Lobby Day

As spring in NYC rolls on, the temperature is becoming increasingly mild. Although it’s been mostly overcast for weeks, the temp is warm. Not having to where layers or force a sweater onto Pup when going out feels weird at first, but I’m ok with it. It’s time again to take my coffee in what I think is its best form: iced. J

Working at a restaurant in this city comes with many benefits, one being that you meet the most interesting and talented people. Our friend Olithea was a host at Bourbon St when I started. She later became a server (one of the most fun to work with) but left a few months ago for a musical theater show. We’ve been saying we were all going to catch up but with our schedules it just wasn’t happening. Last week, though, she invited us to a Monday night premier party for a dance music video she was in. I was scheduled to work then but was luckily able to switch some shifts around and make it happen.

The event was at a club/lounge called Katra in Soho. While there we caught up with Olithea and had a few drinks and dinner before the premier. We also got a live performance of a few original songs by one of the dudes in the video.  The music video was really fun and entertaining. I found it on youtube and hope it works for you. The girl with the big curly hair is also the choreographer.

(Olithea is the girl with the short hair on the steps and throughout the video on the left)

Briefing on the 3 hour bus ride to Albany

Today (yawn, it was a long one) I went to Lobby Day in Albany with my class, faculty, and NY APTA to push for some physical therapy related bills to be passed. Briefly and in small groups, I met with seven assemblymen/women and senators of NY State. It was a very eye opening experience. At times I felt charged to get involved in politics and protect allied health professions. I also felt discouraged as I realized that our presence might not be as influential compared to that of cash laden insurance companies. Our requests and intentions are so logical and basic that it doesn’t make sense that these bills have been tossed around for years. But politicians receive heavy opposition from insurance providers. Isn’t that illegal? With only a few hours of sleep and so many appointments, the day was a blur and I left feeling a bit overwhelmed. Ugh… apathy is so much easier.