Its Christmas!!
Well, not quite. But close.
For those of you holding out until after Thanksgiving to really get into the Holiday spirit, I'm sorry. As soon as it rolls over into November 1st, I start with the Christmas music. (I use headphones mostly, because my roommate might strangle me if I played it out loud. She's a post-Thanksgiving holiday person.)
Since the tourist season in New York City is essentially all year round, but particularly during the holidays, I figured I would share some of my secret and maybe not so secret things to do.
1. Holiday Markets
What?
Each year, UrbanSpace coordinates multiple markets around the city with the biggest (and baddest) of them all being the holiday markets. As you're running around the city, there are a few locations so you can pick the one that matches your route. Or plan your route around the market!
Where?
Union Square, Columbus Circle, Bryant Park... These are the three big ones.
(For a map and more details: http://urbanspacenyc.com)
Why?
For a feel of tiny market with the luxury of anything you could possible want or need or didn't know you needed. All in one location! They have everything from handmade stone coasters, knit scarves, jewelry, gifts for him and for her, food and beverages, and the list goes on and on.
2. Rockefeller Tree
What?
The most televised and probably recognizable Christmas Tree in the world. It's big. It's beautiful. It's beyond compare.
Where?
Rockefeller Center (Between 5th & 6th Ave, between 49th & 50th Streets)
Why?
The 2016 tree is a 94-foot Norway Spruce. It's headed to the city now, for the lighting at the end of November, and when it arrives there are 5 miles of lights waiting to be strung. If you're not able to come and see it in person, be sure to watch the Rockefeller Lighting Ceremony (Wednesday, November 30th) live on TV.
3. Flatiron Building/Madison Square
What?
The Flatiron Building plaza has three weeks of festivities. Including performances, give-aways, and a little market.
Where?
Flatiron on 23rd Street and 5th Ave (also pop over to Madison Square Park adjacent)
Why?
This is going to be a smaller affair than the aforementioned. It's a great area of Midtown, the Flatiron building is a must see no matter what time of year, and Madison Square park is lovely.
4. Walk... yes, walk!
What?
Walk around the greatest city in the world to just see some of the festive decor. Most of the shops on 5th Avenue will have window displays that are Christmas themed. Macy's is renown for their window's as well. (Not to mention the inside is decked to the nines for the holidays) There are little things all over. And the best way to experience New York City is to walk. And be sure to look up.
Where?
This is completely up to you. If you'd like to start on 5th Ave, I suggest 34th Street and walk north to 59th, where you can pop into Central Park. Macy's is also on 34th/Broadway.
Why?
Because I said so. You won't regret it. Promise.
This short list doesn't include the multitude of shows, concerts, or paid activities that you could do on your visit. (The Rockettes, concerts at Madison Square Garden, exhibits at the Museums) But I'm all about doing things that don't need to cost a thing.
Until next time. :)
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Wandering White Pines
Hello again.
I've started a new adventure in my life. An Etsy store!
If you've got any personal contact with me (like my family or my roommate) you've heard nothing but ideas and things to make my Etsy store a success... or new designs... Or checking to see if anyone visited today.
It might be a problem.
Nah.
I'm just so excited that its open! I hadn't really thought about making things to sell when I design cards. Usually it was just for a specific person or, more recently, a friend asked for help making wedding save the dates. She's a little psychotic. And I work with her. Which led to multiple design changes, and practice pieces, and finally a very long time of deciding what else could be made...
I'm getting ahead of myself. I'm talking about a Cameo Silhouette. The machine that uses a razor blade to cut out images that you can design on your computer. Which means I can create things that are pretty cool. And I decided that they were fun to make, and that other people might actually want to buy them. (I have yet to decide if this is true, haha)
But I figured I could tell you, and maybe you would tell your friends, and who knows! Perhaps I'll make a sale one of these days. :)
My shop name is called Wandering White Pines.
