Adjusting

The last few days we've been doing alot of work on the apartment and I've been trying to help Jen adjust to her new surroundings. She's getting better at navigating the subway system everyday. I walk much faster than Jen so I'm usually carrying a slight lead but have to hold myself back so she can figure it out on her own, ha.

As far as the apartment goes, we'll see something in a magazine that we like and say, "hey lets do that." It's kind of random but really worked out in the bedroom (pic). We're still working on the rest of the place but almost done. You'll just have to come here to see it for yourself! Tonight our big outing was into the city to visit it's Home Depot. The one in Sunnyside is better if you have a car but the one in Manhattan, 59th and 3rd, is so nice! It's surprisingly big and had English speaking employees... in America, imagine that.
We found a gym that's actually in Grand Central Station, just one stop from the seven train stop down the street. It's part of the New York Sports Club chain so it's very nice and pricey, naturally. We get to try it for a week and then decide if we want to join.

Pup seems to be adjusting well. She's learning to "go" on the street when there's not too much grass around and got a much needed bath from Jen today.

Tomorrow night I go back to work after a randomly scheduled three day break. The time off was nice but I need some money to pay for our fun! :)

We-Hual

If there is one thing that has been consistent in the last few days it would be our U-Hual adventures. We will have had it for almost a week when we return it tomorrow. I feel oddly comfortable driving it, considering driving in NYC is like being in an obstacle course. Once it was unloaded we could use it to buy large things that we needed like a sofa, storage, or whatever. Our first outing was to The Home Depot to buy copies of keys that don't work. Then we went to Brooklyn to buy a wardrobe that the seller, Clifford, measured incorrectly so we didn't realize that it wouldn't fit into our bedroom until we got there and measured for ourselves. A couple good things came out of this trip though. The views of the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge from the highway were amazing.  Plus, we ended up meeting a couple of dudes at the sale that needed help getting a sofa back to their place so we made a little money taking it for them.

Tonight we bought an Ikea wardrobe from Mary Anne who lives in Harlem. If you can believe it, Jen already has it packed full of her clothes and bags. This craiglister's 'hood was a little ghetto but she was nice and helped us shlep it down two flights and into the uhual. She's from St. Pete FL, what a small world!

What else... our downstairs neighbors are loser fifty-year-olds that smoke pot ALL THE TIME. Oh, and I lost my unlimited metrocard which had another ten days left on it.

Jen's here with me now so I guess I can take down my countdown clock. I asked her to edit this post for me but she's tired from all the unpacking she did today and got grumpy about half way through.

I'll try to add some requested pics of our bedroom wall now that it's finished. The living room and kitchen are not even close to being done, although we are U-Hauling it to pick up a sofa in the morning.

Driving Mrs Rexrode

It's been over a week and a half since I last posted, how did that happen? Well, for one I had to work Thursday then pack for Fridays flight to Florida where we didn't have internet. Plus, pretty much all my time there was spent packing for the move. I did get to visit and celebrate my birthday, June 14th, with family and do some serious overeating. I ate almost all of my favorite cake, The Banana Dream from Two Jays (pic). What makes it so good is that it has so many flavors: banana bread, banana cream, chocolate, nuts,  butter cream icing and so much more ha.

We left for NY this morning and were on the road by 8. Traffic was light, the uhual is driving well, and Pup is being so good. Jen's being good too :). The biggest hiccups occurred before we left like when the refrigerator door broke off in my hand or when the washer started leaking the night before we were supposed to sell it. I never got a call from the buyer so I guess it worked out.

I'm writing this from a Best Western in Emporia, VA where we decided to spend the night after about twelve hours of driving. It has free wi-fi, allows pets, and serves breakfast in the morning. Tomorrow might not be as long but the directions get a little more complicated as we get closer to NYC.

I hope lots of friends come over tomorrow night to help us unload this beast!

Farewell Sunnyside

Sunnyside has been good to me, but it's time to move on to better things. As I spend my last few days in this neighborhood of Queens I thought I'd list some of the things I'll miss the most.
- All the green! No, not money but all the trees, birds, and gardens.
- The gym AND supermarket within view from my driveway.
- French Bakery La Marjolaine, yum!
- Aubergine Cafe which was a great place to grab a coffee and read/study
- Cool shops like Stray Vintage and the chockablock dollar stores
- The sweet old Greek lady, "Yaya," and her family that lives above us.

