I spent the weekend doing some packing for my move next weekend, and there are boxes throughout my apartment. But I did get to enjoy some fun activities, too. On Friday, I stopped by a local pub in my neighborhood to check out their weekly karaoke scene. The rain had lessened their usual crowd, and the organizers remembered me from a previous time and invited me to sing as many songs as I wanted. I took them up on it! I sang my favorites and tried some new songs, including Sweet Dreams - Patsy Cline, Something to Talk About - Bonnie Raitt, At Last - Etta James, and Bubbly - Colbie Caillat.
On Saturday, I met up with my new friend Never Married. We had dinner and then went to a party for a friend of hers. Her friend was only turning 28, and the party was full of twenty-somethings. We two thirty-something gals felt a little out of place, but we cracked each other up with our comments about the music being too loud (which it actually was, but we even sounded old to our own ears!). I really enjoy NM's company. We have a lot in common and she cracks me up. Since the party wasn't really our "scene," we hopped over to another place where Cuban Musician was playing. NM and I finished the night dancing salsa with some guys and enjoying sangria.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Apt Update
After much searching (and all the crap that entailed), I determined a few things:
1) I have big, Texas-sized furniture
2) There are few neighborhoods that have big enough apartments in my price range to fit all my stuff
3) The West Village smells like urine, whether canine or human, I'm not sure
4) I'm beginning to not like change as much as I used to
And after the initial discussion with the management company of my building was fruitless, my second attempt was more successful. (It's all who you talk to...) So, I'm moving down a few floors to a very-slightly smaller apartment in my current building. I lose my view, but also the echoing construction noise from Ground Zero. I get to keep the convenience of a washer/dryer in my apartment, garbage disposal in my sink (very rare here), the doormen I know and love, the excellent building manager who is a sweetie, the gym I'm used to, and all the knowledge I've obtained about my existing neighborhood for a cheaper rent. Overall, I'm happy.
I've already lined up boxes, movers, cable and electric, and I've already started to pack. I'm moving next Saturday, the 5th, so my Labor Day holiday will be spent getting all settled in.
Oh, and if this change weren't enough, my office is moving this Friday, too! While I don't like having to shuttle between the two offices now at Times Square and Union Square, and while I detest Times Square and all the hawking advertisers and the hoards of people, I will miss Union Square's great shopping and farmers market. The new office is slightly closer to my home, so no concerns there. Just more change.
1) I have big, Texas-sized furniture
2) There are few neighborhoods that have big enough apartments in my price range to fit all my stuff
3) The West Village smells like urine, whether canine or human, I'm not sure
4) I'm beginning to not like change as much as I used to
And after the initial discussion with the management company of my building was fruitless, my second attempt was more successful. (It's all who you talk to...) So, I'm moving down a few floors to a very-slightly smaller apartment in my current building. I lose my view, but also the echoing construction noise from Ground Zero. I get to keep the convenience of a washer/dryer in my apartment, garbage disposal in my sink (very rare here), the doormen I know and love, the excellent building manager who is a sweetie, the gym I'm used to, and all the knowledge I've obtained about my existing neighborhood for a cheaper rent. Overall, I'm happy.
I've already lined up boxes, movers, cable and electric, and I've already started to pack. I'm moving next Saturday, the 5th, so my Labor Day holiday will be spent getting all settled in.
Oh, and if this change weren't enough, my office is moving this Friday, too! While I don't like having to shuttle between the two offices now at Times Square and Union Square, and while I detest Times Square and all the hawking advertisers and the hoards of people, I will miss Union Square's great shopping and farmers market. The new office is slightly closer to my home, so no concerns there. Just more change.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Pulling at the Heartstrings
One of my coworkers is out on maternity leave. She came by the office today with her perfect, gorgeous little daughter Phoebe.
As we all crowded around and "oohed" and "ahhed" over this precious little one, no one reached out to hold her. I went and washed my hands just in case I could get the opportunity. The mom offered, and everyone shrinked back, saying they were too nervous to hold such a newbie (she's one month). The mom looked at me, and of course, I told her I'd love to hold her.
