A Real Adventure

June 30. After sleeping a collective 30 minutes last night from being so excited, and being so nervous about missing my alarm I headed off to my first ever trapeze class. It took three trains and about an hour to get there, but I made it. Unfortunately, or fortunately I made it there an hour early, but either way at least I avoided my big concern of being late. We started right on time. The class was ten students, ranging in age. Most of the people had taken at least one class before, or had been doing it for years. Me and a girl were the only beginners. I wasn't worried. I'm a natural at most things I do. My first time up the ladder wasn't bad. Not sure what I was expecting. I was so caught up in the moment I wasn't listening to the guy yelling at me telling me what to do. So I fumbled a little but not bad for a first time. Then my second time I was "impressive," which included a back flip. My third time my heart was in my stomach. Got discombobulated in the air and did a trick that was totally unintended. And strained a muscle in my shoulder. My fourth time I got to do a catch with grace. My fifth time I was packing my bags getting ready to join Cirque Du Soleil. It was an amazing experience. Not necessarily a hobby I want to take up. But a great once in a lifetime opportunity/adventure. I could only upload pictures, but I have a video that I am using as my application video for Cirque Du Soleil.

Twilight Experience

June 29. Today I made my way down to Time Square for the Twilight Experience. Ate a fast lunch at Olive Garden. Then walked over to the theater. At first I thought I was not going to be first in line. It turned out there was no line, just a bunch of people that sat down in any old order. They let us all in at the same time and I ended up with a great seat. Chilled for two hours in the theater and then it all began. I tried to keep an ongoing status via Facebook, but my phone had horrible service thus leading to it's death during New Moon. The experience was enjoyable to say the least. Eclipse was very well done. Changed only a few things, but hardly noticeable. When I read the series it was the most forgettable for me, but this was the best movie so far hands down. I look forward to Breaking Dawn. In Eclipse there was a great quote during Jess' Valedictorian speech. It was very similar to one that I had been thinking of. When I find it, or can think of something close enough I will post it. After the movie I walked over to the train station to find out that that stop was closed and do to the time and the area I decided to just take a cab. Tomorrow I need to wake up "early" for Trapeze class! Until tomorrow.

My Burning Loins

June 28. Today I did my laundry at my usual place, but for some reason it was so hot I sweated like I was in a steam room or sauna. Not okay! After that I went down to the Meat Packing District for a few stores that I wanted to see and such. I attempted to go into Balenciaga, but they were closed, but looked open so after a few failed attempts I gave up. Then I took the High Line Park trail down to the Margiela store. It was cool, but not that great. Then I had a late lunch/early dinner at the Spotted Pig. It was very small, had an interesting menu. A little too different for me, but at least I tried it. Then I walked over to the apartment building that Monica, Rachel, Joey and Chandler from FRIENDS "lived" in. It was exactly the way I had seen it in the hundreds of episodes, but the surrounding area was not so much. After that I walked back to the train to head home. Tomorrow I go to an all day Twilight day. AKA a perfect day. Later this week I want to go to the planetarium, and the site in Central Park from Home Alone 2 but other than that just packing up and getting ready to go. Final days bring final thoughts. Until tomorrow.

Coma Condition

June 27. Started the day off with a movie. Thought that was going to be all I did all day, but decided to go out and get my ticket for the Twilight movie experience on Tuesday. Bought some cupcakes, because it wouldn't be a day without Grand Central, Time Square, or something sweet. I also went into the Forever 21 store that they opened on Friday in Time Square. It is massive, good displays, but most of the clothes displayed are vintage or not theirs, probably why I like them. The merchandising was horrible though, there is a reason corporate usually does merchandising because a 20 year old without a visual eye is not capable of creating worthy displays. After being disappointed in what I saw, but surprised that I was actually impressed by a few things I came home to watch some more movies. My situation reminded me of the chapter Grey Gardens from Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang. But I didn't eat eight Lean Pockets, I just ate Top Ramen. I have also started a new book. Wuthering Heights, it's a classic and I look forward to reading it. I was supposed to read it in high school, but clearly I didn't do that, so here I am five years later doing what I was supposed to do five years earlier. Teachers just need to give us time, we'll get around to it when we find the time.

