I just want to jump on the bandwagon.. this photo has been blogged on lots of bloggity blogs... now it's on our blog. weee!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Top Ten Ways to Tell Fall is Coming
My summer violin classes are about over!
- Everyone knows Autumn means harvest time for vineyards and wineries and I was just reading about a winery that is opening in Manhattan in the fall.
- JetBlue is having their annual Fall Fare Sale (ends tomorrow though!)
- Fall clothing collections are already being displayed in stores and on websites (BananaRepublic.com anyone?)
- You can already begin planning what you'll do for Halloween this year as innumerable parties and parades have been scheduled already! What's better? Halloween is on a Friday this year! Get crackin' on your Halloween planning.
- It's already getting dark earlier. Have you noticed?
- Football teams are in their Fall training camps (c'mon, people, don't ya know this?... Didn't go to high school in Texas, then, didja?)
- The long, golden shafts of sunlight are beginning to appear in the afternoons, ushering in the beautiful, magical feeling of Fall.
- It's getting down to the 40s in the Catskills at night and some leaves are already changing! Feel free to read more about the seasons in the Catskills.
- Everything in Texas is good and dead from the looong, hot summer.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Housewarming in Austin, the Ride Back to NYC, Anonymity
Justin and I enjoyed Texas! We went to Sheila and Justin R's 
housewarming party (which was actually also a birthday party, though we hadn't realized that beforehand - our bad! Sorry Justin R!!!). It was cool to see them, their friends, and some of my relatives again. I must say, they also fed us some DELICIOUS BBQ and sides. Yummy! Aunt Sha Sha, Uncle Wayne, and Aunt Debbie all came up. Aunt Linda and Leanne (my 1st cousin) were in attendance as well, and ended up spending the night, which turned out to be very cool because we were able to sit around and talk this morning (photos of puppies new haircuts and the morning at Sheila and Justin's). One takeaway - I definitely need to visit Leanna in Longview. She'll be out of school before I know it, and I'd really like to see her in her college element, visit her apartment, and be a part of this brief, though significant period in her life.
It was also a really good onslaught of socialization for the puppies as Leanne brought her chihuahua, Pixie; the neighbors brought their poodle, Apricot and their labradoodle, Pinky; a gigantic chocolate lab was there (I don't recall his name) and of course, Sheila and Justin's very own Brodie was running around. Ruby and Eve got lots of sniffs from the other dogs and petting from the people. :)
On a random side note, one very pretty, well-dressed girl with expertly curled blonde hair told me that she really liked my hair and thought I looked like a certain actress. I was actually taken by surprise as I never expected a compliment at all (been spending too much time in NYC!). Now, waaaay back when, I was told frequently that I looked like this actress and once, upon entering a Chili's, the hostess refused to believe that I wasn't this actress.... Hello, I was in Chili's in San Antonio, for crying out loud. I personally have never thought this actress was attractive, but the gal that paid me the compliment last night thinks she is very pretty and sexy, so I am taking it in a positive manner. ;) I am sure you're wondering about this actress. *sigh* She's the goofy girl from Scary Movie: Anna Faris.
Sheila drove Justin and I to the airport and Linda, Leanne, and Pixie rode along. It was amazingly nice to be surrounded by good conversation (though somewhat heavy subject matter) and loving goodbyes and hugs as we departed. As we were hugging goodbye, we ran into Shelley from JetBlue and got to hang out with her a little pre and post flight, which was awesome.
On our flight back to NYC this afternoon, I had the good fortune of sitting next to a fascinating woman. I want to say her name was Rebecca, but I am terrible with names, so I am probably wrong. She is originally from Ireland, though lived and worked in NYC for a long, long time. She majored in fashion and spent 2 years working for Geoffrey Beene and another 8 years working for Ralph Lauren at which point she decided to ditch her fashion career entirely and backpack around the world for 3 years. Did you catch that? Yeah, she backpacked ALONE around THE WORLD for THREE YEARS!
She ended this backpacking stint in Madrid, where she spent six months learning Spanish and subsequently met her husband as he was enrolled in the same language program. Well, not only did they meet, but the program placed them as roommates in the same apartment. Was it fate? He was an engineer/international business major from Austin, Texas that decided to take some time off and spent half the year learning French in France and half the year learning Spanish in Spain. Hmm... Sounds like a great idea to me. I don't know his career history or anything, but they both sound like super interesting people. Now, they spend half their summers primarily in New York (Westchester) and winters in Austin. I like their setup. They've also started their own business, which is doing pretty well I gather. Anyway, of course I know most of this because I asked her loads of questions, but it was really fun getting to know her. It turns out we were both in Madrid at the same time - when the trains were bombed! What are the chances?! I hope our paths cross again sometime, because she was a nice, fascinating lady and I'd love to hear more of her stories. She recommended I watch a show on the National Geographic channel called "Locked Up Abroad." It sounds interesting, but so depressing judging by reading a couple of the summaries.
On a side note, Val! sent me an article today that got me thinking "How public do I want to be with my life?" A lot of recruiters, and certainly the last few of my employers are testaments to the truth of this statement, Google you and look you up on MySpace to see if they can find any dirt, legitimate or not, to disqualify you as a potential job candidate. Now I need to decide between entirely censoring myself (mmhmm) or maybe just posting elsewhere with a nom de plume. Not sure yet.
For randomness's sake, I'm dredging up a post I wrote on this very same day last year that was published on my MySpace. I will probably be going back through and censoring old posts on this site and elsewhere, so enjoy the freedom of writing while you can. ;) "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may" and all that rot.
Feel free to fill this out for yourself if you'd like -
August 3, 2007 - Ten (10) random things about me:
1) I over analyze almost everything and place situations side by side (relationships, work, etc) comparing past to present almost constantly. It's maddening.
2) Adults are just like little kids. The most important thing is having people be legitimately pleased and proud of something you've done. This applies to me.
3) Money is important to me, but it's far less important than the strange and magical sense that there is so much more in the world, like literature, and understanding, and human contact and the passion that comes with that.
4) I must have a puppy.
5) I miss TeXaS!!!!
6) I know I am not happy with my life when I am lethargic, which I have been lately. I also have an upset stomach almost every day that I go to work.
7) I haven't written anything for my novel in 3 months. I think it has a lot to do with the fact I have no moral, and it feels empty. Speaking of writing, I am constantly blown off by the one place I was published that actually paid me. I told them to remove me from their list. Now I hope they fail.
8) Hence, I must have a mean streak. I constantly have to tell myself I am a good person. Half the time I believe it.
9) I will always be skeptical of people. I am usually always right. My wariness makes people think I am a bitch. They are almost always wrong.