I can't take all the credit for it. White pines have been on my mind recently because they are the tree that grows outside the cabin where I spent many weekends growing up. And I have been cultivating an image for my next tattoo that meant something for myself and also for my younger siblings. I don't know what exactly made me thing of trees. But it was one of those nags that I couldn't quite clear and so I've been working on something. ANYWAY.... I digress. The shop name stemmed from my indecision and my roommate remembering my infatuation with the white pine tree and then also my tendency to want to wander. Whether its now the block to see if I can find a new coffee shop or place to sit or the next state over because I heard about a quarry to swim in or Southeast Asia... So I combined these two things and BOOM. Wandering White Pines.
Speaking of my roommate. She also helped me with making my shop cohesive. I wanted to name all of the designs. Like how some places have recipes named after their creators, or there was a dress shop I saw that named the dresses with female names. So, I consult roommate, and roommate is a genius. Brilliant really and says "Why don't you name them after trees, since your shop name is a tree already...?"
I know.
She's brilliant. (I think I mentioned that already)
You'll see the names when you visit ;) And check out the cards I've put up so far.
I've got Save the Dates for weddings or other events possibly. Graduation Announcements, Baby Announcements, and just up last week... Christmas Cards!
Have I got you interested?
Good.
Click here > Wandering White Pines
And as you visit Great Big City Adventure in the future gaze off to the right and you'll see the listings to my shop, so when you're here next finding out about NYC or reading up on Asia, you can peek at new listings.
Thanks in advance for visiting Etsy! (Even if you don't buy anything, look around. There are some great items for sale)
Until next time.
I've started a new adventure in my life. An Etsy store!
If you've got any personal contact with me (like my family or my roommate) you've heard nothing but ideas and things to make my Etsy store a success... or new designs... Or checking to see if anyone visited today.
It might be a problem.
Nah.
I'm just so excited that its open! I hadn't really thought about making things to sell when I design cards. Usually it was just for a specific person or, more recently, a friend asked for help making wedding save the dates. She's a little psychotic. And I work with her. Which led to multiple design changes, and practice pieces, and finally a very long time of deciding what else could be made...
I'm getting ahead of myself. I'm talking about a Cameo Silhouette. The machine that uses a razor blade to cut out images that you can design on your computer. Which means I can create things that are pretty cool. And I decided that they were fun to make, and that other people might actually want to buy them. (I have yet to decide if this is true, haha)
But I figured I could tell you, and maybe you would tell your friends, and who knows! Perhaps I'll make a sale one of these days. :)
My shop name is called Wandering White Pines.
I can't take all the credit for it. White pines have been on my mind recently because they are the tree that grows outside the cabin where I spent many weekends growing up. And I have been cultivating an image for my next tattoo that meant something for myself and also for my younger siblings. I don't know what exactly made me thing of trees. But it was one of those nags that I couldn't quite clear and so I've been working on something. ANYWAY.... I digress. The shop name stemmed from my indecision and my roommate remembering my infatuation with the white pine tree and then also my tendency to want to wander. Whether its now the block to see if I can find a new coffee shop or place to sit or the next state over because I heard about a quarry to swim in or Southeast Asia... So I combined these two things and BOOM. Wandering White Pines.
Speaking of my roommate. She also helped me with making my shop cohesive. I wanted to name all of the designs. Like how some places have recipes named after their creators, or there was a dress shop I saw that named the dresses with female names. So, I consult roommate, and roommate is a genius. Brilliant really and says "Why don't you name them after trees, since your shop name is a tree already...?"
I know.
She's brilliant. (I think I mentioned that already)
You'll see the names when you visit ;) And check out the cards I've put up so far.
I've got Save the Dates for weddings or other events possibly. Graduation Announcements, Baby Announcements, and just up last week... Christmas Cards!
Have I got you interested?
Good.
Click here > Wandering White Pines
And as you visit Great Big City Adventure in the future gaze off to the right and you'll see the listings to my shop, so when you're here next finding out about NYC or reading up on Asia, you can peek at new listings.
Thanks in advance for visiting Etsy! (Even if you don't buy anything, look around. There are some great items for sale)
Until next time.
Thursday, June 23, 2016
High & Low Line
There is a feature in NYC that could be deemed a tourist trap, but is probably worth the visit anyway.
