I've been a busy bee at work this week. Someone predicted it would be a tough week and while at the time I thought they were crazy, that someone was right.
So... um... that's all.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Feels like home to me
In two weeks I've already done more with my room in my new apartment than I did in my previous place in 6 months. Maybe I knew I wasn't going to stay in the UES- and that deep down I'm an UWS girl...the reason I had to finally tidy the room is I had friends coming to see it. (I love living in NY simply for the reason that more friends find their way here than they would any other city in NA).
Leigh and her sister (also a friend!) were here from Calgary. Leigh is having a baby (yay!!) and so while we went out for dinner and drinks and had a great night- it wasn't quite the same as the nights we used to have at "Cowboys" ...
This is my friend Paul who was visiting from Toronto. He and I went to the play "Exit the King" with Susan Sarandon and Geoffery Rush. I was going to write a post about it and call it "Exit the Sarah" because I left at intermission. I hated it- but upon discussing it with Paul I realize it was actually quite smart and I was just not in the right headspace for it.
(And YES my room is big enough to house a regular double bed and a double sized blow-up mattress- trust me- way more comfortable than the couch!)
This is me and Rose out on Saturday night. Though we hung a lot before- now it's constant because we live minutes away from each other. We went to a roof top patio at the Hudson and it was sooo beautiful out. We have pouring thunderstorms right now which people don't love (I do) but once they end, we'll have a freshly washed city- ready for the spring.
Leigh and her sister (also a friend!) were here from Calgary. Leigh is having a baby (yay!!) and so while we went out for dinner and drinks and had a great night- it wasn't quite the same as the nights we used to have at "Cowboys" ...
This is my friend Paul who was visiting from Toronto. He and I went to the play "Exit the King" with Susan Sarandon and Geoffery Rush. I was going to write a post about it and call it "Exit the Sarah" because I left at intermission. I hated it- but upon discussing it with Paul I realize it was actually quite smart and I was just not in the right headspace for it.
(And YES my room is big enough to house a regular double bed and a double sized blow-up mattress- trust me- way more comfortable than the couch!)
This is me and Rose out on Saturday night. Though we hung a lot before- now it's constant because we live minutes away from each other. We went to a roof top patio at the Hudson and it was sooo beautiful out. We have pouring thunderstorms right now which people don't love (I do) but once they end, we'll have a freshly washed city- ready for the spring.
The Two Sides of O
Here she is enjoying her carrots.
Now I guess they don't taste as good.
It's also rare that I see a picture of her that she's not all smileys... so I had to post it!
Now I guess they don't taste as good.
It's also rare that I see a picture of her that she's not all smileys... so I had to post it!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Susan Boyle.
By now I'm sure you're heard about her or seen the clip on youtube... but in case you haven't- please do go and check out Susan Boyle singing "I dream a dream" on the reality TV show "Britain's Got Talent."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY
Susan has become an internet sensation- garnering around 47 million views on youtube in the past 6 days. (they are guesstimating based on how many times her clip has been copy and pasted and viewed beyond just the 24.5 million currently on the link above.) This is an all time high, especially for such a short period of time.
And there have been many many blogs and posts and comments about why she's so popular and inspirational and wonderful... so I won't add much to the fray except to say this:
Susan's performance has provided a bit of a moral compass to our society- and caused us all to sit up and re-evaluate our perceptions and beliefs. We viewed this woman through a filter of cynicism and disbelief: She is 'old', she is 'frumpy, she is past her prime and therefore not someone to be taken seriously. She is not successful or beautiful or talented.
Except that she is.
In this world of 'pretty young things' where youth and beauty triumph... she shows us all that we are worshiping at the wrong alter. And there can be beauty where you don't expect it. And that the definition of beauty (though we all know it - we don't 'know' it) needs to be re-defined.
After viewing this clip, we, as a society, sit here dumbfounded and shake our heads and hopefully learn from the lesson we have been given.
I think also (and I'm echoing the sentiments of many here) that she does provide that ray of sunshine in these bleak bleak times. We are living in an era where it's become common place for a shooting to occur at a nursing home, or an immigrant centre, and for that to occupy the news space for a day - before another tragedy takes over. We hear every day of jobs being cut, the unemployment rate soaring, chaos ensuing... there is not hope but fear.