What a Teal

The combination of the heat and all I got done today has left me with a headache. I ran into some friends on the way home from the new apartment who were nice enough to lend me some Aleive. Our bedroom accent wall (pic) was quite the process but it turned out pretty well. It needs a few finishing touches so don’t judge. I did at least get to sleep in today, and then went for a run before Nicole and Ricky were kind enough to take me to home depot. From around noon to 8 we painted doors, trim, the bedroom, and one coat on the ceiling. The place feels huge when you have to paint every square inch of it, ha.


Tomorrow is my morning to help setup at church so I need to hit the hay early, just not before 48 Hours Mystery. Maybe I can recruit some more painters and get a lot knocked out. The move is really flying at us and we have so much to do!

Pack It Up

Today is a good day for reading. On Wednesdays the Queens edition of the Metro NY paper is released and the Village Voice, which has tons of entertainment and event information hits the stands. It's also laundry day, again already?
If I haven't mentioned it already, we got the apartment in LIC and are siked. The new floors were a huge improvement from the grody, ancient carpeting. I work tonight, tomorrow, and Friday but then have the whole weekend off so I can't wait to get in there, clean, and start painting. We have some pretty interesting colors and wall designs picked out so look for before and after pics in a couple of weeks. Just 9 days until I fly to Florida to pack up!

Screech

What can I say, lots of work. I have a move and upcoming clinicals to save for so I'm on a mission. We have been VERY busy, one of our patrons including the actor that played Saved By the Bell's Screech (guy with his back to camera in this really slick pic). Yesterday my 12-9 became a 12-12 because of business and a schedule mistake and I had to get up at 7 to help with church setup. I feel ok but can't wait to sleep tonight. Some of the church crew came to my hood this afternoon for a Korean BBQ lunch. Oh, and then I helped a friend move from Manhattan to the neighborhood. Lots of Sunnyside action today... and stairs, lots of stairs.

Natural Frontier

A natural grocery store just opened in my soon to be new hood, Long Island City. Just look at all that organic fruit, sweet! I’m known to research things, maybe a little too much, and have been taking walks and runs around LIC to get to know the area. Specifically, I’ve been looking for green areas for Pup to “go” in. There’s honestly nothing but concrete for a good block surrounding the apartment but about two blocks are a couple nice parks that have grass. We’re going to need some serious poo-bags soon; our FL apartment provides them.


Today was a scary taste of what the summer may be like. I think it got up to a stagnant, humid 92 degrees… ok I’m exaggerating, but just a little. I wanted to get some sun but with no water around to cool off (you don’t swim in the East River unless you’re dead) I had to stick to the shade. I’ve had the last two days off from work which I really needed after this past weekend. Although I didn’t really watch Idol this year I think I’ll stay in tonight, rest, and catch the finale. I know, I know, my wild life in NYC.

Beautiful Street

So the last few days have been nothing much but work. Yesterday, for example, because we were so busy the manager begged me to come in early and work from 12pm to 12am which I did and it was exhausting. I can't say I'm not getting what I prayed for, geez. Saturday though, I did get to have lunch with a few friends in LIC before work. Ryan and Kara just rescued a yorkie, Dunkin, so we ate alfresco at Bella Via with the new pup. This place is voted one of the best for pizza in NYC so we needed no better excuse to try some.


I think we got the apartment in Long Island City, on the same street as Bella Via, but I’m not 100% sure. According to the background check, while I have been away my wife has managed to be charged with a pending misdemeanor and felony, ha! Needless to say they had the wrong girl. The landlord is doing some updating like new wood floors and fixing a few things for us before we move in which is great. Today the blog count-down clock says three weeks until the move, woop woop.

Butter

It's officially time for me to move from Sunnyside, I'm becoming addicted to our neighborhood French bakery, Le Marjolaine. There's always something baking so I just ask what's fresh and try different things. Everything is so tasty and flaky, and why you ask? See the picture below of about 100 sticks of butter being divided for different goods. One day I even scrambled eggs at home, wrapped them in foil, and picked up a croissant on the way to class to make a sandwich, yum! My roommate is French but has actually never been.