Newborns are so easy to hold, they mold up against you and snuggle in. Phoebe was such a sweetie and slept the whole time I held her. When I changed her position, she would reach her arms above her head and arch her back in a stretch but kept her eyes closed the whole time. She made sweet little grunts and coos and smelled so sweet. Her skin was soft as only newborns' skin can be.
As much as I try and convince myself I've got it great with 5 nieces and nephews, I would so love to have a little newborn of my own. It was wonderful to get to spend a few minutes with such a sweet baby girl. And such a welcome break in my busy day.
As we all crowded around and "oohed" and "ahhed" over this precious little one, no one reached out to hold her. I went and washed my hands just in case I could get the opportunity. The mom offered, and everyone shrinked back, saying they were too nervous to hold such a newbie (she's one month). The mom looked at me, and of course, I told her I'd love to hold her.
Newborns are so easy to hold, they mold up against you and snuggle in. Phoebe was such a sweetie and slept the whole time I held her. When I changed her position, she would reach her arms above her head and arch her back in a stretch but kept her eyes closed the whole time. She made sweet little grunts and coos and smelled so sweet. Her skin was soft as only newborns' skin can be.
As much as I try and convince myself I've got it great with 5 nieces and nephews, I would so love to have a little newborn of my own. It was wonderful to get to spend a few minutes with such a sweet baby girl. And such a welcome break in my busy day.
Monday, August 24, 2009
All Gussied Up
Definition: Dressed up, as in Emily loves to get all gussied up and go to a fine event. The origin of this expression is not clear, though possibly it relates to the earlier use of the noun gussie (derived from a proper name) for an effeminate man. [Slang; mid-1900s]And so I was on Saturday night. This isn't the best picture of me, but I wanted to show the back of the dress, which I believe has the most interesting feature. (And if I look tired, it's because this was taken at the end of the evening, when I got home.)
I was delighted to be invited and attend my cousin Rob's senior banquet at West Point on Saturday evening. It was Ring weekend, and he received his senior ring at a special ceremony on Friday. I met up with him and his new girlfriend Brittany on Saturday in the city, and we headed up by train later that afternoon. It was great to catch up with his parents and grandparents, whom I hadn't seen for some time. The only downside was that the grand banquet hall isn't air conditioned, and we had the worst hot, swampy, humid weather imaginable. We all sweated through our nice dinner, passing up the piping hot coffee that was offered with dessert.Unfortunately, my camera battery pooped out on me, so I only got a couple shots. I'm hoping others will share their photos with me.
One thing of note: the dress I wore was one I originally purchased in 1995. I've kept it all these years because I just loved it, but it hasn't fit for a long while. I was thrilled it does now!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Fun, but Not Funny
Thanks for all your kind comments. My back is feeling better. (knock on wood!) It's been a bit touch and go for the last few days, but it definitely feels better than last week.
This weekend, I was feeling okay and wanted to get together with my new friend. I met her a few weeks ago when I went out alone, hoping to meet up with Cuban Musician later. She's a beautiful African American girl around my age who's lived in NY her whole life and has never been married. So, Never Married was really sweet and we got along easily. She was out with a married girl friend, who remarked how impressed she was I was out by myself!
We all hung out for awhile, and before parting ways, we exchanged emails. So when I saw an interesting comedy act in the daily NY paper AM NY, I asked if she'd like to go. She suggested instead we go to a free comedy show she knew about in the West Village.
It started out a bit slow, but there was one act that really got us laughing. And then their headliner came out, a young woman who talked about her single parenting and living in NY. It was an absolute train wreck. It was really uncomfortable. She was loud and not funny and it just went ON and ON and ON. She just complained about different things in her life, but instead of being funny, it seemed like we were in on her personal therapy session. I asked the waitress for our check THREE TIMES, and we finally just got up and walked to the door to wait for the check. We weren't the only ones.
We left there and grabbed a late dinner, and then I got to hear more about NM's dating life. She's gone back and forth with two exes, and told me she really wants to meet new people. I agreed to help her try!
