bRoOkLyN's TrEeS

And Then There Was Brooklyn

2012-01-15T19:32:00.003-05:00

With the wedding over and our goodbyes said to cousins and new friends, Sarah & I boarded the Megabus--New York bound! (Our parents went to Denver to see our uncle.) Six months after my last visit, it was good to be back in the neighborhood with my favorite Park Slope friends. A quick visit to my old office after eating lunch with Stacey reminded me how much fun my coworkers were! That was followed with meetings with more friends & dinner with Juliana at Miriam.

Sarah & I headed out the next morning for breakfast with Lance, visits at Graffiti, & LES fun with Niki & Mr. Coffey. We had Katz's, the best egg creams in the city, & visited the Cooper Union. Then we borrowed the hanukkiah and tree at StuyTown for pictures. Then it was time for Zaytoon's & a Chanumas movie & PRESENTS!!!

And that was the end of our short visit. After Gorilla Coffee on the way to the airport, we actually had to wait in airports for quite a while due to a schedule change...but I was glad to have a sister to wait with!

It's always hard to say goodbye to the East Coast. :(

Jewish Heaven

2012-01-14T22:00:00.002-05:00

Another semester down, and it was once again time for a break. The Simon/Krawcheck family gathered in Philadelphia, PA to celebrate the wedding of my cousin Matt. It had been two & a half years since the last Simon wedding--and that was the first time ALL the younger set of cousins had been together. Everyone had arrived by Saturday night, in time for the "rehearsal" dinner. My dad's cousin, Matt's mother, and the rest of their family did a superb job putting together the dinner (as well as brunch the next morning). The Middle Eastern appetizers, dinner, & visiting was set up well, and the presentations by the families made everyone laugh!

The next morning we convened again in Jewish Heaven--or brunch. Lox, capers, onions, whitefish, Charleston style grits, omelets, fresh fruit...needless to say, no one needed lunch later! My family sat with some friends of the bride, who had so many stories. It was yet another reason I wanted that wedding to last for days!

The wedding reception was the best I've ever been to. The dancing was beyond fun, and that first dance, with chairs lifted and the hora in full force, lasted half an hour! There was more Middle Eastern food, the "kid's table" for the cousins, and time spent talking to family we don't see often.

We're not sure who the next cousin to get married is, but I'll be ready for the next event that brings us all together!

Mazel Tov!

Swimming Upstream

2011-11-06T18:38:00.002-05:00

It's been a long day of working on papers due Friday for my Foundations of Education class. This is my study break...

This weekend has been interesting, at least. My family found out yesterday that one of my mom's uncles has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that has already spread to the bones. [Please pray for him and his family!] Despite other doctor visits, etc., it hadn't been caught. This threw all of us off in my family. He is the youngest of his siblings, and has led a fairly healthy lifestyle.

While I know we are all sad about this and praying for his family, it really encouraged us to realize that not only does my great-uncle have a close, strong, supportive blood-related family, but he is a Christian and active in his church, so he also has a church family to support him. I am so thankful that he and his family will not go through this alone, but that other believers will be there to encourage them. It makes me thankful, and I praise God that he has given them this.

Each of us have hardships and trials that affect us EACH AND EVERY DAY, even those we may not voice because they seem "normal" or "minute." Sometimes it takes a more obvious event to make us think about our support systems, and how God provides for us through those in the simple and complex issues we face.

I am also thankful to be a part of my family and have the privilege and opportunity to be a support to them and be supported by them during this time. Across all our generations and smaller family units, we have been very fortunate to get to know each other well and spend time with each other. Among those of us who are Christians, we have been able to go to church together and talk about God's work in our lives. This has become an important part of who each of us are.

This week, with a lot of hard work and hard news, is reminding me of what I am thankful for and how God has provided and keeps providing for me even when I don't take the time to ask or thank him.

Psalm 16

Bagels & Blogs: Imported

2011-11-04T00:13:00.003-04:00

I don't know what's going on with pictures from before, but this signals to me now is a good time to restart, maybe...life is changing anyway, as usual, and doesn't slow down for me to catch up! A second semester of grad school almost completely finished, with close to six months on my new job, and I'm reminded of how quickly time can move. But luckily, I was able to let Sarah see what every day looks like now, along with our friend Rick.

And Sarah started it off right by bringing me fresh bagels from New York Bagels, our favorite shop near where our parents live! We went out that night so I could get lox spread, tomatoes, onions, and capers, and I had two perfect bagels the next day...hopefully that holds me over until my next real one in December!

Suffice it to say that after a road trip to Topeka for Qdoba, seeing Footloose and dancing through the credits, eating real KC BBQ, finding a nice Mediterranean restaurant, and being exposed to Rick's rapping talents, I was sad to see my company leave after a day spent in Halloween mode in Independence. But I had to watch my college cowboy and hippie Pocahontas leave me, board a plane, and go back to the land of tar and tobacco. :( The good times will just have to hold me over, I suppose. And they, at least, were able to witness KC's supreme up-to-dateness through their own travels and adventures. Just ask them!

Now I'm in seriously amped-up stress mode the rest of the semester, but the East Coast awaits me with open arms after I finish my work and school projects. It can't come fast enough...but until then, I'll be bringing the Yankee charm to the good people of the Midwest with as much style as possible.

Who knows, maybe someone will give me real bagels for Channukah...you never know!

Bagels & Knishes

2011-07-24T21:22:00.003-04:00

I write this post with both joy & sadness. You see, Kansas City is in a bit of a predicament. Whereas at home there's a bagel shop within a few mere blocks of your location at any one point in time, my search thus far has led me to one place only: Bagel Works in Overland Park.

Let me give you some background on what I have discovered through my research into this quite serious matter. It seems that despite the popularity of real bagels, & the number of transplants here, NY bagels shops just don't stay open. On my own, I found websites (blogs, directories, etc.) referring to shops that used to be here. At least there was some camaraderie as I read these sad tales of how all these shops had closed.

Yet I still held out hope. I had not talked to an expert in the matter (obviously, a Yankee or a Jew). I sought to remedy this yesterday by going to synagogue, but showed up late (obviously I did not read the website closely enough). Unaltered in my mission, I determined to return the next week.

But help arrived in the form of an e-mail. My dad, understanding my plight, has been looking as well to see if he came across even the slightest mention of what is surely a dietary need for all Jews & Yanks. This morning when I checked my e-mail, he had sent me the name & address for Bagel Works. Even more providential, it is located on my way to church! I set out on my journey with a smile on my face, ready for some lox (or whitefish, or maybe both)!

As I neared the building whose address I had so diligently copied down, my spirits sank a little. It didn't look like a cafe--and alas, it was certainly not. When I first realized this upon talking to one of the employees, I was going to leave without talking to the owner. However, he had been summoned & I thought it'd be well worth it to see if he knew of a bagel shop.

Well, I have my answer: there is no real bagel shop in Kansas City. He used to own one, but closed it twelve years ago; he couldn't find reliable staff despite out-the-door lines each weekend! How sad that these places have the interest but aren't open! I have been fortunate, I guess, in Mooresville & Richmond to find such great neighborhood bagel joints. Oy, if I only knew what was coming here! But my conversation with him was not completely useless; in fact, I quite enjoyed talking to him, commiserating about the lack of bagels & a love for NY! We, of course, began to talk about different places in the LES, so I asked him if he knew Yonah Schimmel's. To my delight, he did, & we had a lively discussion about the matchless knishes. He made me jealous--he was just there last week & had brought some home with him!

While I'm still sad I am without a regular weekend tradition, I am hopeful that someday someone may see Kansas City as the place to open a transplant shop for all of us here who have to suffer the lack of bagels, knishes, kugel, & so many other normal delicacies. And I had a great conversation with the owner of this shop (who gave me a few free bagels!) & found out that he does individual orders. I'll be calling him next time I have company!

Take Me to Sea!

2011-06-18T14:47:00.003-04:00

My River runs to thee--
Blue Sea! Wilt welcome me?
My River waits reply--
Oh Sea--look graciously--
I'll fetch three Brooks
From spotted nooks--
Say--Sea--Take Me!

Emily Dickinson, 162

It was delightful to be by the river & the sea once again--to walk along the East River on the Promenade & feel the breeze coming in off the water! To look out over the Hudson from breathtaking Ft. Tryon & watch the vessels skip on the water! Until you're away from bodies of water such as the ocean, or surrounded by rivers as you especially are in Lower Manhattan, you don't realize how lovely it makes a place. Emily Dickinson's poem captures that feeling--freedom & adventure--that such a landscape inevitably elicits.

And then there are the bridges--creating a wonder all their own! They are strong, seemingly supporting the city in all its weight, their glory outshining that of the buildings structurally. Brooklyn Bridge Park is positioned in such a way that these are the main attraction, after which the skyline is taken into account. Even the bridges in Kansas City, Charleston, & Boston are marvels which people take time to examine & admire.

This familiar feeling of freedom & adventure took over as soon as I spotted the Williamsburg Bank clock tower & Ft. Greene Park from the window of the plane. I could not help but be elated! Our flight came in at sunset on a brilliantly lit spring evening. The excitement was present all week as I explored the city, visited with family & friends, & was reminded why New York is home.

Some highlights from my trip include:
*the Brooklyn Museum with my dad--there was an excellent Egyptian art exhibit
*learning about the work the Association & Graffiti are doing
*staying with my cousin
*spending a lot of time with friends
*visiting new neighborhoods & sites
*being in five different parks during my trip--including Ft. Tryon & Tompkins Square
*being a part of the Volunteer Appreciation lunch & seeing so many other people who were visiting Graffiti
*meeting new people & getting to know some acquaintances better
*walking throughout the city

A full summer lies ahead of me in Kansas City--filled with work & school, yes, but with time to see some museums, historic sites, & parks here.

Freedom & Adventure! :)

Home Again

2011-05-25T19:13:00.006-04:00

This weekend I return to New York for the first time since I moved to Kansas City. For the first time in seven months I will see friends & family there. I will be with my church family at Graffiti & be able to give them an update about seminary. Ft. Tryon & Prospect Parks will be inviting me to come take a stroll.

My grandmother's neighborhood. The Sephardic gift store. The Manhattan & Brooklyn Bridges. The Promenade. From the moment I cross the East River the first time next week & set foot in Brooklyn, my feet will be happy exploring the best borough! I'm looking forward to finding neighborhoods I haven't spent much time in during my vacation.

The Dyckman Farmhouse. George Washington Bridge. Dominican food. The Cloisters. My friends are planning a visit to Inwood on Memorial Day. It will be a day of enjoying the outdoors & New York's rich history.

Chjuancito's Barstux. Madison Avenue. Visiting friends from work. The Rock. Sony Plaza & Public Space. The sights & sounds of Midtown never cease to attract tourists, & there is an energy there hard to find elsewhere.

23rd Street. Madison Square Park. The Flatiron building. Big Booty. Chelsea could not be left unvisited--I own it!!!!

My roots. Yiddish culture. The Tenement Museum & Eldridge Street Synagogue. Yonah Schimmel's. Delancey Street. Chinatown's beginnings. Tompkins Square Park. Graffiti & my church family. Every time I walk the streets of the Lower East Side, I imagine what it might have been like for my great-great-grandfather when he came over. That culture still lingers there. It will always be part of what "home" is for the Simons.

People talking to themselves. iPods, newspapers, Kindles, books. Teenagers laughing. Tourists frantically searching the maps. I have missed public transportation every time I get out to drive in the city! New York subways are a world of their own.

Historic houses. Breakfasts, lunches, dinners. Parties & holidays. Blizzards & thunderstorms. Game nights. Memories with friends take me throughout the city. It will be fun to remember those times & make more memories!

Passover seders. Walking the bridge. Dance-bowling. Pizza parties. Lock-ins. Seeing the kids & youth at Graffiti is one thing I'm really excited about! They always keep us laughing & having a good time.

H&M. Pearl River Market. Street fairs. Fulton Street Mall. New York is still a fashion capital of the world. While I may never be in style, maybe I'll learn something from my trip!

Hugs from people like Timothy, Kahlief, Niki, Imani, Nafisah, Patrick, Stacey, & so many others will leave me smiling for weeks after I come back to Kansas City!!!!

A trip spent with friends & family awaits. I will be sad to leave home at the end of that time, but I know God has a purpose for me at Midwestern & in Kansas City. He will use me during my time in New York, too. I can't wait to see what he's going to do!!!

Happy Passover!

2011-04-16T21:54:00.003-04:00

Passover.
Family.
Friends.

It's almost here--my favorite holiday! Each time I celebrate Passover in a new place, I remember my favorite seders from other years, spent with people I love. And every place provides me another opportunity to spend a meaningful holiday with new friends!

New York.
Home.
Culture.

New York was definitely my favorite place in recent years to partake of the Passover meal. Each year brought something new:
Year 1 was my first time leading a Passover seder! [It was also my first time singing a heavy metal rendition of Dayenu.]
Year 2 my dad led the seder in my apartment. I had many friends attending, & several had never celebrated before!
Year 3 my dad came up for a full-length seder at Graffiti. It was a great way to spend my last Passover there!

Richmond.
Tikvat Israel.
Messianic.

This is the only messianic seder I've attended besides the one the Simons do. I realized how different our Hagaddah is, & how much I enjoy the quirks we add to it! However, I loved being able to celebrate this holiday with like-minded believers.

Boone.
Wesley Foundation.
Methodists.

Sarah & I were able to enjoy our dad leading the seder for our campus ministry. Many of them had never celebrated before, & it was fun to be surrounded by so many friends!

Boiling Springs.
Stephanie.
Honors House.

We made matzah pizza! It's still one of my favorite Passover foods, whether for the seder or the week after. As one of my very best friends was met during this period of my life, this year was special to me. Her family's always celebrated Passover--just one of the reasons we love each other! I hope to celebrate many more Passovers with Stephanie.

Asheville.
Family.
Betty & James.

