Thursday, December 30, 2010

Monday, December 27, 2010

Winter Wonderland

12/28/2010

I love the Wintered-Wasatch Mountains





My niece stole my phone





White (day-after) Christmas

12/26/2010

Up to the cabin we went, after a year-and-a-half away for me. I was happy to see the snow (measured at two feet). And the freezer the parents used.



Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas!

12/25/2010

Home for the Holidays

3:50 am was when the shuttle was suppose to pick me up and take me to the airport. At 3:55 I was starting to get nervous. The shuttles are generally early. A few minutes later I called the shuttle service and asked where the van was. As I was calling, however, I noticed something odd on the registration paper. Date reserved: 12/23/2010. That's interesting, that was the same date for the movie I watched last night.

Last night on the 23rd of December.

Oops. I reserved the shuttle for the wrong day.

But, why did the shuttle service not call me the day before? Maybe I can still get a reimbursement...

Legion

12/23/2010

I decided to watch the movie Legion while I packed. I found it interesting/ironic that the date at the beginning of the film was December 23rd.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Good riddance.

12/22/2010

I turned in all the books I checked out of the library.

That was my closure.

And, when grades are posted. That will probably happen in a week or something.

That will be my real closure.

Hopefully.

Light

12/21/2010

Apparently there was an eclipse last night. And, it was the longest day of the year. I find it not-so-ironic as it happened the day after my final.

The light has begun to show again.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Brittany: Congratulations!

You did it! You successfully made it through another semester of Grad school at NYU. What a huge sense of accomplishment and I hope you truly can feel that. Job WELL DONE!

What are you going to do now with your spare time? Start a blog perhaps??

It is officially winter.

12/19/2010

I finally covered my air conditioner so the cold air wouldn't seep into my apartment.

The light is so close...

12/18/2010

Literally. I didn't think my light fixture was that close to my head when I sat up.

Either way, I now know.

And, my papers are almost done...

A nightmare for real this time.

12/17/2010

I dreamt that I sent Brittany the wrong paper. She was minutes away from returning it to me when I came to this realization. I swore profusely in my head. The only way to console myself was to think that she was going to have to look at the one I sent anyway. But still, I sent her the wrong paper.

I was much relieved when I woke up to the correct paper in my inbox, edited and everything.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

My worst nightmare

Netflix does this thing where they will have certain films streamable until a certain date. If I see it is going to be taken off I try to watch it if I have any type of interest in the film.

I noticed that Paris 36 was going to be taken off soon so I decided to watch a bit last night. I didn't have time to watch all of it so I figured I could watch the rest today.

I went on to finish watching it and it was gone. Already taken off. I guess I should have paid more attention to the date that was displayed.

To not finish a movie--that's my worst nightmare.

Letters to Santa

12/15/2010

The Post Office has a program where letters addressed to Santa are responded to by Santa's and the Post Office helpers. Anybody can participate. The Post Office has a very well organized system of distributing letters for responses.

I got to respond to Maribel. Maribel has down syndrome. She told Santa that she is a very good girl. She has a niece that she loves to play with and help take care of.

http://www.usps.com/communications/news/press/2005/pr05_104.htm

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Continuing with odd sleeping habits...

Yesterday's post was on me sleeping in. Today's post is that I couldn't sleep last night. I didn't fall asleep until 5:30 am. I woke up at 8:30 am. 3 hours. I usually don't have this much trouble sleeping.

I blame finals.

Seriously. I am really blaming finals.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Naturally...

I didn't get much done last night. At least, not as much as I would have hoped. I was busy doing... well, stuff that really wasn't important and had nothing to do with school. So, I decided to wake up early and work on stuff.

And, yet, my alarm didn't go off. At all. Which meant I slept longer than I wanted.

I guess it was good that I at least got to work on time.

We are twins afterall...

12/12/2010

We shared the womb. We shared toys. We shared clothes. And we shared boys.

K, not really. We never went so far as to share boys. It just rhymed with toys and I was caught up in the moment…

But, we have shared a lot. And still do. I like to share my papers with Brittany. And she likes (?) to share her thoughts on my papers with me.

But, emailing has become a nuisance when it comes to her writing… I mean, editing my papers. So many drafts to keep track of, who wrote what, etc. We had to find a better way.

And, the better way, came through Dropbox. If you haven’t heard of it then, well, you have now. It is essentially an online database that works like a folder on your computer. It can store stuff, back up docs, etc. And, you can allow people access to it. Brittany and I have created such a folder so that I can “share” my papers with her.