10) Justin and I are in the same building almost 100% of the time.
housewarming party (which was actually also a birthday party, though we hadn't realized that beforehand - our bad! Sorry Justin R!!!). It was cool to see them, their friends, and some of my relatives again. I must say, they also fed us some DELICIOUS BBQ and sides. Yummy! Aunt Sha Sha, Uncle Wayne, and Aunt Debbie all came up. Aunt Linda and Leanne (my 1st cousin) were in attendance as well, and ended up spending the night, which turned out to be very cool because we were able to sit around and talk this morning (photos of puppies new haircuts and the morning at Sheila and Justin's). One takeaway - I definitely need to visit Leanna in Longview. She'll be out of school before I know it, and I'd really like to see her in her college element, visit her apartment, and be a part of this brief, though significant period in her life.It was also a really good onslaught of socialization for the puppies as Leanne brought her chihuahua, Pixie; the neighbors brought their poodle, Apricot and their labradoodle, Pinky; a gigantic chocolate lab was there (I don't recall his name) and of course, Sheila and Justin's very own Brodie was running around. Ruby and Eve got lots of sniffs from the other dogs and petting from the people. :)
On a random side note, one very pretty, well-dressed girl with expertly curled blonde hair told me that she really liked my hair and thought I looked like a certain actress. I was actually taken by surprise as I never expected a compliment at all (been spending too much time in NYC!). Now, waaaay back when, I was told frequently that I looked like this actress and once, upon entering a Chili's, the hostess refused to believe that I wasn't this actress.... Hello, I was in Chili's in San Antonio, for crying out loud. I personally have never thought this actress was attractive, but the gal that paid me the compliment last night thinks she is very pretty and sexy, so I am taking it in a positive manner. ;) I am sure you're wondering about this actress. *sigh* She's the goofy girl from Scary Movie: Anna Faris.Sheila drove Justin and I to the airport and Linda, Leanne, and Pixie rode along. It was amazingly nice to be surrounded by good conversation (though somewhat heavy subject matter) and loving goodbyes and hugs as we departed. As we were hugging goodbye, we ran into Shelley from JetBlue and got to hang out with her a little pre and post flight, which was awesome.
On our flight back to NYC this afternoon, I had the good fortune of sitting next to a fascinating woman. I want to say her name was Rebecca, but I am terrible with names, so I am probably wrong. She is originally from Ireland, though lived and worked in NYC for a long, long time. She majored in fashion and spent 2 years working for Geoffrey Beene and another 8 years working for Ralph Lauren at which point she decided to ditch her fashion career entirely and backpack around the world for 3 years. Did you catch that? Yeah, she backpacked ALONE around THE WORLD for THREE YEARS!
She ended this backpacking stint in Madrid, where she spent six months learning Spanish and subsequently met her husband as he was enrolled in the same language program. Well, not only did they meet, but the program placed them as roommates in the same apartment. Was it fate? He was an engineer/international business major from Austin, Texas that decided to take some time off and spent half the year learning French in France and half the year learning Spanish in Spain. Hmm... Sounds like a great idea to me. I don't know his career history or anything, but they both sound like super interesting people. Now, they spend half their summers primarily in New York (Westchester) and winters in Austin. I like their setup. They've also started their own business, which is doing pretty well I gather. Anyway, of course I know most of this because I asked her loads of questions, but it was really fun getting to know her. It turns out we were both in Madrid at the same time - when the trains were bombed! What are the chances?! I hope our paths cross again sometime, because she was a nice, fascinating lady and I'd love to hear more of her stories. She recommended I watch a show on the National Geographic channel called "Locked Up Abroad." It sounds interesting, but so depressing judging by reading a couple of the summaries.On a side note, Val! sent me an article today that got me thinking "How public do I want to be with my life?" A lot of recruiters, and certainly the last few of my employers are testaments to the truth of this statement, Google you and look you up on MySpace to see if they can find any dirt, legitimate or not, to disqualify you as a potential job candidate. Now I need to decide between entirely censoring myself (mmhmm) or maybe just posting elsewhere with a nom de plume. Not sure yet.
For randomness's sake, I'm dredging up a post I wrote on this very same day last year that was published on my MySpace. I will probably be going back through and censoring old posts on this site and elsewhere, so enjoy the freedom of writing while you can. ;) "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may" and all that rot.Feel free to fill this out for yourself if you'd like -
August 3, 2007 - Ten (10) random things about me:
1) I over analyze almost everything and place situations side by side (relationships, work, etc) comparing past to present almost constantly. It's maddening.
2) Adults are just like little kids. The most important thing is having people be legitimately pleased and proud of something you've done. This applies to me.
3) Money is important to me, but it's far less important than the strange and magical sense that there is so much more in the world, like literature, and understanding, and human contact and the passion that comes with that.
4) I must have a puppy.
5) I miss TeXaS!!!!
6) I know I am not happy with my life when I am lethargic, which I have been lately. I also have an upset stomach almost every day that I go to work.
7) I haven't written anything for my novel in 3 months. I think it has a lot to do with the fact I have no moral, and it feels empty. Speaking of writing, I am constantly blown off by the one place I was published that actually paid me. I told them to remove me from their list. Now I hope they fail.
8) Hence, I must have a mean streak. I constantly have to tell myself I am a good person. Half the time I believe it.
9) I will always be skeptical of people. I am usually always right. My wariness makes people think I am a bitch. They are almost always wrong.
10) Justin and I are in the same building almost 100% of the time.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Thank You, American Society
Really, this makes me wonder if it's for profit. I mean, are they trying to sell breast implants to Americans? Should I just move to Britain. Sheesh!
You go, Keira Knightley. I have newfound respect for you:
Keira Knightley refuses breast enhancement for 'The Duchess'
You go, Keira Knightley. I have newfound respect for you:
Keira Knightley refuses breast enhancement for 'The Duchess'
Monday, July 28, 2008
We Children Always Do Grow Old
The title is actually a line from a poem written by my sister ages ago (recently found this on the Way Back Machine, so here is the proper usage: "And all that glitters is not gold: we children Always do grow old."). I proudly wrote about 1,000 words for my story last night. I thought I might do the same tonight, but the motivation isn't there. I just feel tired and drained... though there is no real reason for it.
In an odd turn of events, I've stumbled back into the past in the way of my old website. The Way Back Machine has archive some of my old posts. I thought I might share them randomly on this site. Maybe one of these days I'll just make a comprehensive archive on lyrael.com, but I'm not holding my breath. A lot of them are quite boring, honestly. It's so bizarre to me to read how important I felt my mundane life was back then what with taking so many webcam photos and writing about movies and snacks and lost friends. Odd how certain things you deal with in your life can completely destroy your self-view. Oh well... I guess my mood is strange tonight somehow, so that doesn't help the tone of this post.
Time for bed. In the meantime, enjoy a glimpse into my life in 2002 - exactly 6 years ago to the day. I am also throwing in the last webcam capture that site ever had, you know, for posterity or whatever.
In an odd turn of events, I've stumbled back into the past in the way of my old website. The Way Back Machine has archive some of my old posts. I thought I might share them randomly on this site. Maybe one of these days I'll just make a comprehensive archive on lyrael.com, but I'm not holding my breath. A lot of them are quite boring, honestly. It's so bizarre to me to read how important I felt my mundane life was back then what with taking so many webcam photos and writing about movies and snacks and lost friends. Odd how certain things you deal with in your life can completely destroy your self-view. Oh well... I guess my mood is strange tonight somehow, so that doesn't help the tone of this post.
