Summer in New York

There are many things that make New York so awesome in the summer (aside from the heat waves and occassional rain showers that leave me drenched at work). For instance, this past week concluded "Restaurant Week" whereby many of the City's top restaurants offer prixe fixe menu's for $35 that include an appetizer, entree and dessert. Most of the restaurants featured are often pricey and outside my normal spending limit for luxury dining, but it's fun to actually get a taste of what they may actually be like from their prixe fix (pronounced pre-fix) menus.

They City also offers tons of free concerts (like the Spoon concert I wrote about), in addition to Central Park's Summerstage and this past weekend's Village Voice Siren Festival at Coney Island (see pictures). The weather couldn't have been more perfect for the event that is rumored to be its last because of renovation and reconstruction of the historic Coney Island. It was sun drenched Saturday with a nice breeze riding over the water as the boardwalk lay overcrowded with sandal and bathing suit clad music enthusiasts. The line up included a number of bands (i.e. The NY Dolls, The Black Lips, M.I.A., We Are Scientists, Voxtrot, The Noisettes, Cursive-- among others). Spilling over onto two stages-- I stook to the main stage as it featured more of the bands I was willing to check out. I caught The Black Lips eccentric style show with the lead singer bopping up down reminding me of a child throwing a temper tantrum in a Wal-Mart toy isle. Their music, while a bit catchy, was inaudible over their heavy guitar strumming, scratchy scream-o lyrics and hyper stage presence. I was really in it for the We Are Scientist performance that proceeded.

Running 30 minutes behind schedule (bands were suppose to go on every 30 mins. between the two stages) the band set up and immediately jumped into their stellar performance. Having had their recent release, which apparently they've been riding low since then, I wasn't all too familiar with what they brought to the stage. I was immediately impressed (and possibly revived) by their quarky bridges and head-bobbing (perhaps foot tapping) tunes. Today, I stand a bigger fan of the group. But perhaps what made the songs that much more fun was the mixture of the sunkist faces, cool breeze and occassional banking of the famous Coney Island Cyclone at Astroland that sat just next to the stage. How could you not look around and feel like summer had finally arrived-- it was like a scene out of those summer movies that make you wish you had more experiences like these. Download: "Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt," "It's a Hit," and "Selective Memory."

The weather this weekend also gave me the opportunity to spend some time with my little brother Sebastian who was in town with his mom (we share the same Dad). It was really nice to get to see him and take him around my new city. It was a little piece of home and who doesn't enjoy having family around. He's such a great kid-- very smart, well behaved and looks up to me (while he still can)-- so it was a pleasure to take him to the National History Museum to see the dinosaurs, treat him to a NYC hot dog and just hang with him. After leaving him with his mom to visit the Statute of Liberty, I had some time to kill with my day. I decided to explore the lower part of Manhattan and visit the World Trade Center since I hadn't been there since I last visited the December after it happened. Just being in the vaccinity of the area I could feel the vacancy that lingers in the air. As you approach the area-- it's evident by the gaping whole in the sky and floor that this event was much bigger than people outside of NY could possibly comprehend. It was eerie and tragic to stare into this hole that looked more like a construction site and realize that structures once stood there and lives once lost. It was hard not to get misty eyed to think about how many lives were changed that day. I can still remember where I was that day vividly (Mr. Weissman's Chemistry class) not realizing anything had happened until reports of the 2nd plane striking. There was a memorial-esque kiosk outside one of the subway entrances that features the new Freedom Tower to be erected on the site by 2010. On the kiosk there were quotes from people looking back at that day...that's where it hit me. We've lived through a part of history.

I also took advantage, while the weather was nice, to casually make my way around the city-- not particular destination in mind. It reminded me a lot of what I use to do in London-- roam the streets and see where the afternoon takes me. I had never felt so comfortable in New York before then...and the city with all its hustle, all its chaos, all its happenings, all its tourists, all its history, all its culture, all its spirit... that's when I felt like this was finally becoming my home. Despite having two months under my belt living here... I'm starting to accept the reality that my life is here now.

Good talk.

