Autumn in New York....

....Why does it seem so inviting?

Its no secret that fall is my favorite season. The air is crisp, trees are changing, farmers are bringing their amazing ciders to out door markets, and the list could go on.

Today is one of those perfect New York days. The sky is gray, the air is chill and crisp and the leaves on the trees in Union Square park are a bright, golden yellow.

I went to the farmers market over in Union Square and bought fresh apple cider. The man selling it almost had me sold on pear cider, but I decided to stick to what I knew and went with apple.

Tonight I'm going to be lame and do laundry (which is beginning to take over my apartment), and make Irish Stew with lamb. I'll keep those of you who read this posted on how it turns out...

Tuesday, Tuesday....

I feel the need to rant a little on this Tuesday morning. Somedays the MTA simply pisses me off.

This morning I get on a packed train only to find that everyone has congregated by the door because they are either a)too lazy to move to the center, or b) too stupid to move to the center where more people can board the train. I'm going with option B.

Then, when a seat finally opens up, I have to squeeze in because two rather obese people have decided to create a Ginny sandwhich. The best part is they both look at me as though they are annoyed...

My morning commute makes me miss driving!!

I then realized that I had left the very visible tag on my new toothpick cords I bought at J.Crew yesterday. Now, that's not super embarrassing as it would have been in college. I've managed to widdle myself down to a size 4 as opposed to the MUCH larger size I was back then...I'll omit the former size in order to keep some shred of dignity.

I'm now currently at work and have managed to calm myself down with two cups of coffee and Bob Dylan...Tuesday is looking better already.

SUCCESS!

Yes! I now know I can update from my backberry! Yayy!

However, this means I have no excuse for not updating.

Gotta love the way technology traps you....

Crossing My Fingers

Ok...so, I know its been a really loooong time since I've blogged, but I have several valid excuses.

First, my computer crashed. In June. Can't get it fixed. Saving for a Mac and never buying a PC EVER AGAIN!

Second reason is that I moved...again. I'm back in Brooklyn. The Manhattan apartment was a bust. Needless to say, I was dying to go back to Brooklyn. So I did. I'm in a great two bedroom with a fabulous roomate who is from Nashville...who would have thought?! We are in Williamsburg, which is a very artisitc/hipster kind of neighborhood. Not exactly J.Crew, but its great.

I'm updating from my blackberry...let's cross our fingers that this is actual going to work and does not result in my screaming and cursing and throwing the damn thing across the room.

It's Been Too Long

I know, I know. I haven't been the greatest at keeping up with the blog lately. My life took a little turn the past couple of months and I haven't had much time to actually sit down. I'm working full time again babysitting, still working at Pottery Barn on the weekends/weeknights, and trying to catch up on sleep and my social life during the weekends.

On another note, I'm packing. My lease is up in May and I decided to not renew it here in Park Slope. Now is the best time to rent in New York, so I decided to move on up. Not to the East side, but to the West. As of next week, I will be moving to Washington Heights in Manhattan. I'm so excited because I'm paying significantly less than I am here in Brooklyn, and will be in Manhattan which is were all my jobs/activities are. Next time I will post some pictures of my new apartment. I just found my digital camera, so I can start taking pictures now.

I'm so happy summer is here! I love summer so much. I can't wait to go to farmer's markets, summer concerts in the park, Shakespeare in the park, eating lunch at the boat house in Central Park, movies in the park, etc. I'm so happy it has arrived!

Chi Omega Blog?

I don't know how many people actually read my blog. If you are a stalker like me, then I would assume it is a regular occurance. I have noticed that several greek organizations from Union have a blog site to update people on thier lives such as marriage announcements and baby announcements. Has anyone who was a Chi O at Union thought of doing one for us? Just throwing it out there. I think it would be fun!
P.S. I would volunteer to start one myself, but I don't trust myself to keep up with it. I would be glad to contribute though!

The Greatest Website Ever Created

My friend Katie recently told me about this website. I now read it daily. No matter how bad you might feel, it always makes you laugh.

On the Set

See Laura's blog for more details

Things I'm Loving/Wanting Right Now

So, I know right now I'm just dreaming. During these times of economic hardships, it is important to remember that I need to not blow rent and therefore cannot buy clothes.

Yeah, right.

In the summer, I live in dresses and skirts. I just think this is fun and pretty and would be so cute to wear out.

I love, love, love J. Crew flip-flops. Every year I buy two black pairs and then a couple pairs of fun colors. By mid summer I have to throw away one pair and break in the other. I live in flip-flops in the summer and wouldn't have it any other way.

The Icon Trench from J.Crew. I love it!

A new rain jacket from Patagonia. I have a million rain jackets, but I live in New York and feel as though I can justify having a few more. I'm also off the North Face bandwagon and have been going with Patagonia for some time now. Thier customer service and garuntee of quality is outstanding. They should pay me for advertising.