This weekend, I was feeling okay and wanted to get together with my new friend. I met her a few weeks ago when I went out alone, hoping to meet up with Cuban Musician later. She's a beautiful African American girl around my age who's lived in NY her whole life and has never been married. So, Never Married was really sweet and we got along easily. She was out with a married girl friend, who remarked how impressed she was I was out by myself!
We all hung out for awhile, and before parting ways, we exchanged emails. So when I saw an interesting comedy act in the daily NY paper AM NY, I asked if she'd like to go. She suggested instead we go to a free comedy show she knew about in the West Village.
It started out a bit slow, but there was one act that really got us laughing. And then their headliner came out, a young woman who talked about her single parenting and living in NY. It was an absolute train wreck. It was really uncomfortable. She was loud and not funny and it just went ON and ON and ON. She just complained about different things in her life, but instead of being funny, it seemed like we were in on her personal therapy session. I asked the waitress for our check THREE TIMES, and we finally just got up and walked to the door to wait for the check. We weren't the only ones.
We left there and grabbed a late dinner, and then I got to hear more about NM's dating life. She's gone back and forth with two exes, and told me she really wants to meet new people. I agreed to help her try!
Friday, August 14, 2009
A Painful Distraction
Dating, and life in general, has been sidelined lately due to excruciating back pain.
I have slight scoliosis, curvature of the spine, which isn't severe enough for corrective surgery but does provide frequent pain. I have gotten significant relief from chiropractic adjustments, which has given me weeks without any back pain, and regular massage. But occasionally, it gets really severe, and the pain is so all-consuming I have difficulty thinking of anything else.
I've been dealing with this situation for the past couple weeks. It finally got so bad I saw my doctor and got muscle relaxers. I'm taking them -- because they take the edge off the painful spasms -- but I hate the way they make me feel, like I'm underwater and sluggish. But at the moment, if I don't take them, the spasming brings me to tears and prevents me from sleeping.
Acupuncture last night helped, too. And today I feel almost human again. Hopefully I am nearing the end of this and I can get back to my life!
I have slight scoliosis, curvature of the spine, which isn't severe enough for corrective surgery but does provide frequent pain. I have gotten significant relief from chiropractic adjustments, which has given me weeks without any back pain, and regular massage. But occasionally, it gets really severe, and the pain is so all-consuming I have difficulty thinking of anything else.
I've been dealing with this situation for the past couple weeks. It finally got so bad I saw my doctor and got muscle relaxers. I'm taking them -- because they take the edge off the painful spasms -- but I hate the way they make me feel, like I'm underwater and sluggish. But at the moment, if I don't take them, the spasming brings me to tears and prevents me from sleeping.
Acupuncture last night helped, too. And today I feel almost human again. Hopefully I am nearing the end of this and I can get back to my life!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
A New Quilt
My dear friend Lauren in Dallas had her third child this summer, and after two little girls we were all excited for her to have a son! Before I left Texas, one of my favorite fabric stores went out of business, and I bought several fabrics to take advantage of the great deals. I ended up using those fabrics for each of the girls' quilts I made earlier this year, and I asked Lauren if she would be open to a cowboy themed quilt for little Luke.
I'm very pleased with how this one turned out. It's one of my favorites to date.
I'm very pleased with how this one turned out. It's one of my favorites to date.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Quote from a man who gets it
"You may not be her first, her last, or her only. She loved before, she may love again. But if she loves you now, what else matters? She’s not perfect -- you aren’t either, and the two of you may never be perfect together but if she can make you laugh, cause you to think twice, and admit to being human and making mistakes, hold onto her and give her the most you can. She may not be thinking about you every second of the day, but she will give you a part of her that she knows you can break -- her heart. So don’t hurt her, don’t change her, don’t analyze and don’t expect more than she can give. Smile when she makes you happy, let her know when she makes you mad, and miss her when she’s not there." -Bob Marley
Friday, August 07, 2009
Maybe Not, After All
Sometimes you can't write about something that's painful when it happens. It takes a bit of distance to get perspective and to let the raw emotions fade a bit.