DRUnken Rant

I couldn't wait to get home tonight and write this entry. I'm so furious and frustrated right now with people and myself. I'm a bit buzzed after having a few drinks with some buddies, but none-the-less this entry merits its. I'm so angry. I'm sick of being the nice guy I discovered. I'm tired of people taking advantage of the fact that I'm to cowardly to speak up about certain things. It's interesting because if you ask people to describe me they usually say that I "speak my mind" and that I "take no bullshit" but what they don't know is that there is a lot more that goes on in my head than I say. For instance, I had a friend, RK, come into the city today and I thought it would be nice to take him to Coney Island to check out the Siren Festival with a bunch of free bands. Turns out that he got bored and wanted to leave after only seeing two bands. I let that slide. Then, he wanted to head back to my apt. before dinner to drop off his iPod. I let that slide even thought it was out of the way. Then, he droped my $250 phone on the ground SCRATCHING it, which really pissed me off, but in leu of coming off as a materialistic ass I let it slide. Internally, I was furious. I take care of my things. I appreciate the things I have. I work hard to get myself nice things and I paid for my phone with my own money, so when some schmuck comes and fucks it up for me after having it for a few months and not getting a scratch on it-- of course I'm going to make him feel bad about dropping it and scratching the face of it. WHAT THE FUCK? Don't I have a right? It's my gadget... I bought it...I take care of it. Then, after going out to Momo Fuko's (great by the way) we decide to go to some bars because he wants to go out and being the nice guy that I am, I say yes. Well, we hit up some bars-- spend more money than I want to spend and then...he has the audacity to tell me that I only live in Brooklyn because I can't afford to live in Manhattan and that my neighborhood is full of "african american people and we didn't pass one white person." I got pissed. First of all-- I was kind enough to offer him a place to stay when he said he wanted to come into the city for the weekend. I was ready and willing to set up him with an air mattress bed and everything. Second, I am so tired of people who don't know jack fuck about Brooklyn criticizing it for their naive, stereotypical, racist remarks. LIVE HERE FIRST AND THEN COMMENT ON IT. Sure, I don't live in an all white neighborhood and it could be characterized as a "caribbean" neighborhood, but that's not to say that these "african americans" are not people who want and desire the same things we all want. I've learned more about culture and life than these spoiled ass, ignorant fucks I call friends will ever know because there so wrapped up in their parents giving them limitless discretionary income. It really irritates me when I open my door to a so-called friend and all they can seem to do is draw some kind of conclusion assuming that they know what they are talking about. I'm tired of it. i really am, but you know what? I'm too much of a nice guy to say anything. I care too much about what my friends will say or that I will wind up with no friends if I really say what's on my mind. Take for instance my new roommate, I don't hate her by any sense of the word. I hardly see her for that matter and things haven't been at all as bad as they could have been in my old my apartment, but she's....... a lost puppy. She lacks the maturity level, respect and consideration that a 21-year-old female should have by her age. It's another aspect I'm sick of. I take the time to ensure that I am not showering or cooking in a shit hole of a place by cleaning and scrubbing the bathroom and kitchen area. ALL she can seem to do is make it as disgusting as humanely possible by leaving her half cooked noodles on the stove top and dirty dishes in the sink before running out and not returning back to the apartment for 2 days leaving me to clean the the pots and pans if I wish to use them. That's fucking ridiculous. To add to that...she lost her apartment keys a couple of weeks ago and has been so lazy as to not get a replacement of our mail key half expecting me to get one for us. Think again. But yet again, I have remained silent because I don't want to have any confrontation. I think maybe perhaps she's having a rough day-- or she's running late and she can't wash her dishes-- or that maybe I'm jumping too quickly to the gun and I'm a little OCD, but then I think well...why the hell do I have to be subject to her nasty ass style of living when I don't subject her to anything? I mean you would hardly know that I lived in the apartment because I'm so clean. There's nothing wrong with wanting a clean place to shower and a clean place to cook. TWO OF THE  MOST IMPORTANT AREAS OF THE APARTMENT THAT SHOULD REMAIN SPOTLESS. To many that don't really know me...you may think I'm neurotic, but then again you don't really know me. I'm not an unreasonable person. I'm a nice guy and that's why people around me take advantage of me. A huge part of me wants to say FUCK ALL OF YOU and never speak to some of the people I consider "friends" again. Half of you I have nothing in common with and the only reason I was friends with you was because of proximity. You were the nearest thing to me at the time and THAT'S what made us friends. The other half of you I enjoy your company. I enjoy our conversations and I can actually be my self around you. So why pretend? I'll tell you why... as I mentioned above...it's because I'm too much of a coward to say anything, but again... I'm done. I moved to New York to find myself. To learn more about who I was, start over and never fall back to this doormat of a person that I felt I  have become.  I huge part of me has been successful. I've managed to make some incredible friendships with people that stimulate my mind with good conversation and thought. Then there is the part of me that wants to remain friendly with those I have come to know from years in college...hoping that their visit will be something to entertain me. Well, it's become more of a burden lately than a release. To put it in the clearest of forms...don't expect anything from me if you're not really someone I value as a friend. This is a lesson i've had to cope with since I could remember. I've always seemed to have gone out on a limb for people and get nothing in return. Always disappointed. Always the ass who fell for it. Always the guy to get taken advantage of. Well-- this is my chance to say NO MORE.

