies, and older foreign films.
One of the things I love best about this city is you never know where the day will take you. :)
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Weekend Fun
This week was very busy at work. But things are going very well there. In a few weeks once critiques begin in the courses I will observe some of the student's classes. After a busy week it was nice to relax over the weekend and of course explore my new hometown a bit more.
Michael (Esther's) boyfriend is in for a long weekend so to celebrate their anniversary which is tomorrow and to celebrate my first big girl paycheck, I took Michael, Esther, and our friend Linda out for dinner. We went to The LOFT where none of us had ever been before. It was very cool a sort of French/Moroccan Fusion restaurant with two for one martinis all night (how can one complain). It has a large movie screen in the front of the restaurant where they play classic movies (Some Like It Hot was on that evening). The back room where we opted to sit was a little more private. The benches are fitted with Moroccan cushions and global club music played. The basement has lots of private rooms. They do have a really interesting bathroom though. The toilets are separate but the sinks are in a common area.
Since it is Michael and Esther's anniversary and I am still living with her, alternative arrangements needed to be made. Michael usually travels Monday-Thursday so staying in a hotel is not always fun for him since he does it so much. Instead Esther and Michael were generous and sent yours truly to the Lucerne Hotel which is only 17 blocks from Esther's apartment. It is a very lovely hotel which I would recommend to anyone visiting NYC. You are on the Upper West Side so things are not as crazy as they would be if you stayed downtown or near Times Square but it is only a 5-10 minute subway ride to get to those neighbourhoods. There is also a really great French Bistro called Nice Matin attached to the hotel.
Yesterday Esther, Michael, and I ran some errands on the East Side of town. We got Michael's glasses repaired at this really cool designer store on Madison Avenue. It was cool because they have the wall of special customers and Michael's picture is near Steve Martin's. We then went to PINK which is a Men's designer store from the UK. Then it was back to the West Side for lunch at the Museum of Modern Art and the Richard Serra exhibit. Esther's friend Mark met us after lunch and then we ran into their mutual friend Thomas and his boyfriend (whose name I am blanking on). Thomas treated us to Sundays and then it was off to check in to my hotel room. I was going to go see a one act play festival in the East Village since Daniel (one of the playwrights) is an acquaintance of mine but unfortunately it had sold out before I got there (you couldn't buy tickets in advance). So I went to St. Mark's Place which is this stretch of grunge and punk inspired stores and restaurants. This area is essentially the only area of the East Village that has remained true to what the East Village was 20 years ago. Then it was a quick bite back on the Upper West Side before turning in early to watch some tv and read a bit.
Today Esther, Michael, and I went to visit his cousin Sandy and her partner Terry in Brooklyn. They showed me the progress on my apartment (I will either move in next weekend or the weekend after). The five of us had dinner at Sahara, a Middle Eastern restaurant in what will be my new neighbour hood. It was very tasty and I recommend Pistachio Rolls if you have never tried them. Then we looked at the house that is across the street from Sandy and Terry because there was an open house. It is amazing. Why would you spend 1.3 million on a small two bedroom apartment that would cost you an additional 500,000 to renovate when you could get a three floor home that has been newly renovated for the same price (yes that is how much it costs to buy a place in NYC). After that we all parted ways. I went to the Lincoln Center Fall Fair and bought some cute handwarmers that I am wearing now as I type.
So things are good. Aren't you sad I am not there to rub it in that U of M is 0-2 and my OSU is 2-0? I thought you would be. :)
Michael (Esther's) boyfriend is in for a long weekend so to celebrate their anniversary which is tomorrow and to celebrate my first big girl paycheck, I took Michael, Esther, and our friend Linda out for dinner. We went to The LOFT where none of us had ever been before. It was very cool a sort of French/Moroccan Fusion restaurant with two for one martinis all night (how can one complain). It has a large movie screen in the front of the restaurant where they play classic movies (Some Like It Hot was on that evening). The back room where we opted to sit was a little more private. The benches are fitted with Moroccan cushions and global club music played. The basement has lots of private rooms. They do have a really interesting bathroom though. The toilets are separate but the sinks are in a common area.
