Jeffery's & Red Mango

Yesterday I went out with one of my fellow interns, Julia, after work. I wanted to go check out this fun little store I found online so she came along. Whilst walking we happened to pass this retail store called Jeffery's. She mentioned that her mother shops there and absolutely loves it. Of course, I have never heard of it so she decided to show me what it was all about.
We step in the door as the doorman holds it for us, we proceed to the Chanel makeup counter. The very nice gentleman behind the counter talks to Julia about makeup and he convinces us to let him "freshen up" our faces. We looked like movie stars. Julia bought a mascara and eyeliner. Then we go further into the store to look at shoes. We of course browse the sale racks. $400 as the average price, and at 70% too. What a steal! (cough)
Upon leaving I glance at Julia and she asked me what I thought. I told her I had never even touched shoes that were that much! She laugh with glee. She says she is going to corrupt me with designers and high priced fashion.
On to the little store where I bought nothing but really like it. Very cute and hip. This was apparently a very ritzy place to be. Next came Red Mango.
If you have ever heard of Pinkberry, this is basically the same thing. It's all the rage here and lines are out the door at Pinkberry no matter when you go. It's not frozen yogurt, but yogurt that is frozen. Are you understanding the difference? So it's healthier for you. I had strawberries and dark Ghirardelli chocolate in mine. She had mango, gramcraker and something else I can't remember. I must say, I now totally understand what all the fuss is about. I highly recommend it for the tummy, but not necessarily for the wallet.

Gabe's Visit & Subverting the Empire!

On Monday night I hung out with a friend of a friend. His name is Gabe. His brother lives here and he has family all around this area in upstate New York so he's here for a few weeks. It was fun to see someone from back home. We grabbed some Starbucks and walked around the park for a bit. We tried to go into F.A.O. Schwartz (which btw he had never heard of!!), but alas it was closed. So, we took a really strange photo instead....

We're going to open mic night at a famous jazz club next Monday. It's gonna be awesome! No I will not be partaking in the singing portion.

Yesterday was defiantly one of those days where you just feel God.

For lunch I went and got food with two of my fellow interns and we went and sat in a park. We were discussing about our evening plans and I told them I was to a discussion about being an artist and a Christian in a secular world. Little did I know that this was going to open whole bunch of questions. To my surprise, the two were very interested in what my faith was and how it affected my decisions. We touched on everything from abortion, to gay marriage, to drinking. I know it's strange, but no one has ever actually asked me questions after I casually mention church or that I'm a Christian. I have many nonbeliever friends, but they have just never been interested like this before. Overall I think our conversation went well. They didn't always agree with what I said, but they listened. It was very cool and I'm glad I got a chance to talk with them about my faith. One of them had actually never met someone who lives their life by their faith.

On my way home from work, I got the text message from Josh saying how his father's cancer had spread through his brain. Operating is no longer an option and chemo is the next step. All the mean while construction has stared on their home. This family has been through so much and my heart just breaks for them and I don't like that I can't be there. But God is sovereign and His plan is perfect. Now we just have to wait and pray.

After dinner I went to the artist discussion. I heard about it on Sunday at church. It was called Subverting the Empire Through Art. I thought about not going. Thinking I was tired and little sick, but I forced myself to go. Saying I need to meet more believers and I need good fellowship. As I went to the building, I didn't even think about the location of the address off 5th Avenue. Until I approached the building and it hit me, this is 5th Avenue. There was a door man dressed to the nines, a gentleman at a desk inside, and gentleman in each elevator. Once we reached the 38th floor, he showed me to the door of the apartment. As I walked in I felt so out of place, but you know, acted like I belonged. Said hi to a few people and to JR (the pastor who I met on Sunday). I noticed a few people looking out the panoramic windows so I went for a glance. You could see central park and up around the whole city. It was amazing and beautiful.
There were about 14 of us who went. For almost two hours we talked about what we as artist could do, to help send a different message to the city then all the negative ones we see everywhere. We talked about the city needs and what contradicts the norm. We picked a central theme of Hope and Relationships. Each of us is now to brainstorm how we can use our gifts to spread this message. We're going to meet in two weeks and see what we came up with.
It was great to meet some new people and have fellowship with believes. I left so encouraged and with the names of people. Now I'll have someone to sit next to on Sunday. I'm glad God put it on my heart to go.