While on the topic of disgust...I'm so sick of pessimistic people. People who have absolutely nothing positive to say about life or the world. WAKE THE FUCK UP PEOPLE... you only get one life. Why are you wasting it away with negative thoughts about how things don't fruition as you wanted them to be. I suppose you can say my rant above is a bit of a pessimistic outlook, but really it's a release of these tensions I've had building inside. You can learn to like me or learn to hate me, but there is no middle ground with me anymore. So, for some this all may seem harsh and come as such a surprise from "little ole Dru," but really? I'm 22. I'm an adult. Treat me like one with dignity and respect. I'm not your little brother you can step on. I'm not your cute neighbor you can be all chummy with and say anything you like because "you were just kidding around." 

Don't call me skinny because it's not a compliment. I hate it and you're not doing me a favor by saying it. You don't call a fat person fat no matter what the "social norm" may tell you.  Don't call me short because quite frankly it's not flattering. Don't call me Mexican because disgracing another heritage simply because they are doing jobs white people think they are too above doing isn't funny. It's disgusting. It's disrespectful and ignorant. I am Colombian. 100%. I don't pretend to be anything I am not. I've grown accustom to a lifestyle and that's all it is. Don't say I sell cocaine or that my family runs a drug ring because that's just idiotic. Again, it shows your minute sense of understanding and your ridiculously inappropriate "sense of humor." It's not original and it's fucking insulting. Don't tell me to relax when I confront you about your paradigm that can only be described as capsulated in an air tight bubble with absolutely no regard for what the world really has to offer. 

I don't appreciate judgments from people who think they know me because we've had the same crowd for a few years, but never once sat down to have a really conversation. Don't call me shallow or materialistic because I'm more appreciative and I've worked for more things than many of you spoiled brats may think or even know. It's so easy to make an assumption when you don't know all the details. Don't pretend we have something in common when you know there is nothing but a mutual acquaintance. 

To end this rant that has been more liberating than any of you could ever imagine... I'd like to say that for what it's worth... I thank each and every one of you who have come in and out of my life because without you I would have never learned what it is to have a TRUE friend and the stupid fucks I once possibly considered friends. 

And to those of you who may be wondering who it is that I consider a TRUE friend. You don't have to question you status because you just know..... and there's nothing much more to it.

Business Tactics & Investor Relations

I'm always happy to entertain friends that come into town. I suppose it is because I get the opportunity to act like a tourist-- without being a tourist. With my friend CJ in town, it's nice to be able to dabble in the activities usually reserved for those on a tight schedule to squeeze the city into their allotted holiday time. While she's been to the city many a times-- there were still a few things she had never done. For instance, she's never seen a Broadway show or musical. Now, my logic is this...whether you're a fan of theatre (Lee it's spelled t-h-e-a-t-r-e ... and it is not underlined in red, so it's recognized by spell-check) or not being in New York it is almost as customary to see a show as it is to take a picture of the Empire State Building. So, she arrived yesterday mid-afternoon and I prompted her to sign up for the lottery certain theatre's offer patrons for discounted tickets. According to the Web site, it was to begin at 5:30, but when she arrived at 5 she was notified that the lottery had already been finished. Here's where this story is blog worthy....upon my arrival at the theatre I insisted on finding out why the Web site had misinformed me. I approached the ticket counter where an older gentleman, who had previously been curt with my friend CJ, was happy to help me out. He informed that the lottery was earlier and there were no tickets available. Long story- short...I managed to get him to give me two tickets for the $21.50 each (regularly $125.00). I'm not exactly sure what I said or how it came about, but I gotta tell you I was impressed with my business swagger (or is it personably demeanor?) that got me to check out the show for a price I was more comfortable dishing out. Perhaps the best part of the deal was that we got front-row seats. No obstruction of views. I secretly laughed (internally of course) at those other attendees and their naivety to pay extravagant prices for a show. It should also go to show that there are alternatives in this city that won't leave you hungry (and with enough money to pay your subway ticket-- I'm still annoyed with this idea).