Since it is Michael and Esther's anniversary and I am still living with her, alternative arrangements needed to be made. Michael usually travels Monday-Thursday so staying in a hotel is not always fun for him since he does it so much. Instead Esther and Michael were generous and sent yours truly to the Lucerne Hotel which is only 17 blocks from Esther's apartment. It is a very lovely hotel which I would recommend to anyone visiting NYC. You are on the Upper West Side so things are not as crazy as they would be if you stayed downtown or near Times Square but it is only a 5-10 minute subway ride to get to those neighbourhoods. There is also a really great French Bistro called Nice Matin attached to the hotel.
Yesterday Esther, Michael, and I ran some errands on the East Side of town. We got Michael's glasses repaired at this really cool designer store on Madison Avenue. It was cool because they have the wall of special customers and Michael's picture is near Steve Martin's. We then went to PINK which is a Men's designer store from the UK. Then it was back to the West Side for lunch at the Museum of Modern Art and the Richard Serra exhibit. Esther's friend Mark met us after lunch and then we ran into their mutual friend Thomas and his boyfriend (whose name I am blanking on). Thomas treated us to Sundays and then it was off to check in to my hotel room. I was going to go see a one act play festival in the East Village since Daniel (one of the playwrights) is an acquaintance of mine but unfortunately it had sold out before I got there (you couldn't buy tickets in advance). So I went to St. Mark's Place which is this stretch of grunge and punk inspired stores and restaurants. This area is essentially the only area of the East Village that has remained true to what the East Village was 20 years ago. Then it was a quick bite back on the Upper West Side before turning in early to watch some tv and read a bit.
Today Esther, Michael, and I went to visit his cousin Sandy and her partner Terry in Brooklyn. They showed me the progress on my apartment (I will either move in next weekend or the weekend after). The five of us had dinner at Sahara, a Middle Eastern restaurant in what will be my new neighbour hood. It was very tasty and I recommend Pistachio Rolls if you have never tried them. Then we looked at the house that is across the street from Sandy and Terry because there was an open house. It is amazing. Why would you spend 1.3 million on a small two bedroom apartment that would cost you an additional 500,000 to renovate when you could get a three floor home that has been newly renovated for the same price (yes that is how much it costs to buy a place in NYC). After that we all parted ways. I went to the Lincoln Center Fall Fair and bought some cute handwarmers that I am wearing now as I type.
So things are good. Aren't you sad I am not there to rub it in that U of M is 0-2 and my OSU is 2-0? I thought you would be. :)
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Number Crunching
Here are some numbers that you may enjoy. I am sure that you can plug them together in some sort of mathematical equation but then I am a much more right brained person....
23= Days I have been in NYC
1= Number of Bus Rides Taken
7= Number of Taxi Rides
50+= Number of Subway Rides
10= How many apartments I have viewed
4 = Pairs of Shoes Purchased since my arrival
12 = Different types of cuisine tried in the past three and a half weeks (Thai, Japanese, Chinese, American, Italian, Brazilian, Delicatessen, French, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Cyprian)
5 = Number of manicures
$10 = Average price of a manicure/neck rub
2 = Number of pedicures
$3.50 = Cost of the Recessional Special at Grey's Papaya (two hot dogs with kraut and a Papaya juice)
2= Number of stamps needed on my Lohemans' shoe club card before I get a pair at 50% off. :)
3= Number of Boroughs I have spent time in
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Well the apartment hunt is over at least for a while. As luck would have it Michael's (Esther's boyfriend) cousin Sandy and her partner Terry have been toying with the idea of renting out the third floor of their home and since they know me through Michael, they felt better about having me as their first tenant.
They have a beautiful home in the West Ditmas Park area of Brooklyn. There is a pocket of seven little neighbourhoods that have these beautiful Victorian homes. Many of them are still single family homes but since most of the third floors or basements were originally set up as mother in law suites there are a far share of people in these neighbourhoods that rent an apartment within their homes. I will have my own kitchen, bathroom, setting room, and bedroom. Sandy and Terry are nice and very fun to hang out with. They are wine lovers so I enjoy hearing tales of their travels to Senoma and Italy in search of wine...and of course benefiting from their knowledge on the subject when we go out to dinner. I will move in next Sunday and stay for at least six months and then we shall see.
