Music Appreciation

I learned what a "bridge" is in music. Catherine taught me about it. In return I made her a dinner of pesto pasta, baked asparagus, and breaded chicken. I thought it was a fair trade.

Catherine, party of four. Catherine, party of four.

1/30/2010

Don't go to Max Brenner's on a Saturday night. At least, that was what we thought when we got there and put our names down on an hour-and-a-half waitlist. Thirty minutes later, "Catherine, party of four. Catherine, party of four." Needless to say, we had just ordered hot chocolate to go so we didn't claim our table.

Best part is that after that "Ashley P., party of four" was called followed by "Ashley, party of six." I was kinda tempted to take those...


Lamp at Artichoke Pizza. A picture moment MUST!

Fun in NYC

1/29/2010


Alice's Tea Cup


Nutella!


Amber


Catherine and the wishing well

An Ode to Terry

1/28/2010

Oh, Terry, how I enjoyed our conversation at the post office. Talking with you made the mundane errand I was on worth it. You made me realize that, no, someone would not steal my credit card to simply send tax documents. To buy postage and resell it, yes. To send tax docs, no.

I'm sorry that yesterday was such a long day for you as you looked at the clock at noon and thought, "is it really only noon?!?!". Today went much faster so we can both be thankful for that.

Thank you for helping me with my packages. I didn't realize that one must put the labels on perfectly. Thank you for help me understand that and for helping me both times I was in line.

And most of all, thank you for your mullet. Really, words cannot express the joy it brought to my heart.

Thank you Terry, for being you.


(Apologies for the quality. I'm still trying to learn how to focus the camera on my phone. Plus, I was trying to be sly.)

Sleeping in New York

I know that it is hard to see what this picture is but I knew I had to take a picture and blog about it. I was walking to class this evening and walked by a guy who was lying down in the middle of the sidewalk. It wasn't until I walked by that I realized he was laying on a vent that was blowing out hot air. I have to give him credit! And, I had to prove it :D

Peak Time

Peak Time at the gym is between 6 pm and 8 pm. This means that the gym peaks in occupants as many people get off work around this time and go to get their workouts in.

I advise going any other time. No equipment is available. And, if it is, there is a reason why.

However, I overheard a very interesting conversation during the peak hours today. The two ladies were updating the other on their love lives, on boys, and lots of other things that I tried to block out. It was interesting to listen.

What was even more interesting, however, was that the lady next to me, one of the main participants in the conversation, was actually talking on the phone. She could not run and talk at the same time so what did she do? SHE PUT IT ON SPEAKER PHONE! It was the most awkward situation. I don’t even want to know what Sandra thought about being put on speaker…

New York, NY (10010) Weather

Right Now:

Mostly Cloudy
49° F
Feels Like: 45° F
Wind: From W at 8mph

Earlier Today:

Rainy, Rainy, Rainy, Rainy, Rainy, Rainy
41° F
Felt Like: Being on a boat with waves crashing over
Wind: From ALL directions

I only walk six blocks to work. By the time I arrived at work I was SOAKED! There was a line on my pants where my coat blocked the water. Good thing I had an umbrella. Granted, it didn't do much but at least I had one...

Taxi!

We left for church later than usual today. We knew we were going to be late whether we walked or took the subway. We are talking ten blocks here which roughly means a fifteen minute walk.

We decided to take a taxi in hopes of getting to church for at least sacrament. We didn't get in the taxi until church started.

Ya, the meeting didn't even start until after we got there. Probably five minutes after we arrived. And we thought we were running late...

Polygadate

1/23/2010

Last week Amber was at dinner with a friend. While she was waiting for him to arrive, a man from the table next to her recommended the "gray dog club". She tried it and thought it was good.

After talking briefly he found that she was new to the city. He asked for her number as she probably needed to meet people. He said he would take her to a museum.

I was "asked" to go along.

There really was only one awkward moment the whole afternoon. At the end of looking at the museum he asked if we wanted to go to a local bar and get a drink. I (I'm sure bright red) said, "whatever." I didn't know what else to say. It wasn't going to be my decision. So I walked away very quickly and looked at stuff in the bookshop.


The New Museum
I learned about this museum when I was a freshman. It was in a humanities class and we were learning about architecture.


The view from the top. It was an awesome view of downtown Manhattan.


Amber, Gregg, and I.


And another one, just in case.

