City to the Suburbs

This past week I was graced by the presence of the one and only Mr. Teen Heartthrob. He stayed a record 5 days and during this time, there was a lot of night time hitting the city on account of our ridiculous work and school schedules that keep us at respective locations till 9, 10, 11 pm. A few things we did in the city:
We took the Roosevelt Tram to Roosevelt Island. I've been wanting to do that since I moved here and finally all dreams came true. It was much larger than I thought. I think I expected more of a kings dominion experience where the cars are all tiny and just fit 4 adults uncomfortably. Not the case. Anyway it was a great 4 minute ride across the East River, and then a walk along the shore of Roosevelt Island with unparalleled views of the city. I felt so far away from the busy city that never sleeps. It was nice.


Being away from the city makes you feel a little less claustrophobic. And makes you wonder where all those empty cargo ships are headed. And how many bodies are at the bottom of the river.
That night we ate at Persepolis and had the most amazing Persian food. Hummus and a beet and pineapple salad for appeteaser. TH got salmon kebab and I got some eggplant and lentil curry. There were 4 flavors of rice to choose from - dill, orange and almond, and sour cherry. We tried the dill and the orange. Orange was the clear winner. If you're ever on the upper east side, I recommend this restaurant. I will be a return customer.

We also went to a Mexican restaurant next to my apartment building. The food was so-so.The waiters and the clientele are what made this place memorable. The table behind was had a few very inebriated kids who were really enjoying themselves. The waiters and them at one point broke out into a spontaneous "shake-off" which culminated with the waiter lifting his shirt and doing the body wave with his huge gut hanging out.Other things than food and eating that we did? We hung out on 5th avenue, just generally looking and being important (read: tourists)We also got out of the city for a day and went to the once-beloved home of TH: Princeton, New Jersey! We took the train there and explored the city a little bit. I got to see where TH used to stay up late in his hot lab coat, being all sexy and handling specimens and chemicals. I saw where he lived for a few years and let me just tell you, Ivy league student housing is extravagant. I saw Albert Einstein's house and Stargazers field and the campus that I recognized from the movie, A Beautiful Mind.
This is us getting off the train and TH saying "geeeeeez, woman, take it easy with all the picture taking."In Princeton, we went on an ice cream tour, wherein we tried 7 different kinds of ice cream from 2 shops. Bloat city. My favorite was a plum lavender blend or strawberry saffron.

We also went to Princeton Record Exchange, which is this transcendent store that buys and sells CDs, records, and DVDs for super cheap. I made a killing in that place: 7 CDs and 3 movies for under $40. AWESOME.

Princeton was a lovely little town where jazz quartets played on every corner, lines are always spilling out the doors of ice cream shops, and kids and adults alike sit in the park to enjoy a nice day. I loved it. I could easily live in a town some day, away from the crazy city life I currently enjoy.

Today we took a bus ride to church, and stayed the entire time, all 3 sessions (you should be proud) before TH had to head back to DC.
Now its back to the harsh reality of grad school. Oh, if anyone cares I did awesome on my presentation last week. Hooray for mirrors and imagining people in their knickers.

Yes, thats about right

Let's see...an important presentation to make tomorrow morning...its 12:30 and I have no immediate plans to slumber...procrastinating by writing this blog...dancing around in front of the mirror to "get comfortable being in front of people"...trying on all sorts of outfits to find the cutest one...cleaning my room...standing in front of the AC...

Hmm. I think I should really get cracking on this presentation. And it also helps my late-night studies that, after a brief 3-day hiatus from caffeine, I am back on as of 1:04 pm today. It felt so good. I am an addict. It's my fuel source, what can I do about it? I can't QUIT in the middle of grad school for goodness sakes. That's like trying to quit chocolate and cheese when you're on vacation in France. Or quitting strip clubs when you're a pervert.

...Impossible...

The night the air-conditioner was installed

Weekends in the heat

Man oh man if there was ever a time to live in Alaska for the summer, it would be right NOW. The heat from this past week has been growing exponentially suffocating. The heat made me do funny things. Things I wouldn't normally do. Take the following examples:

Friday night: For a fancy rooftop party hosted by this lady, a one-time muse of Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali, now a MORMON, I decided to dress up because pants was out of the question. I essentially wore a mu-mu because it is the airiest thing I own. The worst part? I wasn't even embarrassed because Ultraviolet was wearing the same thing. Twinners. (The penthouse apt was bought for her by Salvador Dali and overlooks the guggenheim and entire west side of NYC. It was seriously amazing.)

Saturday day: After putting the finishing touches on a kick-a$$ presentation for school, I headed out into the heat to go to the Siren Festival in Brooklyn. I took one step outside and realized I'd need a sec before committing to a day in the heat. I met up with a friend for late brunch and after sitting in an air-con restaurant, realized there was no way I'd be standing around in the heat (especially after only sleeping for a few hours the previous night due to Batman showing and early awakening for school-stuffs). So I DIDN'T GO TO FREE MUSIC FESTIVAL cause it was too hot. How lame am I?