My mom made my absolute favorite seder dish: matzah casserole (pinach-mushroom mina)! This is the BEST family seder we've had. James, Paul, Linda, & Jerry came from California, Betty came from New York, & the rest of the Simons came from much closer. We had fun laughing & sharing in one of the richest holidays of the year!

Miami.
Bagel shop.
Cousins.

It's impossible for me to forget our trip to Miami one spring break just following Passover. My dad was showing us where he grew up (Sarah & I had never been). We went to a bagel shop within the first day (you know we're Simons!), & it made me smile to hear the families getting together & swapping holiday stories from the week before. [In retrospect, it was quite a precursor for New York, & the overheard conversations of Jewish holidays between friends on the sidewalks & subways.]

No matter where I am or end up, I pray I will always celebrate Passover with friends & family. It is impossible to have a bad Passover week--because just remembering the journey of our ancestors & the history they've preserved is reason to celebrate! And even moreso, Passover's clear picture of our Messiah acting as our substitute can only lead to praising God!

Good Pesach to all of you!

Under Construction

2011-03-24T00:01:00.003-04:00

Truthfully, it hasn't been worked on much--obviously!

I found the new design; now I'm working on material. It may still be a bit before anything of value is posted. In the interest of keeping it alive, I'm posting this update.

Look out for more coming soon!

New Idea/Design

2010-11-03T22:47:00.000-04:00

As I am no longer in Brooklyn, but headed to KC for seminary, I'm going to completely revamp the blog. I've had an idea for some time to try to do a "Christian Single" type webzine, which I'm going to use this for. Anyway, that's the update. Not sure if it will be on this same URL or elsewhere yet, but be looking for the changes in the near future...

By Foot

2010-10-03T19:37:00.007-04:00

New York is a city best experienced by walking. You become familiar with the lay of the land & can watch your surroundings change with every step. This weekend was one spent practicing this theory! Yesterday morning I left my house early to meet friends near NYU for lunch. I walked all the way up Smith/Jay & over the Manhattan Bridge to Chinatown. I walked west through Chinatown, Little Italy, & Soho, with a stop into Pearl River Market for gifts & neat things to take home (how I wish I needed a kimono!). The fall made it a perfect day to be outside, with the sun shining & the sky blue. I took even more pictures of the view of the Brooklyn Bridge, the park in Brooklyn, & the Manhattan skyline.

After lunch, Jean & I walked over the Merchant's House Museum on 4th St. & Lafayette. It was definitely worth the visit. Merchant's House is the oldest house in the city still in its original form with mostly original furnishings. The city is lucky to have people who recognize the value of creating these time capsules that allow us to envision urban life when it wasn't so urban. Seabury Tredwell lived in the house beginning in 1835, when Manhattan in that area was more suburban & a close-knit community of the middle class lived near each other. Especially after visiting the Tenement Museum, it is an astonishing comparison of class dichotomy during the same time period, less than a mile away!

When we had finished our visit, Jean & I walked to 23rd St. for some delicious bread. This was the last leg of my walk (except the walk home from Park Slope after visiting Ruth, Stacey, & Tracy). We went through Greenwich & the West Village on our way up, & found a neat triangle building as well as streets we always forget exist!

Last night I watched Temple Grandin, a movie about an autistic woman who has taught us much of what we know about autism. It was excellent!

After church today, I headed up to 110th St. & Central Park West. I walked through the park to 59th St. & 5th Ave., stopping at Belvedere Castle (my first time there!) & enjoying the scenery as well as the people-watching! Since I'd never been to Roosevelt Island, I went there afterward. It affords beautiful views of the city & would be a great place to spend a day with friends! Then I went to dinner, & saw one of the best sunsets yet on my subway stop.

It's been marvelous to explore the city (as it always is!), & I'm already missing it before I've left! There is nowhere else like New York, & I will miss my church, my friends, & the history here. The cultural diversity & openness is unmatched, & I am thankful for the experiences I've had here! Wednesday I receive my official answer, so that's exciting. I still have a great sense of peace & safety about this next step, & am excited to move to a new place while sad about leaving one that truly has captured my heart!

The High Holy Days are over, & I've finished the Torah (plus a little), which has served to make me even more aware of how God uses people, & how He is planning to use me! I can't wait to study His word in a seminary setting & prepare to serve Him through ministry. It will be an adventure to see where He takes me next!

Over the next few weeks, I'll see many more things in New York & spend time with friends before I leave. Last weekend & this one have been very fun & I can't wait to learn more about New York's history & landscape!

40%

2010-09-23T21:10:00.002-04:00

40%. That's how much of the Torah I've read since beginning my seminary read-through. (I'm going through the whole Bible, even books I know I've fully read before.) Genesis: Family relationships, beginning of God's covenant relationships, creation, consequences, morality. Exodus: slavery, freedom, worship (sacrifices, place, festivals, community), justice & mercy, calling & enabling.

Reading these books, I can only pray my relationship with & devotion to God sets me apart & allows me to approach the Holy of Holies. Hearing & obeying God's calling is just the beginning. How do I daily give my life & self to Him so I am useful for His kingdom?

Joisey

2010-09-19T08:45:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was time for another road trip (although I wasn't driving & it wasn't snowing!). Rick picked me up at the NJ Transit stop near where he's staying & we took off on the open road to the Jersey Shore! It was my first time there (before I leave I need to take the ferry sometime--it's a pretty ride!) & the view of the NYC skyline is magnificent! We saw Twin Towers (lighthouses!), ate a Hot Dawg (mine was a Reuben & Rick's a Chili Cheese), & continued on our journey to the Red Mill in Clinton. New Jersey is interesting--there are nice pockets, but it's a state so full of roads that you're never quite away from mass suburbia!

Our favorite adventure of the day, though, was finding a Cracker Barrel! Once I mentioned the restaurant, we both agreed it was worth the expedition, & we drove an hour out of our way for it! Eggs, grits, biscuits, & apple butter = worth every minute of the extra fun of the road trip! To end the evening we ended up waiting at a Dunkin Donuts for my train--& sending pictures, videos, & sound clips to Sarah, who was jealous because she wasn't there!

An important lesson for anyone riding the NJ Transit: On Saturday nights, the NJ Transit is basically a BYOB party for a bunch of kids (well, they might be of age, but they all act pretty stupid). About two stops after where I got on, the mass invasion of smelly (like cigarettes & alcohol) groups of people began. They were loud & obnoxious, but luckily not invasive. It was late, though, & I was beyond glad to be off that train when we finally got back to Penn Station!

And that, folks, is what I can tell you about Joisey. Oh, & fall is the best time to go so you can see the leaves change color.

Time Flies!

2010-09-16T21:47:00.003-04:00

My dad's group has been gone for a week, Mommy & Sarah are in Kansas, & I'm once again on my own in the city, left to explore. One great thing this week was seeing some cousins Monday night for dinner. It's always good to see family & catch up! My cousin Rebecca sent me a postcard from France, which of course makes me want to visit!

In the interest of Sarah, this blog post will be short until she informs me how she wants me to write this! And in the interest of updating, I'm seeing Rick Saturday in NJ. Hopefully an adventure will await us!

Goodbye for the evening!

Sleepover!

2010-08-28T12:52:00.003-04:00

Nichole & I slept over @ Jean's last night--one of the last times we'll be able to do that with all the moving about to happen! At the suggestion of one of Jean's friends, we played MASH, which was extremely entertaining. Keep in mind, this was while listening to JT & laying on our stomachs. I believe this is appropriate sleepover etiquette! It became apparent how the three of us must have been growing up when we were all ready to fall asleep by 12:30. I'm glad there are other sane people I'm friends with (you see what my standards are...).

Our apartment is about to get 347% more crazy than usual with the mission group from my dad's church invading Carroll Gardens next weekend! I'm looking forward to the usual--showing everyone around, hanging out, spending time with NC friends, & packing our apartment with people sleeping on the floor! It will be a great end to the Summer of 2010 in NYC (before everything changes!).

Rick is here this weekend, so we may try the Wicked lottery. Oh, the excitement... :)

Salted Caramel

2010-08-21T11:09:00.004-04:00

While the craziness has died down a bit, this week has still kept me out of the apt. quite a bit. I tutored a couple nights & ate with Jean (who's finally back!). Sarah & I are back to watching Veronica Mars, which is fun--too bad I didn't watch that show more when it was on! It's been good catching up with it. Rick is here again this weekend, which is always exciting!

Today I began packing up the kitchen. It makes me excited to think what my next apartment will look like, how I will decorate it, what I will make when I have people over (Rosh Hoshannah kugel, anyone?), who my new friends that visit will be. I'm thankful God gives us changes & allows us not to know the future. Looking forward to the people & experiences He has waiting for me has constantly led my focus to God this week, & made me hopeful & excited. He has more than I can imagine waiting for me.

:)

Jetsetters!

2010-08-14T12:00:00.003-04:00

Back in the city & all is well. Rick's visiting us this weekend, so we're all happy! The rest of the trip to NC was good; I didn't want to come back! This week I've been out every night--which has been crazy! I was in Chelsea three of those nights. Wednesday my cousin Matt was doing a gallery sitting, so I went to see that, then we went out to dinner. I hadn't seen him for nine years! It was great to catch up and I enjoyed the gallery show.

I've read 1 & 2 Corinthians this week, which has been good. It's interesting to think about what was going on in their church when Paul wrote to them. I'm not sure what I'll read this week--it's my cram sessions for reading the Bible through before school. Maybe if I'm efficient I can get it done twice... But I'll focus on the once for now!

Beauty Contest

2010-08-05T11:26:00.001-04:00

Sarah & I are in NC this week, & it's been a great trip so far! Our Aunt Anna came to visit Saturday, Sunday was a great day @ church (Sunday School & a Bible study on Esther), Monday we went to Boone (I saw a teacher & our campus minister from Wesley Foundation) & the Caribou Bible study, Tuesday I had dinner w/ Chad, Wednesday was church & ice cream w/ Rachael, today we went to Walmart & had dinner w/ church friends, & tomorrow I'll head to Fanny's!

I'm not going to want to leave... But I'll write more later when I have a more complete update & time to share it. :)

Don't Lie!

2010-07-21T21:19:00.003-04:00

Sarah has introduced me to a new show: Lie to Me. That's right. Life will never be the same as we know it--I'm officially addicted! Each night this week I've come home & caught new episodes on Netflix! It's definitely making its way onto my list of favorites.

We go home in nine days! We're ready to relax, see friends, go places we haven't been for a while, & get a break! NC for a week, driving the interstate, & eating vegetables from our parents' garden are going to bring us back to Brooklyn with wide grins on our faces!

Emily is coming to town this weekend--it will be good to see her again! Saturday night I'm going to hear Marty Goetz @ Sha'ar Adonai--that will be a good performance!

Humidity

2010-07-16T19:38:00.004-04:00

And we're back to the annoyingly outrageous HUMIDITY up here in the Northeast. The temperatures are in the 90s and the sweat is pouring (out of the pores)! Many of us are quite thankful for air conditioning, electric refrigeration, & cold H2O! Some of us are looking forward to the winter months, when we can keep piling on the layers until we are warm...

500 Days of Summer was not worth my time to watch. It's a chick flick that tries (poorly) to disguise itself as an indie... Yeah, right! Well, tonight I'll watch Saved to make myself feel better, & realize there are actually people out there with senses of humor.

Tomorrow is the next to last cookout of the month (& possibly summer?). I can't wait for the dancing & spontaneity! :)

Cookouts!

2010-07-12T21:53:00.003-04:00

Sarah & I may just be the unofficial monarchs of Brooklyn cookouts! Last weekend we watched National Treasure II projected onto the wall of our porch--while enjoying hotdogs & knockwurst, of course... This past weekend we had another dance party. Actually, first we had a large college group from Troutman, NC over & ate, then the Brooklyn crew showed up. Jean-Marc DJed--it was excellent!

So, when you're sitting in your room thinking of what to do this Saturday... Head over to the most poppin' cookout in the borough! :)

Just Dance!

2010-07-03T13:21:00.002-04:00

Last week's cookout was EXCELLENT!!! We had about 25 people, lots of (good) food, & a dance party to end the night! Sarah said, "Let's do this every weekend!"--I couldn't agree more... So we are going to, at least for the month of July. Tonight will be our second weekly cookout--this time with hopefully a movie projected onto one of the walls of our porch! Party in Brooklyn! :)

Thursday I had an interview--pray for the outcome of that! We'll see where God leads me for this time... I'm excited to see how He works through whatever happens! Much of this week was spent preparing for that, with the rest mostly devoted to church stuff, seeing a few friends, enjoying the summer weather & exploring the city, & Tracy's birthday! I also caught up with a few friends on the phone, which is always good!

This morning in Brooklyn was beautiful! The weather was still mild, & I had a nice walk to downtown. I had my eye exam & already got my new glasses (which I really like!), then walked back home--such a great day to spend outside!

This holiday weekend will be nice--Rockaway tomorrow, hanging out with Sarah (& hopefully YIVO) Monday, & next week I should hear about the job... :)

Shabbat Shalom!

Trumpets & Frisbee

2010-06-24T21:48:00.004-04:00

Tonight, sitting in Tompkins Square Park, I watched a man play his trumpet (not well) & play frisbee with a couple kids. It was fun because of the amusement factor, of course, but my favorite part was watching the passers-by stop to throw the frisbee back when it went astray--it becomes a game for the community!

I have felt clarity on some issues this week--thereby creating more questions, but better questions, more productive questions. I feel more enabled in my search and much more decisive. It's also been good to remember some projects I have to work on this summer in the city--in the LES especially. I know that by contributing and learning more I will become more disciplined and less distracted.

I will be trying S'Mac for the first time tomorrow... I'm excited!

Officially Summer!

2010-06-21T21:15:00.002-04:00

As of today, it is SUMMER IN THE CITY... Oh yeah, it just got a few degrees hotter! I spent the first official day of this new season working (fun), hanging out with my sister, & eating ice cream with a friend in Tompkins Square Park. What a great start to the season where we are closest to the sun!