This post got me to thinking about a question I've been asked a lot and is probably the most relevant and pertinent question of how and what I'm doing in New York. What is Investor Relations? Well, I can tell you that my job consists of a few day-to-day tasks that somehow or another keep me busy. I've also begun to appreciate the sophistication and intellect my job requires-- especially when I'm meeting people my age working in Investment Banking earning $60,000 a year (unfathomable to me). So what do I do? A large part of my job consists of working on 7 accounts assigned to me on my first day. Each client is different, but generally require the same technical materials. For instance, because my clients are primarily large organizations, corporations and businesses (all public with investors and stakeholders) and in drastically different industries (spanning Pharmaceuticals, Satellites, Semi Conductor Wafers, Broadcasting, Cable and Internet Video Programming) each deals with analysts and other financial disclosings. This may include announcing quarterly earnings (releasing their revenue and expenses etc.), announcing the promotion of a CEO, CFO, COO, dealing with competitors, monitoring industry news and keeping their largest investors happy. I suppose in one word its: consulting. However, at the same time it is very much being the liasion between the corporation and it's primary stakeholders (investors) because without happy investors there is no money to keep the business going. So, this requires me to do a lot of monitoring of analyst reports and the stock market. It really has been a nice integration of public relations (my major) and business/finance (my minor). It alsohas a lot of promise for advancement and pay. Especially if I'm considering getting an MBA somewhere down the line.

Putting Your Feet on the Seat Could Cost Ya

Let me paint you a picture of what this past weekend was like for me. Now, looking back I realize it's actually a lot funnier than at the time. I spent the better part of my weekend trying to cut my spending to a minimum. I've realized, looking at my bank account, that my standard of living has become a bit on the extravagant side and it's time to draw it back a bit. By that I mean I have my friend CJ coming into town tomorrow and I know she's going to want to check out all the cool places I've discovered, so I'm gonna need some extra cash.

Friday- I headed out to the East Village at what has become my favorite hang out for good drinks and good times with good people (shout out to DB and DP). As usual, we got the corner booth, sipped on some deliciously mixed drinks and found ourselves clicking our feet mid-air, karate kicking and snap windmills with our arms at 3 a.m. If you were there you know what I'm talking about. Odd-- but fun.

Saturday- My friend CM invited me to a NY Red Bulls soccer game where they were playing the New England Revolutions. While, we arrived at half time (because I tend to run late alot now) it was still a good time. Now, you'd never envision an American soccer league game to be entertaining, or intense, but it was a little of both. We sat just off to the side of one of the goals in the "Raging Bulls" section, sipped on some $8.00 beers (that hurt a bit) and watched some futbol. Perhaps the intense portion of the evening was post-game when the New England Revolution fans came chanting out of the stadium (where the Giants play) holding up their teams scarf (as they do in Europe) and singing their fight song. It got real interesting when the Red Bull fans belligerently began giving them the bird and welcoming any sign of a brawl. It reminded me of the movie Green Street Hooligans about the Manchester United fans over in the UK. The two crowds started to clash a bit-- with a few nudges, spitting and tossling of one another-- but nothing of catastrophic consequences ensued. It was just funny to see these people actually come close to fighting over a soccer game...American soccer. Yet, at the same time the spirit and pride for their teams made me miss game day at UF...walking into the Swamp (or O'Connell Center), chanting "Gator Bait," doing the Chomp and looking down on our opponent as if they were inferior to the wrath of the Gators (turns out with 3 National Championships they were). We headed back into the city where we ate-- get this-- WHITE CASTLE. No, we were not under the influence of any substance other than alcohol, but I did manage to eat half a dozen little cheeseburgers that were actually much more delicious than I anticipated. We brought back to CM's place and I had another first--playing Nintendo Wii. It's nice to know that the gaming industry is making a conscious (or unconscious?) effort to get the fat kids off the couch and moving by making the game console active. You actually have to put forth effort in some of those games....I was surprised.

