Asleep On a Sunbeam

On the Fourth of July (which I'm especially looking forward to, since we get the 3rd and 4th of July off this year) there will be many happenings in the city, as there are virtually every day. One of the things I've been looking forward to is a Belle & Sebastian concert here in New York. And on Monday, I won two tickets that are already in my hot little hands. The admission to the concert is actually free, but I just got lucky to have received two of the first 1,000 tickets distributed, thus ensuring my attendance at the show. Wahoo!

To pick up my tickets, I had to go to a little booth outside of the World Financial Plaza. For those of you who don't know New York very well, that is downtown. It's a beautiful setup, really. On my way, I decided to walk all the way around Ground Zero, where the World Trade Center towers once stood. I was planning on stopping to read the signs about different heroic efforts, or the memorial they are working on building... but it was really just kind of too emotional; I had to keep walking. Sometimes I wonder if people from other parts of the country really feel the same connection to those events as those from New York or D.C. I really don't know.

When I finally arrived at the Financial Plaza, I got to sit through an entire song of Son Volt's show, before I had to catch an uptown train. I don't know much about them except that they were one of the front-running bands on the alt-country scene. The lead singer was reminiscent of Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket. I would have liked to see and hear more of them, but I had to leave for a great reason. My friend Hilary was in town and I was meeting her for dinner! We went with her family to The Stardust Diner on Broadway (very touristy, but very fun) where the waiters spontaneously break into song. It's one of those restaurants where you are mostly paying for the atmosphere. As we were there, I was thinking about those waiters. I wonder of people who don't make it on Broadway aspire to work there, where they can still showcase their talents and hope to be discovered. They'll probably be waiting tables anyway, might as well do it some place where they can also do a little of what they really love.

Hilary came with me to my apartment and we barely slept -- we had 5 years to catch up on! Here's a sleep-deprived picture of us:If anyone is thinking about coming to New York for a visit, the Fourth would be a great time. Like I said, I've got an extra ticket!

-Belle & Sebastian-

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing

We got to Bryant Park at about 5:45. The movie started at 9:00. We used Megan's camera to kill some time.
-Jack Johnson-

A Caution to the Birds

Monday was the kickoff to one of Manhattan's favorites: Movies in the Park. Every Monday night, crowds of thousands gather at Bryant Park (one of the most sensual, graceful open spaces in New York City) to picnic, people watch, and rest from work until the sun sets and an old movie is projected onto a giant screen. This weeks feature was Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds. I'll admit that it's not my favorite Hitchcock film, but anything is fun to watch outside, in the middle of Manhattan, with an audience that large. Everyone laughed at the "scary" parts and went wildly crazy at the romantic parts of the movie. I found the entire experience rather amusing and entirely enjoyable. It was very similar to Screen on the Green in Washington, D.C. which is one of my favorite summer happenings at home.

I'm still trying to find some meaning in the film. Hitchcock seems to be making a statement about some kind of force that will destroy humanity and its future, with particular aversion towards children (why are they always being pecked at the most?)... Or perhaps some kind of clash between nature and culture or something. But then, there must be some kind of duality in the representation of the overly involved mother, right? Maybe I should stop trying to figure it out -- maybe Hitchcock only wanted to entertain, not inspire deep thought or reflection. Still, I'd be anxious to hear any theories. It's an odd flick.

-The Frames-

Too Darn Hot

On Sunday I attended my new ward, the Inwood 3rd ward for the first time. My roommate Megan and I walked to church together, which is just at the opposite end of Fort Tryon Park. I've been told that the Inwood building (at least at one time)was the most expensive chapel property that the church owned. It's a lovely little building -- actually it is quite large. The ward is much smaller than the mega Manhattan 8th ward, but very friendly and welcoming. By the time we got out of church for our linger longer on the front "lawn" (a space that's about 3'x12') it was scorching and we all just stood there and kind of melted together in the shadows of sizzling skyscrapers.

-Ella Fitzgerald-

Ice Cream

Ice cream was pretty much a theme of my day. I am not complaining. It was a lovely day in New York -- it's Friday so who can really complain? I got out of work an hour early so I decided to check city search in search of the city's best ice cream to cool off on this warm summer day. Who knew it would be in China Town? I love New York because you can get on the subway in the middle of the suits and structure and stress of Seventh Avenue corporate america and emerge three stops later in the middle of China. It's like everywhere you go, you're in a new world.