It was also quite a beautiful weekend--not too hot or humid, with a lot of time spent outside. Saturday I met friends from Transitions in Brooklyn Bridge park. Our friend Renae was back to visit, & it was nice to enjoy the best borough under azure skies and two magnificent feats of engineering! Sunday we had many people @ Graffiti, & enjoyed a great lunch @ our favorite Polish diner, Neptune's. It was fun to hang out with such a large group!

This week should be pretty "chill"--haha! We are having our first cookout this weekend, & I have some research/school & job stuff/planning to do in the meantime. Hopefully I'll get to spend lots of time in the sun when it's out...

Here's to a SUPER SUMMER!!! :)

Big Bang & Moon

2010-06-17T22:40:00.004-04:00

Tonight I learned Union Square contains a clock showing the time, at the end counting down to midnight. This is something commonly questioned by New Yorkers and tourists. Next to that, Harry Potter's wand is ACTUALLY the Big Bang--showing the hand of God, metals, earth, smoke/fire, and H2o. Then, next to THAT is the moon--shown in what phase it's in. Up on the next building, there's a "jumper"--a man sitting on the edge of the roof. Nice to know after a few years of wondering...

We started Experiencing God at church this past Sunday. I think it's going to be a good study. Tuesday I helped Jean grade science tests--my favorite nerd task of the week!

All in all, the point of this post, besides annoying Sarah, is that life is good and summer is already great! :) And to annoy her more, here's what's coming up: J.G. Thirlwell @ the Prospect Park Bandshell tomorrow, Transitions friends @ Brooklyn Bridge Park & party for Chris Saturday, & YIVO Sunday. Next weekend is the first of (hopefully) many cookouts @ the apt.--hopefully we'll have a good group to mix!

Notice the new background?

Late Night Train

2010-06-12T09:50:00.002-04:00

Taking the train at 2 in the morning is an experience one does not easily forget. In this delirious yet enchanting stage of tiredness one may observe his fellow travelers. Many are drunk (annoying, but funny to watch them stumble and contemplate why anyone would want to be disabled by choice), some just ended up out late (like us, talking to a friend at her apartment on the Upper East Side), others are working, and I'm certain there are a variety of other reasons. What does one talk about on the train at that time of night? I'm not sure, but I AM sure it generally seems way more important than it is!

I'm glad I won't be up that late again tonight.

Almost Summer Days

2010-06-05T23:04:00.003-04:00

It's been a nice week with warm weather--no jackets! Today I got a Key to the City in Times Square (yeah, my monthly visit!)--my pass to explore some locations I haven't seen! Sarah & I now have a good project...

Tomorrow we are going to Egg Rolls & Egg Creams @ the Eldridge Street Synagogue after church. I'm looking forward to Yiddish, mahjongg, egg creams, knishes or kugel, & everything in between! Hopefully some of the other young adults will join us...

Last weekend I had an excellent time during the Simcha retreat with Chosen People Ministries in Carlisle, PA (Washington gathered troops there during the war). It was a great opportunity to get to know some people better, look at Job, & take a break from the city's craziness.

Good night! :)

Until Next Season...

2010-05-27T06:45:00.002-04:00

Sadly, both my shows are now over for the season. Goodbye HIMYM & Glee, how I will miss thee... I will be looking forward to September!

Sarah & I watched the final episodes for each of these last night--it was a little bittersweet. There were no tears, mostly laughter! We'll be ready for their return in the fall & watching them online every week... I guess for the summer, we'll catch up on other shows & movies on Netflix instant!

May's been busy--lots to do, lots of people to see, & lots of nice weather to enjoy! The past couple weeks have flown by. Church is going well--we just finished Exodus & Leviticus in Sunday School, which is a bit sad, but the class is going well. This long weekend I'll be in PA on a retreat w/ Chosen People called Simcha--should be enjoyable (& the young adults got a discount!).

When I'm back, I'll be hitting the books as diligently as possible to study for the PTCE & hopefully take (& pass!) it by the fall. I'm working up the motivation now... Back to semi-school mode! Libraries & good study restaurants will now be my Saturdays.

That's it. More updates (not too) soon.

Mazel Tov, Israel!

2010-05-15T08:00:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was officially Israel's 62nd birthday--it was declared as a state May 14, 1948. It will be celebrated next weekend all over, including a huge parade on 5th Avenue, but we celebrated it @ Shabbat dinner last night. It was my first time joining this particular group, which meets in Park Slope, & I had a great time! Since it was Israel's birthday, instead of having a Bible study, we shared what Israel means to us.

I've been teaching about Exodus & Leviticus the past couple months in Sunday School, & during that time I've read Revelation. Revelation 21 speaks about the New Jerusalem that God will give us. In Exodus we read the instructions Moses is given for building the tabernacle, down to the smallest detail. Imagining it, we can only see a faint picture of the beauty & glory God used it for. The tabernacle would have been the church to beat all churches--but it is no longer there. Jews are constantly looking for that rebuilding. In Revelation, John tells us that he sees this New Jerusalem, & it has no temple because it doesn't need one! God Himself & the Lamb (Yeshua) will be its temple, its glory! The light they will provide will render the sun & moon useless. This is an amazing image.

So what does Israel mean? To me, I see that is where God is showing us in Revelation He will choose to reveal His glory. There is hope there. We know of the Israel of the Bible--how God took His people into the promised land & how He blessed them. It is an important place in the Bible, & it is an important place to God. He ultimately showed John the New Jerusalem as an image of Heaven--what else is there but Hope for Israel & for God's people?

***************

I also went to dinner with my friend Chris last night. We talked about the Graffiti young adults. Hopefully we will be able to get more going this summer--we talked about many ideas, & now it's just putting some into actual practice... But I'm excited to see what God will do there! I know that's a reason I'm here, & I want to do the work where God has placed me & not give up or grow weary. With only 6% of young adults involved in church, there's a huge mission field. Most of the East Village is made up of people my age--many of whom aren't being reached @ all!

I don't know how God's going to do it, & much of it may take place after I've moved, but I pray that what He uses me for would lead to many other young adults being reached out to, invited to church, taught about Jesus & the hope he provides. I pray the church will become a place of friendship, support, love, & comfort for them, that it will give them a place to go & a family--many of them are in the city on their own.

***********

And finally, today we're going to see Letters to Juliet, I'm studying chemistry, & will hopefully see Maureen, a friend who moved to DC. I may go visit Jean this afternoon for some ice cream... It's supposed to be nice & warm, but it's started to get humid--ick! I couldn't stop sweating yesterday... I'll definitely have water with me today!

Tomorrow's Sunday School lesson is about the offerings told about in the first chapters of Leviticus. I'm excited for my class to learn about them, & to talk about their relevance to today & how they are still offered--& how we can offer them in our own lives!

Hoping for a good weekend & that I can be productive! :)

Ups and Downs

2010-05-13T20:26:00.004-04:00

That's kinda what life is, right? I guess they balance each other out... I've just been thinking about that today after some conversations. I'm seeing last year repeat itself in my emotions to a certain extent. That's probably due to the fact that I'm still going through the same journey, with some different scenery! God's definitely trying to teach me something, whether I'm picking up on it or not! Sometimes I think I understand, but then He reminds me that's not completely true & I still have a long way to go...

This is a pretty medium time for me. There are so many good things that encourage and keep me going, but there's still a struggle for motivation, patience, & faith--isn't that constant? It seems that everything should be so much faster than it is (doesn't this sound about like last year still?), but good things take time! And I've seen so many different things in the Bible come to life for me & speak to me in a new way from this--which is great!

My family & many of my friends have been going through similar situations--thank God for people to talk to! This also forces me to look beyond myself much more than I realize--and that's ALWAYS a good thing! When I don't know what God's doing, what can I do but trust Him & focus on where He's put me for this time?

Enough on that monologue--there will be more later!

Letters to Juliet is coming out this weekend (hence the picture!), & Sarah & I are going to see it Saturday. I'm excited! We've been looking forward to that since we first saw the previews--yay! Tomorrow's going to be nice--I'm going to our smaller office, so it should be a fairly quiet, laid-back Friday! The girl who used to work with me now works over there, so it will also be fun to be in the office w/ her for the day... Then I have dinner w/ my friend Chris & a Shabbat dinner to go to with Chosen People/Metro Moses that's in Park Slope--it will be nice to be close to home! The rest of the weekend I'll start on some chemistry/pharmacy study, have fun in the sun, & hang out w/ RST & Mo. :) Yay for spring!

Now to relax/go to bed soon--gotta be ready for the weekend!

Blooming

2010-05-08T21:11:00.002-04:00

While this picture is actually from Ft. Tryon Park's Heather Gardens, today Jean & I ventured to the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. It was a great day for it--not too hot or cold, some nice breezes, & sunny. Last time I went to the BBG, it was in January or so & nothing was blooming. Today there were many flowers, trees were filled with leaves, & the smells of flowers & herbs filled the air. People were walking around with their shoes off, watching the bees (& pollen), & talking about the different plants & flowers. When I went during the winter, we spent most of our time in the greenhouses (which we didn't go into this time)!

Being in Park Slope a few times in the past week has been nice--it's fun to be walking through the area while so many people are enjoying the spring. Jean & I have talked about finding all these new restaurants just because they finally have tables outside and you start realizing how "quaint" they are. :) It's definitely a city thing.

Anyway, enough annoying Sarah with my blog updates; we're watching Blindside--a great movie!

Joker

2010-05-05T22:40:00.003-04:00

I think this is my "post-out" to Chad... :)

The past week's been lovely. This weekend brought wonderful weather, so we walked the Brooklyn Bridge & hung out in Empire Fulton Ferry State Park. The new side they just opened is quite nice! Afterward I hung out with Ruth, Stacey, & Tracy. Sunday I took a walk in Prospect Park while Sarah ate with her friend Laurie. It's always fun to see everyone out enjoying the warm weather.

I'm pressing onward this week with job hunting, & trying to get in the study mode & find some good materials, as well. There are some e-mails I need to send & I need to come up with an action plan or I'll keep procrastinating the preparation...

Last night I went to game night @ Metro Moses where we played "Minute to Win It" games--that's a first for me! I had to blow a whole deck of cards minus the bottom card (which was the joker) off the top of a bottle in under a minute--and I totally did it! :) I like to attribute it to my clarinet playing, mastery of physics, & determination to never lose! It was fun--I'm very much looking forward to Simcha, the retreat @ the end of the month.

There's always so much to do--it will be nice to have tomorrow night fairly free! Friday I'll go to Transitions (with Nikki & hopefully others), Saturday is Brooklyn Botanic Gardens & Daniel's birthday, & Sunday is church & probably some studying...

Still praying God will give me faith & peace while I wait on Him!

Park Avenue

2010-04-27T22:52:00.002-04:00

Today, & many other days this year that have been adequately sunny & warm, I find it quite delightful to stroll up & down the 50's on Park Avenue. For some reason (which I still don't understand), the sun seems to be more potent along that stretch than on Madison. It's fun to watch all the people eating lunch, reading, listening to their iPods, or strolling themselves!

Today was fairly ordinary. Work was good; afterwards I met Sarah for dinner. Tonight I attended a Bible study with Metro Moses; we talked about Ephesians. It was interesting to relate parts of chapter 5 to Psalm 1--I hadn't thought of that connection before, although Psalm 1 is a favorite passage of mine!

This week I need to get my ducks in a row, & I've had a few other things on my mind to pray for--with family, friends, my own situations... But I'm enjoying reading some passages this week & have been looking out for God's teaching. There's a lot to learn! :) I hope my life will reflect what He is constantly showing me.

Pretzel Dog!

2010-04-26T20:07:00.004-04:00

There's a great pretzel place on Avenue B & 3rd Street we discovered about a month ago. My dad recently sent me an article about them because they were at the opening of the Hester Street Fair this weekend (which, sadly, I didn't make it to as I was in tours with the Tenement Museum both days this weekend!

Nonetheless, today is National Pretzel Day, and they had $3 pretzel dogs that were delicious! Some of us from Graffiti went there for dinner.

The rest of last week and the weekend were quite wonderful. Friday night I said goodbye to Nichole as she's in Italy for almost a month! Saturday Sarah and I watched Hannah Montana, went to lunch, then I went on a walking tour of the Lower East Side with Heidi. I walked the Manhattan Bridge back to Brooklyn--it was such a perfect day for it, too!--and ate dinner with Ruth, Stacey, Tracy, and Kristen. :)

Yesterday church was good; I took Sunday School to Starbucks because there weren't many of us! Then Liz & I ate knishes @ Yonah Schimmel's & went on the Getting By: Past and Present tour. Our guide was excellent!

The week ahead should be good--probably mostly uneventful, but you never know! As usual, I have some figuring out of my life and studying to catch up on, as well as movies just begging to be watched... Sarah & I have to catch up on Glee! However, this weekend is supposed to bring us some great weather, which will call for the season opening trip to the Dyckman Farmhouse & Ft. Tryon Park!

Trust/Motivation/Discipline

2010-04-21T21:32:00.004-04:00

Why are these things always so hard? This has just been a year (two years?) of confusion and trial for me--not because I'm struggling to survive, but maybe to keep sane? to really push myself? But I've talked about that before. It's not news.

Well, I'm still pressing on with the job search/career search/higher education search. I made some progress/had a few new ideas today. I know what I need to brush up on/study, have applied for some positions, have looked up others to apply for, and have been searching for different educational programs to look into. I'm still not completely sure where the career path will ultimately lead, but I'm okay with that--God will reveal that in His time, and He's been teaching me a lot along the way!

The most surreal thing is feeling that a chapter in my life is coming to an end, but not knowing the exact timeline or details of it since I'm still in that chapter--I'm not quite sure what to do with myself a lot of the time (or if I'm headed in the right direction)! That's when I must remember Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

You are in control, God. You write my story, and I will wait for you to close this chapter. Continue to guide me in the way you want me to go.

Saturday Morning!

