Another Reason to Love NY...

There are so many reasons to love New York City. Today, however, I had a chance meeting with a lady that made me add a new reason to my list. With all of the speculation outside of New York about New Yorkers and their distant and oftentimes cold dispositions, I met a lady today who proves them all wrong. I ran to an appointment downtown, and as I waited for the elevator, latest read in hand (A Thousand Splendid Suns), I noticed her kind of staring at me in my peripheral vision. My first response, as I think most would have it as well, was to think to myself, "Why do people have to stare? It's so rude." Now, mind you, if I'm the one doing the staring, then there must be a very good reason for it, but if I'm the object of inspection, then I have very different feelings about it.

In any case, she broke the awkward elevator anticipatory silence with a question: "How is that one? I read The Kite Runner and loved it." I told her I wasn't too far in, but that I really enjoyed getting Hosseini's powerful writing from the perspective of a female protagonist after such a powerful account from his male protagonist in The Kite Runner. She went on to tell me about how much she loved The Bookseller of Kabul as well, perhaps even more. She also added an anecdote about her friend's Afghani husband, but for some reason that didn't mean quite as much to me.

The moral of the story: New Yorkers are not distant and cold. They've been more apt than perhaps any other group of people in any of my other globetrotting experiences to strike up a conversation--and those conversations are usually pretty interesting. Case in point!

Bookswim

Because I have not been able to hop right into my new digs and begin living as the New Jersian and NYC commuter that I now am, I have had a few things pop up as problematic. Trust me, a permanent address takes you far in this world, and the absence of one can be pretty frustrating. For the most part, the things that have been most bothersome are those that are the most normal everyday type things.

One of my favorite things, and to be completely honest probably the top thing on my list of favorite things, are books. Ever since I was a young kid, I've marveled at books as most do at money or big star sightings. In fact, as I've slowly moved from West Virginia to New Jersey, one of my biggest concerns has been where or how I will find the perfect bookcase on which I can display my collection. I resolved to invest in a "grown up" bookcase, so I passed on my set of bookshelves from Staples to my niece. So, now I have lots of boxes of books and no way to display them. To me, this is a big deal because they're all hidden away, not giving me half of the pleasure I get from merely seeing them all lined up on their shelves.

In any case, I used to love heading to the library to grab up a few good reads each month. However, I really don't have a good way of proving I'm a permanent resident, well, anywhere. So, I have had difficulty doing anything that requires that proof--like getting a library card. So, when I asked a friend at work, who lives in the city, if she had a library card that I may be able to use for one round before I get permanently settled, she presented a fabulous idea. She said she would forward to me the name of an online service that's like Netflix but for books. Can you imagine the excitement that I felt? I had never even considered this concept because I always had my library sitting conveniently nearby, and I worked hours that made it very convenient to pop in and out.

I went on the Internet to surf and find the service my friend spoke of, and sure enough it was there! It's called Bookswim. I realize that both the DVD mail service and this newly discovered service really only support the claim that we're becoming a people with insatiable appetites for anything and everything material, but I have to give them both two thumbs up. There promises to be a future blog entry, describing the Bookswim experience!

The Workplace: Is Its Time Up?

A conversation at work today brought something to my attention that I hadn't really considered before now. There is not a real big reason for folks to come to work anymore.

With the internet and all of the other forms of technology that have been developed, anyone can telecommute from just about anywhere. The concept of office settings was the natural result of needing a team of employees, working separate aspects of projects, to come together in order to communicate needs or offer support to one another. Now, we have phones, PDAs, the BlackBerry, computers, etc. Many of my co-workers and others spend so much time outside of the office anyhow. But, whether on travel or taking time off, they manage to keep in touch and things, for the most part, remain on track. It seems, on the surface at least, that a new organizational set up such as more working from home wouldn't create that much of a change. Think about the ramifications of this who trend: commercial real estate, office supplies and furniture industry, mass transit. They would all experience huge changes.