And yet, we have realized that we can do much more than just “share” my papers. We can “share” music and other media too. I mean, we do it anyway. It is just that I would have to wait to see her to take her music or other media, having her computer literally in front of me. Now, all we have to do is put the file in our shared folder, let it upload, and the other can access it at will.

As we were discovering this, though, we realized something important. With advances in technology we can share at the click of a button. No need to be physically near the person. I was reminded of this when Brittany texted me (irony? Yes because we were texting while figuring out Dropbox. Not even skyping or talking on the phone. We were texting):

You realize now that we never have to see each other again?

I was only going to go visit her in Alaska to get her music anyway.

Papers are almost due

12/11/2010

Which means I was at the library.

All day.

Working.

Friday, December 10, 2010

It's like looking for a needle in a haystack

All I want is a 2 Liter bottle of Fresca. I can easily find cans or small 20 oz bottles. But no 2 Liter bottles.

Do New Yorkers just not believe in Fresca?

I don't know what got into me.

12/9/2010

Thanks, in part, to being busy with school, my gym going has not been given a huge priority the past month or so. So, I was pretty shocked when I had a sudden urge to go to the gym.

So I did.

My body was pretty confused though.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Another day at the Office.

We generally get several calls throughout the day that aren't for our office, especially as another company use to have our number so we get a lot of calls for them. So, this guy calls our office looking for "Alex." I said that we don't have anyone who works here by that name and he asked for another guy. I said he doesn't work here either. He then asked if it was 212-695-XXXX. I said it wasn't, that our number is 212-675-... and not 212-695-.... Before I could say anything else he had hung up.

A few seconds later I notice a call again, coming in on our second line. I realized that the number he dialed was actually our second line phone number. I didn't want to answer but after a few rings I did.

He asked for Alex. I said that Alex didn't work here and that I had just spoken with him. He then proceeded to yell into the phone that he dialed the right number and that I had better do my job and get Alex on the phone.

After a few moments of his ranting and calming down I explained that what probably happened is that that number is forwarded to our number and so whoever he is trying to reach is no longer associated with the number he was trying to call. I assured him that he will have to try to contact Alex by some other means.

His response: You just got extremely professional. I find your professionalism very attractive.

I hung up.

Last Day of Class

12/7/2010

It snuck up on me. I remembered when our professor brought donuts and cookies for the class.

And that we had to fill out teacher evaluations.

Monday, December 6, 2010

A Bonus Post

Charlye, you light up my life.

Remember that one time a Grinch stole my light bulb? And, then, you found me one as a replacement?

Charlye, you really do light up my life.

Monday.

As I started walking to work I realized little white fluffy things blowing in the wind.

Snow.

And, I thought I would only be grumpy today due to it being Monday.

It's all subjective.

12/5/2010

My view:

While walking to church with a friend, the said friend happened to trip over a blind man. I laughed.

Her view:

While walking my friend, Ashley (beautiful, fun, ambitious, everything I want to be), to church, a blind man ran into me. I screamed.

The saying goes

12/4/2010

I admit, I'm not great with sayings. But, once they are explained then I'm pretty good with understanding it from then on.

For example, several months ago a friend said, "It's like the pot calling the kettle black." I had never heard that before. Upon explanation, it made sense.

BUT...

That doesn't mean I don't get a hard time about it.

There is a new commercial that always runs on Hulu about the "bird in your hand is better than two hidden in the bush." Well, it is something like that.

I asked my friend to explain it to me. This was her response:

It's a saying. A saying is something that represents something...

I had to explain to her that I know what a saying is. Just not the meaning of this particular saying.

And I still don't quite understand it...

Perfect Timing

12/3/2010

About two hours before I was going to have to leave work, due to previous plans made, my boss gave me two huge projects to work on. And, I mean huge. Plus all the little things I needed to get done before the end of the work day...

Thursday, December 2, 2010

You know it is finals when...

You get on Hulu to watch your show from the night before and you are relieved to see that it is a rerun.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

It's the first...

Which means I get my 40 hours back on Pandora.

This months theme: Christmas music.

I'm hoping my hours will last me until the 18th...

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

What I did on my morning off.

I don't have class until 12:30 pm on Tuesdays. And, since I wasn't able to have Internet while away for Thanksgiving, I needed to update my blogs. So that is what I did.

And now I am blogging about blogging.

I think I could argue that there is a bit of postmodernism in this post...

Either way, I am officially caught up on my blog posts.

At least until tomorrow comes around.

Free printers are the best

11/29/2010

Several weeks ago I posted that I did not have a printer. A beloved relative read the post and the said beloved relative was able to hunt down a used printer for me.

For free.

If you are in the market for free stuff, go to freecycle.net.

