I went to the dentist on the 11th for my biannual cleaning and checkup. My teeth are sensitive and sometimes cleanings can be painful. This time, I took four generic acetominophens before hand. Add a new hygienist with the magic touch. The cleaning wasn't so bad.
I told her that my jaw has been clicking lately, so she told me to wait and talk to the dentist. The clicking, it turns out, is related to my clenching. I clench my teeth when I sleep.
The dentist informed me that I am the Arnold Schwarzenegger of jaw clenchers because of my pronounced jaw muscles which he pointed out gave me a masculine appearance. He suggested I get a bite protector. And to reduce the size of my jaw, he suggested Botox. For this, I would have to pay $1000 because he would have to use one vile vial.
The insurance will most likely pay for the bite protector. Using that, my muscles will shrink in time.
Can you imagine? Botox?
Has anyone else had a similar experience?
January 20, 2010
January 10, 2010
The Bartender Who Likes Reading
Last week, I was working my theater job, reading a book during Act I. A young bartender came up to me and asked me what I was reading. It just so happens that I was reading Hell Is Other Parents. I described it to him briefly and then he told me that he only recently acquired the ability to read a book through to the end. He's been reading non-stop for the last year.
He explained to me that about a year ago he had himself tested for ADD. He was prescribed a medication and for the first time in his life he could enjoy reading.
His inability to read well caused him to drop out of high school. Now in his early 30's he is earning his GED. He has a good friend working with him on math and he's been taking practice tests so he can be ready for the his big exam in April.
I was so interested in speaking with him, I kept asking him questions - about his family; about his life - and he answered every one. Sadly our conversation had to end because Act I was almost finished. He had to set up his bar and I had to stand by my headset console.
He explained to me that about a year ago he had himself tested for ADD. He was prescribed a medication and for the first time in his life he could enjoy reading.
His inability to read well caused him to drop out of high school. Now in his early 30's he is earning his GED. He has a good friend working with him on math and he's been taking practice tests so he can be ready for the his big exam in April.
I was so interested in speaking with him, I kept asking him questions - about his family; about his life - and he answered every one. Sadly our conversation had to end because Act I was almost finished. He had to set up his bar and I had to stand by my headset console.
January 09, 2010
Should I or Shouldn't I
Things are happening around me again. For a long time they weren't, hence the incredibly large spaces of times between posts.
The question remains, should I or shouldn't I revive this blog? I wrote about myself for a long time, so long that I got tired of writing about myself.
That feeling hasn't exactly worn off, but I do feel a growing need to share again.
What do you think?
The question remains, should I or shouldn't I revive this blog? I wrote about myself for a long time, so long that I got tired of writing about myself.
That feeling hasn't exactly worn off, but I do feel a growing need to share again.
What do you think?
September 23, 2009
September - Fall Has Fallen
It's been quite a while since I've posted anything. I don't apologize. There's no need. I don't even think I have readers anymore.
In case you still check back here from time to time, I'll provide you with a little update.
The summer was slow for me, regarding work. This allowed me to work a lot in the garden, go bike riding, play with the Wii, hone my cooking skills and get some things into order.
I finally pulled out the clothing that I need to get rid of and found a charity that I like. There is a veteran's organization that collects clothing for soldier families. And they'll pick up the clothes from our curbside. I like any organization that helps out veterans and their families. Unfortunately, I can not donate my toys because they are not properly labeled according to new regulations set up by the government. The same regulations led me to stop selling my dolls altogether, until I can figure out how I can comply with the new regulations.
I've pretty much stopped making my sock monsters. I've got so many now. So much effort and love went into making them I don't have the heart to throw them away or to even give them away. If this sounds like hoarding behavior, then you are correct. I used to hold on to things forever (like my old clothes), but I now know how to get rid of things. Hoarding is a very hard habit to break and easy to fall back into if I don't pay attention.
I discovered a new show about hoarders, called Hoarders. I've only seen one episode but it will easily become a guilty pleasure once I start recording it. Watching the show reminded me how I used to like to hold on to things. But now clutter drives me crazy. I'm always reorganizing our space so it appears less cluttered.
I started a project on Flickr. I'm posting a photograph of myself every day for 365 days, starting with my birthday. Technically, it's supposed to be a self portrait every day. The first one, Jon took and there's another one in there as well. But I'll try my best to adhere to that rule.
Gardening has been very entertaining although not always satisfying. While there is satisfaction in staring at a bed that has just been weeded and the soil has been turned, that satisfaction is easily erased when the weeds grow back. Jalapeno pepper plants are prolific producers. I have to keep giving them away. The same can not be said for my tomato plants which are not producing well at all. Forget the cubanelle peppers. Those hardly came in at all.
My flowers are doing well. And the little rose plant that was near death at the beginning of the summer is now thriving in its new location. I enjoy mowing the lawn with our little non-motorized push mower. And I get a strange satisfaction out of sweeping up leaves.
Our new apartment is a vast improvement over our last one. We get along great with our neighbors. And living near Astoria Park is more lovely that I thought it would be. I was expecting lots of noise from raucous kids but I was wrong.
So. If you still read this blog and actually care about the mundane details of my life, hopefully this update will suffice. Perhaps I'll start posting one post for every picture to match my Flickr project.
In case you still check back here from time to time, I'll provide you with a little update.
The summer was slow for me, regarding work. This allowed me to work a lot in the garden, go bike riding, play with the Wii, hone my cooking skills and get some things into order.
I finally pulled out the clothing that I need to get rid of and found a charity that I like. There is a veteran's organization that collects clothing for soldier families. And they'll pick up the clothes from our curbside. I like any organization that helps out veterans and their families. Unfortunately, I can not donate my toys because they are not properly labeled according to new regulations set up by the government. The same regulations led me to stop selling my dolls altogether, until I can figure out how I can comply with the new regulations.
I've pretty much stopped making my sock monsters. I've got so many now. So much effort and love went into making them I don't have the heart to throw them away or to even give them away. If this sounds like hoarding behavior, then you are correct. I used to hold on to things forever (like my old clothes), but I now know how to get rid of things. Hoarding is a very hard habit to break and easy to fall back into if I don't pay attention.
I discovered a new show about hoarders, called Hoarders. I've only seen one episode but it will easily become a guilty pleasure once I start recording it. Watching the show reminded me how I used to like to hold on to things. But now clutter drives me crazy. I'm always reorganizing our space so it appears less cluttered.
I started a project on Flickr. I'm posting a photograph of myself every day for 365 days, starting with my birthday. Technically, it's supposed to be a self portrait every day. The first one, Jon took and there's another one in there as well. But I'll try my best to adhere to that rule.
Gardening has been very entertaining although not always satisfying. While there is satisfaction in staring at a bed that has just been weeded and the soil has been turned, that satisfaction is easily erased when the weeds grow back. Jalapeno pepper plants are prolific producers. I have to keep giving them away. The same can not be said for my tomato plants which are not producing well at all. Forget the cubanelle peppers. Those hardly came in at all.
My flowers are doing well. And the little rose plant that was near death at the beginning of the summer is now thriving in its new location. I enjoy mowing the lawn with our little non-motorized push mower. And I get a strange satisfaction out of sweeping up leaves.
Our new apartment is a vast improvement over our last one. We get along great with our neighbors. And living near Astoria Park is more lovely that I thought it would be. I was expecting lots of noise from raucous kids but I was wrong.
So. If you still read this blog and actually care about the mundane details of my life, hopefully this update will suffice. Perhaps I'll start posting one post for every picture to match my Flickr project.
July 31, 2009
Wii Are Consumers
Jon bought us a Wii. We set it up last night at midnight and played with it for an hour. It might be the coolest thing we've ever owned.
After we set it up, Jon suprised me by showing me the Wii Fitness he bought us. We'll set that up today.
With this purchase, I really feel like we are true consumers.
After we set it up, Jon suprised me by showing me the Wii Fitness he bought us. We'll set that up today.
With this purchase, I really feel like we are true consumers.
July 17, 2009
Ripening Tomatoes
The first of my tomatoes is ready. I think it'll be a little tomato salad for lunch today.
July 14, 2009
True Blood - Season 2
I'm completely hooked on HBO's True Blood. The show follows a mind reading 25 year old (played by Anna Paquin) who lives in a world where vampires are becoming accepted into American life. Vampires have come out of the closet and are trying to find their place in our world. The show is written by Alan Ball and based on a series of books that I haven't read.
Alan Ball really knows how to build, sustain and end stories. He's a good writer. I'm enjoying the show immensely.
I refrain from reviewing the show because people are still watching Season 1 on DVD. And here I am in Season 2 with all this knowlege that can spoil their own trip of discovery.
But if you would like to discuss the show, send an email to genxmisanthrope-at-aol-dot-com.
Alan Ball really knows how to build, sustain and end stories. He's a good writer. I'm enjoying the show immensely.
I refrain from reviewing the show because people are still watching Season 1 on DVD. And here I am in Season 2 with all this knowlege that can spoil their own trip of discovery.
But if you would like to discuss the show, send an email to genxmisanthrope-at-aol-dot-com.
July 12, 2009
Off the Radar
Taking down my archives has had the effect of reducing the number of hits I get through search engines. Now that my archives are back up, I expected the that number to go back up to 100 hits a day but it still hasn't.
So. If you want to reduce the number of hits you get for something stupid you write four years ago, disable your archives for a a few weeks or so.
So. If you want to reduce the number of hits you get for something stupid you write four years ago, disable your archives for a a few weeks or so.
Back on the Diet
Well. It's starting to happen. The weight I lost is finding it's way back to my torso and hips. As of Tuesday of this week, I'm back on my controlled calorie diet. I still look okay but the weight gain is noticeable, to me anyway. I don't think anyone is really paying that close attention the comings and goings of my 10 errant pounds. But I see it.
Regarding my appearance, this past week is also significant because I finally gathered all of my size 18 and size 20 clothing into one large, clear recycling bag. The pile is significant. It's hard to get rid of this clothing. I was a certain size for so long. Even though I've been a smaller size for several months now, it's still hard for me to see myself as other than the bigger person I was. Therefore getting rid of the clothes that identify me as that person if very difficult.
I'm doing it in small steps. The next step is to find a comfortable way to discard my old clothing.
I recently took down all the listings for my sock monsters at my Etsy shop. Temporarily, I might try selling this old clothing through this venue. Some of it is quite nice. When and if that doesn't work, I'll start giving it a way. I'm just not quite ready yet, to throw this clothing into one of those Charity dumpsters.
If I know you and you're a size 18 or 20, and you're interested in looking at the clothes, please contact me. I'd rather give away the clothing to someone I know, than to strangers.
Regarding my appearance, this past week is also significant because I finally gathered all of my size 18 and size 20 clothing into one large, clear recycling bag. The pile is significant. It's hard to get rid of this clothing. I was a certain size for so long. Even though I've been a smaller size for several months now, it's still hard for me to see myself as other than the bigger person I was. Therefore getting rid of the clothes that identify me as that person if very difficult.
I'm doing it in small steps. The next step is to find a comfortable way to discard my old clothing.
I recently took down all the listings for my sock monsters at my Etsy shop. Temporarily, I might try selling this old clothing through this venue. Some of it is quite nice. When and if that doesn't work, I'll start giving it a way. I'm just not quite ready yet, to throw this clothing into one of those Charity dumpsters.
If I know you and you're a size 18 or 20, and you're interested in looking at the clothes, please contact me. I'd rather give away the clothing to someone I know, than to strangers.
July 11, 2009
Saturday
I am working two shows today which is another beautiful day. That means, I will not be able to work in the garden.
I did manage to water the flowers and the grass. I only misted the vegetables because I don't want them to get soaked. Too much water is bad. Humidity is good which is what I was counting on in July for nice big tomato plants but we haven't had too much humid weather. Not that I'm complaining.
This weekend, I'm working at Hair. That show that won the Tony for best revival. I think West Side Story was the better revival.
I did manage to water the flowers and the grass. I only misted the vegetables because I don't want them to get soaked. Too much water is bad. Humidity is good which is what I was counting on in July for nice big tomato plants but we haven't had too much humid weather. Not that I'm complaining.
This weekend, I'm working at Hair. That show that won the Tony for best revival. I think West Side Story was the better revival.
July 10, 2009
Bongos
So. Jon and I have been living in this much better apartment for several months now. We are very happy with the apartment.
Everything is working out great. For a long time, the building across the street had a noisy garage door that squeeked every time it opened and closed but they fixed it and now it's like there is no garage door. It makes no more noise.
But just this week, a new problem has arisen. There is a neighbor in that same building, who has decided to start playing the bongos.
It's very annoying. Now. The building across the street is a co-op. I can't believe the co-op board approved a friggin' bongo player. I wonder if I can use that to my advantage. There is no way, people in that building will put up with a bongo player much longer.
And who the hell plays the bongos anyway?!?! It's the 21st freakin' century. He should be playing virtual bongos that no one can hear.
Everything is working out great. For a long time, the building across the street had a noisy garage door that squeeked every time it opened and closed but they fixed it and now it's like there is no garage door. It makes no more noise.
But just this week, a new problem has arisen. There is a neighbor in that same building, who has decided to start playing the bongos.
It's very annoying. Now. The building across the street is a co-op. I can't believe the co-op board approved a friggin' bongo player. I wonder if I can use that to my advantage. There is no way, people in that building will put up with a bongo player much longer.
And who the hell plays the bongos anyway?!?! It's the 21st freakin' century. He should be playing virtual bongos that no one can hear.
Beautiful Weather
Yesterday was a beautiful day. I spent the latter part of the afternoon, working in the garden. What a great way to spend time outdoors.
Here are some pictures I took a few days ago.
My tomato plants are doing okay but I'm getting impatient. They take forever to produce fruit and then it takes more time for that fruit to ripen.
My jalapeno pepper plants on the other hand are thriving. They have blossomed and now are producing many fruits. It shouldn't be too much longer before I'm adding fresh jalapeno peppers to my dishes.
I've also planted sweet basil. I'm not sure how it's doing. It is growing but some of the leaves are turning shades of yellow.
The other pepper plants I put in are the Cubanelle variety. I bought those at the farmer's market in Union Square. They weren't as mature as the jalapeno plants that I bought, so they will take a little longer to produce fruit. But so far they seem to be doing okay.
Gardening is fun. I just got a couple of flower catalogs which are really exciting me right now. Flowers. I actually get to grow my own flowers. Life is good.
Here are some pictures I took a few days ago.
My tomato plants are doing okay but I'm getting impatient. They take forever to produce fruit and then it takes more time for that fruit to ripen.
My jalapeno pepper plants on the other hand are thriving. They have blossomed and now are producing many fruits. It shouldn't be too much longer before I'm adding fresh jalapeno peppers to my dishes.
I've also planted sweet basil. I'm not sure how it's doing. It is growing but some of the leaves are turning shades of yellow.