Time for bed. In the meantime, enjoy a glimpse into my life in 2002 - exactly 6 years ago to the day. I am also throwing in the last webcam capture that site ever had, you know, for posterity or whatever.
July 28, 2002
"And sometimes the dark is too deep..." - me
I am not going to post the entry that this almost became yesterday... Instead I am going to switch gears and say that Patrick has done an incredible job with his new website and he even bought a webcam and seemlessly integrated his webcam pic into his page. Wow, you really kick ass Aspi! Go see his page NOW!
Here is an update from the 26th written when I got home from the gym/tanning after not sleeping all night:
Another thing I had on my agenda for the day was tanning. I know, it's terrible for your skin! I'd never been tanning, and I always have wanted to try it, especially because I have bikini lines from the one time I was in the sun this summer, grrr! Anyway, I am usually a wuss and won't do things by myself but I am trying to overcome that. I felt so awkward being at the gym without Mike. I brought his headphones with me but they were probably more of a hassle than anything and after my cardio I just threw them in my bag. I am just tired of my shyness/introversion holding me back. I know I would normally not go to a tanning salon alone because I've been thinking about doing it all summer (well, since David's birthday actually) and keep making excuses, like "When I am in perfect shape then I'll go" or "When someone offers to go with me, then I'll go." I decided to just throw caution to the wind and go by myself. I was sweaty and red faced but I drove to the Quarry and went in anyway. And guess what!? I didn't have to pay because the first visit is complimentary! Rock on! Now, this was a very bizarre experience for me as I can't think of many times in my life that I have been totally nude in a public place. I was a little paranoid that someone was going to open the door to my little room and lift up the coffin-like lid of the tanning bed, but, thankfully (and realistically) that did not happen. I hesitantly crawled onto the bed once the lights kicked on, thinking, "you should NOT be able to see particles of light moving." It's the same thing that bothers me with black light or red LEDs. Man, that type of light is just not natural. Anyway, it was an interesting experience to say the least, and I may try it again to see if I actually tan and like it. We'll see. I am not gung ho about it. I am just glad I got the guts to do it. In fact, I feel sort of like it would be stupid for me to continue going knowing it's bad for me, but I also think "Fuck it, if you want to be tan, just do it!" Well... again, I don't want to be tan tan, I just don't want to be pasty, blindingly white for the rest of the summer. Off to bed with me as it is now noon and I want to catch some Z's so I have energy for the rest of my day.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Letter to God, Letter to the World
Dear God, World, Universe, Energy - whatever is out there...
I want to create and live off of my creations. I want to create by myself. I want to create with other people. I want to write, sing, make movies (documentaries for now). I want to help others get published and get published myself. I want to take photographs and sell them. I want Justin and I to take photographs together and travel the world. I want to make videos with Val! and have a following of people that are genuinely interested. I want us to be able to sustain a nice living off of these projects. I want to create, love and be happy - and I want the same for my loved ones and all those that want this for themselves, too.
I want life to be "how it should be." A community of good people, good friends, creating, enjoying, being out there in the world and really living and experiencing it all.
Thanks for the thunderstorm the other night. That was a great birthday present. And thanks in advance, for the future.
Love,
Ness
"one of these days all we'll do is create and live off of it, and travel and enjoy it all"
I want to create and live off of my creations. I want to create by myself. I want to create with other people. I want to write, sing, make movies (documentaries for now). I want to help others get published and get published myself. I want to take photographs and sell them. I want Justin and I to take photographs together and travel the world. I want to make videos with Val! and have a following of people that are genuinely interested. I want us to be able to sustain a nice living off of these projects. I want to create, love and be happy - and I want the same for my loved ones and all those that want this for themselves, too.
I want life to be "how it should be." A community of good people, good friends, creating, enjoying, being out there in the world and really living and experiencing it all.
Thanks for the thunderstorm the other night. That was a great birthday present. And thanks in advance, for the future.
Love,
Ness
"one of these days all we'll do is create and live off of it, and travel and enjoy it all"
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Pure Genius
Now all of us with font obsessions can sleep well at night knowing there are others out there that truly "get it" - Font Conference
I just wish that Ruritania and Papyrus had been represented.
I just wish that Ruritania and Papyrus had been represented.
Happy Birthday to Us!
Flowers, Balloons, Puppies, Twins... Val! and Ness (well... I) turned 28 at midnight!
I guess, technically we don't turn 28 til midnight CT. Hehe
Happy Birthday to Us!!!!
And Happy Birthday to my twin sister Vallie!
Making Out Like a Bandit
Justin gave me a new cell phone, a black zebra shirt I'd been ogling, and a sexy, red 350 gig wallet drive. Sweet! Data in one, easy access spot!
Val! gave me a book with travel tips and inspirations for solo female travelers (Fly Solo) and a book about traveling for hobbies, education, or just about any other interest you might have (The 100 Best Vacations to Enrich Your Life). They're both rad. She also gave me a pair of pink star earrings a la Jem (which I'll be wearing soon) and a gift card for an *hour long* massage. WOOHOO!
Mom sent a lovely bouquet of flowers (pictured above).
ALA sent me flowers too. =) That was super sweet of them.
Lyndia (Justin's mom) gave me a necklace and earring set and cash (always good).
I've gotten phone calls; e-mails; IMs; Adventured.net, MySpace and Facebook comments as well as Twitter tweets. I feel loved. Thanks guys! =)
I guess, technically we don't turn 28 til midnight CT. Hehe
Happy Birthday to Us!!!!
And Happy Birthday to my twin sister Vallie!
Making Out Like a Bandit
Justin gave me a new cell phone, a black zebra shirt I'd been ogling, and a sexy, red 350 gig wallet drive. Sweet! Data in one, easy access spot!
Val! gave me a book with travel tips and inspirations for solo female travelers (Fly Solo) and a book about traveling for hobbies, education, or just about any other interest you might have (The 100 Best Vacations to Enrich Your Life). They're both rad. She also gave me a pair of pink star earrings a la Jem (which I'll be wearing soon) and a gift card for an *hour long* massage. WOOHOO!
Mom sent a lovely bouquet of flowers (pictured above).
ALA sent me flowers too. =) That was super sweet of them.
Lyndia (Justin's mom) gave me a necklace and earring set and cash (always good).
I've gotten phone calls; e-mails; IMs; Adventured.net, MySpace and Facebook comments as well as Twitter tweets. I feel loved. Thanks guys! =)
Monday, July 21, 2008
The Awesomeness of Puerto Rico
This is from a letter I quickly wrote to Dao and Rob (as they too have experienced the kick-ass nature of Puerto Rico):
Justin and I got back from a weekend in Puerto Rico late last night. We had a blast!!!! We took one of his coworkers (Alex) and his friend (Marisa). They said it was one of the best trips of their lives (and they've been all over the place). This is how our trip went:
Day 1: Breakfast at Casa Cubuy in El Yunque, hike through the rain forest and swim in a variety of pools. Get back to the hotel and discover there are masseuses-in-training just down the street. We each get a 1 hour massage for $20! Drive to Naguabo and go out with Capt. Paco to see Monkey Island and snorkel. Capt. Paco was super busy so he dropped us off on our own with a kayak and supplies! We snorkeled out there - just us, monkeys, fish and seagulls for almost 2 hours. It was great!!! We even got to take turns kayaking. We also saw lots of starfish.