Lauren Church Departs

June 26. After a very successful week we took it slow today. We ate lunch at a Chinese restaurant. It was not very successful though. My friend was confused about the ordering, and I was confused as to why she was so hungry. After ordering one roll for my self and she ordered three for her self, thinking they were single rolls as opposed to the one roll cut into many more rolls. Well after we both stared at each other mortified that whatever you don't eat you have to pay for. Lets just say more than a few rolls made their way into her bag. After lunch we walked over to the Met to pick up some postcards and such, and then headed over to the park for her to see the Alice in Wonderland statue. Then made our way to the other side of the park for Columbus Circle. Took a cab to Serendipity 3 for some gifts. After that we said our goodbyes and and I spent the rest of the day on the couch recuperating from a very long five days. A week left and I have a few things in mind that I have left to do. I still would like to find the Home Alone 2 site in the park, see the show at the planetarium, see the planetarium and Columbus Circle at night, and a few stores that I hadn't got a chance to see yet. Six full days left in the city... lets see what I can do.

Fun In The Sun

June 25. Today like planned we went to the beach. But on the way to the Long Island Rail Road we passed the library were they filmed Sex and the City Movie wedding. It was beautiful inside. The entry was smaller than expected, but still very grand when walking down the stairs. The train took about an hour to get to Long Beach. Then we walked over to the board walk and got some beach action. Sat in the sand for a while then jumped in the beach a couple of times. Was told the beach was closed. I just thought it was closed for like ten minutes. So we frolicked some more a while later and then again about an hour later. A police officer then drove up and proceeded to say the beach was closed and if he saw us in their again we would be asked to leave. I was so confused I asked where is it open, which he followed up with no where it's closed. We were both so confused. We later found out that the beach would be open tomorrow and only the sand was open today. If these New Yorkers would explain just a few things, they would not have to keep repeating them selves and sounding likes asses or classic New Yorkers. We packed up, grabbed dinner at Five Guys, a burger place, and then took the train home. To then catch a cab. We are currently debating weather or not more food is in our near future. Tomorrow we have a few things to do. Like the Planetarium, and the park again. And then she is out of here and a week from tomorrow I will be likewise.

Fine Dining Day

June 24. Today we started off with a walk in the park. It was pretty disgusting outside. My fair friend declared herself the sweatiest person in New York City. And that is why so many people were starring at her. After our walk in the park we had lunch at the Plaza Palm Court. A much better experience this time. But I still think the Brown Palace does a better job. After lunch we saw the crazed crowd in front of the Apple store for their iPhones, way too many people. We then went into FAO Swartz to see the Big Piano. I played it with about 6 children knee high to a tadpole so I felt supper cool. Clearly. We then walked down to Rockefeller Center. The venture was mildly unsuccessful. We did not find what we were looking for. But we did get to see the super cool Lego store. Then we grabbed a cab to the West Side in the Meat Packing District for the Gagosian Gallery's Monet water lilly exhibit. It was nice range of work, but none of the pieces were amazing. Then we walked a block to the High Line park. A old elevated railroad track that is being converted into a very nice elevated park. A great adventure. Once we got to the end of the park we were just one block away from our destination. Pasti's. I have waited months to eat here, and I finally did. The restaurant was just as I had imagined. It was beautifully done and maintained. The food was amazing, and the experience was memorable. After dinner it was such an early day we decided to go to Time Square, because for some reason we have to go there every day - even though we hate it, and saw Sex and the City 2. Better the second time, but still not as great as the series. Came home and are ready to hit the beach tomorrow. Catch some intended rays, as opposed to just collateral damage.

Ballin'. Nothing But Net.

June 23. Today was a day that we attempted to start early. Some how I think we left at the same time we usually get out. We bought some stamps, and some snacks and headed down to down-down town. We walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. That was a nice walk and fun as well. On the other side we ate at some deli, and then walked around in Brooklyn Bridge park for a hot minute. After that we went back across the bridge and headed over to the World Trade Center site. The new location is under construction, and the site/museum that we were suggested to see was hidden and said to be in two places and didn't appear to be anywhere. It was hidden so well from the terrorists that not even citizens could find it. After that we walked around in Wall Street. Got our picture with the bull, and the stock exchange. We wanted to go in, but apparently they don't let any one in any more. Apparently it is the #2 location of high alert in America. Who would have known. After that we went into Trinity Church and walked around and then made our way over the the Staten Island on the free ferry. It was a nice ride. Got some photos of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, so now we don't have to pay to go. We are so smart. Then we took a quick jaunt to Battery Park. After that we made our way home to change, we had tickets for the ballet. We went to see Swan Lake by the American Ballet Theater at the Metropolitan Opera House. The ballet was beautiful, and so was the theater. The lead guy was also some one we recognized from the movie Center Stage. After the ballet we took a black cab to Qdoba. Nothing but class. After Qdoba we went to Serendipity 3 for Frozen Hot Chocolate. It was pretty good. The restaurant did not look like I had expected, but you know, what is? Thanks to Oprah we had a nice little late night snack. We made it home about midnight. Tomorrow we want to spend the day in the park, after our reservations for tea at the Plaza. Might do some laundry tomorrow as well.