The other pepper plants I put in are the Cubanelle variety. I bought those at the farmer's market in Union Square. They weren't as mature as the jalapeno plants that I bought, so they will take a little longer to produce fruit. But so far they seem to be doing okay.
Gardening is fun. I just got a couple of flower catalogs which are really exciting me right now. Flowers. I actually get to grow my own flowers. Life is good.
July 08, 2009
CPDO
Last night, I had a dream that I was diagnosed with a fatal disease and given a week to live. My imagination picked Chronic Pulmonary Disorder, aka Emphysema. In the dream, I asked the doctor how he came up with that diagnosis and he clammed up - claiming that I was getting confrontational. The dream ended when I realized that this guy wasn't really my doctor and that I had to set up an appoinment with my own.
Weird, huh?
Weird, huh?
July 07, 2009
The Wedding of the Decade
Jon and I went to a beautiful wedding on July 2. It was held at the Capitale - formerly a bank located on Grand and Bowery. It's the most remarkable site - the type of place that makes you wish your job title were Location Scout. The interior was grand to the max. The main room was full of columns; the ceiling is made of stained glass; the vault is still in tact and used by the waiters as a changing room. It's beautiful.
Anyway, here are some pictures.
The first person to come up and introduce herself to me was this woman, wearing the same dress. I probably shouldn't really point that out. It was embarrassing but at the same time, it's funny. Right? I guess that's what happens when dresses are bought in department stores.
The ceremony was incredible. The bridesmaids looked stunning. And the maids of honor looked stunninger. The bride had her sisters and brother standing with her under the chupah which I thought was really beautiful. There were actually quite a few people standing up there. Two rabbis, four parents, three siblings - it was crowded under there. But that should tell you how loved the bride and groom are. The Rabbi that married them also married the bride's parents. (I know the below picture is small but if you click on it, you can see the larger version on Flickr.)
I know you're all wondering what the dress looked like. It was hard for me to get a photo of the bride standing alone in her beautiful dress but here is my best effort. This is Jon standing with his beautiful cousin Daniela.
People are also usually curious about the wedding cake. The wedding itself was so extravagent that I was surprised to see this simple cake. But then I shouldn't be. Because as extravagent as the celebration was, the new couple are pretty down to earth people.
Here is a picture of me with my mother-in-law and the bride. Yes. I agree my head does look exceptionally huge in this picture. But everyone else looks beautiful.
At some point, Jon and I snuck away from the party and went upstairs to explore the building. Here is a shot looking down on the festivities.
And here is the bank ceiling.
This is the bride dancing with her father.
One of Jon's younger cousins is a gymnast. Here he is doing an incredible back flip.
Here is a shot of Jon and me. You can see in our faces how happy we were to help in the celebration.
And the final image with which I will leave you is this one of the portrait that was being painted of the wedding. I didn't even know this was a thing that could be done. Four photographers, one videographer and an artist rendering the live events in oil paint. They are definitely the best documented bride and groom I've ever met and I wish them the most happiness.
Anyway, here are some pictures.
The first person to come up and introduce herself to me was this woman, wearing the same dress. I probably shouldn't really point that out. It was embarrassing but at the same time, it's funny. Right? I guess that's what happens when dresses are bought in department stores.
The ceremony was incredible. The bridesmaids looked stunning. And the maids of honor looked stunninger. The bride had her sisters and brother standing with her under the chupah which I thought was really beautiful. There were actually quite a few people standing up there. Two rabbis, four parents, three siblings - it was crowded under there. But that should tell you how loved the bride and groom are. The Rabbi that married them also married the bride's parents. (I know the below picture is small but if you click on it, you can see the larger version on Flickr.)
I know you're all wondering what the dress looked like. It was hard for me to get a photo of the bride standing alone in her beautiful dress but here is my best effort. This is Jon standing with his beautiful cousin Daniela.
People are also usually curious about the wedding cake. The wedding itself was so extravagent that I was surprised to see this simple cake. But then I shouldn't be. Because as extravagent as the celebration was, the new couple are pretty down to earth people.
Here is a picture of me with my mother-in-law and the bride. Yes. I agree my head does look exceptionally huge in this picture. But everyone else looks beautiful.
At some point, Jon and I snuck away from the party and went upstairs to explore the building. Here is a shot looking down on the festivities.
And here is the bank ceiling.
This is the bride dancing with her father.
One of Jon's younger cousins is a gymnast. Here he is doing an incredible back flip.
Here is a shot of Jon and me. You can see in our faces how happy we were to help in the celebration.
And the final image with which I will leave you is this one of the portrait that was being painted of the wedding. I didn't even know this was a thing that could be done. Four photographers, one videographer and an artist rendering the live events in oil paint. They are definitely the best documented bride and groom I've ever met and I wish them the most happiness.
July 02, 2009
Congratulations Steven and Daniela
Last night Jon and I were guests at the rehearsal dinner for his youngest cousin Daniela. She's a very nice woman who is getting married to the nicest young man. It was the most elaborate rehearsal dinner I've attended to date. There were a lot of great speeches, fantastic food, and the party ended with a video presentation.
The video was comprised of photos of the both of them, including a couple with Jon and me which we were very surprised and pleased to see.
Tonight we're attending their wedding. It's a black tie affair. Jon has a tux and I have a beautiful cocktail length dress that I can't wait to show off. This afternoon I'm getting my hair and makeup done.
It promises to be a beautiful affair. I can't wait to see the bride's dress.
With their permission, I'll post photos this weekend.
June 09, 2009
Opening The Sky
In the wee hours of the morning, a great cracking sound woke me up. The most amazing thunderstorm I've seen in years happened just outside our bedroom window - yours too I imagine, if you live near us. I looked out the window and it appeared as if great streaks of lightning were striking the Triborough Bridge (now the RFK Bridge). Very exciting.
June 07, 2009
World Quizzing Championships
Yesterday, I participated in the World Quizzing Championships. Basically, it was 220 question test given in two parts over several hours. I'm not sure where I placed in the world wide standings but I do know that I finished in the bottom of the pack of New Yorkers who participated at Shades of Green.
That test was harder than the SAT's. It is the hardest test I've ever taken. I know that I am not a stupid person but this test really makes you struggle with you think you are. There was stuff on there I'd never even heard of. And that's okay. Because I don't study. If I were a more studious person, perhaps I would know more things. Also, if I had better retention, that would probably help also.
Congratulations to all the people who participated. And continue to believe in yourselves.
That test was harder than the SAT's. It is the hardest test I've ever taken. I know that I am not a stupid person but this test really makes you struggle with you think you are. There was stuff on there I'd never even heard of. And that's okay. Because I don't study. If I were a more studious person, perhaps I would know more things. Also, if I had better retention, that would probably help also.
Congratulations to all the people who participated. And continue to believe in yourselves.
June 05, 2009
Napping is the new black
Two days in a row, I have taken amazing naps. It's probably the weather. Cool, rainy weather is perfect for napping.
I had a job interview this morning. I allowed an hour but I should have allowed an hour and a half. I showed up about 12 minutes late (not without calling first) but it didn't make a difference because I had to wait to be interviewed anyway. The guy I was meeting with was also running behind schedule.
I would be the assistant to a guy who runs one of the garages for an impressive NYC hospital on the East side of Manhattan. The job would be temp to perm which means I wouldn't get the full salary or benefits until I've worked for 65 days. It's full time - Tuesday through Saturday. I've thought a lot about the pros and cons of going back to work full time. The best pro is that I'd be bringing in more money than I am currently. The best con is that I will most likely gain weight which I do not look forward to. Hopefully I can avoid that. I have the tools to maintain my weight, I just have to use them.
The best part of my day had to be that nap. It's been a long time since I've napped like that - so deep that it was almost impossible to get out of the bed. If I hadn't set the alarm clock, I'd still be sleeping.
I had a job interview this morning. I allowed an hour but I should have allowed an hour and a half. I showed up about 12 minutes late (not without calling first) but it didn't make a difference because I had to wait to be interviewed anyway. The guy I was meeting with was also running behind schedule.
I would be the assistant to a guy who runs one of the garages for an impressive NYC hospital on the East side of Manhattan. The job would be temp to perm which means I wouldn't get the full salary or benefits until I've worked for 65 days. It's full time - Tuesday through Saturday. I've thought a lot about the pros and cons of going back to work full time. The best pro is that I'd be bringing in more money than I am currently. The best con is that I will most likely gain weight which I do not look forward to. Hopefully I can avoid that. I have the tools to maintain my weight, I just have to use them.
The best part of my day had to be that nap. It's been a long time since I've napped like that - so deep that it was almost impossible to get out of the bed. If I hadn't set the alarm clock, I'd still be sleeping.
June 01, 2009
Happy June 1!
It's June 1st and the weather is perfect. Jon and I just did our first laundry since returning from our trip.
This weekend we did some gardening which left me with some very distinctive bug bites. Gardening at this point still means pulling weeds. Oh joy. We pulled out and hacked down the 3 foot tall mugwort that took over the backyard lawn while we were away. The lawn still needs a good mowing but it looks a lot more manageable now. And a lot of the old weeds returned although not as many as I was expecting. It's possible that the Preen I put down actually had some effect. Gardening might just mean reclaiming the garden from the weeds this summer. I might wait until next season to plant vegetables. This season is going to be flowers when we're up to it.
We also played some miniature golf on Randalls Island. That was fun although I was expecting the type of miniature golf that comes with wind mills and clown faces. They were just miniature greens. After playing golf we shared some Hoegaarden at the Beer Garden down the block from us. The weather turned out quite nice last night.
Have I recovered yet from our travels? Not quite yet. It takes me a good week, usually, to get back on a regular sleeping schedule. But I'm almost there. I am sleeping the required 8 hours. But I'm still going to bed very early and waking up very early.
This weekend we did some gardening which left me with some very distinctive bug bites. Gardening at this point still means pulling weeds. Oh joy. We pulled out and hacked down the 3 foot tall mugwort that took over the backyard lawn while we were away. The lawn still needs a good mowing but it looks a lot more manageable now. And a lot of the old weeds returned although not as many as I was expecting. It's possible that the Preen I put down actually had some effect. Gardening might just mean reclaiming the garden from the weeds this summer. I might wait until next season to plant vegetables. This season is going to be flowers when we're up to it.We also played some miniature golf on Randalls Island. That was fun although I was expecting the type of miniature golf that comes with wind mills and clown faces. They were just miniature greens. After playing golf we shared some Hoegaarden at the Beer Garden down the block from us. The weather turned out quite nice last night.
Have I recovered yet from our travels? Not quite yet. It takes me a good week, usually, to get back on a regular sleeping schedule. But I'm almost there. I am sleeping the required 8 hours. But I'm still going to bed very early and waking up very early.
May 28, 2009
We are back
So. We're back.
We spent a couple of days in Paris. We spent one week visiting my family.
It's always good to see family.
My grandmother was glad to see us. She really likes Jon who learned to speak quite a bit more French than the first and second times we visited.
I already miss them. They are the nicest people you could want for family.
I always hate leaving them yet I always find it comforting to be home; to be back in our own bed.
Pictures will follow, most likely on Facebook.
We spent a couple of days in Paris. We spent one week visiting my family.
It's always good to see family.
My grandmother was glad to see us. She really likes Jon who learned to speak quite a bit more French than the first and second times we visited.
I already miss them. They are the nicest people you could want for family.
I always hate leaving them yet I always find it comforting to be home; to be back in our own bed.
Pictures will follow, most likely on Facebook.
May 19, 2009
We Are in Paris
We arrived yesterday in Paris. We saw the Luxembourg Gardens. We're staying right near by. I took pictures but accidentally erased all of them this morning.
Today we went to the Musee D'Orsay. And I got my fill of great art. Tonight, we're going to see the Eiffel Tower. And then tomrrow, we're headed up north to see my family.
Today we went to the Musee D'Orsay. And I got my fill of great art. Tonight, we're going to see the Eiffel Tower. And then tomrrow, we're headed up north to see my family.
May 15, 2009
Star Trek
Jon took me to see the new Star Trek film.
It did not disappoint. JJ Abrams seemed to go out of his way to get the Star Trek lore accurate and what wasn't could be explained away by one of the premises of the film.
I'll wait until more people have seen it before I start in on the spoilers. It's still a little too new.
I will say this. The casting is great - especially for McCoy. The story is great. The Leonard Nimoy cameo was well thought out and worked well within the context of the story. The special effects are terrific.
Look for the guy in the red shirt.
It did not disappoint. JJ Abrams seemed to go out of his way to get the Star Trek lore accurate and what wasn't could be explained away by one of the premises of the film.
I'll wait until more people have seen it before I start in on the spoilers. It's still a little too new.
I will say this. The casting is great - especially for McCoy. The story is great. The Leonard Nimoy cameo was well thought out and worked well within the context of the story. The special effects are terrific.
Look for the guy in the red shirt.
May 13, 2009
A Change
I've been playing with the idea of changing the blog around. You may have noticed it looks a little different. I guess I'm sick of all the searches for Willie Aames; the book cover for the first Tarzan book; Superman and Lois and all the searches for any TV show I've written about particularly the episode of the Sopranos where Tony kills Christopher. Those four subjects are what brings the most people to this site.
Now if you come here, I'm pretty sure you're coming here because you know me and you are interested in seeing what I'm up to.
Here's what I've been up to.
Sunday
Jon and I went to my parents' house. My parents were watching my niece and nephew for my brother and his wife who are renovating their new house. It was a fun day. My niece is just the cutest two year old ever. My nephew is five years old now and he speaks in complete sentences. He's even reading already. So smart.
My nephew and I spent some nice time together. We watched Feivel Goes West on VHS. I noticed for the first time that voices were provided by Dom Deluise and Jimmy Stewart. Of course I haven't seen the movie in forever. We also worked together in the garden. I taught him how to identify and pull wild onions out of the ground.
My niece adores Jon and pronounces his name perfectly. My name has always been challenging for little children. She pronounces it Va-ee.
Later in the day, my brother and sister-in-law met us at my parents' house and we all had dinner together.
Monday
Jon and I spent a good day together doing lots of things we enjoy. First we went bike riding. Then we went for a walk. Then we worked in the garden (which at this means pulling weeds still) and then we attended a Monday night trivia game at Shades of Green. Our team won (as if you had to ask).
Tuesday
Last night I worked at a show which will remain nameless for now. I handed out a whole lot of headsets. Only two people complained. They sat in the only two seats where the headsets weren't working. Those two people were offered a solution by the house manager who gave them different seats but they chose to leave anyway. The play ran longer than advertised and even though it started at 7pm, I didn't get home until after 11. It was a long night.
Today we are planning on getting a product called Preen which stops new plants from germinating and should take care of our reoccurring weed problem. Once we put that into the ground, we won't be able to grow plants from seed but we will be able to put in plants that have already been established.
Have a nice day.