Zinnia Print Duvet Cover from Garnet Hill. I have the laundry basket, but there is something so fun about this print that makes me want more!

Tank Dresses from Garnet Hill. I want them all except for pink, of course!

I Was Doing So Well!!

It's been a couple of weeks since I last blogged. I was doing pretty well keeping up with this thing but fell behind for a bit. Oh well....
Here are some random thoughts from my day so far:

I'm sitting on my computer in Starbucks and two people have walked by me hitting me in the head with their very heavy bags. They both stopped to look at me after doing so, but never apologized. Nice.

I can't adjust to the time change. In my opinion, springing forward is the worst day of the year. It takes me forever to get used to the time. Why is that?

I was uptown on Monday and decided for old times sake I would go into Barney's to look around. Whoever said looking around was fun is stupid.

Last Thursday, the work schedule for this week was not posted. Instead of calling I went in yesterday around 1 to see when I was working next. My manager saw me and asked if it was 4 yet. I then realized I was supposed to be working. Great. My outfit consisted of navy leggings, brown Uggs, a white v-neck tee, a black zip-up fleece, and my camel coat. Pretty, I know. So, without time to run home and change, I ran to J.Crew to find something to wear. I don't have much money right now and was in a panic to find something. Not the best shopping situation. I found a metallic mini skirt and a navy tee. Oh my. So, I decided to wear the skirt over my leggings with my Uggs. It was a pretty sight. Actually, it was pretty awful! My manager told me it was the worst outfit he had ever seen. All my co-workers asked me if something was wrong because I didn't look like myself. And customers probably thought Pottery Barn was hiring people off the street now. Needless to say, I kept the tags on the skirt and am returning it tomorrow.

More Photos of the Birthday

Here are some pictures from my other birthday party at Brother Jimmy's. The first one is for you, Heather! Does it look familiar?! Enjoy!

Some Birthday Photos

I stole these from a friend's facebook page. There are more floating around the universe somewhere that I will add later.

First Bit of Randomness In My 27th Year

Yes, as of Sunday I am officially 27. I have no comment at this time.

It is really embarrassing when you go into a public restroom where there is only one toilet and the person in there before you did something that people shouldn't do in a public restroom and there is a line behind you when you come out and people assume you were the one who made that disgusting smell. And no, it wasn't me.

The sentence above was probably the longest run-on sentence I have ever written.

The weather here is beginning to warm up a little bit. I only had to wear one sweater under my coat today.

Its a good thing the weather is warming up. My Uggs that I purchased in October are on their last leg. Everyone always asks me how I can only wear my Uggs for one season. Survive a New York winter and you won't ask that question anymore.

Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. It seems every year I get "ashed" I get a million stares as I walk down the street. There are millions of Catholics in this city. Yet, for some reason people always look at me as though I have the plague.

Speaking of Ash Wednesday, I have no idea what I'm giving up.

St. Patrick's day is less than a month away! I LOVE St. Patrick's day here. I think I'm going to take the day off to celebrate my heritage and the next day off to recover.

I need to find a new green shirt to wear this year. Last year I bought a really cute Splendid long-sleeved green tee at Barney's COOP.

I miss being able to shop at Barney's. More than words can express. I can't wait for day when the two of us and my credit card can be re-united.

Let's Celebrate

Sunday is my 27th birthday. And while I'm not thrilled to be so close to 30, I'm still going out to celebrate. Tonight, we are going to Brother Jimmy's, which is my favorite bar here in New York. It's Southern. Enough said.

Saturday, well is Valentine's day. And yes, I'm still single. Whatever. I'm going out with some friends. At the stroke of midnight it will officially be my birthday.

Sunday I'm working. Oh good. Afterward, I'm meeting up with some friends for a birthday drink.

I think its going to be a good time. But hey, every weekend is a good time.

More Random Thoughts for Thursday

The wind is so strong here today. I think it actually picked me up and carried me uptown a few blocks. Hey-they're raising the price on Metro Cards. I could use a free ride.

I'm so broke. This morning I checked my bank account and all I found in there was $1.18. Whoa. I quickly rounded up all my change and headed to coinstar. Guess I won't be doing laundry this week. The one close to my apartment was not working. Of course. I had to walk down 3 avenues and about 10 blocks to find a coinstar that was actually working.

This is my last Thursday post of my 26th year.

I'm scared the economy is so bad that I might have to move back to Nashville for a while. That would probably kill me.

My Aunt sent me a ring for my birthday and I'm wearing it today. I'm actually wearing it on my left hand. Four people have asked me if I'm married today. Since when did New Yorkers start taking the time to ask people questions? Did I miss something?