Sunday: Last night I couldn't sleep. Our apartment is SO hot at this point. 4 days of increasingly warmer temperatures makes one want to dunk themselves repeatedly in the Hudson. It's that hot. So its 2 AM, I wake up in a sweat (even with the fan blowing full-blast right on me) and go to the shower. I take a cold freezing cold shower for about 10 minutes and then go back to my room, lie on the floor, and proceed to sleep until about 7 and (hot again) go into the living room and lie on the couch, falling asleep in front of the gigantic econo-size fan gripping a bottle of advil due to my heat-induced migraine. My roommates might think I'm crazy at this point. Or, conversely, they might completely understand. Hmm.

I tell you, no man or woman should be forced to live like this. Truth be told, I realize I'm NOT being forced, just being stubborn. Well, now that I've essentially lost all will to live, I am breaking down. I'm buying the AC unit. Ok? Yes, you were all right. I can't make it through an NYC without the aid of air-con. You win, I lose. I am no longer the stalwart, "nothing-affects-me" woman. The heat has humbled me. Now if you'll excuse me - I have to go down to my local appliance store and make a large purchase. Grrr. There go those new pair of shoes I was lusting after...

POTUS jokus

So I says to Hu, I says "Hu! Me, you, and coal - it's the new trinity!" Ya'll should build 1,000 new coal plants, too! Hell, forget it - lets all finish tearing down the Amazon and we can power our Ford F-150's with the tears of starving children and polar bears!

Did everyone hear the AWESOME joke that G Dub made the other day?*

As he was leaving a private meeting following the G8 summit, surrounded by some of the most powerful leaders in the world, he pulled a Bushy.

As he ended the meeting, he brazenly bid adieu to everyone saying, "Goodbye from the world's biggest polluter." He then punched the air while grinning widely, as the rest of those present including Gordon Brown and Nicolas Sarkozy looked on in shock.

What? I feel like I'm taking crazy pills. My president said that? MY president? The very same that has the worst environmental record (runner-up to Reagan maybe?) and has a lower approval rating than Saved by the Bell: The New Class?

This can't be.

* Disclaimer: I'm not trying to morph this blog into a political tirade, but this damn liberal degree and liberal school and general dissatisfaction with current policy priorities and all - its terribly unavoidable.

Oh man. Man oh man.

Getting me to focus right now is like telling a baby to stop crying. Or telling sister Murray to stop watching disney movies.

Why does school seem so uninteresting to me today? Could it be because I don't CARE about ecological management and assessment tools? Yes, yes it could be precisely that. This assignment is boring times boring.

POTUS interruptus

From the white house press conference this morning.


On the gas tax moratorium:

POTUS: ...And we'll consider interesting ideas. But, Jim, what I'm not going to do is jump right in the middle of a presidential campaign. We'll let the candidates argue out their ideas.

Q Well, would --

POTUS: I just told you I'll consider the ideas. If it's a good idea, we embrace it; if not, we're analyzing the different ideas coming forward.

SMACKDOWN!!!

On strategies in Afghanistan:

Q But do you think we're winning? Do you think we're winning?

POTUS: I do, I think we're making good progress. I do, yes.

Q Can I just add to that, a couple weeks ago --

POTUS: No, you can't.

Continued:

Q Can I just say --

POTUS: They just cut off your mic. You can't, no.

Q A couple weeks ago you said --

POTUS: Now she's going to go without the mic. This is awesome. (Laughter.)

SHUT DOWN!!! PUBLIC HUMILIATION!!

On opening up ANWR for oil exploration:

Q But what --

POTUS: Let me finish, please, Sheryl. Strike one on the exclusive. (Laughter.) Excuse me, strike two. (Laughter.) That -- you made me lose my train of thought, of course -- maybe that's what you were attempting to do.

FACED!!

Damn, G dub. You take that bull by the horns then. Holly is right, the POTUS is one funny man. That press conference release was full of jokes, compliments and just a good ole fashioned texas way. God bless America.

Me and Elmo

Confessions

1. When I hear soundtrack music on my iPod, I imagine myself running and pumping fists in the air and being triumphant. In this image I'm usually holding a sword and wearing some type of robin hood type attire. By soundtrack music, I'm talking about Stardust and Lord of the Rings. And DON'T judge me for having these songs on my iPod.

Anyway I think I'm going to start running to that music through central park.

2. I like sandwiches with funny names. I still order them, but I feel silly every time. The Pregnant Lady: peanut butter and pickles. Girls Night Out: avocado, tomato, and muenster cheese with lemon vinegrette dressing. "Yes, hi. I'd like a girls night out on a roll, please." I can never say this without feeling like a total schmuck. But something like this would never stop me from ordering any types of food though. So, there.

I think I'm going to go have a girls night out right now!! It is Friday night, after all.