Now if you come here, I'm pretty sure you're coming here because you know me and you are interested in seeing what I'm up to.
Here's what I've been up to.
Sunday
Jon and I went to my parents' house. My parents were watching my niece and nephew for my brother and his wife who are renovating their new house. It was a fun day. My niece is just the cutest two year old ever. My nephew is five years old now and he speaks in complete sentences. He's even reading already. So smart.
My nephew and I spent some nice time together. We watched Feivel Goes West on VHS. I noticed for the first time that voices were provided by Dom Deluise and Jimmy Stewart. Of course I haven't seen the movie in forever. We also worked together in the garden. I taught him how to identify and pull wild onions out of the ground.
My niece adores Jon and pronounces his name perfectly. My name has always been challenging for little children. She pronounces it Va-ee.
Later in the day, my brother and sister-in-law met us at my parents' house and we all had dinner together.
Monday
Jon and I spent a good day together doing lots of things we enjoy. First we went bike riding. Then we went for a walk. Then we worked in the garden (which at this means pulling weeds still) and then we attended a Monday night trivia game at Shades of Green. Our team won (as if you had to ask).
Tuesday
Last night I worked at a show which will remain nameless for now. I handed out a whole lot of headsets. Only two people complained. They sat in the only two seats where the headsets weren't working. Those two people were offered a solution by the house manager who gave them different seats but they chose to leave anyway. The play ran longer than advertised and even though it started at 7pm, I didn't get home until after 11. It was a long night.
Today we are planning on getting a product called Preen which stops new plants from germinating and should take care of our reoccurring weed problem. Once we put that into the ground, we won't be able to grow plants from seed but we will be able to put in plants that have already been established.
Have a nice day.
May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day
For my mother, mother-in-law, my aunts and aunts-in-law, my grandma in France, my cousins and cousins-in-law and my sister-in-law.
For all the mothers celebrating their first mother's days.
To all the women who wish to be mothers.
To all the women who have been adopted as mothers by younger friends.
Happy Mother's Day!!!!
For all the mothers celebrating their first mother's days.
To all the women who wish to be mothers.
To all the women who have been adopted as mothers by younger friends.
Happy Mother's Day!!!!
May 09, 2009
Phillip Seymour Hoffman
I just saw Phillip Seymour Hoffman - the second time this month. He was trying to get a taxi in midtown and he wasn't having any luck. That makes me feel a little better knowing that even celebrities have trouble getting cabs. The first time I saw him was at West Side Story. He asked me where his seat was and I told him as much as I loved to help him, I didn't know where his seat was.
He seemed like a good guy. I don't think people realize what a big star he is because he was incredibly unencumbered by fans. I understand if people don't recognize him from his theater work or the smaller films he's done but he was Mission Impossible III, which I've never seen, but that was a huge movie.
He seemed like a good guy. I don't think people realize what a big star he is because he was incredibly unencumbered by fans. I understand if people don't recognize him from his theater work or the smaller films he's done but he was Mission Impossible III, which I've never seen, but that was a huge movie.
April 29, 2009
Spring Cold or Swine Flue
I managed to remain cold free the entire winter so it makes sense that as soon as the weather started turning nice, I would catch a cold. A week ago Sunday night, I developed a tickle in my throat and the rest is history. I was congested all last week.
This week the congestion is coming and going but now I'm coughing. For me, coughing signals a cold on its way out. So hopefully, I won't have this cold too much longer.
Today is a congested day.
This week the congestion is coming and going but now I'm coughing. For me, coughing signals a cold on its way out. So hopefully, I won't have this cold too much longer.
Today is a congested day.
April 18, 2009
Moderated Comments
Has anyone else been getting excessively spammed in their comment section?
I was. So now, I'm using Blogger's Comment Moderation function.
I apologize for this because I know it kills the spontaneity of leaving comments but I was getting really tired of the spam.
I was. So now, I'm using Blogger's Comment Moderation function.
I apologize for this because I know it kills the spontaneity of leaving comments but I was getting really tired of the spam.
April 15, 2009
West Side Story
This week I'm working at West Side Story. Last night was my first night there.
It's very good.
The Spanish speaking characters speak Spanish to each other. This is difficult to understand but makes perfect sense, that when alone, people who speak Spanish would not speak English with an accent but acutally converse in their native tongue.
Karen Olivo plays Anita. I am a big fan of hers. She dances great. She has a great sense of humor. And she's really good at combining acting with singing. She's the whole package and she's a lot of fun to watch. She originated the role of Vanessa in "In the Heights" where I first saw her.
Last night's show featured the understudies in the leading roles but if I hadn't known that I wouldn't have been disappointed. But I am looking forward to seeing the regular leads.
The dancing is spectacular. The sets are minimal. The performances are consistently great. The music is tremendous and the orchestrations are emotionally charged.
My only point of reference is a performance of West Side Story at Hofstra University, that I saw many, many years ago, by the Grey Wig theater group. As enjoyable as that was, it was not a Broadway production. It wouldn't be fair to compare.
If you were to ask me if this production was worth the full ticket price, I would have to advise you that West Side Story is definitely worth it.
Note: My favorite number in West Side Story is the "A Boy Like That" duet with Anita and Maria. Last night, I cried because it was so moving. The actresses were that good.
It's very good.
The Spanish speaking characters speak Spanish to each other. This is difficult to understand but makes perfect sense, that when alone, people who speak Spanish would not speak English with an accent but acutally converse in their native tongue.
Karen Olivo plays Anita. I am a big fan of hers. She dances great. She has a great sense of humor. And she's really good at combining acting with singing. She's the whole package and she's a lot of fun to watch. She originated the role of Vanessa in "In the Heights" where I first saw her.
Last night's show featured the understudies in the leading roles but if I hadn't known that I wouldn't have been disappointed. But I am looking forward to seeing the regular leads.
The dancing is spectacular. The sets are minimal. The performances are consistently great. The music is tremendous and the orchestrations are emotionally charged.
My only point of reference is a performance of West Side Story at Hofstra University, that I saw many, many years ago, by the Grey Wig theater group. As enjoyable as that was, it was not a Broadway production. It wouldn't be fair to compare.
If you were to ask me if this production was worth the full ticket price, I would have to advise you that West Side Story is definitely worth it.
Note: My favorite number in West Side Story is the "A Boy Like That" duet with Anita and Maria. Last night, I cried because it was so moving. The actresses were that good.
April 14, 2009
Home At Last
It's nice to finally feel at home in my home.
It's so quiet in here right now. All I hear is the hum of my computer's harddrive, reminding me that I should probably blow some air in there to make sure the fans don't get clogged up.
Normally, this time of day in our last apartment, the children's grandmother from upstairs would be returning with her charges in a flurry of noisy activity. Today, at the same time, I heard the guy upstairs walk on a squeaky floor board. The floor board squeaked once. Maybe, I heard him talking on his phone but that was so faint, I can't even be sure the noise came from him. Maybe it was television.
I've been sleeping later and later every day - except for Sunday to Monday. In the wee hours of Monday, I woke up and had to lull myself back to sleep on the couch with the help of the distracting television. The brief attack of insomnia could have been brought on by the impending interview I had later in the morning - or it could have just been a random attack as happens when you have problems with sleep.
The interview went so well that I came across as overqualified for the position. No need spending the energy on describing to you this job which I wasn't sure about anyway because I'm not getting it.
Besides, tomorrow I have a second interview for a job I'm seriously considering. It's a phone interview. I have to call in at 2pm. It makes sense, since most of the job will be spent talking on the phone.
It's so quiet in here right now. All I hear is the hum of my computer's harddrive, reminding me that I should probably blow some air in there to make sure the fans don't get clogged up.
Normally, this time of day in our last apartment, the children's grandmother from upstairs would be returning with her charges in a flurry of noisy activity. Today, at the same time, I heard the guy upstairs walk on a squeaky floor board. The floor board squeaked once. Maybe, I heard him talking on his phone but that was so faint, I can't even be sure the noise came from him. Maybe it was television.
I've been sleeping later and later every day - except for Sunday to Monday. In the wee hours of Monday, I woke up and had to lull myself back to sleep on the couch with the help of the distracting television. The brief attack of insomnia could have been brought on by the impending interview I had later in the morning - or it could have just been a random attack as happens when you have problems with sleep.
The interview went so well that I came across as overqualified for the position. No need spending the energy on describing to you this job which I wasn't sure about anyway because I'm not getting it.
Besides, tomorrow I have a second interview for a job I'm seriously considering. It's a phone interview. I have to call in at 2pm. It makes sense, since most of the job will be spent talking on the phone.
April 11, 2009
Weekending - April 10, 2009
This was a somewhat busy week.
Monday night, as I mentioned before, Jon hosted a trivia game. I played on a team with my friend Kory and his girlfriend. We came in third place out of four teams. Not my best showing at trivia, but then again my most knowlegeable teammate was hosting the game and couldn't play with me.
The rest of the week:
Tuesday, I ran errands in Astoria, using the bus system which takes a lot of time but does get you where you need to go. One of those errands was finding a hand rake so I could do some gardening in the front yard. At this point, gardening involved cleaning up leaf litter. Tuesday I spent an hour gathering my third bag. The front yard is starting to look better but still needs a lot of cleanup.
Wednesday I dedicated to Passover at my parents' house in Long Beach. I got there early in the day so I could help my mother and we worked together to create a successful Seder. For me, the preparation is the best part - especially when you have somebody with you.
Thursday, my mother dedicated to helping Jon and me with our window treatments. This involved a lot of driving around. My mom and I went to Home Depot, spent some time getting blinds for our windows. She and I hung the blinds, then we hung a curtain, then we went to Staples so I could print out multiple copies of my resume for Friday's interview. She was with me the whole day. She's a good mom.
Friday, I dedicated to my job interview. Even though it was at 11:30, I left the whole day open for it because you never know if you're going to get that second interview on the same day. But it wasn't necessary because the interview went quickly. And I still got the second interview. Yay! That is scheduled for this coming Wednesday. After the interview, I came home just in time for Time Warner Cable's 5th visit to our house. Jon and the technician finally found a solution for frequent and annoying internet outages. Last night, I was incredibly bored which coincided with being incredibly tired so. It worked out.
Today, I've already done laundry. I woke up at 7 to do it and wouldn't you know it? By 7:30 the laundry was already crowded. Amazing since it opens at 7.
And now I've blogged.
Next on the list is ironing, Facebook and a shift of work tonight.
Monday night, as I mentioned before, Jon hosted a trivia game. I played on a team with my friend Kory and his girlfriend. We came in third place out of four teams. Not my best showing at trivia, but then again my most knowlegeable teammate was hosting the game and couldn't play with me.
The rest of the week:
Tuesday, I ran errands in Astoria, using the bus system which takes a lot of time but does get you where you need to go. One of those errands was finding a hand rake so I could do some gardening in the front yard. At this point, gardening involved cleaning up leaf litter. Tuesday I spent an hour gathering my third bag. The front yard is starting to look better but still needs a lot of cleanup.
Wednesday I dedicated to Passover at my parents' house in Long Beach. I got there early in the day so I could help my mother and we worked together to create a successful Seder. For me, the preparation is the best part - especially when you have somebody with you.
Thursday, my mother dedicated to helping Jon and me with our window treatments. This involved a lot of driving around. My mom and I went to Home Depot, spent some time getting blinds for our windows. She and I hung the blinds, then we hung a curtain, then we went to Staples so I could print out multiple copies of my resume for Friday's interview. She was with me the whole day. She's a good mom.
Friday, I dedicated to my job interview. Even though it was at 11:30, I left the whole day open for it because you never know if you're going to get that second interview on the same day. But it wasn't necessary because the interview went quickly. And I still got the second interview. Yay! That is scheduled for this coming Wednesday. After the interview, I came home just in time for Time Warner Cable's 5th visit to our house. Jon and the technician finally found a solution for frequent and annoying internet outages. Last night, I was incredibly bored which coincided with being incredibly tired so. It worked out.
Today, I've already done laundry. I woke up at 7 to do it and wouldn't you know it? By 7:30 the laundry was already crowded. Amazing since it opens at 7.
And now I've blogged.
Next on the list is ironing, Facebook and a shift of work tonight.
April 07, 2009
Shades of Green - Monday Night Trivia
Jon led one of 5 rounds at Shades of Green's Monday night trivia. Tony Hightower led the other four.
Both men did a great job.
My team came in third place. Our team name was "Birthday of a Nation" because one of our team members was celebrating his birthday.
Fun was had by all.
Both men did a great job.
My team came in third place. Our team name was "Birthday of a Nation" because one of our team members was celebrating his birthday.
Fun was had by all.
April 05, 2009
Creativity Returns
Moving out of our old apartment has improved my spirits. Improved spirits means writing on a regular basis can resume!! Depression can be so pervasive. I was depressed living in that old apartment. And when I am depressed I cease participating in activities that I find enjoyable. I should have known I was that depressed but I didn't until now. I just didn't feel like writing because all I could think of writing about was how unhappy I was. Of course, now I seem to be devoting hundreds of words, blogpost after blogpost, to my previous sadness.
But it's therapeutic.
And I might write a few more posts about it.
And I might write a few preachy posts about taking responsibility for your happiness, because Jon and I did that when we moved.
If you are unhappy in a situation - truly, deeply unhappy - to the point where it is effecting your life in a negative way, you are responsible to get yourself out of it or to change things. It's hard but that's what it means to take care of yourself, to work on yourself.
But it's therapeutic.
And I might write a few more posts about it.
And I might write a few preachy posts about taking responsibility for your happiness, because Jon and I did that when we moved.
If you are unhappy in a situation - truly, deeply unhappy - to the point where it is effecting your life in a negative way, you are responsible to get yourself out of it or to change things. It's hard but that's what it means to take care of yourself, to work on yourself.
April 04, 2009
Shades of Green - Monday Night Trivia
Our friend Tony started a new pub quiz at Shades of Green in New York City. It's on 15th Street and Irving Place.
Jon is hosting with Tony and it should be good. Although I know Jon's category, he's not telling me what he's doing so I'm completely in the dark. Meaning, I can play on your team but you won't have an advantage. It's not cheating. Or if I play on your team, I could sit out Jon's round.
Anyway, just go and have some fun.
Shades of Green - 9 p.m.
Jon is hosting with Tony and it should be good. Although I know Jon's category, he's not telling me what he's doing so I'm completely in the dark. Meaning, I can play on your team but you won't have an advantage. It's not cheating. Or if I play on your team, I could sit out Jon's round.
Anyway, just go and have some fun.
Shades of Green - 9 p.m.
There's No Place Like Home
I'm finally starting to feel comfortable in our new place. The old apartment is becoming a distant memory. Sleeping late is not coming naturally yet. I'm still on the schedule kept by the children of our previous upstairs neighbours. I wake up one minute before they do, expecting to hear the two year old falling down and crying or the four year old running and then jumping into his parents' bed. I'm conditioned in the same way I used to be when the alarm clock woke me every morning for my office job. One minute before the alarm clock would go off, I would wake up expecting it to ring.