2010-04-17T08:02:00.003-04:00

Why is it so hard for me to write in a journal regularly but I'll update my blog? Personally, I think it's because I like typing better than my hand hurting from writing... I am thankful for the internet, for computers (I used to do just a typed, non-internet distributed, saved on a floppy disk journal).

I love Saturday mornings in the spring and summer--especially the nice ones (which today is actually not--it's foggy/cloudy & chilly, but I'm up early & thinking about how it's some of my favorite time!)... And I'm going to get back to my routine from earlier. This week is a bit different, as I'm going to the Tenement Museum, but I'm going to go back to my days of having summer classes. I'll get up early, go to the Y, then go somewhere to "study"--only now that will mean researching jobs, potential classes, writing various things...

It's times like these I really would like a car--more for the storage space, although the transportation is nice. :) I'd like to be able to bring everything I need & not have to carry it when it's not being used (put it in the trunk!)... But alas, NY does not quite offer that, so I trudge along with my bags, which allows my family to make fun of me more!

You know, I guess the other thing is I need to find my "place"--morning people understand. We have the world to ourselves, but I think within our routines each of us has a certain place that we really enjoy going to think, reflect, plan, pray, etc. Away from where we're likely to run into people we know. In Richmond, it was generally wherever I ate breakfast. I quite enjoyed bagel shops--I'd get my coffee, lox spread, & just sit, work on things, read the Bible, enjoy eavesdropping & observing other morningers... I have done that here as well, but it's not quite the same as the neighborhood shops in other towns. In Mooresville, I like to go with my dad to Armando's.

All these things do generally make me want another chance even at this morning, to leave when I got up, instead of sitting here... But then I remember that I get to go to breakfast with Sarah, & I have all the Saturdays in the world left, & they're more fun when I've figured it out, at least from the routine standpoint... And usually when I feel this way, I still have a great day.

And this is going to be a good weekend--I don't have many plans, & I'm going to take some time to work on job things, watch Glee with Sarah, write, make/get some cards/supplies I need, & maybe go drink some standard Saturday morning coffee while enjoying watching the world wake up. :)

I love my Saturday mornings, & I love my Saturday morning friends--both the "routines" & the people! Yay for early risers!

One Day Without Shoes

2010-04-08T20:10:00.004-04:00

Stephanie is going to be here TOMORROW!!!! In less than 24 HOURS!!!!!! Yay! :) I can't wait to have her here in the city, hang out, go to Boston (see Toyin & Sam), & plot things we need to do...

Today was One Day Without Shoes, put on by TOMS shoes. While I didn't actually go barefoot (which I would have almost anywhere else), I did wear my TOMS. I'd like to put on an even & try to spread the cause next year--I'll start working on ideas before then! Interestingly, I saw no one else in TOMS or barefoot the whole day--which was weird because I know other people up here participated...

This morning I ate breakfast with friends from Staples Mill Road Baptist Church (my church in Richmond). I hadn't seen most of them for a couple years--so it was nice to catch up! I will definitely have to visit there when I have a car again.

It's been fun having Paula & Matt here this week--they've mostly been exploring on their own, but we've talked a little about App, GW, people we know, etc. I'll miss all the company & people I've seen when they're all gone next week! However, then I'll be able to get back to work on things I need to focus on--jobs, possibly school/tests, & writing.

I probably won't be writing on here for a few days while Stephanie's here, so I'll update on our trip & her visit later! :)

Visitation & Taxes

2010-04-06T19:39:00.002-04:00

Ah, de clarinet! How eet does warm mie sole... (The awkwardness is for Sarah!) It was fun to play Sunday so much--and I most enjoyed playing harmony on some of the hymns. Sunrise Service was fun! We had a very Graffiti-esque tomb in the resource room, complete with a large balloon basketball for a "stone" that had been rolled away... To get there, we pretended to be reading Luke 24, then embarked on our adventure! We sang some hymns--I let my fellow worshipers chose many of them & I accompanied on clarinet. We also used YouTube for a couple (gotta love internet phenoms!); Sarah read excerpts from Psalm 22, we sang/listened to/watched an Avalon video for In Christ Alone (what an EXCELLENT song!), did a group reading of Psalm 118, & ended outside with a rendition of Amazing Grace & a prayer. Another great Graffiti Easter Sunrise Service!

Sunday was Owen's birthday; we had Veniero's cheesecake with the Buffalo group. We had a good group in Sunday School, including some from Buffalo. My dad sent a few monologues describing experiences of those close to Jesus--spanning his death, resurrection, & the days afterward. They were from the points of view of Mary Magdelene, Cleophas, & Peter. Those were excellent--definitely made us all think of how Jesus' friends, followers, & disciples felt during the days of waiting. We talked also about the Israelites crossing the Red Sea--a good relation to how Jesus' death & resurrection prepared the way for us, even while we complain about where He might be taking us when we could have been back in slavery in Egypt...

Sarah & I saw The Last Song Saturday--it was a good movie! We walked around Brooklyn some in the afternoon, & just relaxed the rest of the day. Yesterday a couple friends from Statesville came into the city; they are staying with me for the week. A friend from Richmond is coming tomorrow, & it will be good to see her again. Stephanie will fly in Friday, & we'll go to Boston for Sam's thesis. I'm very excited about that trip--we're going to have a great time exploring, hanging out, hopefully swimming (if the hotel has a pool!), & spending time with friends.

That pretty much wraps up my day... I'm watching An Education now, & will work on taxes & preparing for all my visitors this week! :) Happy end of Passover!

DIY

2010-04-02T20:58:00.003-04:00

What did I do today? Well, I just cut my own hair for the first time! :) This is not a picture of it--but it looks good! After last weekend and the way it looked... Well, anyway, I hadn't wanted it to be shorter again; I was trying to grow it out, but since it happened, it was a good opportunity to learn! I'm going to do it myself from now on except for about once a year or so.

This morning I went to breakfast with Sarah and into work with her, then enjoyed the sun! I was fairly productive--finished up Sunday School lesson & basically planned out the Sunrise Service. I ate dinner with Nichole, called my grandparents (it had been a while!), & loaded tax software (finally!). A great start to a long weekend--laid-back and random!

Tomorrow Sarah & I are going to see a movie, go to the Tenement, probably work on a video, & who knows what else! I'm looking forward to the rest of this lovely Easter weekend--having fun with Sarah, seeing friends, and celebrating the great sacrifice when God gave us Jesus to be our Passover lamb!

Loooooooooooong Weekend!

2010-04-01T23:21:00.004-04:00

This is the Simon side of the family @ Rebecca's wedding this summer--from her albums. Yay! :) This, along with a similar picture of the Allen side from May, are some of my favorite pictures from this year--they both turned out so well! I always miss my cousins when I look at this, though... Hopefully we'll have another reunion soon!

It's going to be very nice to have a long weekend--there are things I need to get done (like taxes!), but also I'll be able to take walks around Brooklyn and enjoy the sun, watch some movies, sleep, go to the Y, and do some "hobbying" (i.e. knitting, making cards, playing music, etc.). As always, I need more time, but this will have to do! I need to start studying anyway, or at least make a plan...

Sunday should have a great lesson since it's Easter, Passover, and will contain background from Exodus & Luke! The lessons this quarter have been very fun to prepare for & teach--I'll be sad to have to switch gears to other books (kind of like with Psalms)!

Waiting It Out

2010-03-30T22:34:00.004-04:00

Tonight Sarah, Danielle, and I watched Precious. I'd been wanting to see it for a long time, and it didn't disappoint. It is a well-made movie, and drives home the message it seeks to relate to viewers. I was definitely sent back to my Asheville experience, as well as NYC. My opinion and view of the movie was certainly shaped by my past friends, churches, and circumstances. The ending was uplifting, but in a more realistic way than if everything had been perfect upon the conclusion.

Earlier this evening I submitted (finished) several applications. Now I just have to be patient while I wait to hear back (hence the title of the post!), and also try to be proactive next week by calling. We'll see what happens and where God has plans for me next. I'm definitely excited for a "new chapter" and everything that will bring! Please continue to pray for me as I seek God's guidance! :)

I need to go to bed now--it's getting late! Happy second day of Passover!

Antisocial?

2010-03-28T20:01:00.002-04:00

You know when you just have those days you don't want to see anyone or do anything? When it's cold and cloudy outside and you just want to stay home and be lazy and watch movies and then maybe do some work on the computer and talk on the phone? Yep, that was today. Except it was Sunday so I had to go to church...which, as usual, actually made me a little less annoyed!

I found out Wednesday I was in the nursery for today--not my favorite thing--but no kids showed up! So I was able to go to service, and I sat with my friend Matt who I hadn't seen for a while, and that was nice. Sunday School was quite laid back, and we had a great Passover lesson from the Collegiate with good discussion, including my whining about yesterday's bad haircut. [FYI, I'm going to cut my own hair for the first time in my life tomorrow...!]

Sarah and I ate lunch then went to see her store, which looks great! I spent the afternoon back here, just as I felt like doing the whole day, which really has been nice. I talked to some friends and family, cleaned the apartment a bit, watched part of a movie, and spent the cold, rainy day as it should properly be spent! :) A nice rest before Passover.

Now to watch Wild Child one last time with Sarah and figure out how to hook my bluetooth up to my phone (and maybe my computer?). This week will be nice--and short!--and I can't wait to see what God teaches me throughout this Passover!

Pizza and a Movie...

2010-03-26T19:21:00.003-04:00

It was a good day overall, mostly because it's now the weekend and next week is a short week! :) I went to work early with Sarah, ate breakfast, had a nice long lunch with her, bought Passover & Easter cards, and now we're settling down to watch Bandslam and eat pizza! We're excited--we've been waiting to see that movie for a while!

This weekend is the seder, seeing the vault @ Williamsburg Bank, a haircut (finally!), maybe the Tenement Museum Sunday, and definitely Yivo (gotta see the B'nai Rappaport artifacts!). It won't be long enough, but I'll make up for that next weekend!

Now I'm enjoying looking at pictures from the wedding this summer--I miss the Simons!--and preparing my Sunday School lesson, and working on knitting for presents!

Deep thoughts reserved for later. :)

Normality?

2010-03-25T18:08:00.003-04:00

Another storm is rolling into the Northeast tonight. We'll have some rain through tomorrow. At least it's not lasting through the weekend! However, it's not even going to get to 50 Saturday--so that's kind of a bummer! At least I have plenty to do--inside!--this weekend. I need a haircut, we have to get Passover all ready to go, and I have to finish some applications. So, yes, it's going to be a pretty "normal" weekend, and that's generally what today's felt like... Good or bad? Eh! :)

My mom's college, OBU, won their division's basketball championship--that's pretty cool! Ka-rip, as she would say! In other news, allergy season must be here... I've been blowing my nose and sneezing, my voice is a little raspy, and my glands are swollen, I think--which has only happened to me once before, so it just makes me feel weird...

You know, I don't think I have any words of wisdom to offer the world today. Just a normal day--nothing extraordinary, but it hasn't been bad. It's kind of just one of those waiting, or in-between days--I know I'm coming out of something, a period of time, a "stage," maybe, and entering a new one. And sometimes when that's the case, there's just not much to say because you don't really know what's next! [And that's when you really know who holds your future!]

I really think I actually have rambled today; I was in one of those "I want to write on my blog" moods even though I didn't have anything great to contribute... But nonetheless, there you have it! One more day of the week, then some free time followed by a shorter week!

Hummus!

2010-03-23T20:15:00.002-04:00

Well, it was a fairly uneventful day, but yet a few good things did occur...
*Free Pastry Day @ Starbucks
*Free Cone Day @ Ben & Jerry's
*Hummus Place w/ Lizzzzzzzzz!
And that made it a great day. :)

Then I ended up on the same train as Sarah, so we got to ride home together, and that was very nice! Now we're watching Wild Child while we work on some job stuff, and I've been looking forward to watching this movie for a while now! Emma Roberts is fun!

Now on to [hopefully] bigger and better things and a [shimmeringly] brighter future! [Yep, I'm a dork.]

Semi-Monday-ish

2010-03-22T18:31:00.003-04:00

I use this picture to make me smile. :)

Actually, the day wasn't bad, but fairly normal... It was a few minutes ago coming home that I got annoyed by my landlord. That inspired the title of this post.

This weekend, as stated previously, was GORGEOUS! I walked up the west side of Brooklyn to the Heights/Promenade--actually I wasn't too far from the old lighthouse/ice cream shop. I ran into a friend on Montague, then ate dinner and came home. It was a nice weekend day! That evening I was able to talk to some friends on the phone and just relax a little.

This week shouldn't be too bad... I have a few things I really need to get done, and other than that a couple nights I have plans, but mostly just staying here and catching up, so that will be nice.

Short post today... More later!

Springlike Sample

2010-03-20T14:48:00.003-04:00

What to do when the blue skies and warm weather finally arrive? Update your blog, of course! :) I actually was outside for a couple hours this morning, and will go back out shortly, but since I haven't written on here for a while, just felt like updating. This week has been BUSY! A group from North Georgia College was here, and I was out with them most nights this week. Also, Samantha came for a showcase, so she was here the beginning of the week. I am looking forward to the nothing I have planned next week, as well as the day of rest I have been fortunate enough to get today!

It's a little sad that after this "sunny with a high of 75" day, it's going to rain and get colder next week... :( I like cold weather, but once the warm weather has introduced itself, it's hard to deal with having to ever put a jacket on again (until the next winter, of course!)! However, Passover is but a little over a week today, so I have great things to look forward to, no matter what the weather!

There are many things going on with my life at this point, but mostly for discussion in person (or to myself), and not on here... I'm praying about some important decisions and changes that will be coming soon, though, and would appreciate the prayers of friends. I want God to move in the way He sees fit--and the patience to wait for Him! This week, I've been reading Proverbs, and listening to what God has to say about wisdom, folly, use of time, obedience, and life in general has definitely given me a peace of mind and I am calm as I rely on Him to show me His path. :)

Back to the nice weather in the beautiful city... :)

Smiling :)

2010-03-03T00:39:00.003-05:00

Ta-da! A new picture of Stephanie and myself. This is from this trip. I am up late tonight as I am adding albums to Facebook for the first time ever! And it's addictive--once you start, it's hard to stop! I mean, I don't know how to do it!