It was amazing. Return to Naguabo and have dinner. Head back to the hotel with a stop to grab rum and mixers. Sit outside for hours talking and drinking before hitting the hay.
Day 2: Breakfast at Casa Cubuy then head to the end of the road, where no cars are allowed. We were informed of a neat hike that takes you across a metal bridge (actually, not so much a bridge as a big pipe over a river). We were the only ones on the trail (actually - on both days!). Hiked for a while and came to a beautiful scenic overlook. On our way back, Justin suggested we head down to the river. We found and amazing lagoon at the bottom of a treacherous looking waterfall! Marisa kept climbing up rocks and finding neat places to jump in from.
There were lots of tiny little fish and even some prawns! Leaving El Yunque, we stopped at a beach on the way back to San Juan, walked along it, and spotted some hermit crabs. Back in San Juan, we bought some food to take back to the airport with us (I got amaaaazing camarones enchilados - shrimp in hot sauce, and beans) and stopped for pina coladas at Barrachina - of course!!! We made it back to the airport just in time to get on the flight!!! All in all, an action packed, exciting weekend. :)
There were only 2 minor hitches and they both worked out. 1) Our camera tumbled into raging water and somehow we managed to find it. The memory card compartment came open during the fall and somehow we managed to find the Flash card, too! 2) Alex forgot his wallet at a gas station on the way back to San Juan when he was changing in the bathroom. This morning he spoke with a woman there that found it and is FedExing back to him free of charge! So nice!!!
Re-reading my entry above, I feel kind of like I am reading a diary entry from when I was a little kid. I was pretty much never patient enough to go into things in depth. I guess that isn't really a bad thing. :) Photos to follow. <3 :D
Photo Update
Ness's Flickr Photo Gallery
Justin's Facebook Photo Gallery
Justin and I got back from a weekend in Puerto Rico late last night. We had a blast!!!! We took one of his coworkers (Alex) and his friend (Marisa). They said it was one of the best trips of their lives (and they've been all over the place). This is how our trip went:
Day 1: Breakfast at Casa Cubuy in El Yunque, hike through the rain forest and swim in a variety of pools. Get back to the hotel and discover there are masseuses-in-training just down the street. We each get a 1 hour massage for $20! Drive to Naguabo and go out with Capt. Paco to see Monkey Island and snorkel. Capt. Paco was super busy so he dropped us off on our own with a kayak and supplies! We snorkeled out there - just us, monkeys, fish and seagulls for almost 2 hours. It was great!!! We even got to take turns kayaking. We also saw lots of starfish.
It was amazing. Return to Naguabo and have dinner. Head back to the hotel with a stop to grab rum and mixers. Sit outside for hours talking and drinking before hitting the hay.
Day 2: Breakfast at Casa Cubuy then head to the end of the road, where no cars are allowed. We were informed of a neat hike that takes you across a metal bridge (actually, not so much a bridge as a big pipe over a river). We were the only ones on the trail (actually - on both days!). Hiked for a while and came to a beautiful scenic overlook. On our way back, Justin suggested we head down to the river. We found and amazing lagoon at the bottom of a treacherous looking waterfall! Marisa kept climbing up rocks and finding neat places to jump in from.
There were lots of tiny little fish and even some prawns! Leaving El Yunque, we stopped at a beach on the way back to San Juan, walked along it, and spotted some hermit crabs. Back in San Juan, we bought some food to take back to the airport with us (I got amaaaazing camarones enchilados - shrimp in hot sauce, and beans) and stopped for pina coladas at Barrachina - of course!!! We made it back to the airport just in time to get on the flight!!! All in all, an action packed, exciting weekend. :)
There were only 2 minor hitches and they both worked out. 1) Our camera tumbled into raging water and somehow we managed to find it. The memory card compartment came open during the fall and somehow we managed to find the Flash card, too! 2) Alex forgot his wallet at a gas station on the way back to San Juan when he was changing in the bathroom. This morning he spoke with a woman there that found it and is FedExing back to him free of charge! So nice!!!
Re-reading my entry above, I feel kind of like I am reading a diary entry from when I was a little kid. I was pretty much never patient enough to go into things in depth. I guess that isn't really a bad thing. :) Photos to follow. <3 :D
Photo Update
Ness's Flickr Photo Gallery
Justin's Facebook Photo Gallery
Friday, July 11, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Happy Birthday Justin!
Click to enlarge the image above.
Justin is 28 today!
Happy birthday, sweetie. I am very glad to have you as my fiance and am looking forward to all the cool things we'll be able to see and do together. I hope you have a fantastic birthday!
Lots and lots of love, hugs, and kisses!
Nessy
Friday, July 4, 2008
Happy Fourth of July! - even you flying Uncle Sam
Happy fourth of July everyone.
Even Google is getting into the spirit to the last detail with their flying Uncle Sam in their Street View version of maps. Hilarious.
Thanks again Google.
Ponderings in the Shower
Written July 2, 2008: I moved to New York City so I could become complacent with my life. My life here is no bigger or smaller than it's ever been - neither more nor less important.
In a way, it *feels* a little bigger because of this enormously populated, exaggeratedly important city. Everyone knows of it, speaks of it, longs to be here for one reason or another even if they're at the furthest corners of the world. Movies are filmed here, books are written here, tv shows are shot here... It's definitely recognizable, and being even slightly affiliated with a place so well-known and lusted after makes my life feel just a millimeter more significant.
But in other ways, I am much more isolated in this cut-throat, self-serving, me-first sort of city. I lost it the other night, crying to Justin and wondering if I'd ever have any real friends again.
July 4, 2008: Happy birthday, Michieru. Hope you're making the most of it!
In a way, it *feels* a little bigger because of this enormously populated, exaggeratedly important city. Everyone knows of it, speaks of it, longs to be here for one reason or another even if they're at the furthest corners of the world. Movies are filmed here, books are written here, tv shows are shot here... It's definitely recognizable, and being even slightly affiliated with a place so well-known and lusted after makes my life feel just a millimeter more significant.
But in other ways, I am much more isolated in this cut-throat, self-serving, me-first sort of city. I lost it the other night, crying to Justin and wondering if I'd ever have any real friends again.
July 4, 2008: Happy birthday, Michieru. Hope you're making the most of it!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Kaaterskill Falls... Falls
So, I had this determined idea yesterday that we (my mom, Val!, Justin and myself) would go hiking and kayaking this weekend in upstate NY. Joey joined us as well. Without ample preparation and having missed the New Paltz turn off where we anticipated our Saturday evening hike, we headed into Saugerties and I got directions from a local that suggested two different hikes. Val! liked the idea of the Kaaterskill Falls Trail over the scenic overlook trail, so we were off in the direction of Hunter Mountain.
