Watch My Back

I’m really enjoying my time off. For a few weeks I actually have the time to explore music artists that I like, catch up on yoga/exercise, and learn how to use my new camera. I’ve been talking about learning more about photography and getting a semi-professional camera for so long, last week Jen told me to just buy one already. Enter Craigslist. On this online garage sale like website I found a Canon Rebel XTi with upgraded sd card , lens, and even a tripod for about a third of what it would be new. Wednesday I met with the seller in his Flatiron work neighborhood at Madison Sq Park. After he had showed me how it works and assured me it was in good condition, I decided to purchase it. When he left I found myself in a city park with so much photographic potential that I hung out and played with the camera for a few hours.

Jen “flexed” last Friday which basically means we have a three day weekend together. Friday, after spending the morning getting those pesky essentials (GTL!) out of the way, we went to Chelsea Market and the Highline Park. Jen went to look at some new baking stuff while I took my camera to the Highline. It’s got to be one of the best places to take pictures in the city. I’ll include some pictures later, after I figure out how to do so, ha. I’m in the process of deciding which online photo sharing website would be best. The picture quality from my new camera is obviously much better than what’s taken by my phone.

 Tonight Jen and I gave into those tempting “All you can eat shrimp” commercials for Red Lobster and did just that, literally. With the average, or medium sized shrimp containing little fat and only 6 calories (I looked it up while at the table) a person can actually eat quite a few of those little guys.  The way the restaurant tries to slow your refills is with the heavy shrimp fettuccini alfredo, breaded and fried shrimp, and of course those notoriously irresistible cheddar bay biscuits. Although I found it physically impossible to eat less than three biscuits, we were otherwise smart about our all you can eat approach. I don’t think I’ll be wanting shrimp for a while.

 The clientele at this particular Red Lobster, Queens, NY is always interesting. For example, as her eyes darted nervously around the room, the mother sitting next to us gave her young son a very important lesson from the streets: "It's important that I sit facing the door so I can see who's come'n and go'n, and then when you're grown you can watch my back." Can't learn that sh*t on Sesame Street kids.

Gemini

Today was another beautiful summer day in the City. As I have been on Tuesdays for a couple weeks and finally had one off, I started my morning in Bryant Park. After Yoga I spent some time in the outdoor “Reading Room,” an area of the park that is set up like a little library with books, current newspapers and magazines for anyone to read for free.

Before putting a newspaper down it’s become a habit to flip to the daily horoscopes to check my own. Don’t worry, I check it about as often as a read a paper (not very). I don’t think daily horoscopes are true, in fact they’re usually the opposite, but they’re entertaining for a few seconds anyway.

For example, I had a good laugh today while reading my horoscope in the Reading Room at Bryant Park. I sent it to Jen and she said, “Ha, it’s almost sarcastic.” For those who really know me, we were most entertained by the first sentence. Enjoy the pic below from the paper itself.

The Pond, Central Park

It's hard to believe I took this pic myself today in Central Park, not to mention using the camera on my phone! It was a beautiful day biking around the city.

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Yogis In The Park

One of my favorite things about summer in the city is the free yoga in Bryant Park. I don't go in to work until 1 on Tuesdays and took advantage of the 10 am class. Luckily, we made it all the way through before the rain started to fall. Now I'll just be in the best mood through my last week at the clinic.

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Summer Streets

Yes, it’s been a while since I’ve written. I guess the monotony of working two jobs that occupy every day of the week has been less than inspiring. I know, it’s the little, everyday things that make life interesting. This is true, especially in NYC.

You can also thank my Nana for this post, who turned 79 yesterday! Surviving that long on this planet is really quite the accomplishment. Anyway, I talked to her for a bit and she told me how much so many people miss my more frequent blog postings. I don’t know how true that is, but it was inspiring to hear. Thanks.

I did have one day off in the past seven weeks, the day we went to Brighton Beach. It was such a great day, even with Pup in tow, that I made a little highlight video of our trip.


BRIGHTON BEACH VID from Matt Rexrode on Vimeo.

Today Jen and I road our bikes over the 59th St bridge into Manhattan to participate in the annual Summer Streets event. About half way up the bridge, I noticed Jen was starting to fall behind. It’s a good thing we stopped because she almost passed out, which she contributes to low blood sugar. Luckily we had some snacks packed! After some trail mix she was good to go for the day. Summer Streets happens on three consecutive Saturdays in the summer, about seven miles of NYC’s streets are closed (to traffic) for people to walk, bike, and just enjoy seeing the city from a different perspective. Summer Streets encourages New Yorkers to be more active and use more sustainable forms of transportation. There were really neat pit stops along the way with tons of freebees, rock climbing, zip lining and a market/picnic area by Whole Foods. Great day.

 I do work tonight but gave up my Sunday shift. My schedule at the PT clinic changed a bit and I now go in at 7am on Mondays. Although this coming week is my last, it’s just too much to work late at the restaurant Sunday night and then get up that early to treat patients all day. Whoop for days off!

I’ve enjoyed my current clinical assignment. It was a good refresher of orthopedic/ sports injuries and treatments. My CI is very chill and turned out to be quite the comedian. Next assignment is in an inpatient setting so pray I get a good one!