There's nothing to wake me now except the expectation of something that is no longer going to happen, so hopefully, I'll make the appropriate adjustments and learn to sleep late once again.
With that said, I feel more relaxed than I have since before we moved into the "nightmare apartment". We only lived there 10 months but they were 10 long months, the last five of which were particularly hard.
Every day at 1 p.m., our downstairs neighbour would come home and start shouting at his wife or into his cell phone. Every morning, I could hear the two of them starting there day off on the wrong foot, always angry words and doors slamming. And when they had company, it used to sound like they were visiting in our living room, they were so loud. They also had an obnoxious habit of watching the same homemade video at the same time every day, loud enough that I could hear their recorded family members talking in a language that sounded like Greek. And they hated us. They were always banging on their ceiling because we walked too loudly. I'm still walking toe-heel, toe-heel to keep my footsteps quiet.
Every night, our first next door neighbour would have people over to watch her very sophisticated HD television with those speakers that can be placed anywhere but hers were placed against our shared wall. When her and her friends cranked that thing up, it sounded like they were watching TV in our apartment. And I would complain like the nerd that I am. But hey, we weren't living in a college dorm. It was an apartment building with rules about not make loud noises after 11 p.m. She ended up moving back to Chicago because she lost her job. She also ended up being the least of our problems in the end. She ended up spending a lot of time at her boyfriend's house. The noises that used to eminate from her place, disappeared.
Every day, our other next door neighbour would smoke copious amounts of pot - enough to stink up the entrance way to our apartment. Because of the stink, every night at 1 a.m., he would turn on his air conditioner which made sleeping in our former bedroom like sitting on the wing of an airplane. It woke me up every time it came on. I don't think I've had a decent night's sleep in months and months and months.
Now I'm sleeping deeply. I just have to work on sleeping past 7 a.m.
There's nothing to wake me now except the expectation of something that is no longer going to happen, so hopefully, I'll make the appropriate adjustments and learn to sleep late once again.
With that said, I feel more relaxed than I have since before we moved into the "nightmare apartment". We only lived there 10 months but they were 10 long months, the last five of which were particularly hard.
Every day at 1 p.m., our downstairs neighbour would come home and start shouting at his wife or into his cell phone. Every morning, I could hear the two of them starting there day off on the wrong foot, always angry words and doors slamming. And when they had company, it used to sound like they were visiting in our living room, they were so loud. They also had an obnoxious habit of watching the same homemade video at the same time every day, loud enough that I could hear their recorded family members talking in a language that sounded like Greek. And they hated us. They were always banging on their ceiling because we walked too loudly. I'm still walking toe-heel, toe-heel to keep my footsteps quiet.
Every night, our first next door neighbour would have people over to watch her very sophisticated HD television with those speakers that can be placed anywhere but hers were placed against our shared wall. When her and her friends cranked that thing up, it sounded like they were watching TV in our apartment. And I would complain like the nerd that I am. But hey, we weren't living in a college dorm. It was an apartment building with rules about not make loud noises after 11 p.m. She ended up moving back to Chicago because she lost her job. She also ended up being the least of our problems in the end. She ended up spending a lot of time at her boyfriend's house. The noises that used to eminate from her place, disappeared.
Every day, our other next door neighbour would smoke copious amounts of pot - enough to stink up the entrance way to our apartment. Because of the stink, every night at 1 a.m., he would turn on his air conditioner which made sleeping in our former bedroom like sitting on the wing of an airplane. It woke me up every time it came on. I don't think I've had a decent night's sleep in months and months and months.
Now I'm sleeping deeply. I just have to work on sleeping past 7 a.m.
April 03, 2009
It's So Quiet In Here
It's so freakin' quiet in here. It's wonderfully quiet, like a hotel. You know how hotel rooms are really, really quiet? Well it's quiet like that. I'm having trouble getting used to it.
April 02, 2009
We Have Moved
On Monday, the move went smoothly the most part. With the blessed help of two friends, we were able to return the moving van by 3. The most stressful part of the move was moving the couch.
The mover's friend with the truck did not show up on Monday which was very scary. But the mover assured us that the couch would be moved the next day. When we double checked with him on the phone on Monday night, he did not sound 100% confident that his friend with the truck was reliable. So on Tuesday morning, as soon as the internet was enabled, I found four movers who could perform the task should we need it.
But it turned out not to be necessary.
We thought it had to be carried up and down 10 flights of steps and across the roof of our former building. Our movers managed to get the couch into the elevator. At first, I thought that we were overpaying because the move ended up being easier. But then the movers got to our new place. And guess what. The couch didn't fit through the front door.
The mover took our window apart and that is how our 85 inch long couch was transferred from the great outdoors to the cozy interiour of our new home.
It is now enjoying the same new quiet life we are.
The mover's friend with the truck did not show up on Monday which was very scary. But the mover assured us that the couch would be moved the next day. When we double checked with him on the phone on Monday night, he did not sound 100% confident that his friend with the truck was reliable. So on Tuesday morning, as soon as the internet was enabled, I found four movers who could perform the task should we need it.
But it turned out not to be necessary.
We thought it had to be carried up and down 10 flights of steps and across the roof of our former building. Our movers managed to get the couch into the elevator. At first, I thought that we were overpaying because the move ended up being easier. But then the movers got to our new place. And guess what. The couch didn't fit through the front door.
The mover took our window apart and that is how our 85 inch long couch was transferred from the great outdoors to the cozy interiour of our new home.
It is now enjoying the same new quiet life we are.
March 29, 2009
Moving Day Monday
Monday is moving day and I'm a nervous wreck.
I'm not sure why really.
All that is getting moved tomorrow is the furniture. Everything else is already at the new place.
My parents came by today and helped us move every little thing that isn't furniture.
It's all set. We have plenty of help. We hired someone to move our couch. The U-haul is rented.
The new place is an absolute disaster. I started setting up the kitchen tonight but started to get overwhelmed. Hopefully, I'll have mostly everything put away and organized by the end of the week.
I'm not sure why really.
All that is getting moved tomorrow is the furniture. Everything else is already at the new place.
My parents came by today and helped us move every little thing that isn't furniture.
It's all set. We have plenty of help. We hired someone to move our couch. The U-haul is rented.
The new place is an absolute disaster. I started setting up the kitchen tonight but started to get overwhelmed. Hopefully, I'll have mostly everything put away and organized by the end of the week.
Social Saturday
Jon and I took a break from our monotonous moving schedule and spent the day with family and friends.
In the morning, we went to a Bar-Mitzvah at an Orthodox temple, where the women sat two stories above the men. That was the first time I attended a service like this. Much to my annoyance there was no ladies room up there on the third floor where the ladies were sitting. Our synogogue was conservative when I was growing up. Everyone prayed together and the bathrooms were on the same level.
The Bar-Mitzvah boy read his portion well and gave a lovely speech. The affair afterwards was at the Regency hotel on Park Avenue. The food was scrumptious but the affair was chaotic and crowded with people talking everywhere and children running around. It was possibly the most hectic Bar-Mitzvah I've been to. But it was great fun. We saw a lot our family which is very important.
Then in the afternoon we celebrated with our good friend on the occasion of her birthday. This party was at another hotel - the Algonquin - on 44th St between 5th & 6th avenues. I had two fabulous martinis and participated in several amazing conversations. It felt like a real good old-fashioned New York literary party. I remember attending one of those in the early 90's. What I mean by this is that most of the guests were writers and the discussions were superbly intelligent and challenging and friendly and all those other good things that make getting to know people interesting.
I was pretty wiped out when we got home last night. And it was absolutely fabulous not to think about moving once the whole day.
My parents are coming today. They have a car and I'm hoping that in three trips we'll be able to move our remaining boxes and our clothing. Maybe even our computers.
Tomorrow, ideally, Jon and his friends will only be moving our furniture.
In the morning, we went to a Bar-Mitzvah at an Orthodox temple, where the women sat two stories above the men. That was the first time I attended a service like this. Much to my annoyance there was no ladies room up there on the third floor where the ladies were sitting. Our synogogue was conservative when I was growing up. Everyone prayed together and the bathrooms were on the same level.
The Bar-Mitzvah boy read his portion well and gave a lovely speech. The affair afterwards was at the Regency hotel on Park Avenue. The food was scrumptious but the affair was chaotic and crowded with people talking everywhere and children running around. It was possibly the most hectic Bar-Mitzvah I've been to. But it was great fun. We saw a lot our family which is very important.
Then in the afternoon we celebrated with our good friend on the occasion of her birthday. This party was at another hotel - the Algonquin - on 44th St between 5th & 6th avenues. I had two fabulous martinis and participated in several amazing conversations. It felt like a real good old-fashioned New York literary party. I remember attending one of those in the early 90's. What I mean by this is that most of the guests were writers and the discussions were superbly intelligent and challenging and friendly and all those other good things that make getting to know people interesting.
I was pretty wiped out when we got home last night. And it was absolutely fabulous not to think about moving once the whole day.
My parents are coming today. They have a car and I'm hoping that in three trips we'll be able to move our remaining boxes and our clothing. Maybe even our computers.
Tomorrow, ideally, Jon and his friends will only be moving our furniture.
March 28, 2009
Progress Apartment
Just about everything we own is packed into boxes. And a lot of what we own has already been moved over to the new place.
Before Jon and I rode our bikes over there yesterday, I thought we were walking half a mile, maybe 3/4 of a mile with our shopping carts to get there. But according to the reading on Jon's mile-o-meter, it is a fraction more than a mile.
Which explains why these little walks have been wearing me out. I thought I was walking 1 mile total round trip. Turns out every back and forth excursion is over two miles. That is why I decided yesterday, after my third trip, to just pack up what we had left and leave the moving for Sunday and Monday.
Today, Jon and I won't get much moving done. We received a rare invitation to a family event which we didn't want to turn down.
But tomorrow, my parents are coming - with a car. We plan to move the rest of our boxes and hopefully most to all of our clothing.
Imagine that. A car. We really should get one of those.
Monday we have an actual moving truck. We don't think moving our furniture will take that long.
You might think it's crazy that we've been making these trips all week. But I've moved enough in my life to know that any steps you can take to minimize your stress on "moving day" should be taken by the people who wish to have a quick move.
I have a headache.
Before Jon and I rode our bikes over there yesterday, I thought we were walking half a mile, maybe 3/4 of a mile with our shopping carts to get there. But according to the reading on Jon's mile-o-meter, it is a fraction more than a mile.
Which explains why these little walks have been wearing me out. I thought I was walking 1 mile total round trip. Turns out every back and forth excursion is over two miles. That is why I decided yesterday, after my third trip, to just pack up what we had left and leave the moving for Sunday and Monday.
Today, Jon and I won't get much moving done. We received a rare invitation to a family event which we didn't want to turn down.
But tomorrow, my parents are coming - with a car. We plan to move the rest of our boxes and hopefully most to all of our clothing.
Imagine that. A car. We really should get one of those.
Monday we have an actual moving truck. We don't think moving our furniture will take that long.
You might think it's crazy that we've been making these trips all week. But I've moved enough in my life to know that any steps you can take to minimize your stress on "moving day" should be taken by the people who wish to have a quick move.
I have a headache.
A Suprising Number of Hits
I haven't been paying much attention to this blog, as you know. I hardly ever check the stats anymore. But last night, out of boredom, I decided to check how many readers have been coming here lately.
Yesterday, I had nearly 1,000 hits - all interested in a post from 2005 about Willie Aames. In June or July of 2005 I wrote about hearing his name mentioned in conjuction with Celebrity Fit Club and I posted a picture of him dressed like Tarzan.
He's in the news lately because he's fallen on hard times.
I'm sure whoever is finding me in their Google searches is greatly disappointed by the 5 or 6 lines I wrote that day.
Anyway, I thought you'd like to know that.
Yesterday, I had nearly 1,000 hits - all interested in a post from 2005 about Willie Aames. In June or July of 2005 I wrote about hearing his name mentioned in conjuction with Celebrity Fit Club and I posted a picture of him dressed like Tarzan.
He's in the news lately because he's fallen on hard times.
I'm sure whoever is finding me in their Google searches is greatly disappointed by the 5 or 6 lines I wrote that day.
Anyway, I thought you'd like to know that.
March 23, 2009
Monday
Good Monday to you all!!
I write this post as two little children run around upstairs creating the noises equivalent to that of two baby elephants.
I spoke with our new landlord. She is really, really nice. I had to ask her to move out a couple of items from the apartment.
Jon went back and forth all day yesterday bringing our stuff over but I haven't gotten up the motivation yet. But I did do our laundry which was really piling up.
My goal today is to clean the floors and measure the windows. I also have to figure out how we're going to get all our stuff into our smaller but much, much quieter apartment.
I write this post as two little children run around upstairs creating the noises equivalent to that of two baby elephants.
I spoke with our new landlord. She is really, really nice. I had to ask her to move out a couple of items from the apartment.
Jon went back and forth all day yesterday bringing our stuff over but I haven't gotten up the motivation yet. But I did do our laundry which was really piling up.
My goal today is to clean the floors and measure the windows. I also have to figure out how we're going to get all our stuff into our smaller but much, much quieter apartment.
March 21, 2009
Saturday in the City
It's a long Saturday. That means I'm working two shifts at Blithe Spirit. HooorrraayyyY!!! But it's still a long, long day.
Our day got off to an early start when we went to pick up the lease for our new place. Jon and I tried out the new keys, took a look around and then swiftly walked back to our current apartment so we could go to work.
It's hard to believe that we are moving again, only 10 months after our last move. We really hope it will be for the best. We worked really hard to find this place.
We looked at a lot of apartments that we found on Craig's List. At first, we looked at as many apartments as we could listed under NO BROKER's FEE. We found decent apartments but none of them were quite right. If Jon and I were two friends looking for an apartment to share than any of the places we found under NO BROKER would have been find. But they weren't good enough for grown up married people of advancing years.
Once we decided to go with a broker, a whole new world opened up to us. We started seeing better quality apartments. We found a great broker and we decided on the one we'll be moving into slowly, starting tomorrow.
I took care of the utilities - we are keeping the same phone number. I still have to fill out my change of address info for the post office. We hired someone to move our incredibly large and impossible couch. And we have several friends helping us with the big move a week from Monday.
I wish I could fast forward to the part where we've been living there comfortably for a few months already. But that is the light at the end of the tunnel, isn't it. It's getting through the tunnel that's tough. Right?
Our day got off to an early start when we went to pick up the lease for our new place. Jon and I tried out the new keys, took a look around and then swiftly walked back to our current apartment so we could go to work.
It's hard to believe that we are moving again, only 10 months after our last move. We really hope it will be for the best. We worked really hard to find this place.
