The aftermath of Katrina is so devastating . . . my prayers go out to the Mississippi and Lousiana families whose lives have been forever altered by Katrina's path.
I watched an hour of MSNBC - Chris Matthews discussing New Orleans. Heart breaking.
I needed a break so switched over to "So You Think You Can Dance". Total bubble gum for the brain.
When I switched over to NBC for Law and Order it was actually more coverage of the hurricane damage. Just totally heart breaking.
August 31, 2005
Katrina and the Wave of Looting
The recent stories of looting, coming out New Orleans, in the aftermath of Katrina, are upsetting but not surprising. People are freaked out. I know there are people taking advantage of the situation by stealing things they could never afford, but I've also read that people are scavenging for supplies. Their whole world has been devastated. Have you seen the pictures of New Orleans? But can't you really be judgemental of people that are looting grocery stores to feed their families; that don't necessarily understand what's going on; that haven't been contacted regarding relief; that don't know where they are going to move; that are grief stricken because their homes have been destroyed; that have no electricity?
We're not there. We can understand from the comfort of our dry homes the images we see on our televisions - that New Orleans suffered great damage but we can't really understand what it's like to go through such complete devastation. I know I can't. I haven't experienced anything remotely close to that on the physical level. We don't know how we would behave or I guess most of don't know.
If my hypothetical children needed some food, water and dry clothes and relief wasn't coming fast enough I would have to find a way to get some. However, If my friend needed a television they would be shit out of luck.
Food, provisions, dry sundries - YES.
Electronics - NO.
We're not there. We can understand from the comfort of our dry homes the images we see on our televisions - that New Orleans suffered great damage but we can't really understand what it's like to go through such complete devastation. I know I can't. I haven't experienced anything remotely close to that on the physical level. We don't know how we would behave or I guess most of don't know.
If my hypothetical children needed some food, water and dry clothes and relief wasn't coming fast enough I would have to find a way to get some. However, If my friend needed a television they would be shit out of luck.
Food, provisions, dry sundries - YES.
Electronics - NO.
August 30, 2005
August 28, 2005
The Progress Wedding
Well. We got some work done toward the wedding this weekend.
Saturday, I went to the bridal salon for my first fitting. Sadly, my sales person advised us to buy the wrong size which we bought in a larger size than my actual size and was still too small yesterday in spite of my loss of three inches from all measured points of my body. I was so mad when I tried on the dress and it was too tight in the hips - I started crying and clenching my fists. I was so mad, I asked to be left alone for 5 or 10 minutes. I was freaked out. We left with the seamstress assuring me that I will be a happy bride. I'm not sure.
I really didn't feel better until my mom and I went to a formal dress shop in Farmingdale, Long Island. When I saw that they had wedding dresses in my size on the rack I felt much better, because now I have a backup plan in case things don't work out with my dress and worse comes to worse, I'll just go up to Steinway Street and rent an ivory tuxedo dress.
Today went well. I hired a makeup artist and hair stylist for the day of. Here is how I'll look on the day of my wedding, minus the whole bridal getup of course.
Saturday, I went to the bridal salon for my first fitting. Sadly, my sales person advised us to buy the wrong size which we bought in a larger size than my actual size and was still too small yesterday in spite of my loss of three inches from all measured points of my body. I was so mad when I tried on the dress and it was too tight in the hips - I started crying and clenching my fists. I was so mad, I asked to be left alone for 5 or 10 minutes. I was freaked out. We left with the seamstress assuring me that I will be a happy bride. I'm not sure.
I really didn't feel better until my mom and I went to a formal dress shop in Farmingdale, Long Island. When I saw that they had wedding dresses in my size on the rack I felt much better, because now I have a backup plan in case things don't work out with my dress and worse comes to worse, I'll just go up to Steinway Street and rent an ivory tuxedo dress.
Today went well. I hired a makeup artist and hair stylist for the day of. Here is how I'll look on the day of my wedding, minus the whole bridal getup of course.
August 26, 2005
Morning Walk - Captured Moments
I took a lot of pictures yesterday during my walk. My company is building a new website and I was trying to capture some of the hustle and bustle of New York. Here are some of the pictures that didn't make the cut. Well, most of them didn't but anyway. . . .