I wandered through Chinatown, just soaking it in. There was so much activity; it was incredibly busy with people calling to each other in ambiguous thick asian dialects while silks and porcelain swirled around me in a blur and I felt like a foreigner. It was fantastic. A few blocks into my trek, I spotted a restaurant named Luigi's across the block. I thought to myself, "Didn't anyone tell them that this is Chinatown?" But I kept walking and before I knew it, voila! I was in Little Italy. Manhattan is a little globe filled with diverse international treasures.

But my intent was not only to wander and people watch... I came with a mission. And it didn't take long before I found it: the renowned Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. This place has a sweet take on the traditional flavors, but also sends your tastebuds for a loop with flavors like lychee, ginger, green tea, etc. I got a cone with a scoop of red bean and a scoop of black sesame. Oh, so good!

By the time I took an accidental trip to Brooklyn and got back to the lower east side, I thought I had missed my planned event of the evening, for sure. But luckily I caught up with Seth and other LDS friends in just enough time to catch the Lower Manhattan church history tour. We walked near the place where Martin Harris received the certificate from Charles Anton, where Joseph Smith stayed on Pearl Street, where some of the printing presses were originally housed (printing three newspapers by early members of the church), and the Joseph Smith statue that was installed just in time for his 200th birthday last year. The statue will be taken down tomorrow, so it was neat to visit it today.

Seven of us (mostly interns from BYU) enjoyed a fabulous (and cheap!) Vietnamese restaurant for dinner. Jason, Seth and I decided to spend the evening exploring... which naturally led us back to the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory for dessert! (Sesame seed and Peanut Butter & Jelly this time.) We walked around SoHo and Greenwich until 2 am, and I was surprised at how the world was still so awake at that hour. Washington Square was a fantastic spot to sit and soak in the early morning street performers, impromptu soccer game, and a girl doing ballet as she bicycled. We saw a man (who appeared to be homeless) leave the park and come back with a huge oriental rug over his shoulder, which he unrolled and then plopped his pillow onto. We figured after the ballerina on bike it couldn't get any better, so that's when we called it a night. And the streets were still alive and kicking when we left.

-Sarah McLachlan-

Dance All Night

Quick Recap (I'll update later): Seth and I went to Fulton Ferry State Park in Brooklyn to watch the Brooklyn Ballet perform a captivating outdoor show, cast against the beautiful Manhattan skyline at dusk. It was a photographer's dream come true. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera, but Seth grabbed some fabulous shots.

Dinner was at Bubby's. Yay for good ol' American goodness in the heart of Brooklyn.

I ran into Mike O'Brien from high school. Of all places to see someone you haven't crossed paths with in seven years!

I have got to get some sleep. Casual Friday is just hours away. Can't wait.

-Ryan Adams-

Where Are You Going?

For all three of you who avidly read my blog (and any other willing participants) - please take the time to help me with possibly the most important decision of my life:



-Dave Matthews Band-

Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream

Last night I dreamt that I had two job offers. One in Portland for $34,000 a year and one in Seattle for $45,000 a year. And I didn't know what to do.

-Simon & Garfunkel-

How To Disappear Completely

Radiohead has officially left the city. They played two shows at Madison Square Gardens, but I really just couldn't justify $350 for the worst seat in the house. Maybe next time... They have got to be the most elusive band that ever existed.

Since Radiohead was a little out of my budget I opted to see Mark Geary at the Mercury Lounge on Tuesday night. It was quite the toss up since Smoosh and Eels were giving a free show at the World Financial Plaza. But Mark put on a nice show and a lot of his friends were in the smallish audience, so it felt pretty intimate and friendly. Tom Freund played after him. While I don't know that I am completely in love with his style, I'll have to admit that he is quite musically diverse and talented. He played at least five different instruments during his hour long set.

-Radiohead-

So Tonight That I Might See

I feel like it has been forever since I have posted. I left the office today wanting to do three things: write, run, and play (my guitar). I want to post events of the other days separately, just to keep things organized. New York has surprised me. It has surprised me because I haven't been as captivated by it this time. I haven't been as scared of it. I almost feel like I have become a part of it. I have already seen a huge difference in living versus visiting this place. You can see it on the faces of the people in the streets. I might even be starting to see it in my own, but I hope not.