Last Weekend

You know how when someone asks you about your weekend and what you did you indubitably forget what you did? And it's not like it was last month or even last week, but just one whole day. The mind plays tricks I tell you. Well I was asked this question a few times since Sunday and I all I could remember was the stomachache I got Sunday night and hasn't really gone away. On a more exciting note, however, I did attend a photography conference for a good part of my Sunday.

PhotoShelter is a third party stock photo website. They also hold random things that bring photographers together with professionals in the field of photography, photojournalism, and editorials. So we bascially met for an event called "Shoot! The Day". While professionals and amateur (what I went to) met for dialogs, lectures, and a trade show, photographers all over the world were putting together pictures of "much needed shots" for stock photos. The idea was to improve the quality and art expression of stock photography. It was free and I got a free tote. I learned a lot about editorials and what kind of website you should have and not have. Plus free snacks and flavored water. All in all, a good Sunday afternoon.


Then I went to a try a new church. My friend Kerry and her roommate attend. It is called Apostles Church. It is much smaller than Redeemer and has a bit of a younger crowd. I like it a lot and the girl who I sat next to actually talked to me after the service. I went and got a cup of lemonade and a tiny cupcake and went to sit in a nearby park. The weather was so nice. As I was walking, I ran into Vincent D'Onofrio (one of the detectives on Law & Order CI and he was Edger in Men in Black), well almost ran into him. I was looking at my cupcake. I started to smile because I recognized him and I quickly looked down at the two dogs he was walking. I said hi to his cute little jack russell terrier.

From YahooTV.com

John Eichleay and Cupcakes

Last night I went out with a friend, Eila, to she one of her friends, a guy who I met at a bbq, play at this bar on the lower east side. His name is John Eichleay. See movie clip below for tidbit of the show.


Visit his website for more songs and to buy his CD!! http://www.johneichleay.com/

After the Eila and I went to grab cupcakes at Sugar Sweet Sunshine. They were delicious. But I forgot to take a photo. Next, we proceeded to walk to St. Marks Square to grab food for Eila. There were a ton of people out (as if you were expecting anything else than from NYC on a Friday night). St. Marks Square, Eila informed me, used to be more punkish. Now it has turned posh with a ton of little expensive food joints and shops. However, there are, on occasion the surprising places.....



No, your eyes do not deceive you. Those are burgers from a vending machine. There are actually three types of items from the vending machine. Red, yellow, and green. Red are the burgers, yellow are the side dishes, and green are the healthy alternatives. Everything is made fresh from the back, and then slid into each little slot through a door in the back of each window. When you put your money in, the window opens and presto! We did not eat here, but continued on to an Israeli restaurant. It was 11pm and they had just opened and are open till 4am, when the bars actually close.

PS- Thank for all the letters! My mailbox loves to be fed:)

Different city, same absentminded girl

Things that will make you laugh, but make me look like a dunce:

1. It took me one week living in my apartment to realize my window can go up, and the top windowpane can come down. It was down about two inches for that entire first week. I no longer sleep with earplugs.

2. It took me two weeks to realize that even though my curtain holders don't open so I pull my curtains shut, I can actually pull the curtains out of the holders to close them. My room is substantially darker in the mornings now.

3. I've been here three weeks and have now just realized that my backyard is actually about twice its size. There is a very tall wall on one side that has a opening. On the other side is whole other area with benches and a garden and even a little birdbath.

4. Today I spent the whole day in my room watching movies and playing online. It took me till 3pm to realize my fan had been on low all day and that is probably why it wasn't as cool as I thought it should be.

Day 21: New E.D.

So today we had a cocktail reception to introduce our new executive director to our patrons and people in the art community. I got to borrow someones digital rebel and photograph the event for Aperture. This was a private event but unfortunately there was a gallery opening on the 3rd floor, so we had some unwelcome guests. Including a guy who threw a cup on the floor and mumbled obscenities when i asked him to leave. We also had a group of four who lied about knowing someone at the event, but they bought a book from the store, so we forgave them. I'm sure they drank more than the cost of the book though. People are strange.
Now in anticipation of a long night, I traded my dinner meal ticket for a lunch one and this way preventing having to purchase both lunch and dinner. Ad of course in do so, forgetting today was my day to watch the front desk. Well not so much forgetting as writing down the wrong date in my calendar. Yeah, so I ended up buying lunch and then grab a totally greasy gyro from a street vendor on the way. The two owners were such nice guys. I think I'll buy from them again.
During the event, I got a chance to meet a lot of our patrons and members of the board. This one man, Celso, I am absolutely in love with. He is about 80 years old and has been with Aperture for a very long time. I've met him once before when I dropped off some papers for his signature at his residence (Upper East between Park and Lexington thank you very much). Tomorrow him and his wife leave for Paris on vacation.