I mostly walked down Park Avenue. I got stuck walking behind these two guys. For some reason I couldn't get past them so I decided to make the best of it - by photographing their backsides. I liked this shot of their feet the best.
For the first time yesterday, I started to really pay attention to what's going on on Park Avenue. I had a job once in a great building on 46th and Park and used to know it pretty well, but it's been a while. The corporate art has changed quite a bit and is starting to get a little weird as you can see below. The Haring sculptures aren't that bad - I mean they are colorful and fun, but I think they are definitely out of context. They don't fit in with their surroundings although they do brighten up the Lever House quite a bit. This other piece - I was so distracted by it, I can't even tell you what building is hosting this large and creepy piece of sculpture of a half flayed pregnant woman.
Above the Met Life building (formerly the Pan Am building for those of you over 35 years of age that might remember the time when the airlines ruled the business world) Park Avenue is beautiful, below Park - don't even bother. If you come to New York, your visit should include a nice walk up Park Avenue starting at the Helmsley actually. This building at East 49th put flower pots on every lamp post. It's beautiful and adds quality to a normally stressful business commute.
And Grand Central - it's a just a beautiful old building. Arches are predominant in the architecture giving the eye a break from the hard, rectangular buildings of the city. Also the height ceilings and marble walls not only make it cooler than the hot summer air around it, but also create a sense of space, seriously lacking in NYC. Space is a costly luxury here.
I mostly walked down Park Avenue. I got stuck walking behind these two guys. For some reason I couldn't get past them so I decided to make the best of it - by photographing their backsides. I liked this shot of their feet the best.
For the first time yesterday, I started to really pay attention to what's going on on Park Avenue. I had a job once in a great building on 46th and Park and used to know it pretty well, but it's been a while. The corporate art has changed quite a bit and is starting to get a little weird as you can see below. The Haring sculptures aren't that bad - I mean they are colorful and fun, but I think they are definitely out of context. They don't fit in with their surroundings although they do brighten up the Lever House quite a bit. This other piece - I was so distracted by it, I can't even tell you what building is hosting this large and creepy piece of sculpture of a half flayed pregnant woman.
Above the Met Life building (formerly the Pan Am building for those of you over 35 years of age that might remember the time when the airlines ruled the business world) Park Avenue is beautiful, below Park - don't even bother. If you come to New York, your visit should include a nice walk up Park Avenue starting at the Helmsley actually. This building at East 49th put flower pots on every lamp post. It's beautiful and adds quality to a normally stressful business commute.
And Grand Central - it's a just a beautiful old building. Arches are predominant in the architecture giving the eye a break from the hard, rectangular buildings of the city. Also the height ceilings and marble walls not only make it cooler than the hot summer air around it, but also create a sense of space, seriously lacking in NYC. Space is a costly luxury here.
Scary Squirrel
Yesterday morning, Jon and I walked by this scary squirrel - eating into a sound blanket.
Then after he caught me taking his picture, he ran down to the sidewalk and started charging toward us. I thought he was going to take my camera and smash it in on the ground to destroy the evidence.
Then after he caught me taking his picture, he ran down to the sidewalk and started charging toward us. I thought he was going to take my camera and smash it in on the ground to destroy the evidence.
August 25, 2005
What's The Magic Word?
So far, so good.
The day goes well.
We walked the walk - Astoria, 59th St. Bridge, Chelsea.
Work - easy day, going well.
Other people? Well - I just came back from buying a bottle of water. Several people got in the elevator with me. I pushed 5 and two others pushed the button for their floors. One guy muttered "three". Of course, I responded by just pushing 3. But as soon as started out of hte elevator, I said to the others, in a tone loud enough for the exiting guy to hear - "He could have at least said 3 please." Then I muttered the word punk just as the door was closing, hopefully loud enough for that punk to hear me.
Honestly. My passive aggressive behavior notwithstanding, could that punk have been ruder?
I don't think so.
The day goes well.
We walked the walk - Astoria, 59th St. Bridge, Chelsea.
Work - easy day, going well.