We looked at a lot of apartments that we found on Craig's List. At first, we looked at as many apartments as we could listed under NO BROKER's FEE. We found decent apartments but none of them were quite right. If Jon and I were two friends looking for an apartment to share than any of the places we found under NO BROKER would have been find. But they weren't good enough for grown up married people of advancing years.
Once we decided to go with a broker, a whole new world opened up to us. We started seeing better quality apartments. We found a great broker and we decided on the one we'll be moving into slowly, starting tomorrow.
I took care of the utilities - we are keeping the same phone number. I still have to fill out my change of address info for the post office. We hired someone to move our incredibly large and impossible couch. And we have several friends helping us with the big move a week from Monday.
I wish I could fast forward to the part where we've been living there comfortably for a few months already. But that is the light at the end of the tunnel, isn't it. It's getting through the tunnel that's tough. Right?
March 18, 2009
Blithe Spirit
Work is picking up for me. This week I'm working 8 shifts at the Shubert Theater and I'm delighted that Blithe Spirit is playing - a positively delightful Noel Coward play. It stars Christine Ebersole and Angela Lansbury.
I've been looking forward to this show since I heard that Lansbury and Ebersole were going to be doing a show together.
Angela Lansbury is really great to watch on stage. She's amazing. It's hard to believe she's in her 80's. And Christine Ebersole is just delightful.
Well. Everybody in the play is great, to tell you the truth but I'm particularly fond of those two actresses.
Go see it.
I've been looking forward to this show since I heard that Lansbury and Ebersole were going to be doing a show together.
Angela Lansbury is really great to watch on stage. She's amazing. It's hard to believe she's in her 80's. And Christine Ebersole is just delightful.
Well. Everybody in the play is great, to tell you the truth but I'm particularly fond of those two actresses.
Go see it.
March 14, 2009
The Dollhouse
I've been watching the Dollhouse - the new show by Joss Whedon. It's good. It stars Eliza Dushku who plays a blank woman who gets a new personality on every show.
It kind of follows the same model as Quantum Leap or Sliders but Joss Whedon has put his mark on the genre.
There is a lot intrigue but already the writers are going to the same old TV show plotlines that other cop/adventure shows follow. For example the last show took place at a Branch Dividian type cult compound.
As much as I like the show, I don't think it's going to live past one season.
It kind of follows the same model as Quantum Leap or Sliders but Joss Whedon has put his mark on the genre.
There is a lot intrigue but already the writers are going to the same old TV show plotlines that other cop/adventure shows follow. For example the last show took place at a Branch Dividian type cult compound.
As much as I like the show, I don't think it's going to live past one season.
March 12, 2009
Blogging - What's That?
It's amazing how much I've lost interest in maintaining this blog. I was so good for so long, blogging every day for years but I've lost interest in it lately. A lot of that could be because I've been a little down about not finding more work and living in this apartment. We liked the apartment at first, but grew to dislike it because of the neighbors. And regarding work, I was hoping to find a something that paid a little better when I first started looking in September, but my job search coincided with the start of the Second Great Depression.
But we are turning things around. Jon and I found a new apartment that will give us more privacy for less money. It's a little further away from the subway, grocery store and laundromat, but I'm willing to make that compromise for peace of mind and a better quality of life.
The apartment is pretty nice. It's the main floor of a three family house. Everything is new with the exception of the floors - fridge, fixtures, etc. And it's near Astoria Park which brings us a little closer to nature.
The best part is we won't have to listen to our downstairs neighbour coughing up his lung every morning or yelling at his wife. We won't have to listen to the little boys upstairs (as cute and sweet as they are) falling down and crying and running and riding their bicycles (not kidding). We won't have to smell our neighbors whacky tabacky or here his air conditioner coming on at one in the morning even in the winter time (I hate when he does that. It always wakes me up).
I'm glad to get out of here. It's a shame too. Because the apartment could have been nice had it not been for the shoddy construction that allows everyone to hear what everybody else is doing.
Maybe a new environment will be more conducive to writing.
And if you haven't checked out my sock monsters in a while, do. I've added a whole bunch. Vexillia Sock Monsters
But we are turning things around. Jon and I found a new apartment that will give us more privacy for less money. It's a little further away from the subway, grocery store and laundromat, but I'm willing to make that compromise for peace of mind and a better quality of life.
The apartment is pretty nice. It's the main floor of a three family house. Everything is new with the exception of the floors - fridge, fixtures, etc. And it's near Astoria Park which brings us a little closer to nature.
The best part is we won't have to listen to our downstairs neighbour coughing up his lung every morning or yelling at his wife. We won't have to listen to the little boys upstairs (as cute and sweet as they are) falling down and crying and running and riding their bicycles (not kidding). We won't have to smell our neighbors whacky tabacky or here his air conditioner coming on at one in the morning even in the winter time (I hate when he does that. It always wakes me up).
I'm glad to get out of here. It's a shame too. Because the apartment could have been nice had it not been for the shoddy construction that allows everyone to hear what everybody else is doing.
Maybe a new environment will be more conducive to writing.
And if you haven't checked out my sock monsters in a while, do. I've added a whole bunch. Vexillia Sock Monsters
January 23, 2009
Las Vegas
Leaving New York on Sunday for Las Vegas. I'm really looking forward to the trip.
I may or may not post pictures.
I may or may not post pictures.
December 10, 2008
December Post
It's been while since I've written a blog post.
Since we've been back from Italy, we have made a trip to Cortland, NY and a trip to Atlantic City.
I've made a lot of new monsters which I've been posting on both my monster blog and my etsy site.
I'm working this week at In The Heights.
And I've sold four sock monsters in the last two weeks.
Okay. That should catch us up.
Since we've been back from Italy, we have made a trip to Cortland, NY and a trip to Atlantic City.
I've made a lot of new monsters which I've been posting on both my monster blog and my etsy site.
I'm working this week at In The Heights.
And I've sold four sock monsters in the last two weeks.
Okay. That should catch us up.
November 29, 2008
Italy Pictures
I pretty much gave up on making a Flickr album for our Italy trip. I was able to make an album on Shutterfly.
If you are interested in our vacation photos, you can see them here.
http://italytripjonandval.shutterfly.com/
If you are interested in our vacation photos, you can see them here.
http://italytripjonandval.shutterfly.com/
November 26, 2008
Meanwhile Back at the Ranch . . .
We arrived late Monday night after a spectacularly long day of travel about which I have no right to complain. But it was a long, long day.
Our connecting flight from London was great because we had a row of five seats to ourselves.
Anyway, we're back and it's 5 in the morning and I've been up for an hour. I'm obsessed with getting every single last one of our vacation photos uploaded to Shutterfly, so I can share our pictures with my in-laws later today when we get up to Cortland.
Did I mention we are going upstate for the holiday weekend? We are leaving the house at 6 am, so we can be at our bus at 6:30 - a full hour before departure. We were advised that today is a big travel day and that the buses would be crowded. Hopefully, an hour will be enough time to get us on that early bus.
It's taken me hours to get the photos loaded - all 818 of them, but I'm almost finished.
I tried loading them up to Flickr, but Flickr kept telling me that my photos weren't loading and I kept having to reload my batches, so I only got so far. Eventually I'll get the photos onto my Flickr page but that's going to involve some more serious editing than I was capable of doing on Tuesday.
Anyway, I'll post some pictures as soon as I can. There are some really great shots and then there are some really incredibly average touristy shots.
Our connecting flight from London was great because we had a row of five seats to ourselves.
Anyway, we're back and it's 5 in the morning and I've been up for an hour. I'm obsessed with getting every single last one of our vacation photos uploaded to Shutterfly, so I can share our pictures with my in-laws later today when we get up to Cortland.
Did I mention we are going upstate for the holiday weekend? We are leaving the house at 6 am, so we can be at our bus at 6:30 - a full hour before departure. We were advised that today is a big travel day and that the buses would be crowded. Hopefully, an hour will be enough time to get us on that early bus.
It's taken me hours to get the photos loaded - all 818 of them, but I'm almost finished.
I tried loading them up to Flickr, but Flickr kept telling me that my photos weren't loading and I kept having to reload my batches, so I only got so far. Eventually I'll get the photos onto my Flickr page but that's going to involve some more serious editing than I was capable of doing on Tuesday.
Anyway, I'll post some pictures as soon as I can. There are some really great shots and then there are some really incredibly average touristy shots.
November 23, 2008
Our Final Days in Florence
Yesterday morning, after my early rise due to insomnia, I got Jon up and we started out on a long day of walking and exploring. The first thing we did Saturday morning was walk up a hill side, past the Ponte Vecchio to the Piazzale Michelangelo where we (and many other tourists) took in the most spectacular view of Florence you can imagine. We then walked further up the hill to the San Miniato church. It is a 10th century church with old frescoes and wonderful old statues and great murals - you know, the usual.
We then walked to the Basilica of Santa Croce which had even more amazing, wonderful religious art and the tombs of Michelangelo, Dante and Galileo to name a few. Within the church was an amazing museum with lots of frescoes and DellaRobias. There is so much in that church, I had trouble absorbing it all, which is probably why I took so many pictures. I will have to go back and look over everything.
Then, as if that was not enough, we went to the museum that houses the great works from the Duomo. There were works by DellaRobia, Donatello among others. But the best piece has to be Michelangelo's last sculpture, The Pieta which he sculpted for his tomb but then destroyed because he didn't think it was good enough. Fortunately for all of us, one his students put it back together. His face is on one of the figures holding up Christ. It's moving.
That was a lot for one day and we had a nice rest before going to dinner. We wanted to be well rested for our final push today. We saved the best for last. Today we went to the Uffizi gallery and I am glad we were well rested. They have the absolute best examples of Renaissance artwork in the world. The Botticellis were breathtaking. Michelangelo's only free standing painting was there. Leonardo da Vinci's Annunciation was beautiful. There was a whole exhibit dedicated to Giotto and his followers. The Metropolitan Museum of Art would love to have any of the pieces we saw today. Caravaggio, Hans Holbein, Memling, Raphael, Titian. A super collection.
This trip has been great, just superb.
Tomorrow morning it is finished. We start our long trek back. Florence to Rome by train. Then Rome to the airport by train. Rome to London and then London to New York.
I will be sad to leave. But when I get back, I'll start the daunting task of editing the hundreds and hundreds of photos we took this week so I can share our trip with you. But be warned. There is going to be a lot of art.
We then walked to the Basilica of Santa Croce which had even more amazing, wonderful religious art and the tombs of Michelangelo, Dante and Galileo to name a few. Within the church was an amazing museum with lots of frescoes and DellaRobias. There is so much in that church, I had trouble absorbing it all, which is probably why I took so many pictures. I will have to go back and look over everything.
Then, as if that was not enough, we went to the museum that houses the great works from the Duomo. There were works by DellaRobia, Donatello among others. But the best piece has to be Michelangelo's last sculpture, The Pieta which he sculpted for his tomb but then destroyed because he didn't think it was good enough. Fortunately for all of us, one his students put it back together. His face is on one of the figures holding up Christ. It's moving.
That was a lot for one day and we had a nice rest before going to dinner. We wanted to be well rested for our final push today. We saved the best for last. Today we went to the Uffizi gallery and I am glad we were well rested. They have the absolute best examples of Renaissance artwork in the world. The Botticellis were breathtaking. Michelangelo's only free standing painting was there. Leonardo da Vinci's Annunciation was beautiful. There was a whole exhibit dedicated to Giotto and his followers. The Metropolitan Museum of Art would love to have any of the pieces we saw today. Caravaggio, Hans Holbein, Memling, Raphael, Titian. A super collection.
This trip has been great, just superb.
Tomorrow morning it is finished. We start our long trek back. Florence to Rome by train. Then Rome to the airport by train. Rome to London and then London to New York.
I will be sad to leave. But when I get back, I'll start the daunting task of editing the hundreds and hundreds of photos we took this week so I can share our trip with you. But be warned. There is going to be a lot of art.
November 22, 2008
Florence is Lovely
Friday morning Jon and I hopped a train for Florence. It was a quick ride. But a long walk to the hotel when we got out. But that's okay because it was a long walk in Florence. We walked past the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore with the landmark dome for which Florence is famous, mostly.
Our hotel is great, even nicer than the one we stayed in Rome. Every room has a computer. There is a jacuzzi and a sauna. And it's right around the block from the Dome.
We hit the ground running. The first site we saw was the Basilica. That Dome is remarkable. The painting on the underside is almost as amazing as Michelangelo's Last Judgement at the Sistine Chapel. The scene is also of the Last Judgement by two painters named Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari. You ever hear of them? Me neither. But Vasari did a lot of work here. And I'm sure I'll always know his name now - I might even be able to recognize his work after our visit to the Uffizi gallery. I tried to take pictures in the Basilica but it was next to impossible. My flash renders everything reddish brown in a dimly lit room and I had trouble capturing non-blurry images in that light.
After we saw the interior of the main building, we visited the separate and totally amazing baptistry building. I was able to make many pictures in there. The baptistry also has a dome with scenes from the bible and scenes from Christ's life. Among those scenes is another amazing Last Judgement on the main panel. Those painting were remarkable.
After being awed by the Baptistry, we walked over the Academy Gallery. Their most famous piece of art is the Statue of David by Michelangelo. It is as amazing as you think. Taking pictures is forbidden in that museum, yet quite a few people were able to get off a shot. There were two guards watching the statue, but they were engaged in quite a lively discussion. I also took advantage of the situation.
But the Academy had other great pieces as well. Mostly altar pieces from the 14th to 16th centuries and quite a few amazing paintings. The subjects of most of the artwork are Saints and the lives of Saints. I saw more than one painting and/or altar piece that depicted the Coronation of Mary. For the first time, I am seeing Christ represented as the Man of Sorrows. Those paintings are interesting because they show the tools the Romans used to torture him.
There was also a special exhibit on a 14th century painter whose name escapes me now. His work was remarkably well preserved considering most of it was oil on wood. Wood doesn't always keep that well.
We didn't stop at the Academy. We continued our stroll through Florence. Jon took me to the Ponte Vecchio - a beautiful bridge. It was romantic. It was raining. The cobble street was slick and shiny. The Arno river provided beautiful photographs. But the rain started to fall too hard yesterday and the temperature was dropping so we headed back to the hotel where we watched a movie before we went out to dinner.
Today, we're going to hit the free churches. I specifically used the word free because some of the churches here are also museums and they are not all free. And Florence really seems to want our money.
Tomorrow, we'll visit the Uffizi gallery and then Monday we come home. Sigh.
Our hotel is great, even nicer than the one we stayed in Rome. Every room has a computer. There is a jacuzzi and a sauna. And it's right around the block from the Dome.