And there's actually two separate locales:
The first, and more popular, is the High Line.
It's exactly what it sounds like. An old train line above the street....
It used to be a part of the New York Central Railroad running up the west side of Manhattan. Part of the railroad was demolished in the 60s and more in the 90s, but then in 2006 it was decided to turn it into an above ground park or promenade. (It was inspired by a similar park in Paris) The first portion opened in 2009, and the full project was complete in 2011.
But enough of the history lesson...
Why should you go visit?
Its a very unique park. I've never come across anything like it. Its a bit of a haven in the middle of a bunch of tall buildings, and depending on how far you walk along you can see the heart of Chelsea (perhaps stop at Chelsea Market), catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, see the Hudson river and even get your feet wet at the water features.
The water feature is a couple of benches long the edge of the main walk way that have water running underneath... Only like a centimeter of water. Just enough to be dip your toes into.
There's a medley of plant life: trees, flowers, grasses; urban artwork, benches to sit and enjoy the views, hidden pieces of rail and an area of kiosks to buy a trinket or souvenir, ice cream or some coffee, and there's even a little place to get a drink right on the High Line (15th St.) You can stop at the observatory near 16th Street and watch the cars below. It's kind of like a zoo exhibit where you're not sure if you're the animal or the street below is....
(Actually, it was built as a 'live billboard' because the High Line used to have multiple billboards blocking the views. Thankfully, not anymore.
You can walk the whole length or just a portion of it.
The southern entrance is at Washington St and Gansevoort St in the village.
[Closest subway is A/C/E train, 14th street stop]
The next two entrances (elevators too) are 10th Ave. & 14th Street and 10th Ave & 16th St.
There are stairs along 10th Avenue at 18th St., 20th St., 23rd St., 26th St., and 28th St.
One more stair entrance at 30th St. & 11th Ave.
The northern entrance (handicap accessible) is at 34th St. between 11th and 12th Avenue.
TIP: Take it from a native, if you want to really enjoy the High Line, with minimal crowds, hope for rain. When its cloudy and rainy, the High Line clears of tourists and its the best time to really meander at your own pace. On sunny days, especially during the summer, it will be crowded and
you'll have strangers in all of your pictures. Now, I know you can't summon rain, but keep it in mind.
If my banter isn't quite specific enough, go find more info here: thehighline.org
I mentioned two locations... But, the second location is still a concept.
It's called the Low Line (Such an ingenious name, I wonder where they got the inspiration, Hah!)
But it is meant to be a book end of sorts for the High Line. But where the High Line is above the street by about a story, the Low Line will be ... can you guess?? ... Under the street.
The concept is to create an underground park in an abandoned trolley station that was built in 1908 and in disuse since 1948. But instead of trying to light this dank space with electricity (Can you say expensive?), there is new technology being developed to bring in natural light from above the street and dispersed underground.
Right now, the only space that you can visit is the Low Line Lab in Lower Manhattan on the east side. (near Delancey St.)
I was in the area the other day, so I said "Why not?" and decided to check it out.
This picture (left) is from inside the Low Line Lab.
They're using sunlight collectors on the roof, a set of tubes and mirrors to direct the sunlight, and a distributor (that large white, bee hive looking thing) to spread the sunlight out over the plant life.
The idea is awesome! The technology is top notch. It would be really awesome to reclaim this unused space for the public.
Since its a relatively strange idea, it has taken some time to get the permission, and the planning committee is still in talks with the MTA and NYC city government. But the timeline is set for park completion in 2020.
Until it opens, go check out the Low Line Lab. (Donation suggested for entry)
For more info and some cool conceptual images, visit: lowline.org
Thanks for reading.
Until next time.
And there's actually two separate locales:
The first, and more popular, is the High Line.
It's exactly what it sounds like. An old train line above the street....
It used to be a part of the New York Central Railroad running up the west side of Manhattan. Part of the railroad was demolished in the 60s and more in the 90s, but then in 2006 it was decided to turn it into an above ground park or promenade. (It was inspired by a similar park in Paris) The first portion opened in 2009, and the full project was complete in 2011.