I didn't write about my plans with the Green-Eyed Dutchman (GED) before now because I was still working it all out in my head. Basically, we discussed that if we were going to give this relationship a try, we would need to live in the same country. And since he has two daughters from a previous marriage in the Netherlands, it was obvious that it would be me that would need to move.
I looked into the options. While he lives in Barcelona now, my Spanish is minimal at best, and the economic recession has hit Spain hard. There was no way I could find a job as an English-only speaker. However, I could find work speaking only English in the Netherlands. GED had been thinking of moving back anyway, so we looked at Amsterdam.
It was an exciting and frightening idea. On the one hand, I'd be leaving my country and culture, far away from most of my family (closer to those relatives in the UK). But I rationalized that moving to NYC from Dallas had been a huge culture shock, too, and perhaps this experience had prepared me for this next adventure.
Long-distance relationships suck, even in the best circumstances. So while GED and I talked and emailed frequently after his visit, the contact began to wane sharply mid-June. Meanwhile, my doubts grew. We finally spoke (after three weeks of no replies to my emails and continued missed calls by both sides), and I wasn't reassured. I told him the risk doesn't seem worth it to me now, and although he says he still loves me, I need more than that...like emotional security and stability. And he's just not able to give me that. Not now, at least.
I told him to go his way and I'll go mine. It was hard to give up on the dream, it felt like I was so close to getting what I wanted, but then it all fell apart like a paper house in the wind. Of course, better to know this now than if I had packed up and moved.
I didn't write about my plans with the Green-Eyed Dutchman (GED) before now because I was still working it all out in my head. Basically, we discussed that if we were going to give this relationship a try, we would need to live in the same country. And since he has two daughters from a previous marriage in the Netherlands, it was obvious that it would be me that would need to move.
I looked into the options. While he lives in Barcelona now, my Spanish is minimal at best, and the economic recession has hit Spain hard. There was no way I could find a job as an English-only speaker. However, I could find work speaking only English in the Netherlands. GED had been thinking of moving back anyway, so we looked at Amsterdam.
It was an exciting and frightening idea. On the one hand, I'd be leaving my country and culture, far away from most of my family (closer to those relatives in the UK). But I rationalized that moving to NYC from Dallas had been a huge culture shock, too, and perhaps this experience had prepared me for this next adventure.
Long-distance relationships suck, even in the best circumstances. So while GED and I talked and emailed frequently after his visit, the contact began to wane sharply mid-June. Meanwhile, my doubts grew. We finally spoke (after three weeks of no replies to my emails and continued missed calls by both sides), and I wasn't reassured. I told him the risk doesn't seem worth it to me now, and although he says he still loves me, I need more than that...like emotional security and stability. And he's just not able to give me that. Not now, at least.
I told him to go his way and I'll go mine. It was hard to give up on the dream, it felt like I was so close to getting what I wanted, but then it all fell apart like a paper house in the wind. Of course, better to know this now than if I had packed up and moved.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Dinner with FWB
When an ex calls, it's great to be in a good place, such as thinner/more fit, dating other people, etc. So when ol' Friend-with-Benefits (FWB) called and asked if we could catch up over a casual dinner, I agreed.
The one good thing about not seeing friends for months, as seems to be the norm here in NYC, is that their eyes pop open when they see me. Because there's 25 lbs less of me to see! :-)
FWB was very complimentary throughout the evening. He's not dating anyone, but that was what he wanted when we decided to stop dating. We agreed we're better off as friends, and he offered to help me move boxes later this month so I can keep the movers costs down to just the furniture.
Now if I can just find a new apartment...
The one good thing about not seeing friends for months, as seems to be the norm here in NYC, is that their eyes pop open when they see me. Because there's 25 lbs less of me to see! :-)
FWB was very complimentary throughout the evening. He's not dating anyone, but that was what he wanted when we decided to stop dating. We agreed we're better off as friends, and he offered to help me move boxes later this month so I can keep the movers costs down to just the furniture.
Now if I can just find a new apartment...
