Week #7 (plus some...again): NYC, the land of cupcakes.

I've been neglecting this blog again. I need to go all the way back to a week and a half ago I believe...

Well, Friday after writing my last lovely blog, I wasn't planning to go out, but a group was heading to some place Matt knew, so I decided to go with them. It ended up being kind of a bust. It was the first time I wore heels in quite a while, and we walked for dozens and dozens of blocks, and we didn't even find anywhere good to go. At least I didn't get blisters this time around! ...kind of a disappointing night, but Matt made me soup when we got back, so that made up for his poor club-picking skills? (notice the question mark...haha)

I don't really remember a lot of the rest of the weekend. Monday I went out for pizza at St. John's in the West Village with my seminar group and then I went wandering the city with Ben. We did some people-watching at Grand Central Station, which is one of the best things to do for free in NY! The funniest people we saw were this bald guy with a Christmas-y sweater, a striped scarf, and lime-green pants with a really short guy who followed him around like a little puppy dog. I soo wish I had a picture of them, haha. After that, we went to South Street Seaport, an outdoor mall-like area by the water (the Hudson? I don't know...) with ships and such. I'd been there before during my interviews last May, but it was way different at night when everything was closed...very quiet and cool.

Nothing toooo exciting to report for Tuesday or Wednesday that I can remember now. Thursday was a Futurepoem book party for Ronaldo Wilson's book, "Poems of a Black Object." Everything went smoothly, and I even got to have my first NY taxi ride on the way to help set up for it. So exciting! It was exactly how I would have imagined it...very jerky, and a little smelly. Expensive too! Almost seven dollars for less than ten blocks...good thing I didn't need to pay for it! After the party, I went out with everyone for Thai food, which was mucho delicious. I was the only one in the group of about a dozen to finish all of my food, which they all noticed, of course. What can I say? I like to eat! I didn't get home until almost midnight, and I was completely exhausted, but it was a good night.

Saturday I worked, and again, the subways were messed up, and it took an hour and a half to get to Brooklyn. I accidentally stabbed myself with an aul (little pokey tool thing), and then I got caught in the rain on the way back to the house after taking another hour and a half to get home. Yes, the subways are definitely one of my least favorite things about the city! It was kind of a rough day, but I made up for it by sleeping in Sunday until mid-afternoon...a record-setting laziness! I was feeling a little suffocated from staying in the house, and since it was a beautiful day, I decided to just head south and see what I could see. I stumbled upon Magnolia Bakery walking through the village, so I "hit up Magnolia and macked on some cupcakes" (thank you to everyone who appreciates the "Lazy Sunday" SNL reference). I have now decided that few things in this world are better than coffee, double-chocolate cupcakes, and sunny fall days. Doesn't that just sound like a happy time? It was. All the little kids were running around in their Halloween costumes too. Not sure why they were dressed up a week early, but it was cute.

Magnolia Bakery

After that, I walked South along the water (once again...I'm not sure what water!) all the way to Battery Park. It was such an incredibly gorgeous day. I saw some guys with intense roller-blading skills weaving in and out of little paper cups too, which I know some of you in Michigan would appreciate!

Eventually, I took the train back uptown in time to meet Lisa, Fallon, and Bryce to go stand in line for the late show of Upright Citizens Brigade. It was even funnier than last time, and we didn't end up in stand-by so that was a plus because we got to go out for dinner in between getting tickets and seeing the show, and we actually got to sit in SEATS. No way! Apparently, last week, Kenneth from 30 Rock was in the show. I'm bummed that I missed it! Oh well!

Bryce, Lisa, and Fallon waiting in line for UCB

Monday, I was supposed to work until 5, but since my boss is in Spain, and it was a beeeautiful day, I gave myself the afternoon off (I'll work extra hours later in the week to make up for it) and headed to Central Park for a few hours. Great decision on my part--it was another gorgeous day! I found this sweet part of the park with a pond and lots of ducks. I read for a while in the sunshine and completely forgot I was even anywhere near the city. All the trees were turning colors too...it was soooo pretty. The only bad thing was that I had to go to the bathroom at one point and it took me about an hour to find one! But that ended up being good because the bathroom search took me to Strawberry Fields again and there was a guy singing John Lennon songs, so I chilled there for quite a while. What a wonderful and relaxing afternoon--it's so great to get out of the house when I can! Don't get me wrong...the 305 is a decent place to live, but hanging out here isn't my idea of fun when I can be elsewhere.