If we get the apartment in Long Island City we'll be about a block from Manducatis, an Italian bakery that's open late. How am I supposed to resist a fresh cannoli at ten at night!?

The Amazing Race

Flight drama aside, it was a great weekend. We packed it full of apartment hunting in LIC, Sunnyside, and Manhattan. The highlight was definitely our time-out for dinner and a show Saturday night. We ate in my work neighborhood, Hell’s Kitchen, and then went around the block to see Broadway’s In the Heights. We had great seats for half the price (pic) and I liked it more than I thought I would. The lead is played by Corbin Bleu, Jen’s favorite character from High School Musical which I like to refer to as her boyfriend for some reason. Anyway, I recommend it!

Sunday Jen was able to experience my church and it’s a good thing we went because friends Nicole and Ricky informed us of an available place, what might become our new apartment—I’ll keep you posted. Next, while in the city to view more units, we wandered into a huge street fair (pic) where we might have bought a bag of deep fried Oreos. Sunday night we went to a rooftop BBQ on the LIC waterfront which was beautiful, and a chance for everyone to get to know Jen a little better.

Monday morning was a blur of apt hunting before getting Jen to the airport around one and then home to get changed and rush to work. I got home from work pretty late for a Monday and then got up early for class. I will definitely sleep tonight! Four more weeks until our move!

>:(

The regular blog use of emoticons is not my thing, but this situation calls for the angry face for sure! Jen's flight last night was delayed, moved from 7pm to an 11pm, and then cancelled all together because of supposed bad weather and crew overtime. She spent the night with her parents who took her back to the airport today for an 11:50am flight. We, of course, had a full day of appointments with brokers which I'm trying to reschedule. So much flight drama! The weather is beautiful here by the way and it didn't rain a single drop. I'm about 15 minutes from the airport. Anyway, I'll let you know how the rest of this weekend plays out. So much to do and so little time.

The Pond

I took the 7 and N trains into the city this morning after class for an appointment with Brian from church who owns a real estate company. He set me up with one of his brokers who chose a few places for Jen and me to see while she’s up. I took this pic on the way and is of the pond, Central Park, right across from the Plaza Hotel. It was chilly today but still pretty nice. Where’s that summer weather we had?

We also have an appointment with a broker in our back-up location, Sunnyside, on Saturday morning. After class and the gym tonight I did some more emailing to try to squeeze as many apartment viewings as possible into the weekend. Hope it all goes… swimmingly ha.

SoCo

It bothers me when all people talk about it work, which would make me a hypocrite. Tonight, though, is worth a mention! Southern Comfort bought out our restaurant from 6-10 for the national premier of their new bottle, image, and surprise release of SoCo Lime. We served SoCo sangrias, hurricanes, and promotional drinks. It was a fun party to be chosen to work and easy money. Southern Comfort's Louisiana heritage and new look matches our restaurant's theme exactly and it's pretty cool to be the first in the country to see something, no matter what it is. I now have a SoCo bar towel, bottle opener, and t-shirt that I don't know I will ever use, ha. Good times.

Jen's flying up to visit this weekend, the last time before our move! We're getting pretty excited now that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Definitely looking at some apartments this weekend in Manhattan, LIC, and Sunnyside. Only one test and one paper due this week for school. Mine and what seems like everyone elses allergies have been driving me crazy. I'm becoming that annoying throat clearer in a quiet room or subway car. I hope I don't keep the roomy up at night. I guess I should buy some drugs.

BBQ

The last three days have been nothing but work, hard work. I had the night off, though, and got to see some friends.

Church peeps Matty and Chelsea took advantage of their rare-find patio and had a BBQ tonight. Everyone was talking about how cold it was but this Floridian thought it was quite nice out. So here's another reason I love LIC: I get off the train just a few blocks from their first floor walk up and on the way, because LIC is cool like that, I pass many shops which are all open and full of people just out and about. I stopped by Vine Wine shop and picked up a bottle for the dinner. So convenient! All with the lights of the Empire State and Chrysler buildings within view, beautiful (pic). If you can't tell already, as long as I'm not working I love it here. Church setup in the AM. Happy Mothers Day to all the baby-mama out there!