So, I ask, what is the value add of the office setting this day in age? Can we safely say that it's at the beginnings of being phased out?

Hello, Fall...Goodbye, Summer?

I'm not sure there's anyone who can say they truly dislike summer. But, I will admit that I am not its biggest fan. The extremes--both summer and winter--tend to make me long for the more moderate and unpredictable days of fall and spring. There's nothing I completely dislike about summer or winter, but they seem to get old much more quickly for me while the other two seasons don't seem quite long enough. A lot of people have commented on how quickly this summer has passed, and I guess it has. However, I am not mourning its end as some do.

Some sure signs that summer will soon be history...

I like the fact that my new fellow Jersians are waiting with bated breath for the summer shore population to go home and stop intruding on their turf. I like it that fall clothes are starting to show up in stores and that magazines are showcasing the new fall fashion trends. I have a friend from home who reminded me that WVU's football season will kick off next week, and I have been able to catch a few takes of preseason NFL games hitting the networks. Another friend of mine has already started her search for the ideal Halloween costume for this year's celebration. And last, but surely not least, there's the fact that pumpkin is slowly working its way back into menues nationwide; one of its first appearances--Dunkin' Donuts' pumpkin donut.

In addition to all of this, I highly anticipate the return of television. Summer has proven a great time to catch some new trial run shows like Heartland and The Closer. I've also had the chance to try out the 1st season of Weeds due to the summer hiatus that all of my regular shows take. All of this TV novelty has been great, but I have to say that the return of the Grey's Anatomy crew as well as Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters will be just a smidge more fulfilling.

Back to School

There's definitely one thing that has never changed for me: I love school. I love virtually every aspect of it. There were always those days I really wished it were optional rather than mandatory--just think of how great that would be. But, other than those days, I am an academic addict.

I began to realize how true this really is as the same old back to school fever lit up inside of me despite the fact that...well...I am a student no more. There's no classroom in my near future. But, as the back to school ads have geared up, and the stories of preparations for the school year have been told to me, I have taken on this permanent state of nostalgia for anything connected.

Years ago...almost 20 to be exact...I started to walk the couple of neighborhood blocks late in August to jump into the school year fun. I would go roam the halls of Park View Elementary School, helping everyone to get their bulletin boards all set and decorated. It was as if I wanted to hurry them along so that we could just start the year already. I can literally smell the halls of the school that is now a professional building. I can see the gymnasium where I learned to master the art of running under the collapsing parachute as my classmates hoisted it in the air. That same gymnasium held the stage where I played the lead female role of Katrina Van Tassel in The Headless Horseman--my 3rd grade theater debut.

Even in high school, some of my best memories are those from playing the part of lab assistant to the Chemistry teacher--she shall remain anonymous, but she was the best teacher because a) she made chemistry fun and b) she told us stories of going to see The Doors in concert and told cautionary tales wisely disguised as edgy stories from the days of the hippies. Why is it that so many high school kids love hippies? Maybe it was just an era during my years.

Now, I have friends who are teachers. I have friends who are lucky enough to still be stalling the brave new world of adulthood, basking in the eternal youth that comes with academia and grad classes. I have young people around me who are preparing for their return. And I'm totally envious of them all. Happy trails to all who will soon be journeying down the path of the 2007-08 school year!

Beachin' Solo

I went to a beach called Sea Bright in New Jersey today. If you happened to wake up in virtually any part of New Jersey today, you would have wondered why any fool would've headed to the shore. All I can say is a red flag day at a Jersey beach can be a perfect day of bliss for those who prefer the less busy shore--like empty. To me, though, rough waves and an empty beach is just as beautiful as any pristine day at the shore. To look up and look down the shore and see no one in sight and only beach and sea as far as the eye can see is perfect. I definitely suggest it for something different to do on a rainy day. Pull up the hoodie, set the iPod on shuffle and just walk. It will be just you, the gulls and the ocean.