And so to have something so simple and beautiful - an underdog triumphing and taking the world by storm... it gives us all hope. Look into the audience and you see those people want her to succeed. They want to be proven wrong. Because it gives them hope. It means that they too have a chance to succeed. And to triumph.
She has confidence, joy in her voice, and light shining out of her when singing. It's rare to find such a genuine article in our pre-packaged glossy world.
And she is definitely beautiful. You don't have to close your eyes to see it. You just have to open your mind.
(co-authored by jdk)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY
Susan has become an internet sensation- garnering around 47 million views on youtube in the past 6 days. (they are guesstimating based on how many times her clip has been copy and pasted and viewed beyond just the 24.5 million currently on the link above.) This is an all time high, especially for such a short period of time.
And there have been many many blogs and posts and comments about why she's so popular and inspirational and wonderful... so I won't add much to the fray except to say this:
Susan's performance has provided a bit of a moral compass to our society- and caused us all to sit up and re-evaluate our perceptions and beliefs. We viewed this woman through a filter of cynicism and disbelief: She is 'old', she is 'frumpy, she is past her prime and therefore not someone to be taken seriously. She is not successful or beautiful or talented.
Except that she is.
In this world of 'pretty young things' where youth and beauty triumph... she shows us all that we are worshiping at the wrong alter. And there can be beauty where you don't expect it. And that the definition of beauty (though we all know it - we don't 'know' it) needs to be re-defined.
After viewing this clip, we, as a society, sit here dumbfounded and shake our heads and hopefully learn from the lesson we have been given.
I think also (and I'm echoing the sentiments of many here) that she does provide that ray of sunshine in these bleak bleak times. We are living in an era where it's become common place for a shooting to occur at a nursing home, or an immigrant centre, and for that to occupy the news space for a day - before another tragedy takes over. We hear every day of jobs being cut, the unemployment rate soaring, chaos ensuing... there is not hope but fear.
And so to have something so simple and beautiful - an underdog triumphing and taking the world by storm... it gives us all hope. Look into the audience and you see those people want her to succeed. They want to be proven wrong. Because it gives them hope. It means that they too have a chance to succeed. And to triumph.
She has confidence, joy in her voice, and light shining out of her when singing. It's rare to find such a genuine article in our pre-packaged glossy world.
And she is definitely beautiful. You don't have to close your eyes to see it. You just have to open your mind.
(co-authored by jdk)
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Bad movies & good wine
We went to see the movie "Adventureland" last night. Had high hopes for it as the commercials showed a witty coming of age story about a motley crew of kids getting into trouble, working as carnies and generally being kids in the best of all decades- the 80s.
Well to give an idea of how great it was:
There was one scene where the main kid was driving down the street drinking (I'm not 'spoiling' anything for you because you're not going to see it and if I am spoiling it- trust me- this little tidbit is only a shadow of the spoilage you will experience if you actually watch this pile of crap). So anys...he's driving down the street and veering and maybe the music starts to pipe in ominous tones so that you suspect something bad is going to happen- or maybe not- you don't really care either way by this point... and while he was veering, I was silently praying "Run into a tree....roll credits... run into a tree...c'mon credits..."
But alas though he did hit a tree no one died and it still went on for like another 20 long and boring and painful and pointless minutes. Please save yourself the $130 and don't go see it.
Afterwards to salvage the evening, Rose and I went to a wine bar nearish to my house. It was called "Barcibo Enoteca" and it was awesome. The service was a bit slow but that was only because I was really hungry and impatient. The setting was cozy and warm. The food was fantastic (nutella panini!!) and the wine plentiful and delish. I recommend it to anyone. Though it did seem more like a date place than somewhere you'd go with a group of friends.
Regardless of who you go with- it saved our evening and has earned a spot on my list of 'visit again'.
Well to give an idea of how great it was:
There was one scene where the main kid was driving down the street drinking (I'm not 'spoiling' anything for you because you're not going to see it and if I am spoiling it- trust me- this little tidbit is only a shadow of the spoilage you will experience if you actually watch this pile of crap). So anys...he's driving down the street and veering and maybe the music starts to pipe in ominous tones so that you suspect something bad is going to happen- or maybe not- you don't really care either way by this point... and while he was veering, I was silently praying "Run into a tree....roll credits... run into a tree...c'mon credits..."