But enough of the history lesson...Why should you go visit?
Its a very unique park. I've never come across anything like it. Its a bit of a haven in the middle of a bunch of tall buildings, and depending on how far you walk along you can see the heart of Chelsea (perhaps stop at Chelsea Market), catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, see the Hudson river and even get your feet wet at the water features.
The water feature is a couple of benches long the edge of the main walk way that have water running underneath... Only like a centimeter of water. Just enough to be dip your toes into.
 |
| High Line between 23rd and 15th Street |
There's a medley of plant life: trees, flowers, grasses; urban artwork, benches to sit and enjoy the views, hidden pieces of rail and an area of kiosks to buy a trinket or souvenir, ice cream or some coffee, and there's even a little place to get a drink right on the High Line (15th St.) You can stop at the observatory near 16th Street and watch the cars below. It's kind of like a zoo exhibit where you're not sure if you're the animal or the street below is....
(Actually, it was built as a 'live billboard' because the High Line used to have multiple billboards blocking the views. Thankfully, not anymore.
You can walk the whole length or just a portion of it.
The southern entrance is at Washington St and Gansevoort St in the village.
[Closest subway is A/C/E train, 14th street stop]
The next two entrances (elevators too) are 10th Ave. & 14th Street and 10th Ave & 16th St.
There are stairs along 10th Avenue at 18th St., 20th St., 23rd St., 26th St., and 28th St.
One more stair entrance at 30th St. & 11th Ave.
The northern entrance (handicap accessible) is at 34th St. between 11th and 12th Avenue.
TIP: Take it from a native, if you want to really enjoy the High Line, with minimal crowds, hope for rain. When its cloudy and rainy, the High Line clears of tourists and its the best time to really meander at your own pace. On sunny days, especially during the summer, it will be crowded and
you'll have strangers in all of your pictures. Now, I know you can't summon rain, but keep it in mind.
If my banter isn't quite specific enough, go find more info here: thehighline.org
I mentioned two locations... But, the second location is still a concept.
It's called the Low Line (Such an ingenious name, I wonder where they got the inspiration, Hah!)
But it is meant to be a book end of sorts for the High Line. But where the High Line is above the street by about a story, the Low Line will be ... can you guess?? ... Under the street.
The concept is to create an underground park in an abandoned trolley station that was built in 1908 and in disuse since 1948. But instead of trying to light this dank space with electricity (Can you say expensive?), there is new technology being developed to bring in natural light from above the street and dispersed underground.
Right now, the only space that you can visit is the Low Line Lab in Lower Manhattan on the east side. (near Delancey St.)I was in the area the other day, so I said "Why not?" and decided to check it out.
This picture (left) is from inside the Low Line Lab.
They're using sunlight collectors on the roof, a set of tubes and mirrors to direct the sunlight, and a distributor (that large white, bee hive looking thing) to spread the sunlight out over the plant life.
The idea is awesome! The technology is top notch. It would be really awesome to reclaim this unused space for the public.
Since its a relatively strange idea, it has taken some time to get the permission, and the planning committee is still in talks with the MTA and NYC city government. But the timeline is set for park completion in 2020.
Until it opens, go check out the Low Line Lab. (Donation suggested for entry)
For more info and some cool conceptual images, visit: lowline.org
Thanks for reading.
Until next time.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
They say there's magic in the air.. On Broadway!
New York and Broadway go together.
... Like PB & J
Marshmallow and Chocolate
Bacon and Eggs
Mac and Cheese
Cookies and Cream
Bagels and Schmear
You get the idea...
In NYC, its pretty hard to avoid Broadway. Billboards. Signs in the subway.
I commute to and from work/home on the train that stops at 42nd street, commonly known as Times Square and at 49th street. The people that get off the train at 42nd cover the whole spectrum. Business people, tourists (especially in the summer), nanny's with strollers, messengers with their satchels and bikes, people who've decided to walk the line between genders (the drag queens are pretty fabulous), little old men and women who've lived in New York so long that they look like the architecture...the list goes on. But at the 49th street station, more often than not, you see tourists wearing broadway show shirts (either coming from or going to a show), and a whole mess of actors, or stage crew.