Here's Looking at You

A new pitfall of public transportation: being stuck for something to look at for the ride. This is probably the worst while on the subway. You're in such close quarters usually, and everyone is painfully searching for something that they can focus on. This is usually a successful move if gazing at the various advertisements in your car. You're golden if you've brought along your own reading or entertainment. But, in the case that you're stuck going in search of your focus, it can be a downright desperate search. I am a fan of the advertisements, regardless of how boring they are or how far from my interest the advertised product or service is from my own, they always pull through when you need them most. The worst, though, is when you go in search and either due to your position or your car, there is absolutely nothing to turn to for gazing. As a result, I usually start out looking down, but then I realize that others probably look at me and think I'm in some deep mourning or something. If this does happen, and I'm stuck looking down, then I've found it's important to look as though you're in deep thought. That look also lends to your credibility as a seasoned traveler, I think.

In any case, I usually try to find something...anything...to get fixed on. In the process of searching, if I happen to meet the eyes of another commuting New Yorker, then I am quickly reminded that the myth of New Yorkers who don't stare is just that...a myth. In fact, just about everytime I have met the eyes of another, it's me who has to break the eye contact. They're kind of intimidating like that. But, then again, I always remind myself, they're just another passenger on the same train, looking for something to stare at for a few stops. And if I can be of service in providing myself as a focal point, then I'm happy to oblige. I just hope when I do happen to choose another person as my focus that they aren't quick to judge me as strange or rude. After all, appreciating the beauty of others (or quirks) is a cornerstone of culture!

The History of Today

Today is an important day. I'm sure that can be said for most, if not all days. But, I decided today was a day to be commemorated on A Tribute to Life. Little did I know how much had happened on this day. So, jump into my time machine and enjoy the journey...

• In 1875: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor was born


• In 1914: Panama Canal opens to traffic


• In 1935: Will Rogers was killed in a plane crash


• In 1939: The Wizard of Oz premiered in Hollywood, CA. Judy Garland became famous for the movie's song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."


• In 1940: Air battles and daylight raids over Britain began in WWII.


• In 1945: WWII ended


• In 1948: CBS-TV inaugurated the first nightly news broadcast with anchorman Douglas Edwards.


• In 1961: East Germans began construction of the Berlin Wall


• In 1965: The Beatles set a record for having the largest single crowd at a concert at Shea Stadium in New York. Attendance was 56,000.


• In 1969: The Woodstock Music and Art Fair began in Bethel, NY. The three-day concert featured 24 bands and drew over 400,000 people


• In 1972: A dear friend of mine, Cindy Whitecotton, whose flame would be blown out all too early was born.


• In 1991: Paul Simon played a free concert at New York's Central Park in front of an estimated 750,000 people


• In 2001: Chandra Levy's parents appeared on CNN's "Larry King Live." They discussed Levy's disappearance on April 30, 2001.

Morning Obsession

My new morning life requires an earlier rise, minus a homemade pot of coffee and minus the time to eat breakfast...or the desire to at that early hour. So, over the past month, I've tried some different ideas. I've brought food in with me, I've gotten coffee at the train station, and I've gone without both some mornings. None of these got it for me.

Then, one morning, I decided to try a street vendor on the 53rd Street side of our building since a co-worker had suggested it. He had said that the coffee was the best, so I ventured there with high expectations. Dangerous, I know, but in the end, I found the coffee to be completely delightful. Every sip tastes just the way I like my coffee to taste. Bold, but not too bold, smooth and made to order with cream and sugar. This was phase one of the building of my breakfast routine.

A few days after falling into this routine, I decided to venture out once again. This time, I decided I would not just get my coffee, I would try a morning treat that the vendor had to sell. This was quite the decision since the cart is packed full of all of the best morning goodies--muffins of every kind, bagels of every kind and donuts of most kinds. I decided, though, that I would go with the plane Jane of them all...the croissant. This morning marked the official start of a breakfast utopia for me.