But alas though he did hit a tree no one died and it still went on for like another 20 long and boring and painful and pointless minutes. Please save yourself the $130 and don't go see it.
Afterwards to salvage the evening, Rose and I went to a wine bar nearish to my house. It was called "Barcibo Enoteca" and it was awesome. The service was a bit slow but that was only because I was really hungry and impatient. The setting was cozy and warm. The food was fantastic (nutella panini!!) and the wine plentiful and delish. I recommend it to anyone. Though it did seem more like a date place than somewhere you'd go with a group of friends.
Regardless of who you go with- it saved our evening and has earned a spot on my list of 'visit again'.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Rainy Day in the City
It's pouring rain in NYC today... so what's a girl to do? I started the day off by a trip to Target in Brooklyn for some essentials (although I must say my niece O did alright on this trip).
Now I'm meeting a new friend up at the Museum of the City of New York. Then we're meeting an old friend (she's not old- she's just been a friend for a long time!) at the Time Warner Centre for a coffee (or maybe by that time something a little bit stronger).
Pictures? No. Interesting stories? Not yet.
But it's not all madcap adventures in nyc y'know! Sometimes I do just do regular everyday stuff with friends. : )
Now I'm meeting a new friend up at the Museum of the City of New York. Then we're meeting an old friend (she's not old- she's just been a friend for a long time!) at the Time Warner Centre for a coffee (or maybe by that time something a little bit stronger).
Pictures? No. Interesting stories? Not yet.
But it's not all madcap adventures in nyc y'know! Sometimes I do just do regular everyday stuff with friends. : )
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
what it feels like for a girl
Last night I went to see my old roommate Lola. Her new roommate, Ann, was moving in and was super friendly so we started chatting. It turns out that this girl works for a professional matchmaking service... not online but one similar to the show "Millionaire Matchmaker". And, the same way that one might ask a doctor at a cocktail party about the pain in their elbow, I started to share my recent guy issues to get her advice (I mean she's surrounded by relationships coming together and falling apart all the time- she must know a thing or two!). The advice was pretty good... but mostly common sense.
Then Lola, inspired, says to Ann "hey you could always use Sarah for a set-up! Sarah- how about it? Go see Ann for a match!"
(There was a pregnant pause heavy with anticipation as I was sized up by the professional matchmaker)
Ann, who is quite nice so please don't judge her harshly by my next words, said "um... let me give you the inside scoop on this game... you won't meet the criteria of the guys who are looking to be set up. You're too big."
(This was followed by an awkward pause).
Oh. Ok.
Well then.
Um.
How does one move on from such a comment?
She did elaborate (and quickly) that the guys who use this service pay $30,000 for a set-up and are mostly hedge fund millionaire jerks with no real time for a relationship who are looking for a size 2 trophy who won't voice an opinion or present a challenge.
And I'm happy to say that's not me.
I tend to be attracted to starving artist jerks with no real desire for a relationship who will suck me dry with emotional games.
I wonder if they have a service for that- and where can I sign up??!
Then Lola, inspired, says to Ann "hey you could always use Sarah for a set-up! Sarah- how about it? Go see Ann for a match!"
(There was a pregnant pause heavy with anticipation as I was sized up by the professional matchmaker)
Ann, who is quite nice so please don't judge her harshly by my next words, said "um... let me give you the inside scoop on this game... you won't meet the criteria of the guys who are looking to be set up. You're too big."
(This was followed by an awkward pause).
Oh. Ok.
Well then.
Um.
How does one move on from such a comment?
She did elaborate (and quickly) that the guys who use this service pay $30,000 for a set-up and are mostly hedge fund millionaire jerks with no real time for a relationship who are looking for a size 2 trophy who won't voice an opinion or present a challenge.
And I'm happy to say that's not me.
I tend to be attracted to starving artist jerks with no real desire for a relationship who will suck me dry with emotional games.
I wonder if they have a service for that- and where can I sign up??!
Monday, April 06, 2009
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
She's reading!!
David and O settling in for a little read of some "Harry Potter".
She's quite enthralled with Harry's adventures. Not scared at all.
