Back in NY after a week at home for Christmas. It was pretty awesome. I left 16 degree weather in NY for 70 degree weather in LA and 60 degree weather in Bakersfield. Andrew and I met up with Laura and Troy for dinner in Santa Monica and then I spent a couple days in the Inland Empire with Andrew and the boys. We had lunch with Sandra and her family; it was so great to see the kids (I had to look up since they're both so tall now). Then Mom came to Pasadena and we went home the Sunday before Christmas.
Christmas week was a lot of shopping and prepping...and napping as much as possible. I was really tired. I guess working 13 hour days for a month and a half will make you sleepy. Christmas time was fun. I was nervous that mom's family would be split up but they were all in one place and grandma delivered a great Christmas Eve dinner. There are four little kids in mom's family that really made Christmas special. I spent Christmas day with dad's family. The kids make it fun, you know? They got a Wii and I thought I'd beat them at bowling at least (have played it once and I rocked it) but Meagan whomped on me. (BTW she got a cell phone and we text all the time. She's 11.) I made out pretty well this Christmas. I got 23 pairs of socks. It's kind of insane, I know.
So now I'm back in NY and you know what? I'm happy to be home. And having mom here with me is pretty great. We'll be doing Times Square NYE :D
Happy New Year!
Year One
I've been in New York for a year! I made it, woo-hoo! This is what I've learned:
I like: (in no order)
~The cold. I smile to myself when I say "It's warm today...45 degrees."
~Snow. Oh em gee. I love it.
~My neighborhood. It's quirky and I love everything about it. Even the occasional pee smell.
~Times Square. I was warned that I'd get sick of it. Ha. I walk through it every day and I. Love. It.
~My iPhone. Only relates to NY because I'd probably would be lost in some outer borough without it.
~Fort Greene, Brooklyn. It's home and it's beautiful and it's full of all my NY "firsts."
~Nicknames. I've acquired a few this year and it's a nice way of hearing you've made your mark somewhere new.
~Growing up. It's been tough but kind of rewarding. Responsibility is only nice when you've remembered you have them and live up to them. Luckily no one is depending on me to feed them.
~Driving in the city. I may occasionally run a red light but it's exciting.
~Todd's apartment. Smells like home. Every time I walk in it's like - *sigh* home. ~Crossing the street on a red light. Especially in front of a group of tourists who all gasp as soon as I set foot on the black street. Haha. Simple pleasures.
~Walking the wrong way down the middle of an empty one-way street. It's so empowering! Dumb, right?
~Eating at restaurants in Brooklyn. I'm not rich and so I love that restaurants in BK are reasonably priced and dee-lish.
~Ordering coffee. You can say "light and sweet" and they make it just how I like it. How great is that?!
~Crying in the street. Once during a rain storm I was emotional and just started sobbing. I walked 20 blocks along 8th Avenue just sobbing. I might have been bothered that no one asked if I was OK but...the city gave me just what I needed at the time.
~Cabs. I most like the SUV cabs. Not sure how good my hailing has gotten but I manage.
~Starbucks. On every corner. I only really like their specialized drinks but I love that the option is there. On every corner.
~The Q train. It gets me to Brooklyn quickly. And I like the yellow and orange seats on the Q trains. I have a favorite spot to sit :)
~The Brooklyn Bridge. I know. Everyone likes the Brooklyn Bridge. But - the first time I walked it, I got a history lesson from Todd and now there's just this extra appreciation for it and it's existence. Same can pretty much be said for almost anything in Brooklyn.
~Bryant Park. It's definitely not given enough credit. Also - I think its Christmas tree is much more beautiful than the one at Rockefeller Center. Just sayin'
~The buildings, the streets, the people. Like no other place I've been and I don't want to ever leave it. (Most days.)
Don't likes:
~Queens.
~Growing up. It's been tough.
~The A,C,E trains. I don't know why. I just don't. Stems back to my summer on S. Oxford street. The C sucks.
~Working two jobs. I'm tired and it's cold. Send money. In large quantities.
I think this is it for now. Huge thanks to Mom, grandma Carmen, Dad and Todd. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for each of you.
LOVE
I like: (in no order)
~The cold. I smile to myself when I say "It's warm today...45 degrees."
~Snow. Oh em gee. I love it.
~My neighborhood. It's quirky and I love everything about it. Even the occasional pee smell.
~Times Square. I was warned that I'd get sick of it. Ha. I walk through it every day and I. Love. It.
~My iPhone. Only relates to NY because I'd probably would be lost in some outer borough without it.
~Fort Greene, Brooklyn. It's home and it's beautiful and it's full of all my NY "firsts."
~Nicknames. I've acquired a few this year and it's a nice way of hearing you've made your mark somewhere new.
~Growing up. It's been tough but kind of rewarding. Responsibility is only nice when you've remembered you have them and live up to them. Luckily no one is depending on me to feed them.
~Driving in the city. I may occasionally run a red light but it's exciting.
~Todd's apartment. Smells like home. Every time I walk in it's like - *sigh* home. ~Crossing the street on a red light. Especially in front of a group of tourists who all gasp as soon as I set foot on the black street. Haha. Simple pleasures.
~Walking the wrong way down the middle of an empty one-way street. It's so empowering! Dumb, right?
~Eating at restaurants in Brooklyn. I'm not rich and so I love that restaurants in BK are reasonably priced and dee-lish.
~Ordering coffee. You can say "light and sweet" and they make it just how I like it. How great is that?!
~Crying in the street. Once during a rain storm I was emotional and just started sobbing. I walked 20 blocks along 8th Avenue just sobbing. I might have been bothered that no one asked if I was OK but...the city gave me just what I needed at the time.
~Cabs. I most like the SUV cabs. Not sure how good my hailing has gotten but I manage.
~Starbucks. On every corner. I only really like their specialized drinks but I love that the option is there. On every corner.
~The Q train. It gets me to Brooklyn quickly. And I like the yellow and orange seats on the Q trains. I have a favorite spot to sit :)
~The Brooklyn Bridge. I know. Everyone likes the Brooklyn Bridge. But - the first time I walked it, I got a history lesson from Todd and now there's just this extra appreciation for it and it's existence. Same can pretty much be said for almost anything in Brooklyn.
~Bryant Park. It's definitely not given enough credit. Also - I think its Christmas tree is much more beautiful than the one at Rockefeller Center. Just sayin'
~The buildings, the streets, the people. Like no other place I've been and I don't want to ever leave it. (Most days.)
Don't likes:
~Queens.
~Growing up. It's been tough.
~The A,C,E trains. I don't know why. I just don't. Stems back to my summer on S. Oxford street. The C sucks.
~Working two jobs. I'm tired and it's cold. Send money. In large quantities.
I think this is it for now. Huge thanks to Mom, grandma Carmen, Dad and Todd. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for each of you.
LOVE
Sweet Disposition
Most of the time my post and my song match up. Like there was somthing about that song that made me want to write a post. But not this time. This time the song just needed to be posted. And I was due to write a blip. So...I am working 2 jobs now. I have my regular 8-5 job and my new nights/weekend job at Bryant Park holiday market. We sell and personalize overpriced ornaments to tourists and I love it. I like the girls I work with, I love flirting with tourists (I love the Spaniards bc they're the nice-dressed, beautiful ones, not that Eurotrash smoking ones) and I love being creative with my handwriting and paint pens. We also personalize piggy banks (do you know how piggy banks started? Basically there's a clay called pygg clay.) So I'm tired. Really tired but I'm getting used to it and I'm loving the money I'm making. It's so nice not to worry about money every single day. I can buy a coffee if I want one. I can get lunch if I want. I can buy a new sweater if I feel like it. And you know how I like to do what I want. So it's great. I'm hoping to get another part time job after this one ends in January.
Seems like I'll be having lots of visitors in the next couple months. Laura and Andrew are coming pre-Thankgiving. (I'm staying in NY for Turkey day...working...movie going.) Then mom's coming after Christmas. Then Toni's coming in January! I'm so excited. I'm also pretty freakin' excited to go home. I'll be in CA 12/18 to 12/27. Holla!
Seems like I'll be having lots of visitors in the next couple months. Laura and Andrew are coming pre-Thankgiving. (I'm staying in NY for Turkey day...working...movie going.) Then mom's coming after Christmas. Then Toni's coming in January! I'm so excited. I'm also pretty freakin' excited to go home. I'll be in CA 12/18 to 12/27. Holla!
Empire State of Mind
I've started this post like 5 times. (Could I have typed that without "like?" Yeah, but it wouldn't be true-to-Anna.) I must be under the impression you guys are as eager to read what I have to say right now as I am to type and publish it.