Today was another great day--and I can't believe tomorrow's my last of this trip! It will be busy--teaching about Purim in the morning, shopping, church at night. But it should be good. I will definitely be sad to leave.

I'm too tired to really write anything coherent, so I'll add more later! :)

New Post, Old Pictures

2010-03-01T16:41:00.004-05:00

Yep, old picture from last year about this time... BUT I did get to see Stephanie today! She spent the night, and we had fun talking, driving around, hanging out with family, taking some pictures, eating bagels, and just generally being us! I can't wait until I get to see her more often...

Anyway, I'm home for the week; we finished our I-26 trip this weekend, so I'll put the pictures on my computer and try to update the blog with that as well as stories soon... I know I need to recount the events of this trip (and probably finish from October, as well)!

So yet again, this is short--hopefully it will get updated at least once more before I'm back in NC!--but we're about to go to Lenoir, so it will have to wait!

Shortness

2010-01-23T14:27:00.002-05:00

No internet and moving, along with everything else, has caused a significant lapse in my updates. It's been a busy few months; the highlight was a week in Kansas with our family. Now we are back in NYC and getting into the swing of things, AND Qdoba finally got wireless! Yay! :)

Just wanted to post because of the lapse, and now to do some "real" work, so more in a few months (or hopefully sooner!)...

Carolina del Norte

2009-10-26T20:25:00.003-04:00

Sunday was a great day in NC. I woke up early and went to church with my dad to help set up the school. Then Sarah and I went to breakfast with Rick. We went to Burger King and wore crowns. Now that's the life! It was very good to see him again, and we always enjoy being obnoxious/silly!

I taught one of the adult Sunday School classes, which was fun, then went to service and talked to a lot of people. We went to lunch with our friends the Moores afterward--I like their family a lot, so it was nice to be with them! Then my dad and I finished cleaning the school up, and went home and semi-fixed the piano (you'll have to ask for that randomnity!).

Next I drove down to Charlotte to see Stephanie!!! It was great to see her and catch up/just be together after eight months! She came back to Mooresville with me, and we stopped by church to see people, then went to dinner with Rick and Nathan--of course that was fun! I took her back to Charlotte, told her bye :(, then went back to Mooresville, where I hung out with my family and Rick. It was a nice evening.

More on the week later, as we are going to catch up on TV shows now--you know, HIMYM and Glee--then go to bed. We've had a somewhat annoying day for various reasons--we need to unannoy right now!

Chalston, Dahling!

2009-10-25T20:29:00.003-04:00

Ah, day two in Charleston. We slept in a bit... I woke up earlier than a couple of my family members and sat out on one of the porches trying to watch for alligators, but didn't see any. :( That would have been cool. Oh well. So once we were ready, we went to breakfast, then into the city "proper" to begin our day. We walked on King Street, and it was fun to get the "city" experience of Charleston, and we also walked a bit on the College of Charleston campus.

Our first stop of the morning was Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, the oldest continuously congregating Reform synagogue in the U.S.--it is known as the birthplace of American Reform Judaism. We liked the cool stuff in the gift shop--got a new mezzuzah, an "old goat" for my grandpa, some holiday playing cards, and AlephBet blocks for my dad's birthday. :) Then we went on a tour of the synagogue, and saw some exhibits of the history--we enjoyed it.

It rained basically all day outside, but wasn't terribly bad. We went to Hyman's for lunch (GREAT seafood!) and really enjoyed it. I'll definitely go back there next time I visit! Then we walked over through the market for a while. My dad and I then headed over to Ft. Sumter. We saw a restaurant called the Noisy Oyster on the way that I'd heard about; I want to eat there next time we're back.

The ferry to Ft. Sumter was fun; we stood out on the deck about half the time enjoying the ride over and the views of Charleston harbor and the freight ships. We had an excellent introduction to Ft. Sumter (from a park ranger we ran into the next day), then explored. It would be neat to see the full 55 foot, three story fort, but during a later battle in the Civil War (with rifled ammunition), the top two levels were demolished. My dad and I enjoyed discussing if we were to stay overnight by "accidentally" missing the last ferry--that would be a lot of fun to pretend we were there!

Once we got back to land, we found my mom and sister, had some good coffee to warm us up, and headed back to Sullivan's Island for dinner with the friend we stayed with. The restaurant we went to was okay, but the decorations were cool and Sarah and I sat on their deck for a while, which was nice. We were ready to get to bed when we got home, though!

On to day three, the last... We woke up decently early, and my dad, sister, and I walked out on the beach for a while. It was perfect beach weather--just a bit chilly but the water was warm. I enjoyed the shells and watching the "old foam" blow around... We went out for bagels, and had cool kinds of coffee, like raspberry chocolate. Then we went to Charles Pinckney's house (one of the SC constitution signers). Our park ranger friend was there, and he was once again excellent at telling us about the history!

After the Pinckney house, we went to Ft. Moultrie. It was definitely neat to see all the different types of fortification there--from the late 1600s up to World War II era--we had fun thinking about what it would have been like to spend time there. We saw the grave of Osceola, the leader of the Seminoles, who died at Ft. Moultrie. We called my Grandpa Jerry--you know, they were close personal friends even though Osceola died in 1838... :) He enjoyed that!

Then it was back to NC--we had fun making fun of each other and just generally being the Simons... Then we stayed up and talked a while, of course.

I think this is a good place to end. I will note that I've had an marvelous weekend--it was GREAT to see Toyin--and I'll write more about that after I finish updating about the NC trip! :)

Carolinas

2009-10-22T18:25:00.003-04:00

It has been a few days, but I stayed very busy during my time in North and South Carolina! Both flights were excellent--left on time and arrived early! (not to mention the fact that JetBlue is always fun to fly...)--which was a blessing considering how short the trip was. Wednesday night upon our arrival, I drove (yay!) to church and we were able to get there just before the end of prayer meeting and Bible Drill, so we got to see everyone, which was nice! Then we ate dinner and went home to pack...

Thursday was the YMCA (met some fun new people working there!), breakfast at Chick-fil-a (!), then off to Charleston... The trip is not bad at all, and I definitely enjoyed the drive! We made a couple stops, of course, then went straight to the visitor's center when we got in. From there we took a bus tour with Bubba (yes, I'm being serious) around Charleston, seeing many old houses (a lot of the single houses--cool porches!--as well as some mansions), churches, restaurants, the (real) Citadel, the Battery, Rainbow Row, King Street, College of Charleston, and the list goes on!

That night we ate great "low country" food at Jestine's--owned by Jews as every restaurant we dined in was! (they probably all went to Beth Elohim)--the okra and sausage gumbo was delicious! Then we drove down to Isle of the Palms, where we stayed, and went to bed.

And to copy from my friend Ruth, I'm going to continue from there on the next post as I have cleaning and packing to complete tonight... Going to see Toyin this weekend for the first time in a few years, so I'm excited about that, and the leaves should be very nice up there. Looking forward to catching up. :)

Terminal 5

2009-10-14T15:27:00.002-04:00

Sarah and I are in Terminal 5 @ JFK right now, waiting to board our flight to NC in a few minutes!!! :) I'm very excited. This picture's from last time I was there--in February! Sarah is, of course, trying to be all Appy. But it will be so nice to be back, as I've been saying for a few days when I write on here!

It was great to only work a few hours today--I couldn't wait to leave! Last night Sarah and I caught up on How I Met Your Mother and Glee (you're not surprised, are you?) and finished packing--also, Jean came over and ate chili with us. It was a good night.

Tonight when we get in we'll go to the church and out to eat, then to Charleston tomorrow! I can't wait! More then...

Restoration

2009-10-08T18:49:00.002-04:00

Psalm 51 this Sunday... Pretty much finished up my lesson at work today. It's going to be a good one--talking about sin, redemption, and restoring the JOY of our salvation! :) We should have a good time; I found a good song to go with it and there are some good questions, as well... Perfect for this high holy days season (even though it's a little late for a Yom Kippur lesson...)! We'll still talk about Simchat Torah--can you imagine not?

Today was just generally enjoyable. Work went well, and Sarah and I went out to lunch. Our friend Taylor is in town, so he and a couple friends met us at the restaurant. We know him from our parents' church as well as App. It was great to see him--it had been a few years for me! Then I had fun planning my lesson for this week, and I'm getting really excited about teaching in NC when I'm back...

And this weekend should be excellent! I'm looking forward to staying mainly in Brooklyn and relaxing, exploring, and spending time with friends. :) We shall see what spontaneity happens, also.

Octoberness

2009-10-07T20:40:00.002-04:00

Such a perfect picture of Austin... Sunday was great--he actually came to our class, and we had a few others. It was fun to talk about Psalm 23 and laugh with each other. There was a pasta fellowship meal after church, which was very good, then I came back and hung out with Nichole, ate dinner (Zaytoon's!) at RST's new place (and got a tour!), and came home. That night we went to a place in Park Slope to hear some French gypsy jazz with Ray--it was so good! They had two rhythm guitar players (who were amazing!), a string bassist (love that instrument), and a percussionist who used a lot of metal (with finger covers) to beat (and we're convinced had long dreads just to swing around during his solos!). Aaaaahhhhh...

Monday and Tuesday were nice days to relax... Last night we caught up on How I Met Your Mother and Glee, which of course was important! I still need to get a real TV, however... That's a project for NC! It's been a good week so far, and it's nice to lay back a little and not stay so busy. Friday night is Transitions (and hopefully dinner with people afterward), and Saturday is the MNYBA meeting--I'll help Kareem do music, and I'm looking forward to seeing Sarah's video and meeting people! Then I don't know about Saturday night... Maybe I'll talk to some people at Transitions and work something out...

Now on to e-mailing Sunday School people for next week--our lesson is on Psalm 51. Lifeway is really trying to play on the emotions here! :) I'll be teaching one of the adult classes when I'm home, so I'm excited about that. So far our plans are to see Rick and Jeremy Sunday, Stephanie, Chad, and Josh Sunday night, hopefully Ben Monday... I'm excited! One week...

Carmonas!

2009-10-03T23:30:00.004-04:00

Tonight was great! We didn't get out to the wedding in time, but the reception for Alison and Nate was great! It was wonderful to see the Carmonas, a family we were close to while in Apex. They attended our church, Salem Baptist, and Alison was in the youth group when my dad was working with them. I was in youth group with three of their sons. It was very good to see all of them tonight and catch up--and so neat that the wedding was on the Brooklyn Bridge! I couldn't get over seeing them; it was one of those nights where you wish you could sit and talk for hours. :)

And the wedding was on Sukkot--a day (week, really) of rejoicing in God's providence! What a great day to choose! To draw it in more (although there was no sukkah), the wedding was outside, where the Israelites spent their time while wandering in the desert... It was great to play earlier today with Sha'ar, and tonight to listen to Aaron and Chad (and Alison a bit) as they sang and played--I really like their music! They gave out CDs of music that related to the wedding/they like, and it will be fun to listen to that sometime soon. Alison's dress was very pretty, and also quite unique--and they rode off in an antique taxicab, complete with cans tied to the back and a checkered stripe!

That's all for my post today; I am thankful for such a marvelous day and reconnecting with old friends!

Small Group...

2009-10-02T21:50:00.001-04:00

Tonight was the first meeting for Transitions small groups. I had a great time--there were many people I did not yet know, as well as a few I did. Tonight we really just talked about why we wanted to be in the group, what the book is about, and talked about a definition for ministry. I enjoyed the discussion.

This weekend will be fun--but rainy. :( I'm excited for Sukkot and then some Brooklyn activities.

I'm also gearing up for Charleston and NC in a couple weeks. It will be great to see people who I haven't for a while, and to go to Charleston for the first time ever! I haven't seen most people since the last time I was there in February.

Hopefully more to tell this weekend... :)

Smoke Joint

2009-10-01T22:57:00.002-04:00

It was a great first day of October--perfect fall weather, just cool enough to wear an actual jacket but not yet cold enough to wear anything resembling a coat. And I could still wear my Chacos (which you know makes me happy!). :) Work was work; Sarah met me for lunch which always makes it better, and just a generally good day. After work, Sarah and I actually sat around a while talking before heading back to Brooklyn.

Tonight we went back to the apartment with Nichole--I think she likes it but I can't tell what's going to happen. We'll need to negotiate with our landlord if we want to try for it, so who knows... I have to tell you, though, we'll be looking there when our lease is up if it doesn't work out this time! It's too bad we didn't think to do more looking before we renewed, although I really like our apartment and area, so it's kind of just compromising...

And the best part of the night was dinner with Nick and Annafran at the Smoke Joint. :) S&M always makes me happy--I hadn't seen Annafran since the reunion, and we revisited the Providence idea, possibly for later this month. I enjoy having so many S&Mers in the northeast--we have a nice little community going up here. I need to visit some others next time I'm in NC (after this month).

Tomorrow is the first Transitions small group--that should be good. I'm looking forward to the book, On Being a Servant of God by Warren Weirsbe. It talks a lot about ministry, and I've read some good reviews on it. I can't wait to see who's in my group and how the discussion, etc. goes. It will be nice to get to know some people better through this, and of course I always enjoy becoming more involved in the Transitions community.

And my Sunday School lesson shall be finished planning for, which is Psalm 23 this Sunday...

Park Slope

2009-09-29T21:24:00.003-04:00

I might be in love. But I'm not sure yet. And I don't want to get too excited. You see, I went to look at an apartment near where some friends are moving because it has a (wait for it) WASHER AND DRYER!!!!! Oh my gosh, do you know what that means in New York City? However, there are a few things to think about--we would need a third roommate, we'd be breaking a lease, and we'd need to negotiate price. But seriously, this apartment is NICE... And a great price... So to break it down now, Nichole is coming to look at it with us Thursday, then we'll have more discussion. But that's that.