I was craving peanut butter today, but am still scared to eat it. After reading the article in the Times this week I think I'll steer clear for a while. See Mondays post

I'm itching to get out of the country. I'm bound and determined to go to South America when I graduate. Who the hell knows when that will be.

I don't set New Years resolutions. Instead I make birthday resolutions. The only thing I can think of is to not be broke all the time. The only way that will happen is if hell freezes over and J.Crew closes all of their stores.

New Obsession

I made the best salad yesterday at Whole Foods. Normally when I make a salad there I put a million different things in it. Usually my salad consists of mixed greens, edamame, corn, carrots, green pepper, and raisins. However, yesterday, I woke up with a craving. Mixed greens, feta cheese, dried cranberries, and balsamic vinegarette. I decided to follow my craving for lunch/dinner at Whole Foods in Union Square. It was unbelievable. I only hope no one was watching me devour it.

All I Can Say Is....

Eww!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/09/us/09peanuts.html?_r=1&hp

So Far, So Good

Well, its been a couple weeks now since I have renewed my blog. I have to say I've done a pretty good job keeping up with things. I do have to say I hate reading blogs that don't have pictures, so I'm going to do my best to search for my camera and post pictures. Although it would be easier to find a needle in a haystack than to find something in my apartment. Whatever....
I live in the typical Brooklyn apartment. Something that looks like a house, but has several apartments inside. My building is white with purple (lavender) trim and a little gate out front. My apartment faces the street and is right by the door to my building. Needless to say, there is a lot of noise all the time. Yesterday morning at 8 am I heard one of my neighbors exit our building with his dog (who is always barking) and proclaim "spring!" So eventually, around 11, I got myself out of bed to go to the bakery around the corner to get my morning coffee, and realized it was warmer. I only had to wear two layers under my coat yesterday rather than 4. Wow! It was spring. Sure.

True Love

I've found true love. The kind of love that lasts for maybe a year or so, and is then tossed into the closet. I saw this wallet at Kate Spade while I was in Nashville. I normally buy a new bag from Kate every year, but this year I ended up splurging on an AMAZING red coat from J.Crew. I don't allow myself to go to the stores here in Manhattan because I know I will spend too much money on things I don't really need. However, since my birthday is approaching I showed it to my mom hoping she would take a hint.....

Random Thoughts for Thursday

I've decided to do it. I'm going to bite the bullett and start running. Everyone is doing it. And yes, if everyone were jumping off a bridge, I would do it too. Why would I want to be the only one left? I started my research last month and I'm doing the beginners program from Runner's World magazine.

I'm officially addicted to brick breaker on my blackberry. I find myself having conversations with people (in person) and playing the game simultaneously. Also, I find that when I'm actually talking on the phone, I catch myself wishing I could play brick breaker while on the phone.

It is too cold outside. This morning while I was getting dressed, I turned on the news to see what the weather was going to be like today. 13 degrees. REALLY?!

On a more serious note, I can't believe the tornado at Union was a year ago. I'm just happy everyone made it out alive.

I'm freaking out about turning 27 next week.

I'm in Starbucks right now listening to the Boss on my iPod. It smells like rotten eggs in here.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think its supposed to smell like that in a coffee shop.

Last night I was walking home and ran into my roomate. She was talking about the previous night and how cold it was. I replied yes, Monday was ridiculously cold out. She informed me that Monday was two days ago and that it was Wednesday. Wow...

Almost February.....Thank God!

I don't know why, but for some reason I have always hated the month of January. I love the winter time at first. I couldn't imagine a warm Christmas. However, I always dread the turn of the new year when I know I have 31 days of this dreaded month.
I'm a warm weather girl. I know, I live in New York, which isn't known for its warmth during the fall/winter months. To me, January is so long. By the time the month rolls around and Christmas is over, I'm ready for green trees, flowers, and flip-flops. During the month of January we have to face the long, cold days and long for the days when we can walk outside and not have 5 layers of clothes under our coats. So, here's to the end of the worst month (in my opinion) and the start of the shortest month of the year. Pretty soon it will be March and as the old saying goes, March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb!

Starting Over.....Yet Again

I know, I know. I'm horrible at this blog thing! This is my third attempt and hopefully this one will stick. I just realized my last blog entry was last February. I figured it was time for an update.
Not much is new with me. Still living in New York and doing the nursing thing. After three years, I left my job last April and moved to Brooklyn. I love living in Brooklyn. I live in the Park Slope area which is a really nice area and fits me like a glove.
I'm taking it a little easier this semester. After last semester I decided I had to take a break. So, I'm not doing as many classes this semester. My days are filled with little studying and a lot of relaxing.
Not much else is going on. Right now I'm sitting in Starbucks in the Village, drinking a great cup of coffee and listening to the Beatles on iTunes. What could be better?!