Confession

1/22/10

I have a confession. I do laser hair removal. I guess that really isn't a confession as everyone already knows anyway. But posting it on the blog seems to make it more official, even though I've been going for several months now.

I can tell it is working as I can see a huge difference. But, the actual procedure hurts something fierce. There are moments when I question, "why I have succumbed to the social pressures of our society to suffer through the pain, and for what? The need to not shave?" And then I remember that that is exactly why I'm doing it. Laziness! The fact is is that I don't like hair so much. So to not have to deal with hair is pretty much heaven in my eyes.

Every time I go, without fail, they will try to sell me some type of package. They always have "good deals" too. Last time was no exception as they tried to sell me a "Facial Photo" something-or-other (or was it a "Photo Facial"??). To be honest, I had no idea what it was but they said they would give me a free appointment, that it would only take ten minutes, and it wouldn't hurt. So I went today.

Ya, the lady that told me it wouldn't hurt...Liar!!!! It did! Granted, not as bad as laser hair removal, but it still hurt. And, the lady that did it was from eastern Europe. I know that has nothing to do with anything except that she was nice and I wanted to call her Olga.

Realizations

Classes have started again. I'm really looking forward to them. It will be a great semester. It will be a great learning experience.

I realized something after class tonight. I realized how much I have assimilated into this city. Things don't shock me anymore like they did when I first arrived here. Subway rides were always interesting where now the novelty and strangeness of the people have gone away.

Because of this I didn't really think much of my subway ride home after class. I got on the subway and there was someone with bright orange hair wearing tights that were obviously given to her by her grandmother, someone wearing a very extravagant yet tacky fur coat (it really isn't that cold outside) and someone asleep with an entire blanket on.

The blanket and coat were really too much and, Grandma, the tights didn't keep me nearly as warm as you promised. Oh, and the dye was suppose to be blonde...

Can you keep your music down please?

Have you ever sat near someone who has their music up so loud that you can hear every sound even though they are using earphones? It happens quite often at the gym and today was no exception.

You see, there are two types of loud-music people. Those that don't care that others could hear so they blast their music on purpose. And then there are those who do care and try to be subtle about listening but they are unaware that everyone around them can hear. This guy was the second type.

I would say he was in his mid-forties. A typical white New Yorker I'd say. He was stretching after a work out while doing some last minutes exercises. He was obviously still pumped up. I guess listening to Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries" does that.

Cinema Italiana

Classes started today. I'm really looking forward to them. On Tuesdays I will have a class on the Italian director Luchino Visconti. We watched his first film he made, L'Ossessione, and I really enjoyed it.

After class I went to a premiere of an Italian film called Il Sorteggio. It was a small premiere, hosted by La Casa Italiana (NYU's Italian Club). But the director and main actor were there and the film was amazing.

For some reason, when I was walking home after my fun filled day of Italian Cinema, I had the urge to speak Italian. I'm not sure why...

*Quick critique of Il Sorteggio
In the not-so-distant past (1970s), Italy was undergoing a tumultuous power struggle between the State and various extreme groups including the Red Brigades in Torino. A terrorist group that hoped to undermined any power the government had, the Red Brigades were not hesitant in instilling fear among the masses. Il Sorteggio is the story of a man who is chosen to be on the jury when several RB are tried for the vicious murder of those whose political beliefs still lie in the state. But he begins to fear for his life as various people around him are killed for showing any small degree of persistence to their regime. Giacomo Campiotti's "Lead Years" drama respectively and delicately discusses a dark time period in Italy's past. The story is not the traditional two-sided political drama, but instead, focuses on the dilemma the working-class man has to face as he decides where his allegiance will lie. All I have to say to cast and crew: Bravissimi! It's a gripping and moving film.

Extremes

1/18/2010

My day started off in Harlem and ended at a Penthouse in the Financial District.

Harlem: I knew I was in Harlem when everyone who was on the train after 96th street were not Caucasian.

Financial District: I knew I was in the Financial District when I entered the apartment building and I saw more modern furniture than a museum.

Ode to Amber

1/17/2010

My roommate's name is Amber. That means that people feel obligated to give her things with the scent and/or color of amber. I have never been so surrounded with amber related objects in my life.

New Yorkers at the Theater

"I can't believe you talked me into coming to this movie. I know I'll definitely need a glass of wine after."