So here's where it really gets interesting...since I've made you wait so long into this entry. It's 2 a.m. and I decide to head home from CM's apartment. I hope on the 'Q' train and knowing that I had a bit of a ride ahead of me I decide to get comfortable, so I kick up my feet on the seat in front of me, rest my head on the window and doze off. Now, sleeping on the train is faux sleeping because you're sleeping, but you're also aware of where you are, who's around you and when the train stops (if you're lucky). I'd been on the train for about 20 mins. when we pull up to the Atlantic-Pacific platform. I wake up to check out how many more stops left till mine (I count 2) and check my watch (2:35 a.m.). With my feet still rested on the seat in front of me I think nothing of it....until a cop walks up to the door (as it is about to close) and fingers to me to get off the train, while saying "Please step of the train." Perplexed...a bit buzzed...and grawgy from my abrupt brush with the law...I oblige. The rest of the conversation was as follows:

(Int: A well-lit subway platform 2:36 a.m. a crowd of 6 police officers occupy the area)

Cop #1:

Do you know why I asked you to get off the train?

Dru:

No

Cop #2:

Did you fall asleep?

Dru:

(frustrated)

Yeah.

Cop #1:

Do you have an ID with you?

Dru:

Yeah. (Reaching for the ID) What's this about?

Cop #1:

I pulled you off the train for having your feet on the seat.

And if I didn't...I wouldn't be doing my job.

Dru:

I wasn't aware you couldn't put your feet on the seat.

Cop #1:

(non-chalantly)

Oh yeah. You haven't seen the signs? They're posted everywhere

(pointing behind him half-assed as if it were just a known fact)

Dru:

No. I had no idea.

Cop #1:

(Looking at the ID)

You're from Florida?

Dru:

(playing the stupid visitor)

Yeah. I just moved here two weeks ago. (Frustrated) I had no idea you couldn't put your feet on the seats.

Cop #1:

(Ignoring Dru's remark)

Do you have a Brooklyn address?

Dru:

(still graugy)

Yeah.

Cop #1:

Ok. I'm going to run your name through dispatch. Is there anything on

your record that I should know about? (presuming there should be)

Dru:

Uh...no

Cop #1:

Are you sure? Because if there is and you're lying to me.

Dru:

(half mocking- half thinking you're a fucking schmuck)

No.

(He phones in my name using the military alphabet for every letter. Standing around Dru notices a group of 4 guys around his age also being questioned by a group of cops. The cop, who happens to be shorter than Dru (which is saying a lot) continues to fill out a yellow slip of which Dru thinks nothing about. Just then a big black woman approaches the cops and Dru.)

Cop #1 & Cop #2

(In Sync)

Hey Searg!

* They actually said that. Like in those cop shows. It made me laugh

Radio:

Come in...his records clean. Proceed with (inaudible)

Cop #1:

(Filling out paper work)

Dru:

Out of curiousity how much is it normally? (assuming he was getting let off with a warning)

Cop #1:

(without looking up)

$50

Dru:

(shocked) $50 for putting your feet on the seat?

Cop #1:
Yeap. (Handing Dru a yellow sheet)

Dru:

Wait. I thought you were giving me a warning.

Cop #1:

I never said that.

Dru:

But...I had no idea.

Cop #1:

You have until the 14th to pay it...otherwise it becomes a misdemeanor. Have

a nice night.

Dru:

This is ridiculous.

- End -

Now not only is the fact that I have to pay $50 to the city of New York because of some douche bag cop who gets his fix by serving up these ridiculous citations, but I just couldn't believe that with all the things occurring in the world right now and talk about how NY is on high alert because of possible terrorists and protecting Times Square of an attack-- this is how NYPD spends their time and my tax money? REALLY?? Give me a break. So, after I was completely dumbfounded by the entire incident I sat around for 30 mins. until the next train came and looked at the slip as the other spectators assumed I was some kind of delinquent. The slip read "caught him with his feet on the seat on 'Q' train" and had "Obstructing Seating" checked off next to "$50." To make sure the situation was rubbed in nicely, on the train ride (2 stops) home. A guy sitting across from me was sitting exactly the same way I was "caught" sitting and fined for. It was like the world was mocking me before my very eyes. Where was the cop then?