I now visit this vendor each and every morning, asking for the same order most if not all mornings. The only deviation is my occasional passing on the croissant. However, I can admit that from the time I wake until I'm walking into 666 Fifth Avenue, brown bag in hand, all I can think about is taking in the luscious coffee and croissant.

Opening Pandora's Box in the World of Music

I introduce you to my newest obsession. To some, it will be a great find, I hope. To others, it's probably old news. In any case, as my officemate and I went in search of some tunes for the day, I opted for some internet radio. I headed for MSN.com to use they're radio, and to my surprise, this new-fangled message popped up, informing me that MSN has now partnered with Pandora to provide better radio service. Let me tell you that this is some fantastic stuff! A sample of the player or radio screen is above--very easy to use. Perhaps the best feature of the tool is that you can type in an artist or song and a customized mix of songs is automatically created for you, and that mix mirrors the style of that artist or song you typed in.

I think this is fantastic. Try it out!

What Are We Thinking?

Several world events have caused me to start thinking more about what we all think about all day, every day. Whereas I used to look at events such as violent acts and disasters or tragic events with sadness, I have begun to think very differently about them. Now, I look at events such as the Minneapolis bridge collapse and the senseless murder of three teens and wounding of one other in Newark, NJ, and I wonder what we are all doing. There have been so many convincing statements that things will now change since these things have happened, but why would it take the things happening for our brilliant breed to realize that some action is required? Are we not smart enough to see with every new invention, there needs to be plans to help ensure safety and improve on the original ideas as we continue to study the inventions evolution? Are we not smart enough to devise plans for violence prevention, especially in those areas most prone to it? Why does it take death and destruction for us to shape up?

Another tiresome example of this theory would, undoubtedly, be our post 9/11 behavior. Okay, so we create this brilliant task force for Homeland Security. However, I read on a news ticker last week that very few, if any, of the state programs are indicating success in their programs. So, will we wait to come up with an alternative after some other disaster of epic proportions hits? It's as though the human race has decided it does its best thinking during crises. I am pretty sure this theory has been proven wrong, however our eternal commitment to progress seems to be lagging in this particular case.

So, if we are doing our best thinking during crises, my only question left is what are we thinking about the rest of the time? It seems a huge waste to me to spend all of our time reacting and none of it preventing. It's along the same lines as only appreciating something once it's gone. Brings to mind the saying of "Too little, too late."

A New Chapter

The past few months have led up to the official start of a brand new chapter in my life. After returning to my hometown for a brief reprieve, I have accepted a new position in the Marketing department of the international law firm for which I work--Orrick. This was no small change, for I have gone from the small and insular Wheeling, WV, to New York, NY. Just a hop, skip and a jump, right?!

After much debate, I opted for suburban living in Belford, NJ. So, I commute into the city each day of the week to our Midtown office. It's been a whole lot of change in very little time, so as a brief summary, I've come up with the following list of things that never entered my mind but are now a part of the very fabric of my life:

1. Shore Season. Living in a land-locked region rather than a coastal area is a drastic difference in setting for several obvious reasons. However, the Jersey shore season pretty much dictates any major traffic and/or driving decisions. Now that I live within 10-15 minutes from the beach, I have to remain constantly aware of the looming possibility that shore traffic could present major delays--mostly on Thursday and Sunday evenings.

2. Public Transportation. My days of hopping in my garage-kept car, only to drive about 5 minutes in a traffic-free setting to get to work are gone. In their place lies trains, buses and subways. Due to a slight delay in moving into my new apartment, my public transportation adventures have pretty much run the gamet. Overall, it's spelled out very early mornings, patient waits, and the occasional very late nights. Also, I will never need to invest in a gym membership again. No matter how early or on time I am, New Yorkers and my other fellow commuters have taught me that it never means you're off the hook for a panicked run through the subway station, Port Authority or Penn Station. Who cares if you're on time...you could make the earlier subway, train or bus if you haul it!

