Day 187

March 9, 2010

I officially hate packing! I literally just stood in my apartment today for about ten minutes, eating candy, just staring at everything. In the past year, I've moved three times. Yes. Three times! And big moves, too! You should see my place. I have stuff everywhere! So, I do what I typically do. I procrastinate. I get on the phone and call some people, then some people call me. No good.

I Googled the best of the best places of my future residence. Well, at least my favorite things in life: ice cream, seafood, and martinis! Below are places I will be visiting immediately upon my arrival. Well...at least spread out over the first few weeks!

Jaxon's Ice Cream
Legal Sea Foods
Reef Road and Rum Bar
Old Dixie Seafood
Cugini Grille
Blue Martini Lounge
Igot's Martiki Bar

And we can't forget about what's important to all women: Pedicures!
Boca Raton Day Spa

My friend, Greg told me today, he considers me a "mover and a shaker." This is true. I obviously like to move, and we all know I love to shake my booty! ;) Then, I got to thinking about a really funny quote I have posted on my Facebook page. It's from Sex & the City! It reads, "Maybe some women aren't meant to be tamed. Maybe they are supposed to run wild, until they find someone just as wild to run with." Those girls know it all! ;) Because someone as wild as me, (which in all reality, isn't that wild), will be my perfect match! Great times ahead! ;)

He also proceeded to tell me about how Boca loves to "party." And by party, Greg likes to say, "Ash, they like to do the "sexy" drugs." Awesome. Well, I suppose, as long as they're the sexy ones. As opposed to non-sexy ones? I don't even know the slang terms coming out of his mouth! His advice, "Just make sure your hand is always over your drink." Good call, my friend!

So, I discovered something today! When you look at my Google profile, it gives you a very brief overview of myself, a link to my blog, my email, etc. Well, there is also a link where I can post pictures! Who knew?! Now, instead of posting pictures to my blog, I'm going to link you to my Picasa Web Albums, via my Google page. Click here! This will take you to the sample album I created today. It's some pictures from my friend, Renee's wedding this summer! It was so much fun!

I want to say a special, "I'm sorry," to our family friend, Linda. She had to put her dog to sleep today. His name was Bacardi and he was such a sweet dog! May he rest in peace! Now, Sassy has someone to play with! ;)

Note to self:  Maybe learning Spanish is a good idea. Then, when people are talking to each other, you can understand what they're saying! And most people will have no idea you know what they're saying! It could be a ton of fun! And probably, quite educational! It's something to consider, although you said you would never do it! Especially, in southern Florida. It's something to take into consideration.

Words I know:

Hola
Seniorita
Senor
Como Estas


That's it! I have a lot of work to do! ;)

Day 123 - Day 124

January 4, 2010 - January 5, 2010

I guess it's back to reality. I say it like it's a bad thing, but in all actuality, my reality is pretty awesome right now! I wake up...sick. Blah! No fun. I can't breathe. My head feels like it's about ready to explode. My nose won't quit running. It's gross. So, needless to say, I don't go to my internship. I take cold medicine and sleep ALL day! The dang Iowa -15 degree weather got to me! And people ask me why I moved away...do I really need to explain myself? ;)

Being back in the city is fantastic! I take it all in again like it's my first day here! The sights, the smells, the people. It's great! I missed the smell of trash in the fresh, brisk morning air; I missed the preachers on the side of the street saying Jesus is about ready to save me; and I missed my fast-paced walking! Like Brett says, "You walk faster than God!" It's great!

So, on the bus ride into the city on Sunday, I saw a billboard that read, "Recession 101: It's a test. Not a final." I thought this was very nice. Makes perfectly good sense, and makes me feel a little better about the future. Although it seems to look somewhat disastrous, I still have hope! Another billboard--this one I saw in the airport...there is a picture of Tiger Woods swinging a golf club. It's some kind of sponsorship poster. It says, "What you do today, will affect you tomorrow." Heck yea it will, Tiger! It gets your face beat with a golf club! Hahahaha! How ironic, right?!? ;)

Okay, so I told Brett NY to get lost. For those of you who don't know, I have been talking to this kid for a couple of months now. It's not going anywhere, rather quickly! I've come to find that life is too short. If you like me, tell me. If you don't, then stop talking to me. Whatever. Why are we wasting our time with pointless conversation? Here's an example of what we talk about: (punctuation marks are real, on his part!)