(See slide show for photos)

Sylvia Plachy

The other night I got a chance to work a book lecture and signing at the public library. Sylvia Plachy was the artist. One of the sweetest ladies you will ever meet. She is so down to earth and friendly. She's one of those folks you could just sit with and talk to for hours. Sylvia was the first photographer ever to be commissioned by The New Yorker for its Going About Town section or GOAT. She as has also worked for The Village Voice (for 30 yrs!) and The New York Magazine. There were over 100 people in attendance. We sold out of books.

Here is a picture of her and her son. You might recognize him from his movie career....











This is Esther. She also worked the lecture. She is lots of fun! We grabbed a bite to eat after and went to sit in Bryant Park. As it should happen, HBO was starting its movie in the park night. Fail Safe was the first movie. We stayed and watch a bit before we parted our separate ways. I'm sad that Ester will be leaving at the end of the month. She starts at Yale in the fall.

Day 14 & 15

Friday:
Some would say that New York City is one of the best places in the world. I would have to agree. Where else can you go for a modest 2 mile morning run and end up in Rockefeller Center where Rascal Flats is doing a sound check for the Today Show? Of course I proceeded to get inline and join the crowd. As I am waiting with all the mob who should walk by into the building? Kathy Lee Gifford. I also took home a sign that they were handing out for the crowd.
This is Kathy Lee Gifford
This lady they picked to do a makeover on.


Work was quick. On Fridays we get out at 2pm and I was trained for the front desk so the day went by very quickly.
*Correction: the cat is named Weegee after a photographer I don't know*

The afternoon was spent in my room working followed by a lovely evening at Pier 46 watching a movie. Wizard of Oz was the nights showing. The parks and rec provide free popcorn as well. There were tons of people there. It was a beautiful night and I left before the movie and ended up walking the 2 miles home.


Saturday:
So Friday night I was looking online for a thrift store Caitie G suggested for me and I stumbled upon a warehouse sale they were having today. I immediately told two peole and before you know it we had a group of 5 of us going. I woke-up and made the trek out to Queens. My excitement was short lived when I arrived at my stop and found I had left my directions at home. I couldn't even ask anyone where it was because I couldn't remember the name of the store.

Called two people. No answer. Walked to where I thought it might be. Got a hold of Erin and she looked up the address for me and gave me directions from where I was. Long story short, I was over a mile off and an hour and a half late to when I wanted to be there. Turns out, non of the 4 other could make it.

The warehouse can be described in one word: insane! There were bins FULL of clothes, clothes on the floor, people walking on clothes, people tossing clothes. No ac either. Just one fan. I mean this place was a disaster. So, I grabbed a bag and hopped on in. (The gist is you can get whatever you can cram into a brown bag for $20) By the time I was done, nothing on me was clean, including my purse. It was nasty but totally worth it. In the end I had 26 things including labels such as Gap, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, United Colors of Britain, Forever 21, American Eagle, and BCBG MaxArizona. And two of my personal favorites, a Ralph Lauren silk scarf and a vintage TWA messenger bag. All for $20 people! Totally work the frustration getting there.

I worked for a few hours then did some stuff at home before I headed out for the Bon Jovi concert. Now he was giving a free concert in Central Park, however you needed to get a ticket to get in the gates. I didn't have one. But they can't close the entire park. So, like many other genesis New Yorkers, I got as close as I could to hear him. I took a book, some snacks and just listened to him sing in the background as the night got cooler and the sun went down. It was a lovely evening. As a side note for those who don't know, there are lighting bugs in the park during the summer :)

Day 13: First Aperture Event/Luigi

Well since the water was going to be turned off, I got the morning off. I went in about 1pm, only to see all the other interns leave for lunch. No bother. I got the morning off :) I didn't do much today. Sent out some press announcements (took me three tries because they have a particular way of writing their letters) and updated an address list.
We had a corporate event held tonight in our gallery. One of our board members works at a law firm and so they held their annual spring reception. I basically sat behind the counter by the books in case anyone wanted to buy something. Even though I didn't know how/what to do if someone wanted to buy something. The development assistant was also there. And I ate the food and had a berry mojito. And I got paid extra for doing it.
The development assistant and I had to lock-up. We waited till the caters to cleanup and leave. Well, we were about to leave and realized we could not find Luigi. Luigi and Walker are our two cats. We have cats to keep the mice out. Luigi is a very social cat, so it's not like him to not be around the only people left in the building. We looked for that stupid cat for 20 mins. I finally went and looked by the back stock of the books, and I bent down and called his name and all of the sudden "MEOW!". I jumped sky high let me tell you. And Luigi just comes walking out like he hadn't been hiding. Stupid cat.