4 days fly by OR how i became a tourist in my hometown

I did a lot of nothing this weekend in DC. And we all know when I say nothing, what I mean is SLEEP. Oh man. I slept and slept and and napped and snoozed, etc. It was glorious. When I wasn't sleeping I was hanging out with various friends including, but not limited to:
Iggy!!! (complete with hardcore stitching and R2)
Tim with the glasses and the Nelson sisters! (Tim voluntarily engaged me in what may be the highest pick-up and hug since I was in my diaper days)
My family!! The lovely Murray, Gramma Deb Deb, Papa Mickey, and Murray and her betrothed

These pictures show Papa and Gramma looking at the phone because Brooklyn was calling to tell us about the fireworks she saw. She is 2. Oh and apparently, they are called Fi-merks. Jenny later was featured on the speakerphone, calling to give us some Lizzie updates. We're all so excited to have her family moving back to Virginia! I wish everyone would move back and live with Papa Mickey again. Just like old times. In that last picture - Murray's Betrothed is looking into her eye for a runaway dust particle - because they take care of each other and are SICKENINGLY adorable. I love you Murray, you know I do.

Also, there was a lot of hanging out with this one:It was a good weekend for the teen heartthrob fan club (me).

Two favorite stories from this weekend:

1. TH and I went to Arlington National Cemetery before church on Sunday. We wanted to go see L'Enfant grave on account of I just read a book about Pierre L'Enfant - the creator of the city DC - he lived an unappreciated life and was never truly recognized in his lifetime for his great achievements. We walked through the hoard of tourists in our Sunday best and made our way up the hill to the Gravesite. As I approached his grave, I had an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the beauty that had resulted from this one man's artistic vision. I walked over to the plaque which had a brief description of who L'Enfant was and what he did. I waited patiently until the tourist man who was reading the plaque noticed I was there and he moved aside so I could read. As he moved aside, Tourist Man looked at me and with a dismissive wave of the hand informed me, "Some French guy". Ha. Poor L'Enfant. Still ignored. Here's Tourist Man, surveying DC in all its glory.
2. Talent Night with my family. We decided to hold an impromptu talent night, wherein I played a Mozart Sonata on the piano ( I MISS playing the piano!), Murray sang a soprano solo - a Broadway song for which I aptly butchered the piano accompaniment, and Papa Mickey played a little diddy he recently learned on the guitar.



Some other favorite moments: Netherlands Carillon, Hall church, Friends marathons, Fireworks with friends in the rain, Delicious sushi from Uni sushi, making The Cookies with family.

Least favorite moment: The train ride home stuck next to Disgusting Farting Man. Some people have no shame.

Oh Pierre, how can I thank you for your crappy design that keeps me coming back for more??

Half a semester down, 5 more to go. I think this means I am 1/6 of the way finished with grad school. How is this possible??

I can't say I've learned anything concrete, other than there is a lot of toxicity in the environment and a lot of it isn't even man-made. Oh, and Marty's on 106th sells the cheapest Monster around.

I've also introduced new vocab and buzzwords into my daily speech patterns, including "anthropogenic", "redox reaction" and "pesky environmentalist". I've also learned how to survive on approximately 5 hours of sleep on weeknights, using my weekends as extended siestas, wherein I become comatose and unresponsive for 2 days straight. (Sometimes 3!!)

I've made some really great friends already and feel totally lucky to have met such amazing people in this huge city. Once you have friends to have fun with and help sustain you, it makes living in a new city much easier!

I've realized there is still such a thing as a crappy roommate. My roommate is ridiculous. I don't think she's ever touched a dirty dish (after she deposits them in the kitchen sink where they mold and decay until I come in with my latex gloves and concentrated liquid soap). She wouldn't buy toilet paper after I held out for A WEEK. I bought it last time, so I assumed she'd step up. Common sense, right? Guess not. I kept a stash in my room for my own use, but I have no idea what she did in the meantime. I shudder at the thought. And the trash. She has never emptied any garbage can, and the "she who tops it drops it" rule is lost on her. Smelly garbage in the kitchen and girly (yes, girly) items spilling over the floor in the bathroom - it's the most puzzling thing I've ever witnessed. How is she able to be in an apartment that smells like steaming sour baby diapers and is littered with her disposable items. Truly disgusting.

Breathe.

Ok, so enough of that. Onto more exciting news...

I get to go home tonight!! I'm going to DC, which is so fitting for this weekend. What better place to celebrate independence day than the city where freedom was found? (Actually freedom was found in Philly...but who's counting) I'm so looking forward to hopping on my 6:00 train and truckin my yankee-poseur self back to the south where I belong. And taking a break from school. And being in air-conditioned housing. See you soon, DC.

Doing better, thanks

In light of my recent meltdown, I'd like to share some stories with you. You know, to lighten the mood a bit.

