Brought To You By The Black Swan

Today is "Halloween" and I say that skeptically with the quotation marks because I can't notice the difference. Monday's are my busiest days so welcome to working in a small office and then having a three hour class afterwards. I would totally be down to ditch too but I have to present today ughhhh.

So my Halloween was celebrated on Saturday night, in the FREEZING SLEET AND SLUSH!! Seriously, the weather was miserable. I left and brought all my stuff to Betsy's to get ready. My train got stuck in the tunnel for an hour and a half and then I only made it Columbus Circle and I was dunnnnnzo with that so I took a cab the rest of the way. Got ready with Betsy and Ronnie (who tried to scare me coming off of the elevator but I heard him pummeling down the hallway long before that so was not scared!

Two notes to self: 1. Don't try to do make-up after being stuck on the subway for an hour and a half when you're deathly irritated. 2. Maybe practice elaborate stage make-up before execution. I turned out like a train wreck of a swan but I couldn't really care!! We hung out at Betsy's for awhile, drinking, dancing, and taking pictures


Ronnie snuck up behind me in this one but it looked good so I kept it!


He insisted I walk him like a dog and I DON'T KNOW WHY


The pirate gypsy and her talking parrot!!


The accidental no-flash picture proved for some good images!


This was Ronnie's prop he wanted to hold as though it were an arm. Only him.

Because of the nasty weather we didn't want to venture too far so we went to a bar near Betsy's place... and it was fun!! The music was fabulous and there were lots of people so we didn't feel the need to leave.


The bad lighting helped hide my awful make-up problems!

When the night was done I wasn't about to wait another how many hours for the subway so took a cab without a question! It was a fun night.

On Sunday I met up with a friend to watch some Sunday football games and was met with some culture shock. Said friend owns a place in a co-op building which basically means these are long-term tenants and people who LIVE here, unlike my nomadic friends and I going from sublet and one-year leases to sublet and another one-year lease, which also meant that there were families and children.

Kids trick-or-treat in New York City, but they don't go door-to-door (how can you with the apartments the way they are with the front doors locked and walking up 7 flights of stairs, etc?) so on Halloween they trick-or-treat at stores, and/or buildings organize Halloween events, or when they will let the kids go door-to-door for those who want to participate. At this time the basement was transformed into a huge party for the kids running around in their costumes and playing games, etc. I wished I was young enough to join in. It's just crazy the way there are communities in these buildings the way we have communities on our blocks in Riverside!

I drank out of my Chargers mug on Sunday morning to give them good luck, even though we were watching the Denver Broncos game... and I found out the Chargers weren't even playing yesterday, they're playing today (lololololol) oops. And tonight I have a presentation to go do in my language documentation class on the noun phrases in Wakhi and the distribution of qualitative, quantitative, interrogational and demonstrative adjectives. Just what I always wished I could spend my Halloween's doing!

October Snow

Well, mark it down in your calendars: "2011-- WTF?!" Following an earthquake and a "hurricane", New York City gets a full snowstorm... in October! I know it's only my second winter so what the hell do I know? BUT not even a week ago I still didn't even need to pull out my long coats AND I remember when I moved to New York I was talking to my boss, who was a born and bred Manhattanite who told me two things that have now been disproven: 1. He had never had a snow day from work because the trains are all underground and operable (the Snowpocalypse of last year gave us two snow days, one of which perfectly coincided with Kathleen's visit) and 2. The snow doesn't really come until December, if at all. Once it snowed around Thanksgiving and he remembered thinking it was a little unusual and early. So this snow is October is officially WTF?! status.


(Photo copyright my roomie AlexCaesar Media) (Additional sidenote: the snow has since been sticking and the cars and trees all have white powder on them)

Next: Last night after my ASL group I met up with old volleyball cohorts at a bar in the Upper West Side. It a bar-heavy area and fun and normal and we're all around our table doing or talking about whatever it is we were doing or talking about. A barstool clatters loudly and heavily to the ground and we all turn to look. It's a barfight! You think you're going to watch for 2 seconds as the bouncers pull them out, right? Um NO! These bouncers were completely incompetent and twenty minutes later this fight is STILL brawling. It's moved to our corner, the guys are completely reckless, there is blood, and they're rolling over each other to our corner! I get pressed against the wall and they are pinning me there. One of the girls there grabs my arm and pulls me forcefully away and these punks continue to wrestle and turn the tables, break glasses, and where are the bouncers this whole time I don't even know!! The bartenders had to start getting involved and even that wasn't effective, and I thought there were some cops there but it was just someone's Halloween costume (lolololol). EVENTUALLY it was done and the real police were there and alls well that ends well cause we got lots of free rounds after that on the house (the LEAST they could do considering their budget CLEARLY didn't go to their bouncers!) But it made for a good story amirite?! Oh and congrats St Louis Cardinals... I didn't want Texas to win.