We hit the ground running. The first site we saw was the Basilica. That Dome is remarkable. The painting on the underside is almost as amazing as Michelangelo's Last Judgement at the Sistine Chapel. The scene is also of the Last Judgement by two painters named Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari. You ever hear of them? Me neither. But Vasari did a lot of work here. And I'm sure I'll always know his name now - I might even be able to recognize his work after our visit to the Uffizi gallery. I tried to take pictures in the Basilica but it was next to impossible. My flash renders everything reddish brown in a dimly lit room and I had trouble capturing non-blurry images in that light.
After we saw the interior of the main building, we visited the separate and totally amazing baptistry building. I was able to make many pictures in there. The baptistry also has a dome with scenes from the bible and scenes from Christ's life. Among those scenes is another amazing Last Judgement on the main panel. Those painting were remarkable.
After being awed by the Baptistry, we walked over the Academy Gallery. Their most famous piece of art is the Statue of David by Michelangelo. It is as amazing as you think. Taking pictures is forbidden in that museum, yet quite a few people were able to get off a shot. There were two guards watching the statue, but they were engaged in quite a lively discussion. I also took advantage of the situation.
But the Academy had other great pieces as well. Mostly altar pieces from the 14th to 16th centuries and quite a few amazing paintings. The subjects of most of the artwork are Saints and the lives of Saints. I saw more than one painting and/or altar piece that depicted the Coronation of Mary. For the first time, I am seeing Christ represented as the Man of Sorrows. Those paintings are interesting because they show the tools the Romans used to torture him.
There was also a special exhibit on a 14th century painter whose name escapes me now. His work was remarkably well preserved considering most of it was oil on wood. Wood doesn't always keep that well.
We didn't stop at the Academy. We continued our stroll through Florence. Jon took me to the Ponte Vecchio - a beautiful bridge. It was romantic. It was raining. The cobble street was slick and shiny. The Arno river provided beautiful photographs. But the rain started to fall too hard yesterday and the temperature was dropping so we headed back to the hotel where we watched a movie before we went out to dinner.
Today, we're going to hit the free churches. I specifically used the word free because some of the churches here are also museums and they are not all free. And Florence really seems to want our money.
Tomorrow, we'll visit the Uffizi gallery and then Monday we come home. Sigh.
November 19, 2008
Rome Today
This morning we took an early morning stroll around the Forum. Then we went to the Basilica of St. Peter in Chains and saw Michelangelo's statue of Moses with horns. I have learned that when you are presented with a FREE opportunity to see great works of art, you should go see them. That is the case here because churches are FREEEEEEEE!!!!
Then later in the day, we saw the Piazza Navona. The great Bernini fountain that we went to see was blocked off for restoration. Still a beautiful place to visit.
Then we saw the Pantheon. That was super, duper amazing.
I left Jon while he went to the Capitolene museum and took a nice long nap. I definitely have to go there tomorrow because it has really amazing pieces that must be seen.
We did our laundry and while it was washing we went to see the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, where we finally got to see Bernini's extremely modest tomb.
Now we are contemplating dinner.
Then later in the day, we saw the Piazza Navona. The great Bernini fountain that we went to see was blocked off for restoration. Still a beautiful place to visit.
Then we saw the Pantheon. That was super, duper amazing.
I left Jon while he went to the Capitolene museum and took a nice long nap. I definitely have to go there tomorrow because it has really amazing pieces that must be seen.
We did our laundry and while it was washing we went to see the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, where we finally got to see Bernini's extremely modest tomb.
Now we are contemplating dinner.
November 18, 2008
The Vatican Museum
Jon and I just finished our four and a half hour exploration of the Vatican museum. They have the most spectacular collection of art - seriously.
All the art was incredible but there were some standout pieces.
There was the Transfiguration by Raphael. This was his last painting before he died at the tragically young age of 37.
There was the Entombment of Christ by Caravaggio - which is masterful, brilliant and genius.
There was the School of Athens also by Raphael.
Finally, the exclamation point to the whole collection was the Sistine Chapel - which was mostly painted by Michelangelo but also featured paintings by great masters like Botticelli and Perugino.
I am resting now, drinking a Coke and typing this account. I am trying to gather the intellectual energy to see St. Peter's Basilica. We were already in St. Peter's square earlier this morning, before we went into the Vatican museum. And now it's time to see Michelangelo's Pieta.
Rome never ceases to be interesting.
All the art was incredible but there were some standout pieces.
There was the Transfiguration by Raphael. This was his last painting before he died at the tragically young age of 37.
There was the Entombment of Christ by Caravaggio - which is masterful, brilliant and genius.
There was the School of Athens also by Raphael.
Finally, the exclamation point to the whole collection was the Sistine Chapel - which was mostly painted by Michelangelo but also featured paintings by great masters like Botticelli and Perugino.
I am resting now, drinking a Coke and typing this account. I am trying to gather the intellectual energy to see St. Peter's Basilica. We were already in St. Peter's square earlier this morning, before we went into the Vatican museum. And now it's time to see Michelangelo's Pieta.
Rome never ceases to be interesting.
November 17, 2008
Valerie Does Rome
Jon and I arrived in Rome on Saturday morning and we have been on the go seeing all that we can see. The first thing we did was walk over to see the Coliseum although we did not go inside until today. Then we walked over and saw the church where Bernini the sculptor is buried. And Saturday night, we walked all the way to the Trevi fountain. I must be a big wuss, but I got a little weepy looking at the fountain. It is a lot bigger than I thought it would be and there were all these people there enjoying the fountain. It was a completely uncynical experience.
Yesterday morning, we had a scheduled visit for the Galleria Borghese. That collection was breathtaking. They boast 5 Caravaggio paintings and lots of Bernini sculptures. Oh and then there were the two Rubens. But the Caravaggio. He was a really, really good painter and I got to see a painting I had only before seen in books which is of St. Jerome writing at a table next to a skull. It was lovely.
In the afternoon, we visited something I never even knew existed - the Basilica of St. John Lateran. That is by far the most amazing religious structure that I have seen - to date. Seriously Rome is lousy with art. Last night, we took the metro to the Spanish steps which was another nice communal experience.
Today, we visited the Forum which covers the Sacred Way and the Palatine. That took about three hours. Then we visited the Coliseum. The Coliseum might be the least interesting thing in Rome. And now we are feeling a little beat up.
So tonight we are resting because tomorrow we are visiting the Vatican and we want to be fully rested to see one of the world's best art collections and who knows - maybe we'll get to meet the Pope.
Yesterday morning, we had a scheduled visit for the Galleria Borghese. That collection was breathtaking. They boast 5 Caravaggio paintings and lots of Bernini sculptures. Oh and then there were the two Rubens. But the Caravaggio. He was a really, really good painter and I got to see a painting I had only before seen in books which is of St. Jerome writing at a table next to a skull. It was lovely.
In the afternoon, we visited something I never even knew existed - the Basilica of St. John Lateran. That is by far the most amazing religious structure that I have seen - to date. Seriously Rome is lousy with art. Last night, we took the metro to the Spanish steps which was another nice communal experience.
Today, we visited the Forum which covers the Sacred Way and the Palatine. That took about three hours. Then we visited the Coliseum. The Coliseum might be the least interesting thing in Rome. And now we are feeling a little beat up.
So tonight we are resting because tomorrow we are visiting the Vatican and we want to be fully rested to see one of the world's best art collections and who knows - maybe we'll get to meet the Pope.
November 05, 2008
Atlantic City
Jon and I went to Atlantic City this past weekend. We found a great deal at Resorts Int'l. When we got there we signed up for a TRUMP ONE card and each received a free night's stay at the Taj Mahal for doing so. I also signed up for a comp card at Resorts.
I did not know about these comp cards. I told some ushers at the Barrymore theater where I was working last week that I was going to Atlantic City and they taught me a lot. You see, this trip was only my third one there, so I have a lot to learn. Apparently, when you sign up for a comp card, you get all sorts of offers in the mail from the hotel/casinos enticing you to come down. They also told me that they serve free booze and other drinks while you are gambling. This might seem like something I should have know - but I had no idea. Sunday night, I had two free apple martinis that practically knocked me out. They were good. Monday night, I drank free soda and water.
I played the slot machines. I LOVE SLOT MACHINES. Oh my gosh!! They are so much fun. Well. They were so much fun on Monday night when I won back the money I lost on Sunday night and then some. Did you know there were slot machines that offer bonuses if you get the right combinations of stuff and junk. So, I played this one slot machine where I got 100 free spins and ended up winning oodles of money as a result.
I still don't have the guts to play Black Jack even though we found $5.00 tables at the Showboat hotel and casino on Monday night. I'm pretty good at Black Jack but I still feel a little intimidated. Next time, I'm going to play Black Jack.
The other thing we discovered were the outlet stores. There were stores selling clothes at deep, deep discounts and by deep I mean 70%. That is probably the most fun I've ever had buying clothes.
I hate spending money but I LOVE GAMBLING AND I LOVE DISCOUNTED CLOTHING!!!!
We had a great time. We took the 8:30 bus back up on Tuesday morning and I was sad to say good bye to Atlantic City.
Why didn't anyone ever tell me before how much fun drinking and gambling could be? I spent so much of my life being a goody two shoes. But that's it. I'm cutting loose now.
I've made a decision to have as much fun as I possibly can.
I did not know about these comp cards. I told some ushers at the Barrymore theater where I was working last week that I was going to Atlantic City and they taught me a lot. You see, this trip was only my third one there, so I have a lot to learn. Apparently, when you sign up for a comp card, you get all sorts of offers in the mail from the hotel/casinos enticing you to come down. They also told me that they serve free booze and other drinks while you are gambling. This might seem like something I should have know - but I had no idea. Sunday night, I had two free apple martinis that practically knocked me out. They were good. Monday night, I drank free soda and water.
I played the slot machines. I LOVE SLOT MACHINES. Oh my gosh!! They are so much fun. Well. They were so much fun on Monday night when I won back the money I lost on Sunday night and then some. Did you know there were slot machines that offer bonuses if you get the right combinations of stuff and junk. So, I played this one slot machine where I got 100 free spins and ended up winning oodles of money as a result.
I still don't have the guts to play Black Jack even though we found $5.00 tables at the Showboat hotel and casino on Monday night. I'm pretty good at Black Jack but I still feel a little intimidated. Next time, I'm going to play Black Jack.
The other thing we discovered were the outlet stores. There were stores selling clothes at deep, deep discounts and by deep I mean 70%. That is probably the most fun I've ever had buying clothes.
I hate spending money but I LOVE GAMBLING AND I LOVE DISCOUNTED CLOTHING!!!!
We had a great time. We took the 8:30 bus back up on Tuesday morning and I was sad to say good bye to Atlantic City.
Why didn't anyone ever tell me before how much fun drinking and gambling could be? I spent so much of my life being a goody two shoes. But that's it. I'm cutting loose now.
I've made a decision to have as much fun as I possibly can.
October 28, 2008
Central Casting
Central Casting now has an office in New York City. I registered with them today. I am non-union. We'll see if I can get any work. I'm kind of sort of doubtful. Several people referred to me as ma'am which I found distancing and made me feel old.
I arrived 20 minutes early which worked to my advantage. I was in the first group of four to be register. It also helped that I had already filled out my paperwork.
Three out of four of my group had headshots. I was not one of them. Also, I dressed in office attire because those are the best clothes I have. The two other women in the room were wearing dresses and they were younger than me. One was short and fat. The other was tall and lean and showing lots of cleavage.
We all had our photos taken. I went last to see what the other people did. The girl showing the cleavage managed to get one more shot than the rest of us.
I left feeling that I would never get called.
We'll see.
I arrived 20 minutes early which worked to my advantage. I was in the first group of four to be register. It also helped that I had already filled out my paperwork.
Three out of four of my group had headshots. I was not one of them. Also, I dressed in office attire because those are the best clothes I have. The two other women in the room were wearing dresses and they were younger than me. One was short and fat. The other was tall and lean and showing lots of cleavage.
We all had our photos taken. I went last to see what the other people did. The girl showing the cleavage managed to get one more shot than the rest of us.
I left feeling that I would never get called.
We'll see.
October 24, 2008
Who Wants to Be a Millonaire - 3rd time's a charm
Standing On Line
October 23rd, I stood on line outside of the ABC studio where Who Wants to a Millionaire is taped. Frustrated by my last audition experience, I had immediately signed up for another day of testing and taping. Standing outside yesterday with the 200 or so similarly minded people, I listened to many conversations. This time they didn't annoy me. This time, the people were normal and were discussing the fun things they would do if they won a million dollars. Standing with all those people, listening to them dream out loud, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of help. Being raised Jewish, my parents never took me to stand in line to see Santa Claus at the mall but I imagine it must have felt a lot like the line I was standing in yesterday. The line to audition for Millionaire is the most hopeful place on earth.
Testing
Inside the studio, we all had a chance to warm up while everybody got settled and once we did, the test was administered. Production assistants handed out #2 pencils, Scantron sheets, and closed envelopes containing the multiple choice test that would determine who moved on. We had 10 minutes to complete 30 questions. I finished in about 6 minutes and looked over my answers twice. Because I hadn't passed two times before I was expecting not to do so well and I felt ambivalent about how I did. I didn't expect to pass.
Taping
After the tests were collected, the rest of the studio audience was shown to their seats. Paul Mecurio warmed up the crowd and explained what was expected of us as a Millionaire audience. He's quite funny and very handsome. He's good with the crowd. He is a professional comedian and has won awards for his writing the Daily Show. I advise you check out his website. Anyway, he got us in the mood to cheer and clap and behave as if the Who Wants to be a Millionaire studio was the most exciting place on earth. This week was Movie week so all of the questions were about movie trivia and all of the contestants were movie geeks. Because it was movie week, we were given a free subscription to Netflix. Yee hooo. Three months. Nothing to sneeze at.
Some of the questions were ridiculously easy and it was frustrating to see people miss them. However, there were some real doozies. I don't want to give anything away. You'll have to wait until March to see those shows. But we did get to see one guy walk away with $250,000. He was a nice guy and everybody was rooting for him.
Results
Paul Mecurio did not announce who passed the test until the third taping. At the first commercial break, he announced the first three contestants moving and I was the third one. When he called my name I wooted and almost choked on the butterscotch candy they handed out before the third taping. After the taping was finished, I was interviewed in the same studio by a production assistant. She liked the fact that I was smiling and she liked the fact that I met my husband playing bar trivia. She liked me enough to recommend me for the on camera interview.
I kind of remember what I said. But I was so excited, I can't remember how it all came out. And on top of that I was slighly hungover from the night before and I wasn't wearing any makeup (because I didn't think I would pass) and my skin was breaking out a little bit. Ack.
Hopefully, in two or three weeks I'll receive a post card telling me they want me for the show. But it could go the other way.
Everyone I know, has their fingers crossed.