It's the hub of Broadway.
It's unavoidable.
I'm the delusional, what you'd call "a not really true", New Yorker who actually likes to go to shows. And since moving to this lovely city a year and a half ago I've seen 6 shows.
Les Miserables
Mamma Mia
Finding Neverland
Something Rotten
Fiddler on the Roof
Kinky Boots
My favorite? Always a tough question. I'd say its close between Finding Neverland and Something Rotten. But if I had to choose, I'd say Something Rotten.
Neverland was a bit of an unknown, not based on anything super popular where you'd be able to know the music. But it was really well done. I was lucky enough to see it when its star, Matthew Morrison, was still performing. The show was really well done, and the cast of kids did a great job. Unfortunately, its run on Broadway in NYC is concluding. Last show is August 21, 2016. But it goes on National Tour after that, so if you can't make it here to see it, look for it near you!
Something Rotten was pure genius. The premise of the show centers around two brothers trying to write a hit play at the time of Shakespeare. Except they can't compete with the great Bard. So, they begin to create the worlds first musical. It's a slap-stick comedy with misunderstandings, foolish actions and a slough of well known musical numbers. Odd bits of Les Miz, Mamma Mia, Phantom of the Opera, and more make their way into the set. I was near tears or outright crying from laughter for most of the show. Again, I lucked out seeing the original stars, Christian Borle(still performing in 2016) and Brian d'Arcy James. And Brad Oscar as Nostradamus is incredible! (He's still performing in 2016).
Mamma Mia is no longer running in NYC, but it was an amazing show. I'd been in love with the music for a long time, and loved seeing it live.
Les Miz is a classic. I wasn't as familiar with the music, but I saw it after the movie was released so the music was a bit more mainstream. It was a great show. The scenes were amazing. I'll never get over how they do so much in such a tiny space.
Fiddler is a also a classic, and was up for a 2016 Tony for Best Revival of a Musical. I thought it was really well done, and the music and costumes were excellent. It's just not the kind of performance you can leave on a high note. If you know anything about Fiddler, you know its centered around Eastern European Jewish displacement in the days of Imperial Russia. So, if you're looking for a lot of laughs, and a feel good show, this is probably not it. Still a great show.
Kinky Boots. Winner of a couple Tonys in 2013; Best Musical and Best Score, to name a few. This show was pretty great. First of all, men who can walk better in heels than I ever will. Some great comedy moments, and a bunch of awesome songs. I went in not knowing much about the show or the music, but loved it just the same.
That's all of the shows I've seen so far... But the list of show I want to see is always growing.
I saw a couple shows on National Tour when I was still living in Wisconsin; Wicked, Lion King, and Mary Poppins. But a friend just told me that the quality of costuming, scenery and overall talent is so much higher in NYC that I really should see them again here. So, perhaps the next one I'll tell you about is Wicked.
Have you seen any stellar shows that I should add to my list? Let me know!
Until next time.
... Like PB & J
Marshmallow and Chocolate
Bacon and Eggs
Mac and Cheese
Cookies and Cream
Bagels and Schmear
You get the idea...
In NYC, its pretty hard to avoid Broadway. Billboards. Signs in the subway.
I commute to and from work/home on the train that stops at 42nd street, commonly known as Times Square and at 49th street. The people that get off the train at 42nd cover the whole spectrum. Business people, tourists (especially in the summer), nanny's with strollers, messengers with their satchels and bikes, people who've decided to walk the line between genders (the drag queens are pretty fabulous), little old men and women who've lived in New York so long that they look like the architecture...the list goes on. But at the 49th street station, more often than not, you see tourists wearing broadway show shirts (either coming from or going to a show), and a whole mess of actors, or stage crew.
It's the hub of Broadway.
It's unavoidable.
I'm the delusional, what you'd call "a not really true", New Yorker who actually likes to go to shows. And since moving to this lovely city a year and a half ago I've seen 6 shows.