Esther's friends have all adopted me as their little sister too which has made this an easy move and transition. I am starting to make some friends at work and now that I am feeling more settled I am starting to contact friends from Ohio and Michigan that have moved out here so that is fun too. I do have to confess though that I love the alone time thought. I think people assume that a city like New York would only attract extreme extroverts. But I find this to be one of the best places to live for an Introvert. It is nice being able to get lost for hours in the sidestreets and hidden gems of the city. Every block is like stepping into a new world. It is fun exchanging notes with Esther. She recommends the fun things you won't find in tourist books and I get to share with her the amazing places I find by accident.
Classes start on Tuesday so things are bustling at work. I developed several presentations we used at orientation and they were well received. Everything is good though. I miss those of you not here but I couldn't have made a better decision for myself in terms of a job or location to live and I am so glad that I was picky about the positions I applied for. Every time I go for a walk and find some new book fair, theater, or cultural experience my stomach flips a little. I am really here. Living in my favorite city. It is not just a vacation, this is my home. I am so incredibly happy and as a result I am loosing some of my cynicism towards the world. Don't worry I was plenty cynical to begin with so it is okay to loose some of that edge. ;) The only thing that annoys me is how expensive some things here are but I feel that way about most cities. But no real complaints at the moment.
Enjoy the Labor Day Weekend. :)
-Paula
23= Days I have been in NYC
1= Number of Bus Rides Taken
7= Number of Taxi Rides
50+= Number of Subway Rides
10= How many apartments I have viewed
4 = Pairs of Shoes Purchased since my arrival
12 = Different types of cuisine tried in the past three and a half weeks (Thai, Japanese, Chinese, American, Italian, Brazilian, Delicatessen, French, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Cyprian)
5 = Number of manicures
$10 = Average price of a manicure/neck rub
2 = Number of pedicures
$3.50 = Cost of the Recessional Special at Grey's Papaya (two hot dogs with kraut and a Papaya juice)
2= Number of stamps needed on my Lohemans' shoe club card before I get a pair at 50% off. :)
3= Number of Boroughs I have spent time in
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well the apartment hunt is over at least for a while. As luck would have it Michael's (Esther's boyfriend) cousin Sandy and her partner Terry have been toying with the idea of renting out the third floor of their home and since they know me through Michael, they felt better about having me as their first tenant.
They have a beautiful home in the West Ditmas Park area of Brooklyn. There is a pocket of seven little neighbourhoods that have these beautiful Victorian homes. Many of them are still single family homes but since most of the third floors or basements were originally set up as mother in law suites there are a far share of people in these neighbourhoods that rent an apartment within their homes. I will have my own kitchen, bathroom, setting room, and bedroom. Sandy and Terry are nice and very fun to hang out with. They are wine lovers so I enjoy hearing tales of their travels to Senoma and Italy in search of wine...and of course benefiting from their knowledge on the subject when we go out to dinner. I will move in next Sunday and stay for at least six months and then we shall see.
Esther's friends have all adopted me as their little sister too which has made this an easy move and transition. I am starting to make some friends at work and now that I am feeling more settled I am starting to contact friends from Ohio and Michigan that have moved out here so that is fun too. I do have to confess though that I love the alone time thought. I think people assume that a city like New York would only attract extreme extroverts. But I find this to be one of the best places to live for an Introvert. It is nice being able to get lost for hours in the sidestreets and hidden gems of the city. Every block is like stepping into a new world. It is fun exchanging notes with Esther. She recommends the fun things you won't find in tourist books and I get to share with her the amazing places I find by accident.
Classes start on Tuesday so things are bustling at work. I developed several presentations we used at orientation and they were well received. Everything is good though. I miss those of you not here but I couldn't have made a better decision for myself in terms of a job or location to live and I am so glad that I was picky about the positions I applied for. Every time I go for a walk and find some new book fair, theater, or cultural experience my stomach flips a little. I am really here. Living in my favorite city. It is not just a vacation, this is my home. I am so incredibly happy and as a result I am loosing some of my cynicism towards the world. Don't worry I was plenty cynical to begin with so it is okay to loose some of that edge. ;) The only thing that annoys me is how expensive some things here are but I feel that way about most cities. But no real complaints at the moment.