Brooklyn Bridge, from Brooklyn Bridge Park

The Financial District Bull

We have also started a quote list. Since we are HILARIOUS.

1. "I'm just waiting to find a dead body."

-While walking in the rocks at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge.

2. "Thank you for choosing the Staten Island Ferry."

"Thank you for being free!"

-Our response to the ferry announcement.

3. "Just think this is how your ancestors came into this country. On a boat. Except on a boat nothing like this one."

-While the ferry was docking in Manhattan.

4. "We could go to the sites were they filmed Save the Last Dance."

"Don't tempt me."

-Speaks for itself.

Golden Birthday

June 22. Today we started early to get in line for some Broadway tickets. We went having a few in mind. When we got there this woman was in front of us that was making a huge deal out of her not being able to sit down. After her yelling at the people that were in charge of the line. And trying to get everyone around her to care, and no one did. She finally kind of shut up. We ended up getting tickets to West Side Story. After we got tickets we headed to the real West side for the American Museum of Natural History. It was under renovations, but it was still really cool. A few exhibits need a little work to make them fresh again, but I think they are on their "to do list." After we left the museum we hailed a cab home. Changed for the show and headed to Grand Central for dinner before the show. Made it to the play in time. It was pretty good. I had forgot how many songs I knew or recognized. Made it home early to rest up. Tomorrow we want to the tip of the island. And maybe our fancy dinner at Pasti's. Then Thursday a day in the park and tea at the Plaza and the 5th Ave Apple Store. Then for Friday spend on Fire Island and soak up some rays. We will see what we actually get done. Until tomorrow.

Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History

Us at West Side Story

Whittlin' That List Down

June 21. Today we headed for my favorite pizza place for our first stop. After our slice we went down to the Museum of Sex. When we got in we were like... we payed $15 for this. Is was one room with a few screens. I was like this can't be it. After way too much deliberation we finally found what could have been an Underground Railroad secret passage to the rest of the museum. We saw an exhibit on condoms, animal sex, and something else that escapes me at the moment. After that we went to Madison Square Park, past the Flatiron Building, then to Union Square. After that we stopped at a very intense Whole Foods. Then to Taco Bell. Clearly the next logical step. After lunch we went to Washington Square Park. Read for a bit, then headed off to Carrie Bradshaw's stoop. We have pictures, but my camera died so I can't post them. After that we stopped into Magnolia Bakery, they were unfortunately out of cup cakes. The guy informed us though that the other locations still had cup cakes. We were like no shit, but doesn't do us much good when they are on the other end of town dumbass. We then went to SoHo shopping district to check out D&G and Missoni. Both cool, but not what I had imagined. Then headed over to Prada SoHo store to check it out. Since it is one of the top architectural sites in New York City, thanks to my good friend Rem. Then we headed back to Madison Square Park to check out Shake Shack... after we realized the line was an hour we figured we could do without or try again another time. So we ended up eating at some mexican restaurant in Grand Central that was kind of disappointing. Then walked over to the Library to get my photo with the lion at the entry. We did try to go in, but were unsuccessful. Made our way back to Time Square to go to the movie The A-Team which was very good. And luckily we got to see it in a normal theater. FINALLY! Made it home by 12:30 after a very long wait in time square and a very packed ride for the usually speedy ride. Tomorrow we are thinking of walking Brooklyn Bridge, then Shake Shack for lunch, then get our tickets for the play we want to go to tomorrow night, and then try the Museum of Natural History. Busy, busy, busy.