Smarty Cat

Happy Cinco de Mayo! It’s such an authentic and valued holiday that I feel silly not going out tonight, ha. I did go out last night after class which was needed after spending most of the day in the library. Molly (left in pic) had a housewarming party at her and her brother’s new apartment just a few blocks from work in Midtown West. Definitely the nicest place I’ve seen yet in the city.

They have two cats, two dogs, and a fish which, for the city, is a zoo. Sam and Thumbelina (pic) really wanted some of my dinner and made me wish for Pup. Molly’s bro plays in Broadway’s Avenue Q so tons of artists from the show were there which is cool, but cooler if you actually appreciate theater. By the way, it’s amazing how good fries from White Castle taste when you add truffle oil and rosemary.

Today, after finishing my Pathology exam early, I wandered the halls to waste some time where I found this old school advertisement for my college. I like it, its blog-worthy. Yoga and the gym tonight were hot, but good. Class, errands, and work tomorrow. Adios.

STUDy

Sorry folks, nothing exciting today. I had class this morning, and a paper do in tonight's class. Oh, and two tests tomorrow morning. With that being said, I'm a slave to the library today but by tomorrow afternoon I will be a free man!

Peyroux

I have been so busy! Not the fun kind, but work busy. Too busy to even blog. I've worked the last four days and work tonight. The weather was warm so we overwhelmed with guests at the restaurant. Other than work, though, I did get to see Madeleine Peyroux at the famous Blue Note Jazz Club Saturday night. Even in standing room only we could see and hear her well and she was amazing. Later, we walked from Washington Square into the West Village for drinks. It’s a very distinct area with interesting people, a.k.a. freaks.

It was nice to see some more people that are not my co-workers on Sunday morning at church. I was late because of these bikers in the top pic that were in LIC all day. I stood at the crosswalk for a good ten minutes and still got yelled at by the cop when I eventually just ran for it. I skipped out on lunch afterward and went to the park to get some sun and do some homework (pic).

Today I’ll be studying and hitting up the gym for the first time in a while before I have to go into work. It's too bad you have to work, to make money, to have fun. Work is fun until we get slammed, which is no fun at all. I hope to have time to talk to you soon! :)

Chilly Willy

The weather here is unusually cold and windy for this time of year and is turning me into a recluse. Work was the only thing that took me into the city this week and not much has been going on outside the ordinary. Eighties this weekend! Today is Wednesday, though, the day that the Village Voice hits the stands. It’s a free paper that claims to be, “the definitive source of information for news, music, movies, restaurants, reviews, and events in New York.” It’s pretty good and gave me some ideas for the weekend, during which I will try to make up for the lack of fun this week. In about two weeks Jen will be up again to visit one more time before the BIG move. I’d like to take her to see our first Broadway show so I’ve been reading lots of reviews. I hear the most about Wicked, but naturally it’s the most ridiculously expensive with, I'm told, not a chance of SRO (standing room only) or lottery tickets.

Most likely, a combination of the fickle weather and my lack of stretching have made my back stiff lately. I took yoga at eight tonight and feel much better. I really need to remember to do that at least once a week and recommend it to anyone who has musculoskeletal issues! I actually work with many yogis, because servers know what's up. Namaste.

Chase Bums

Like I said, nothing much going on. Today was Sunday which means church, lunch, and usually work. Tonight was an unexpected blessing . It was slow-ish and then as soon as the other server upstairs with me was cut (told he could go home because it seemed slow) it picked up and didn't have to split the dough, woo!

I left work around midnight and was going to treat myself to some new shoes but they didn't have my size, their loss. I took a hybrid cab home which was cool, so quiet. I think I'll try to take hybrids only from now on, not just because they are green but generally newer and hopefully cleaner in the backseat.

