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!
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
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