The lady behind me kept going on. She was pretty negative about the film even though I was pretty excited to see it. It hadn't even started yet! The guys she came with, you could tell, didn't know what to tell her. Should they tell her to leave or should they keep encouraging her that it would be good? Granted, they didn't know. The one even commented that, for having a post in the New York Times, there wasn't a very large crowd.

I didn't care. I was excited.

It was great. The film was called "Mine" about pets who had to be left behind after Hurricane Katrina. Some were adopted out to families as nobody came forth claiming them. But some people did come forth but wouldn't be allowed to have their pets back. Great film for anyone with a pet.

The ladies excitement exceeded mine by the end. She cheered loudly when the end resulted in J.J. being returned to Jessie. She will now have a glass of wine in celebration.

Oh, New Yorkers. So dramatic at times...

Utah vs New York

1/15/2010

When going to an improv comedy show in Utah, many jokes revolve around the Mormon religion. And it is pretty funny.

When going to an improv comedy show in New York, many jokes revolve around the Jewish religion. And it is pretty funny.

Bonding over Jersey Shore

My boss reluctantly admits that she watches Jersey Shore. Apparently her whole neighborhood watches it. Even her neighbor who is a Harvard grad.

The thing with it is that you can't help but be drawn into the absurdity of it all. I admit, I have watched some of it. Actually, I watched ten minutes with my mouth opened in shock at the absurdity and then I had to turn it off because I felt so useless. But, it does make for a great conversation at work.

My boss has officially asked all of us at work if we watch it. Now we talk about it all the time, even if we don't watch it. We look up the SNL skits on it, watch when Michael Cera gets his hair blown and learns how to dance "Guido" style... And today, we ordered Olive Garden to celebrate.

Nothing like fake Italian food and fake Italian people in one day.

Tunnels

1/13/10

I can literally walk for ten minutes underground in New York. This place is amazing...

Jam and Run

I don't get out of the office often but when I do I usually enjoy it. Today was no exception. Until, that is, I broke some sort of law...

I'm actually not sure what law that would be exactly. Basically I jammed a mailbox shut. How was I suppose to know putting 40+ large envelopes in the mailbox would jam it? The first 39 went in with no problems. But the last one wouldn't budge, even with the ensuage of wiggling.

So I went and found another mailbox for the last five.

Another battle lost

The boss was out sick today. That means we were on our own. It is nice most of the time. That is, until I have to do something in the office that I haven't ever done before. Like refilling the staples.

To give me credit, this is no ordinary stapler. It is a massive, industrial stapler that can staple dozens more pages together than a normal stapler. It's quite intimidating.

I played around with it. Nothing. I observed it to see if there was anything to click or buttons you had to push. Nothing. I googled instructions. Nothing. I even talked to it. Nothing.

The only thing left to do was to give in to my pride. I asked a coworker who, within seconds, had it open. I asked her what she did and she said, "I don't know. Just a lot of wiggling ensued."

After refilling the stapler, I tried to open it again. Nothing. I guess more wiggling will have to ensue next time.

What happens on a Sunday

1/10/10

What do you do when you realize you are three hours late to a game night that has only an hour left? You get on the subway, go to the right stop, get off the subway, and get right back on going the way you just came. It really wouldn't have been worth going to...

Home Sweet Home

Things I realized while being home that I have missed the past few months:

-Of course, my family (and everything that includes)
-The (bless-their-hearts) Utah style
-Driving (borrowing my mom's car last night was much more fun than I had thought...)
-Things are MUCH cheaper here including food and movies*
-It is possible to go to the grocery store 24/7 (with a car that is)
-People using movies as analogies in their testimonies
-Playing Rockband and not feeling guilty (I have made it to expert on the Bass)
-Running into apostles while at restaurants


Things I have realized while being home that I missed about New York:

-Places are open past 9 pm
-The New York style (especially the accessories with coats, scarves, boots, etc. They are MUCH more necessary in NYC and yet, New Yorkers can pull it off so well!)
-The beat of the city. You always feel alive there.
-Similar to Romans in the yelling at others while driving or crossing the street. This usually involves gesturing and specific usage of words and phrases.
-Running into celebs at random felafel joints (Zac Braff) or other places (James Franco on the stairs at NYU).

I will say that I didn't miss the cold and slush. I’m not excited to be back with it in New York…

*As an extra treat, I thought I'd give a rundown of some of the movies I have seen while in SLC. Don't worry, it is free.