Brett: "Hey! What's up?!"
Me: "Hey, not much. How are you?"
Brett: "Oh good, good! How's work hun?! ;)" (Okay, what man texts a winky, smiley face?) Ha!
Me: "It's pretty good."

Bored yet? Me too! And it goes on and on with pointless questions about nothing! I've been talking to him for three months and I don't know what he likes, what he dislikes, what his parents names are, nothing. I know he lives in New Jersey. He mapped it out for me perfectly clear on the table on our first date. Oh baby, oh baby! ;) So, by now, I'm over it. I tell him this is pointless and it needs to stop. If you're really that interested, we would have gone out more than we have. I'm pretty sure he has a girlfriend. Hell, what man doesn't in this city? They all do! They're just looking for fun buddies! I don't want to be your fun buddy. I don't care about your lake house, or your 3,000-wine bottle room in your house, or your gym in your house. Hmm...wait a second. Let me rethink this! Haha! JK!

So, guess what? I randomly get a text from him asking...once again..."Hey, what's up?!?!" Honestly, Brett? I told you this needs to stop. I meant it. I don't say this stuff for you to chase me. I don't play games like other girls do! I mean what I say and I say what I mean, ya' big dummy! Hehe!

Guess what? I have the weekend off! Yay! No work Friday or Saturday!!! First time in a while!! I love it!!! Well, I need to go to bed. I'm sick, and I have yet another long day tomorrow! GO HAWKEYES!!!!

Note to self: Don't compromise your values and morals to fit into a culture/society that goes against who you are. If a man wants a woman to sleep with for the night, don't make it you. That's not what you're about. You demand respect, because you have respect for yourself. A real man doesn't want a one-night stand. A real man wants a woman who is strong, respectable, classy, and fun. Someone to challenge them, make them laugh, and be content with being themselves. It's okay you don't have a date every night. Kudos to you if you can wake up next to someone different everyday and look at yourself in the mirror and be okay with it. I couldn't do it. So much for my Sex & the City lifestyle! ;)

Day 97

December 11, 2009

Okay, so I'm going to share a bit too much information, but whatever. It helps with the point of the rest of this blog. And...I've already told you guys outrageous stuff in the past. So, I'm not used to having my girly time of the month due to a specific type of "control" I used to take. Well, considering I'm not living the "Sex and the City" life, (key word here is sex), I haven't made the effort to go to the doctor for my shot. I'm just going to wait until I get home. I'm sorry, but I can't randomly sleep with people--it's not my style. I have to know you at least eight days. Haha, jk!

So, my point of telling you this is...the last three days, I have had the worst cramps, my whole dang body hurts, I feel like I have a tire glued to my lower abdomen, and I am exhausted. Now I know why I enjoy when Mother Nature passes me up every month. This is just crazy! I need a massage!

So, everything is pretty irritating to me. Not only am I freezing cold, which always puts me in a bad mood, people are just being stupid! Like I've said, don't talk to me like I'm an idiot. I'm 25 years old. I'm pretty sure I know how to run a copy machine. You don't need to explain it to me. And I have a mother, so you don't need to check up on me every five minutes to see if I'm getting the job done. I'm going as fast as I can with the large amount of items you gave me. Back off and quit being annoying! Then when I tell you, I'm going to be 10 to 15 minutes, then you can have my seat...don't come back after eight minutes. Typically, when someone says 10 to 15 minutes, it means 15 minutes. Not eight. Not seven. Not even 14. Fifteen! You're driving me nuts!

To make things worse, my eye is infected, once again! I tell ya' what...I've never been so sick and had so many things wrong with me, than I've had since living here! But you know what? I wouldn't trade it for the world! So, this blog is a bit depressing and not my normal chipper self. But ladies, you understand. When a woman is tired, don't talk to her. Don't call her, don't touch her, and definitely don't try starting a conversation with her. Trust me, she wants no part of it, and more than likely, she isn't paying attention to you! ;)

Note to self: Eat sugar! That's right. Eat sugar! I forgot how I insanely crave sugar right before Mother Nature's visit. It's great! It's an excuse to eat sweets! Even if this is not the reason, sweets heal all! They make you feel like a kid again and make you all happy with warm fuzzies! Sweets do something to you that makes you giddy and happy. So, who cares if it's 1,250 calories you're putting into your body. I bet you're having fun doing it, aren't you? Splurge and be happy! Make sugar one of your four food groups. (I think it's four!)