Anyway I was super sick three weeks ago. Like was sleeping 20 hrs a day and couldn't breathe/eat normally. It's cool. I survived. I called Grandma and got her albondigas recipe and it really pulled me through. I kinda wanna say it was swine flu just to top that with "I beat it."
(old stuff) So the Yankees are playing in some big game today and I've been a bigger baseball fan these last few weeks than I have in my whole life. For a while I was thinking I could really get into it (mostly because I liked how much they showed ARod on camera) but then I watched some football last weekend and decided that baseball doesn't have enough contact for me.
I've always thought I'd love to put on some pads and hit someone. I mean I am a huge sissy and cried when Andrew tried to teach me snowboarding but I could really use a good throwdown sometimes and football seems great. This may surprise you but I'm pretty emotional and most days I'd trade my crying habit for some painful physical contact. Maybe I should just blast some music and run into tourists.
Anyway I was super sick three weeks ago. Like was sleeping 20 hrs a day and couldn't breathe/eat normally. It's cool. I survived. I called Grandma and got her albondigas recipe and it really pulled me through. I kinda wanna say it was swine flu just to top that with "I beat it."
(old stuff) So the Yankees are playing in some big game today and I've been a bigger baseball fan these last few weeks than I have in my whole life. For a while I was thinking I could really get into it (mostly because I liked how much they showed ARod on camera) but then I watched some football last weekend and decided that baseball doesn't have enough contact for me.
I've always thought I'd love to put on some pads and hit someone. I mean I am a huge sissy and cried when Andrew tried to teach me snowboarding but I could really use a good throwdown sometimes and football seems great. This may surprise you but I'm pretty emotional and most days I'd trade my crying habit for some painful physical contact. Maybe I should just blast some music and run into tourists.
Young Pilgrims
One thing I really love about it here is how quickly my mind changes about things.
I work on the first floor boutique office of a 9 floor very industrial building. There are no windows to the outside. There are glass cut outs between offices and glass windows between me and the hallway of the building, through which a horde of high schoolers walk(very loudly) everyday to the cafeteria down the hall. There are 3 cafeterias to the side of our office - we all usually go there for lunch, bring it back and sit at our desks or the break room. My area of the office is cozy: my desk is awesome and large and all cherry wood. I get a sweet conference-room chair. I turn off the flourescent lights and work by the six spotlights above that illuminate the company logo (that I got to pick out). I really like my space. But I'm disconnected from 1)the rest of the office staff and 2)the outside world. At any given time there can be a global meltdown occurring and I wouldn't know unless someone Tweeted about it. So I have a lot of time to myself to dwell and fester on anything and everything. I leave at 5 p.m. upset about something that happened at 8:15. Not often - but the chances of a problem blowing over (while I have all day to think about it in my small space) are very small.
But then something amazing can happen and turn that mood completely off: I walk out of the building with John Mayer or country music blaring in my ears and I see the Empire State building. Yes! The city is only a train ride away and then I'm home free. I don't know how to explain it in words you would relate to but I know that once I come out of the train station at 47th street and Broadway - the tip of Times Square - I'll be the purest and most fulfilling kind of happy. It doesn't depend on someone else or something happening. It's just me, standing where I'm standing, thinking of how much I wanted to be standing in that spot a year ago, thinking about how I came to be standing there and that I'll be able to stand there again tomorrow. And although I'm standing ALONE on this crowded corner pushing my way past tourists and Elmo, I look up at another after-work-tired New Yorker and I feel a connection. Zing!
I work on the first floor boutique office of a 9 floor very industrial building. There are no windows to the outside. There are glass cut outs between offices and glass windows between me and the hallway of the building, through which a horde of high schoolers walk(very loudly) everyday to the cafeteria down the hall. There are 3 cafeterias to the side of our office - we all usually go there for lunch, bring it back and sit at our desks or the break room. My area of the office is cozy: my desk is awesome and large and all cherry wood. I get a sweet conference-room chair. I turn off the flourescent lights and work by the six spotlights above that illuminate the company logo (that I got to pick out). I really like my space. But I'm disconnected from 1)the rest of the office staff and 2)the outside world. At any given time there can be a global meltdown occurring and I wouldn't know unless someone Tweeted about it. So I have a lot of time to myself to dwell and fester on anything and everything. I leave at 5 p.m. upset about something that happened at 8:15. Not often - but the chances of a problem blowing over (while I have all day to think about it in my small space) are very small.
But then something amazing can happen and turn that mood completely off: I walk out of the building with John Mayer or country music blaring in my ears and I see the Empire State building. Yes! The city is only a train ride away and then I'm home free. I don't know how to explain it in words you would relate to but I know that once I come out of the train station at 47th street and Broadway - the tip of Times Square - I'll be the purest and most fulfilling kind of happy. It doesn't depend on someone else or something happening. It's just me, standing where I'm standing, thinking of how much I wanted to be standing in that spot a year ago, thinking about how I came to be standing there and that I'll be able to stand there again tomorrow. And although I'm standing ALONE on this crowded corner pushing my way past tourists and Elmo, I look up at another after-work-tired New Yorker and I feel a connection. Zing!
Manhattan
New address, new roomie. 530 West 47th Street #3C NY, NY 10036. Send me stuff.
Living in the city is much better for me. I love that it's just steps away. What's just steps away, you ask? Well - everything! I walk home through the very north of Times Square everyday and I. Love. It. Love it! My apartment is little and cute and comfortable and my roommate is awesome. She gets me and still lives me. We can watch LoTR and Aladdin and Brothers and Sisters. I'm a lot more broke and taking my lunch every day but I. Love. It.
My job is getting better - I've been given a lot more work and now I do about 3 times the amount of stuff I used to do. I am not bored but sometimes I'm so stressed and I wonder if it's worth it. I hope so. I try to comfort myself with the infinite options that await me outside of the office but I remember that a new direction would require me to be decisive about my future. And my indecisiveness isn't news to anyone. So - just staying the course for now. Hopefully someday I can live more comfortably.
I went home a few weeks ago - I was really worried about the whole bittersweet emotional rollercoaster that I feel everytime I go home but it wasn't so bad this time around. Which is also bittersweet. I used to cry as the plane left JFK. And then I'd cry on the way back until I saw the NY skyline. I hate coming and going. I hate that "home" is so far away but that "happy" is here. There's a little of both in CA and NY I guess ... Anyway going home this time wasn't so emotional.
I've been thinking about how most of my relatives ask why I like it here - no family, such extreme weather changes, so many more strangers and dangers. I can't really explain why I love it here. It's just something you feel when you're here or not. Todd and I will be walking around town and I'll say "I love it here." It's a very packed statement and he says "I know" and I know he totally gets it. Mom gets it too I think.
Living in the city is much better for me. I love that it's just steps away. What's just steps away, you ask? Well - everything! I walk home through the very north of Times Square everyday and I. Love. It. Love it! My apartment is little and cute and comfortable and my roommate is awesome. She gets me and still lives me. We can watch LoTR and Aladdin and Brothers and Sisters. I'm a lot more broke and taking my lunch every day but I. Love. It.
My job is getting better - I've been given a lot more work and now I do about 3 times the amount of stuff I used to do. I am not bored but sometimes I'm so stressed and I wonder if it's worth it. I hope so. I try to comfort myself with the infinite options that await me outside of the office but I remember that a new direction would require me to be decisive about my future. And my indecisiveness isn't news to anyone. So - just staying the course for now. Hopefully someday I can live more comfortably.
I went home a few weeks ago - I was really worried about the whole bittersweet emotional rollercoaster that I feel everytime I go home but it wasn't so bad this time around. Which is also bittersweet. I used to cry as the plane left JFK. And then I'd cry on the way back until I saw the NY skyline. I hate coming and going. I hate that "home" is so far away but that "happy" is here. There's a little of both in CA and NY I guess ... Anyway going home this time wasn't so emotional.
I've been thinking about how most of my relatives ask why I like it here - no family, such extreme weather changes, so many more strangers and dangers. I can't really explain why I love it here. It's just something you feel when you're here or not. Todd and I will be walking around town and I'll say "I love it here." It's a very packed statement and he says "I know" and I know he totally gets it. Mom gets it too I think.
Revelry
It's been a month! Every time I write one of these updates I think I will update again soon but I never have much to say. Well who are we kidding - I always have LOTS to say but I don't always want to put it out there on the internets. So some updates: I got an iPhone and it's amazing, I took part in writing another thesis, I've seen some movies, I've seen some new places, and I turned 23!