Central Park

Today I went to Amy's Bread for lunch, a Panera-like cafe that has a few places in the city. So nice of them to name it after me, isn't it? Kidding! Bad joke, I know... Anyway, I usually take my lunch to a nearby park, but since it was rainy, I stayed in to eat, and as I was eating yet another delicious double-chocolate cupcake (I can't resist them!!), a random guy struck up conversation with me, and we ended up talking for a while. I found out he does photography and film work, and he's worked closely with Conan O'Brien, David Letterman, Comedy Central, and other famous people/networks! He was telling me all about what it's like to work with comedians and whatnot because apparently that was his specialty for a while. Apparently he used to tell Conan and Letterman, "Ok now, do it again, but this time, don't hold back the funny stuff," and they'd get irritated/angry. Niiice. It's amazing the people you randomly meet in NY! He mentioned he may be able to help me get Letterman tickets too. Sweet! I'm not even a big fan of Letterman, but I certainly wouldn't give up the chance to see it!

After work I had planned to enter the Hair lottery, but I mixed up the street numbers and was too late for it. I ran into Kelly waiting to get standing-room tickets to God of Carnage though, so I went to that with her instead. I haven't been taking advantage of the cheap Broadway tickets I can get (usually around $25 for either standing room, student rush, or lottery depending on the show), so I definitely need to change that! God of Carnage was pretty good...I was more in the mood for a musical, so I wasn't necessarily feeling a play instead, but it was pretty funny. I'm not going to rave about it, but it was definitely solid. Anna and I are planning to go to Hair sometime soon, so watch out for a description of that if we get chosen in the lottery! I'm sure it'll be interesting! ;-)

Until next time...maybe Friday? We'll see...

Week #6 Back on schedule!

Even though I updated earlier this week, and I don't have TOO much to say, I figured I'd update again so I can get back to my Friday blogging schedule. Looking back, it's hard to even remember a lot of what I did this week, so these will probably be more general thoughts than "I did this, I did that."

One thing that happened this past week is that we started our next round of seminars. I'm taking a poetry seminar with Dean Kostos. The first one was last night and it went pretty well... it's geared mostly toward beginners, so it probably won't be Earth-shattering for me as a creative writing major, but there are always new things to learn and take away.

It seems I'm adjusting more and more to life in the city. Sure, I'm still far from being a native New Yorker, but I find myself going on auto-pilot when I take the subways, instead of constantly checking the maps and such. I don't get nervous walking around anymore, not even at night. I'm still cautious and aware, of course, but I'm never afraid. Now, maybe if I was lost in the Bronx at night, THEN I'd be nervous, but as long as I'm familiar with the area and know where I'm going, there's no need to be afraid, in my opinion. New York is a much safer place than people make it out to be. There are people around all the time, even in the dead of night, and most areas are pretty well lit. Don't bother anyone, and they generally won't bother you.

Summer is officially over it seems. I've been busting out the scarves, boots, and winter coats this week. So far I don't mind the cold, especially since it hasn't dropped too much below 50 yet, but I'm not necessarily looking forward to the REAL cold. I like being able to hold my coffee as I walk without my fingers becoming icicles. I'm going to need to invest in some decent gloves, that's for sure.

Life in general has been really good lately. There is always some uncertainty, and minor things don't go as well as they should sometimes, but lately everything seems to be falling into place. I'm liking it. I'm taking life as it comes, and it's nice. I do need to start figuring out the near future though. I'm applying for internships in Michigan for the spring semester, and I'm also applying to a program called City Year for next year. Look at me--making decisions about my future! I know you're all so proud considering how indecisive I am ;-)

Anyway, City Year is a 10-month Americorps program working with kids in at-risk areas of cities all over the US. Participants of City Year specifically work with kids on literacy (kind of my thing...yes?) and after-school programs including fine-arts groups and newspaper clubs (once again...kind of my thing!) I wouldn't get paid a salary, but I would get a stipend for living expenses and money to help pay off my college loans, so it's a pretty good deal. I really hope I'm accepted because it sounds like such an awesome program and it would give me another year to figure out the grad school vs. job decision I'll need to make. City Year is in several cities all over the U.S. but I'm applying to City Year New York, because if you haven't noticed, I'm kind of fond of this crazy, crazy town.