Confidant Crusades

June 20. Today was the first day my friend and I got to tour the city. And I was the tour guide. I did okay if I must say. Which I must. We went to breakfast at the Barking Dog, that I had been to before. I discovered that it was not in Sex and the City though, only the t-shirt from the restaurant is in an episode. Not the same in my opinion. After breakfast we went to the Gugg to just look at the inside, then went to the Met. After a few hours at the met, and getting to see somethings that I had not seen the last time I visited we walked 5th Avenue for a little while to pop in and out of stores to escape the heat. We then purchased tickets to Top of the Rock. Came back home and rested for a bit and then took a cab downtown to Rockefeller Center. Due to the downtown trains being out of order for some preposterous reason. After we made it to the Rock, barely, we headed to the top. Took loads of photos, since we went up when it was still light out, and stayed to watch the sunset. A nice time to relax. Unfortunately they did not have proper seating, but what we found sufficed for the nearly two hours that we waited. After the Rock, we went to Time Square. Considered going to a movie in a proper theater and we deterred by the time. Considering we ate only once so far we were rather hungry, so we made our way to none other than the American Classic... Olive Garden. And at the stories high, one must wonder if that is really all the necessary. After dinner we went home and made it to bed at a reasonable hour. Off to rest and recuperate for another day.

On Top of the Rock

The Final Countdown

June 17. Today I hung around recuperating after two very long days at work. I spent it in a coma like state in my bed until 1 pm. Then reunited myself with the couch until I decided it was necessary to get food. My friend arrives in the city on Saturday and I am so ready to go to restaurants and out in public in general without feeling like a local doing touristy things... without a visitor. While I have a few things to do before I have an out of towner, I still have a long list I want to complete before I bid this fair city "adeu." As I was telling work about leaving the other day, why I was leaving came up. More than once. I said I just didn't think it was for me so I'm going to try something else. I got a range of responses. From "well it took me a long time to get used to the city," to "man am I jealous. This city is a trap." After the conversations I am sure I have made the right decision. And after repeating what these people have said to me made me realize something. While this city maybe the greatest place in the world, it seems that most of the people here are either just settling, or are here because they know it is the greatest city in the world and thus justify staying or coming here. I came to New York with the full intention of staying. After about one hour I realized that was less and less likely of ever happening. Carrie Bradshaw is asked in Sex and the City "Why do we think this place is so great any way?" She responds with, "because it is." While I agree that it is a great city, it will be one that only visit from now on. I watched The Nanny Diaries the other day and Scarlet Johansen said this. "There's a common belief among anthropologists that you must immerse yourself in an unfamiliar world in order to truly understand your own." I believe this. I have learned a lot about myself from this trip. I also continue to hear from practical strangers that what I am doing is so amazing. It always seems to amaze me that the most obvious and trivial observations seem to be the most important yet the least considered. So thank you New York City for opening my eyes and giving me an experience I will never forget and a few more weeks to enjoy the greatest city in the world.

And Just When I Made A Decision

June 14. While I haven't been doing that much New York stuff I have been working. Thinking about how I want to wrap up my last few weeks. After purchasing my plane ticket home last night. I got an email today from the firm I had applied for an internship. They offered me a position. Well I don't love it enough to stay. But I did ask if I could do a week long intensive internship just to have the experience. I think it would be interesting. And while I think New York will only be a place I visit in the future, it could give me an idea if that area could turn into something else or if I am even interested in that area. If I ever did consider going west coast I could always look for similar opportunities. About three weeks left and ready to wrap up the journey I always wanted to take.

One Month Anniversary

June 11. They say that in New York you are constantly looking for one of three things. A job. A home. A relationship. Well I don't really have any of those at the moment. SO am I not a New Yorker? I don't know. Over the last month I have thought about staying and going. And I have made a decision. I am going. I have dreamed about visiting the worlds greatest city almost my entire life, and I have done that now. And in a months time I will have done that even more than I had ever imagined. I have seen everything I wanted to see, except the city at Christmas, but I can always come back for that. I was given advice from a range of people. About how you have to let the city grow on you. And to be honest it has. But I am a person that can tell right then. And since I had qualms in my first day I knew it was not a good sign. I already have a job lined up for when I go home. I have applied for other opportunities when I go home as well. I even thought about another adventure to the other coast, for the LA experience. But that was just a thought. I mean the other day I considered a European experience. Experiences cost money. And after this experience I don't have that much to blow. In the coming month I have a list of places I want to see before I go. The Natural History Museum, Empire State Building, Russian Tea Room, see a Broadway Show, go to the Met roof top garden, the Brooklyn Bridge, Battery Park, Wall Street, Columbus Circle, Museum of Sex, and maybe the Frick Collection. Sounds like a lot. But I can do it. I have a visitor coming in a week for a week so we should be able to knock out a lot, and I can finish off the rest alone. This decision has made me feel... I don't even know. Elated, relieved, happy... as well as questioning my decision. But as I have also been told I am young and I have plenty of time to change my mind to a different path to pursue. Now that I have made this decision it makes me understand what I have to look forward to and how I need to consider my remaining time here in the Empire State.