I'm sure you've heard plenty about the iPhone so on to the next thing - Todd's thesis! It was an experience for me to relive school work through someone else. It was really a good thing firstly because Todd is so smart and his thesis was so interesting. Most theses are because it's a chance to explore something you're very interested in and in researching it you become excited about it and you can't wait to tell everyone EVERYTHING you know about it. So it was fun! But it was also good because it gave me a chance to really think about getting back into school - I want to go back for my masters and I will...but not yet - I'm not done with being free from schoolwork just yet. Soon though.
So I saw Harry Potter 6 a little later than most because even after 2 weeks NY theaters were still packed at showings. Kady and I got to the theater about an hour early and it was filled a half hour later. So I thought it was great. I mean I was really upset at HP4 because I had read the book like a week before and was disappointed in the consistency between the book/movie. This time I read the book a few weeks prior to the movie release and while I was quick to notice the discrepancies I was still very satisfied with the movie! The first hour or so was so awkward it was hard to watch - which also made it hilarious! Can't wait for the next two!
I've been trying to go with the flow a lot more which means I have been going along with things I would normally pass on. Instead of saying "no," "I'm tired," "I can't," I just go with it and I ALWAYS have a good time. My friends here are really amazing and good and I can trust that I'll have a good time in their company. I went to the top of the Empire State building again - on a clear day - that was nice. I also went to a couple different rooftops, a pool hall, a karaoke bar, parks, and restaurants in the last few weeks. It's amazing! I love the city.
My birthday was last Friday and it was great! I spent most of the day with my friend Jarling playing hookie. We started early with a concert at the Today Show. Kings of Leon were performing so we woke up at 3:30 to get out there by 5. Unfortunately there were people there at 4 so we weren't first in line! But it was great anyway! Then we went to lunch and a movie. We met Todd around dinner time and from there I had dinner and went to a bar with friends! It was a great day! I am thankful for the friends I have and the family that loves me :) Thank you for remembering me!
Overall summer in the city is great! There's so much to do and you want to be out and about! I'm having a great time :) I'll be back in California in September (19th - 25th). I can't wait for some time at home.
I'm sure you've heard plenty about the iPhone so on to the next thing - Todd's thesis! It was an experience for me to relive school work through someone else. It was really a good thing firstly because Todd is so smart and his thesis was so interesting. Most theses are because it's a chance to explore something you're very interested in and in researching it you become excited about it and you can't wait to tell everyone EVERYTHING you know about it. So it was fun! But it was also good because it gave me a chance to really think about getting back into school - I want to go back for my masters and I will...but not yet - I'm not done with being free from schoolwork just yet. Soon though.
So I saw Harry Potter 6 a little later than most because even after 2 weeks NY theaters were still packed at showings. Kady and I got to the theater about an hour early and it was filled a half hour later. So I thought it was great. I mean I was really upset at HP4 because I had read the book like a week before and was disappointed in the consistency between the book/movie. This time I read the book a few weeks prior to the movie release and while I was quick to notice the discrepancies I was still very satisfied with the movie! The first hour or so was so awkward it was hard to watch - which also made it hilarious! Can't wait for the next two!
I've been trying to go with the flow a lot more which means I have been going along with things I would normally pass on. Instead of saying "no," "I'm tired," "I can't," I just go with it and I ALWAYS have a good time. My friends here are really amazing and good and I can trust that I'll have a good time in their company. I went to the top of the Empire State building again - on a clear day - that was nice. I also went to a couple different rooftops, a pool hall, a karaoke bar, parks, and restaurants in the last few weeks. It's amazing! I love the city.
My birthday was last Friday and it was great! I spent most of the day with my friend Jarling playing hookie. We started early with a concert at the Today Show. Kings of Leon were performing so we woke up at 3:30 to get out there by 5. Unfortunately there were people there at 4 so we weren't first in line! But it was great anyway! Then we went to lunch and a movie. We met Todd around dinner time and from there I had dinner and went to a bar with friends! It was a great day! I am thankful for the friends I have and the family that loves me :) Thank you for remembering me!
Overall summer in the city is great! There's so much to do and you want to be out and about! I'm having a great time :) I'll be back in California in September (19th - 25th). I can't wait for some time at home.
Independence Day
So: NYC fireworks are usually on the East River. Makes sense because 4 of the 5 NYC boroughs share the East River. 2009 is the someteenth anniversary of Henry Hudson doing something so the fireworks were on the Hudson river this year. As a Brooklyn resident I was a little saddened by this because we could hardly see the show and Jersey got a great show! But! Jersey City put on an awesome show for us Brooklynites so we're all moving to Jersey. No just kidding that'd be sad.
The 4th of July was all about BK! Started off at a few different bagel/coffee places with Candace, Julie, Todd. Then we went to the Coney Island Nathan's Hot Dog eating contest. CA native Joey Chestnut won and set a world record of 68 hotdogs in 10 minutes! (I think - I dont know really.)
Then we walked around a pretty empty Park Slope and checked out some new places for me. Then we watched the show from an awesome rooftop. Then we watched the leftovers from Todd's rooftop. The weather was great - the first time in weeks maybe - that the whole day was beautiful! I was equally homesick and excited to be a part of NYC. Seriously guys - it's like living the dream here and I'm thankful everyday for the love and support I get from home.
p.s. the Independence Day song by Carrie Underwood is a remake of Martina McBride's 1994 single. I remember singing that outloud at my babysitter's house. People here are surprised when I know of/sing country songs. Anyway I hope you like it!
The 4th of July was all about BK! Started off at a few different bagel/coffee places with Candace, Julie, Todd. Then we went to the Coney Island Nathan's Hot Dog eating contest. CA native Joey Chestnut won and set a world record of 68 hotdogs in 10 minutes! (I think - I dont know really.)
Then we walked around a pretty empty Park Slope and checked out some new places for me. Then we watched the show from an awesome rooftop. Then we watched the leftovers from Todd's rooftop. The weather was great - the first time in weeks maybe - that the whole day was beautiful! I was equally homesick and excited to be a part of NYC. Seriously guys - it's like living the dream here and I'm thankful everyday for the love and support I get from home.
p.s. the Independence Day song by Carrie Underwood is a remake of Martina McBride's 1994 single. I remember singing that outloud at my babysitter's house. People here are surprised when I know of/sing country songs. Anyway I hope you like it!
Kids
I have had some adventures!
Andrew visited! Our times together are so nice! We don't even really bicker like we used to. I got to take some time off but the weather was yucky(Joone Gloom) so we mostly stayed inside and watched movies and some cartoons. He got to meet Kady - we went out with her a couple times - and they both seemed to like each other! Not that it's hard. I surround myself with people who can put up with me for long amounts of time and since that's such a rare quality these people tend to get along very well. He arrived with a fro and left with a very respectable buzz cut (?). We tried a mexican place, saw The Hangover and checked out a few bars to which I had not yet ventured. I took him to the airport and coming back was soo sad! Since neither of us have a camera there are not pictures. Oh well.
That next Sunday Todd and I biked all over Brooklyn since my roommate's letting me use her bike while she's in Europe! It was fun - I miss having a bike and Brooklyn's the best place for it. We went to a neighborhood I've never been too and then through one I'm familiar with (in the pouring rain.) Being able to connect a new place with a familiar place is nice because it makes the city seem less daunting! A building collapsed in our neighborhood so we checked that out, too. Crazy! Four stories gone!
This week has been pretty eventful also. Jess moved out, Candace moved in! I got some new furniture in the process! Julie and Kady finally came to check out my apartment. We had some dinner in Brooklyn. Todd and I hit up an exhibit in Chelsea then a Mexican restaurant in Chelsea - delish! (La Esquina) BTW we biked the whole way. It was so much fun. The thrill of dodging NYC traffic was exhilarating!
Andrew visited! Our times together are so nice! We don't even really bicker like we used to. I got to take some time off but the weather was yucky(Joone Gloom) so we mostly stayed inside and watched movies and some cartoons. He got to meet Kady - we went out with her a couple times - and they both seemed to like each other! Not that it's hard. I surround myself with people who can put up with me for long amounts of time and since that's such a rare quality these people tend to get along very well. He arrived with a fro and left with a very respectable buzz cut (?). We tried a mexican place, saw The Hangover and checked out a few bars to which I had not yet ventured. I took him to the airport and coming back was soo sad! Since neither of us have a camera there are not pictures. Oh well.
That next Sunday Todd and I biked all over Brooklyn since my roommate's letting me use her bike while she's in Europe! It was fun - I miss having a bike and Brooklyn's the best place for it. We went to a neighborhood I've never been too and then through one I'm familiar with (in the pouring rain.) Being able to connect a new place with a familiar place is nice because it makes the city seem less daunting! A building collapsed in our neighborhood so we checked that out, too. Crazy! Four stories gone!