Leftovers, Round 2

11/28/2010

When having so much leftover from Thanksgiving, the options are endless. Everyone can have something completely different.



Plates include: a plate of salad, a plate of pasta, and a plate of potatoes, turkey, and other Thanksgiving delights. Can you guess who's plate is who's?

It's officially Christmas time!

11/27/2010

Best part of Thanksgiving:

11/26/2010

Leftovers!

Remember the turkey in the picture from Thanksgiving? An 18 pound turkey was plenty for five people. And an additional five the next day. And the next day. And the day after that...

Happy Thanksgiving!

11/25/2010

I walk by Macy's on my way to work. Here were the preparations from the day before Thanksgiving, getting ready for the parade.


Macy's Window Display


Crazy crowd of people waiting to see the balloons be inflated on Thanksgiving Eve.

Thanksgiving meal, at last.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

After a year and a half...

11/24/2010

Our department has been talking about getting vending machines on our floor since before I started school at NYU. A few weeks ago they had all the students fill out a survey about what kind of vending machine (if at all) we would want as students: food or beverages.

Good news: we now have both. Sixth floor on the Southwest side of the building.

Did I miss the storm?

I was walking to class this morning and came across a whole bunch of snow patches on the ground. It has been in the 60s the past few days. Did I miss something?

Premiere after party

9/22/2010

I've been to two premiere after parties in my life. The first was when I was a sophomore in college. I got extra credit to help set up for the premiere of a film. There was suppose to be enough time after for everyone to get home and change. Only problem was that it took longer to set up than anticipated. Everyone brought their stuff just in case to change into. Except me. Oh, 'cause I wasn't actually invited to the after party but I ended up having to go because my ride was required to go. Needless to say, it was awkward on so many levels. But, I got an A in the class.

The second was a much better experience. Thanks to my friend (shout-out to Derek) who runs the light board for a show, I got to see "The Break of Noon" with David Duchovny and Amanda Peet tonight AND go to the after party following the premiere.

This experience was much better. If, anything, 'cause I was dressed more appropriately for the event.



Photos from the show and after party
http://www.playbill.com/multimedia/gallery/1900/?pnum=1

Monday, November 22, 2010

Interesting getup

11/21/2010

As I was walking, I realized the guy in front of me was in a complete suit. With pink socks. And white flip-flops.

A new fashion style? Yet to be seen...



Experiment

11/20/2010



(Apologies for the quality. Hopefully the point comes across.)

Friday, November 19, 2010

All before work

I was able to print out a paper proposal (remember no printer?), turn it in to my professor, pick up a book from the library, and get to work by 9:15 am.

I'm a bit tired.

Ultimate Film Day

11/18/2010

I work with actors, directors, screenwriters, etc. at my job. I go to school to study such films. And, I enjoy such films on my leisurely time. So, when they all combined into one day: I deem it an ultimate film day.

When my boss arrived at work today she told me she was going to the set of a client's film, a director, and wanted to see if I wanted to join. Uh, ya!

So, at the end of the work day I was able to hangout on set with him, my boss, and a couple actors (granted, the entire crew was there as well).

I had to leave earlier than I wanted as I had a movie night with some friends. But, in between I worked on a final paper for one of my film classes.

So, in the end I worked behind the scenes on client things, saw and analyzed a film with friends, wrote about film, and watched a production be shot.

All in a days work.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

I'm famous.

A few months ago a photo crew from Church Headquarters came to New York to take pictures of members to get a "variety" of faces for an exhibit in the LA Temple Visitor Center. A friend recently went and saw my picture, took a picture of the picture and sent it to me. I then forwarded it to Brittany.

Brittany sent me a text in response: My desktop picture on my work computer.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

6 floor walk-up

Due to the lateness of my being, I arrived at school just in time to catch the elevator to get to class on time. Only problem: everyone else was waiting for the elevator.

But I had a solution.

Just use the stairs to get to the sixth floor. I walk down them all the time.

Bad solution.

But, it worked.

Monday, November 15, 2010

What's so special about 4 am?

It seems that when I am to wake up in the middle of the night thinking about something, it is always 4 am. As in, on the dot 4 am. What generally happens is that I'll wake up, think about whatever is on my mind for an hour and then fall asleep by five.

But, why 4 am?

Sunday, November 14, 2010

So surreal II

Listening to a film soundtrack while reading/researching on film sound.

Completely unintentional.

Thoroughly enjoyable.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Innovative Advertising



I have never seen them actually post on the beams of the Subway.

Notwithstanding, it got me pretty excited.