October 23rd, I stood on line outside of the ABC studio where Who Wants to a Millionaire is taped. Frustrated by my last audition experience, I had immediately signed up for another day of testing and taping. Standing outside yesterday with the 200 or so similarly minded people, I listened to many conversations. This time they didn't annoy me. This time, the people were normal and were discussing the fun things they would do if they won a million dollars. Standing with all those people, listening to them dream out loud, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of help. Being raised Jewish, my parents never took me to stand in line to see Santa Claus at the mall but I imagine it must have felt a lot like the line I was standing in yesterday. The line to audition for Millionaire is the most hopeful place on earth.
Testing
Inside the studio, we all had a chance to warm up while everybody got settled and once we did, the test was administered. Production assistants handed out #2 pencils, Scantron sheets, and closed envelopes containing the multiple choice test that would determine who moved on. We had 10 minutes to complete 30 questions. I finished in about 6 minutes and looked over my answers twice. Because I hadn't passed two times before I was expecting not to do so well and I felt ambivalent about how I did. I didn't expect to pass.
Taping
After the tests were collected, the rest of the studio audience was shown to their seats. Paul Mecurio warmed up the crowd and explained what was expected of us as a Millionaire audience. He's quite funny and very handsome. He's good with the crowd. He is a professional comedian and has won awards for his writing the Daily Show. I advise you check out his website. Anyway, he got us in the mood to cheer and clap and behave as if the Who Wants to be a Millionaire studio was the most exciting place on earth. This week was Movie week so all of the questions were about movie trivia and all of the contestants were movie geeks. Because it was movie week, we were given a free subscription to Netflix. Yee hooo. Three months. Nothing to sneeze at.
Some of the questions were ridiculously easy and it was frustrating to see people miss them. However, there were some real doozies. I don't want to give anything away. You'll have to wait until March to see those shows. But we did get to see one guy walk away with $250,000. He was a nice guy and everybody was rooting for him.
Results
Paul Mecurio did not announce who passed the test until the third taping. At the first commercial break, he announced the first three contestants moving and I was the third one. When he called my name I wooted and almost choked on the butterscotch candy they handed out before the third taping. After the taping was finished, I was interviewed in the same studio by a production assistant. She liked the fact that I was smiling and she liked the fact that I met my husband playing bar trivia. She liked me enough to recommend me for the on camera interview.
I kind of remember what I said. But I was so excited, I can't remember how it all came out. And on top of that I was slighly hungover from the night before and I wasn't wearing any makeup (because I didn't think I would pass) and my skin was breaking out a little bit. Ack.
Hopefully, in two or three weeks I'll receive a post card telling me they want me for the show. But it could go the other way.
Everyone I know, has their fingers crossed.
October 14, 2008
Who Wants to be a Millionaire - 2nd Audition
I woke up early this morning so I could get to my 10:15 am audition on time. When I got there I stood on line for an hour. While I was standing on line, I started imagining what it would be like to touch the big hair of the woman standing in front of me. I could see myself reaching out and patting it like a fluffy fur coat but I resisted the temptation.
Standing on line, I heard several conversations. There were some women talking about their families and their home towns. And then there were three whackadoo guys talking about the weirdest shit. The weirdest of them all was wearing a dirty old blazer covered with his dandruff and he sounded like a complete nut. Guess who I ended up sitting next to in the studio. That's right. Dandruff guy. That's right. He's pretty bright but like many super bright people, his social skills are severely lacking.
Today was his 60th time auditioning. He's passed the Millionaire test 23 times including today but still hasn't made past the interview stage. Hmmmmmm. Could be the dandruff. He was nice enough - just severely lacking in the social filter department.
I did not pass the test. Again. But I sat through three shows full of contestants who could not have possibly done better than me on the test. It was very frustrating to watch people blow big bucks on easy questions. Jon was with me and I feel bad that I dragged him along. Not only did I not pass the test but the three tapings took WAY longer than I thought they would.
My tickets called for the audition at 10:30 and for the tapings to begin at 11:30. The test was administered at 11:10 and the tapings didn't begin until noon. We stopped taping at 3. That was a lot of sitting around but they get you to do it by announcing who passed the test during the third taping. Actually, I didn't find out that I didn't pass the test until the last commercial break of the third show.
My butt still hurts from sitting.
Standing on line, I heard several conversations. There were some women talking about their families and their home towns. And then there were three whackadoo guys talking about the weirdest shit. The weirdest of them all was wearing a dirty old blazer covered with his dandruff and he sounded like a complete nut. Guess who I ended up sitting next to in the studio. That's right. Dandruff guy. That's right. He's pretty bright but like many super bright people, his social skills are severely lacking.
Today was his 60th time auditioning. He's passed the Millionaire test 23 times including today but still hasn't made past the interview stage. Hmmmmmm. Could be the dandruff. He was nice enough - just severely lacking in the social filter department.
I did not pass the test. Again. But I sat through three shows full of contestants who could not have possibly done better than me on the test. It was very frustrating to watch people blow big bucks on easy questions. Jon was with me and I feel bad that I dragged him along. Not only did I not pass the test but the three tapings took WAY longer than I thought they would.
My tickets called for the audition at 10:30 and for the tapings to begin at 11:30. The test was administered at 11:10 and the tapings didn't begin until noon. We stopped taping at 3. That was a lot of sitting around but they get you to do it by announcing who passed the test during the third taping. Actually, I didn't find out that I didn't pass the test until the last commercial break of the third show.
My butt still hurts from sitting.
October 05, 2008
Dress Shopping
Jon and I went to the Carousel Mall in Syracuse so I could buy a dress for a wedding we're attending this coming Saturday.
Around this time last year, I went on a similar shopping trip. It was a much different experience.
Last year, I tried on dresses that were size 18 or size 20. Today, I bought a dress that is size 12.
Yeah. It was that kind of day. I also bought a pair of size 12 pants and a vest in size 12.
It was a good day.
Around this time last year, I went on a similar shopping trip. It was a much different experience.
Last year, I tried on dresses that were size 18 or size 20. Today, I bought a dress that is size 12.
Yeah. It was that kind of day. I also bought a pair of size 12 pants and a vest in size 12.
It was a good day.
Cortland
Jon and I are up in Cortland visiting with my in-laws. Last night we celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary at a lovely little Italian restaurant favored by the locals. I think I ate more last night than I have in a week. I'm scared to get back on the scale.
Their guests were interesting. The couple sitting across from us has been married since 1943 - that's 65 years in case your brain isn't working yet this morning. (I know mine isn't.) The husband is from New York City and he served during WWII as a dentist for the armed for the armed forces. He's 93 years old. His wife is from Vienna and her family came to the States before everything got crazy for Jewish families in Europe - most likely saved her life. She was a model and is still gorgeous at 86. I'm hoping to visit with them some more tomorrow - they live down the block from my in-laws. It was hard to speak A -- because he wears double hearing aids. Because we were in a restaurant he had trouble differentiating our voices from the general hubbub around us.
There was another holocaust escapee sitting next to me. Gosh, she is lovely. Another stunning woman and not even for her age. She is just beautiful. At 82 years of age, she keeps current by reading New York and New Yorker Magazines and she's sees a new movie once a week at the theater. Also from Vienna, she was married to a man who survived the Holocaust thanks to the Kindertransport. The Kindertransport was a British program where English families hosted Jewish children that were in danger during WWII. That story had a happy ending in that he was reunited with his family.
It was nice to be able to celebrate a happy occassion with people we love.
Jon and I should be married for 40 years.
Their guests were interesting. The couple sitting across from us has been married since 1943 - that's 65 years in case your brain isn't working yet this morning. (I know mine isn't.) The husband is from New York City and he served during WWII as a dentist for the armed for the armed forces. He's 93 years old. His wife is from Vienna and her family came to the States before everything got crazy for Jewish families in Europe - most likely saved her life. She was a model and is still gorgeous at 86. I'm hoping to visit with them some more tomorrow - they live down the block from my in-laws. It was hard to speak A -- because he wears double hearing aids. Because we were in a restaurant he had trouble differentiating our voices from the general hubbub around us.
There was another holocaust escapee sitting next to me. Gosh, she is lovely. Another stunning woman and not even for her age. She is just beautiful. At 82 years of age, she keeps current by reading New York and New Yorker Magazines and she's sees a new movie once a week at the theater. Also from Vienna, she was married to a man who survived the Holocaust thanks to the Kindertransport. The Kindertransport was a British program where English families hosted Jewish children that were in danger during WWII. That story had a happy ending in that he was reunited with his family.
It was nice to be able to celebrate a happy occassion with people we love.
Jon and I should be married for 40 years.
September 30, 2008
Looking for Work
I've come to the point where I am bored witless with my job on Broadway. But not only am I bored with it, it's making incredibly nervous.
For example tonight, I am working at August Osage County. It starts at 7:30 which means people will be coming to get headsets at 8:oo after the show has started. People always come late to a show with an unusual start time. Not only that, it's a play that attracts old people. Actually, all long and drawn out plays attract older people. So, theyll be a large demand for my headset product.
I've done busy shows before but they always make me nervous. It's the possiblities of confrontations that make me more nervous than anything. More demand means more people to argue about leaving their licenses behind in place of headsets. Some older people are convinced that leaving your license anywhere automatically leads to identity theft. If they thought it through, they would figure out that the theaters where I work could find me if they thought I was guilty of a crime.
Anyway, I am now interested in finding a new job. But who is going to hire me? I've been out of the full-time, day time workaday world for so long, I'm afraid I've become completely unhirable.
I had enough problems finding the last two office jobs I had.
I was so obsessed with finding a new job this morning, that I was up at 5:30 reconfiguring my NY Times/Monster.com profile.
Ack
For example tonight, I am working at August Osage County. It starts at 7:30 which means people will be coming to get headsets at 8:oo after the show has started. People always come late to a show with an unusual start time. Not only that, it's a play that attracts old people. Actually, all long and drawn out plays attract older people. So, theyll be a large demand for my headset product.
I've done busy shows before but they always make me nervous. It's the possiblities of confrontations that make me more nervous than anything. More demand means more people to argue about leaving their licenses behind in place of headsets. Some older people are convinced that leaving your license anywhere automatically leads to identity theft. If they thought it through, they would figure out that the theaters where I work could find me if they thought I was guilty of a crime.
Anyway, I am now interested in finding a new job. But who is going to hire me? I've been out of the full-time, day time workaday world for so long, I'm afraid I've become completely unhirable.
I had enough problems finding the last two office jobs I had.
I was so obsessed with finding a new job this morning, that I was up at 5:30 reconfiguring my NY Times/Monster.com profile.
Ack
September 25, 2008
September 24, 2008
Something I Can Relate To
Tonight on my way to work, a woman started yelling to no one in particular. When our train pulled into 57th Street she looked out across the platform to find no Q train waiting for her. She shouted out, "This is the last stop. There should be two trains here at all times." Just as she finished that sentence, a Q train pulled in.
I totally related to her frustration about the train.
I totally related to her frustration about the train.
September 16, 2008
Another Birthday
Remember last year how excited I was when I turned 40? That didn't happen this past Saturday when I celebrated my 41st birthday.
It's not like I had a bad day. It was a quiet birthday which is what I like. My mom took me out to brunch, then we drove out to my brother's house where we had birthday cake. I received plenty of warm wishes and nice birthday cards.
But 41 is turning out to be a really depressing birthday. I'm doing that thing people do when they compare themselves to others and I know I shouldn't be doing that. It's self-defeating.
I'm not wriing this to get a pep talk. I'm posting because I wanted to share my feelings. Feel free to express your similar feelings in the comment section.
It's not like I had a bad day. It was a quiet birthday which is what I like. My mom took me out to brunch, then we drove out to my brother's house where we had birthday cake. I received plenty of warm wishes and nice birthday cards.
But 41 is turning out to be a really depressing birthday. I'm doing that thing people do when they compare themselves to others and I know I shouldn't be doing that. It's self-defeating.
I'm not wriing this to get a pep talk. I'm posting because I wanted to share my feelings. Feel free to express your similar feelings in the comment section.
September 11, 2008
September 11
I send out blessings to all the people who lost loved ones during the attacks on September 11, 2001. In my family, we are blessed because we didn't lose anyone close to us.
September 03, 2008
September
September is here, which means back to school for everybody who has children. That is not us yet, but hopefully will be one day.
As a kid, September used to fill me with dread. Not that I hated school. I loved school actually. But I was terrified of other children. I was never one of those kids who looked forward to going back to school and seeing all her friends. At some point in high school, I finally started to feel comfortable in my own skin, but to this day I get that sinking feeling in my stomach when the calendar pages change from August to September. A lot of that has to do with having been bullied. I never quite learned how to NOT get bullied.
Anyway. September is here and it's my birthday month. In a little more than a week, I will be celebrating end of my 41st year on this planet. You may remember how non-chalant I was about turning 40. 41 is really bothering me. 41 is making me feel old. Blah.
Yesterday, I spent the entire day out of our apartment because the building shut down our water to work on the pipes. Yes. That meant no toilets. So I made plans to be out of the house all day. First I went to see my doctor because of a problem with my hip which turns out is a result of all the new exercise I've been doing this past year on my bike. Then Jon and I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We saw the special Turner exhibit and the Koons sculptures on the roof.
When Jon had to go to work, I decided to treat myself to Hamlet 2 which I saw at the AMC theater on 42nd Street. That was a super fun movie.
I took myself to dinner at Red Lobster (an idea put into my head by Hamlet 2) and had a salad which was neither diet friendly or delicious. I'm kind of sorry I went to Red Lobster for dinner actually.
I finished the day by working a shift at Xanadu where I saw Project Runway winner, Christian Siriano, Mario Cantone and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. I took a chance and spoke to Elisabeth Hasselbeck who as it turns out is really, really nice. I was so happy I spoke with her. At the end of the conversation, she shook my hand and introduced me to her husband. She was friendly, warm and down to earth.
I told an usher that I had met her and she was surprised to hear how nice she was. This person had assumed that she was a BI**H simply because she is a Republican. How narrow minded is that??!! Republicans are people too!! And I'm always impressed with Hasselbeck when she holds her own against Whoopi Goldberg and Barbara Walters. Can you imagine standing up to Barbara Walters?!?!? Especially as such a young woman? I may not agree with everything she believes but I sure do admire her. Talking to her was the highlight of my day.
When I got home last night, my toilet was in constant flush mode. But the super came up and fixed a washer that had gotten ruined when the contractors fixed the pipes.
It was A+ day!!
As a kid, September used to fill me with dread. Not that I hated school. I loved school actually. But I was terrified of other children. I was never one of those kids who looked forward to going back to school and seeing all her friends. At some point in high school, I finally started to feel comfortable in my own skin, but to this day I get that sinking feeling in my stomach when the calendar pages change from August to September. A lot of that has to do with having been bullied. I never quite learned how to NOT get bullied.