This week has been pretty eventful also. Jess moved out, Candace moved in! I got some new furniture in the process! Julie and Kady finally came to check out my apartment. We had some dinner in Brooklyn. Todd and I hit up an exhibit in Chelsea then a Mexican restaurant in Chelsea - delish! (La Esquina) BTW we biked the whole way. It was so much fun. The thrill of dodging NYC traffic was exhilarating!
Trouble Is A Friend
I had a really horrible experience a few weekends ago and I lost my wallet! Well I maintain that it was indeed stolen but I can only blame myself for allowing it to be stolen so we'll call it even at "it's lost." In it were my social security card and my debit card. Managed to get most things cleared up by now so it's ok. This is the second time I've ever felt that vulnerable (the first time was when my car was stolen right from the front of mom's house) and let me tell you - it's horrrrible! Especially for someone like me who analyzes things way more than they should be and dwells on mistakes/bad feelings. It was a dark couple of weeks in my world. There were many phone calls asking mom to come hold me. I know.
I also lost my iPod and as one of those New Yorkers (that's right I said it!) who lives for my own personal soundtrack through the streets - it's been quite an adjustment having to be so involved in strangers' conversations.
Raquel and Rebecca were in the city for a few days and it was SO great to see them. Raquel's really a soul mate of mine who I never have to waste awkward minutes getting "back" to wherever we left off. I am so glad I got to share my new life with her for a few days and catch up. Raquel was just the feeling of "home" I needed to get through the dark times. Here's a picture of us at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Rooftop Garden. There was a really neat installation and Todd gave us a tour! Not pictured: their dad Jose and Todd.
I had a wonderful weekend! My friend Julie invited a bunch of friends to her parents' lake house about an hour away from the city. It was gorgeous - such beautiful scenery and clean air! There was a great group of kids who made getting away for the weekend a really amazing time!
And...Andrew's coming! So excited! A whole week with the best part of CA in NY!
I also lost my iPod and as one of those New Yorkers (that's right I said it!) who lives for my own personal soundtrack through the streets - it's been quite an adjustment having to be so involved in strangers' conversations.
Raquel and Rebecca were in the city for a few days and it was SO great to see them. Raquel's really a soul mate of mine who I never have to waste awkward minutes getting "back" to wherever we left off. I am so glad I got to share my new life with her for a few days and catch up. Raquel was just the feeling of "home" I needed to get through the dark times. Here's a picture of us at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Rooftop Garden. There was a really neat installation and Todd gave us a tour! Not pictured: their dad Jose and Todd.
I had a wonderful weekend! My friend Julie invited a bunch of friends to her parents' lake house about an hour away from the city. It was gorgeous - such beautiful scenery and clean air! There was a great group of kids who made getting away for the weekend a really amazing time!
And...Andrew's coming! So excited! A whole week with the best part of CA in NY!
You Don't Know Me
A month has passed and I changed my song thinking I'd write about NY anonymity a few weeks ago and about how I really don't connect with a lot of people but now I'm in a different state of mind so - the song can stay but onto another subject.
I'm doing well - I'm very tired this week but I'm convinced it's just that I was spoiled by the three day weekend and waking up at 6 (ok 6:30) is taking it's toll. I ended up seeing The Girlfriend Experience and I thought it was OK. Todd liked it a lot though. We spent Memorial Day mostly wandering around Battery Park City in Lower Manhattan. (You know - where you take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island?) It was a beautiful day and we ended up at a friend's house in Brooklyn having an impromptu barbecue. Great day.
Raquel is visiting with her sister! It's been great to catch up with her and Becca (who is getting married!) and wander around the city - for once being the most familiar. They stayed at my place one night and they're staying at a hostel in Manhattan so I'll be meeting them in the city after work. They'll be here through the weekend so I'll be able to spend a full day with them and their dad, Jose!
Apartment life is much the same except a friend from CMC is moving in! Candace will take Jess's room when Jess leaves for DC mid-June. It will be great!Work is also going well - I now have health/dental benefits and a 401k. I feel like adulthood has me backed up into a corner!
Not sure when I'll be back in CA again but in my head there will be 3 more trips to CA in 2009. Christmas being one hopefully I can visit in June and then again in one of the fall months. Who knows!
I'm doing well - I'm very tired this week but I'm convinced it's just that I was spoiled by the three day weekend and waking up at 6 (ok 6:30) is taking it's toll. I ended up seeing The Girlfriend Experience and I thought it was OK. Todd liked it a lot though. We spent Memorial Day mostly wandering around Battery Park City in Lower Manhattan. (You know - where you take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island?) It was a beautiful day and we ended up at a friend's house in Brooklyn having an impromptu barbecue. Great day.
Raquel is visiting with her sister! It's been great to catch up with her and Becca (who is getting married!) and wander around the city - for once being the most familiar. They stayed at my place one night and they're staying at a hostel in Manhattan so I'll be meeting them in the city after work. They'll be here through the weekend so I'll be able to spend a full day with them and their dad, Jose!
Apartment life is much the same except a friend from CMC is moving in! Candace will take Jess's room when Jess leaves for DC mid-June. It will be great!Work is also going well - I now have health/dental benefits and a 401k. I feel like adulthood has me backed up into a corner!
Not sure when I'll be back in CA again but in my head there will be 3 more trips to CA in 2009. Christmas being one hopefully I can visit in June and then again in one of the fall months. Who knows!
Ain't No Rest for the Wicked
Yo
I just wanted to stop by and say what's up. I went to see a "drive-in" film at the Tribeca Film Festival on Friday night. The movie was Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. I'd never seen it so it was a great experience. The rest of the weekend was really warm so I spent a lot of time around Fort Greene, Brooklyn. I even tried Ethiopian food for the first time - I liked it!
Also - I read a good book this week called My Name is Jason. Mine Too. It's written by two guys who came to NY as artists and struggled with rent, eating, and doubt. One of them is an artist and another a poet so the book is pages of poetry on art that sum up their journey. I recommend it. Sometimes I think I must be the only one doubting every move I make but these guys made me realize I'm not alone. We all have those constant doubts. (I hope...)
I'm going to see another film at the TFF tomorrow night if we can get tickets. We're trying to see The Girlfriend Experience - due out in theatres later this year. I'll let you know how it goes.
I wish I could be outside - it's so warm and the humidity has not set in yet :) but alas - I am staring at this computer.
Peace out playas!
I just wanted to stop by and say what's up. I went to see a "drive-in" film at the Tribeca Film Festival on Friday night. The movie was Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. I'd never seen it so it was a great experience. The rest of the weekend was really warm so I spent a lot of time around Fort Greene, Brooklyn. I even tried Ethiopian food for the first time - I liked it!
Also - I read a good book this week called My Name is Jason. Mine Too. It's written by two guys who came to NY as artists and struggled with rent, eating, and doubt. One of them is an artist and another a poet so the book is pages of poetry on art that sum up their journey. I recommend it. Sometimes I think I must be the only one doubting every move I make but these guys made me realize I'm not alone. We all have those constant doubts. (I hope...)
I'm going to see another film at the TFF tomorrow night if we can get tickets. We're trying to see The Girlfriend Experience - due out in theatres later this year. I'll let you know how it goes.
I wish I could be outside - it's so warm and the humidity has not set in yet :) but alas - I am staring at this computer.
Peace out playas!
No Woman No Cry
Yo yo yiggity yo :)
Lots to talk about. I'll be short (ish) and put pictures. First a blog about goings-on in my life. I went to LA. It was spur of the moment kind of trip. Saw Mom, Grandma and the Jimenez family. And Andrew. I was very very grateful for my time in CA. It helped to replenish my stock of happiness. I miss the sun and the weather. A lot. I realized how torn I am between NYC and the Best Coast. Here's a picture from our beach trip:
Then Mom came to visit! We had a whole week together. I worked...sometimes...we ate, shopped, walked a lot!, visited with people, and spent a lot of time together. I was very happy to share my life (and bed) with her for a week and am sad that she's gone :( I am very thankful to have a mom who is supportive of my life-choices and who loves the city like I do. (or at least understands why I do.) Here's one of me, mom and Todd at the new museum:
Since mom left I've been getting back on track with friends, work and sleep. It was beautiful last weekend - Springtime is really here. Saturday everyone and their dog was at the park so on my way home from the store I woke Todd up and stole a blanket - he came out and we did a crossword in the park. This weekend is going to be just as nice - warmer even so I'm excited to go out and enjoy the weather :)
On another note: am thinking that I'm going to move into the city in the late summer. Probably August. My friend Kady is looking for people to fill rooms in her apartment since her current roommates are heading out of the country. I think moving into Manhattan will be a really good change for me. Living in the outer boroughs makes me really homesick. It's not until I make an effort to go into the city that I remember why I moved here! I love the energy of the city - the beauty of all the different sky scrapers. It will be a good thing for me. Kady is a New Yorker who went to Pitzer and I know through a fellow CMC '08er. She's awesome.