Tonight's pic is of a lovely homeless person I spotted after work tonight (or this morning). Nothing says thank you for banking with Chase like this creeper next to your ATM. You would think she'd at least lay down and get comfortable while breaking the rules, I mean her neck must be killing her. Oh well, I guess if I was a bum I would do things a little differently... Matt for president.

$Free.99

The next couple of days are going to be pretty... monotonous. I'm still trying only spend on what is absolutely necessary, which means no going out, and I work the next four days. I made sure not to use the word dull because Bourbon Street is anything but that, but it's nothing worth blogging over.

I did, though, get to run around Central Park for about 30 minutes yesterday before it started raining. It was quite crowded for an early afternoon on a weekday but once I got deep into the park, where you feel like you're lost in the woods with no high-rises in sight, it's so beautiful. The winding running paths are neat, but it makes it really hard to keep your sense of direction. I ended up on the west side, convinced I was still on the east side. 

I might do some research on free events for tomorrow night. There are always free things going on in the city, on the weekend especially.

Go Team(s)!

Mets Citi Field

Last night, Wednesday, I went to my first pro baseball game and NYC sporting event, the Mets at home against the Chicago Cubs. About twenty friends from church and I headed out to the really nice, new Citi Field in the rain. It did clear up a little but then got REALLY cold. Half of us left in the 7th inning because the Cubs had the game, but mostly because of the weather. I think the other half of us were actually all Cubs fans. As you can see from the pic, the seats were so close to the field on the first base line and in the foul ball zone for sure; I had to pay attention so I wouldn't get hit in the head! I'm going to try to get my hands on some more pics from the game by the way.

I aced yet another test, this time in psychology this morning. If my clinicals in January are as easy as my current classes, I'll be good to go.

Happy Earth Day, which happens to be 40 years old. AM New York told me to pat myself on the back today for using public transportation and recycling (which is required here) so pat pat. Not that it's directly related to being green, but I have decided not to spend any money today. I haven't worked in 3 days and need to slow my NYC-style spending. For example, a hot dog, fries, and hot chocolate at the game last night was around twenty bucks. Yea, and I don't even like hot dogs. The weather is nice here so maybe I'll do some free things outdoors like check out one of the running trails in Central Park or one of the free Earth Day events.

Banana Dream

Sorry for the silence, I was in Florida for the weekend and just now getting a chance to write a bit. Ahh, the weekend… Friday afternoon Jen picked me up from the airport after getting home from her cruise just hours before. That night Jen and I went to dinner at one of our fav’s, Grillsmith, with Mom, Dad, and Michael, Nana and Papa, AND the dogs. It was a great night and I regret not getting a pic with everyone. Oh, and Mom brought us a couple HUGE slices of my favorite cake, the banana dream from Too Jays. So good! Saturday we went to the beach (pic) and then did some walking around downtown Dunedin. Jen really wanted to buy these glasses but I talked her out of them, too dark. Sunday night we had fish and sweet potato fries (upon my request, yum) at the in-law’s and Monday morning I flew back to New York in time for work.

Today during my between class break I headed to SOHO for lunch and some warm weather clothes that fit. I might go to a Mets game tomorrow. Although it’s hard for me to get excited about watching others play baseball, I want to experience NY sporting events. Hey, I’ll try everything once! Well that’s not true either ha. The last pic is of neighborhood Aubergine Cafe which me and my white a$$ head try often.

UES

The 7 train wasn’t going to my stop after class this morning due to more rail work. It was running to Manhattan though and I needed no better excuse. With my Not for Tourists Guide I headed to the Upper East Side to check it out. From Grand Central the 4 train took me up to 86th where I walked across Lexington, Park, and Madison Avenues then up around 95th and back. I could definitely live there! This first pic is of Park Avenue and that lady on the corner using someone’s wheelchair to haul random things.

This was a very pricey area with tons of household things for rich households like Dean & Deluca, William and Sonoma, and european imported goods shops like this one where I grabbed a quick bite. We'll probably never call it our neighborhood but there are some unique stores worth visiting, nonetheless. You really have to live here to take in the real NYC. Over a month under my belt and there’s still SO much more fun to be had. I should start visiting the museums, maybe next week.