The snow continues to fall, the trees and cars are becoming more white, my fire escape stairs are starting to ice and I'm putting off reading and homework and wondering how the hell I am supposed to go out in this weather tonight! The Black Swan is not ready for this...

More Windy City ♥

What could be better than more pictures from our weekend in Chicago that will just live on and on and on??

























Lately, I've been stuck on a Rihanna song. I actually do not like Rihanna at all, she rubs me wrong, and I don't make a secret of it. My last workplace had a running poll of who would win in a fight between us. I still maintain I could take her down. Still! I like her latest song...



We found love in a hopeless place

The Midwest Beantown

Yes, we know Bean Town is Boston, but some people couldn't stop referring to Beantown to talk about Chicago with that huge bean in Millennium Park.

I had an unbelievable time in Chicago, just as I knew I would! It was great to be back with everyone, feeling like I never left San Diego.

As Priya said: "These are the defining moments."









































My love knows no bounds with these friends. Til next time, bushy tails...!

I'm In A Glass Case of Emotion

I can't really focus on anything except the fact that I get to see all the long lost loves of my life from San Diego in Chicago this weekend, and my plane hasn't taken off and I am already sad about leaving them again. The hardest part about being in New York is not being in California near Pam, Priya, Palak, Rafael, Sri, Doug... it's an ongoing battle.

My Monday night language documentation class, which is a three hour stretch following eight hours of straight up work, is really starting to wear on me. However, once I survive that, the rest of the week feels pretty downhill after. I am still getting used to having my new pets, how adorable are they here??

Frankie is the one on the top level with white, and Winnie Cooper is that devilish one on the bottom that's all gray. They are so cute, they make me happy, calm me down when I'm stressed, and they'll get me through this week until Chicago!

I Just Came To Say HELLO

Nothing is more devastating than having to miss out on the well-planned and momentous occasion of Uncle Carl's birthday party that most all the family attended. BUT... if I had to miss it, then it was good that I too had a fabulous weekend so that I didn't have to spend it sad and lonely and thinking about what I was missing out on like a Little Orphan Kiki.

After Friday night's ASLfest, Saturday was sleeping in, coffee, cleaning, and the Wonder Years, topped with a crowning night out. Anywhere you live can become monotonous, even New York City, if you only have one boring routine of work. NYC has a neverending slew of opportunities to mix it up and go out, which is why I love love love going out and about on the weekends or any free weeknight. I got to dress up pretty, curl my hairs (not a typo: think My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Nikki, why you no come to curl my hairs? BE a lady!), wear nylons and a top my peacoat off with a scarf. I hustled down to Union Square and had to run across the park to E 17th St, found my way to the bar where my good sir was waiting, and we preluded our Thai food with drinks, enjoyed the Thai food with Singha beers, and concluded our Thai food with drinks from a nearby Steelers bar that I was pretty fancy for, but what difference does it make when you're in a bar with good music and a beer and good company?

Sunday was downtown to SoHo for some shopping. Nothing major (mainly since I can't afford it... lolololol) but just some pre-emptive wintertime looking. And then it was time to pick up my rat babies! Oh, that's right, got in contact with a really cool actress who needed to get rid of her daughter's rats because of their allergies and adopted them and all their stuff. The best part was my rented Zipcar. It doesn't get old anymore to get behind the wheel, it is so invigorating, and turns out all that LA driving really comes in handy in NYC. Why was yesterday the WORST day to drive ever? I never experienced so much traffic and CRAZY driving (I blame it on the Lincoln Tunnel), I was mildly terrified, but for the record, I handled it LIKE A BOSS. I even stuck my head out and slapped a taxi cab and yelled at him to back off already. It worked! The soundsystems in the cars are great too, so I had my music up way too loud the bass going, and my recent obsession has been Outkast, so I bring you the below, with love.



The place was out in Jersey City, south of Hoboken and Weehawken, and the view of Manhattan was absolutely breathtaking. I almost don't even want to show this picture because it really does NOT justify the scenery, but this was quickly taken at a stoplight.



My two new babies are so precious!! I introduce you to the sweet, cute, and loveable Frankie and Winnie Cooper.