In other news, today wasn't very noteworthy. Yesterday Sarah and I watched a movie here and had Rosh Hoshannah leftovers. :) Today we did laundry then saw the apartment, and have been very occupied at our respective computers since--Sarah e-mailing and updating her blog as well as starting a new one, and I am updating my blog (of course!), e-mailing people about being roommates, and posting ads. And we are talking on Gmail--because we're just that cool!

Sarah ate lunch with me today, and other than that we didn't do anything special. Tomorrow night is church, then Thursday the apartment and eating dinner with an NCSSM friend. Friday is Five Guys (probably--unless we have to do apartment stuff) and small groups with Transitions... Good week, but busy again.

So now, off to bed... :)

Knitting

2009-09-28T22:26:00.004-04:00

My sister is making fun of me for knitting and baking cookies--but she sure likes to eat my cookies!!!

The Rosh Hoshannah party last night went well--it was great to have people from different groups come together and get to know each other. We had honey cookies, apple kugel, charosis, challah with honey, some great jam (yay Stacey!) and bread, and fruit salad--a very good "sweet New Year" meal. L'Shana Tova! :)

We sat around and talked a lot, played some Catchphrase, and just generally had a good time! I used my computer as the sound system, and it was fun when people stopped to point out a Backstreet Boys song and I introduced many of them to Jay Chou.

This week will be good--looking at an apartment near where friends are moving, laundry, church, hanging out, trying to get to know some new friends better, eating dinner with an NCSSM friend, Transitions small groups, Sukkot celebration Saturday, wedding on the Brooklyn Bridge... Definitely going to be good!

So now on to enjoying my week...

Rainy

2009-09-27T08:00:00.002-04:00

This picture was taken in March, I think, maybe April, when Teresa visited NY. We had gone to Salvation Army to get furniture for Chris--quite a random adventure! :)

Yesterday was a good day, and thankfully Sarah and I both decided we wanted to come home after dinner. We had a fun breakfast, then saw Fame. The stories in the movie were a bit disjointed as they tried to follow too many people, but the dancing/singing/acting were really fun! "Remember my name..." Afterward we shopped a little--went down to Union Square and looked at AE, H&M, etc.--but didn't really find anything. So we went to dinner and then came home.

That night we hung out and watched So You Think You Can Dance, How I Met Your Mother, and finally Glee. I'm definitely going to be addicted to Glee--that is a great show! I like the concept, and it's just fun to watch! I was fun, of course, introducing Sarah to HIMYM, and I'm looking forward to this season (it was great to watch the season premiere, albeit late!). Now we're just waiting for The Big Bang Theory...

This morning is church--my lesson on Psalm 135!--and tonight is my Rosh Hoshannah party! It should be a decent crowd... That means an afternoon of cooking, but I'm very excited about the food. :) It's going to be good...

Brownie Sundaes

2009-09-26T07:50:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was an interesting day. Just as Sarah or me for details if you're curious... I wasn't so much a direct participant, but it was interesting on my end, nonetheless... It was good to finally come home and regain some sanity! Work wasn't terrible yesterday, but it had been such a long week for me that I was beyond ready to just go home the end of the day!

I'm excited about today. Sarah and I will have a leisurely breakfast (yay--finally!), then Fame, the Y, shopping, dinner, In the Heights lottery... Hopefully we get a little free time at the apartment to do a few things before tomorrow. I'm quite excited about the party already... Hopefully a good group comes out!

Now on to our adventures of the day... :)

Starbucks

2009-09-24T18:23:00.003-04:00

So today was pretty nice. Sarah and I had our good NYC breakfast this morning--whole wheat bagels, olive spread, grapefruit juice (well, that was me--and I know lox and whitefish are BOTH better, but olive spread is good, too!!!), then I went to work--which was crazily busy today! However, Sarah had an interview at the Starbucks in the Rockefeller Center subway today, and it seems to have gone well--pray that it works out if it's supposed to! So we went to Qdoba for a celebratory lunch afterward, which was a great break for me after a busy day!

Tonight we are meeting one of Sarah's friends from Wingate for dinner. She moved here this year, and amazingly is my neighbor--she lives just a couple blocks down from me! So that's pretty exciting. Other than that, we'll probably just take it fairly easy tonight and decide what we need to concentrate on this weekend (and by concentrate, I mean do for fun/look up online/discuss/who to see).

Tomorrow night is movie and dinner at Jean's, which I'm looking forward to--and getting Chris to do a Spanish voiceover for the MNYBA video Sarah's working on. :) Saturday we're seeing Fame--which we can't wait for!--and we'll figure out the rest later... And I can't wait for my Rosh Hoshannah party Sunday! It's going to be fun, and hopefully a lot of people come. I'll have to finish planning my Sunday School lesson sometime, too--but I'm excited for Psalm 135 (and still deciding if I can make a video)!

Until later...

NCSSM Hall

2009-09-23T05:43:00.002-04:00

I just took a great Facebook quiz: Which NCSSM hall do you belong on? I got Hill (one of the boys' dorms for those of you unfamiliar with nerd territory). How great is that? :) Anyway, that made my [early] morning and I wanted to share it. This is the first Facebook quiz I've taken so far--probably will remain the only one unless something as good as that is created again!

Now I should actually get to the Y this morning--that will be good; I'll feel much better throughout the day. I just have to make sure Sarah is ready to go now--I got up a little before her.

Today is probably uneventful, with church tonight being pretty much the only thing going on. Maybe I'll see if our new Catholic friends want to meet up. And hopefully Sarah doesn't have to stay too long with that video so we can get home and to bed earlyish...

Blahness

2009-09-22T17:55:00.003-04:00

Haha, this looks like Sunday in the Park. :)

Anyway, yeah, it's just been one of those kinda blah weeks. Ugh. I'm ready for it to get a little better! My sister's here, so that takes away from the blahness, but it's just been kind of slow and maybe a little melancholy. You know... This weekend will make up for these first few days, I think. Sarah and I are going to see Fame Saturday. Then Sunday is my Rosh Hoshannah party. :) So it will be good!

I need to take more pictures this weekend/the rest of the time Sarah's here [in general]. We have a few from last weekend on Sarah's camera, which we'll have to upload. I'd like to make another video for church, too, while Sarah's here.

Now we just have to take some Apple classes while she's still here. Oh yeah, Sarah has an interview at Starbucks Thursday! So that's good--we'll see what comes of it. :) She's also been applying many other places--stores, etc.--and she's working on a Graffiti/MNYBA video freelance, so that's good!

Well, now we need to do laundry... And I'm hungry!

Get Smart!

2009-09-21T06:05:00.003-04:00

So yesterday was uneventful but not bad. Sarah and I were both pretty tired, and I think would have liked something to do that evening (church or some kind of company), but it was a good Sunday for us to spend with each other.

We woke up later than usual and went to Neptune's before church--for the kasha!--then got to church a little late. Sunday School was much smaller than usual--only Sarah and Elizabeth--but the lesson was good and I enjoyed teaching. Hopefully we'll have more people next week, though.

We stayed around church for a while as I helped count and Sarah went out to lunch because she's helping them with a video, then went home. We went to dinner right after that and talked for a while, then came back to the apartment and watched Get Smart. We both enjoyed that movie and especially had fun freezing the fake fight scene to laugh. :)

Now it's off to the Y for us--hopefully with time for a good workout to set our week off correctly! Lots of fun planned for tonight--grocery shopping and working on my room. We know you're jealous.

L'Shana Tova!

2009-09-20T08:06:00.002-04:00

This weekend has been absolutely brilliant so far. :) Friday night after work we went to Five Guys with Adrienne, then Ramona met us and we went to Transitions. I was able to talk with many people and make the rounds of introductions for Sarah, Adrienne, and Ramona. We had been hoping a larger group of them would go out afterwards, but that actually didn't happen. :( Oh well, hopefully next time it does.

Yesterday morning Sarah and I got up and took a walk in Ft. Greene Park. It was beautiful outside yesterday. Then we saw Bright Star, which was pretty good. We met Anya Michelle, our cousin, just after the movie, and the three of us headed downtown to the ferry for Governor's Island. Once on the island, we just explored a lot. There is an old civil war fort that also served as a prisoner-of-war camp, now called Castle William. There is also an old hospital. There are many other buildings, too--it's neat just to walk around there! There were a couple festivals going on, one the New Island Festival celebrating the Dutch settlement of NY, Harbor Week, Henry Hudson's discovery of NY... The other was a small "hippie" festival--we saw a couple people mixing sounds at a soundboard, using saxophone, piano, synthesizer... That was cool.

We then took the ferry to Brooklyn, and I was able to show Anya through DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights. We had a great dinner at Chipotle (I think it kinda hit the spot for all three of us!), then I showed her Borough Hall (which she had seen once before) and Ft. Greene. We grabbed my clarinet and headed up to service for Rosh Hoshannah. The service was excellent; we played some great songs! I also enjoyed the message, about the Rosh Hoshannah Torah portion of Genesis 22 and Abraham's sacrifice of Issac. The apples and honey and challah were of course delicious, and we talked to a few of my friends before heading out.

Today should be a slower day, which will be nice. I'm looking forward to teaching about the Passover (Psalm 105-106). Sarah and I will go to the Y after church, and then I'm hoping to invite Chris over for dinner and just relax tonight. :)

Pumpkin Cookies

2009-09-17T21:26:00.002-04:00

The past two days have been good. Yesterday I went to tape a clip for a film I'm going to be in for Transitions (a retreat spoof!)--that was fun! Tonight Sarah and I went to Ruth's for dinner (ordered Middle Eastern--yum!) and she told us about her Greece & Israel trip. We enjoyed seeing the pictures and hearing about what they did. I updated her on the retreat, church, and life in general. She also made some pumpkin + dark chocolate M&M cookies for her class, which we got to try out--she should make them again!!!!! [hint, hint]

Tomorrow night is Transitions--and the video!--I'm excited Sarah will get to go and meet my new friends from there. I'm also looking forward to hanging out with them afterward. Saturday we'll go to Governor's Island and Rosh Hoshannah service, then Sunday is church. The lesson is on Psalm 105-106--Passover!!!!

Check out this song I found while getting ready for my Sunday School lesson last week... :)

aoeij;ksdhu

2009-09-15T07:04:00.003-04:00

It's been fun hanging out with Sarah the past couple days--you know, you forget how much you like your sister when you've been apart so long. ;) No, I remembered. But I'm really enjoying having her up here to do stuff with. We've talked (imagine that!) a lot & just hang out & had a good time.

Sunday was nice. Church & Sunday School went well. My friend Ray from synagogue came, so that was really cool! We went to a Puerto Rican restaurant for lunch (yum!). Then Ray, Sarah, & I went out to the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn to see the Wyckoff farm & house, which is the oldest house in New York City--built 1652. It was really neat! After that, we drove back to Ft. Greene & walked in the park. It was fun to show Ray around my hood.

Yesterday was just work & hanging out with Sarah. Nothing else new, really... The next few days should eventually get a little more exciting, so I'll post on here what happens... :)

Free!

2009-09-13T07:56:00.004-04:00

This past week has been great & hectic--seven extra people in my house, going out every night, showing them around... We met a couple guys that work with the Catholic ministry @ NYU this week & have hung out with them--they're nice & we're enjoying having other people to add to our LES/East Village hang-out crew!

Last night we went to Five Guys for dinner (& hung out a little), then to a Paul Wilbur concert @ my synagogue--it was sooooo GOOD! He's a great singer/songwriter, & there were a ton of people there! We had a great time. Of course, next week is Rosh Hoshannah, so we're all getting pretty excited--it was a great week to have a concert. :)

Now we're getting ready to go to church--Psalm 9 is today--so I'll update more later about the specifics of last week, etc.

Days & Nights

2009-09-05T02:42:00.004-04:00

For some completely random/unknown reason, I enjoy blogging when I'm up @ very odd hours for me. [Also, I won't end up writing a lot this week, most likely, as I'll have company.] So I'm up finishing getting my apartment ready for the ensuing small mass of people about to descend upon it. Sound imminently frightening? Good. Only because it is!

Anyway, yesterday was nice--went to NYU to hand out flyers/promote Graffiti. We met quite a few students, & hopefully will have some new people Sunday from that! Afterwards we met a couple other friends @ Qdoba for dinner, then I came home. Today I got to wear jeans to work (yay!), & it was a pleasant day. After work I went to the Cubs vs. Mets game with Jean & Greg. The Cubs lost, which was not good. :( However, the game wasn't overly long, so I was able to go meet the Transitions crew in the BK, which was nice. I was glad to see everyone. :) Hopefully I'll get to hang out with some of them next week...

Tomorrow I'm going to the beach w/ RST, then to JFK to watch the MSU game & pick up three of the guys! When I get back, my dad & sister will be here, then we'll go out with the youth to the Brooklyn Bridge & to get bubble tea! I'm very excited--it's going to be a great weekend (and week)! Monday we'll see Viccy & Michelle, which will be great! On top of all that, the weather is supposed to stay nice this weekend!

Now I'm tired (as I well should be!), so I'm going to bed. Good night!

Sporadic Thoughts

2009-09-03T07:02:00.002-04:00

I thought a good summer picture was necessary. :) Especially now that the fall weather is quickly approaching... I'm actually very happy about that, but don't want to leave out the gorgeous summer we had up here in the norheast! This picture is from my first beach trip this summer--it was great to be @ the beach after not having been for a few years!

Two days until my dad, sister, & the group from PBC is up here. Along with them comes my bike, guitar, and a smattering of other things [this means I need to send stuff back with them, too...]. My goal this year is to teach myself to play guitar. It'd be great to write some songs, too... Let's see how that goes.

Also, I'd like to get a video camera to use for random projects for church/Sunday School as well as on my own... All these ideas! While my sister's here, I should also look for a small HDTV so we can actually see our shows this year! Sarah will be good for helping with that. :)

The third day of September--that's quite crazy! Ruth gets back from Israel tomorrow--that will be good. I can't wait to hear about her trip & hang out w/ RST again! I'm also really looking forward to Saturday morning w/ my cousins. It's going to be great to have closer family up here. The Simons will take over NYC!!!