Monday, August 03, 2009
Apartment Hunting
Looked for apartments all weekend. Ugh. It's exhausting.
Although I have a very nice apartment now -- complete with good square footage, washer & dryer in apartment, doormen, and a great view -- the management company wants to raise the rent (again) and the construction noise from Ground Zero is still annoying from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. (They do not have to abide by the noise ordinance for NYC because technically the property is owned by Port Authority.) Plus, many places in Manhattan are making great deals. Including, actually, my current building -- I learned they are giving a couple months free rent and lower rent overall to new tenants. It just doesn't apply to existing tenants, so the existing lot (me included) are leaving in droves.
I'm currently on the border of the Financial District and Tribeca, and I decided I wanted to try and get into a different neighborhood. I looked at places in Chelsea, Tribeca proper, Midtown West, Upper West Side and the West Village. I love the West Village and would love to live there, but the places I can afford aren't big enough for my Texas-sized furniture.
I got a lot of shit from brokers when I mentioned my king size bed. I originally bought the bed frame and accompanying furniture when I was in my last long-term relationship. Unfortunately, we broke up shortly after we purchased it (on my credit), and I got the furniture while he kept the mattress. I ended up buying a terrific mattress -- the same one Westin uses for their Heavenly Bed -- and absolutely love it. Since I had just paid it off before moving to NYC, I didn't want to get rid of it. And now, I'm even more attached to it.
Then there's the cat. I've had Sabrina her whole life, which next month will be 16 years. She's my loving companion, and I'm treasuring what I realize are her golden years. (If I'm lucky, she'll live to 20.) So the bed and the cat are not negotiable.
I started on Friday night after work, seeing a couple of places. Then all day Saturday, from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. I didn't even eat lunch. After church on Sunday, I saw a couple more. And Monday at lunch, two more. One of which I'm hoping will be my next pad.
I've put in my application and paperwork, including 2 recent pay stubs, 2 bank statements, 2 last tax returns, and a letter from my employer confirming employment and salary. Keeping my fingers crossed it all goes through... (and if it does, I'll tell you more about it!)
Although I have a very nice apartment now -- complete with good square footage, washer & dryer in apartment, doormen, and a great view -- the management company wants to raise the rent (again) and the construction noise from Ground Zero is still annoying from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. (They do not have to abide by the noise ordinance for NYC because technically the property is owned by Port Authority.) Plus, many places in Manhattan are making great deals. Including, actually, my current building -- I learned they are giving a couple months free rent and lower rent overall to new tenants. It just doesn't apply to existing tenants, so the existing lot (me included) are leaving in droves.
I'm currently on the border of the Financial District and Tribeca, and I decided I wanted to try and get into a different neighborhood. I looked at places in Chelsea, Tribeca proper, Midtown West, Upper West Side and the West Village. I love the West Village and would love to live there, but the places I can afford aren't big enough for my Texas-sized furniture.
I got a lot of shit from brokers when I mentioned my king size bed. I originally bought the bed frame and accompanying furniture when I was in my last long-term relationship. Unfortunately, we broke up shortly after we purchased it (on my credit), and I got the furniture while he kept the mattress. I ended up buying a terrific mattress -- the same one Westin uses for their Heavenly Bed -- and absolutely love it. Since I had just paid it off before moving to NYC, I didn't want to get rid of it. And now, I'm even more attached to it.
Then there's the cat. I've had Sabrina her whole life, which next month will be 16 years. She's my loving companion, and I'm treasuring what I realize are her golden years. (If I'm lucky, she'll live to 20.) So the bed and the cat are not negotiable.
I started on Friday night after work, seeing a couple of places. Then all day Saturday, from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. I didn't even eat lunch. After church on Sunday, I saw a couple more. And Monday at lunch, two more. One of which I'm hoping will be my next pad.
I've put in my application and paperwork, including 2 recent pay stubs, 2 bank statements, 2 last tax returns, and a letter from my employer confirming employment and salary. Keeping my fingers crossed it all goes through... (and if it does, I'll tell you more about it!)
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