Tales of a Teen Heartthrob


Gnomie: (referring to a recent wedding TH attended) So, how was the wedding?
Teen Heartthrob: It was good.
Gnomie: Oooo, what was her dress like?
TH: Um, it was like...a normal wedding dress.
G: ?? What? Like how?
TH: You know...like a tank top dress.
G: (Stifling back the laughter) Um, what else?
TH: I don't know. Beads and stuff on it. And like a long veil...or train. Yeah.

Lesson learned: Boys don't pay attention to the same stuff girls do.

Gnomie: Oh, hey - how was that party you went to?
TH: Oh, it was really good. Yeah. Really good food.

Lesson learned: The most important party item to TH is food. And, I'm going to have to go to other sources to get my party gossip.

If these go over well, we may look into making this a weekly feature.

How it pours

Every Sunday since I've been here it has rained. Every Sunday I get caught in the rain. I still haven't gotten an umbrella (stubborn? broke? maybe both?). Today I got caught in one of the worst downpours ever and I calmly walked 3 blocks to my apartment from the subway while everyone else took cover under building awnings and various scaffolding. I walked, feeling the rain trickle down my face and it was one of the most cleansing showers I've taken. Not physically, but emotionally. I felt something bigger in that rain as tears poured out of heaven and out of my own eyes. Its been kind of a tough week. I'm trying to be strong and regroup today. Take a deep breath, assess the changes I need to make, and plow forward unafraid.

Starting over is difficult, but even more difficult is the act of giving up. I'm not giving up anytime soon. I don't have that chip in my brain. I just wish I had more of the "hard worker" chip. Eeek.

What have I done the past 3 days?

A lot of this:
And this:
Aaaaaaaaaaand....this:
Eating at the 24 hour deli (the yummiest avocado sandwiches) Riding on Trains...Hello Brooklyn
Visiting my school. Columbia has a beautiful campus.

Waiting for Planes. And making flights (phew!)
No, that is not me in the black suit there. It was a very nice lady who helped Teen Heartthrob speed in front of lots of angry passengers so he could make his flight on time.

Stay tuned for an amazing TH story involving girl topics (men have the funniest notions of women things). Oh man, this one is priceless.

It's been awhile since TH was featured on the gnomie blog, but it seems as though he might become a more frequent character in the near to immediate future. Yes, yes it does.

Geeking out

I have a new friend who works at The Apple Store. He is all tech, all the time. He always tries to get me to join sites like yelp, muxtape, mixwit, etc. Basically he is really into websites and is always talking about computers. That's what most of our conversations are about. It's kind of funny. So the other day I was telling him about this awesome new wallpaper I got for my mac screen.

Gnomie: So, I got some really cool wallpaper today.
Apple Geek: Where'd you get it from?
G: Oh, I just saw it on this blog
AG: Cool. Did you already put it up? What is it?
G: (slightly confused) Um, yeah. It's up. It looks really good. It's a nebula.
AG: Hmm. Did you look into decals, too?
G: Decals? What for? (thinking - like stickers or something for my mac?)
AG: Yeah, like birds flying or a tree or something.
G: (catching on) Oh. Hmmm.
AG: *Blank stare*
G: I think we are talking about 2 different things. I'm talking about wallpaper for my mac.
AG: Oh. I thought you meant the real wallpaper. Weird. This is the first time I've ever thought of something analog first instead of digital.
G: (trying to stifle laughter) Yeah. Weird.

I had some amazing gelato tonight from Grom, this awesome gelateria that's straight off the boat from Italy. They only have 2 U.S. stores, both in Manhattan. I had tiramisu and hazelnut. Soooo amazing.
Also, last night I went to Union Hall in Brooklyn to check out Via Audio and Jukebox the Ghost (a DC band!). It was a really great space - the sound was amazing and the crowd was a lot of fun and both bands rocked the party. So much dancing and fun for all. Plus my friend Bone Malone, who was with me, looks just like the guitarist from Jukebox. So funny.

Guess who'd coming to dinner tomorrow? And staying in the city for a few days? (Hint: It's not Sidney Poitier)

Adventures?

Have I been adventurous? Of course. Of course, what a preposterous question. I've been so preoccupied with sharing my fears and concerns with the blog-o-sphere that I forgot all about entertaining you all, which is the thing we strive for here at Gnomie, Inc.

So adventures have been a-plenty!(Lie #1)

The first weekend I was here was an east side trip. Checked out the upper east side and hit up a fabuloso Italian restaurant, Vespa, courtesy of Teen Heartthrob. I had some really yummy pasta and veggies with pesto. And thee most amazing molten lava chocolate cake I've ever tasted. Oh sweet purity, I long for you once more. I figured out how to use the cross-town bus, which has proved to be important since my church building is cross-town. This weekend also involved extensive walks around my neighborhood and the lower east side. There are some amazing churches that I need to photograph. Sorry about the lack of photos lately, but my camera is experiencing difficulties. Will be up and running shortly.(Lie #2)

Second weekend was Brooklyn weekend. Not this Brooklyn:


But this Brooklyn: (I must point out that I'd rather of been with my cutie niece Brooklyn. Come visit guys!!)
Went to the Brooklyn museum, fell in love with Japanese wood-block carving, checked out some pretty brownstones, scored a "fun pass" for the subway, back to my island for delicious lower-east-side sushi, union square to eat chocolate at Max Brenner, then later that weekend a trip to the Museum of Natural History. Oh and some H&H bagels, too! Fun weekend, and saw a LOT!