The trail was beautiful... Lush green trees densely crowded the muddy, rocky path which ran alongside a creek. In the creek were glistening silver-gray rocks and many levels of small falls, creating a beautiful visual effect as well as a musical audible effect throughout our hike, which was a half mile in length and took us upwards to the main attraction: a gorge into which a tall, thin, cool waterfall streamed. Val! and I made it there first and excitedly headed towards the falls. It was during this time of mindless hurry that I slipped on a wet rock and sent my left foot (and force of my body) into a hole surrounded by rocks. One of these rocks was incredibly sharp... As I extracted my leg, I noticed a deep gash exposing flesh and white fat folded up under the skin. The first words out of my mouth were "E.R."
After Justin bandaged my leg with part of Joey's shirt, we all headed back to the car and to the nearest emergency room. It's never nice to hear a doctor refer to your cut as a gaping wound... even though that's exactly what it was.
The worst part of the experience: Other than seeing the initial, frightening damage, the worst part (by far) were the numerous, painful shots I received to my wound area prior to being stitched up (10 stitches). I lost it and ended up crying...
The best part of the experience: Having my loving family there for me... Thanks Mom, Val! and Justin.
Things like this really help put life into perspective... And also remind me to be more careful. This is the third time in 3 weeks I've hurt myself, and the second time I slid off a rock and hurt myself. Sheesh.
The trail was beautiful... Lush green trees densely crowded the muddy, rocky path which ran alongside a creek. In the creek were glistening silver-gray rocks and many levels of small falls, creating a beautiful visual effect as well as a musical audible effect throughout our hike, which was a half mile in length and took us upwards to the main attraction: a gorge into which a tall, thin, cool waterfall streamed. Val! and I made it there first and excitedly headed towards the falls. It was during this time of mindless hurry that I slipped on a wet rock and sent my left foot (and force of my body) into a hole surrounded by rocks. One of these rocks was incredibly sharp... As I extracted my leg, I noticed a deep gash exposing flesh and white fat folded up under the skin. The first words out of my mouth were "E.R."
After Justin bandaged my leg with part of Joey's shirt, we all headed back to the car and to the nearest emergency room. It's never nice to hear a doctor refer to your cut as a gaping wound... even though that's exactly what it was.
The worst part of the experience: Other than seeing the initial, frightening damage, the worst part (by far) were the numerous, painful shots I received to my wound area prior to being stitched up (10 stitches). I lost it and ended up crying...
The best part of the experience: Having my loving family there for me... Thanks Mom, Val! and Justin.
Things like this really help put life into perspective... And also remind me to be more careful. This is the third time in 3 weeks I've hurt myself, and the second time I slid off a rock and hurt myself. Sheesh.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Fun in Denver
Not gonna write a whole lot at the moment as it is late and I am very tired BUT the main thing I went to get across is that I really dig Denver and the Rocky Mountains and feel like this is a place I could see myself spending a lot more time.Summary of our day:
woke up 5:20 AM ET
left NYC 7:50 ET
arrived Denver 10:20ish MT
left with rental car 12:45ish (don't even get me started but at least we had a convertible!!)
Drove into the mountains, drove around Central City and got hiking directions
drove to Idaho Springs and up Mt Evans to the top where it was still snowy = and 40+ degrees colder!!! We hiked to the summit. Amazing. 14,000+ feet up... we were breathing HARD. It rocked!!! We got up close to marmots and mountain goats! We also met some neat people that live here (originally from Atlanta).
checked into Magnolia hotel
cleaned up and changed for dinner
got cookies and milk on the way out of our hotel
had a yummy dinner at Samba (cuban food)
walked around downtown people watching and now we're ready for blissful sleep!!!!
Photos to be added soon!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
The Great Midwest
Justin and I are taking of in the morning and won't return for a week! We'll spend one day in Denver, Colorado and the Rocky Mountains!! I am so psyched to see the Rockies. Justin has talked to me about them, and visiting Glenwood Springs specifically, ever since I have known him, so I am really glad we'll get to snoop around a little bit.
The majority of our trip will be spent in Montana with three days in Billings and two full days in Yellowstone. It's guide training time for Austin-Lehman, which is as good a reason as any for me to fly out and meet everyone, see our offices, and work on face-to-face projects.
Justin plans to set up a remote JetBlue camp for the first few days from our LaQuinta hotel room before heading out to Yellowstone with the ALA crew. I am sure we'll keep you updated via Twitter (easy with my phone) and the blog for more thoughts, feelings, and photos.
Special thanks a mucho love to the Val! for watching our babies and inhabiting our apartment while we are gone. Happy birthday to Olivia!!!
Love you guys and I'll miss you!
Ness
The majority of our trip will be spent in Montana with three days in Billings and two full days in Yellowstone. It's guide training time for Austin-Lehman, which is as good a reason as any for me to fly out and meet everyone, see our offices, and work on face-to-face projects.
Justin plans to set up a remote JetBlue camp for the first few days from our LaQuinta hotel room before heading out to Yellowstone with the ALA crew. I am sure we'll keep you updated via Twitter (easy with my phone) and the blog for more thoughts, feelings, and photos.
Special thanks a mucho love to the Val! for watching our babies and inhabiting our apartment while we are gone. Happy birthday to Olivia!!!
Love you guys and I'll miss you!
Ness
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Random Annoyance with Obama
My life seems to be filled with random video clips and links lately. I am sure yours does as well. This reminds me of a rant I was going off on last night, which I'll spare you all from ...for now.
Justin sent me this link to a Fox News story about Barack and Michelle Obama giving each other daps on stage. hahaha - sorry, it was funny to type the word daps. Anyway, I am surprised that everyone's focusing on the fist action and not the SLAP ON THE ASS Barack gives Michelle right afterwards. Watch this video at 1:45 in...
Justin sent me this link to a Fox News story about Barack and Michelle Obama giving each other daps on stage. hahaha - sorry, it was funny to type the word daps. Anyway, I am surprised that everyone's focusing on the fist action and not the SLAP ON THE ASS Barack gives Michelle right afterwards. Watch this video at 1:45 in...
Delightful Morning
I woke up this morning in a very good mood. I just have this positive feeling radiating throughout me today, and in the shower couldn't stop singing "Semi-Charmed Kinda Life," which, in all honesty, is not even a song that I like! Ok, I actually started out singing "How to Be a Millionaire" but somehow the other song popped into my head.
I commented to Justin that I wished we had something more interesting to eat for breakfast (aside from our staples of Pop-Tarts and peanut butter toast) and he suggested we grab food from the Asian bakery across the boulevard. I was game. Mmmm, a steamed red bean bun...
Walking onto the street felt like walking into an oven. Seriously, it's crazy hot for 10 AM! It's 94 degrees already. Justin took his pastries and biked off in the direction of JetBlue's headquarters for work, and I began the short stroll home. Because of the heat, I'm wearing a sleeveless shirt, shorts and flip-flops.
As I walked past the bank on the corner, I caught my reflection in its large windows and couldn't suppress my smile. For some reason today I just feel so well-suited to live in this city. That's a good thing, considering last night Justin brought up renewing our lease in October. New York, New York - I guess we'll have to dance this dance for a little while longer.
