Only in New York, kids, only in New York.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

This is the view when down the street when I step in front of my new building. I look down Washington Street and there's my future office building. Can't wait till next year when HSBC moves to World Trade and I can walk to work.

Which way to Bloomingdales?

Doesn't Meg look like she's ready for the mall?

Susan G. Koman: Race for the Cure

Two weeks ago I "ran" my first 5K. Actually, it was my first official race ever. I use the term ran lightly, as most of the time I was walking.

Breast Cancer research is something I hold near and dear to my heart. At the age of 25 I've known too many people already who've been affected by this disease, and lost my dear sweet Aunt Leza to the battle last fall.

When I saw an ad on the subway a few months ago I immediately signed up. I was truly overcome by the generosity of so many who donated and helped me raise far beyond my goal.

For those of you who received the email asking for support, a lot of this will be repeated information, but I want to put it in my blog for my own record.

This was a special race for me as I was close with my Aunt Leza. New York was her favorite place to visit and even though we were close while I was growing up, it wasn't until after my decision to move here that we became so much more connected.

I was sitting in Central Park last year on September 1st, when I received the news of my aunt's passing. It was a beautiful day, and I was there with my mom, brother, and sister-in-law.

When I saw this race would be taking place in Central Park, I couldn't think of a better place to have it.

Two Sundays ago, September 14th, I met up with my friend Courtnie, and we headed up to the park. It was a beautiful day.

I was blown away by the turn out. It was so amazing and neat to be in a place where everyone was coming together for the same cause. It was somewhat of a foreign feeling, to be in New York and have everyone so friendly, happy, and helpful. I was a bit overwhelmed in the middle of the park, trying to find where I signed in and could pick up my shirt and bib, but everyone was very helpful.

There were thousands of people. It really didn't sink in how many people are affected, until I saw so many people with there signs reading, "I'm running in celebration of...." Just seeing all those names really hit home. It also was humbling to see the little kids, who were there in support of their moms. Truly inspiring.

Me and Court, trying to get to the front. The race had begun but there were so many people filling up Central Park West, you couldn't even move.

My sweet Uncle Mike, Leza's husband, sent me this shirt to wear. I love it so much. So many people were wearing shirts in memory of someone, but I didn't see anyone wearing one with a picture. I had a woman come up to me during the race to tell me she loved the shirt. I was so proud.

I took this picture after we'd run about half a mile up Central Park West, and then turned into Central Park. When I was living on West 112th Street I used to run down Central Park West to Columbus Circle. This was during the time Leza was sick, and I'd often think of her during these runs.

By this point Courtnie and I had separated and were going at our own pace. It was such an amazing experience. I just can't say that enough. I jogged without my iPod in for the first mile or so, to take in the experience. It was great to have people cheering us along on the sidelines, little cheerleaders, and people handing out water. I think it would be really cool to volunteer next year.

As I mentioned, it was a beautiful day. I truly could feel Leza's spirit there with me, so strong. As I was listening to my iPod I had some fun music, like the Beatles, "I Saw Her Standing There" and Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl". So many times I'd think of her and I always just saw her, dancing around, always with the biggest grin on her face, always so happy. Anyone who knew Leza knew what a great dancer she was, and how she was always having fun.

This was quite the emotional experience for me. I will admit I cried for the first two miles, but it was just a really neat thing for me to do. I wish I could put my feelings into words better.

After the race there were stands everywhere, giving out free everything. I loved this water bottle, and thought, how perfect!

Being a breast cancer survivor, Cynthia Nixon was there, helping give out the awards. I've seen her a few times filming in the city, but this was the closest I'd ever seen her. She is tiny, and was so sweet.

When Courtnie and I were headed back to the subway we walked through an area where so many of the benches were dedicated. I especially loved this one. So sweet.

Loved it

Last night I went to a tiny little theater in the Village and saw Hounddog. I feel like I've been hearing about this movie for over a year. People have been protesting it due to a graphic scene involving Dakota Fanning, a minor. I'm not going to rationalize it, and say it was no big deal, however with all the hype I was imagining something much worse. I couldn't fight the curiosity from the negative press, however, and being a big Dakota fan, wanted to see for myself.