Behind the counter look as the party calms down


PS- Water was turned on again by 4:30pm. Crisis avoided...for tonight.

Day 12: First Day of Work/Yankee's Game/Mum and Pa

Today was my first day at work. I woke-up early so I could take my time. However, in doing so I lost track of time. Left for work 10 mins before I had to be there. Great way to start, I know. But for those of you who don't know, I am only a 10 min walk from work. And I jogged a bit, so I got there in about 6 mins. Only to find out, I bet everyone else there including my intern supervisor. We didn't actually meet until 40 mins later. I so did not need to be there on time.
There are 11 interns total. One is leaving at the end of July, so there will only be 10. Everyone is really nice. There is one guy who is from Berlin, one lady from Canada, one lady from South America (I can't remember exactly where), and everyone is from the states. Only one is a native New Yorker.
We had a tour of the offices, meet everyone, talked with a lot of people, heard a lot of banging (they are putting up a new building right next store and today the inserted the steal beams in the ground), met with our departments, had a group lunch, did some work, had a tour of our gallery, did some more work, had another meeting, and that was the end of the day. There was one tiny hiccup in the day.... at about 4pm someone finally noticed a sign posted on the bathrooms that said our water is going to be turned off all day tomorrow and possible till Friday. The problem? We are hosting an event tomorrow for about 50 people and we need bathrooms! Called management. Hopefully the water will be working again by 5pm for the event.

Having our group lunch.

I think I'm really going to like work. I know I am completely prepared as far as the nonprofit side of things, maybe a little too prepared, but I know nothing of the photographers they speak of or the artistic side of modern day photography. A lot of the other interns studied photography as their major, so it is a little intimidating. And I found out I am the closest commuter out of the entire staff. Some people, it takes them an hour and a half. Yuck.
After work I met up with my folks back at my place and we headed to the Yankee's game. It was the 34 game left in the old stadium. We sat in the bleachers. The weather was beautiful. Nice breeze, clear sky. Couldn't have asked for anything better.

We left after the 7th inning and got something to eat at the 24hr Tick-Tock Diner by my place. After a few pictures, a few tears, and hugs and kisses they headed to their hotel.

Day 11: Last Free Day

It was my last day of vacation and I went to New York City Public library. I spent all day there until about 4pm.



I decided to treat myself to some ubber calories and get a Java Chip from Starbucks. This was a bad idea since I was heading home to eat dinner....which I didn't, because I was full. However, three hours later I was starving again.
Next I went on the roof to clean up my nails. I didn't want to do it in my room because it was small and I didn't want to do it in one of the public rooms because, well, nail polish remover stinks. So I went on the roof. I was a really beautiful evening and a good hand full of ladies were enjoying it. Here is a picture from one of the sunflower pots.


I also received a package from home. It was full of coloring pages, notes, and birthday wishes. It was a wonderful surprise :) Thanks to all who contributed.

Day 10: Birthday

Today was a wonderful day.
Started with sleeping in and yummy blueberry pancakes for breakfast. After spending way too much time online searching for free things to do in New York, I decided I wanted to go for my first NYC run. I live very close to the West Side Hwy next to the Hudson and there is a bike/running trail all along it. Let me tell, this air is much thicker than back home. You think we have smog? Add some humidity and it's intense. A quick two mile run took much long than expect. I also locked my keys in my room. It's a bit embracing to go to the counter and ask for someone to unlock my door.
Had a big lunch (or dinner as it is referred to on Sundays here) then headed off to Madison Ave to bum around while waiting to meet friends. When to dinner with new friend Kerry and Erin then off to Redeemer for night service. I really like the pastor who spoke tonight.
Next was dessert at Serendipity 3 where we met up with other new friend Joanie. For those of you who are unaware, this is the restaurant from the movie Serendipity. Erin had to head home, but the rest of us had 45 mins to kill before we could get a table. Kerry noticed something down the street so we went to check it out..... it was the Roosevelt Island Tramway! This fun 4 min trip takes you 250 feet over the East River.