Day 83

November 28, 2009

Today is a sad day in New York City. Brett left today. =( I know you’re wondering if I cried. For those who know me, you already know the answer…I cried like a baby! I’m pretty emotional when it comes to good-bye—it’s never been something I’ve been good at. I’ve learned to say, “See ya’ later,” not “Bye.” To me, goodbye means forever. See ya’ later, means, well…see ya’ later!

We wake up early to be one of the first people at the Shake Shack. America’s best place to get a milkshake. On our way, we pass Magnolia Bakery. The quintessential bakery in this city! Some may know from it Saturday Night Live, or best, Sex & the City! They have some pretty tasty cupcakes. I must say, I think I like them better than Crumbs. I guess it depends on what you’re looking for. Magnolia’s are smaller and not as rich. Crumbs are stuffed with delicious frosting and topped with all kinds of goodies. Magnolia is a basic cupcake, but tastes so dang good! Brett and I do agree; however, that The Little Pie Company by my apartment has the best cupcakes between all of them! The red velvet and carrot cake cupcakes they sell…forget about it! You won’t taste better!

 

As we wait for the Shake Shack to open, we walk past a realtor’s office. Seven million dollars for a three bedroom, two-bathroom condo! But it overlooks Central Park! I don’t care if it sits on God’s property itself…that’s too much money for a 2,500 square foot of space! Do you know what you could in Iowa for that price? Probably the town of Colfax! Hehe! Do you like that reference, Tammy? =)

Okay, serious business—the Shake Shack! I’m not a huge fan of milkshakes, but I gotta tell ya’…this is one seriously tasty shake! I got strawberry and Brett got vanilla and chocolate mix. The burger was really good too! I love a good cheeseburger and these taste fantastic! I will be going back!

 

After this, our time is quickly dwindling, so we go to mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I love going to church there. I don’t know what it is, but when I’m there, I feel a sense of calm and relaxation. Which is great because I don’t ever have that feeling. I don’t focus on anything, but what’s going on at that moment. I love it! I always have too many thoughts racing through my head daily, even when I sleep. So, not having that for 30 minutes during the day is refreshing.

Brett loves the church! He thought it was pretty cool there and they had their nativity scene set up for Christmas. Brett loves nativity scenes, so I was really happy he got to see that! The picture is a little dark, but you get the overall idea.

When I leave for work, Brett says he can walk me there. I start to cry, of course, and tell him no. Again, for me, it’s easier to avoid confrontations like this, and it’s easier for me to just walk away. So…that’s what I did. I gave him a hug, told him I loved him, and cried all the way to work. It sucks having that person there who has a tie to your home leave you. So, I head to work, and he heads to the airport.

Note to self: There is no such thing as too many pictures! They are the best artifacts anyone could ever have! You capture the best, the worst, the ugly, the attractive! You capture funny, goofy, serious, and sassy! They remind you of all the great times you have shared with someone and groups of people! Treasure them and look back on them, smile, and laugh. Snap a photo every chance you get. Once a second in your life passes, it instantly becomes a memory. Capture the special memories in your life, so you can constantly be reminded of how crazy you were at a dance club, how delicious all of your food was, or all of the great places you toured. Make your memories last as long as possible and cherish the great opportunity and fantastic times you share with your loved ones.

Day 19

September 25, 2009

My day of events starts when I hit work. First event: a girl asks if she can photograph me as her model for her art class. Sure! I've always thought of myself as the next Gisele. ;) Her project: an Alice in Wonderland meets wackily-twisted objective art project. She thinks I look like Alice. She has me act "dazed and confused" for a couple headshots. My dad is probably laughing, thinking that's not hard for her to do! Who's going to be laughing when I get a modeling contract?! ;) Hey, a girl can dream!

Next event: a 6-year-old in a stroller, singing Miley Cyrus. Okay, at six...she can walk. Her body is too big for the thing anyway; her limbs are profusely hanging over the edges! Unleash her into the wild of childhood, mom and dad. Who knows, she might survive?!

Next event: A new metaphor! I am talking to O'Anna about time going slow. "Did a hair pass a freckle?" she asks. Excuse me? What? It takes me a minute to get it, but I like it!