Enjoy the Labor Day Weekend. :)
-Paula
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Odd Things
Granted that NYC is much larger and more diverse then my previous two homes (Cleveland and Grand Rapids), I still can not help but chuckle when I read about things to do around the city. In addition to the things you would typically think about doing in NYC (Broadway, shopping, a Yankees game, etc...) there are other amazing experiences that this city has to offer. This includes food and wine tastings, film festivals, etc. but there is also an assortment of odd activities.
Here is a sample of the ones that make me chuckle the most....
7th Annual Pickle Day and The History of Making Candy http://www.lowereastsideny.com/
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The 5th Annual New York Burlesque Festival
Friday August 31 2007 9:00 pm-11:00 pm
The Opening Party
Element
225 E. Houston St - btwn Essex St & Avenue A
NY, NY
FREE with drink specials
& Don't miss the main event - Sat 9-1-07 @
The Highline Ballroom
http://www.corporatepa.com/contentpage.php?calendarid=6314
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sip 'n Dip-Beaujolais and Olive Oil Tasting
Friday August 31 2007 5:00 pm-7:00 pm
Vintage Wines
1479 Third Ave @ 84th St
NYC
212.535.6800
FREE
http://www.corporatepa.com/contentpage.php?calendarid=6496
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The Terror Of Tiny Town
Saturday September 8 2007 8:00 pm-11:00 pm
An evil gunslinging little person comes to terrorize the good little people of Tiny Town. The townspeople organize to defeat him, and zany antics ensue. Featuring an all little people cast!
The Coney Island Museum
1208 Surf Ave - btwn Stillwell Ave & West 12th St
Tickets $5
Free Popcorn
Shows start at 8:30pm, doors open 8pm.
http://www.corporatepa.com/contentpage.php?calendarid=6417
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Here is a sample of the ones that make me chuckle the most....
7th Annual Pickle Day and The History of Making Candy http://www.lowereastsideny.com/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The 5th Annual New York Burlesque Festival
Friday August 31 2007 9:00 pm-11:00 pm
The Opening Party
Element
225 E. Houston St - btwn Essex St & Avenue A
NY, NY
FREE with drink specials
& Don't miss the main event - Sat 9-1-07 @
The Highline Ballroom
http://www.corporatepa.com/contentpage.php?calendarid=6314
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sip 'n Dip-Beaujolais and Olive Oil Tasting
Friday August 31 2007 5:00 pm-7:00 pm
Vintage Wines
1479 Third Ave @ 84th St
NYC
212.535.6800
FREE
http://www.corporatepa.com/contentpage.php?calendarid=6496
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The Terror Of Tiny Town
Saturday September 8 2007 8:00 pm-11:00 pm
An evil gunslinging little person comes to terrorize the good little people of Tiny Town. The townspeople organize to defeat him, and zany antics ensue. Featuring an all little people cast!
The Coney Island Museum
1208 Surf Ave - btwn Stillwell Ave & West 12th St
Tickets $5
Free Popcorn
Shows start at 8:30pm, doors open 8pm.
http://www.corporatepa.com/contentpage.php?calendarid=6417
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, August 24, 2007
Tea Time
This was a very fast and busy week. Orientation started today for the new students and next week orientation will continue for transfers and returning students. Students can't declare fashion as a major until later in their freshman year so we have to do a special presentation for sophomores. So that will keep our office pretty busy next week. I love the diversity at the College. It is really great to have an opportunity to work with international students as they make up 29% of our student body. I also absolutely love all of the staff and faculty I have met so far. Really brilliant people who are at the college not because of ego but because they are passionate about education.
Tonight was very fun and different. The Lincoln Center has this little park behind the main buildings and in the summer they have free events. Tonight's was wonderful. There was a group from Taiwan that performed both traditional and original Chinese music. The group also had tea masters who brewed green tea and later dragon tea during the performance and gave the audience tastes. They brewed several batches to show how the same tea can have different tastes and aromas depending on how it is prepared. It was very informative.
Teas in China are symbolic of seasons, people, and societies. The lighter the tea (your white teas and green teas) the more the tea is symbolizing spring and youth. If the green tea is a little bitter it either represents harder times in a society or it can represent a male youth who is stubborn. Tea that has had little fermentation can taste like water with the hint of some florals, this tea represents a young woman. The music played while we drank green tea had more to do with springtime, youth, and love. Red or brown teas represent an older person and the end of autumn/beginning of winter. The music during the red tea dealt more with reflection and goodbyes. However it ended with a beautiful song about the river and the mountain which is symbolic of kindred spirits.