The little theater was awesome. My ticket was only $10, that being a steal as usually movie tickets in the city are $12-12.50. Sodas and popcorn ranged from $2-5. Seriously? And there were only about 50 seats in my little theater. To make it even better, Deborah Kampmeier, the writer of the movie, came out before it started to talk to the audience. She said this movie had taken 12 years to make, and now that it's been released in limited theaters, they're working hard to have it released everywhere.

I love New York. I love that every movie that's made can be found in the smallest little theater around, and the writers/actors will show up to make appearances. (Charlize Theron was at the Lowes theater on 66th to do a Q&A session before the showing of Battle in Seattle just a few weeks ago. Tickets were available for anyone.)

All that being said, I loved the movie. There were two very short, uncomfortable scenes, and despite those, there was nothing in the movie that was questionable. Dakota Fanning is such an amazing, talented little actress. I hope she can stay straight, and not get screwed up like so much of young Hollywood.

And most of all I really, really loved the moral of the story. Crappy things happen in life, and then it's up to us to decide if we will let it ruin us, or make something good come from it. Maybe I just liked it so much because that's something I've been working on in the last year. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, as you definitely could be offended by the content, but if you think you can handle it, it really is a great show, and you should see it if it's playing in a theater near you.

Thanks

Thanks for those who've come forward to say you've been secretly enjoying my blog. If you don't want to leave a comment you can always email me at raehope1@gmail.com.

Come on, there's no shame! Whoever you are in Atlanta, and El Cajon.....I can see on my statcounter that you're a returning visitor. So why not just say hi?

My new favorite city that's popping up? Cardiff by the Sea. Love that name. And even better, I love that I know whose computer it's coming from. :)

Youtube

So I'm not much of a youtuber but Maria showed me this video and I've probably watched it a million times. Funniest thing ever. Makes me excited to have kids one day. There's so many things I love about this, her little face, her mom laughing, and the little girl's reasoning for her actions. And honestly, besides my nieces, have you ever seen a cuter little girl? Chels put it best when she said she looks like a Cabbage Patch Doll.

Enjoy.

*PS Sorry if this offends you. If you're a regular reader of my blog you should know by now sometimes I'm offensive.

Help

How in the world do I post a youtube video on here?

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Just asking...

I love the Just Asking... section of Page Six from the Post, but it always leaves me wondering.

Sort of like how I feel when I look at my stat counter and wonder who's looking at my blog that I may, or may not, know. I don't feel threatened, awkward, or creeped out, but I do feel curious. So come on, reveal yourselves! I look at plenty of blogs who belong to people who are friends of friends of friends. Sometimes it's entertaining, or sometimes I'm just bored. At any rate, if I look enough, I usually introduce myself by leaving a comment. I think for the most part people don't really care, and neither do I!

So.....who are you?

Mom

I'm maybe the worst daughter ever, because with all the shout outs I've done, I think this is my mom's first. Last year on her birthday I didn't have a computer so I was rarely blogging.

Her birthday was last week, and in honor of her golden bday, I'd like to list 35 things I love about my mom. Sorry it's late Mom, hope your day was great!