I'm in the process of going permanent at work and am gelling very well with co-workers. Over all I like my job. I just wish the office wasn't located in such an industrial area of Queens. Queens - not a place I really feel excited about so it makes my work place that much more blah.
I hope you all are doing well. I hope to hear from you :) Thanks for caring and take care of yourself.
Love, Anna
Lots to talk about. I'll be short (ish) and put pictures. First a blog about goings-on in my life. I went to LA. It was spur of the moment kind of trip. Saw Mom, Grandma and the Jimenez family. And Andrew. I was very very grateful for my time in CA. It helped to replenish my stock of happiness. I miss the sun and the weather. A lot. I realized how torn I am between NYC and the Best Coast. Here's a picture from our beach trip:
Then Mom came to visit! We had a whole week together. I worked...sometimes...we ate, shopped, walked a lot!, visited with people, and spent a lot of time together. I was very happy to share my life (and bed) with her for a week and am sad that she's gone :( I am very thankful to have a mom who is supportive of my life-choices and who loves the city like I do. (or at least understands why I do.) Here's one of me, mom and Todd at the new museum:
Since mom left I've been getting back on track with friends, work and sleep. It was beautiful last weekend - Springtime is really here. Saturday everyone and their dog was at the park so on my way home from the store I woke Todd up and stole a blanket - he came out and we did a crossword in the park. This weekend is going to be just as nice - warmer even so I'm excited to go out and enjoy the weather :)
On another note: am thinking that I'm going to move into the city in the late summer. Probably August. My friend Kady is looking for people to fill rooms in her apartment since her current roommates are heading out of the country. I think moving into Manhattan will be a really good change for me. Living in the outer boroughs makes me really homesick. It's not until I make an effort to go into the city that I remember why I moved here! I love the energy of the city - the beauty of all the different sky scrapers. It will be a good thing for me. Kady is a New Yorker who went to Pitzer and I know through a fellow CMC '08er. She's awesome.
I'm in the process of going permanent at work and am gelling very well with co-workers. Over all I like my job. I just wish the office wasn't located in such an industrial area of Queens. Queens - not a place I really feel excited about so it makes my work place that much more blah.
I hope you all are doing well. I hope to hear from you :) Thanks for caring and take care of yourself.
Love, Anna
22
Hey Hey!
The apartment is gelling. I get along well with the two roommates who are from CA. There's Jess, 23, from San Jose, works at a political non-profit (I think). then there's Kiku, 30, from Duarte (SoCal). They're really welcoming and are providing me with exactly what I was looking for - some chill friends I can relate to, veg out with, feel comfortable with. I forgot how good it is to live with girls and not worry about being completely clothed and face made up all the time.
Last weekend we were all home, all weekend. Cleaning, watching TV, cooking (I made a HUGE breakfast and some bomb enchiladas!), shopping and reorganizing.
The job is going ok. There was some drama this week but with a little help from mom and Andrew I was able to reign in the emotional reactions and remember that I'm there to work and show others what an asset I am to the office. So things cooled down. I am really thinking about getting another job though - I am surviving money wise but not saving and I'm stressed! In case I lose my job (something I really need to be aware since more and more people I know are being laid off) I need to have a reservoir of money.
So I must say - I feel pretty good about things. Rather pleased with myself. I got all my stuff together - job, apt, paying bills, going from work to home, some semblance of a social life...and so I decided to so something drastic! I'm going to start acting my age. Let loose a little. I think I worry too much and don't take the time to be young. It's part of my quest to be more patient and let things happen as they will. I need to sit back and relax for a while and be 22 while I'm still 22.
By the way - I can give virtual tours of the new apartment via WebCam. Monica liked it! My favorite part is the kitchen.
Love Love Love,
Anna
The apartment is gelling. I get along well with the two roommates who are from CA. There's Jess, 23, from San Jose, works at a political non-profit (I think). then there's Kiku, 30, from Duarte (SoCal). They're really welcoming and are providing me with exactly what I was looking for - some chill friends I can relate to, veg out with, feel comfortable with. I forgot how good it is to live with girls and not worry about being completely clothed and face made up all the time.
Last weekend we were all home, all weekend. Cleaning, watching TV, cooking (I made a HUGE breakfast and some bomb enchiladas!), shopping and reorganizing.
The job is going ok. There was some drama this week but with a little help from mom and Andrew I was able to reign in the emotional reactions and remember that I'm there to work and show others what an asset I am to the office. So things cooled down. I am really thinking about getting another job though - I am surviving money wise but not saving and I'm stressed! In case I lose my job (something I really need to be aware since more and more people I know are being laid off) I need to have a reservoir of money.
So I must say - I feel pretty good about things. Rather pleased with myself. I got all my stuff together - job, apt, paying bills, going from work to home, some semblance of a social life...and so I decided to so something drastic! I'm going to start acting my age. Let loose a little. I think I worry too much and don't take the time to be young. It's part of my quest to be more patient and let things happen as they will. I need to sit back and relax for a while and be 22 while I'm still 22.
By the way - I can give virtual tours of the new apartment via WebCam. Monica liked it! My favorite part is the kitchen.
Love Love Love,
Anna
Lovely Day
Buen dia,
In Salamanca's Plaza Mayor there were tons of restaurants that kept tables set up outside year-long for the patrons. Of course these tables were lonely most of the spring semester I was there - it was too cold to eat outside. But then a random sunny day would come along and the Plaza would be booming! People everywhere filling these tables as if there weren't enough chairs to go around. Sunglasses and iced drinks and cigarettes and sun dresses and sandals. It reminded me of home.
That's what Brooklyn was like today. With snow still on the ground from last Sunday night's blizzard it reached almost 70 degrees! Suddenly every restaurant had a patio and people were wearing dresses and flip-flops and sunglasses. It was glorious. I was out of the house at 9 a.m. and on my way back from the store I passed 2 train stops so that I could soak up more of the sun. The long walk was worth it!
I spent some time out in my gated front yard with Midnight throwing the stick back and forth and I came home to a bright open house full of sunlight and fresh air.
'twas a lovely day :) and I really need to get a camera.
New address: 232 Gates Avenue Apt #2 Brooklyn, NY 11238
In Salamanca's Plaza Mayor there were tons of restaurants that kept tables set up outside year-long for the patrons. Of course these tables were lonely most of the spring semester I was there - it was too cold to eat outside. But then a random sunny day would come along and the Plaza would be booming! People everywhere filling these tables as if there weren't enough chairs to go around. Sunglasses and iced drinks and cigarettes and sun dresses and sandals. It reminded me of home.
That's what Brooklyn was like today. With snow still on the ground from last Sunday night's blizzard it reached almost 70 degrees! Suddenly every restaurant had a patio and people were wearing dresses and flip-flops and sunglasses. It was glorious. I was out of the house at 9 a.m. and on my way back from the store I passed 2 train stops so that I could soak up more of the sun. The long walk was worth it!
I spent some time out in my gated front yard with Midnight throwing the stick back and forth and I came home to a bright open house full of sunlight and fresh air.
'twas a lovely day :) and I really need to get a camera.
New address: 232 Gates Avenue Apt #2 Brooklyn, NY 11238
The Sound of Settling
Hey girl hey,
Work is crazy! We just moved, I'm so busy, the office is a mess and so chaotic! But! I love it. I really like going to work - I like my coworkers and I like what I get to do all day. People come to me throughout the day for help and advice and just to chat it up. I am now playing more of a "receptionist" role but I am the renaissance woman of the place.
There was a blizzard last night/today! It was awesome! Snow half way up my calves! Woo hoo! Boss said I could come in late - I still made it 15 mins early.
Socially - I recently participated in an Oscar Party/Potluck! I made dump cake and lazy enchiladas! (Thanks, Mom!) Although the others were wary of my dump cake, they thought it was tasty!
Also, I've begun organizing my second trivia night. Last time I created a Facebook event and in an effort to draw more participants out on a Wednesday night I might have mentioned that it was my birthday (Feb 18th). Those of my generation knew to check my profile where it states my real birthday and came anyway. Todd's friends came too. Wishing me a happy birthday. So I lie a little sometimes...Anyway, this Wednesday - Trivia Night round 2!