:)

Pre-fall in Brooklyn!

2009-09-02T21:36:00.003-04:00

I had dinner with Chris near Prospect Park tonight. It was nice to see him--he's been gone a while. We talked about some college plans for this year, so that was good, and just nice in general to catch up. :) The weather in NY has been beautiful this week--low 70s & a preview of fall, really. So I walked back up to my apartment, and it was nice to be outside & enjoy the neighborhoods of my borough in the twilight hours. :)

This is going to be a great week. I will see my cousins Saturday morning, and probably watch a Michigan State game--all before picking up NC visitors. We will probably hang out with the NC youth coming up that night--it will be quite fun. I'm looking forward to showing them around my city. I can't wait to see my dad & sister, as well as some of the friends coming up, & I can't wait for those that haven't seen my apartment to spend time here.

Talking to Stephanie this afternoon also made my day. We hadn't had a longish conversation in a while, & I enjoyed telling her about my retreat & hearing about her recent trip. It will be great to see her next month, & I can't wait until she makes another visit up here!

Two more workdays until the festivities begin...

Quiet Week

2009-09-01T20:50:00.002-04:00

This has been a beautifully quiet week so far, & should continue in that pattern. I have a few things to do around the apartment before company comes, & will see a couple people, but other than that I'm just staying home most evenings. It's been almost like fall outside--I predict there will be one more heat wave before the real fall, however. We shall see!

Today was a pretty normal day. I have enjoyed having some time to myself after the retreat--however, I need to start trying to plan things with some of those people. I'm also needing to finish up Sunday School/young adult planning--I need to do e-mails & Facebook stuff tomorrow for that! It's approaching rather quickly... And of course I need to have the lesson completely prepared... I have my work cut out. :)

Now to the apartment... Happy September!

Done Retreating

2009-08-31T19:19:00.002-04:00

The retreat was wonderful! I met quite a few new people & had the time to talk to them a good amount; it will be nice to see them around Transitions. I enjoyed playing basketball & volleyball, & I have battle scars from being in the back in tug-of war. It was a fun weekend. I went on walks around the camp in the mornings, which was very pretty. The second day I walked about halfway around the side of the lake on a service road, & it was nice to explore part of the camp we never used.

I'm looking forward to being able to hang out with some of the people I met/spent more time with on a more regular basis soon. Many of them live in Brooklyn, & even those who don't are close. I'm definitely excited about these new friendships.

Four days until the family/rest of the group gets here. :)

Awaiting...

2009-08-27T22:54:00.003-04:00

And now starts the pictures from more recent events. This one is from my cousin's wedding. More shall follow. :) I finally downloaded them yesterday so I have room for pictures this and next weekend!

I'm quite excited about tomorrow. The retreat should be a lot of fun and a great opportunity to get to know some of the people who attend Transitions better. I'm looking forward to playing basketball, hanging out, Bible study, and planning my Sunday School lesson for next week. I'm praying that some good friendships will occur from this.

Today was good. Work was work, went to lunch with Aubrey, then went over to Jean's for dinner (and had a great salad!). We talked for a while, which was fun--I haven't spent much time with her since she's been back, so it's nice to get into the swing of things.

The rest of this week's been good, as well. Went to dinner with an NCSSM friend Tuesday, which was great! Last night hung out with Liz. Next week will be preparing for people to come here! I'm so excited to have those friends coming for a week--it's going to be a great trip and it will be fun to show them around.

Now to finish packing then bed!

NC Bible Study!

2009-08-24T21:24:00.002-04:00

Right now I am on Skype talking to a group of college/career people from my family's church in NC. They're having a Bible study, and last year they began skyping as one guy was in Germany and another in Raleigh (NC). So I've been talking about doing it for a while, but this is the first time I have. It's kind of fun talking to and especially watching everyone. I will see quite a few of them in about a week and a half for their mission trip up here.

Yesterday was a nice day; we went out for pizza and birch beer after church, then shopped a little bit. I got some new kicks--very colorful! That evening we told Ruth bye for a little while as she will be in Israel and Greece.

And that's all! Four days until the Transitions retreat... :)

Promenade

2009-08-23T07:17:00.003-04:00

So I wanted that to be the heading yesterday and forgot to add it, so it's going to be today's. :) I like writing early on here--when I don't yet know what the day will bring! This morning I am getting ready for church. Today, as it is August, should not be very strenuous. I'll play/sing in service, then certain birthday festivities, then lunch, then probably getting coffee with another friend (to discuss insurance since I did that in school...). Then home to relax and watch a movie...

Yesterday was a nice day. I got up early, but not out of the house until about 10. Then I played at synagogue, skipped the rest of service, and went to the Y. I had a nice workout there--much needed--then went over to Jean's and hung out. We just talked as her new roommates arrived/unpacked. I went home for a short while afterwards, then we went over to the Hautamaki's for a housewarming party. They have a great apartment! We grilled out--so listen, I had a hot dog, bratwurst (both with some muenster cheese!), a great spinach salad, Lebanese salad, a little fish, and grape leaves--the food was amazing. Afterward, we made s'mores--it was so much fun!

On to church... Still looking forward to the retreat next weekend a lot!

2009-08-22T07:41:00.003-04:00

Last night was great! I really enjoyed Transitions--good songs, a good message, and getting excited about the retreat next weekend--then we went out with a fairly large group to dinner afterwards. It was nice; I had met/knew some of them already, but was able to talk to them more, and I was able to meet some new people. Many of them are going on the retreat, so it will be nice to know more people when I get there (even though I know I'll definitely meet a lot more once I'm there!).

After dinner (Thai!) we went out to the Promenade. The weather was cooler, and it wasn't overly cloudy, so the views were wonderful. I, of course, enjoyed seeing the lights of the city, and also enjoyed watching the planes fly in through the airspace over the East River. It's interesting to watch their patterns--and there, since it's not in the direct path of an airport, there is not necessarily a steady pattern, so I enjoy the randomnity of the flights, as well as the occasional helicopter. :) We had more time to talk to everyone, then we came home.

This morning I'm about to go to the Y, then I'll go play at synagogue--Paul Wilbur is coming in a few weeks, so we're going to be playing one of his pieces today. There are some good clarinet solos... This should be very fun! Afterwards, I may stop & see Jean, then I have a housewarming party at the Hautamakis! I'm excited to see them and their new apartment for the first time this summer!

Now on to my lazy summer days...

Chacos

2009-08-21T07:01:00.003-04:00

They're the best thing--sometimes the only--to wear around NYC in the summer! As I have described them to people many times, they are "sneakers without the tops." Their soles are just as supportive, just as comfortable, and you can walk long distances in them, no matter how hot it is! They have made my summers here more enjoyable and bearable--I think I'd have to stop every once in a while to give my feet a break if not!

Why are you writing about this? you wonder. Yeah, I'm just being appreciative. :) I do so much walking, which hasn't changed due to the fact it's summer, and love my Chacos. I bought a new pair in Michigan that are green, and there's possibly one day since we got back that I haven't had them on my feet (when I wore flip-flops, which is actually a rarer occurrence for me considering they're not as comfortable for walking). And I wear sneakers to the Y (new ones also purchased in Michigan--what can I say, when the price is right, the price is right!).

All that praise just to say, I'll be in my Chacos all weekend again, and I can't wait. :) After a fairly uneventful week (laundry a couple times, work, hanging out with Ruth & Stacey), I'm quite looking forward to my weekend. Tonight is Transitions, tomorrow I'll go to synagogue, maybe hang out with Jean or another friend, and go to a housewarming party for some college friends, and Sunday is church followed by an open afternoon (when I'll find something to do--maybe the Tenement Museum). All (or at least part) in my new "hippie skirt"--I know, it's exciting.

Wednesday night we had a "brainstorming party" for the Graffiti young adults group for next year, which was great. There were some good ideas, and I can't wait to see where the group goes next year! I think we'll be able to grow and reach the neighborhood in a bigger and much different way than years prior, so that's exciting. The new Sunday School year starts September 6, so we'll have kind of a "kick-off" weekend--I'll post details here once we know what's going on. We'll also be doing more to get involved with NYU & campus ministries there.

Now to beyond the immediate weekend: one week until the Transitions retreat, and two weeks until my family & a mission team from their church will be here for the school sale. The "college" group is staying at my apartment (mostly "career"). It's going to be a fun trip & I can't wait to hang out in the city with them! Then my sister will stay for a bit, so we'll have a great time.

And that's what I have to look forward to. :)

Slow Week

2009-08-14T18:28:00.002-04:00

It's been a few days... This week's been slow--not a bad thing. I've been watching a lot of movies with Ruth, and will probably do the same with Nichole tonight after we go to dinner. We are going to try a new place in the neighborhood, Rice. It should be good--kind of Mexican, Panasian, all kinds of stuff, and it's just a few blocks north of us. I'm excited. :) Tomorrow I'll go to synagogue--I'm excited to be at a service again. Then I have a block party with some work people, so that should be fun. However, I'm thankful that it should still be a fairly laid-back weekend. I'd like this and next weekend to be like that, as the weekend after I'm going on a retreat with Transitions, so that will be fun but busy!

My parents and sister headed to Denver from Wyoming today, and will head back to NC tomorrow. Also, tomorrow's the big day of lots of holidays--my parents' anniversary, my mom's dad's birthday, my dad's mom's birthday, and the anniversary of the Milam-Simon household. Isn't that all just greatly exciting?

Now off to dinner... :)

Yay!

2009-08-10T19:17:00.002-04:00

So Ruth officially is keeping her job (long story that I'm quite abbreviating). We are going to celebrate tonight--it's great that she doesn't have to think about it anymore! Also, after talking to my random friends yesterday, I'm getting very excited about visiting Toyin in Boston and vice versa--it's been a while since I've seen him! [In case you couldn't tell, the picture is in tribute to that city...]

Going back to work today wasn't too bad. I had anticipated feeling much more blah about it, but it wasn't bad at all. However, today was one of the hottest days this summer, surprisingly. It's supposed to cool down again, though, luckily. I've been enjoying the semi-milder weather rather than the blasting heat, especially since we don't have air conditioning yet in our apartment.

I'm getting excited for the new Sunday School year and looking forward to doing some planning soon... Also, I'll be starting to look at grad schools and programs, so that will be a good use of my time. It's a little scary, but in a really good way...

Now back to getting excited for Ruth's! :)

Augustus

2009-08-09T21:14:00.002-04:00

Today was quite lovely in a few ways. This morning I woke up, took the subway (which ran rather smoothly) to church, practiced with Owen, and it was just a nice Sunday morning. Church went well; there were a good number of attendees for August, and the service itself was enjoyable. There were some people I hadn't seen for a while there, as well as a new young adult. Afterwards we went to Odessa for lunch, which you can't help but enjoy.

I said goodbye to Ruth's cousins this afternoon. Yesterday was so enjoyable--I had a great time at Ellis Island with them! Hopefully they will visit again sometime. Then I came home and took a nap, then called a number of friends who I hadn't talked to for a while. It was most excellent. :) And it was a marvelous use of my Sunday, I must say.

Now to face the week...

Ellis Island

2009-08-08T19:00:00.003-04:00

Last night I went to the Ted Pearce concert--it was wonderful! I enjoyed seeing him as well as my synagogue friends. Then I saw Nichole and Sam--Sam went back to LA today. Today I went over to Ellis Island with Ruth and her cousins. I hadn't been for about two and a half years. I enjoyed the exhibits and got some great pictures of the tenement/LES/Jacob Riis pictures as well as some old Yiddish Theater programs. :)

Now please watch this fantastic video! And I'll write more later.

All-Nighter

2009-08-07T09:21:00.003-04:00

I just pulled my first all-nighter in four years! I was the navigator/conversationalist on our overnight trip back from Michigan to New York--Ruth and her dad were my fellow trekkers. We made excellent time and had a smooth ride with amazingly little traffic into and through Manhattan. It's the first time I've driven overnight, and I think it was a great idea. Now I'm about to go fall into bed for a couple hours...

First, though, I had to call my friend Stephanie and wish her happy birthday! I had a good conversation with her about my trip and just in general. :) I also talked to my dad some this morning. I'm quite excited; tonight is the Ted Pearce concert at Sha'ar Adonai--it's going to be great!

I miss Michigan...

Michigander

2009-08-06T08:52:00.003-04:00

I have been in Michigan with Ruth this week. It has been a great trip; I've really enjoyed my time relaxing as well as seeing the state, and more specifically, the capitol city most of the time! Today we will see the capitol building and the historical museum, which should be pretty fun. Last night we had a big dinner with Ruth's family, who I have enjoyed seeing again/meeting and getting to know better. We also went to Stacey's for a couple days--Lake Michigan is very beautiful; I would love to spend more time there! This has been a nice break--in some ways I feel as though I've been here closer to a month than a week! I obviously needed to get out of the city...

So needless to say, it's going to be hard to leave tomorrow. I would like about another week just to be with the family and spend more time with people, but I have to get back for work and for Ruth's cousins... I'll have to post some pictures next week and tell about the trip in a little more detail than this post. For now, I'm going to enjoy my last day of the trip. Goodbye!

Beachy

2009-07-26T06:59:00.002-04:00

We've had a lot of fun since Cody's been here. It's been great to try the restaurants in our neighborhood--my favorite was Ethiopian, of course!--and Transitions Friday was good. Yesterday we got up, cooked breakfast here, and went out to Rockaway Beach. The weather was perfect, and we had a great time in the water and playing games. I think we'll plan a trip for August as a "last hurrah" to summer. :)

I left a bit earlier from the beach than the rest of them as my friend Matt from NCSSM was in town. I met him and Tiffany for dinner in Little Italy, which was very good, then walked around a little with them. It was so good to see them--it had been almost two years! Then I hung out with Jean and her friends some. We went out on her roof at dusk, which was really pretty. It's great to see the city all lit up!