Winnie Cooper was supposed to be the more docile one, but this morning when I gave them each a cherry tomato, she took hers down to the little house, then she came running back up and snatched Frankie's from her hands! I couldn't help but lololololol a little bit.

Today is a beautiful and clear Monday morning and my Excel spreadsheet is a-callin'! (Or is that Outkast asking for a replay? Yes... it's Outkast). I'm sorry Ms Jackson.

My Hands Can Sing

The most unpredictable nights can really be the best. When my Friday night plans had to be canceled, I thought that I was just going to stay in and watch The Godfather or something, but it was the last thing I felt like doing. Having had to miss my ASL class on Thursday because of the alumni event and still feeling sorry about it, I remembered an ASL conversation group I had read about that met up on Friday nights in Union Square, and figured it couldn't be worse than staying in.

I was absolutely right... I loved it!! It was a really nice and open group of people, both hearing and deaf, with varying degrees of ASL abilities. I was nervous at first and felt really frustrated and stifled at first, having a lot to say and not remembering how to say it, my hands not moving the way I wanted them to, but there was nothing to do but try. Everyone was patient and helpful, and of course when in doubt, you can always fingerspell. I became so completely engaged, and I remembered and learned more in those two hours than my whole semester in class so far. By the end of our time there, my hands were moving in and out of stories and opinions almost fluidly, and by the end I was even helping to translate for lower level speakers. I felt how freely my hands were moving at the end, especially in contrast from the start of the night, and it was so beautiful and such a rush and I forgot what it felt like to be able to communicate and express yourself with your hands, it's so freeing in such a new way.


(This is the sign for coffee, a frequently used sign in my life. Careful you only move your top hand or else it's "making out", or as the deaf community still call it: "necking" lolololol)

When I left, it was hard to keep my hands and face still. ASL is a completely visual language, and just like your body language and vocal intonation assists your speech, your facial expressions are critical in conversation and they are overemphasized and exaggerated, and it was kinda hard to stop that and keep my face neutral for the rest of the night. You are also always mouthing what you are saying, and after I left, everytime I started talking my hands were itching to sign along, and my brain was still formulating the signs in my head. Signing never got old to me, and I was sad to stop for the night. I didn't feel like going home afterward, and I ended up at good Ol' Faithful Triple Crown with some straggler IT employees from my old work, and I kept my drink in my hand so I didn't accidentally start signing and look like a pretentious biyatch.

Black Tie Optional

Now that I'm in the Office of Alumni Relations, my work is a bit different and (dare I say it?) more engaging and fun. I had to help work a networking event downtown for Energy-Sector alumni. I have no idea what the dress code was and if the black tie was optional, but it was clearly business formal. I own no suits whatsoever but somehow managed to pull together some combination of a dark, fitted dress, stockings, heels and a blazer to be passable.

After work, my boss and I got in a cab for a miserable traffic-laden, stop-and-go ride to Midtown East during rush hour to the Scandinavia House to assist with the program.

It was dark and misty-rainy, which is why this picture from the Internet works loads better. Everything was already set up, so I went straight for the bar (old habits die hard) for a dry white wine, and loaded up a plate of sushi, sesame chicken, mango chicken shishkabob, cheese, and tons and tons of vine-stuffed grapeleaves. (THOSE. ARE. MY. FAVORITE!) I had to work the check-in table which turned out to be a win-win scenario, because I didn't have to awkwardly talk to these suited alums and students... and the bartenders frequently made rounds to us for refills, so no need to wait in line.

The two and a half hours went by pretty fast, and though I was authorized a work-sponsored cab home, I didn't feel like going home, so i walked around midtown pleasantly. Came to this nice little well-known place that I thought looked lovely in the rain

And after awhile I hailed a cab for my luxurious ride straight to home's door.

#OCCUPY SESAME STREET

That title is supposed to diffuse the tension with the subject, because I don't like to talk politics, but believe me I have my opinions. And I think the corporate greed in this country is undeniable. Hence, I really do think that I am going to close my bank account with Wells Fargo and open a new account with a credit union! It's something I've been wanting to do for awhile anyway.

I have a new endearing love for Cookie Monster ♥

Today, the weather is perfect.

This Changes Everything

The course of my life was altered dramatically last night. And you're probably thinking, oh you poor girl with your iBook and your MacBook and your iPhone, and your AppleTV, you must be so sad about Steve Jobs. Well, as devastating as that was, it was overshadowed (so sorry Stevie!) by learning that THE WONDER YEARS ARE NOW ON NETFLIX. And not just on Netflix, but on instant streaming too!!!! I was mad about their price increase and thought about joining the march out as well, but man they just won me over again with that.