Visitors and tourists are wide-eyed and curious about everything, just taking it all in. But when it comes down to living here - even with all the fascination around you - the day-in, day-out routine of it all is much like any other place except for the fact that you're in a big, dirty city with tall buildings, lots of people, and a subway. But really, work is work. If you're in a cubicle (or office, as is my case - woohoo!) on Seventh Avenue or on Bowerman Drive it doesn't make a whole lot of difference, because that is how you spend your life. The difference, I suppose, is when you step out of the office and explore the enchantment of the world around you with wide-eyed fascination. I hope I never lose that, no matter where I am. I will admit, that along with my skepticism, I was slightly smitten as I walked through midtown last night. But then again, darkeness forces you to keep your eyes wide open...

Today as I dodged the mystery drips in the subway, I ached for trees. That's part of why I had to come home and go running. To be among the trees. It was one of those archetypal east-coast summer days in New York today. White, hazy sky, with a constant threat of storm, and air so wet you wonder if it is raining. It's been a long time since I've had an east coast summer. And this may be my last for a while.

-Mazzy Star-

It's Crazy, Man!

On Sunday the Aquabats were at church.















-Aquabats-

Welcome to the Cruel World

On Saturday I got to New York. Thankfully, the journey was uneventful. Seth met me at the airport and guided me through the airport, the air train, the subway and eventually we found my new apartment. Although we didn't take much time to chill and explore it, I can just say that I was pleasantly surprised. I have my own enormous bedroom, a queen-sized bed, TV, DVR, DVD player - the works. I haven't even turned on the TV yet... but it's nice that it's there if I wanted it.

Like I said, I didn't really take time to do anything but shower. Then Seth and I hit the town. First things first: New York Pizza! My first photos in the city show how tired I was. If Seth ever sends me the one I like, I'll post it. But I didn't really feel too tired, thanks to the adreneline I've been living on since last Saturday. We met up with Jason and took the train to Queens. First stop: P.S.1. P.S.1 is an old public school that has been transformed into part of the MoMA - housing a good chunk of their contemporary collection.
And if that weren't cool enough, we happened to be going to P.S.1 on the day of Iron Artist. "What's Iron Artist?" you say. I thought you'd ask. Imagine Iron Chef, but with art. That's pretty much the idea. Small teams of artists are given a theme and 45 minutes to create something representative of it. Now, this is all with a contemporary twist, so we're not talking about a mural of flowers and a duck pond. We got there in time to watch Big Room compete with Type A on the theme "man's inhumanity to man." Check out Seth's blog for all the pics.
Next we went to Astoria for "the best Greek food in town." Yeah... so I learned that even at its best, Greek food is still pretty gross. Unless it's a gyro. I love those. But are they really even Greek?

-Ben Harper-

Expect Delays

So here I am in the Portland airport. I thought having a red-eye flight (which jetBlue creatively renamed "shut-eye"... I like the concept) was bad enough - leave at midnight, get to the city at 8:20 am. Oh, but there's more. When thunderstorms in New York delay your flight en route to Portland, that means you are in turn dealyed on your way to New York. An hour and a half for now.

Today has been an insanely serendipitous day. A lot of things just came together and fell perfectly into place. I love when that happens. It reminds me that someone is aware of me, after all. I got a phone call from Bob at 4:30 who was extremely interested in buying my car. And he did! He drove about two hours to get to Portland, paid me some good moola (I've never seen that much cash in my hands) and took my car. Wow. I am car-less. How does that feel? I should know, since I've spent the majority of my life that way. Goodbye green Concorde. I hope your new life in Tillamook treats you well. Eat lots of cheese.

It is so hard to believe that my Portland experience is over. Wow. To say that it went by quickly would be a horrible understatement. I think it's time for a recap and review of the good times that were had:

Favorite Portland Eats:

• The Whole Bowl - watch out for the tali sauce.... that stuff is addictive
• Fuego - an amazing burrito stand just two blocks from my office
• Alotto Gelatto - you've got to try the chocolate frosted yellow cake gelatto - divine! On trendy 23rd Avenue
• Pizza Schmizza - mostly I like the name

Favorite Portland Spots:

• North Park Blocks - I ate lunch in the bocce courts on every sunny weekday we had
• My House - an adorable house in the woods of west slope
• Sherman's Piano Store on 13th Avenue - I got to play a 9 foot Steinway - does it get any better?

A Few New Portland Friends:

• Tracey - my fabulous, generous, deeply spiritual, hilarious roommate
• Russ - my faithful, sincere, principled running partner in crime
• Susie - my lighthearted, kind Canyon Road companion
• Ethan - my smiling, smiling, smiling, so happy friend!
  