I commented to Justin that I wished we had something more interesting to eat for breakfast (aside from our staples of Pop-Tarts and peanut butter toast) and he suggested we grab food from the Asian bakery across the boulevard. I was game. Mmmm, a steamed red bean bun...
Walking onto the street felt like walking into an oven. Seriously, it's crazy hot for 10 AM! It's 94 degrees already. Justin took his pastries and biked off in the direction of JetBlue's headquarters for work, and I began the short stroll home. Because of the heat, I'm wearing a sleeveless shirt, shorts and flip-flops.
As I walked past the bank on the corner, I caught my reflection in its large windows and couldn't suppress my smile. For some reason today I just feel so well-suited to live in this city. That's a good thing, considering last night Justin brought up renewing our lease in October. New York, New York - I guess we'll have to dance this dance for a little while longer.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Very Troubling Times
This can be seen as a continuation from my post earlier this week entitled Inexplicable Anxiety.
I have even more disturbing news! No, it's not that Continental announced they're cutting 3000 jobs nor is it that United is dissolving Ted... No, dear readers, the news today is a far more alarming discovery.
My sister Val! sent me this news from the streets of Manhattan yesterday evening.
Prepare yourselves, because I don't think it gets anymore unsettling than this. The true sign that we're in troubling times - a woman was spotted wearing Hammer Pants on the streets of Manhattan yesterday!
No Hammer - Don't Hurt 'Em!
Hammer Pants Spotted in Manhattan
Thanks to Val! for texting me this picture.
This is life-shattering, society-destroying news if ever there were any. Either it means the lady is so destitute and broke she had to fish in her closet for this relic of 1990 fashion as it is the only pair of pants she any longer owns and can wear OR - god forbid - this is actually coming back in style. If that's the case, we should definitely pray for the future of our country.
*hand* *forehead* *staple*
I have even more disturbing news! No, it's not that Continental announced they're cutting 3000 jobs nor is it that United is dissolving Ted... No, dear readers, the news today is a far more alarming discovery.
My sister Val! sent me this news from the streets of Manhattan yesterday evening.
Prepare yourselves, because I don't think it gets anymore unsettling than this. The true sign that we're in troubling times - a woman was spotted wearing Hammer Pants on the streets of Manhattan yesterday!
No Hammer - Don't Hurt 'Em!
Hammer Pants Spotted in Manhattan
Thanks to Val! for texting me this picture.
This is life-shattering, society-destroying news if ever there were any. Either it means the lady is so destitute and broke she had to fish in her closet for this relic of 1990 fashion as it is the only pair of pants she any longer owns and can wear OR - god forbid - this is actually coming back in style. If that's the case, we should definitely pray for the future of our country.
*hand* *forehead* *staple*
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Photo Editor of Exotic Images
One of my many job functions at ALA is photo editor... I do it mostly because, when I look at a picture, I automatically see how much more compelling it can be with just a little TLC. To the right is a photo of a river in Hawaii.
Much better, I think, on a sunny day.
Find out about Austin-Lehman's Kauai Hawaii custom vacation - or just check out the page I built for it, sheesh! :) Tough crowd.
addendum: internet bookings are now up 3% over last year and I am pleased. they'd been down for a while. let's hope they continue to grow.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Inexplicable Anxiety
I've been feeling a jazzy, energetic, strange anxiety today. It's not necessarily bad, but not necessarily good either. It's fueled by a multitude of things, I imagine, such as tons of different tasks I must accomplish from work, the democratic nominee being named, the US airline industry falling into ruin, and looming violin lessons in my future...
My anxiety could simply be because I've ingested too much coffee this morning. It could be because Obama won the democratic nomination (which I am not thrilled about). It could be because airlines seem to be dropping like flies (SilverJet, Eos, SkyBus). Those that are hanging on may not be around for much longer (United cutting capacity and jobs, American charging for everything, Frontier in bankruptcy and possibly closing down, Spirit making cuts to jobs and bases... etc.).
In general, I am worried about our careers - Justin with JetBlue and me in the travel/tourism industry. There seems to be an electric charge to everything. I imagine this is because most Americans are just waiting for the bottom to fall out of the semi-secure environment we've been living in for the last two decades. Even with the hardships after 9/11 and the first dotcom bubble burst, we've had some stability. Americans have been able to afford vacations, air travel, trips abroad, and the like.
Now that our dollar is in the toilet, airlines are shutting down, and people can't even afford gas to go to-and-from work (yes - a lady in Texas told me it cost her more than $25 just to drive into work and back home) I just wonder what, if anything, is seriously going to change. Will our economy continue its steady decline? Will things stabilize where they are now? Will things improve? Time will tell, I suppose.
Life continues at it's own comfortable pace for Justin and I at the moment. We watched Up the Yangtze last night, which was an interesting film; sad at points, slow at others, but always allowing you a glimpse into a wholly different culture where people are still, surprisingly, the same. Teenagers still have the same hormones, feelings, and rebellious nature. People are born believing they are entitled to more than is easily within their reach. I recommend seeing this movie if you have the opportunity. I feel very lucky to live in New York City where I can easily catch such a film. Quad Cinemas is showing it through Thursday if you can run down and see it by then.
I am taking a trial violin lesson next Tuesday to find out whether or not I want to pay for a series of classes. I am hoping so. It would be so nice to be able to play an instrument, especially such an aurally beautiful one.
My anxiety could simply be because I've ingested too much coffee this morning. It could be because Obama won the democratic nomination (which I am not thrilled about). It could be because airlines seem to be dropping like flies (SilverJet, Eos, SkyBus). Those that are hanging on may not be around for much longer (United cutting capacity and jobs, American charging for everything, Frontier in bankruptcy and possibly closing down, Spirit making cuts to jobs and bases... etc.).
In general, I am worried about our careers - Justin with JetBlue and me in the travel/tourism industry. There seems to be an electric charge to everything. I imagine this is because most Americans are just waiting for the bottom to fall out of the semi-secure environment we've been living in for the last two decades. Even with the hardships after 9/11 and the first dotcom bubble burst, we've had some stability. Americans have been able to afford vacations, air travel, trips abroad, and the like.
Now that our dollar is in the toilet, airlines are shutting down, and people can't even afford gas to go to-and-from work (yes - a lady in Texas told me it cost her more than $25 just to drive into work and back home) I just wonder what, if anything, is seriously going to change. Will our economy continue its steady decline? Will things stabilize where they are now? Will things improve? Time will tell, I suppose.
Life continues at it's own comfortable pace for Justin and I at the moment. We watched Up the Yangtze last night, which was an interesting film; sad at points, slow at others, but always allowing you a glimpse into a wholly different culture where people are still, surprisingly, the same. Teenagers still have the same hormones, feelings, and rebellious nature. People are born believing they are entitled to more than is easily within their reach. I recommend seeing this movie if you have the opportunity. I feel very lucky to live in New York City where I can easily catch such a film. Quad Cinemas is showing it through Thursday if you can run down and see it by then.
I am taking a trial violin lesson next Tuesday to find out whether or not I want to pay for a series of classes. I am hoping so. It would be so nice to be able to play an instrument, especially such an aurally beautiful one.