Les Miserables
Mamma Mia
Finding Neverland
Something Rotten
Fiddler on the Roof
Kinky Boots
My favorite? Always a tough question. I'd say its close between Finding Neverland and Something Rotten. But if I had to choose, I'd say Something Rotten.
Neverland was a bit of an unknown, not based on anything super popular where you'd be able to know the music. But it was really well done. I was lucky enough to see it when its star, Matthew Morrison, was still performing. The show was really well done, and the cast of kids did a great job. Unfortunately, its run on Broadway in NYC is concluding. Last show is August 21, 2016. But it goes on National Tour after that, so if you can't make it here to see it, look for it near you!
Something Rotten was pure genius. The premise of the show centers around two brothers trying to write a hit play at the time of Shakespeare. Except they can't compete with the great Bard. So, they begin to create the worlds first musical. It's a slap-stick comedy with misunderstandings, foolish actions and a slough of well known musical numbers. Odd bits of Les Miz, Mamma Mia, Phantom of the Opera, and more make their way into the set. I was near tears or outright crying from laughter for most of the show. Again, I lucked out seeing the original stars, Christian Borle(still performing in 2016) and Brian d'Arcy James. And Brad Oscar as Nostradamus is incredible! (He's still performing in 2016).
Mamma Mia is no longer running in NYC, but it was an amazing show. I'd been in love with the music for a long time, and loved seeing it live.
Les Miz is a classic. I wasn't as familiar with the music, but I saw it after the movie was released so the music was a bit more mainstream. It was a great show. The scenes were amazing. I'll never get over how they do so much in such a tiny space.
Fiddler is a also a classic, and was up for a 2016 Tony for Best Revival of a Musical. I thought it was really well done, and the music and costumes were excellent. It's just not the kind of performance you can leave on a high note. If you know anything about Fiddler, you know its centered around Eastern European Jewish displacement in the days of Imperial Russia. So, if you're looking for a lot of laughs, and a feel good show, this is probably not it. Still a great show.
Kinky Boots. Winner of a couple Tonys in 2013; Best Musical and Best Score, to name a few. This show was pretty great. First of all, men who can walk better in heels than I ever will. Some great comedy moments, and a bunch of awesome songs. I went in not knowing much about the show or the music, but loved it just the same.
That's all of the shows I've seen so far... But the list of show I want to see is always growing.
I saw a couple shows on National Tour when I was still living in Wisconsin; Wicked, Lion King, and Mary Poppins. But a friend just told me that the quality of costuming, scenery and overall talent is so much higher in NYC that I really should see them again here. So, perhaps the next one I'll tell you about is Wicked.
Have you seen any stellar shows that I should add to my list? Let me know!
Until next time.
Wading In
Alright gang. I'm a terrible person. I said I'd keep you updated, and I've failed.
Miserably.
But we'll not dwell on my unfortunate qualities.... there's too many to ever get through anyway. :)
Let's start with the new.
It's hard to keep a blog current with you've got a full schedule of work, tutoring, evening sports, or coaching, and weekends filled with sleep. But, that being said, I'm going to try to post more often about the places I visit, or the things I hear about in this fabulous city.
Maybe you'll find something intriguing and want to come visit. (I like visitors)
Or perhaps you're stopping by just for my witty prose....
Not likely.
I'm a math minded person... so I've got the wit, but the prose is not my strong suit. Bear with me.
So this first post in over 10 months... 10 months! Sheesh... I'm horrible at this.
This first post in a while, will be just informative. Letting you know I'm back. And hopefully it is to stay.
Some topics that I'd like to cover in the coming weeks are partially touristy things like things to do near Herald Square, or Union Square, or Canal Street, or China town.... Or events that I've gone to and enjoyed - so you may want to keep an eye out for them. Restaurants I've found that are excellent. Or maybe not so excellent.
Are you planning to visit? Want some information on a certain area or a topic or a show? Leave me a comment and I'll share my knowledge, or if possible I'll go check it out!! And report back pronto. :)
Look for my first post of a new era later today!