I Thought I Was Going To Get Jumped

June 9. Today after purchasing my graduation present from Barneys. And after failed attempts at three other Prada stores. I finally hit the jack pot. I hit up the Prada SoHo store this morning and asked them for a box for my luggage. Not only did I get a box. I got tissue paper, an elastic band to hold the box shut, and shopper that could fit two small children in. To say the least I was elated. I worked 12-8. Had a pretty slow day. But small world I saw a kid from home that I worked with for a few weeks, that was just shopping in the city and he came in to ask for directions. How crazy is that? Pretty crazy I think. It rained pretty much all day, which tempted me to buy an umbrella. I refrained. I made it home but only after sitting on the subway with a 3' x 1'8" bag that says PRADA. I sat across from some kids that were eyeing my bag, I was willing to risk my life to protect this bag, after all that I had been through to get it. After the hoods vacated the cart before I had to I was somewhat relieved. I made it home in the rain and wind, with a perfectly well kept bag. Luckily I had covered it in a large trash bag.

Happy Birthday Frank

June 8. Today I relaxed for a while and then went down to sit on the Met steps to wait. Today was the Museum Mile Festival, as well as Frank Lloyd Wright's birthday. So me and some friends and some of their friends went to the Guggenheim, and the Cooper Hewitt Museum. We did some street art first then headed in to our first museum. I had already been the Gugg, but it was cool to see how busy it was and some how they kept pushing people in, but once we got in, it did not feel that busy. Good job Frank, you really were a genius. Then we went over the Cooper Hewitt, it was cool, but way to crowded to enjoy. The museum used to be a private home. I can't even imagine how much that would be worth today on the real estate market. I saw one home in a similar area the other day. Three bedrooms, servant's corders, three and a half bath. $20,000 a month. A MONTH. Seriously, didn't even look that great, let alone rent it. So I would guess 20 million, probably way more but it makes a nice pattern 20 thou 20 mill you know, for a home, park views upper 80's, on fifth, and a garden. After that we went to a mexican restaurant that was pretty good, definitely not as good as home, but still fine. But I was raped when we got the bill. We all know I am a heavy drinker, yeah well no such thing as free refill. What is this Europe? Came home and chatted with a friend that is coming out to visit the city soon and we are trying to plan a couple of days.

Our Masterpiece

The Gugg in a frenzy

The Cooper Hewitt garden view

Just Another Day

June 6. Today was kind of gross out so another bum-ish day. I worked another long day. I need to do laundry tomorrow and call the internship firm to see what is going on. I also have a few other jobs to look into. And a few other people to call about contacts. And might consider contacting home for job opportunities. I also might be flying a kite tomorrow. How great is that? I also might go to YSL. I have scoured this city for something that I want. No dice. There are a few vintage shops I might see if they carry men's, but other than that New York shopping is not as good as I was expecting. We'll see what I get done. Until Tomorrow.

Hum Drum

June 5. A pretty slow day. I hung out at home before work. Then worked from 4-12. And came home. Yep. Pretty slow day. I've made some guidelines for staying and leaving. If I stay. I need to have a job that I think will benefit me in my career, and where I can not have the same opportunity somewhere else. I need to make enough money to live where I want, unless said job is really that great. If I leave I want to see about getting some more umph to my resume, or possibly finding a different avenue to pursue. I have about 20 days to make a decision. I can do it. No sweat.