Other people? Well - I just came back from buying a bottle of water. Several people got in the elevator with me. I pushed 5 and two others pushed the button for their floors. One guy muttered "three". Of course, I responded by just pushing 3. But as soon as started out of hte elevator, I said to the others, in a tone loud enough for the exiting guy to hear - "He could have at least said 3 please." Then I muttered the word punk just as the door was closing, hopefully loud enough for that punk to hear me.
Honestly. My passive aggressive behavior notwithstanding, could that punk have been ruder?
I don't think so.
August 24, 2005
| Myrna Loy You scored 19 grit, 23 wit, 33 flair, and 38 class! |
| You are class itself, the calm, confident "perfect woman." Men turn and look at you admiringly as you walk down the street, and even your rivals have a grudging respect for you. You always know the right thing to say, do and, of course, wear. You can take charge of a situation when things get out of hand, and you're a great help to your partner even if they don't immediately see or know it. You are one classy dame. Your screen partners include William Powell and Cary Grant, you little simmerpot, you. Find out what kind of classic leading man you'd make by taking the Classic Leading Man Test. |
 |
E = MC Hammer
The above was the name of the winning team from last night's trivia game. It was also the name of my team. I don't mean to brag but we scored 43 out of 50 points, a minimum of 10 points ahead of the second place team. We had an excellent combination of people, although two of them spent most of the evening catching up with each other and not contributing much at all. But that's okay too. Because we all love each other and that's all that matters.
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Getting home from trivia was not so much fun although I did discover that from W. 4th the D train runs express to the 34th St. station on 6th ave. where I transfer for the N or W trains. That said, the D train pulled in seconds after I arrived at W. 4th lulling me into a false sense of optimism about how the trains were running. When I did transfer at 34th street I had to wait at least 10 minutes for my N train. Not that is a terribly long time but IT FELT LIKE A LONG TIME DUE TO THE INHUMAN STENCH AND HEAT OF THAT PLATFORM. People were wilting all up and down the station. It was hot, hot, hot!!! Did I mention it was hot? Because it was and very. Once the train got there and I escaped the OVEN into the blissful cool of the air conditioned car, the train moved slowly through the tunnels meaning that by the time we reached Lexington Avenue, the train was packed. This is because when trains move slowly, people gather in large groups waiting for the slow train, so at every station you pick up large groups of angry, hot and sweaty, tired commuters.
I was sitting so that's good but I was squashed so that's bad. I did get home eventually but it took a long time and I was uncomfortable. I was home by 10:30, considering I started out from W. 4th at 9:45 - isn't really that bad.
I just hate that 34th street station.
===============================
Getting home from trivia was not so much fun although I did discover that from W. 4th the D train runs express to the 34th St. station on 6th ave. where I transfer for the N or W trains. That said, the D train pulled in seconds after I arrived at W. 4th lulling me into a false sense of optimism about how the trains were running. When I did transfer at 34th street I had to wait at least 10 minutes for my N train. Not that is a terribly long time but IT FELT LIKE A LONG TIME DUE TO THE INHUMAN STENCH AND HEAT OF THAT PLATFORM. People were wilting all up and down the station. It was hot, hot, hot!!! Did I mention it was hot? Because it was and very. Once the train got there and I escaped the OVEN into the blissful cool of the air conditioned car, the train moved slowly through the tunnels meaning that by the time we reached Lexington Avenue, the train was packed. This is because when trains move slowly, people gather in large groups waiting for the slow train, so at every station you pick up large groups of angry, hot and sweaty, tired commuters.
I was sitting so that's good but I was squashed so that's bad. I did get home eventually but it took a long time and I was uncomfortable. I was home by 10:30, considering I started out from W. 4th at 9:45 - isn't really that bad.
I just hate that 34th street station.
Morning Walk or Feeling Groovy
Jon woke up early so he could walk me to work this morning. The weather was perfect - cool breeze, blue sky, light fluffy clouds. It took us exactly 2 hours. We walked over the 59th Street bridge again. When the traffic is moving it's very noisy. I prefer the noise level when traffic is at a standstill. But it was a good walk overall.
August 23, 2005
The Progress Wedding
My dress is finally in. I got the call yesterday. First fitting is scheduled for this Saturday, so I just need to lose 40 more pounds by then. Wish me luck!!