I'm going to try to write more often, I have so much to say sometimes. I will get a camera soon and upload more pictures. Send me some updates people. What's going on over there??? CA is like the brokest state in the union and they're gonna legalize marijuana??? I leave and the state goes to pot! (hahahahaha)
XOXO
Anna
I'm writing from my new bed in 
my new room in my new apartment! I have made this little place of mine a nice, comfy, home/room and I'm happy to come home to it. I met all the roommates and they're all cool! All very different but everyone gets along.
my new room in my new apartment! I have made this little place of mine a nice, comfy, home/room and I'm happy to come home to it. I met all the roommates and they're all cool! All very different but everyone gets along.Work is crazy! We just moved, I'm so busy, the office is a mess and so chaotic! But! I love it. I really like going to work - I like my coworkers and I like what I get to do all day. People come to me throughout the day for help and advice and just to chat it up. I am now playing more of a "receptionist" role but I am the renaissance woman of the place.
There was a blizzard last night/today! It was awesome! Snow half way up my calves! Woo hoo! Boss said I could come in late - I still made it 15 mins early.
Also, I've begun organizing my second trivia night. Last time I created a Facebook event and in an effort to draw more participants out on a Wednesday night I might have mentioned that it was my birthday (Feb 18th). Those of my generation knew to check my profile where it states my real birthday and came anyway. Todd's friends came too. Wishing me a happy birthday. So I lie a little sometimes...Anyway, this Wednesday - Trivia Night round 2!
I'm going to try to write more often, I have so much to say sometimes. I will get a camera soon and upload more pictures. Send me some updates people. What's going on over there??? CA is like the brokest state in the union and they're gonna legalize marijuana??? I leave and the state goes to pot! (hahahahaha)
XOXO
Anna
Home Life
Hey Guys!!!
I found an apartment! It is in Clinton Hill - the neighborhood adjacent to Fort Greene, closer to work (shorter commute!) It's 4 bedroom, 2 bath, big living room, huge kitchen. My room is medium size with a skylight and a walk-in closet. No windows. We'll see how it works out, I'm looking forward to painting and using some tricks to make it bright and open. I'm overall very excited. Also - there's a dog there named Midnight. He's really pretty and cuddly and he doesn't shed! Two of the roommates are from CA (Pasadena and Richmond) so between us we've got the Golden State well represented. We'll discuss them more when we know more.
I bought a bed yesterday and took it over to the new place. My boss, Sherman, asked two co-workers to drive me (in the huge company van) to Ikea in New Jersey and to take it to my new place and they were great about it. It was a nice road trip. And! Sherman is also letting me count yesterday as a full day of work. (The two helpers get 2 hours overtime and I bought them lunch!)
Work is great. Really. I love it. The work is demanding and I am doing something different everyday. We're getting ready to move to our new office on the first floor on Saturday (Overtime!!!) More on that later...
I will write again from my new home. Life is busy. There is so much more to do here that the days never seem long enough...
Until next time <3
I found an apartment! It is in Clinton Hill - the neighborhood adjacent to Fort Greene, closer to work (shorter commute!) It's 4 bedroom, 2 bath, big living room, huge kitchen. My room is medium size with a skylight and a walk-in closet. No windows. We'll see how it works out, I'm looking forward to painting and using some tricks to make it bright and open. I'm overall very excited. Also - there's a dog there named Midnight. He's really pretty and cuddly and he doesn't shed! Two of the roommates are from CA (Pasadena and Richmond) so between us we've got the Golden State well represented. We'll discuss them more when we know more.
I bought a bed yesterday and took it over to the new place. My boss, Sherman, asked two co-workers to drive me (in the huge company van) to Ikea in New Jersey and to take it to my new place and they were great about it. It was a nice road trip. And! Sherman is also letting me count yesterday as a full day of work. (The two helpers get 2 hours overtime and I bought them lunch!)
Work is great. Really. I love it. The work is demanding and I am doing something different everyday. We're getting ready to move to our new office on the first floor on Saturday (Overtime!!!) More on that later...
I will write again from my new home. Life is busy. There is so much more to do here that the days never seem long enough...
Until next time <3
Suddenly I See
Hi there,
Did anyone hear that flush? That was the wonderful apartment deal going down the toilet. Yeah. Back to square one. Kind of. Luckily I have kept up the search and moving into a nice place March 1st is still an option.
I'm writing this update from a Cosi on 6th Ave and 22nd Street. Google that. Or not. Anyway I have come here to hang out and blog with my friend Jessica. Jessica's been my friend for a month and a half (today, actually) so I decided I could share her with you guys. See, I am making friends :) Jessica is
23, moved here a few days after I did from North Carolina, worked at Distinctive Personnel with me and we get along really well. (Most days) No really. She's great. She has a very quick, witty, sarcastic sense of humor and we're usually two steps ahead of anyone else around us. It's refreshing to be around someone who's on your level. Story!!! Yesterday Jess and I went to brunch in Union Square at 3 p.m. Our hostess (being very sensitive to the fact that we were two girls out together on Valentine's Day) sat us next to a very affectionate couple. We ordered very filling meals and when we noticed that the girlfriend sitting next to us was served an infant sized bowl of granola (w/o milk), Jess and I were already exchanging jokes through sarcastic glances. And then it happened again when the girlfriend needed to pack up her leftovers. This is us at her friend's show.
So the job is going well. I'm making friends and getting praise for knowing how to work the auto-highlighting feature in Excel. Life is good. Plus the boss put me in charge of ordering office supplies so I have post-its in every color!!! Just kidding. Also, I'm the new minute-taker at all the meetings and so I'm putting my past experience to use - I was my high school's ASB Secretary.
I had a very nice week, overall. I heard it was really cold in California. Thats crazy because it was very warm here. One day I had to take my jacket off on my way into the office because I was too hot. I also received packages - both Valentine's Day gifts - from Mom and Monica.
Thanks for reading. Let's catch up again soon,
Anna
This week's inspirational song.
Did anyone hear that flush? That was the wonderful apartment deal going down the toilet. Yeah. Back to square one. Kind of. Luckily I have kept up the search and moving into a nice place March 1st is still an option.
I'm writing this update from a Cosi on 6th Ave and 22nd Street. Google that. Or not. Anyway I have come here to hang out and blog with my friend Jessica. Jessica's been my friend for a month and a half (today, actually) so I decided I could share her with you guys. See, I am making friends :) Jessica is
23, moved here a few days after I did from North Carolina, worked at Distinctive Personnel with me and we get along really well. (Most days) No really. She's great. She has a very quick, witty, sarcastic sense of humor and we're usually two steps ahead of anyone else around us. It's refreshing to be around someone who's on your level. Story!!! Yesterday Jess and I went to brunch in Union Square at 3 p.m. Our hostess (being very sensitive to the fact that we were two girls out together on Valentine's Day) sat us next to a very affectionate couple. We ordered very filling meals and when we noticed that the girlfriend sitting next to us was served an infant sized bowl of granola (w/o milk), Jess and I were already exchanging jokes through sarcastic glances. And then it happened again when the girlfriend needed to pack up her leftovers. This is us at her friend's show.So the job is going well. I'm making friends and getting praise for knowing how to work the auto-highlighting feature in Excel. Life is good. Plus the boss put me in charge of ordering office supplies so I have post-its in every color!!! Just kidding. Also, I'm the new minute-taker at all the meetings and so I'm putting my past experience to use - I was my high school's ASB Secretary.
I had a very nice week, overall. I heard it was really cold in California. Thats crazy because it was very warm here. One day I had to take my jacket off on my way into the office because I was too hot. I also received packages - both Valentine's Day gifts - from Mom and Monica.
Thanks for reading. Let's catch up again soon,
Anna
This week's inspirational song.
Feelin' Good
Hi Friends!
It has been a while since my last post but there has been only minor occurrences and I'd rather not be posting a journal of feelings so here are hard facts that I can share:
Work is going well! This week I was given a lot more to do and I took over a little more of the work - setting my foot down and standing up for myself when people attempted to throw me under the bus. I may be the new girl but I am going to be held accountable for my work/decisions and I expect others to be as well. Then the boss offered to put me on the corporate AT&T account. So I think it went well.
I found an apartment!!! It's in my same Brooklyn neighborhood (what I hoped for), it's closer to the train I commute on (on the same block = perfect!), and the apartment is big and beautiful! I have to meet with the two other roommates but that should go well and I can move in March 1st!
Now for the check on my mental state: while talking to my aunt on her birthday this week I realized that I really love it here. Sometimes I doubt my move. I think that's normal - the homesickness. Especially on the days when it's grey outside and I see that flights home are $500. I miss the familiar embraces and the smell of home and the food. I miss the sunshine and the beaches and the familiar places. I miss Pepper and my time alone when driving the I-5 to Claremont/LA. But then Monica says "I do too, but we can't go back. We can only go forward" and I realize that if I'm going to have to go forward - I'm happy I'm here.
