Feelix, the cat, and some very smelly shoes.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Proud VISTA
Just came back from the Pre-Service Orientation in Philly today. As of noon today, I am an official AmeriCorps VISTA member, and proud to say so!
The PSO included about 150 individuals serving across the nation at service organizations. Many were heading up to New York, Boston, and DC for their service afterwards. It was inspiring to meet so many people with similar drives and personalities--and we had our dose of fun. I met the group of new VISTAs that would be working with Up2Us/America SCORES, and it's a great group.
I'm really excited for this upcoming year--sure to be a great learning experience.
The PSO included about 150 individuals serving across the nation at service organizations. Many were heading up to New York, Boston, and DC for their service afterwards. It was inspiring to meet so many people with similar drives and personalities--and we had our dose of fun. I met the group of new VISTAs that would be working with Up2Us/America SCORES, and it's a great group.
I'm really excited for this upcoming year--sure to be a great learning experience.
Lit.
Dombey and Son has been completed! Celebration!
I have a new-found respect for Dickens since the Great Expectations days, but I can't do an 800 page Victorian novel for a while.
Taking a break with The Anglo Files, by Sarah Lyall.
I have a new-found respect for Dickens since the Great Expectations days, but I can't do an 800 page Victorian novel for a while.
Taking a break with The Anglo Files, by Sarah Lyall.
What Was Once a Crazy Idea...
So...moving that piano, eh?
There was a lot of debate as to how and who was going to do it. Piano moving costs in the city are just out of this world, so I spent a couple of weeks researching the right people to do the job. I ended up just using the guys with the cheapest quote.
The guys showed up at Tisch on time and loaded the piano in the back of the moving van; wrapped in blankets and properly doll-ied up. The real challenge became how to get the piano up the stairs of my building. There was no way to carry the thing delicately...or upright. The only way to do it was to cart-wheel it up 2 flights.
It was terrifying to watch.
Once it finally made it all the way up, the movers looked like walking zombies. I don't blame 'em. 450 pounds of pure torture for them = 450 pounds of pure happiness for me. We unwrapped it, pushed all the keys back in place (!!), and put it right up against the wall.
Fat boy is doing well now, with just a couple keys out of tune since the move. But I'm slowly healing him with large doses of Debussy and Chopin.
There was a lot of debate as to how and who was going to do it. Piano moving costs in the city are just out of this world, so I spent a couple of weeks researching the right people to do the job. I ended up just using the guys with the cheapest quote.
The guys showed up at Tisch on time and loaded the piano in the back of the moving van; wrapped in blankets and properly doll-ied up. The real challenge became how to get the piano up the stairs of my building. There was no way to carry the thing delicately...or upright. The only way to do it was to cart-wheel it up 2 flights.
It was terrifying to watch.
Once it finally made it all the way up, the movers looked like walking zombies. I don't blame 'em. 450 pounds of pure torture for them = 450 pounds of pure happiness for me. We unwrapped it, pushed all the keys back in place (!!), and put it right up against the wall.
Fat boy is doing well now, with just a couple keys out of tune since the move. But I'm slowly healing him with large doses of Debussy and Chopin.
Pictures...Finally!
Small-ish bedroom. Had that ballet pillow since about the 5th grade.
This was when we were still unpacking, but look at that beauty.
How I spent my Friday night. (But not so bad if you're watching Masterpiece Theater)
Fresh coat of paint.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
New Apartment!
Thanks to a number of amazing people, Maggie and I moved into our new apartment this past weekend. Moving within Manhattan is no easy task--but we did it. And I have to say it was the easiest move I've ever had.
My dad came in for the weekend after attending a leadership conference at David's church up in Boston. Saturday night, we found a great spot down in the financial district: Stone Street. If you are ever in New York, check it out! In the summer, the restaurants on this historic cobblestone street line up tables and serve delicious food. Dad and I ate at Ulysses--the sausage was excellent!