• Diana - a rekindled friendship from 14 years ago
• everyone at Euro - my hard-working, creative family from 9-5 every weekday

Other Good Times:

• A visit to my childhood home

• An attempted hike on the coast

• Running, lots of running
• Fun first dates
• The Oregon Symphony
• Selling my car
• Lunch with my hodes girls!

• Getting a (semi) job offer from a great agency
• Waiting for my flight...

Basically, I had a great time. And met a lot of wonderful people on the way that helped me laugh. Although I have to admit if my plane would get here, it would make the entire experience a little better.

-Rachel's-

No Sleep Till Brooklyn

Honestly, what is this? It's 4:45 am and I have been awake for a good 15 minutes. I hate not being able to sleep. I don't know what's more disturbing: my lack of sleep or the fact that the thought of blogging enters my mind in the first 30 minutes of my consciousness.

-Beastie Boys-

This House Is Not for Sale

A few weeks ago I went back to Corvallis, my childhood home. I hadn't been in 14 years and it was fun to go back and realize as an adult how small of a town it really is. It's funny how some places just don't change.My streetThe church where I was baptizedMy childhood homeJefferson Elementary School
My elementary school playground

My first grade classroom

-Ryan Adams-

You are the Northern Lights

I've got a new rule. Instead of just song titles, my blogs will now occasionally be named after song lyrics. Kathleen (the name of this song) just didn't seem too fitting, but I love the lyrics.

So, I just got home from the Josh Ritter show and can I just say I think he's great? I got to Music Millennium a little early. In fact, I walked there after work since it was only about 14 blocks away. I fell in love with Portland again on the way. Honestly, all those great Victorian houses on tree lined streets on a clear, sunny day would have anyone swooning over this city.
I had never been to Music Millennium and was pleasantly surprised by the entirely vintage feel that the store had. True music lovers central, but in an intimate way that True Music Lovers Central a la Virgin Megastore will never claim. I browsed around a bit and made three significant purchases:

• Josh Ritter's latest album The Animal Years
• Camera Obscura's Under Achievers Please Try Harder (what took me so long?)
• Brandi Carlile Live From Neumo's

Although I knew I was a Josh Ritter fan from streaming his entire album online, this was my first purchase. I'm sure I will not regret it. I got a seat in the front row and so the entire performance felt like it was just me and Josh. And a few other people. But really, it was much like a chill family room setting among friends. Only part-way through the performance did I glance back to see the store filled with faithful fans on foot. But even still, to me it was just Josh singing and strumming with his hauntingly simple and repetitive melodic phrasing. He has a very genuine feel and he wasn't afraid to laugh when someone's cell phone disrupted the most heartfelt part of his mellow tribute, Idaho. It took the first song or two for Josh to really get into it - my personal favorites were a foot-stomping rendition of Kathleen and the soulful Girl in The War, which was actually more unfeigned (would that be less feigned?) in the live performance.So, even though my camera is crappy -- I was happy that I had it on a day like today. After the show, I had a nice little chat with Josh (a Moscow, Idaho native - doesn't that just make him cooler?) and he signed my CD. I love it when are with someone famous and you don't feel like you are.
-Josh Ritter-

Run

I have been running more lately and I got really curious about how fast I could run a mile. As far as I can remember, I haven't timed a mile since high school, where my personal best was a 5:58. So last night I headed up to Nike's track and gave it a go. I know I could have done better if I had someone running with me, but I was pretty happy.

6:48.

I can do better.

-Snow Patrol-

Giving Me Wings

Ok, since up until today I was a film girl, I just got my pictures back from graduation. Enjoy the show!




-The Frames-

Regrets of Photographs

Me, excited about my new camera.

Have you ever been looking for a song title for your blog post and found one that was all too perfect? Maybe not, since I'm the only person I know that titles their blogs with song titles. Granted, I don't really like this song (it's a bit too hard/heavy for my tastes) but it fits the post nonetheless.

I ordered this camera on eBay and got it a few days ago in the mail. I have been busy with work and life and so today was the first time I had a chance to really take a look at it. I went out and bought the lithium batteries that were not included, and a super expensive SD card and came home to start shooting. Let me just say that the only things good about the camera are the batteries and the SD card. I took some shots inside, some of which were ok but then I went outside and this camera is horrid. All of the photos from outside are totally washed out. Honestly. I'll probably list it on eBay tonight and try to sell it before I leave.

Me, mad at my new camera.

Oh, and just so you know -- it's a Kodak Easyshare DX3700. Don't ever buy one.

-Number One Gun-

Narcolepsy

This is so funny!


Get this video and more at MySpace.com

-Ben Folds-