Of the five that I saw, four were the top grossing movies of the week that I was in SLC (all but Invictus). Again, it is much cheaper in SLC so I put off seeing certain movies to pay a more reasonable price of $6-$8 instead of the $12.50 in New York. I have realized that while in New York, I have to be much more selective in what I will see in the theatres. I don't see nearly as many movies and the ones I do see I am much more careful at selecting.

1) It's Complicated
I love Meryl Streep and, although she doesn't shine in this film, she definitely makes the story believable and entertaining. She plays the part of a woman who has rekindled a romance with her ex-husband of 10 years, played by Alec Baldwin (a favorite of mine since watching 30 Rock). Like any new romance, the story includes awkward moments as they hide their relationship from their families and friends. John Krasinski, although only a supporting character, should also be mentioned as his performance makes the film.

2) Sherlock Holmes
If you like the Bourne series, you'll like Sherlock Holmes. With similar twists and turns, the film engages you both because of the who-dunnit story as well as the visualization of the story. The production design (specifically the sets and costumes) are meticulous in their detail and are stunning. Credit should also be given to Guy Richie's direction and his signature shots.

3) Avatar 3D
Although the story isn't anything new (does Pilgrims arriving in America to civilize the savages ring a bell?), the visualization of the story is spectacular. Cameron definitely should get credit for his 10+ year hiatus in the film world in perfecting his 3D and digital animation technology. My experience to the 3Dness of the film reminded me of early audiences when they viewed the Lumiere brother's short film "Train Arriving at a Station" when they started running as the train got closer to them on screen because they feared they would be hit. Several times I had to brush away the dust and dirt that were brought to life thanks to the 3D. I'm confident in saying that 3D is the future of film.

4) Invictus
Both Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon portray the real life story of South African President Nelson Mandela and the South African Rugby team who won the 1995 Rugby World Cup, uniting not only the team but the nation. You gotta love the true, underdog story.

5) The Blind Side
Much like Invictus in the underdog genre, the acting was spectacular. Sandra Bullock definitely gets a cheer for playing a feisty, Christian (and republican) woman who provides for a boy from the projects. (And, let’s give her credit for making The Blind Side the first film to exceed $200 million dollars earned with a strong female role). Definitely a feel-good film. And Tim McGraw isn't too bad at acting either.

Lessons learned at Best Buy

I couldn't believe I asked HER. Why did I wait until the two salesmen walked away to ask the only saleswoman on the floor about TVs? She basically was reading off the cards next to each product. I know more about TVs than that. She was just telling me what I already knew anyway. I knew I should have asked a guy.

Wait, what? HDMI cables? That is something I know about that is NOT listed on the card. Wait, you know about backlighting and sidelighting in different TVs and what the effect of that is on the actual image? Darker blacks with more colors popping?! Did you just give me an accurate definition on the difference between 1080i and 1080p?!? I couldn't believe it. She actually DID know what she was talking about!!

"So, basically, Sony and Samsung are made by the same company so the quality is the same?"

"Yes," she said. "Some people swear that Samsung is better but they are basically the same quality."

I couldn't believe it. In all my experience buying electronics, there is always one brand that a salesman will try to sell. But this girl was giving it to me straight. She wasn't selling me anything. And she proved that she knew what she was talking about.

Lesson learned: I'm sexist.

A funny smell at work

Someone was eating something, somewhere, in the building that penetrated our little office. To me it smelled like a tuna fish sandwich. It smelled kinda good.

After I awhile my boss asked if we could smell something funny. She walked around the office trying to find the source. She looked for the source of the smell. She finally asked if someone was drinking coffee.

Conclusion: The smell we each smelled was some type of psychological/Freudian/subconscious state-of-mind expressing our inner-desire to consume that specific food product... What that actually concludes to be: I have no idea.

A Battle with a Box

I had a battle with a box today at work. The box won. I’m being serious.

We had to file some old files so we decided to stick them in a box that had yet to be constructed. We had to basically unfold the box to then “construct” it. My boss asked me if I’m good at constructing boxes as she claimed she wasn’t good at all. I thought to myself, "Of course I am! I can put it together! I’ve put lots of boxes together! I'm a pro!"

After a few minutes of trying to figure it out I basically stated out-loud, “wow, this is a very technical box!”

My boss then came over and put it together.

I’m not going to lie. The way she did it NEVER crossed my mind. You had to put the flaps in and then fold them a certain way and then push them all the way up while at the same time pulling down another flap and then… You get the picture. It was ridiculous.

The box really did win. The next box is going down though.