This past weekend was fairly tame. I did a lot of homework (Lie #3), saw a movie in West Chelsea, church, and met a few new friends. Monday was a no school day, so me and a new friend, Jess, went on a little treasure hunt through Union Square. We went to Brooklyn Industries and scored some sweet new laptop bags and then to like 12 different grocery stores, carrying TONS of bags around by the end of the trip, and had a blast! Jess is so much fun and I'm really glad we've met. I have a feeling she's going to make life tons of fun on this little island.

So what is on the plate for this weekend? Hopefully some more Brooklyn, some transportation fun, and beach time!

Sleep is just a number

Um, yes, hi. So what is the secret to getting to bed at "a decent hour"? I was in bed at 11:30 tonight and I've just been doing the toss and turn thing and it is now nearly 1 AM. I have THINGS TO DO tomorrow, body. Just go to sleep already. For the past week I've been wanting to run in the mornings so I set my alarm for an ungodly hour. By the time I doze off to sleep however, I know there's absolutely no way I will be waking up to run in the morning and still have time to take a girl shower and leave my house by 8:30. So instead I end up pressing snooze about 10 times and have a miserable morning. I've never been an early riser. Just ask my brother.

Robby, do you remember early morning seminary? The only way I ever even made it to 6 AM bible study was knowing if I missed a day I couldn't go out on Friday night. And if I missed 2 days, no going out at all. My father played cruel, cruel jokes on me as a teenager. He knew my weak spots and attacked when necessary. (Though I can't hold it against him that much, on account of I turned out okay and he took me shopping nearly every week - which actually was most likely the beginning of my current habitual shopping problem. Now that I think about it.) Anyway, where was I? That was one hell of a tangent. Oh, yes. Early morning seminary. Whoever thought this up must have a death wish for teenagers. I showed up most mornings with curlers in my hair and spent the majority of class either 1. sleeping 2. putting on makeup or 3. eating donuts. Not all bad.
I do remember crying at the seminary videos, though. I'm very sensitive in the mornings. If you ever want sympathy from me, hit me up in the mornings. Apart from my kitten breath, I'm much more approachable and emotionally connected.

But I seriously digress. Robby, my diligent seminary-going brother was late to class practically every morning due to my inability to get out of bed before 5:45 AM (seminary started at 6AM, ended at 6:50). We were doing good if we got there at 6:20, not even that bad if we arrived at 6:30. I know this made him upset, but he didn't show it too often. I love you Robby! You're a great brother. Sorry I made you late for seminary, but I think we both turned out ok. You're a well-adjusted husband and father and doctor-in-training. And I'm a stressed out college student who STILL can't wake up in time for the important things in her life. Some things never change.

Like, do you still love orange soda and mini powdered donuts?? I would kill for a mini donut right now.

Things I have learned

What, pray tell, is the secret to living in NYC on a student budget?

1. Not having time to eat decreases food costs.
2. Not having time to shop decreases clothing costs.
3. Not having time to leave school between the hours of 8 AM and 11 PM decreases chances of buying anything outside the realm of the vending machine. Which today consisted of diet coke and a rice krispie treat. (droool)

I knew grad school would be tough but ggggggg. This time spent on schoolwork is UNPRECEDENTED. I am not a good student. I'll admit I have some smarts, but studying was never my best feature (duh, have you seen my legs lately?). I don't really know how I'm doing all this studying other than it is completely necessary. I can't fail out of grad school and if that means I get 6 hours of sleep a night and spend 13 hours a day at school, then so be it.

I really really like it. It's just really very hard.

Non-partisan political vomit

As we are nearing the end of the first decade in the new millennium, it's clear that we still have a lot of growing up to do as a planet.

The habits of previous generations have been developing towards a better grasp of environmental problems and their respective concepts and possible solutions. Looking at historical conservation efforts, environmental groups have not effectively managed issues. Instead of rhetoric and technological pessimism, we need to start looking at solutions and how to implement these solutions. The environment has essentially become a special interest group, with hundreds of individual interests. This divergence in the definition of the environment has created a rift in end-solutions what can be thought of as a dead-end bureaucracy.

A clear loss of environmentalist credibility has inspired an inspired-duo to suggest a shift in policy focus. Rather than short-sighted solutions for the "right now" society, we need to establish greater sources of investment. Money maintains power and power allows ability to mandate what is important. Merely relying on emotive measures to affect change is not an effective policy tool.

Environmentalists should take a suggestion from a successful business strategist.