August 22, 2005
Death of a Shopping Cart
I moved into Astoria 12 years ago - a studio apartment in an old building in a nice part of town. It was my first apartment - well, the first time I lived on my own. My family was supportive and they gave me gifts to make my life easier. One of those gifts was a shopping cart from my Aunt. I don't know how old the shopping cart was, easily 20 years old when she gave it to me. About 3 weeks ago, that shopping cart fell to pieces while Jon was bringing home the laundry. But don't be sad, because yesterday Jon bought us a new shopping cart. It's nice - turquoise with a rubber grip. We should have it for the next 30 years.
99 cent stores
One of the many cool things about living in Astoria, Queens is the over abundance of 99 cent stores. You can't walk two blocks without walking past one. Saturday was no different. Near the post office on 21st street, an Indian family converted the C-Town into a ginormous discount store. They are still getting things together and until they do, the store is really charming. Because for right now, they still have signs like this
and this
and this
August 20, 2005
Lazy Saturday Revival
It's been a while since I've had a lazy day. I started by watching Kill Bill after I woke up. Again, it wasn't a truly lazy day but if you look at the condition of our apartment you would definitely think so. Anyway. Here is the sequence of my exciting day in New York City.
woke up around 9:30
watched Kill Bill around 10:00
went to the post office around 12:30
went to the gym around 1
went to the grocery store around 2
unpacked groceries around 3
watched Devil's Advocate around 4
internet around 7 and here I still am.
Tonight will involve gathering and sorting laundry, cooking Tilapia in one of my new cool pans.
I'll cook it with butter and garlic while the rice cooks itself in my new rice cooker and prepare some asparagus on the side. There might also be a salad depending on Jon's appetite.
I LOVE LAZY DAYS.
woke up around 9:30
watched Kill Bill around 10:00
went to the post office around 12:30
went to the gym around 1
went to the grocery store around 2
unpacked groceries around 3
watched Devil's Advocate around 4
internet around 7 and here I still am.
Tonight will involve gathering and sorting laundry, cooking Tilapia in one of my new cool pans.
I'll cook it with butter and garlic while the rice cooks itself in my new rice cooker and prepare some asparagus on the side. There might also be a salad depending on Jon's appetite.
I LOVE LAZY DAYS.
August 19, 2005
The Progress Wedding
I set up a trial with a makeup artist recommended by my hair stylist.
The day the makeup artist tries her hand at my face, is the day my hair stylist will find the right hairdo for my veil - my veil is being lent to me by sweet sister-in-law and it should match my dress perfectly.
The day the makeup artist tries her hand at my face, is the day my hair stylist will find the right hairdo for my veil - my veil is being lent to me by sweet sister-in-law and it should match my dress perfectly.
Everyone is Fried by Friday
I am so glad it's Friday. Not only is it the end of the work week, but it is also pay day. 
By show of hands, let me see who doesn't like to get paid. That's what I thought.
====================================
Jon and I walked over the 59th Street bridge yesterday morning. It was such a beautiful morning. Jon woke up really early to keep me company on the walk which was very supportive. I bought a cool new toy to keep me company so I can take exceedingly long walks by myself. Turns out jogging on an elliptical machine 1 hour at a time isn't enough for me to lose more weight, so now I'm going to try exceedlingly long walks to see if that does this trick. And what better time of day to walk than in the morning. One day I'll be thin and hopefully that day will be the day of my wedding.
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By show of hands, let me see who doesn't like to get paid. That's what I thought.
====================================
Jon and I walked over the 59th Street bridge yesterday morning. It was such a beautiful morning. Jon woke up really early to keep me company on the walk which was very supportive. I bought a cool new toy to keep me company so I can take exceedingly long walks by myself. Turns out jogging on an elliptical machine 1 hour at a time isn't enough for me to lose more weight, so now I'm going to try exceedlingly long walks to see if that does this trick. And what better time of day to walk than in the morning. One day I'll be thin and hopefully that day will be the day of my wedding.
====================================
August 18, 2005
Winner of Caption Contest
That's not a Banana in my pocket, that IS my pocket.
Dave
author of New York White Trash
oddly obsessed with Banana Man
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