Until next time.
Miserably.
But we'll not dwell on my unfortunate qualities.... there's too many to ever get through anyway. :)
Let's start with the new.
It's hard to keep a blog current with you've got a full schedule of work, tutoring, evening sports, or coaching, and weekends filled with sleep. But, that being said, I'm going to try to post more often about the places I visit, or the things I hear about in this fabulous city.
Maybe you'll find something intriguing and want to come visit. (I like visitors)
Or perhaps you're stopping by just for my witty prose....
Not likely.
I'm a math minded person... so I've got the wit, but the prose is not my strong suit. Bear with me.
So this first post in over 10 months... 10 months! Sheesh... I'm horrible at this.
This first post in a while, will be just informative. Letting you know I'm back. And hopefully it is to stay.
Some topics that I'd like to cover in the coming weeks are partially touristy things like things to do near Herald Square, or Union Square, or Canal Street, or China town.... Or events that I've gone to and enjoyed - so you may want to keep an eye out for them. Restaurants I've found that are excellent. Or maybe not so excellent.
Are you planning to visit? Want some information on a certain area or a topic or a show? Leave me a comment and I'll share my knowledge, or if possible I'll go check it out!! And report back pronto. :)
Look for my first post of a new era later today!
Until next time.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Long days equal great sleep
I'm trying to be better about keeping you informed.
I know that there aren't too many people who read this meager blog, but I appreciate those who do. I'm actually in the process of considering some changes to this here blog. Stay tuned for more on that later.
.....
Today I finished a three day crash course in GRE for a group of six undergrads at Brooklyn College. We met for four hours on each of the days this week.
Four hours is a long class.
But I had a ton of fun doing it. Being able to help these people, who are basically my peers, was great. They were eager to learn and hopefully they'll all do well on their upcoming GRE test.
I'll be teaching another class coming up in September over near Philadelphia and I'm excited to see what other kinds of students will roll into my life. But for now, still trucking along. I've got a couple regular students and my summer classes havent quite wrapped up yet. My last few days have been 11am to 10pm filled start to finish with students or travel between students.
Today was no exception. So as I crash into sleep (I'm not gonna go easy. It's gonna be 'boom!' Out.) I'm hoping you all had a great day too.
Until next time.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Living the life.
Living the life.
A fairly popular phrase in my opinion. But what does it mean? We all are living. And that's called life. I'm referring to the type of life we see as standard. I am living the life in NYC but I'm not financially secure. I'm just living adventurously and happily. Which is all I need. But today my choice in life style got a pretty good reality check. And I firmly believe these things happen for a reason. Here's the story....
The NYC subway has an array of interesting characters. I can honestly say I see something worth mentioning almost daily. But the ones that get me are the panhandlers. There are the people you see multiple times and you're not sure how much truth there is to their story of abuse, economic troubles, and illness. But a few take you by surprise.
Today on my way into work a middle aged man in a wheelchair rolled onto the train. He was hunched a bit and had a knee brace as well as the chair. His story was of job loss after hurricane Sandy and apartment loss due to mold (also caused by Sandy). He asked for a little money to get his wife lunch and the train fare back to Queens and the shelter he was staying in.
Now, my immediate thought was to ignore. I see so many people asking for money and it is illegal to give money on the subway. So I ignore. But then a few questions came up....
- How far had he traveled today? His story seemed plausible. How far had he had to wheel himself?
- What did he do before? He mentioned losing a job. So at some point in his life he had a job and presumably made an honest living.
I wondered if he had ever said 'this is the life' and he was talking about having a two bedroom apartment and a bed which would seem luxurious now.
I have a job. A roof. Clothes and food. And usually I can't stop for a bagel on my way to work because it's not in my budget, but I can afford a bag of bagels at the store and toast my own.
It was a meaningful pause in my rather busy day to think about the luxuries I enjoy (like morning Starbucks) that I really take for granted.
My hope is to never take it all for granted. Appreciate what I have and do my best to send a little good will out into the universe.
God Bless
Until next time.
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