That's all for now because it is very late, and I need to work in the morning. Sorry about the lack of pictures...next week should be more exciting?

Week #5 (plus some): I now hate the words "stand by"

I slacked a bit this week on my blog-posting, but better late than never, right?

I have about a week and a half to talk about, so here goes! Last Saturday was press day #3 at UDP. I spent most of the time sewing together chapbooks (small books of poetry). At one point, one of the other interns and I decided to grab some lunch, and halfway to the café it started POURING. Getting caught in the rain is starting to become a trend, but fortunately a very nice lady stopped her car and handed us her daughter’s tiny Snow White umbrella for us to use. A perfect example that New Yorkers CAN be generous and kind. It is possible.

Saturday night I went with some NYAPers to an Asian club that Matt got us into for free (because apparently he has connections). We were definitely in the minority (besides Matt), but it was still pretty fun. And the club had bathroom attendants–you know, the people who squirt soap for you and hand you paper towels? It seems like a pretty unnecessary job to me…but I suppose it’s nice for the germaphobes of the world.

Sunday about a dozen of us went to Central Park for a picnic. We each brought something—peanut butter, jelly, crackers, cheese, fruit etc. Then, we put it in the middle of our blanket square and chowed down! Mmmmm….

They were having “Ecofest” in the park, and this guy came over dressed in a giant inflated ball-shaped costume. When we asked the people who were walking with him why he was dressed that way, they responded, “It’s for climate change!” Wait, it’s FOR climate change? I wasn’t aware that anyone was FOR climate change. I think they meant that it’s to raise awareness about climate change. I sure hope so anyway! Nevertheless we all gathered ‘round and took a group picture:

Monday was my free afternoon, so I trekked over to E 45th St to find this new place that just opened called Kolache Mama! For those of you who don’t know, Kolaches are a type of Czech pastry. My grandma used to make them all the time when I was younger, so I was pretty excited when I found out about this place. I had two—tomato mozzarella basil and baked apple. The baked apple was definitely my favorite. Here’s a picture of the ultimate deliciousness:

I also discovered another new love in the city. Trader Joes!!!!!! Trader Joes is a grocery store that has the best prices I’ve seen yet. All the food is organic, and the selection is great! I got a basket full of food for only $17. The lines wrap around the store, and it’s a subway ride away, but it’s so very worth it. I then made some delicious banana pancakes with my newly bought groceries. And yes, I did pretend it was the weekend while I was doing so. Thank you to all of you who get that reference ;-)

There’s not much to say about Tuesday. A bird pooped on me while I was eating lunch in Washington Square Park. I was not ok with that. Oh, I also went to a free dance concert in Bryant Park that day after work. It was part of their “fall festival” where they have free concerts of all kinds every weekday for two weeks. Unfortunately, it ended today, but I’m so glad I got to see that dance concert—it was amazing, and best of all, FREE.

Wednesday was the windiest day I think I have ever experienced. On my way to work in Brooklyn, the lid from a grill flew off of a balcony and landed literally a few feet in front of me. When pieces of metal are flying, you know it’s windy! After work, I grabbed some dinner, and I was planning to eat it outside before checking out a museum, but I could hardly even stand outside with the wind, let alone eat, so I sought refuge in the Staten Island ferry building. While I ate my sandwich, a woman played the Simpsons theme song on a saw. Talk about some dinner-time entertainment…only in New York, right? She also played Edelweiss from the Sound of Music. Well, at least she’s musically versatile!

After wandering around in the wind for a while because Hopstop yet again gave me terrible directions, I found the museum I wanted to check out – NYC’s Jewish heritage/Holocaust memorial museum. No, I’m not Jewish and no, I don’t have Jewish heritage, but I’ve always

been oddly interested in the holocaust and WWII in general, and it was “pay what you can” night, so I figured I’d take a look. Wednesday night was the usual ice cream run to Baskin Robbins, always a highlight of the week!

Thursday I finally finished inventory at Granary. Woo! I also got some time to sit and talk with my boss about how he ended up in NY and life in NY in general—I’m always fascinated by how people end up here, especially people from the mid-west (he’s from Iowa).

When I got back to our housing after work, I had to wait outside for about 5-10 minutes because there were people shooting a scene for an independent film in our front “yard” (we have a small gated area). Hey, maybe the NYAP building will be famous one day! Ha, doubt it because the film didn’t look very good from what I saw, but I’ll keep my opinions to myself.