"Reward success and failure equally. Punish only inaction."

We must do something. The issue faced is where to find these investors? Will the private or public sector be the catalyst in hopefully solving one of the most pressing issues in society?

For more info, read: The Death of Environmentalism: Global Warming Politics in a Post-Environmental World

Nothing to say, really

It's damned hot here. No AC in my apartment. School is hard. Friends are good. Life is not about finding happiness, but being there. Meditate. Read books. Learn something new. Life can change, you have to make it change. I'm making mine right now.

Living in the city can be demanding

I have been in the city for two months now. (What? I got here in May and now it's June.) I have already seen so much. I understand how people can live in this city and miss out on so much. I only just took the subway for the first time last Saturday. Second time yesterday. I still have no idea which train is the express, where it lets off and picks up and how to transfer. These are things I hope to find out.

Until then, please enjoy the fruits of my labor, via photos.
Me in the City

Mmmm...pizza

Iggy! My idea, come to life!!

St. John the Divine cathedral

Mural of trash.



COAL-Oven Pizza? What is going ON in this city?

Flowers in the Conservatory Gardens

Gnomie goes to church

Central Park


It hard to live in the city, but I'm really enjoying it. There is an endless supply of activities and things to do and see. I just wish I had the time to see it all!!

on awkwardness

It happens to the best of us. You are planning on playing it cool and being "part of the crowd, etc" and you choke. Every time, you do. What, you don't? Bastard. Well...I guess I have my moments.

Whenever I talk to new people I use words and phrases that I would normally never EVER use. Allow me to present to you awkward phrases from Gnomie's closet:

"Will do."
"Alrighty."
"Nice weather, we're having today, eh?"

Ok I can't really think of any else right now, but trust me - I have an arsenal of quips and phrases. I especially suffer from something I'll refer to as "The Chandler Effect". When I first meet people I act like a goof. I don't know why I do it, maybe to help them relax or put myself at ease. But it's not always well received (I don't even understand WHY, my jokes are ALWAYS on par!!).

Anyway (yes, anyway) I'm trying to overcome these habits and just act myself. I guess everyone has a little front they put up, and mine has DEFINITELY fallen down a bit over the years, which I count as a success. OMG, I used to be ridiculous and try to pretend I was somebody I wasn't (ranging from drug-addicted hipster to saintly mother-teresa-esque figure) but I'm normalizing. If that's possible.

School is incredible. I don't even know what to say. So much good, so much difficulty, so...much. And my harddrive crashed today so that SUCKS. But now I get to buy a new computer, which RULES!!

In which my life is consumed my cheese

I cannot stop eating cheese, but that is beside the point of this post. Well, I'm going to be upfront, I don't yet know what this post is going to be about, other than the random ramblings of my life in the big city. I haven't quite "gotten organized". I don't "have it all together". I'm not "well-acquainted with this life-style".

To quote myself and to paraphrase my sister, Jenny - I have a shitton of homework. I mean, its only day 2 and already I'm slightly overwhelmed. Granted the past month of my life has been spent laying around on beaches, hiking volcanic islands, sleeping in until noon, sitting around the coffee shop all day, etc, etc. And granted, the past 1 1/2 years of my life have been spent sharpening pencils and refilling the drink closet with diet cokes and ordering laser pointers for boss people. And granted I have never liked doing homework EVER. So, basically I am probably right on track. I do, however, need to get on task. Yep, that's right. I need a calendar, an agenda, a binder of some sorts, something.

Ok so school is hard, but its SO FUN!!! Like last night I thought I might kill someone because I couldn't figure out how to plot a bell curve in excel, but then I figured it out today and I almost kissed my neighbor (apparently those emotions of mine are still running high). And then I MADE UP A MATH EQUATION to support this supposed correlation of lead amounts in gasoline to pollution in the air and it worked!!! My math equation worked and, more importantly, proved that math is awesome. Ever since I kicked maths ass on the GRE, I'm a little more confident in my math skillz. And I'm also doing other projects like working on solar energy legislation and devising a chemical analysis for forest fire chemicals. I LOVE FOREST FIRE!!! (The process, not the actual destruction.)

To quote Tanner, my bebbe, school is "the bomb dot com". And I'm also loving NYC. Yes, I spend most nights in my apartment and no, I haven't figured out how the hell to get cross town, and maybe I'm scared of the subway, but look - I'm getting used to my surroundings. I just discovered a Pinkberry around the corner from my apartment, and you can betchyerass I'll be eating ice cream very soon!

Anyway my mom is calling because SHE LOVES ME (and apparently reads my blog and I didn't know. hi mom) so peace out ya'll. Stay tuned.

Day one: Success

Well, I have found it. For years I've been searching for the thing in my life that would make me feel complete. I am absolutely in love and I have found my soulmate. Dying to know who it is? Well, friends, its New York City. That's right. Gnomie + NYC = Tru Luv.