Sunday Picnic in the Park
Riding our bike, roller blade skitchen, picnic, trees, relaxing, cherries and cucumbers.All fun things to do on a nice Sunday in NY. To start our summer out right we headed to Flushing Meadows Corona Park for a picnic, perfect weather for one - breezy and bright. It was nice to have a happy wholesome day. See more photos on Flickr here.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Life, Love, Suicide
Sorry to send you elsewhere. I considered writing something truly heartfelt here earlier, but I went to dinner and discussed it with Justin instead. You can get the jest of it here: Heart-to-Heart Conversations: Past Loves and Helping Others Cope with Suicide.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Last Wednesday
Val! and I went out to celebrate my engagement. We went to dinner at a nice, overrated, overpriced restaurant where we undertipped the waitress and overtipped the busboy. I felt like Robin Hood.
Later, we headed to a wine bar where we enjoyed wine-flight after wine-flight and even came up with our own Bear Dalton/Vaynerchuk-like deductions... And we recorded them. :) Good times!!! ;)
Later, we headed to a wine bar where we enjoyed wine-flight after wine-flight and even came up with our own Bear Dalton/Vaynerchuk-like deductions... And we recorded them. :) Good times!!! ;)
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Puppy Dog Bone Cake
Look at the beautiful cake Justin made for our babies yesterday! What a good daddy!Also, the babies were really happy to hear the nice things Auntie Thao had to say. They can't wait to meet and make friends with Gup! :)
Note from justin - Here is the recipe:
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup shredded carrots
1 tsp. vanilla
1/3 cup honey
1 egg
Mix flour and baking soda. Add remaining ingredients. Pour into greased 8" round cake pan and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Let cool. Puree cottage cheese in blender for icing. Decorate with more peanut butter and carrots.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Happy Birthday, Babies!
Today, Ruby and Eve turn 1 year old!!!
We're taking them to get hair-dos and yummy breakfast now. More later.
We're taking them to get hair-dos and yummy breakfast now. More later.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Back from Ireland
I am sure you're aware that we're back from Ireland. We returned late on Tuesday and I, for one, am still recovering! I am sorry I've been out of the updating game for a while. It will be a while before I have all the photos up from the trip, but here is one from Dublin's Temple Bar area.
Justin had his first JetBlue softball game tonight. It was COLD! His team (RASM... seriously guys?) lost but it was just their first game. I am sure they'll do better once they warm up and get used to playing with one another.
I am looking forward to this weekend, even if I do have to write a newsletter. ;) Olivia, Jim and I are plotting a weekend trip to Europe i May. Right now we're tossing around Copenhagen, Krakow, and Naples. I am leaning toward the last two. :) vee shall see!
Justin had his first JetBlue softball game tonight. It was COLD! His team (RASM... seriously guys?) lost but it was just their first game. I am sure they'll do better once they warm up and get used to playing with one another.
I am looking forward to this weekend, even if I do have to write a newsletter. ;) Olivia, Jim and I are plotting a weekend trip to Europe i May. Right now we're tossing around Copenhagen, Krakow, and Naples. I am leaning toward the last two. :) vee shall see!
Friday, April 25, 2008
In Ireland, Safe and Sound
The subject says it all! Sat next to a very nice woman on the flight (Aer Lingus). More later :)
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Hope - Spring flowers on the streets of my brick New York City prison
The current view from my window. I think this tree burst into bloom overnight. Living here makes the Frost poem make so much more sense "Her early leaf's a flower."
I wrote some good, calming tips for Happy blog tonight. Justin was rad and edited all my piling up videos. I'll post one tomorrow and later decide the frequency. :)
I wrote some good, calming tips for Happy blog tonight. Justin was rad and edited all my piling up videos. I'll post one tomorrow and later decide the frequency. :)
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
So what did you do for Earth Day?
Well thanks to MK we went to see the "Colbert Report". It was cold and hilarious. This was one of the intro pieces however you can see the rest of the episodes here.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Abandoned New Jersey Beach
Val! and I went for a drive after my 4 mile run with Thao yesterday. We explore southern New Jersey and discovered a beautiful preserve, larger than Yosemite, called the Pinelands. Thank goodness to National Geographic Adventure for recommending it. It was beautiful! There were so many trails, a beautiful lake with an adorable goose that was fishing in the cool water, and even a babbling brook!
After we left the pinelands we came to a little town and met a kind young man at a convenience store that recommended we head to Long Beach Island. It was so cool! You can easily walk from one side of the island to the other - it can't even be a 1/4 mile across. The beaches were so beautiful, pristine and deserted!
After hanging out there for a while it was time to head back toward Rutherford. Val! and I ate at a Cajun/Texmex place. The chips. salsa, guacamole and queso were actually all very good. Yummy!!! It was a FANTASTIC day full of great photos and a lot of fun. I am looking forward to another like it soon. :) Check out more photos of the day here.
After we left the pinelands we came to a little town and met a kind young man at a convenience store that recommended we head to Long Beach Island. It was so cool! You can easily walk from one side of the island to the other - it can't even be a 1/4 mile across. The beaches were so beautiful, pristine and deserted!
After hanging out there for a while it was time to head back toward Rutherford. Val! and I ate at a Cajun/Texmex place. The chips. salsa, guacamole and queso were actually all very good. Yummy!!! It was a FANTASTIC day full of great photos and a lot of fun. I am looking forward to another like it soon. :) Check out more photos of the day here.Sunday, April 20, 2008
Just a Little Jog... in the Adidas Run for the Parks!!!
Going for a run with Thao... and about 5,000 other people! Wish us luck. ;)
Friday, April 18, 2008
Happy Val! - Photo Walk
Vallie! came over tonight so we could walk around in Forest Hills Gardens taking nighttime pictures. It was a nice, relaxing evening punctuated by happy banter and lots of blurry, orange photos. I still like the way they came out, particularly because I got a few nice pix of Val! enjoying herself! :)
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Flowering Tree of Queens Blvd
Here is a photo I took with my Blackberry of a tree that was in full bloom as I walked home from the Forest Hills JetBlue office. Even though they are pretty, I know behind all those colorful petals and blooms, they are the cause of my sickness. *shakes fists* damn them.
Tomorrow Vanessa will have to walk me to work so I can show her this flowering tree. The one right next to it is much prettier. However, it was not wanting to be photogenic. But trust me, it was cooler. ;)
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Ness and Justin - Coupley Goodness
Yes, I've been informed I am slacking on my photo updates. I worked from 9AM - 9:30 PM Friday, literally, then I was up til 2 AM Sunday working, and I just couldn't muster be on a computer any longer to do photo updates. Sometimes work gets in the way. Le Sigh. I'll try to do better for the rest of the week!
Not feeling too hot today. My allergies have become all stirred up again and I just haven't been feeling up to snuff. I'll take some antihistamines tonight and hope it goes away!