Today is church (with a lot going on!), maybe seeing Matt again, maybe the Tenement Museum, Odessa's, and Veniero's! It should be a good day...

[Foreign] Visitors

2009-07-23T18:03:00.002-04:00

Cody is now here, straight from Germany/Japan/Hong Kong/Taiwan/Greece/etc. :) I guess the above picture would be called "mean" by some in relation to him, but I just call it "funny." And then I laugh. Anyway, I made the lovely A-train trek out to JFK last night to meet him--and had perfect timing, which was nice! Then we turned right back around--and ate Turkish food with Nichole at a new(ish) restaurant near our apartment--it was very good! Quite a late dinner, but worth it--we were all pretty hungry! Tonight we'll try another restaurant near us, either Mediterranean or Ethiopian...

I'm looking forward to having Cody here this weekend; we'll go to Transitions tomorrow night, Rockaway Beach (then who knows?) Saturday (probably after cooking breakfast here!), church/TOUCH/meeting Sunday, and seeing Matt (who called me and will be in town!) sometime in there. Oh yeah, and hopefully going to the Tenement Museum! I'm ready for a packed (but enjoyable) weekend.

Next week I'll probably meet an S&M friend for dinner one night, then I'll be packing and getting ready to head to Michigan! I'm so excited to see RST and meet their families (besides the ones I know), go to Lake Michigan and Chicago, and just hang out! This will round out most of my summer traveling, although I will be going on the Transitions retreat the end of August. I think I'll plan a DC trip for sometime in the next couple months, as well. This has been a great summer, though--much better than last year!

Cousins

2009-07-21T20:06:00.002-04:00

This weekend was absolutely fantastic! I don't even have the time to recount everything now, so I'm going to leave it at that and update more later, but I enjoyed hours of dancing with my cousins, talking and laughing with family, and enjoyed Rebecca's wedding. When the time came to go back to DC and catch the train, I was so reluctant to leave everyone! I only hope that our next reunion is quite soon. This entire week I have just been thinking about how much I would like to be back with them for at least a few more days...

Cody is coming tomorrow night for a few days; I'm excited to see him. Then I have about a week before I go to Michigan. Now I'm going back to watching a movie then cleaning my room, and I'll update here later! :)

Dresses...

2009-07-16T22:20:00.002-04:00

It's been a while, I know! I've been enjoying my freedom this week... Last weekend I walked in Ft. Greene Park, went to Rockaway Beach, out to Queens Mall, ate dinner with Adrienne, then up to Ft. George for Liz's party (& got to see Nick & Jadrian!). Sunday was church & shopping, Monday dinner with Chris, Tuesday midnight showing of Harry Potter, yesterday Chris' birthday dinner, & tonight packing! Tomorrow I go to Arlington on the train with Adam, see family, & possibly hang out with friends. Saturday is the wedding, then I'm coming back Sunday.

Short update; I'll write more later!!! I'm excited about this weekend. :)

Sunny With a High of 75!

2009-07-10T17:30:00.002-04:00

Seriously, that's been the weather all week. No rain, just really, really nice weather. Not even humid! 70s, so it's been nice & cool, but you can still wear shorts & a t-shirt... Lovely. Hopefully this stays a cooler summer! And I believe only Ft. Tryon pictures can translate my joy in this way (well, also the smiles on Chris' & Angel's faces!).

Today I got out of work early, which was excellent, & proceeded to come home to drop off a few things (& obviously write on here!). Tonight, since I'm officially done with my class, I'm going to sit & read for the first time in six weeks! I'm so excited... Someone @ work has loaned me I Am Charlotte Simmons by Tom Wolfe, which should be an interesting commentary on modern day colleges. After this book, I'd like to read a couple of his other books. I really enjoy that kind of social commentary.

Now to enjoy my evening... :)

School's Out...

2009-07-09T23:53:00.002-04:00

I'm barely making this post before the end of the day, but I'm making it! I'm tired. My head is spinning, I'm so tired! However, I was at my final until 9:45, so I just got home about an hour ago, & then of course had to do some things online... Tonight, they weren't all for pleasure, either!

My flights to Michigan were canceled as I had booked on an airline that was to begin flying July 13. I received a call (thankfully, just a message as I did not hear the phone ring [& that could have been baaaaaad on my test!]) informing me that the airline will not be running until August 13 so all flights were being refunded. So that was a bit of a snag in my plans, but Ruth & I had already planned on driving back, so I bought a one-way ticket out once I got home tonight, & I'm getting very excited about my trip!!!

This weekend should be nice. I'll be a bit tired tomorrow, but after work, I just have Transitions. I think I'll go sit & read & eat dinner since I can now read something besides my textbook! Saturday we'll go wait in line for Twelfth Night tickets to see Anne Hathaway; my friend Adrienne is joining us for the performance, so that will be exciting! She just moved up here from NC, & this will be the first time I've seen her (actually, for a while). So Saturday will be tiring, but worth it when I see Anne Hathaway!

Sunday there is a children's musical @ church, then a fellowship meal, then a HYMN SING! I'm very excited about that. After that, I'm coming home & maybe watching a movie, I think... We'll see how it goes!

Next weekend is the wedding--I can't wait to see the family!--so I'll be in DC. Then Cody's coming, then Michigan. :) What a great summer!

A Bit of Procrastination

2009-07-08T18:02:00.002-04:00

I took my computer with me today so I can Skype with Cody, so I decided to procrastinate a little bit before I get back to studying my old tests! The internet here is not so great--I'm going to experiment with it a little more in a minute. Today was a pretty busy day @ work, & besides talking to Sarah, I didn't do much else. I'm glad Diff. Eq. will be done after tomorrow, although I've really enjoyed the class. Then I have to do laundry--& I know how fun that sounds!

This weekend I'm quite looking forward to Twelfth Night & hopefully a picture with Anne Hathaway, even though waiting in line will exhaust me! Friday I have to think of some things to do while I wait... Friday night is Transitions @ the Brooklyn Tabernacle; I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again after a three week break! Then next week is Harry Potter possibly, Chris' birthday, & DC!!! After that, I only have two more weeks until Michigan... Speaking of that, Ruth left today.

Due to all the rain, etc., the weather has been extremely pleasant the past few days--in the 70s or low 80s with lower humidity & partly cloudy. That's much better than the sweltering heat of last summer! I've been enjoying my time outside (& will even more so after tomorrow evening!). Hopefully August won't take away this weather pattern.

Now I must study for my final so I can get an A in my class! Back to the books...

Zuchinni Cake

2009-07-07T23:43:00.004-04:00

I like this writing either early or late thing. :) Sometimes that's just how it goes (especially when you keep a busy schedule with class every night)! Tonight we went over to RST's to celebrate Nichole's birthday with zuchini lime cake. It was quite delicious (thanks to Tracy's expertise!). Then we just visited with our Michigander friends & said bye to Ruth (she's going back to MI tomorrow). I'm excited I'll be seeing the Michiganders in a little less than a month!

Now Nichole & I have stayed up talking (she passed out on the plane on the way AZ!--so she told us that story), which we have missed, & now we are going to bed...

It's Hot!

2009-07-06T07:24:00.003-04:00

I had to put an extra fan in my room last night! I hope I get A/C soon... The rest of my weekend was very nice. Yesterday morning I slept a bit later than usual, got up & went to church, enjoyed a cheap Kaiser roll from the Associated right next door, then practiced for service. Freeman & Candace played & sang with us, which was fun. Service was good, & while it was a little emptier due to the holiday, I enjoyed the people who were there. Donnie talked about Colorado, & the sermon was on Psalm 19, which is a good way to think about God showing through His creation.

We went out to the park for Sunday School & played for a while, then came back to church for business meeting & a reception for Freeman & Candace. I enjoyed spending some time with them. I went to Coney Island with the youth after that, which was pretty fun. We all got tired from the heat (& crowds!), but I really enjoyed seeing it. We rode the Cyclone, which I must say I didn't enjoy as my neck still hurts from that! I came home after that, then went to RST's for dinner & My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Good times with certain friends who are leaving this week...

Now this week is pretty empty except for my final Thursday in Diff. Eq. & celebrating Nichole's birthday Tuesday. I'm looking forward to having this class done & being out this weekend so I can really enjoy the rest of summer with friends. On to my last week of the hectic schedule...

Independence

2009-07-04T20:53:00.002-04:00

Today I am celebrating my independence by watching Fiddler on the Roof! What better way??? I haven't watched it for way too long anyway, & since I have my apartment to myself this weekend, it was a nice way to relax & enjoy the holiday. And this is a perfect movie for independence, no? I also went out to the Brooklyn Marriott & Ft. Greene Park for a while, as well as hung out with Ruth, Stacey, Tracy, & Kristen. It was a very good day.

To tell you the truth, today turned out very differently from what I expected. I was going to watch movies all day, but ended up walking over to RST's when I went out to check out the parade Stacey told me about, just to surprise them. That's when I ended up going to the hotel. Then it was back here, & that's when I started Fiddler. We were all going to meet Tracy @ a concert @ Battery Park, but she called to say we probably wouldn't get in.

That's when Ruth called & told me to come over & we'd hang out in Brooklyn. So I watched until L'Chaim, then went over. We picked up some ice cream & sat in Ft. Greene Park for about an hour. It was GORGEOUS today--the weather was perfect! Due to the holiday, it wasn't extremely crowded. Then Stacey & I proceeded back & ordered Middle Eastern food--I was glad to hang out with her since she's gone most of the summer!

Now I'm back finishing Fiddler, then I'll go to bed early, which is needed tonight. I'm quite tired! Last night was the youth lock-in, which was a lot of fun, & I did sleep, but it still makes you tired. Before that, I first went to see My Sister's Keeper with Ruth & Tracy, then studied for a while--my final is this coming Thursday for Diff. Eq. I am going to be excited to have my class done so that I have more time to enjoy my summer!

My friend Toyin called today; he is taking a year off from med school to get an MPH in Boston next year. I'm so excited he'll be close--it's been a long time since he's been close enough for visits! I'm definitely looking forward to what next year will hold.

And that's all for today. Church tomorrow should be good; Freeman & Candace will be back to visit, & I'm going out to Coney Island with the youth. Besides, I always enjoy church & seeing my family. :)

It's Late!

2009-07-02T23:22:00.003-04:00

I finally have a holiday! It's nice after this class to be able to stay up late on a weeknight... I'm just watching The Princess Diaries; I started it the other day & now I'm finishing it. :) While I'm glad I have tomorrow off, we usually get out early the day before July 4 (the stock market closes early), & instead today it extended trading until 4:15! Crazy!

I'm looking forward to tomorrow morning with Ruth & Tracy, our movie, etc. I'm actually also looking forward to my studying & being ready for my test...

Now I'm going to get ready for bed! :) I know this is a rather short post, but that's how it goes...

The Next Half

2009-07-01T06:54:00.003-04:00

And now we "welcome" July... To tell you the truth, July is usually a good month, & this year there is much I am looking forward to during this month... However, all this doesn't change the fact that I wish time would just slow down a bit! It seems the year is moving too quickly, even if there are still 24 hours every day. And I am thankful; last year it seemed the summer progressed @ a much higher pace than it has this year. There are always good things! At least 2009 is passing a bit slower as we enter another decade after this half of the year--did you think about that?

Two more work days this week--for that I am also thankful! I will be studying both days for my Diff. Eq. test Thursday, but I think I will do pretty well on this test. The first material we covered I feel proficient in, & I'll study the newer material the next two nights more in depth, so I should be good in everything, hopefully! Then Friday, I study for the final exam--which just means I review everything, which will be mostly fun (except for having to review & teach myself exact forms--the one concept I've still been struggling with!).

Friday night is the youth lock-in, & I'm planning a game & a skit, so I'll be working on that today (& tomorrow & Friday)--I'm excited about that. I've helped @ the other lock-ins, & planned a scavenger hunt for the last one, but I enjoy helping however I can with them, & these should be great ways to help even more. Sunday I'll join the youth for an outing to Coney Island--I haven't yet been, & therefore I need to see it! Also, Nichole found a great wrap dress/skirt thing @ the flea market, so I'm getting one for Sarah & myself.

My mom is going to CO today to see my uncle. Hopefully she'll be able to make it to the wedding in a few weeks--we need the entire family there for the full extent of craziness! My sister is heading to Charleston Monday with the youth from my dad's church--she'll be the official photographer/videographer/go-to media person. Hopefully she has fun doing that--I think she will; it's stuff she loves & she enjoys spending the time with the youth, so it should be a good trip.

Now to see how I can enjoy July...

Halfway...

2009-06-30T07:27:00.002-04:00

It's early, but I wanted to be sure to write this last day of June... I can't believe 2009 is halfway over!!! THAT is crazy... My wifi at home wasn't working the past couple days, & I didn't feel like trying to fix it in the middle of my busy schedule with the class, so I just checked my e-mail, etc. @ school. But now it is working again. :) This past weekend was quite lovely; I went to dinner Friday night, came home & watched She's the Man, & slept. Saturday I went to Panera in Queens, then a haircut, then hung out with Lance, then dinner & Meet the Fockers with Ruth & Tracy. Sunday was church, lunch @ Spice Cove, home to watch Just My Luck & chill, ice cream, & catch up with my roommate whom I hadn't seen all weekend as she'd been running around with her cousin!

So of course this week is busy with my class, & I have a test Thursday, but I have no work on Friday... So here's the plans. :) Friday morning I'll do the Y & go see My Sister's Keeper with Ruth & Tracy, then I'll proceed to Chipotle to study all day, then back home to gather my stuff, then to the church to help with the youth lock-in. Saturday after the lock-in, probably breakfast, & the Y I'll have a movie day--just relax here, watch some movies I haven't for a while, & cook/order in/eat some ice cream & celebrate Independence Day. Sunday is church, of course. Then I'll proceed to my last week of class. :)

And now I must proceed to work!