Time Out

June 4. Today I went to work and went to the movies Killers. The movie was very good. Better than I expected. As I left the movie I felt like I was on high alert though. It seems every time I see a movie like it I always leave feeling like I am going to be killed, or I am some hybrid James Bond/Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. Why is it that whenever I see a movie I leave feeling like I am some how a character from the movie. Whether it be Harry Potter, Wanted or any fantasy I guess. Fantasy. Friend or foe? On my way home I saw a sign that said "put down the cigarette, pick up a hobby." I thought it was interesting. People constantly just need things to keep them distracted or to escape from everything else. Reading, movies and apparently smoking. I watched an episode of Friends recently that I thought pertained to this, Joey made Chandler sit in a box to think about what he had done. Which reminded me of time out. As children we are set aside to think about our actions. When in reality a child, or at least I remember it this way, you just entertain yourself while you are in time out by thinking about whatever. Not what you are supposed to be thinking about. Usually no distractions. Just our thoughts. Which then reminded me of one of the last episodes of Sex and the City when Carrie says she just has too much time to think. On this adventure I feel like I am constantly thinking about these open ended questions that probably have no answer. But I think it is interesting that I fill my time with thinking. It reminds me of time out. No distractions. So maybe put down the hobby, and take a time out. As adults I think a little alone time to ourselves can do us all some good. And then ask yourself what you learned, because you know you were asked as a kid what you learned after time out.

I Could Have Been An Olympian

June 3. I ended up not having to work today, so that sure freed up my day to do a whole lot of nothing. I got ready thinking I would need to go to work, and then got the news that they didn't need me so I applied for a few more jobs. I clicked apply on two and wondered why it was thank you for applying. I was like all I gave you was my email? Right before I applied for my third job I realized I had created a profile when I had applied for internships. Well what do you know a few people will be wondering why I am willing to do a job that usually pays 60k a year as a full time employee for free. So we will see how fast they get back to me. I then went to Central Park to read my new book. Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang. Let me just say the first two chapters had me laughing way to hard. I probably should not read this book in public. The more I think about it the more I think I should stay. I just need to find somewhere to live that wont be my entire pay check. But I should probably find a job first. Keeping my options open. Today I had some really great topic that I wanted to cover on here about nostalgia... but due to my amazing short term memory I no longer have this thought at the moment. I felt like it was triggered by the death of Rue McClanahan. Then kind of went through some contorted thought process of mine to think of nostalgia. While this is not what I originally thought if I write what I am thinking now, it may some how reignite my genius thought from earlier today. I had recently considered going back to a job that was possibly the greatest place I ever worked, but I left for a range of reasons. I was told that that part of my life was like kindergarden. Sure it was great when you were there, but if I were to go back now I wouldn't really fit in. You know chairs are way to small and I can read at at least a third grade level now. People are attached to memories in their lives that trigger different emotions and feelings. Almost everything you remember can be attached to someone else in your life or some critical moment in your life. So it only makes sense that when something is new you have a harder time accepting it, because you have nothing to connect it to or reference it to. These new events have to fall under some new category that somewhere down the road will end up being just as powerful as the memories you recall now. But in turn you have to take these experiences and work with what you are given until they become so far a part of your past that you want to remember all of those times. I regard every time in my life with some sort of fondness except perhaps middle school, horrible 3 years I think everyone must suffer through. When I was younger I participated in almost every activity there was to participate in. I did t-ball, baseball, gymnastics, swimming, rock climbing, boy scouts, soccer and piano. And for a short period when my mom wanted me to do orchestra and was questioned what instrument I wanted to play and I thought the harp sounded like a good idea, orchestra never became something I had to do, thank God. And while my parents and sister harped on me for being a quitter in almost everything I did as a child, I never thought of it as quitting. I thought of it as giving it a try. I sampled all that potentially interested me. And while the only thing that I ever wish I would not have given up on was gymnastics, mostly so I could be an olympian, but I'm pretty sure we all know that was a shoot dream. But from sampling almost everything under the sun, and being extremely selective and picky, I have cultivated a skill that after only a sampling of something I can decide if it is right for me or not, and I don't ever have to look back and question was I right or not. Except perhaps gymnastics, but again I just wanted to be in the olympics. So I guess while I am sampling NYC and I make my decision I can look back on this time as a fresh graduate, similar to my years in kindergarden, and know I made the right decision. No regrets.

Just picture my face here

* This is one of the better pictures I could find, I mean I guess it makes sense that all of these guys have odd faces since they could plummet to their death at any moment and use muscles most people don't even know they have.