Pictures to come soon. I would have uploaded some already, but I need to find my camera's connector cord. It's in one of those boxes somewhere...
Monday, August 2, 2010
Connecticut for the Weekend
We graduated!!!
Maggie (left), Amelia (center), Lina (right)
This picture was taken at Maggie's graduation party in Connecticut a couple weekends ago. We are very silly people.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
"and now for something completely different..."
I have been watching a lot of Monty Python's Flying Circus recently--and have thus rekindled my love for Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, and John Cleese.
Enough with big life stories...I've got to share what has been read.
Finished Gaskell's "North and South" a while back. Pretty good. Two words for you: abrupt ending. Definitely liked "Wives and Daughters" better.
"The Reserve" by Russell Banks. Unnecessarily crazy. Beyond reality...and not in a good way.
Currently reading: "Dombey and Son", Dickens. I'm turning into a English Literature/Victorian nut. Could be worse.
Next on the list? "Anthem", Ayn Rand; or perhaps "Villette", Charlotte Bronte.
Clearly, I'm trying to hit the "off" classics before I kick the bucket.
Enough with big life stories...I've got to share what has been read.
Finished Gaskell's "North and South" a while back. Pretty good. Two words for you: abrupt ending. Definitely liked "Wives and Daughters" better.
"The Reserve" by Russell Banks. Unnecessarily crazy. Beyond reality...and not in a good way.
Currently reading: "Dombey and Son", Dickens. I'm turning into a English Literature/Victorian nut. Could be worse.
Next on the list? "Anthem", Ayn Rand; or perhaps "Villette", Charlotte Bronte.
Clearly, I'm trying to hit the "off" classics before I kick the bucket.
Upgrade at the New Place
Maggie and I just found an apartment. All the paperwork is in and the lease has been signed; now we just have to wait for the keys. The place is on 81st Street between 1st Avenue and York on the Upper East Side (UES). Pictures will eventually come, and official mailing address will be emailed.
I just want to give you a comparison between our new place, and the place I have been living:
New place ---- Place I live in now:
Kitchen w/ full sized fridge ---- Kitchen w/ half fridge...no freezer
Ample closet space ---- Small (the closet ate my shoes) closet space
Bedroom with window ---- Bedroom with no window
Laundry in building ---- Laundromat down the street
Third floor on quiet street ---- Second floor on (granted an exciting) noisy street
Super in building ---- Let's just say that I saw a mouse in the hallway today
Living room w/ space for piano ---- Is there a living room? I'm not sure...
More to come. I'll leave the piano-bit as a cliff-hanger.
Oh. If you ever felt like visiting the Met, or the Gugg, or the Frick...it's like a 20 minute walk from the new place. Klimt and I will become very good buddies.
I just want to give you a comparison between our new place, and the place I have been living:
New place ---- Place I live in now:
Kitchen w/ full sized fridge ---- Kitchen w/ half fridge...no freezer
Ample closet space ---- Small (the closet ate my shoes) closet space
Bedroom with window ---- Bedroom with no window
Laundry in building ---- Laundromat down the street
Third floor on quiet street ---- Second floor on (granted an exciting) noisy street
Super in building ---- Let's just say that I saw a mouse in the hallway today
Living room w/ space for piano ---- Is there a living room? I'm not sure...
More to come. I'll leave the piano-bit as a cliff-hanger.
Oh. If you ever felt like visiting the Met, or the Gugg, or the Frick...it's like a 20 minute walk from the new place. Klimt and I will become very good buddies.
Saying "Financial Independence"
It's actually been a while since I've gotten the call, but I am officially employed. And I couldn't ask for a more amazing opportunity! Starting August 30th, I will be working as an Development Associate with Up2Us, a youth-based sports program operating nationally. Up2Us is part of the AmeriCorps VISTA program, which is the nation's public service organization.
About the job:
It's a basic 9-5 Monday through Friday job. The staff in the New York office is small--around 8 or 9 people. Their offices are located 39th St. and 8th Ave, basically in the heart of mid-town.