Kerry and Joanie on the Tramway

Kerry and I
So after our lovely ride, we headed back to Serendipity and got seated right away. We ordered a Frozen Hot Chocolate and a peanut butter humble pie sundae. They were SO amazing!!

Me with a Frozen Hot Chocolate
Walking to the Subway station, we found this very cool and hip place Dylan's Candy Bar. Full of candy that you can purchase and in the windows.....the Project Runway Dresses!


And lastly I got to come home, talk to a few friends from back home on the phone, and sit and watch some wonderful mindless TV shows. My choice too, no else cared what we watched :) Oh, and my folks gave me some glamorous pearl earrings too. Thanks Mum and Pa!! Love ya!
Was a very blessed wonderful day.

Day 9:

A few days ago I went to Central Park. A word to the wise, if you even download walking tours to your iPod, make sure you pint the map that goes with it. Because when it tells you to take the path to the Alice In Wonderland statue, there aren't always signs and back tracing in Central Park can lead to a lot of extra time you were not planning on spending in the park. I also spend some time reading and taking a nap in front of Belvedere Castle. For lunch I attempted to buy a hot dog and eat on the steps of the MoMA like they do in Hitch, but they are repairing the front entrance and it was all boarded up :(

Two nights ago I went to meet a married couple, friends of a friend. Joanie is a residence hall manager and Ryan works with iron moldings. They are two of the coolest and nicest people! I loved hanging out with them and actually went over to their place last night for the 4th. We had a potluck. Couldn't actually see the fireworks but it was still fun. I also met this totally cool girl named Kerry.

Today started out slow. I had plans but flakiness changed that and I ended up staying home. However, I did meet up with Kerry and two of her friends for lunch. I'm very glad that I am starting to meet some Christian ladies my age. And then when I got home and check my email, I got an awesome surprise. Six of the best friends EVER bought me a 6th month pass for Netflix. Thanks you guys! I also got my first letter in the mail. It's cool to have mail in my little box :)

Randomness:
Saw my first subway rat. It was a big one too.
Wholefoods is BIG here. They are as big as back in Az. Everyone loves WF here.
You can kayak on the Hudson for free.
There is a discount on movies if you go before noon.
After a week, all the tourist get old.

Day 6

Had some fun last night. I went out last night with some American Humanics students. For those who are unaware, American Humanics is what my certification is in. Kenneth, Jamie, and Eila are from Baruch College in the middle of Manhattan. It was fun. We walked around for a bit and grab some grub at Chat ‘n Chew.

Today I went on a walking tour of the financial district downtown. Lindsey gave me this book called NYC Free & Dirt Cheap. It’s pretty darn amazing. The tour went as followed:
Federal Hall National Memorial –First built in 1842 and the drafting of the Bill of Rights, Washington’s inauguration, and the first stirring of rebellion against British authority all happened here.
The Police Museum –This was the First Precinct Station House. Did you know that “Cop” comes from the copper badges police used to wear?
Lovelace Tavern –During the building of the skyscraper a wall was found from 1670.
Fraunces Tavern –Originally built in 1719, but multiple fires have since caused for reconstruction. A lock of George Washington’s hair is here and this is where he gave his farewell speech.
Staten Island Ferry –It’s a free ride, but I shall save that for when someone visits. It’s supposed to give a great view of the city from the water.
Castle Clinton –Also has a portion of its original wall and has free concerts during the summer.
The Sphere –Designed as a symbol of peace, for 30 years it was at the Plaza of the WTC. It survived the towers falling down and now is at the start of Hope Garden in Battery Park. There is a metaphor in there I’m sure.
National Museum of American Indian –Beautiful building with 4 large statues of women representing Asia, America, Europe, and Africa. There are also 12 statues on the top representing seafaring regions. Inside there was actually an exhibit from the Smithsonian and, check it, the Heard Museum! It was way cool.
Trinity Church –Known nationally from National Treasure, this Gothic Revival church was built in 1846.
Saint Paul’s Church –This is the oldest building still occupied in NYC. It’s bright inside and is filled with 9/11 memorials. It became a little overwhelming after 5 mins.
WTC –The building of the new memorial is taking place. Check out the design at www.wtc.com
Battery Park City –A great overview of the current construction of WTC Memorial and a free concerts are also played here during the summer.

Tomorrow I will be taking walking tours in Central Park, I downloaded two from the web and I’m very excited to learn about the art in the park ☺