New people ask me "why are you HERE???" Most of the time I say "Why are YOU here???" But when I'm being nice and I feel like they're really interested, I'll explain how I didn't want to be anywhere else. Then they say "Don't you miss your family?" And I say "Of course, but we email and talk on the phone and not a day goes by that I don't have contact with my California life so..." Anyway, guys, I'm more than satisfied with my decision to come here. Everything will play out as it's supposed to and when I can put down one of my Twilight books long enough to catch someone's eye, maybe I'll meet my soulmate on the G train. (But I'd rather meet them on the 4 or 5.) I digress...
Please send me emails or comments and let me know how you are doing! Also, grown-ups, I haven't received any of your love (mentioned two blogs ago) so here's my address again: 152 Carlton Ave #3R Broo- Just Kidding!!!
Love love love,
Anna
http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/16569/
It has been a while since my last post but there has been only minor occurrences and I'd rather not be posting a journal of feelings so here are hard facts that I can share:
Work is going well! This week I was given a lot more to do and I took over a little more of the work - setting my foot down and standing up for myself when people attempted to throw me under the bus. I may be the new girl but I am going to be held accountable for my work/decisions and I expect others to be as well. Then the boss offered to put me on the corporate AT&T account. So I think it went well.
I found an apartment!!! It's in my same Brooklyn neighborhood (what I hoped for), it's closer to the train I commute on (on the same block = perfect!), and the apartment is big and beautiful! I have to meet with the two other roommates but that should go well and I can move in March 1st!
Now for the check on my mental state: while talking to my aunt on her birthday this week I realized that I really love it here. Sometimes I doubt my move. I think that's normal - the homesickness. Especially on the days when it's grey outside and I see that flights home are $500. I miss the familiar embraces and the smell of home and the food. I miss the sunshine and the beaches and the familiar places. I miss Pepper and my time alone when driving the I-5 to Claremont/LA. But then Monica says "I do too, but we can't go back. We can only go forward" and I realize that if I'm going to have to go forward - I'm happy I'm here.
New people ask me "why are you HERE???" Most of the time I say "Why are YOU here???" But when I'm being nice and I feel like they're really interested, I'll explain how I didn't want to be anywhere else. Then they say "Don't you miss your family?" And I say "Of course, but we email and talk on the phone and not a day goes by that I don't have contact with my California life so..." Anyway, guys, I'm more than satisfied with my decision to come here. Everything will play out as it's supposed to and when I can put down one of my Twilight books long enough to catch someone's eye, maybe I'll meet my soulmate on the G train. (But I'd rather meet them on the 4 or 5.) I digress...
Please send me emails or comments and let me know how you are doing! Also, grown-ups, I haven't received any of your love (mentioned two blogs ago) so here's my address again: 152 Carlton Ave #3R Broo- Just Kidding!!!
Love love love,
Anna
http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/16569/
3x5
SNOW DAY!!!
So yesterday I noticed that a bunch of my friends in DC were having a snow day - and they were excited about it! Here in New York, they've been predicting snow since Sunday night. Day after day I wear my imitation uggs in anticipation of the snow but ... it never comes.
And then! This morning I wake up to blinding light coming through my window (ok...I exaggerate.) There's a good 4 inches of snow on the ground - unshoveled, dusty, perfectly white snow! Everything went a little slower on the way to work and my neighborhood was very still and quiet. I got to test out my new "sleeping bag" jacket and I was very very warm! Good thing I ordered them when I did. So beautiful...and it's payday!!!
I wish I could take pictures and show you but it's not really something you can capture in a 3X5.
Wishing you'll be with me next time,
Anna
http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/51691/
So yesterday I noticed that a bunch of my friends in DC were having a snow day - and they were excited about it! Here in New York, they've been predicting snow since Sunday night. Day after day I wear my imitation uggs in anticipation of the snow but ... it never comes.
And then! This morning I wake up to blinding light coming through my window (ok...I exaggerate.) There's a good 4 inches of snow on the ground - unshoveled, dusty, perfectly white snow! Everything went a little slower on the way to work and my neighborhood was very still and quiet. I got to test out my new "sleeping bag" jacket and I was very very warm! Good thing I ordered them when I did. So beautiful...and it's payday!!!
I wish I could take pictures and show you but it's not really something you can capture in a 3X5.
Wishing you'll be with me next time,
Anna
http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/51691/
Live High
Hey there...
I'm back again with not so much anxiety and stress. Things are starting to work out! So. Life is moving forward. Change has come to America (!) and Tuesday was the brightest of days. First things first.
President Obama. Congrats to all of you who, like me, believed and supported this beautiful family in their rise to the top. The city was crazy all day although I only participated in the after-work raucus. There was a Manhattan Young Democrats party that Todd and I both went to - we actually have a few friends in common. Small world. Then we came back to our neighborhood to "Celebrate Inauguration on DeKalb" and I ran into a group of girls from Scripps (one of the 5 Claremont Colleges.) Smaller world. Anyhow - it was quite a different experience than the one I had on election night in Bakersfield. How you might ask? Well, no one was "boo-ing" or throwing food at the tvs in the bars. No, it was a beautiful day that this large but close community spent celebrating together :)
New job. I am the Administrative Assistant at Telvent Caseta Technologies in Long Island City! My first day I was given my own desk, computer, email, phone, (with a really suhweet headset), voicemail set up, office key (although I'll never need to use it - some people get in at 6 a.m.), badge, and business card. I really really like the 3 girls and 18 guys I work with and I already feel very comfortable and useful here. Speaking of comfortable, I get to wear whatever I want and have my iPod on all day - we communicate through instant messenger and most of my work is internet research and MS office stuff. Very happy in my own new world.
Apartment searching - so far no good news. I saw a few I really liked but no word yet and I saw a few that I wish I hadn't. I feel myself constantly reminding myself (don't we all talk to ourselves? No? Oh, well my mom always told me it's normal) that I'll have plenty of time to live in all different kinds of neighborhoods and that I need to find something that is good for right now. It's tempting to spend more to live in a nicer neighborhood. I will figure it out and my new home will come when it's ready. I'll be with Todd and Chris for another month or so :)
I am spending more time with friends here - catching up and going out - seeing more of the city everyday :) I hope you all are doing very well wherever you are. I am sending you love, smiles and hugs. I, too, am accepting these things. Please forward your love (in the form of Starbucks or iTunes giftcards) to 152 Carlton Ave #3R Brooklyn, NY 11205!
Live high, live mighty, live righteously,
Anna
http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/3530822107858685370/
I'm back again with not so much anxiety and stress. Things are starting to work out! So. Life is moving forward. Change has come to America (!) and Tuesday was the brightest of days. First things first.
President Obama. Congrats to all of you who, like me, believed and supported this beautiful family in their rise to the top. The city was crazy all day although I only participated in the after-work raucus. There was a Manhattan Young Democrats party that Todd and I both went to - we actually have a few friends in common. Small world. Then we came back to our neighborhood to "Celebrate Inauguration on DeKalb" and I ran into a group of girls from Scripps (one of the 5 Claremont Colleges.) Smaller world. Anyhow - it was quite a different experience than the one I had on election night in Bakersfield. How you might ask? Well, no one was "boo-ing" or throwing food at the tvs in the bars. No, it was a beautiful day that this large but close community spent celebrating together :)
New job. I am the Administrative Assistant at Telvent Caseta Technologies in Long Island City! My first day I was given my own desk, computer, email, phone, (with a really suhweet headset), voicemail set up, office key (although I'll never need to use it - some people get in at 6 a.m.), badge, and business card. I really really like the 3 girls and 18 guys I work with and I already feel very comfortable and useful here. Speaking of comfortable, I get to wear whatever I want and have my iPod on all day - we communicate through instant messenger and most of my work is internet research and MS office stuff. Very happy in my own new world.
Apartment searching - so far no good news. I saw a few I really liked but no word yet and I saw a few that I wish I hadn't. I feel myself constantly reminding myself (don't we all talk to ourselves? No? Oh, well my mom always told me it's normal) that I'll have plenty of time to live in all different kinds of neighborhoods and that I need to find something that is good for right now. It's tempting to spend more to live in a nicer neighborhood. I will figure it out and my new home will come when it's ready. I'll be with Todd and Chris for another month or so :)
I am spending more time with friends here - catching up and going out - seeing more of the city everyday :) I hope you all are doing very well wherever you are. I am sending you love, smiles and hugs. I, too, am accepting these things. Please forward your love (in the form of Starbucks or iTunes giftcards) to 152 Carlton Ave #3R Brooklyn, NY 11205!