Her infectious laugh
Her phenomenal cooking skills
Her embarrassing stories she doesn't mind sharing so we all get a good laugh
The way she pretends she knows the words to songs and will sing along in the car, but if I turn down the volume she'll slowly fade away
Her thoughtful nature
Her always good intentions
She puts people first
She loves her family so much, and will do anything to have them near her
The way she'll cry over a commercial (maybe that's where I get it?)
Her sweet karate kicks she used to bust out when we were younger
The way she'll rock out
How she loves to dance
She was always the mom my friends loved
Her leadership abilities
Her fashion sense, which is usually better than mine
Her little sayings, that are pounded in all our heads
The way she indulges
She's a giver
She'll always take me everywhere I want to go, when I come to California
She makes friends with everyone. Seriously, you can't take her anywhere because she knows people everywhere.
She'll let you choose where you want to eat, what movie you want to see, what game you want to play (except for when the Mexican Train is involved....we always have to play that one)
She likes the same tv shows I do
She gets the best tans
Even when I'm a brat, she shakes it off and still wants to talk to me
She's spontaneous and always up for something new
She always wants our time together as family to be the most fun and most memorable
She always figures out the twists and surprises is movies (something that actually drives me crazy, but only because I never figure these things out)
The way she acts like she's so impressed by my living in Manhattan
The way she can talk to anyone, whether she's known them her whole life or just met them
She makes me feel like I can speak openly, and don't have to sensor myself
She always tries to do the right thing
She'll always spoil us, even though we're all adults
How she'll work so hard, to make everything perfect when we come home
The way she was always involved in my life growing up
The way she continually unconditionally loves us

Marketing approach

"Umbrella's here! Cheaper than cigarettes!"

Heard yesterday on the corner of 40th Street and 6th Ave.

Only in New York, kiddies.

6th Avenue, somewhere in the 30s

Seen in the window of a little shop in the fashion district, above a metal folding chair.

Only in New York, kids, only in New York.

New do?

It was rainy today, and maybe I killed some time by playing around with the In Style hair makeover tool. There's so many celeb styles from which to choose, they've even got Sarah Palin.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Heavy boots.

Maybe it's that sad Grey's Anatomy has been on in the background for the past two hours. Maybe it's because it's raining and a nor'easter is heading our way. Or maybe it's because Wall Street's been so dang depressing the last couple weeks. Not sure.

Heavy boots. Yep, tonight I've got em.

Phobia

noun: a persistent, irrational fear of a specific object, activity, or situation that leads to a compelling desire to avoid it.

It happened. I saw what I think was my first spider since I've been living in Manhattan. (Seriously, we don't have them here. Cockroaches, on the other hand, are a different story.) Anyone who knows me well knows I freak out when I see spiders, mostly if they take me by surprise. My saint of a dad killed so many spiders for me growing up. You might think this enabled my fear, but I can honestly tell you I have tried to kill them. I could tell you stories, one that includes a 30 minute battle with one that started downstairs, and finally ended in my parents' bedroom with a dead spider on the bottom of my mom's shoe, with a note on the table giving her the fyi.

I can't even tell you how many times people have seen me freak out at the sight of a spider and have given me the ridiculous roll of the eyes, and obnoxious, "It's a spider." It's like they think they can talk me out of the fear. It's psychological people. I understand you don't understand it, but I also don't appreciate the intolerance.

Today at work there was a spider coming down it's web right behind my chair. When I saw it I immediately hopped out of my chair. My boss was standing right there and when I told him what freaked me out he saw it, and then grabbed the string. I stood there watching the whole thing, with my hand on my chest, and for the first time during an episode like this I was able to really take notice of what I was feeling. I could feel my heart pounding so hard, and fast. I suddenly felt my face getting so hot, realized how heavily I was breathing, and noticed my palms (and pits, sorry) totally sweaty.

Worried he might not understand that this wasn't just a little "ew, those are gross" situation, I kept backing away from him. I didn't want him getting any crazy thoughts like he should chase me with it because it'd be "funny." He tried to talk rationality to me but I could hardly respond because I could fear the tears welling up. Seriously?? I know how ridiculous this sounds. And I have really, really tried to get over it. I hate the way I feel completely powerless. Really, I hate it.

The sad news is, the spider got away, so it's probably building its nest in my chair. Or maybe it crawled in my bag and I brought it home with me. Awesome.

What are your irrational fears?

Saturday, September 20, 2008

I'm alive

I've officially painted, and moved in, but not quite finished unpacking. It's been a process, dependent upon a few things. I'm almost done, but have been ridiculously busy, and totally exhausted. And don't worry, my bruised and scabbed foot is slowly recovering from the piece of IKEA furniture that collapsed on it. That was fun.