Tea masters are also expert floral arrangements and there were beautiful arrangements during the show. They also had a calligrapher who painted on stage during the music. There was a spicy fragrance in the air. Perhaps a mix of incense and tea or perhaps someone wearing a fresh bottle of YSL. Either way it was a lovely way to start of the weekend.
Tonight was very fun and different. The Lincoln Center has this little park behind the main buildings and in the summer they have free events. Tonight's was wonderful. There was a group from Taiwan that performed both traditional and original Chinese music. The group also had tea masters who brewed green tea and later dragon tea during the performance and gave the audience tastes. They brewed several batches to show how the same tea can have different tastes and aromas depending on how it is prepared. It was very informative.
Teas in China are symbolic of seasons, people, and societies. The lighter the tea (your white teas and green teas) the more the tea is symbolizing spring and youth. If the green tea is a little bitter it either represents harder times in a society or it can represent a male youth who is stubborn. Tea that has had little fermentation can taste like water with the hint of some florals, this tea represents a young woman. The music played while we drank green tea had more to do with springtime, youth, and love. Red or brown teas represent an older person and the end of autumn/beginning of winter. The music during the red tea dealt more with reflection and goodbyes. However it ended with a beautiful song about the river and the mountain which is symbolic of kindred spirits.
Tea masters are also expert floral arrangements and there were beautiful arrangements during the show. They also had a calligrapher who painted on stage during the music. There was a spicy fragrance in the air. Perhaps a mix of incense and tea or perhaps someone wearing a fresh bottle of YSL. Either way it was a lovely way to start of the weekend.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
A Side Show, The Human Computer, and CURTAINS
So Sarah (my younger sister) flew in for the weekend. We went to Coney Island and had the famous Nathan's Hot Dogs which are worth the hype. I recommend the chili cheese dog and a glass of Old Fashion lemonade. We went for a walk on the boardwalk and through the amusement park. Sarah won a giant stuffed penguin at a carnival game but we gave it to a child who was waiting with his mommy for the bus. It is sort of sad because I think they will be closing parts of the park soon and you can tell that in the 1920s, Coney Island really would have been something to see. Sarah and I went to the Coney Island side show because neither of us had ever been to one. We saw a human contortionist, a snake dancer, a fire eater, and a man who can juggle with an electric saw. We did not stick around for the human mummy, I don't even want to know what that was.
We then came back to Manhattan did some window shopping in the village. Later that night we took a cab down to Broadway. Our cab drive was Oleg Rotiman the human computer. If you tell him your birthday or anniversary and the year of it he will tell you what day of the week it was in less then a second. There was an article about him in the times which you can read in his cab because he keeps a copy in his cab.
Sarah and I saw CURTAINS on Broadway. It was a lot of fun. We got to meet some of the cast after the show including David Hyde Pierce. What was really fun though was Jill Paice was in the show. When I was a junior and senior in high school she choreographed our musicals. She is incredibly talented and still amazingly nice she stayed and talked with Sarah and I for a couple of minutes.
Today Sarah wanted to see the American Museum of Natural History which is neat but it is always crowded there so you never really get to enjoy it as much as you would hope to. But all in all this was a really nice way to celebrate the big 25. ;)
We then came back to Manhattan did some window shopping in the village. Later that night we took a cab down to Broadway. Our cab drive was Oleg Rotiman the human computer. If you tell him your birthday or anniversary and the year of it he will tell you what day of the week it was in less then a second. There was an article about him in the times which you can read in his cab because he keeps a copy in his cab.
Sarah and I saw CURTAINS on Broadway. It was a lot of fun. We got to meet some of the cast after the show including David Hyde Pierce. What was really fun though was Jill Paice was in the show. When I was a junior and senior in high school she choreographed our musicals. She is incredibly talented and still amazingly nice she stayed and talked with Sarah and I for a couple of minutes.
Today Sarah wanted to see the American Museum of Natural History which is neat but it is always crowded there so you never really get to enjoy it as much as you would hope to. But all in all this was a really nice way to celebrate the big 25. ;)
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Working Girl
Well I had my first two days on the job and so far I LOVE it. It is so interesting, it is a very urban campus unlike any other I have ever seen but perhaps has one of the most friendly work environments I have ever been in. The faculty, administrators, and staff really treat each other like equal. The maintenance crew and faculty knew my name and that I was starting this week so many of them have come by to welcome me to New School and ask if there is anything they can do for me.