All I could think about is how those $50 were better spent on some alcohol or a nice dinner. And if I was to get my first citation (EVER!) I'd much rather it have been for something bad ass like skipping a turn style or peeing on the subway. Lesson learned-- fight temptation and keep your feet off the seats and learn to laugh about it because that's all you can really do.

Rain no match for Spoon

A few months back (two to be exact) I wrote about my fellow New York friends warning about the "alleged heat of New York summers." I'm here to attest that the 22 years I spent in Florida CAN NEVER prepare one for the intense heat waves that New York experiences. The past week was struck by one of those unbearable-ly hot heat waves that feel as though you are just sitting in a vampant sauna that radiates on-going heat, suffocating your lungs and causing parts of your body to sweat-- as you uncomfortably attempt to uncling your sweat-drenched clothes from your body only to find yourself navigating from one intensely hot area to the next in hopes of a gust of wind to perhaps provide a milli-second of cool and remind you that life will be OK even if it feels like you're going to pass out from heat exhaustian. Add to that the fact that you are dressed in work clothes and you got yourself a beautiful summer day in New York. I am just glad that I do not work in one of those places that requires me to wear a suit every day because that would just make it that much worse.


Yesterday, however, was a pleasant (maybe?) break from the heat, but the humidity still did not spare us. The thing about the heat in the city is that it permeates within the heart of New York trapped between the buildings with absolutely no room for a gust of oceanic breeze-- like down in Florida. I also feel as though the congestion and walking everywhere doesn't help the situation-- factor in that my apartment lacks central air and I rely on a fan for cooling. How's that for a change of lifestyle? This city takes sacrifice-- even if it means having to sleep naked with the fan on full blast to get some comfort.

So...it rained yesterday. I mean actually rained. Not this whimpy New York rain people here run frightened from every once in a while (in which case I laugh because it's merely drizzling). Not yesterday though...it was a down pour. It rained and didn't stop raining leaving a few looking like they had jumped into a pool with their button down shirts and pin striped pants. Florida rain. But...there was no stopping me from getting a chance to catch one of my favorite bands SPOON play live and for free. I took the "R" train down with Maddern to catch the show in Battery Park City put on by the River to River summer concert series. The rain was still going strong, so the concert was being postponed in hopes that it would lighten up. This caused many to bail on the show, but allowed me to a chance to get a good spot to catch them rock out in case they decided to perform. Just as it appeared as though it would never stop-- as if Mother Nature herself were a fan -- the sky cleared just long enough for Spoon to perform their entire set minus an encore. I stood just behind the front barricade close enough to the speakers blasting that I felt my entire rib cage vibrate with the bass. It was awesome. I snapped the picture below with my phone and caught some video of them playing two of my favorite songs of their last album.





Fresh off their recent release "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" which debuted Tuesday, the band had just finished performing live for The David Letterman show. They jammed out a nice mix of old and new songs capturing the rhythm and beat that makes these guys so damn good. Without missing a beat (or stroke) the enthusiasm and fierce guitar playing performed by lead singer Britt Daniel was both impressive and down right inspiring. It was hard not to bob your head to the addictive and hypnotic beats. Amazingly, these guys have been around for 5 albums (now 6) and they still have the formula for killer hooks and catchy tunes down to a science. Perhaps the best part of it all was that while there were some youngin's there... I did not feel like a 13-year-old middle schooler watching these guys play.

Download: "Stay Don't Go" and "Back to the Life" from Kill the Moonlight

It Always Moves Faster Than You'd Expect

I realized today that I was "celebrating" my two months living independently as a New Yorker and recent grad. It's all been a bit of a hectic ride-- with much more ups than I can even keep track of. It's like the beginning of a rollercoaster where you just ascend-- and I'm hoping the drop never comes. It's been interesting to see how much I've changed in just these two months. I've touched on a bit of my new characteristics in a few of my previous posts-- but I really do feel much more grown up. I've also realized that I've managed to survive off my own means these past two months with no help from my parents. It may come as no surprise to some, but the fact that I can afford to pay my own way will never sit comfortably with me. At the same time I've managed to blow nearly every paycheck I've earned these past two months with a complete disregard for an attempt at saving. I'm in the moment. I'm living for now and I'm enjoying my life as 22-year-old in New York. If not now than when? I read an interesting quote from an article I came across-- basically it said that there is no dress rehearsal for life-- this is it, so what do we spend so much time preparing for? 