Friday I went with a guy, Ben, to try to get stand-by tickets to Saturday Night Live. We got there about 1:30 or 2am and waited in line allllll night. There were some interesting people there, for sure. Some were really intense about it and brought air mattresses and everything. Apparently, in the winter, people bring tents and turn it into a sort of urban camping trip. At 7am, they gave us a free breakfast and our tickets—numbers 48 and 49. Stand-by tickets don’t guarantee admission, but we were hoping we were high enough on the list that we’d get in. There were probably about 100 people behind us… so we showed up at 10:45 for the show. After they took the first 30 people up to the studio, they took the next 30 (including us), and had us go through the metal detectors and line up outside the elevators. We then waited in anticipation for the “signal” if we were going to get to go up or not. It was all very official. They took a handful of people in front of us, and then about five minutes before the show, we got the announcement: “Sorry, we’re full, thanks for coming! Try again later!” It was horribly depressing after ALL that waiting to be turned away. Not a good night to say the least.

I had to wait in line AGAIN last night for the free improv show of Upright Citizens Brigade (a comedy club, more or less). We waited for about an hour, and then we were put toward the beginning of the stand-by line, which meant we had to wait another hour to get in, but hey, at least I got in this time! The show was very funny, and I’m sure I’ll be back again sometime this semester.

And that's all I have for now. To end, here's a picture of the Statue of Liberty taken from Battery Park on that horribly crazy windy day!

Week #4: I'm gonna live forever.

Another week in the city, and my immune system has finally decided to go on strike. My sinuses and throat have been protesting the fact that I’ve been spending too much time riding germ-infested subways and not getting enough sleep. I took the day off Thursday and I’ve been trying to get some extra sleep, so I’m hoping to feel better soon.

Ok, I guess I’ll start where I left off. Saturday night, like I mentioned before, I went to see the opening showings of Brief Interviews with Hideous Men, which was only opening at the IFC in New York last weekend (now everywhere!). Like I said, John Krasinski was there to introduce the movie, which he directed and stars in. It was bizarre (but extremely cool) to see him in person! I would have taken a picture, but about half the theatre had the same idea. Camera flashes were going off the whole time he was talking, and I thought about how annoying that would be if I was trying to speak in front of a crowd, so I didn’t take one. Sorry. You’ll just have to take my word for it that he was there.

The movie itself was EXCELLENT. I had my doubts, but it was definitely one of the best movies I’ve seen in a while. GO SEE IT. If you don’t like indie movies, you might not like it, but if you keep an open mind, I think you can take a lot away from it.

Story of the week: I got recruited to work at Hollister on my way to lunch one day (I was nowhere near Hollister, I should add). I still don't understand why, but it makes for a funny story. It's too long of a story to write here, but I'll give details to anyone who wants to hear! By the way, the Hollister here is on STEROIDS. You can smell the perfume from almost a block away. I swear, they must be pumping it outside the building...

Early in the week I went back to the first place I ever ate in NYC almost five years ago--the Hungarian Pastry Shop on the upper west side, near Columbia. It’s hard to find a spot to sit there, but once you do, you can stay as long as you like and get free refills on coffee, so I spent a couple hours there reading and doing research. On my way back, I walked through Bryant Park and ended up getting stuck in the pouring rain without an umbrella. I huddled under one of their giant park umbrellas with about ten other people until the rain slowed down enough that I could make a run for the subway. That night, a bunch of us went to see Fame, which made me laugh a lot, even though it wasn’t supposed to be funny most of the time. In other words…it was a pretty bad movie.

most of us who went to see Fame...doing Fame poses?

I don’t remember much about Tuesday except for it involved more heavy lifting at my internship, and on the way back from our seminar, we walked over the Brooklyn bridge at night. It was the most beautiful view of the city I have ever seen! Unfortunately, I didn’t have my camera. I REALLY wish I did, but at least I can replay it in my mind.

Wednesday and Thursday are a bit foggy, probably because I haven’t been feeling too well. Today at work, I had to pick up the biggest pile of manuscripts yet from the Post Office. Usually the workers there are extremely grumpy, but there was a nice guy working today, and Mr. Nice Postal Worker actually offered and helped me carry my overflowing shopping cart full of mail down the stairs of the giant post office on 8th Ave. It was much appreciated!!

This week was lacking in pictures. Sorry about that. I’ll try to do better next time!