Photo caption ~~What's up dude behind us? Yes, I did set my camera on a wall so I could get a photo of Justin and I in this pretty, evening light. Do you have a problem with that? Is it really so odd that you must stand there, mouth agape, and eyes slanted? Hrmph! Pretty photo :D
Not feeling too hot today. My allergies have become all stirred up again and I just haven't been feeling up to snuff. I'll take some antihistamines tonight and hope it goes away!
Photo caption ~~What's up dude behind us? Yes, I did set my camera on a wall so I could get a photo of Justin and I in this pretty, evening light. Do you have a problem with that? Is it really so odd that you must stand there, mouth agape, and eyes slanted? Hrmph! Pretty photo :D
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Photographing Trains
Sorry guys - lots of photos today... Justin stayed late to have some drinks after work with JetBlue people, and since it was a nice day (it was really a wonderful, clear, beautiful day and the perfect temperature), I picked myself up by my bootstraps, grabbed Beloved, and waltzed over to the Forest Hills Long Island Railroad station... I LOVE trains and photographing trains. Being there was so ridiculously peaceful. I don't know why I don't go there more
often!!!
I am also including a photo of Justin from dinner tonight because I really like the way it turned out. :)
Yay tomorrow is Friday!!!
I am also including a photo of Justin from dinner tonight because I really like the way it turned out. :)
Yay tomorrow is Friday!!!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Dinner time
Justin and I had dinner at Garcia's on Austin St. This is not an unusual occurrence by any means. Unusual would be us making dinner at home! I was super excited that there was a V-shaped chip in the mix, though. We were also able to hear some pretty lousy karaoke. All in good fun.
I am proud of myself because I went for a jog today - my first jog in MONTHS. Go me go! Even if it was only 20 minutes. :) I was able to jog, shower, and dress in 45 minutes - record time! Now if I can
just keep it up a few days a week. ;)
Justin made a scary hand in my picture. :(
I am proud of myself because I went for a jog today - my first jog in MONTHS. Go me go! Even if it was only 20 minutes. :) I was able to jog, shower, and dress in 45 minutes - record time! Now if I can just keep it up a few days a week. ;)
Justin made a scary hand in my picture. :(
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
Ness and Justin @ Uno
Yep - we had dinner tonight at Uno. It was good. Service was slow. Met a nice waiter though. Brief update as the night is still young and so are we! ;)
PS: Sorry my pic of tonight isn't better!
PS: Sorry my pic of tonight isn't better!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Sunday is for Sushi
Another laid-back day. Justin and I worked a little on Adventured.net updating the background and left hand side, including our contributors links/social networking links. All in all, we're very pleased with the changes. I had to take a nap in the middle of the day to sooth my mood. It worked brilliantly and both the puppies slept with me, even though Justin was in the living room. We concluded the night by ordering in and watching I am Legend. I promised Val! my take on the movie, which is:
Decent, sad, slowww.
Decent, sad, slowww.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Impressive Arch - Wandering in Forest Hills
Justin and I spent the afternoon wandering around Forest Hills. Today I woke up and wrote a bit on the novel Val! and I are co-authoring. She's much more motivated about it than I am. I've only written on it twice and, in total, it is probably 5 pages long. Val's effort and output is at least 4 times that of my own.
After shooting up a storm, Justin and I decided it was time to do a little shopping. I purchased a pair of blue jeans and a pair of slacks and. as shopping generally bums me out, it was good that we went for massages immediately afterwards, and bubble tea directly after that. La sigh!
Our last stop was Bath and Body Works, which really lightened my mood. I love spending time in that store, smelling all the new smells and checking out their products and marketing. They might try harder than practically any brand out there to constantly come up with new products and ideas!
I hope you're all having a great weekend!
I trace my fingers along the top-most ledge of Sacre Couer’s grand entry – what a spectacular view of Paris. The seedy underbelly begins at the base below. The hostels, hookers, ‘red light district.’ Beyond, there is a mosque, there stands the Eiffel Tour, so proud now so many years after its birth into a society that completely detested it.Justin woke up and we just sort of hung around. I read a bit in the book Val! lent me: Time Traveler's Wife which I am quite enjoying. We headed to Garcia's for some Mexican food and both left feeling miserably full. We then wandered around a bit trying to locate "something odd" that a new flickr friend of mine told me about. I think I found it! If I am correct about this oddity, it is the arch in this photo. It definitely looks a bit out of place between these two drab apartment buildings in Queens. I wonder why it's there and what it represents...
After shooting up a storm, Justin and I decided it was time to do a little shopping. I purchased a pair of blue jeans and a pair of slacks and. as shopping generally bums me out, it was good that we went for massages immediately afterwards, and bubble tea directly after that. La sigh!
Our last stop was Bath and Body Works, which really lightened my mood. I love spending time in that store, smelling all the new smells and checking out their products and marketing. They might try harder than practically any brand out there to constantly come up with new products and ideas!
I hope you're all having a great weekend!
Last Night's Dinner with Thao and Katie
Justin and I had a really nice time having Thao and Katie over for dinner Thursday night. Thao shared with us a lot of her photos from Kenya (you can see them here) and narrated as she walked through the different experiences. Justin hooked my laptop up to our TV so we had a good viewing arrangement. It was so neat. I definitely want to go to Kenya now! If I can get a detailed itinerary of Thao's journey, I'll put it up here. She visited beautiful, deserted beaches; lovely, cheap inns; took a self-guided driving safari with some friends; took children to a giraffe feeding/petting area (not only did she escort these children, but she helped raise money so they could go in the first place - right on!); and all the while got around in bizarrely decorated buses. It looked and sounded like a lot of fun. She also brought me back salad spoons with rhinos on the ends! I love them :) Thanks Tizzle! :)
It was nice having Thao and Katie over... I just feel bad they got home so late on a Thursday night! Tonight, Val!, Justin and I went to Hill Country. A new friend of Val!'s, Chris, met us as well. The wait was an hour and a half but we had a good time. We sat there talking for hours and then for another half an hour on the sidewalk once we'd decided to leave. I pronounce "Friendship Friday" a serious success! :)
It was nice having Thao and Katie over... I just feel bad they got home so late on a Thursday night! Tonight, Val!, Justin and I went to Hill Country. A new friend of Val!'s, Chris, met us as well. The wait was an hour and a half but we had a good time. We sat there talking for hours and then for another half an hour on the sidewalk once we'd decided to leave. I pronounce "Friendship Friday" a serious success! :)
Thursday, April 3, 2008
How Time Changes Us
Val! was sharing old photos with me. She sent one of herself, my cousin Karen and me all dressed up and ready for a night of clubbing. I remember the night and all of our photos fondly. We actually met a club-photographer that night and had a good time. He was the first of that type I'd ever met, though certainly not the last. At any rate, I was feeling sad, not to mention older, looking at the photo and thinking of old relationships. For instance, I haven't talked to Karen in years, which is sad because she is a cool chick and we grew up together. Life is odd - how we fall away from one another. At any rate, in the depths of my melancholy, which I was sharing with Justin, he sent me a photo from last weekend. Wow! How times change. For your viewing pleasure (you may want to enlarge these):
 Taking harp lessons in Stowe in 2008. |  Going out clubbing with Val! and Karen circa 2001. |
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