My friend LH just moved to the city yesterday and just speaking with him made me realize how much I've changed-- for the better of course. I think-- I know-- that I've grown more in these past two months than I ever did in college. That's not to say that I didn't mature in college, but it's a different type of maturity that comes with being independent, working and in a new city. I'm much more confident, rational, reasonable, realistic, driven, focused, oriented and happy. It's really great to be surrounded by so many people who are bright, care about things worth caring about and are genuine people fearless of how others my perceive them. You really do build your character in this city by finding your niche. I've met some incredible people who have stimulated my mind through intellectual conversation. I've expanded my horizons by delving into activities I may have otherwise never deemed interesting. I'm busy and it keeps me going. I've learned to sit more comfortably with myself...something I lost when I went to college trying to fit into this stereotype that just didn't suit me. But really what does that mean? To be comfortable sitting with myself? Honestly it's the serenity I find in sitting at home listening to some music, reading TIME magazine and cooking a quality meal that leaves me satisfied. It's also about sitting with friends and engaging in conversation fearless of voicing my perspective. It's comfort in yourself-- and not needing someone constantly around to fill the void of silence. It's a chance to relax. I suppose that's where all this self-realization (on Maslow's heirarchy of needs) comes from I suppose. It's the highest achieveable level of satisfaction (I can't believe I remember that from psychology). 

Two months-- wow. It's flown by faster than I ever imagined. I've loved every minute of it, but at the same time isn't interesting how the years in your life you seem to enjoy the most whiz by you? I mean where did 18-21 go really? Those five years went a helluva lot faster than 5-10 did. I would never want time to slow down, but perhaps its up to me to make sure I absorb as much of it as possible. These entries sure help. But really two months? I feel as though I just arrived last weekend. I'm still getting settled in my apartment, accustomed to the lifestyle of lugging groceries up 4 flights of stairs, buying MetroCards every 30 days, making time for possible subway delays etc. etc. etc. 

At the same time-- I am also beginning to realize the path I'd like my career to take. I'm learning that while life is steering me into one direction... my gut and instinct is telling me to go in another. By that I mean that perhaps the monetary comfort of corporate America isn't enough to keep me, but rather my appreciation and passion lies in entertainment and pop culture where perhaps the monetary rewards aren't reaped-- but my enjoyment and satisfaction is far more satisfied. It's an idea I've been toying with lately and I'm not quite ready to make any rash decisions as of yet-- but it's interesting to think about none-the-less. I would hate to look back and wish I had done things differently with my career. I really believe that now's the time to take the leaps regardless of the consequences. 

Two months in New York City-- that's nuts. 

Working For the Weekend

It's Friday at 4:45 p.m. and I am at work counting down what seems like eternity to finally come. I woke up at 5 a.m. to a sky that looked similar to what I went to bed at, at 11:30 p.m. -- DARK. I was really psyched for the day ahead-- I was going to check out one of my favorite bands at the Today Show in Rockefeller Center. I grabbed some coffee and made my way to the studio situated on the corner of the all too familiar Plaza and to my surprise (dismay) 100s if not 1000s of people were already cramming themselves up against baracades to see Fall Out Boy play live. I caught the last few seconds of "Sugar Goin' Down Swingin" but didn't stand a chance of actually catching the guys rock out. There was tooo many people...an interesting crowd too. A mixture of what seemed like 13-year-old pop punkers and 50 something-year-old Meredith Viera fans. I can't help that I like the same music as middle schoolers!

Because of the unGodly hour that I woke up to catch the event-- or rather stand and wish I could see. I grabbed a Starbucks coffee. Of particular interest with this particular cup was

"The Way I See It # 267" quote hidden underneath the cardboard sleeve.

"Music can lift us out of depression or move us to tears-- it is a remedy, a tonic, orange juice for the ear. But for many of my neurological patients, music is even more-- it can provide access, even when no medication can, to movement, to speech, to life. For them, music is not a luxury, but a necessity."