3. Philadelphia. That's right, the city of brotherly love that was once where I called home has now reentered my daily conscience. Since it's now just a couple hours off, I have made two trips down, enjoying time with those who made me miss the city most.

4. Jughandles and Roundabouts. The only other time in life when I thought of these was when I was studying abroad in Ireland. Little did I know that they would become second nature for me. Apparently, New Jersey shares the great love of left turn avoidance that Ireland also acknowledges. They're kind of fun...keep you on your toes and switches it up a bit. I hear they're supposed to make for safer roads, but then I am puzzled as to why car insurance in New Jersey is known for being astronomically expensive and complicated.

Philosophical Theory of the Day

I admittedly ponder all things deep probably way too often. In fact, the most natural major in school for me probably would have been philosophy, but literature added a little pizzazz and ended up being a great choice.

In any case, I spent most of this week horizontal on my couch due to the dreaded flu. I got more than a good dose of daytime TV as a result. I rarely watch Oprah, if ever. She kind of just rubs me the wrong way, but I do admit that she can occasionally touch on things that are pretty good. One of those "things," as I discovered yesterday is Rabbi Shmuley. This man is incredibly dynamic and exciting to listen to. He often returns to a core message, which can be annoying on some level, but the message is a good one: "Much of the disintegration that has taken place in American society rests in a poor and rigid definition of success." He went on many tangents with this, some that I agreed with and others I didn't.

If you take a few minutes, though, and think about the larger implications of this statement, it's a terrible downward spiral to be stuck within. If you pigeonhole yourself within one definition of success, then you totally lose touch with your everyday little successes. On top of that, you become one miserable and terribly driven person (not that I can at all relate). For instance, most would look at their careers or schooling as their indicators of success. But, if you put your all into that, then you drain yourself for all other successes you should work on as well--family, self, etc.

So, the next time you hear someone babbling on about their degrees or what not, take a moment to drill them on the concept of success. Go ahead, be a good friend and do so.

An Unlikely Lineup

As I have gradually slipped out of school mode, a mode that demanded lots of my time both inside and outside of the classroom, I have started to use a bit more of my time to take in some shows. Many of the shows that I have ended up really enjoying are those that no one has recommended to me. This is a major feat for me because there were times before when I clearly remember having absolutely no idea what was on TV. I never watched! And when I did, it was to tune into CNN or the Weather Channel. Thank goodness, those habits have since been placed on the backburner, and I am now building my TV repretoire. In addition to some recommendations, I have branched out. And what's most interesting to me is the random and, for the most part, unrelated selections I make. Drumroll, please...here are my top 5 shows for this season:

1: Extreme Home Makeover. I know, I know. I'm sorry, but this show is like a drug for me. Not only do I get a good dose of humanity and generosity from some very attractive men, but I get a few good tips on decorating my new place!

2: House. Probably one of the most messed up and unrealistic samples of medical drama. However, I think this is what draws me to it. You get the medical mystery that makes you watch to the end, but you also have these super weird dynamics between characters. Fascinating.

3: Scrubs. Always a great dose of comedy and, again, some medical mystery. Looking back, maybe I was meant to go into the field!...Nah...it's much more fun when the stakes are no higher than me liking or disliking an episode.

4: Ugly Betty. And for the wild card...In all honesty, it's another example of duality. On the one hand, it's about the struggle for one to remain who they are despite their changing surroundings. And the other part is simply the tacky and incredibly pathetic goings on with the others in the workplace.

5: Grey's Anatomy. It's just good. The sex, the medical drama, the incredibly good looking hospital staff. Maybe people wouldn't mind the hospital so much if all doctors and support staff looked this way for real!

It's been good TV karma so far this year. And when you throw in the occasional Saturday mornings of oldies like Spin City and Dharma and Greg, you've got endless entertainment!