Who knew moving could be so enjoyable? I am loving New York. There are so many things about this city that make me happy. Let's begin.
1. Of course I'm starting with food. This is the single thing that can bring me happiness no matter the time of day or temperature outside. Without ever crossing any streets here are the following types of cuisine available to me:
Pizza (duh)
Indian (dot)
Sushi
Thai
Mexican
Falafel
Bagels (this deserves its own category, right?)
Hamburgers
Chinese
I'm sure there are some I'm forgetting, but COME ON. How have I been missing out on living in an area like this all my life? I feel like everything in my life has been leading up to this move to Manhattan. I love ALL of these cuisines. I'm going to get so fat.

Which leads me to
2. Walking. I walk everywhere without a car and without the desire to take the subway very far. Today I walked down to 90th and up to 125th, from the west end to central park. Probably a total of 3 hours. I loved it. Hopefully I can keep this up and not get fat with all the nations of cuisine as my neighbors.

3. Stoops. People actually hang out on the apartment stoops here. It's great. It's like A Bronx Tale. Today I walked by a group of old, wrinkled men and they were carrying on and laughing. When I passed, one of the men took off his derby cap saying "I take my hat off for you" and their group all stopped to watch me pass. Someone uttered the words "What beautiful knees", which was altogether the weirdest and most flattering thing I've ever heard. I love this city.

4. Central Park really is that great. I live about 3 blocks from the Park and today being memorial day, there were hundreds of people enjoying frisbee, bbq's, soccer, picnicking, making out, dog walking, running, biking, jumping rope, etc. I love that walking these 3 blocks to the Park takes me away from the most congested city I've ever lived in to tree-lined paths, large expanses of green grass, and minimal city noise. It's genius.

5. I am not even nervous for school tomorrow. Well, I mean I am a human, I am a little nervous, but its just excitement mainly.

What the hell was I so scared about? This place is great! I just can't believe it took me so long to find the love of my life. I can't wait to see what our children look like.

Enough

You know that J Lo movie, Enough? She's a mom to this cute little person and is involved in a scary relationship with this abusive guy. One day she decides to be all super hard core and starts working out and going to the gym pretty much 7 times a day and kicking that big red foam thingy and sparring with her gym teacher, all so she can be ready for her ex-lover to come over and kill her.

Why doesn't she just MOVE??

I mean, sure its brave that she's trying to face the demons, but if some really scary man had a death wish for me, I would do the follwing:

1. Call the police
2. Move in with my parents
3. Get a couple of trained blood thirsty doberman pinchers
4. Watch a lot of days of our lives, cause it would probably give me really great ideas of what to do with a scorned lover.
5. If those don't work, move somewhere like Ecuador or Russia

Anyway J Lo is ridiculous and just wants attention. Grow up.

Getting ready

Back from Nica, never knew I had the nerves that are currently ruining my digestive system. Unless, of course, I got a little tapeworm in Central America...this is highly possible.

I'm freaking out, ya'll. I'm supposed to be moving in like 4 days and I haven't started packing or preparing for this move because I am straight up in DENIAL. I don't WANT to move. I don't WANT to go to school. All my friends are here. So many of the people I love are situated in one little metropolitan area, its so easy! Why would I LEAVE that? Because someone had the brilliant idea of accepting me to one of the best schools in the country I had no choice but to say yes. This is not my fault. The cosmos are working against me. The heavens want me in New York for some reason and I am fighting the heavens with all the courage I can muster (which isn't much right now).

I submitted my photo for my student ID today. This is the one I sent:
See? I don't LOOK crazy. Or scared. I look totally calm. Maybe I should refer to that picture during times of high stress = I should refer to it 24/7. I do look kind of old, though. And wise. And pretty damn smart, too. Ok, its no wonder they let me in to their little program.

I haven't even decided when I'm moving yet. I want to stay here for the weekend, but I know I should get up to my apartment to get prepared for Tuesday. TUESDAY.

And then I have nights like last night, wherein I get together with a bunch of friends and go out to eat at delicious restaurants that I love and laugh about silly things and plan future parties involving elastic sweatpant outfits. It makes leaving seem that much more ridiculous. Usually I move because I need a change and a new start. I guess I'm glad I'm going to be experiencing a change from my job situation. I didn't want to be a pencil sharpener for the rest of my life, after all. My mind is a jumble right now.

Atleast Mickey will be taking me up to school. Shopping spree anyone???