- Oliver Sacks

Was music my remedy for sleep deprivation? Did I really sacrifice two hours of precious sleep to stand behind a baracade 50 feet away from the back of the stage only to hear them play two songs in the 2 hours that I stood there from 6:40 to 8:30 a.m. before I finally had to head in to work for a full day?

YOU BET YOUR ASS I DID... while the outting was a sure fire BUST-- it was an experience none-the-less. I can say I tried and came up short, but that's far better than wishing I had at least given it shot. And my day hasn't been any longer than usual. Mainly because I'm still hyped up off the caffeine.

Considering how awkward this week has been- how overly tired I am (I met up with some friends for a few pints of Snakebites last night) - and how I have yet to actually relax in my new apartment. I could use some R & R...I'm thinking Long Island and a trip to the beach with TL.

Bring on the weekend...

Set it Off

The Fourth of July in New York is pretty much a spectacle. Aside from a few select cities in the U.S.-- it's pretty much a great place to be for the festivities. The fact that it fell on a Wednesday made this entire week incredibly awkward. I am exhausted. I suppose it's from the move this weekend-- then the abrupt interruption of the Holiday -- and then back to work today.

I spent the holiday at AH's friend's apartment in alphabet city (Ave. C and 13th St.). His friend lived on the 11th floor facing the East River-- right smack in the heart of Macy's Firework Extravaganza. It was really great to see the fireworks from their living room window and not have to stand in the rain. It was also kind of surreal watching the opening on T.V. and then realizing that the panaramic shot of New York is where I live. I hope that never gets old.

Also, my new apartment is treating me awesome. My new roommate is hardly ever there (she works part-time and has classes in the city). I'm pretty much gone the entire day at work, which I then hit the gym, so I'm usually home by 8-8:30 p.m. I cook dinner-- relax for maybe 30 mins. before I go to bed and start my day at 6:45 a.m. again. Although, this week seems to be a bit of a challenge with the adjustment of the new subway stop train times. The apartment is great though. I can sleep with the window open, which lets in a nice breeze. It's relatively quiet outside most of the time and I can pretty much do what I want when I want. However, the lack of furniture is a bit sad. I've been looking for furniture online to fill my den that I plan on converting to that T.V. room, but everything is so pricey right now.

There hasn't been much development-- work is pretty slow right now because of the holiday. I do have a couple of friends coming in the next few weeks, so it'll be fun to see them and take them around town. I've started writing down all the bars I've been to with brief descriptions, so that I can remember which ones to take people to. So-- if you ever come and visit I should have a range of places for you to pick from.

London Attacks: Close Call

The recent terrorist attacks in London have struck a bit of a cord with me lately. Especially considering that the location of one of the cars police found was parked in front of a night club myself and several of my study abroad mates frequented: "Tiger Tiger." It's even located on Haymarket Street where our weekly gatherings and NCAA 2006 Men's Basketball celebration at American Sports Cafe took place. The link below shows a clip of the proximity the car found was in relation to the club that had a reported 2,000 people inside the 3 story massive night club.

http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?g=9ce6764e-ede1-41fa-af6f-325a31094b26&f=00&fg=copy

It's been over a year and 1 month since I was in London, but none-the-less there is still a big part of me that has great appreciation and love for The City that was home to me for several of the best months of my life. It's even the inspiration behind this blog. The thought of what may have potentially ensued is frightening. I'm just glad there was ample time to diffuse the situation. Its situations like these that make wonder if perhaps I am a little too confident in these big cities. Should I be more cautious? More reserved? More suspicious? I'd like to think 'No' because I generally feel safe (have felt safe) in both New York and London. I'm not one to live fearful of what may occur, but these events certainly make one question whether more caution should be taken. I mean is there really anything that could be done? Are there really any precautions? Something interesting my father always tells me before I hang up the phone with him is he reminds me to "always be aware." I'd like to think I'm generally an observant citizen-- never one to walk oblivious to my surrounds, but never one to walk paranoid either.

The heightened security around New York does bring relief and in some sense unity to The City. I hope, people are more alert (not cautious) about their surroundings and looking out for the well-being of the great majority. Interesting how these are things I have to consider now living in New York.