Tonight I decided against running in the cold and instead, ate. At least it was a healthy dinner; chicken, sweet potato, and zucchini. I got a 55cent/minute email from Jen tonight from her cruise. She’s having fun in the Bahamas and at some of the same places we visited on our honeymoon. Last pic is of the 7 coming into the station to take me home for the night. Goodnight New York!

Sunnyside Proud

Sunnyside has been named the #3 best neighborhood in NYC by NY Magazine! Park Slope and the Lower East Side hold the top two spots.

Visit the link below to read the article and check out the other winners.
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2010/04/11/2010-04-11_park_slope_rises_to_the_top_bklyn_hood_is_citys_best_sez_magazine.html

Went to church this morning, then lunch at Tuk Tuk with some friends, and did a little homework this evening. I had a dish with coconut milk in it and felt pretty sick for a while so I'm thinking I'm still allergic, or sensitive to coconut. This picture is of our congregation, full of what Dad calls "C&E's," on Easter Sunday. Today we had almost as many attend which is not too shabby. Yoga in the morning and boy do I need it.

Knights of Columbus!

Friday was not a great day at work. It was nice to relax and chat with the other servers but by three in the afternoon, too many servers on the floor, and no money to be made I left early and went out to explore the city. Molly, the hostess recommended the Upper West Side. I walked from work on 46th up to almost 80th, turned around and came back down Amsterdam or Broadway. It was a nice walk with many stops along the way including Columbus Circle, Lincoln Center, and my Nana’s favorite: Live with Regis and Kelly. I picked up some ticket information for you by the way! Ha.

Friday night was very Italian with a walk down the street to Donato’ s for pizza, then a train to LIC’s Manducatti’s for gelato. Both were tasty. We walked a bite of our dessert off the two blocks to LIC Bar for drinks. It’s a friendly, cozy place with a patio that I bet is packed in the summer. It was pretty chilly so we got close to the fireplace out back but never could figure out how to turn the heat up. And no the answer is not add more wood, it was gas.

Today I worked brunch which was also blah because the colder afternoon kept people away. Tonight I need to do some homework and get some sleep!

I feel like there’s so much I’m missing this week. Mom’s side of the family is having a big reunion in GA and Jen is going back to the Bahamas on a cruise. She couldn’t exactly take Pup with her so my parents were nice enough to drive to Tampa and take her to GA with them on a little retreat with Rinny, their Jack Russell Terrier. I wish I could be there but it’s not easy to get from NYC to rural backwoods GA. FL on Friday!

Book Sale

Lately at work we have been so busy! I’m not really complaining but it has been exhausting. If you don’t already know let me tell you, I need close to eight hours of sleep to be a pleasant, normally functioning human being. With that being said, today was a much needed day of catching up on homework, I guess I could say housework, and sleep.


After class this morning while out and about I tried my best to slow my usually feverish pace and take in the perfect spring day. Sunnyside Gardens, my home for now has so many blooming flowers and trees that this picture, taken right at my steps does not do the neighborhood justice. I wished for you, Jen while doing some browsing at a sidewalk book sale which you would have loved. And that’s all we need, more books.

Below is a LIC collage that I jacked from one of my favorite local blogs, www.liqcity.com. I have been noticing and appreciating photography more since moving here I noticed. A photographer friend of mine supposedly takes amazing pics but I couldn’t find his webpage from the address he gave me.

I’m going to attempt to go to bed soon since I work a long 9-5 tomorrow. I just thought of that Dolly Parton song… Speaking of music, I love Pandora.com. It’s a free and legal website that allows you to create your own radio stations. You can rate the music as it plays so that it learns your music taste, adjusts, and makes recommendations automatically. If I’m not the last person to hear about this, check it out.

Tips for Moving Furniture

Tuesday night I took the 7 and E trains out to Forest Hills, Queens to pick up a desk I found on Craigslist. It was a good excuse to check out an area new to me, specifically Austin St which is a strip lined with local and chain shops and restaurants. Nice area.