I share an office with Melissa who is extremely nice. Yesterday when we were leaving for the day we both said we had a very good feeling about how the three of us (Melissa, Priscilla(our supervisor), and myself) are going to work together. Melissa and I are about the same age and both enjoy musical theater so Priscilla offered to buy us a stereo for the office since there is a partition between our desks and we both have our computer radios on low right now.
From the few students that have trickled in, I know that I will have my work cut out for me. They are fantastic, creative, and very respectful but it is such a competitive program that you know most students are stressed beyond belief. But I am looking forward to the advising, and the outreach programing. This week I am working on programs for orientation.
There may soon be an apartment announcement to make but I don't want to jinx myself. So more to follow soon.
I share an office with Melissa who is extremely nice. Yesterday when we were leaving for the day we both said we had a very good feeling about how the three of us (Melissa, Priscilla(our supervisor), and myself) are going to work together. Melissa and I are about the same age and both enjoy musical theater so Priscilla offered to buy us a stereo for the office since there is a partition between our desks and we both have our computer radios on low right now.
From the few students that have trickled in, I know that I will have my work cut out for me. They are fantastic, creative, and very respectful but it is such a competitive program that you know most students are stressed beyond belief. But I am looking forward to the advising, and the outreach programing. This week I am working on programs for orientation.
There may soon be an apartment announcement to make but I don't want to jinx myself. So more to follow soon.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Apartment Hunting in NYC Should Be an Olympic Event
Oh my goodness. I knew apts are expensive here but I didn't realize how time consuming apartment hunting would be. My advise if you ever plan on looking at apartments in NYC is be persistent and use multiple sources because you never know. I was planning on subletting which I may do temporally if I can't find something right away but I am finding for lease apartments are more reliable. This afternoon I am looking at some apts in Manhattan and on Sunday I am looking at some apartments in Queens in the Forest Hills/Rego Park area. So we shall see. I am confident I will find something, it just is not going to happen overnight. This is definitely the right move though. I am really excited about some of the apartments I will look at and hope to find the right one soon.
Yesterday I opened a bank account and went to HR at New School to turn in my paperwork, set up direct deposit, and get my ID taken. Too bad that my ID says faculty/administrative because I can't use it for student discounts....good thing my GVSU ID is still good :) and come to think of it my AQ one might be as well.
Yesterday I opened a bank account and went to HR at New School to turn in my paperwork, set up direct deposit, and get my ID taken. Too bad that my ID says faculty/administrative because I can't use it for student discounts....good thing my GVSU ID is still good :) and come to think of it my AQ one might be as well.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Farewell Midwest
Well friends today is my last day as a midwesterner. I am sure this is going to hit me more later but right now I am excited more then anything. I fly into NYC tomorrow. I will be staying with Esther (my sister) while I appartment hunt. I have a Studio in Inwood that will be looking at and Linda (a friend of Esther's, and mine now ;) has a friend Sandra who is going to show me another appartment in Manhattan. I also am going to look at some sublets in Queens. I am very excited about this new chapter in my life. I am so thrilled about my new job at Parsons. I think it is going to be a great fit for me.
I will miss my Michigan and Ohio friends dearly but I am sure I will be visiting Grand Rapids and Cleveland enough to still visit with friends at least once a year. Leaving some people behind has not sunk in yet although I have to admit I did get a little misty saying goodbye to Elissa and Adam on Sunday but that has been the closest to crying I have come. I am thrilled about becoming a New Yorker and am excited to share my adventures with all of you. I hope you all keep me posted with your goings on.
Love,
Paula
I will miss my Michigan and Ohio friends dearly but I am sure I will be visiting Grand Rapids and Cleveland enough to still visit with friends at least once a year. Leaving some people behind has not sunk in yet although I have to admit I did get a little misty saying goodbye to Elissa and Adam on Sunday but that has been the closest to crying I have come. I am thrilled about becoming a New Yorker and am excited to share my adventures with all of you. I hope you all keep me posted with your goings on.
Love,
Paula
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