Stop To Smell The Roses

June 2. After my first warm shower of this trip was yesterday, it only makes sense that they turn off the hot water today for construction. Thus I did not shower. I made a day of gardens and parks my agenda. I started off with Union Square Park. I had been once before, but this time I took pictures and walked around. I was a little disappointed, but had some great big hydrangea that were very well kept. I then walked the few blocks to Washington Square Park. The main reason I went was for the arch. Thus it was a success. I read a chapter out of my book and then headed back to the train to head to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. The trip was kind of an adventure. It made me feel a little out of place. I could count on one hand how many people were white, and coming from Colorado it is usually the opposite. The subway was doing random bag checks and there were police on almost every corner, just for reference that is not even close to the case where I live in the city. The gardens were pretty though. I mean to be brutally honest, I feel like if you have seen one botanical garden you have seen them all. I did enjoy reading in the park though. Had a nice lunch, no refills though. Damn. Then went into some bio domes. There version of a desert was not nearly dry enough, but it was a nice relief from the city. The tropical rainforest was insanely humid, it felt like 80% humidity. I came home, feeling just as out of place as when I came. Made it home for the day pretty early. I might have to work tomorrow. Not sure if I want to or if I would rather just stay home or go to the park. Undecided.

Washington Square Park Arch

Brooklyn Botanical Rose Gardens

Spurred by the idea of stopping to smell the roses and inspired by finishing my book today. I started thinking about what Chuck Klosterman says, or I guess he quotes.

"The world doesn't disappear when you close your eyes, does it?" "My actions still have meaning , even if I can't remember them."

This made me think back to when I was a kid, or days when I am feeling particularly ego centric. I used to think that the world was really only in existence of what I saw, and everything outside of that didn't exist. Events occur for my sake, to affect me. And my actions in turn affect the surrounding world to later affect me. I feel like this world that I imagined is similar to that of the Truman Show. But every now and again I catch myself thinking, "I wonder what her family is like?" "What do they do when they sit at home?" "What is there biggest problem they are facing right now?" I think a range of things about complete strangers. But depending on my mood, I acknowledge the strangers. Other times they are just pawns in my game of life, and they will either go unnoticed in this game or they will be taken down. There are no other options really. In the book Klosterman also says "Life is rarely about what happened; it's mostly about what we think happened." Perspective gets the best of us. So in a matrix of lives, where we can not control what people perceive, and where we usually don't consider our actions, including the small ones. Makes me settle on the quote "Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it." Klosterman also notes in his book how our lives can and will be summed up into one sentence. So I guess from all of these quotes and thoughts I get this. What do I want my sentence to say?

April Showers. May Flowers. June Sours.

June 1. Today starts a new month. So in turn I felt moved to do something... moving. After taking one of my first warm showers since I have been here. I made my way down to Dylan's Candy Bar. At first I was like this seems so small. Yeah well that was only the first floor. I had already stocked my hand basket before I even noticed there was a second floor. And a basement. Well fortunately the basement didn't have as much as I thought I would be interested in. Such as Dylan's apparel and shoes and jewelry. Sorry but who wears candy inspired Wellies and bangles? Clearly no one I hang out with. After dropping $33+ on candy, 2 pounds of that being sour goodness. I made my way to Bergdorf's for some shorts that I had bought on pre-sale. After my first New York purchase, finally, I made my way to none other than Pizza Hut. Out of the 30 thousand pizzerias in Manhattan, I went for the classic, with breadsticks. Solid choice I must say. After lunch I came home and started applying for some jobs. I have yet to hear from my internship that I had interviewed for and the other internship I received is not really what I want to do, so the next best thing. Apply for something I might want to do, and get paid for it. Hopefully they pay more than what I make now. Or else this Empire State living may be harder than I imagined. I may start looking for jobs outside Manhattan. As much as I might think this city is the perfect fit, I still have to consider all options. Lots of options and only one choice. Made a list of places I want to go before I leave the city today as well. The list is not all that long. But I am sure I am missing just a few things I would want to do.

For my sister. I will stop telling you when I wake up. But I did finish all five cupcakes today. I may have to go get more. Noticed there is a Magnolia Bakery much closer to me today also, so this may be a more common excursion. But at $18 for five and a lemonade, may have to reconsider. And I always say television instead of "tv." I mean I have a college degree for crying out loud.

For my father. I have a project. To find pictures of celebrities in famous spots and recreate the photo with my self.

For myself. To take a photo of whatever I see every 30 minutes for a day as a photo diary.

Tomorrow I have a day of gardens planned. First to Union Square. Then to Washington Square Park. Then to Brooklyn for the Botanical Gardens. I hear they have the worlds largest collection of roses. And even though I detest roses as gifts, they sure do smell good.