She's quite enthralled with Harry's adventures. Not scared at all.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
"She's Gone Bridal"
Before I started at Ogilvy NY I had a good long conversation with a girl named Liz about life at Ogivly: the work-life balance, the people and the work. And as conversations are wont to do... ours steered off course from 'work stuff' to 'life stuff' and we found we quite a few things in common, one of which is that we've both had the experience of being a bridesmaid multiple times.
Where I think Liz's experiences differed from mine is that she has stood up for friends who underwent a sort of 'transformation' if you will, from a 'bride' to a *ahem* 'bridezilla'. And these experiences have provided fodder for a great many stories.
(For the record I've had the fortune of being with a pile of the most laid back brides ever - seriously- I can't think of a single bride who was anything but calm and accommodating!).
But this fodder for great storytelling has become just that- a great story. And Liz has written a book. It's on shelf today- and is called... "She's Gone Bridal".
It's funny, charming and insightful- just like Liz.
I think you should pick up a copy and read it and tell your friends about it so they can read it too! Everyone can live vicariously through her experiences- or learn something to help your own! http://tinyurl.com/d9wc6p
Where I think Liz's experiences differed from mine is that she has stood up for friends who underwent a sort of 'transformation' if you will, from a 'bride' to a *ahem* 'bridezilla'. And these experiences have provided fodder for a great many stories.
(For the record I've had the fortune of being with a pile of the most laid back brides ever - seriously- I can't think of a single bride who was anything but calm and accommodating!).
But this fodder for great storytelling has become just that- a great story. And Liz has written a book. It's on shelf today- and is called... "She's Gone Bridal".
It's funny, charming and insightful- just like Liz.
I think you should pick up a copy and read it and tell your friends about it so they can read it too! Everyone can live vicariously through her experiences- or learn something to help your own! http://tinyurl.com/d9wc6p
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Catalyst of the Financial Crisis
We all know there is a recession. We have heard the words "In these troubled times" over and over again. Thousands of people are getting laid off (unemployment is an all time high), people are losing their homes, banks are closing. It's pretty grim.
And I sort of, but didn't really, understand why. I knew it had to do with giving out mortgages to people who didn't deserve them- but not the intricacies.
Here is a neat visual doc that shows you what happened and what was the first step that got us to where we are today. There's more to this story- but let's take it piece by piece...
The Crisis of Credit Visualized from Jonathan Jarvis on Vimeo.
And I sort of, but didn't really, understand why. I knew it had to do with giving out mortgages to people who didn't deserve them- but not the intricacies.
Here is a neat visual doc that shows you what happened and what was the first step that got us to where we are today. There's more to this story- but let's take it piece by piece...
The Crisis of Credit Visualized from Jonathan Jarvis on Vimeo.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Bad New York Movers
I had thought we were in a recession. I had thought people were scrambling for work. I thought people were desperate for money.
Everyone except for Lana, Alex and Joseph apparently. They are the movers that decided that they didn't need to work and my money was worthless to them. This is their number: 347-251-2327. Please don't ever use it as you will be setting yourself up for disappointment. This is their email addy through craigslist: serv-bgnu5-1097968021@craigslist.org. Feel free to email them with a bogus request. This is a picture of their sad ridiculous faces in case you see them on the street and feel compelled to throw something at them.
Like the fat girl waiting for jock to pick her up for the prom... incredulously unaware that it's all a set-up to humiliate her... she keeps waiting and hoping "he's only 30 minutes late- he'll come... he'll come..." (as she shovels another kit-kat into her mouth...).
Everyone except for Lana, Alex and Joseph apparently. They are the movers that decided that they didn't need to work and my money was worthless to them. This is their number: 347-251-2327. Please don't ever use it as you will be setting yourself up for disappointment. This is their email addy through craigslist: serv-bgnu5-1097968021@craigslist.org. Feel free to email them with a bogus request. This is a picture of their sad ridiculous faces in case you see them on the street and feel compelled to throw something at them.
Like the fat girl waiting for jock to pick her up for the prom... incredulously unaware that it's all a set-up to humiliate her... she keeps waiting and hoping "he's only 30 minutes late- he'll come... he'll come..." (as she shovels another kit-kat into her mouth...).