As a part of development, a major task of mine will be grant-writing. One of Up2Us' big supporters is Nike--cool eh? Grant-writing meshes my education pretty perfectly, and it will be a great opportunity to start on the financial arts path. A dance company is nothing without corporate and big-time grants. Being able to write grants is incredibly important to any organization in the arts field. So...bring it on!!
As for "financial independence"--it will be tough this year. VISTA operates through the federal government, so the living stipend is very modest. I've calculated living costs vs. disposable income--and it is enough to live on. But not much more. I'm really not expecting much though. I'm extremely lucky to have what I have...especially when the unemployment rate is teetering on the 8.5 mark. Plus think about the experience I'll have obtained a year from now.
For more information about Up2Us, visit www.up2us.org
About the job:
It's a basic 9-5 Monday through Friday job. The staff in the New York office is small--around 8 or 9 people. Their offices are located 39th St. and 8th Ave, basically in the heart of mid-town.
As a part of development, a major task of mine will be grant-writing. One of Up2Us' big supporters is Nike--cool eh? Grant-writing meshes my education pretty perfectly, and it will be a great opportunity to start on the financial arts path. A dance company is nothing without corporate and big-time grants. Being able to write grants is incredibly important to any organization in the arts field. So...bring it on!!
As for "financial independence"--it will be tough this year. VISTA operates through the federal government, so the living stipend is very modest. I've calculated living costs vs. disposable income--and it is enough to live on. But not much more. I'm really not expecting much though. I'm extremely lucky to have what I have...especially when the unemployment rate is teetering on the 8.5 mark. Plus think about the experience I'll have obtained a year from now.
For more information about Up2Us, visit www.up2us.org
Pop Open the Bubbly!!
Well, it's official. I can go into any grocery store and buy alcohol. That's right, I just turned 21. Don't worry though, I've never been into the whole "drinking social scene". Instead of the usual 21st birthday party--which involves 3-4 bars/clubs, a plethora of liquors (when mixed creates an undesirable effect), and undoubtedly a wretched tete-a-tete with the toilet the next morning--I opted for the more subdued route.
I invited ten of my very close friends and held the gathering at Maggie's rooftop/living room. Originally just for the roof, but a nasty thunder storm came upon us. Imagine ten people pigging out on delicious Italian appetizers (made by yours truly), brownies (courtesy of Amelia Munro and Maggie Ronan), and an Edible Arrangements basket (many thanks to the parents!!). That's what I call a party.
I won't attempt to deny the presence of a lot of wine.
Some of which are chillin' in my fridge. <-- satire.
I invited ten of my very close friends and held the gathering at Maggie's rooftop/living room. Originally just for the roof, but a nasty thunder storm came upon us. Imagine ten people pigging out on delicious Italian appetizers (made by yours truly), brownies (courtesy of Amelia Munro and Maggie Ronan), and an Edible Arrangements basket (many thanks to the parents!!). That's what I call a party.
I won't attempt to deny the presence of a lot of wine.
Some of which are chillin' in my fridge. <-- satire.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Apt. 1 Interior
I apologize in advance--I should have taken many more pictures. I didn't realize that it was difficult to get everything in frame.
From top to bottom:
1. Small view of the kitchen--includes stove, oven, full sized fridge, small counter space and storage.
2. Two bedroom doors from the living room.
3. Living room (pan-right of image 2)
4. One of the bedrooms looking toward the living room.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
82nd Street
Top: View of the Hudson a block away from the apartment.
Middle: Looking East down E. 82nd.
Bottom: Looking West down E. 82nd.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
MFA 2 and La Mama
Friday night marked the end of MFA 2--which also marked the official end of my years at Tisch. Sad. But it was an incredible performance. Each piece had some remarkable energy...and this isn't really the end.
Now rehearsals are starting to "rev-up" for the La Mama Moves festival in early June. I have the pleasure to be performing the works of Michelle Pellizon, Moses Kaplan, and Sumi Clements. It's going to be an awesome show. You should come if you can!