Day of unemployment part dos

Well it turns out I had a very productive day yesterday. I went ahead with the pesto making. Yumm. Who's eating pasta and veggies with homemade pesto sauce? This girl.
I also made it to a "vegetarians invited" bbq fest in Virginia. I had the pleasure of enjoying a catfish fillet platter with delicious mayonaissed cole slaw and mashed potatoes and cherry cobbler. Ohhh still salivating. I mainly went to hang out with my favorite people from Vir-jynia. My favs were there - Mary D, TH, DJ Adams, Meg&Mark, Tim "I control you" Jim, The Nelsons, C Bix...to name a few. Here is Mary D looking hot as per usual and me looking on trying to figure out "how does she do it?"
"Who knows! Its a mystery! Lets just blur the photo so I kinda look as hot as Mary D. We can definately fool some people."
So I layed out again for my requisite 20 minutes. I'm never getting a tan this way. Coffee shop today has consisted of downloading entirely too much music.
Some of which includes the following:
1. Japanther
2. Sons & Daughters
3. Shocking Pinks
4. Tom Waits
5. The Gutter Twins

So far so good!
Oh, additionally - you should check out my brother and his familys new blog.
They have the best pictures of cute little Abby and I love the way my brother writes. It takes me back to the video we have of him reading his book about...I think it was like TMNT fan fiction? Robby, can you back me up on this? Anyway - check out his blog. Welcome to the fam blogosphere! Who should we pressure next, Jen? I'm thinking Laura would be a good candidate...

Unemployed

Whats up ya'll? So this is how it feels to be gainfully unemployed. Sitting at the coffee shop mid day. Sleeping in till eleven. Walking around the house in your unda-wears. Contemplating whether I should first go shopping or make some pesto. Hmmm...which is more pressing? HAHAHAHA. IT IS SO GREAT TO BE WITHOUT A JOB!!! I can't believe I've been working for so long when I could've been sitting around all day. This must be what its like to be a trust fund kid. My bank account is still full and my outlook on life: positive. Listening to Stevie Wonder, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and Bossa Nova. Sunny sunshine, breeze blowing outside. Barely there shoes, flowing dresses, flowers growing everywhere...

Going to take my brownie and holga and walk around the city. Take some good shots before I scoot out of here.

Also, today is IGGYS BIRTHDAY!!! What a great day! Iggy you are the wind beneath my wings. My dear heart. I wish you the best year of your life. I dedicate this video and song to you today. But change Dave to Leslie.

Slumpy McSlumperson or Gnomie McWhines-alot

Aren't you sick of my bitching? Geez, bravo for anyone who still reads this pathetic excuse for a blog. Anyway I am on the up and up (whatever that means) and I have now spent 1 (yes, 1!) night out of the house this week.

Last night I went to dinner with Iggy and her replacement friends cool friends to Tonic - a hipster joint uptown. We ate very very fried foods and drew pictures of each other on the tables with the provided crayons. Afterwards we attended a benefit concert for the fire victims of the Mt. Pleasant fire that forced an evacuation of like hundreds of people out of their apartment homes. Very sad.

So, playing the role of BFF, I thought I'd throw Iggy a bone and pay for her entry into the benefit concert. It was a $5 suggested donation. I walked up to the doorman with the shoebox full of money and threw in a twenty. "How much do you want back?", he asked me. "Just give me ten back, please", and before I had the chance to add - I'm paying for two people, he looked at me with these huge sincere eyes and said "Oh, thank you SO much. That's so nice of you." WTF? Hey man, I care about the fire victims - I really do - but that money was meant for me and my BFF! I don't have money to carelessly throw around on benefit concerts! I have a shoe collection to uphold, afterall!! Well of course I couldn't be a jerk and tell the doorman that I was actually very stingey and wanted to pay for two people. So I just counted my losses and went into the concert, where I stayed for about 20 minutes until I was too sick to stand from all the very very fried foods and on account of my deathly cold plague thingy.

Lesson learned. From now on, I stay inside. No more nights out for Gnomie. From now on - its just me, my DVD player, and season 7 of Friends. Beat that, Hipsters.

Biznass trips change everything

I'm back from Indy (gladly returned. i don't care if i never go back). This past month has been so stressful - I didn't think I'd ever make it out in one piece. And, well, I didn't. I feel a bit scattered right now. But here are the bright sides:
1. It's a new month in 2 days.
2. It's getting warmer.
3. My last day of work is Friday
4. I'm painting a room this week.
5. I'm going on vacation next month.

Here are the sad parts:
1. I'm moving soon.
2. I won't know anybody where I'm moving
3. Me and R1 have parted ways.
4. In 3 1/2 weeks I won't get to see Iggy every day.
5. I've been plagued with a killer cold.

A lot has happened in my personal, professional, physical, and emotional life. (Lives?) And I am feeling rather down in the dumps. Kind of. I'm also feeling very hopeful. It's another New Beginning for me. A new month, a new home, a new career path, a new daily routine, a new city, new friends, new goals to set, etc. It's exciting. I just need to put on my Big Girl shoes and take my life back! First Stop: Ben and Jerry's for free ice cream day!

Who am I kidding?

If I wanted to take a real vacation, I wouldn't have chosen Indianapolis for petes sake. This place is the pits. So long suckers with your myriad of bars and strip clubs and racing themed EVERYTHING. Seriously, when your town is defined by car racing - you need a new gig. I'm just sayin.

The Boss