Anyway. September is here and it's my birthday month. In a little more than a week, I will be celebrating end of my 41st year on this planet. You may remember how non-chalant I was about turning 40. 41 is really bothering me. 41 is making me feel old. Blah.
Yesterday, I spent the entire day out of our apartment because the building shut down our water to work on the pipes. Yes. That meant no toilets. So I made plans to be out of the house all day. First I went to see my doctor because of a problem with my hip which turns out is a result of all the new exercise I've been doing this past year on my bike. Then Jon and I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We saw the special Turner exhibit and the Koons sculptures on the roof.
When Jon had to go to work, I decided to treat myself to Hamlet 2 which I saw at the AMC theater on 42nd Street. That was a super fun movie.
I took myself to dinner at Red Lobster (an idea put into my head by Hamlet 2) and had a salad which was neither diet friendly or delicious. I'm kind of sorry I went to Red Lobster for dinner actually.
I finished the day by working a shift at Xanadu where I saw Project Runway winner, Christian Siriano, Mario Cantone and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. I took a chance and spoke to Elisabeth Hasselbeck who as it turns out is really, really nice. I was so happy I spoke with her. At the end of the conversation, she shook my hand and introduced me to her husband. She was friendly, warm and down to earth.
I told an usher that I had met her and she was surprised to hear how nice she was. This person had assumed that she was a BI**H simply because she is a Republican. How narrow minded is that??!! Republicans are people too!! And I'm always impressed with Hasselbeck when she holds her own against Whoopi Goldberg and Barbara Walters. Can you imagine standing up to Barbara Walters?!?!? Especially as such a young woman? I may not agree with everything she believes but I sure do admire her. Talking to her was the highlight of my day.
When I got home last night, my toilet was in constant flush mode. But the super came up and fixed a washer that had gotten ruined when the contractors fixed the pipes.
It was A+ day!!
August 26, 2008
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Jon and I spent a couple of days in Atlantic City and boy was it fun!!! We got back last night and I'm still working on the pictures. I'll replace this post with a summary of our trip, later - after I upload our pictures to Flickr.
Gosh. Blogging is a lot of work.
Gosh. Blogging is a lot of work.
August 23, 2008
Etsy Treasury
Etsy gives members opportunities to show off their favorite items in their treasury. I made one yesterday. This is it. Please visit my treasury and support the great artists who made the great pocket mirrors that are featured. Stuff and Things
Saturday Morning
It's early Saturday morning. I'm fooling around on the Internet. The blue sky is dotted with cottony white clouds. I hear birds singing. And I also hear an intermittent beeping sound that's been going on since last night. Every thirty seconds - beep. I'm sure the whole neighborhood can hear it. I wish it would stop.
In the last two weeks, I've discovered Facebook. I know I'm the last one to the party on this one. Facebook is great. It's better than MySpace and it's way better than Friendster. But the novelty is finally starting to wear off.
I've been keeping up with my diet. I'm not journaling every day but every other day and that seems to be working. My nutritionist offered that up as one of the solutions to my problem of having stopped keeping track of my diet altogether. But I'm still having trouble breaking the 35 pound barrier. Sometimes, I'm down 40 pounds but then the next day I'm back to being down 35 pounds. It's annoying.
I
sent my grandmother in France a rabbit like monster that I named Louis Lapin (pictured right). I received word through my mother that Grandma really liked him. And that she was laughing when she was describing it to my mother.
I sold three more monsters last week, Which prompted me to call my accountant to make sure I'm doing everything right. I honestly don't know what I expected when I started my Etsy site. I certainly never thought that I would sell anything. Mostly, I thought I would just showcase my work. I'm surprised anyone has bought anything but totally pleased.
In the last two weeks, I've discovered Facebook. I know I'm the last one to the party on this one. Facebook is great. It's better than MySpace and it's way better than Friendster. But the novelty is finally starting to wear off.
I've been keeping up with my diet. I'm not journaling every day but every other day and that seems to be working. My nutritionist offered that up as one of the solutions to my problem of having stopped keeping track of my diet altogether. But I'm still having trouble breaking the 35 pound barrier. Sometimes, I'm down 40 pounds but then the next day I'm back to being down 35 pounds. It's annoying.
I
sent my grandmother in France a rabbit like monster that I named Louis Lapin (pictured right). I received word through my mother that Grandma really liked him. And that she was laughing when she was describing it to my mother.I sold three more monsters last week, Which prompted me to call my accountant to make sure I'm doing everything right. I honestly don't know what I expected when I started my Etsy site. I certainly never thought that I would sell anything. Mostly, I thought I would just showcase my work. I'm surprised anyone has bought anything but totally pleased.
August 19, 2008
Olympic Judging
I'm disappointed with the Olympic judging in gymnastics.
If a gymnast deserves a high score then they should get one, but when a gymnast makes obvious mistakes that even a lay person like me can recognize, they should not receive a high score.
This is what seems to be happening with the Chinese gymnasts. Again, I don't want to begrudge anybody who is actually performing well but in the case of the women's vault and the uneven bars, there was a clear bias toward the Chinese gold medalists.
Not fair.
If a gymnast deserves a high score then they should get one, but when a gymnast makes obvious mistakes that even a lay person like me can recognize, they should not receive a high score.
This is what seems to be happening with the Chinese gymnasts. Again, I don't want to begrudge anybody who is actually performing well but in the case of the women's vault and the uneven bars, there was a clear bias toward the Chinese gold medalists.
Not fair.
August 18, 2008
August 16, 2008
August 14, 2008
Central Park - Very Hilly
Jon and I rode our bikes in Central Park yesterday. We had to carry our bikes up two flights of steps to the subway platform at 30th Avenue and then up and out of the station at 60th St. and 5th Ave.
I completely forgot how hilly Central Park is and I struggled through the entire 7 mile bike ride. We stopped and rested at this lovely pond at 100th Street on the west side of the park as evidenced by this photograph.
I am feeling the after effects today mostly in my right knee.
I figured a hot shower would set me right, but today the boiler is working in improperly, meaning no hot shower. I just took shower and the water did warm up after five minutes but by then I was already finished. The water wasn't freezing, just a little cool to start. Not the hot shower experience I was seeking.
Tonight, I'm working at Gypsy again. That show is sooooo long. Go see it, but don't go see it that often. If you see it too many times you won't like the show anymore.
August 07, 2008
Nutritionist
Good news from the nutritionist. I'm down another five pounds since my last visit two months ago. Now that I've lost a decent amount I'm ready to tell you what my starting weight was.
When I first saw the nutritionist October 18, 2007, I weighed 195.6 pounds. Two weeks before that, I was a couple of pounds more. I had also attended a friend's wedding and looked heavy in the photos. At my checkup, shortly after the wedding, I had my yearly checkup. My doctor told me I was obese. And when I told him I wanted to lose weight, he told me about my current nutrionist.
When I first saw the nutritionist October 18, 2007, I weighed 195.6 pounds. Two weeks before that, I was a couple of pounds more. I had also attended a friend's wedding and looked heavy in the photos. At my checkup, shortly after the wedding, I had my yearly checkup. My doctor told me I was obese. And when I told him I wanted to lose weight, he told me about my current nutrionist.
Today I weighed in at 159.6 pounds. That's 36 pounds that I've lost since October. My body fat percentage is down to 36.4% from 43.9%. And BMI is now 26.6, down from 32.5.
My weight loss has slowed down but the nutritionist wasn't concerned because I'm still losing weight. We discussed why my weight loss is slowing down. Basically, I've gotten lazy about keeping track of my food and to tell you the truth, I'm not eating enough. When I don't eat enough, my rate of weight loss slows down. I asked her to remind me of all that I'm accomplishing health wise by losing weight. And she did.
The risk that concerned me the most, my chance of contracting diabetes is now greatly decreased. My resting blood sugar was very high at my last checkup and could have been considered pre-diabetic by some doctors. There are other health benefits as well that I won't bore you with. Diabetes was my concern because that's in my family health history.
I don't underestimate the value of the vanity benefits. Generally I feel better about myself. Physically, I'm in the best shape I've been in since I finished college and I like the way I look now.
I feel good because my weight was a problem that bothered me for a long time but I took responsibilty for myself and found a way to solve the problem. It gives me the confidence to tackle other ongoing problems. Yay me!!
In The Heights
This week, I'm back at In The Heights at the Richard Rodgers theater. The show has been out a while, so I wasn't expecting to see any celebrities this week. But I saw a couple of big time celebrities on Tuesday night and one amazing pair of shoes.
John Lithgow - who I just love. He's really talented and he's incredibly hard to miss because he is a very tall man. He looks good for his age but his age is showing. He won a Tony for his lead role in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Funny, funny, show. And of course he was in Third Rock From The Sun, in which everybody remembers him. Speaking with people that night, I pointed out to several of them that John Lithgow was there. When they asked me what he was in, I offered the movie with which I thought they would be most familiar - The World According to Garp. Alas, most people only remembered him from Third Rock. I'm not sure if that's sad or not. But I do know that he deserves remembered for his greater body of work. He's a good actor.
Isabella Rosselini - She's just lovely in person. I saw her on a talk show the other day talking about a project she's done recently where she had herself filmed dressed up like bugs. I'm not sure what the film was about honestly because I was distracted by the fact that she felt like she had to explain to the host and TV land that her mother is Ingrid Bergman. I guess I could let her get away with that because it's possible not everyone follows the famous children of famous people. What was truly amazing is how she explained that her mother was in Casablanca. To me that was completely unnecessary. But she was very nice and unassuming and down to earth and like I said earlier, just lovely. Sure enough, I was working with people who didn't even know who she was when I pointed out to them that she was there.
A pair of Christian Louboutin shoes - I suspect that most people know about this designer and his shoes. The only reason I know about them is because one day I watched Oprah Winfrey give away a pair of his shoes on her talk show. Did she interview him that day? My mind is never fully on these shows when I have them on the boob tube. Usually they just provide background noise when I'm doing other things. But I remember that they are expensive and that the shoes are unique and easily identifiable as Louboutin. All his shoes have bright red soles and incredibly high heels. They are the kind of shoes starlets like to wear on the red carpet because they are very distinctive. The signature red soles came about because Mr. Louboutin ran out of the necessary materials for the bottom of a pair he was making. The rest is history.
Anyway, I saw the shoes on a tall, impossibly thin woman. The heels were four inches high and the bottoms were distinctively red. Somehow she was walking around in those shoes like they were sneakers. Amazing. Actually, I didn't like them because they were made from leather with an animal print. If they had been solid colored I probably would have loved them.
John Lithgow - who I just love. He's really talented and he's incredibly hard to miss because he is a very tall man. He looks good for his age but his age is showing. He won a Tony for his lead role in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Funny, funny, show. And of course he was in Third Rock From The Sun, in which everybody remembers him. Speaking with people that night, I pointed out to several of them that John Lithgow was there. When they asked me what he was in, I offered the movie with which I thought they would be most familiar - The World According to Garp. Alas, most people only remembered him from Third Rock. I'm not sure if that's sad or not. But I do know that he deserves remembered for his greater body of work. He's a good actor.
Isabella Rosselini - She's just lovely in person. I saw her on a talk show the other day talking about a project she's done recently where she had herself filmed dressed up like bugs. I'm not sure what the film was about honestly because I was distracted by the fact that she felt like she had to explain to the host and TV land that her mother is Ingrid Bergman. I guess I could let her get away with that because it's possible not everyone follows the famous children of famous people. What was truly amazing is how she explained that her mother was in Casablanca. To me that was completely unnecessary. But she was very nice and unassuming and down to earth and like I said earlier, just lovely. Sure enough, I was working with people who didn't even know who she was when I pointed out to them that she was there. A pair of Christian Louboutin shoes - I suspect that most people know about this designer and his shoes. The only reason I know about them is because one day I watched Oprah Winfrey give away a pair of his shoes on her talk show. Did she interview him that day? My mind is never fully on these shows when I have them on the boob tube. Usually they just provide background noise when I'm doing other things. But I remember that they are expensive and that the shoes are unique and easily identifiable as Louboutin. All his shoes have bright red soles and incredibly high heels. They are the kind of shoes starlets like to wear on the red carpet because they are very distinctive. The signature red soles came about because Mr. Louboutin ran out of the necessary materials for the bottom of a pair he was making. The rest is history.
Anyway, I saw the shoes on a tall, impossibly thin woman. The heels were four inches high and the bottoms were distinctively red. Somehow she was walking around in those shoes like they were sneakers. Amazing. Actually, I didn't like them because they were made from leather with an animal print. If they had been solid colored I probably would have loved them.
August 05, 2008
Subway Spider
One of the absolutely coolest things we saw yesterday was a spider making a web in the subway. Jon got this picture. I tried to get a better one but that was just the competitor in me trying to show him up. He definitely got the best shot.
Coney Island
Jon and I went to Coney Island yesterday. We saw many cool things. For a New Yorker, it's inexecusable that I haven't been to the boardwalk in 18 years. We were there last year for a baseball game but that was not quite the same because we didn't walk around.
The weather was perfect and the clouds contributed to some great photo captures. To look at the whole set of photos check out my Flickr set. But here are a couple of shots to get you started.
The weather was perfect and the clouds contributed to some great photo captures. To look at the whole set of photos check out my Flickr set. But here are a couple of shots to get you started.
August 03, 2008
The Beach
I shot this a week ago Friday - the day I came down with the flu. It's also the day that someone drowned in Long Beach. Sad. It was blamed on rip currents and I can attest to the fact that the currents were very strong that day. Anyway. Here's a moment of relaxation for you.
August 02, 2008
Cirque Dreams
With all my whining about my cold, I forgot to tell you about the show I'm working on this week. Cirque Dreams is playing at the Broadway Theater. If you've got kids who can sit still for two hours, then definitely take them to see this show. With the exception of the music which is geared towards children, Cirque Dreams is a wonderful experience. If you throw out the cheezy costumes and turn off the sound track, what you have left is a good old fashioned circus.
The acts include contortionists, aerial artists, trapeze artists, clowns, balance artists, etc. And everybody is phenomenal (with the exception of the singer whose maple sweet voice is hard to swallow and meant for children, but even she is well trained singer).
My favorite act is the Froggler - a juggler dressed up like a frog.
The acts include contortionists, aerial artists, trapeze artists, clowns, balance artists, etc. And everybody is phenomenal (with the exception of the singer whose maple sweet voice is hard to swallow and meant for children, but even she is well trained singer).
My favorite act is the Froggler - a juggler dressed up like a frog.
Slowly Feeling Better
Today I felt better than yesterday. My cough has been deep enough to give me a back spasm. Oy. But I had a little more energy today. I almost went bike riding, but I'm still having some trouble getting air. Monday. I'll go out on Monday.
August 01, 2008
Water on Mars
Hey. There's water on Mars. Great news.
Now I can continue living the rest of my life knowing that there is water on Mars.
Now I can continue living the rest of my life knowing that there is water on Mars.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)