Obviously with the crash of our economy things have been pretty crazy at work. My poor boss pretty much hasn't slept all week. He's been at the office till almost midnight, and starting conference calls with Asia at 2:30 in the morning. I've seen guys falling asleep on their desks this week. And snoring.

I've just been busy trying to make his life easier in any way I can. You know it's going to be a bad day when you wake up for work and there's a text from the man, asking to pick up 15 breakfast burritos from McDonald's for the desk.

Anyway, at some point I'll post pics of the new place. Don't anticipate a lot, it's about half the size of my last. But I am love love loving my new room.

More soon.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

9/11

It was a somber day in New York. When I exited the back of my building this morning I was bombarded with fire trucks with their lights flashing, firemen, and police officers directing traffic. They were getting ready for the memorial service which happens every year, just three blocks away from my apartment, at World Trade Center.

To say it was a heavy feeling this morning, as a moment of silence was held four times, the first at 8:46am, would be an understatement. It was so strange to hear the trading floor go completely silent and see the traders with their heads down, and equally strange to look up at the TVs and see the Stock Exchange silent. It was almost deafening.

Last year was my first time in New York on September 11th, and I'll never forget it. This year, however, seemed to feel even heavier, I'm not sure why. I was living in this apartment in 2007, and was working for the same company. Maybe it's because I've heard so many more personal experiences from that day. Maybe it's because I know next September 11th my company will be located in Tower 7 of World Trade, or maybe it's because after living here for almost two years I feel an even stronger tie to New York; I don't know.

I know I will never comprehend how it felt to be here in 2001. I can only think about and pray for those who experienced a loss that day.

*Both photos taken out of my living room window of f the Twin Towers Memorial Lights.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Autumn in New York

Is there anything better?

Yesterday on my way to work it was a little bit darker in the morning, and brown leaves were flying in the air.

It's official, it's fall, I thought to myself.

Even though I'm such a summer time girl, I couldn't help but smile. Today it was a tad bit more crisp. I found myself searching for sunlight to walk in, instead of the usual shadow casts by buildings I crave all summer long. I went into Lord and Taylor this afternoon and was bombarded by gloves, hats, and scarves. (Can't wait to start wearing my new Uggs!)

Like Katie, I contemplate whether I really would prefer warm days all year round like back in California, or if I really do enjoy the change of seasons. I used to scoff at my dad when he'd complain about California lacking four seasons.

Now, I understand. And I like it.

It's a small world. Some might say a little TOO small.

One of these places is the first home from which I have memories. The fam and I moved away 21 years ago and I haven't been back since.

The other place is where I'll be visiting someone four weeks from Friday.

Twelve miles apart. Weird. Maybe I'll go visit the McCrackens.

I'm just sayin...

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Risa and Ryan Williams, 08/31/2008

So I made it to Portland safely the Thursday before the wedding. When I arrived I was SO exhausted, as I'd been working all day and landed at 11pm (so 2am east coast time.) Risa told me she'd take me back to her place, but everyone was hanging out at Dr. Feelgoods, the bar about a mile away from her and Ryan's house. I didn't want to be antisocial so I said I wouldn't mind stopping by for a bit. I ended up getting a second wind and we stayed out till a little after 1. Obviously I was so tired, but that didn't stop us from staying up till about 3:30 or so, chatting away and catching up. Luckily we didn't need to get up the next day for anything until our nail appointments at 2pm.

Looking all sorts of nasty.

I love little Troy.

Friday night at the rehearsal dinner. It was held at the home of Risa's aunt and uncle, Katherine and Mike. Obviously so gorgeous. We ate dinner on the deck overlooking the water. Mike also married Ryan and Risa.

Saturday we all got on a charter bus and went wine tasting at three different vineyards. It was so beautiful.

We took a tour at the last winery.

Saturday night we ended up going to Dr. Feelgood's again. It's quite the dive bar. An empty dancefloor didn't stop Dustin from busting a move. Ryan had about 16 buddies in town for the wedding. To say they were wild and rowdy is quite an understatement, but they were a lot of fun too.