Live high, live mighty, live righteously,
Anna
http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/3530822107858685370/
Make It Mine
Hi all, thanks for tuning in.
I wanted to share somethings about my NY life thus far so that some of you can stop worrying, others can get your update without filling my phone with messages and a few of you can be jealous! Haha, just kidding. Nothing glamorous about uncertainty and worry but there is something very fulfilling about being where you really want to be.
So first of all, I moved to NYC in December - flight got into JFK on December 9th and I moved in with my friend Todd and his roommate Chris. I interned for Todd when I was here in the summer of '06 and we remained close. He is now working at The Brooklyn Historical Society and is finishing his thesis for his NYU Master's of Museum Studies. This may sound familiar to you because I have expressed a strong interest in following in his footsteps...someday :) Todd, 33, is very cool and is such a great friend and roommate to me and Chris. He looks out for me and has been the most helpful in all of my transitioning. Chris is almost as cool as Todd. He is 28, has lived in the city all his life (well, he grew up in Long Island.) He works at two museums, The Museum of the City of New York and The New York Horticultural Society. Together, the two have been very obliging and welcoming and great and super and the best Two Gay Dads any 22 going on 14 year old girl could hope for! (Clarification: they are sooo not gay.)
We live in Brooklyn! In a neighborhood called Fort Greene. It is very "Huxtable-like" and very diverse. I really would like to stay here for a few years or maybe move back here later. I lived in Fort Greene during the summer of '06, also. Our apartment is small and knick-knacky and I love it.
When I got here I immediately started looking for jobs in retail, hospitality and anything that Craigslist, Idealist.org, NYFA.org, Monster, CareerBuilder, or New York Times offered. I didn't have much success in the first two weeks. A string of interviews that made me realize I'd like nothing better than to work in an office and not have to sell things or put up with too many customers. So about half-way through any retail interview both parties realized it wasn't a fit. Then it was Christmas time and I decided I wanted to go home. So I went home for a week and it was really good to spend time with family. It was a good test, too, because I thought about it and even though I wasn't having much success in the job search I knew I wanted more than anything to live in NYC and I was more determined to make it work! So I came back to NY, loaded with more winter clothes and ... the first of the "Twilight" books. (A stocking stuffer from mom :) )
I was here a few days before I got a phone call from Yvette of Distinctive Personnel - a staffing agency. She asked me to come in for a "working interview" to be considered for the Front Office Coordinator position. We had a 45 minute phone conversation on New Years Eve and I liked her so I went in the next Friday and got the job! It was such a relief to have a full-time job working behind a desk like I wanted! I was hired alongside another girl, Jessica, who was applying for both the Front Office Coordinator and Jr Staffing Specialist position. But...there was a miscommunication and the CEO had hired too many Staffing Specialists so the need for two office coordinators was moot. So, of the two office coordinators, I have no recruiting experience so I get the boot. Yvette (probably feeling bad for her mistake) sent my resume to a technology firm called Caseta for a Receptionist position. After they interviewed 6 other candidates, I got the job! I start Tuesday 1/20/09. I really liked the guys and the office so I hope it all goes well and I will do my best to keep this job for a while :)
So today, I mostly stayed inside because it's a bit cold out but...I saw an apartment that is close to that new job. I will probably look to get out of Todd and Chris' hair in February and that's my next big obstacle: apartment hunting.
It is cold here but I think the natives complain more than I do. You're in freaking New York City - it snows!, get over it! (P.S. the gloves are awesome and VERY useful! thanks, Kathy) I am a lot more comfortable with taking trains and getting around and venturing out - especially now that I have GoogleMaps on my Blackjack. I read on the trains no matter how crowded they are and no matter who's reading over my shoulder or judging me. Oh yeah, back to Twilight - I've read all four in the last month. Some of them I read twice before moving on the the next one. Don't worry, Todd is giving me other books to read so that I can move on from Edward and Bella. I also have my iPod on at all times (except when I'm walking home at night) and you know what? Those people who judge iPod wearing people saying that they can't be alone with their thoughts - having music blaring in your ears does not mean I'm not alone with my thoughts! My thoughts wouldn't leave me alone if I begged them. The music just gives my life a soundtrack.
Anyway, I'm happy here! I look around and I breathe real deep and I love the buildings and the people and the SNOW and the energy and the city and the bella luna and the bums and the trash and everything. I'm gonna make it all mine :)
Love and hugs and lots of happiness to you!
http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/3530822107858705847/
I wanted to share somethings about my NY life thus far so that some of you can stop worrying, others can get your update without filling my phone with messages and a few of you can be jealous! Haha, just kidding. Nothing glamorous about uncertainty and worry but there is something very fulfilling about being where you really want to be.
So first of all, I moved to NYC in December - flight got into JFK on December 9th and I moved in with my friend Todd and his roommate Chris. I interned for Todd when I was here in the summer of '06 and we remained close. He is now working at The Brooklyn Historical Society and is finishing his thesis for his NYU Master's of Museum Studies. This may sound familiar to you because I have expressed a strong interest in following in his footsteps...someday :) Todd, 33, is very cool and is such a great friend and roommate to me and Chris. He looks out for me and has been the most helpful in all of my transitioning. Chris is almost as cool as Todd. He is 28, has lived in the city all his life (well, he grew up in Long Island.) He works at two museums, The Museum of the City of New York and The New York Horticultural Society. Together, the two have been very obliging and welcoming and great and super and the best Two Gay Dads any 22 going on 14 year old girl could hope for! (Clarification: they are sooo not gay.)
We live in Brooklyn! In a neighborhood called Fort Greene. It is very "Huxtable-like" and very diverse. I really would like to stay here for a few years or maybe move back here later. I lived in Fort Greene during the summer of '06, also. Our apartment is small and knick-knacky and I love it.
When I got here I immediately started looking for jobs in retail, hospitality and anything that Craigslist, Idealist.org, NYFA.org, Monster, CareerBuilder, or New York Times offered. I didn't have much success in the first two weeks. A string of interviews that made me realize I'd like nothing better than to work in an office and not have to sell things or put up with too many customers. So about half-way through any retail interview both parties realized it wasn't a fit. Then it was Christmas time and I decided I wanted to go home. So I went home for a week and it was really good to spend time with family. It was a good test, too, because I thought about it and even though I wasn't having much success in the job search I knew I wanted more than anything to live in NYC and I was more determined to make it work! So I came back to NY, loaded with more winter clothes and ... the first of the "Twilight" books. (A stocking stuffer from mom :) )
I was here a few days before I got a phone call from Yvette of Distinctive Personnel - a staffing agency. She asked me to come in for a "working interview" to be considered for the Front Office Coordinator position. We had a 45 minute phone conversation on New Years Eve and I liked her so I went in the next Friday and got the job! It was such a relief to have a full-time job working behind a desk like I wanted! I was hired alongside another girl, Jessica, who was applying for both the Front Office Coordinator and Jr Staffing Specialist position. But...there was a miscommunication and the CEO had hired too many Staffing Specialists so the need for two office coordinators was moot. So, of the two office coordinators, I have no recruiting experience so I get the boot. Yvette (probably feeling bad for her mistake) sent my resume to a technology firm called Caseta for a Receptionist position. After they interviewed 6 other candidates, I got the job! I start Tuesday 1/20/09. I really liked the guys and the office so I hope it all goes well and I will do my best to keep this job for a while :)
So today, I mostly stayed inside because it's a bit cold out but...I saw an apartment that is close to that new job. I will probably look to get out of Todd and Chris' hair in February and that's my next big obstacle: apartment hunting.
It is cold here but I think the natives complain more than I do. You're in freaking New York City - it snows!, get over it! (P.S. the gloves are awesome and VERY useful! thanks, Kathy) I am a lot more comfortable with taking trains and getting around and venturing out - especially now that I have GoogleMaps on my Blackjack. I read on the trains no matter how crowded they are and no matter who's reading over my shoulder or judging me. Oh yeah, back to Twilight - I've read all four in the last month. Some of them I read twice before moving on the the next one. Don't worry, Todd is giving me other books to read so that I can move on from Edward and Bella. I also have my iPod on at all times (except when I'm walking home at night) and you know what? Those people who judge iPod wearing people saying that they can't be alone with their thoughts - having music blaring in your ears does not mean I'm not alone with my thoughts! My thoughts wouldn't leave me alone if I begged them. The music just gives my life a soundtrack.
Anyway, I'm happy here! I look around and I breathe real deep and I love the buildings and the people and the SNOW and the energy and the city and the bella luna and the bums and the trash and everything. I'm gonna make it all mine :)
Love and hugs and lots of happiness to you!
http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/3530822107858705847/
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