Neighbor

11/12/2010

I live in a hostel. Well, technically, I live in an apartment building which uses many of the apartments as hostels. Needless to say, I don't really have neighbors as many people just come and go. So, I was shocked to get a knock on the door. I mean, I didn't remember buzzing anyone in...

A girl, who I'll assume is a tourist, knocked to see if I had a can opener. I luckily did. She borrowed it for a few minutes and then promptly returned it.

It was very strange to have an encounter with someone else in my building. Very strange indeed.

Happy Veteran's Day

11/11/2010

Even though I still had to work...



Proof that it was Veteran's Day AND proof that I walk to work.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

It's about time...

I broke a glass. I don't generally define myself as clumsy but every now and then I fall prey to it.

Today was such a day. And, yet, I don't even know what happened. I mean, I wasn't even facing the glass when I must have knocked it.

Oh well. It was bound to happen eventually.

At least I got my "one glass" breaking done with for this year.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Note to self-

When deciding to make a large pot of soup, freezing it for various meals, remember to take the soup out of the freezer at least two hours before the previously thought 5 hours. If not, much of it will be unthawed. However, there will still remain some of the soup that is frozen.

I'm bad luck.

11/8/2010

I went to wait in line for a Broadway musical's lottery tickets with a friend. He has gone to four different lotteries previously and has won every time. I jokingly told him that I am bad luck and because I came he wouldn't win. I've waited in line several times and haven't won yet. So, the common denominator was me.

And I was right.

Good thing I won though.

The one, last piece

11/7/2010

You know how sometimes you share candy with others but no one wants to take the last piece? I sure didn't want to take it. So, it just sat there.

Looking at me.

Staring at me.

Tempting me.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Coming to you live...

Yes, I am blogging live. On the street. As I walk.

I just walked into a store to grab some items and I couldn't believe what I heard. I still can't believe it.

Christmas music.

Now, I am a huge fan of Christmas music. But I can't decide if my shock is that it is being played too early in the season. Or, that it is, in fact, the season and that it has quietly crept its way into my life.

Either way, I did hear Christmas music today. Exactly five minutes ago. In a store. On Broadway. In New York.

I'm Ashley Pacini and I approve this message.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Validated

The fact that I don't speak in classes kinda stresses me out, especially since final grades revolve around participation. But, the reality is that I much prefer to listen to others.

My biggest concern is that I don't want my professors to think I'm slacking with readings and other assignments. So, I try to do all the readings and start on my final papers as early as possible, including getting them approved by my professors, whether or not my professors require signing them off or not.

So, with one particular class (the one I have blogged about previously), I emailed my professor about meeting with him to discuss my ideas since I really didn't have any that stuck out. My hope was that he could lead me in a direction. He responded that he was happy to meet with me and that he was also considering reaching out to me to see how I was doing in the class, my thoughts on the class, etc. since I pretty much keep to myself. I met with him today to discuss.

First, he was extremely helpful in directing me with a topic. I still have yet to nail it down but I'm looking forward to the paper.

Second, and the best part of the whole meeting, was when we discussed participation in the class. I think it was apparent to him that I am engaged and that I enjoy the readings and the discussions. What made me feel justified, however, was when he said, "I don't think I ever spoke as a masters student."

Boom! I'm validated.

Grad school without a printer

11/4/2010

With my roommate moving out, so went the printer. Which means I have to print documents off at school or somewhere else. Today, I decided somewhere else, a bit closer to work.

I'm not sure if it was the amount of documents I needed to print or that the printer was extremely slow. Either way, I spent an hour getting things printed. And I spent my movie money for the weekend.

Oh, the sacrifices for school...

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

iPod

I work on 35th street which is only two subway stops away from my apartment. It is more convenient to just walk.

I decided to listen to a podcast on my way to work this morning, something I haven't done but decided to try out.

Too bad the three fire engines pretty much made the experience worthless...

De ja Vu

11/2/2010

I took a "quiz" today in class. I haven't taken a test since my undergrad. I generally just write papers as a grad student.

It was good to remember why I'm glad to be a grad student.

Perk to being a grad student

11/1/2010

Found out that there is a grad student lounge in the library. You have to swipe in and everything.

I had no idea.

Too bad I'm almost out of here...

Halloween

10/31/2010

I visited Mt. Auburn's Cemetery in Boston.

And watched Hocus Pocus.

At the same time.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Randoms in PEI

10/30/2010
Seriously?

Why not, indeed.

Oooo, lots of bottles. And one with liquid.

PEI Traffic.

I put out the same dress last night to wear.

Need information? Just ask me.

I'd better get on that.

Anyone seen my car?

The death rate in Canada is apparently extremely low.

Because I'm vain. And because I can't take serious photos.