The desk and chair have a few scratches but I can’t complain about $20 for items that were originally over $300. The hardest and most costly part was getting them home! Of course the suv/ van that I had prearranged never showed and then denied the agreement when I called so I spent about an hour trying to get a ride for my new stuff. Although I eventually found a big Ford SUV, I had talked the doorman into bringing the furniture to my place in his van when he left work around 11. If anyone is ever in Forest Hills, stop by 73-37 Austin St. and say hi to Patrick the doorman, nice guy, so I tipped him. Anyway, I got it all home and set up by about 10 (pic) and I think it’s pretty sweet. Definitely worth the $20++.

The pic to the left is of a mime that’s always in Times Square. She acts like a little wind-up toy and makes the craziest facial expressions and noises. She's so interesting that I watch her on the way to or from work sometimes, even if she's just frozen in a position. Oh, and last night on the way to pick up the desk a classmate pointed out this around 8 y/o boy who was playing amazing classical music on a keyboard without any sheet-music. Some of the most talented aspiring artists are down in the subways.

Walk and Talk

Last night at work I got a message from pastor Jake inviting me for coffee this morning which, of course, I chose to do instead of yoga. We started with some great coffee at Sweetleaf (pic) and then took a walking tour of LIC. I had no idea there was so much here, like a street with brownstones that looks straight out of Brooklyn. Jake really knows the neighborhood. I also got to see his waterfront condo and visit his toddler, Caleb. What a beautiful view they have!

Although I don't have class on Mondays, I headed to school around noon to meet with class presentation group members. I HATE group presentations and can't wait until it's over Wed. I would rather do it all myself, the right way.

I made it home with enough time to do a little homework, shoot some emails, and head to work at 3. I was not mentally prepared for such a busy Monday. It's great to make money but geez, apparently this nice weather makes people want to eat.

Also, sent from Jen's family are more pictures of cute little Lisa at the egg hunt. When asked what her favorite part of the day was she said, "seeing my cousin-in-law." Dumb question :).

By the way, I said we had double what we thought but it turns out we had like 500 people show up to the event. Good times

Kiddie Park

Friday I worked almost ten hours, had some pizza on 8th avenue after work, and bought shorts to prepare for this nice weather at what I think was a 24 hr Gap in Times Square. I love that this city doesn’t sleep!

This morning I got up and headed to Gantry Plaza State Park, LIC to volunteer at my church’s first annual Easter egg hunt. Jen’s family drove down from White Plains for the event and I got to show them around LIC and grab some lunch (pic). I think Lisa had fun. They gave me an Easter gift, some of which came from Florida, and a ride home. Very thoughtful, thank you!

At the event we were expecting around 100 but probably had double that come out. It was pretty well organized for a first with games, prizes, crafts, face painting, and pictures with our ex-Disney princess Brooklyn as the Easter bunny. What was really nice was that the kid’s pics with the bunny and skyline behind them were printed and laid out for families to pick up on their way out. Everything was free and hopefully a few of those families show up to church tomorrow.

Other than coming home late to lots of homework, today was great. I regret not taking pictures at the park but will ask for a few in the morning.

Tomorrow afternoon I hope to pick up a used Crate & Barrel leaning desk I found on craigslist… just waiting on an email and details. Work tomorrow night.

Happy Easter!

Breakfast at Dorian's

This morning, after only 5 or so hours of sleep, I got up for breakfast in LIC at Dorian Cafe with some church guys. It's right outside the subway station (green pole in the pic). I'm chronically early to everything so when no one else was there at 7 I didn't worry, got some coffee, and bought a paper right outside from the guy on the corner. 7:15: I ordered my food. 7:30: I was pretty sure no one was showing and sent the organizer a text. I think I woke him and apparently, everyone who usually shows slept in. I could have used the sleep but couldn't flip the b*tch switch on Jesus people ha, and at least got to read and do some people watching.

Part of the reason I didn't sleep well was because a coworker decided to call me at 1 am to ask if I'd cover her 12-9 shift today, which I did. It's a long, but good shift; you don't have to open or close and I made a couple hundred. woo!

I talked to Jen on the train home and walked in to my room to find a roach on my bed. I grabbed my mp3 player, threw on my running shoes, and jogged to the 24hr market for some roach spray. We just finished pretty much bombing the apartment because I don't do room-shares with roaches. It may kill us in the process, cough, but it's for a just cause.