I have been waiting a whole DECADE for these things to come out! I'm not even exaggerating! Ever since my Mormon friend went away on his 2-year mission and entrusted me with some of his greatest possessions, which included his VHS tapes of the Wonder Years (recorded off the TV and including commercials), I became obsessed and wanted to own these things as well. Then the rumor had it that it was taking so long because of the music licensing, and then saying it wouldn't happen at all because of the music licensing, blah blah blah... all just to walk in my door last night, hear the news of Steve Jobs, sit down to mourn him, see The Wonder Years being available and screaming with elation so that my roommate ran out of his room to see what happened. (Be forewarned that they apparently couldn't get the rights to the opening song and have a new, pathetic version opening it up). iSad.

BUT, it still is tragic about Steve Jobs, and I read this article on CNN I wanted to share because in all honesty, there's a lot to learn from a man who took a lot of hits and really came out on top of the top. This speech of his is quite moving and worth the read

Is it really only Thursday? Someone tell me a joke.

The Blueprint for Your B Films

All day I've been suffering from what I can only assume was a lack-of-caffeine induced fatigue. The last office could have opened up it's own tea shop with all the varieties and tea supplements they had, so when I came HERE and walked into the breakroom and saw not only a traditional coffeemaker, but then TWO specialty coffeemakers, I thought that this was where coffeedrinkers died and came to heaven, and waited to see their elusive caffeine-happy souls emerge from the mousetraps. (See previous post). So I didn't expect the decaf coffee on hand to matter. After all, I don't care about the caffeine, I just love the rich warm taste in the mornings and sipping it through the day. But my sad drowsiness was NOT wearing off. I was falling asleep and felt like I wasn't able to really pay attention to anything, and then the headache came on.

And... THAT'S how I found myself spending my lunch break in Starbucks over the luscious pages of Henry James' The Portrait of a Lady. And now? Now doing a little work in my little cubicle with the sounds of Elton John in the background.



Don't you just love Elton John?



Keep your auditions for somebody who hasn't got so much to lose.

I think my favorite song of his (at least right now) is Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. And I especially loved him in Spice World... the height of his career, right? Lololololol



Oh and here's a good LOL for anyone and everyone acquainted with Kathleen. We love the Office (duh) and there's a great episode where Andy is annoying Jim and sings "A-A-A-Andy and the TUNA" to the tune of Bennie and the Jets, and we both laugh over it.



Then, one winter night when Kathleen was in New York and we were out somewhere, Bennie and the Jets is playing on the radio and Kathleen perks up and says "This sounds just like when Andy is singing Andy and the Tuna!" and I just got blue in the face from all my laughing. Poor Kathleen didn't appreciate that so much but I still giggle over it. That sad little kitten soul didn't know it was a reference to the Elton John song and I'm sure a part of her thought it was a new top 40 song modeled after the Office episode.

I should start my own Finer Things Club at work. It will be one of those things I will do to make friends but instead not make any at all, like Trivia Night. Lololol.

It's October 3rd

I think this day has had significance since 2004 when I first saw Mean Girls. Not an October 3rd goes by that we aren't asking each other what day it is. It's like a little holiday for us all



What a weekend! Dinner and houseband bar on Friday, Oktoberfest and Long Island on Saturday, and the ultimate recovery on Sunday.

Oktoberfest in Alphabet City!




Mmmmmmmmassapequa! Sounds like such a magical place...


Today I started my new rotation in the Alumni Affairs. So far, it's a great change of pace. More settled and more space, closer to the action, and I love the little street we're on and we're right down the street from a FIREHOUSE yay! I really like the work too, I think. We're a part of External Relations, so a lot of the people in here are responsible for organizing things like the World Leaders Forum, Global Mayor Panel, and in short deal with and meet very prominent people in the international world. It's pretty exciting.

Here's what I'm lol'ing about today: I notice in my cubicle that there's a mousetrap in the corner. I've never really been exposed to them or seen them but it's like, eh, probably a precaution. Then some facilities worker comes in while I am making coffee in the back and he needs to get by me to check another mousetrap. "Have you seen any of them running through here?" That was his question to me. I mean, thank God I haven't but lordy lordy that'll be fabulous when I do. I don't mind mice, though I prefer rats. But ones that aren't supposed to be here and might give me diseases give me the heebie jeebies! Stay classy, New York City.