As far as work/work-finding goes: much confusion! Still trying to put my ducks in a row. The problem is, I have no idea where those ducks are. I just have to keep reminding myself that all will be fine.
Now I will take my break to read "North and South" (w. Elizabeth Gaskell) on the fire escape. Almost done--I hope Mr. Thorton comes back.
Now rehearsals are starting to "rev-up" for the La Mama Moves festival in early June. I have the pleasure to be performing the works of Michelle Pellizon, Moses Kaplan, and Sumi Clements. It's going to be an awesome show. You should come if you can!
As far as work/work-finding goes: much confusion! Still trying to put my ducks in a row. The problem is, I have no idea where those ducks are. I just have to keep reminding myself that all will be fine.
Now I will take my break to read "North and South" (w. Elizabeth Gaskell) on the fire escape. Almost done--I hope Mr. Thorton comes back.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
MFA dos
Tomorrow, the MFA 2 concert at Tisch opens! woo hoo! so officially--this is my last concert at NYU as a student. Tonight was our dress-run, and besides some small mistakes, it actually went pretty well. I will be performing in three pieces by Bruno Augusto, Sumi Clements, and Taryn Vander Hoop. It's going to be amazing.
New pictures have been updated on the Tisch Dance website. To see dance pictures, visit http://dance.tisch.nyu.edu/object/sadc_major2010.html. To see company headshots and profiles, visit http://dance.tisch.nyu.edu/object/sadc_10_bfaheadshots.html. There are some great pictures of pieces that I was in (Stacy Spence, Kristin Schwab, Diane Coburn Bruning) as well as some great pictures of my piece, "Detroit Moan".
New pictures have been updated on the Tisch Dance website. To see dance pictures, visit http://dance.tisch.nyu.edu/object/sadc_major2010.html. To see company headshots and profiles, visit http://dance.tisch.nyu.edu/object/sadc_10_bfaheadshots.html. There are some great pictures of pieces that I was in (Stacy Spence, Kristin Schwab, Diane Coburn Bruning) as well as some great pictures of my piece, "Detroit Moan".
Monday, May 17, 2010
Actually, Several Trees Grow in Brooklyn
Spring break: Kristin and I went exploring through Brooklyn. This picture was taken in Prospect Park. Egbert Viele preferred his design of Prospect over his design of Central Park.
The Workin' Life
Today, I started part-time working in the dance office. There is no such thing as spending too much time in that building for me! This job opportunity, although temporary, was just the thing to boost my spirits admist all the rejection e-mails.
Right now, I'm taking a break from applying for jobs. The thing that gets me is that...I'm qualified for all of them! The job market is just way tough out here, but I'm ready to give it the 'ole one two (I just got the image of Russell Crowe in "Cinderella Man" stuck in my head).
Ah--I have more tales of urban living for you. I was trying to reward my day of work today by making a tuna melt for a late lunch. By the way, the trick to a good tuna melt: balsamic vinegar. Anyways, I go to open the pre-heated oven, and our fire alarm goes off. This is hilarious because our apartment is already 115 degrees without the oven on. Any suggestions about solving this? I can't live without an oven for three months--I've got to make some banana nut bread sometime...
That was a great break--back to job searching. Cheers.
Right now, I'm taking a break from applying for jobs. The thing that gets me is that...I'm qualified for all of them! The job market is just way tough out here, but I'm ready to give it the 'ole one two (I just got the image of Russell Crowe in "Cinderella Man" stuck in my head).
Ah--I have more tales of urban living for you. I was trying to reward my day of work today by making a tuna melt for a late lunch. By the way, the trick to a good tuna melt: balsamic vinegar. Anyways, I go to open the pre-heated oven, and our fire alarm goes off. This is hilarious because our apartment is already 115 degrees without the oven on. Any suggestions about solving this? I can't live without an oven for three months--I've got to make some banana nut bread sometime...
That was a great break--back to job searching. Cheers.
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