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Unsettled
Rundle Hall, (home) Castle Hall, (home) Brewster Hall, 14th & Northmount, Home, Guatemala, Hillhurst, Sunnyside, Roncesvalle, Aberdeen, 301 Sherbourne, 225 Sherbourne across the street, Yonge & Queens Quay, Upper East Side and now...
the Upper West Side.
I moved out when I was 18. This is my 15th move in the 15 years since. This includes a drive across Canada and from Canada to the US.
And it doesn't get any easier. I guess I care less about my possessions and tend to leave stuff behind. And I kind of have it down to a science of throwing stuff in a box. I've also learned it's easier to pay people to come and move your stuff rather than enlist friends or do it yourself. And I haven't accumulated a lot of 'things' to move.
But it's still not fun.
And there is still nostalgia about moving and starting afresh.
Overall it's not something I like to do. But here I go again.
the Upper West Side.
I moved out when I was 18. This is my 15th move in the 15 years since. This includes a drive across Canada and from Canada to the US.
And it doesn't get any easier. I guess I care less about my possessions and tend to leave stuff behind. And I kind of have it down to a science of throwing stuff in a box. I've also learned it's easier to pay people to come and move your stuff rather than enlist friends or do it yourself. And I haven't accumulated a lot of 'things' to move.
But it's still not fun.
And there is still nostalgia about moving and starting afresh.
Overall it's not something I like to do. But here I go again.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
something bright.
It's been a couple of days... with the sad news of the passing of an old colleague/friend Michelle.
Here is something that made me smile today. It's cheesey- but cute (thanks Paula).
It's a baby hedgehog.
Here is something that made me smile today. It's cheesey- but cute (thanks Paula).
It's a baby hedgehog.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
The Country
Some friends and I went to upstate New York this weekend. We were meant to go to the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) for dinner but they lost our reservation. We went to this little Armenian restaurant in Amenia. (not intentionally!) and it proved to be a delicious little find.
Driving through the country we came across a covered bridge.
Here is Rose taking a picture of Rob & Lindi.
The picture that Rose was taking.
Here is me and Rose.
Driving through the country we came across a covered bridge.
Here is Rose taking a picture of Rob & Lindi.
The picture that Rose was taking.
Here is me and Rose.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Buffalo Stance
I went to see my roommate (soon to be old roommate) singing on Saturday night. She's in an 80s pop cover band called "Buffalo Stance". It was their first performance and they were awesome. The crowd was quite 'eclectic' (read: old and weird) but a good time was had by all
Here they are at the start.
This is me and Rose enjoying the show.
Getting into it.
The crowd. It was pretty good. Though some really freaky characters.
Here they are at the start.
This is me and Rose enjoying the show.
Getting into it.
The crowd. It was pretty good. Though some really freaky characters.
this and that
I found an apartment today. I've been looking on and off for a few weeks... it was pretty grim. But yesterday I found a listing on craigslist and went to see it today. It's on the Upper West Side... loved it. Loved the roommates -though I walked out of there thinking "they must think I'm a complete nut job" because I'd been rambling so much (what?! me?!) ...
But N (new roommate) called me 10 minutes later and said "let's do it."
So I'm in and I move in 2 weeks.
yikes! but good news
*****
I also had a dream about my Dad last night. I was at my Stepmoms' house and we were hanging out with Stefan and David (though we were all grown up...) and I kept going up and down the stairs and my Dad was standing at the bottom of the stairs wearing a forest green polo shirt tucked into his jeans- just looking so happy and smiling at me. I asked if the others could see him and they couldn't. So I knew he was there for me. It was a happy dream and I woke up smiling.
*****
Here is David and O. They have matching hair.
But N (new roommate) called me 10 minutes later and said "let's do it."
So I'm in and I move in 2 weeks.
yikes! but good news
*****
I also had a dream about my Dad last night. I was at my Stepmoms' house and we were hanging out with Stefan and David (though we were all grown up...) and I kept going up and down the stairs and my Dad was standing at the bottom of the stairs wearing a forest green polo shirt tucked into his jeans- just looking so happy and smiling at me. I asked if the others could see him and they couldn't. So I knew he was there for me. It was a happy dream and I woke up smiling.
*****
Here is David and O. They have matching hair.
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