Next event: Two Austrailian girls come in and ask where they can find an "I love LA" shirt. Well, I hate to break it to them, but they are in New York. Maybe they pulled a Home Alone and got on the wrong plane, but the only "I 'heart'" tees they will find are ones with a large NY plastered on it! Whoever says there is no such thing as a dumb question, is a liar!

Next event: Good news, ladies and gentlemen, M.J. is NOT dead! That's right, he's busting his dance moves in the middle of our store! He is even wearing the sequenced glove! I can't believe it! However, he is much shorter than I thought. Steven says, "I can't decide if that's a boy or a girl." "Yeah, I know," I say. "Well, at least we know he's a good interpreter if we can't tell what sex he is!" he says back. Hahaha!! God rest Michael's soul!

Next event: I see Jude Law! Oh buddy, what a sexy piece of man he is! He is leaving his Hamlet show off Broadway, so I get a chance to stare a bit, but continue walking--the flashing lights are kind of blinding me. If you think he's cute on TV, you should see him in person! Why can't I find a man like that? =)

Next event: Martinis at a jazz bar with friends--so much fun! The bar is old Hollywood glamour infuses into Manhattan--without the hefty price tag! The 1950s-esque ambiance is coated with dark wood trimmings, deep red leather booths, and a gangster-style, high top bar. We are Sex & the City, minus a Samantha, but plus one fabulous gay man! We order the appetizer sampler, which isn't the typical chicken fingers and potato skins. Instead, it's hummus, mashed eggplant, caviar with mayo, a red bean concoction, a salsa, Turkish cucumber yogurt, and something else--all dips for their delicious homemade bread. Very wierd, but surprisingly tasty!

Next event: Aspen bar across the street to meet other friends. Very trendy--we stay until about 3:45 a.m., then cab it home! My parents are coming tomorrow! Yay! I need all the rest I can get!

Note to self: Think before you speak. Do not ask a mentally handicapped woman if she wants to sign up for a VISA card. That just makes you look like an insensitive human being. Although she looks highly interested in what you're saying, figure out how to segway out of the conversation. Talk about her birthday today--thank goodness she brings it up! Just shake your head at yourself as they leave--who would seriously do that? Apparently, me. Damn.

Day 1

September 7, 2009

"I am now a New Yorker," is what first crossed my mind as the plane hit the ground today. I was nervous/excited/petrified at what this 13.4 mile stretch of jam-packed city there was out there, ready for me to explore. Instead of cabbing it from the airport, I take the bus. Twelve bucks is all it cost  me for a quick 30 minute drive through Queens into Manhattan. I thought to myself, "I can easily live on a budget here." Yeah, until I go apartment hunting.

My friend Valerie, whom I am staying with until I find my humble abode, and I go a block off of Times Square for a studio apartment available for rent. What a good location right? For a reasonable monthly rent? Nope. I feel like I am walking into part of someone's garage. It is dirty, small, and the broker is a schemer. Him and Valerie do not get along. Her persistence was greatly appreciated, by me. Not so much by Whitney. He didn't like "her negative energy" as he said. We are hurried along to leave, but later unlock my phone to a text saying Whitney wants me to be his friend on Facebook. Ha!

I feel a little bit like Sex & The City already today. As we lay out on the rooftop deck, drinking wine (yes, but it's Labor Day), talking about men and all of the mistakes we have made, I come to find a calming sense inside this large metropolis. Surrounded by honking cars, birds chirping, and cabs racing by, the building has a calming effect, sitting stories high above the busy sidewalks of Midtown Manhattan. 

Lincoln Center is a great place to go shopping. Valerie, her roommate, Dee, and myself enter Bed, Bath & Beyond, in which I quickly find to be three stories tall. As I am aimlessly walking around the large store, I notice a cart full of interesting items. As I begin to rummage through, a man comes up, looks at me funny, and walks away. I am shopping through his cart of things he has already picked out to purchase. Oops!

Off to "Salmon Mondays" at a sushi restaurant in Midtown. A sushi roll for only $3? You can not get much better than that. Although typically crazy New York incidences did not cross my path today, it was a great way to end the start of what is sure to be an adventure.

Note to Self: When beginning a new adventure in your life, let go of negative aspects of your past. It will only slow you down and distract you from the great opportunities life has handed you. You can only go forward, so brush it off and move on. Enjoy the ride while you can!