Summer is Here

It finally feels like summer. I have recently gone to some book readings with my writing professor and some students that were also in the class. This included a reading at a soup kitchen. My professor and some other writers do 12 week writing programs at the soup kitchen with the people who eat lunch there. The participants shared their pieces with us.

Sarah came in for memorial day. We did a diner comparison of Juniors vs Lindy's...Juniors wins hands down. We also went to the South Street Seaport, discovered the East 6th Street Community Garden, and found that you can still by Cracker Jacks in a box at Economy Candy.

We had drinks and appetizers at Firebird with Esther and Michael. This is a Russian restaurant in the theater district. We then met up with Susan, Bob, and Audrey to see the Danny Kaye musical at St. Luke's Theater. This is an old church that was turned into an off broadway theater. After the show we had drinks and snacks at Bar Centrale where we saw Barbra Walters and Patricia Clarkson.

The next day we had an amazing brunch at Compass with Sandy, Terry, Esther, and Michael. Esther, Michael, Sarah, and I then went to Sleepy Hollow/Terrytown to see Washington Irving's home. Sarah and I also fit in a trip to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden before she had to leave.

To celebrate the end of the school year we had a party at my friend Paul's in Bushwick. We grilled in his backyard/beer garden.

Today was beautiful and I had some fun out at Rockaway Beach. I am looking forward to a long vacation in Michigan which is coming up later this week. I also start some writing classes for the summer.

Possession Obsession*

I really have to be better about posting updates. Once a week has gone by I honestly do not remember what I have been up to. Let's see if remembering backwards helps. Well tonight I went to Five Napkin Burger with Joe, Phil, and Phil's mom for dinner tonight. We then grabbed frozen yogurt from Red Mango. In my option of frozen yogurt take outs in Manhattan I rate Red Mango above Pinkberry and tied with Tasty Delight. I can't really compare those two since Tasty Delight tastes more like ice cream but Red Mango has stronger flavors.

We then went to see August: Osage County. It was an amazing play that I think hits a nerve with most people because it is so realistic of the minor and major dysfunctions that can happen in families.

Yesterday I had my final writing class. We met editors from Wall Street Journal Magazine, Psychology Today, and Time Out New York. The class was amazing, my instructor was amazing too. I plan on taking more writing courses in the Fall. This summer I think I am just going to buckle down, write, and submit pieces.

This weekend I went to Roosevelt Island with Sarah and Paula. We took the sky tram over, had a picnic at lighthouse park, and explored the island. Once back in Manhattan we did stop at Dylan's Candy Bar since they have never been. I am a big fan of nostalgic candy and I think the staff at work liked their care packages for the final week of classes.

Last week Jennifer, Esther, and I went to the Museum of Art and Decor which recently opened at Columbus Circle. After the museum we saw "Every Little Step" a documentary about casting the 2006 revival of a Chorus Line. We then had dinner at Sushi A GoGo.

Yep that is about as far back as I can remember. I am getting old.
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Everyone has obsessions. They tend to fall into two categories either a forever obsession or a fling/fare weather obsession. For example I have been obsessed with musical theater since I was three but embroidery was something I was into for several months and then it sort of tapered off (honestly I think it was because I just didn't have the time). Here are some recent obsessions of mine (many of which I am sure I have blogged about) only time will tell which are here to stay.

-Trader Joe's (I know it is sad the my love of a grocery store franchise tops the list)
-Home Manicures (This started off as a way to save money but I have become obsessed with perfecting my technique)
-Hall and Oates (always likes them have been listing to them a lot lately)*
-My Acer Aspire One
-Sylvia French-my tailor (not really obsessed I just go there a lot lately)
-etsy.com
-veggie burgers
-The Color Purple (not the book, the actual color)
-comfortable walking shoes (say it isn't so!!!)
-searching for the perfect trench coat (after months of searching I have yet to find it)
-Trying recipes from the Food Network
-Letting my hair grow out