Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Dumpster Diving

I just saw on the news that somewhere in Brooklyn they have Dumpster Pool Parties. Now, I have heard of being a freegan and getting all your food sustenance from the trash. But this brings dumpster diving to a whole new level. I wanna go!

Sexism and Racism in Reality TV

Today I interviewed feminist, media critic Jennifer Pozner for Paper Tiger. I get a certain thrill out of asking people questions, especially interesting questions yo interesting people. We compiled a list of questions pertaining to our subject and I stood behind the camera and conducted a 2 hour interview at a studio at The New School. It was cool to be a part of the production. Jennifer Pozner is a great, enthusiastic, charismatic woman who passionately exposes women's rights and the debilitating stereotypes exhibited through reality TV. I was really excited to meet her and I have to say that she definitely lived up to my expectations. Maybe I will have her do a lecture for me/show this show to my classes. Here is a link to her foundation 'Women in Media and News'.



After the interview, Alex and I started walking back to PTTV for our weekly meeting and got caught in the rain. We got to the meeing late and I was too beat to visit Carissa at work. Oh well.

Tomorrow is my 5 year high school reunion. I am a bit nervous/excited. Who woulda thunk it? I am kind of excited to toot my own horn. Not that I don't do that all the time. Yeah, I guess I can get kind of boring to talk to sometimes.

It's All For The Music

Monday I had band practice with Lauren. We made delish bloody maries and egg white omelets. We didn't really get too much done, but I got this spark where I realized that I really wanted to do an open mic night. After a pretty uneventful practice, we went to the cup and played a few games of scrabble.

My friend Stephen was telling me about these open mic nights in Coram on Tuesday nights. So, Tuesday came and I spent much of the day practicing and did it! I went up there by myself and played about 8 songs (2 different sets). I picked up Steph on the way and Julia, Nicole, Jackie, Sean and Tony came to support. I didn't play the most amazing sets of my life, but I guess thats what open mic's are about. People don't scrutinize you and applaud the fact that you are up there playing songs. A lot of the people there told me I did well. It was weird to be on the performance side of the open mic night. I always had a feeling that I should be, but it was nice for that aspiration to finally be actualized. I was always the one to tell people they did a good job, just for trying and now people were telling me the same.

In a Cloud of Cat Piss


Wow. I have got a lot of catching up to do. Last Friday, my dad gave me the crazy idea to go to Greenport from Saturday to Sunday. Carrie and I got a ride back to LI and were ready to go the next morning, but he cancelled. We decided not to let it get us down, and went out to Montauk. We got a delicious lunch at Gossman's on the water. I tried steemers for the first time ever. They were SO good. We then drove into the Hamptons and walked around for a bit. Jani was working so we went out and visited him, and then drove back to H-ton. We made a stop at MC's and then hit the hay.

Sunday was a gorgeous day, so I talked Carrie into going to the beach with me. We met up with Julia and Nicole, Julia's sister Jackie and their friends Max and Sean. We had a really great day and the water was perfect. After that, me and Carrie went to Tula Kitchen in Bayshore to get a drink or two before Kim's birthday party. Kristen was working and hooked us up big time. We met up with Craig and one of his friends and brought them to Kim's, which was held at La Tavola in Sayville. Kim was absolutely radiant and we all hung out outside for a while and laughed and caught up.

After that, Carrie, Craig, Lauren and I headed back to my house so we could eat burgers and pass out. What a full weekend.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Sudden Realization.

While sitting in the backseat of Jenn's Jetta last night, letting the breeze caress my face on the way back to Long Island, I realized something. I am exactly where I want to be. It's funny how, when you describe yourself, (what you are doing with your life and so on) to someone you either haven't seen in a while or someone you know a great deal about, you can catch a glimpse of what they see and objectively view your persona.

Though I spend a great deal of time talking about myself, last night someone asked me, 'what are you doing to keep busy' and I said I make videos and I am in a band. I have always been in school up until now. I am glad to say that both of my pseudo-jobs give me a creative outlet where I can be in the spotlight when I want to be. I mean, I am not starved for attention or anything, but I do like to talk and be heard. This year or these two years are my time to enjoy my young 20-somethings. Not that I won't enjoy them after this time is up. I need to just focus on the here and now and soak it up because everything is temporary. It is great though. I am satisfied at the moment.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Disillusionment

Why do I keep turning you into something that you're not. You aren't perfect. This pedestal that I've put you on is one that I am tearing down. I can't keep living with this romanticized version of you plaguing my mind. Get out of my head. You aren't as special as i dreamed you to be. I gotta get my head out of the clouds and back onto the market. I can't count on you more than any other thing that breathes. You aren't so special after all. Not mister right, but mister right now. It will work until it doesn't. I am making a vow for no more pedestals.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head

Last night I met up with Dan, my great friend who lived in Montreal for a while. He just moved to Halifax for his masters in this Fisherman Science program. He is so multifaceted. Quite possibly the smartest guy I know. Anyway, Carrie slept over last night and this morning we got bagels before I dropped her off this morning. Her car got broken into last night. Right out side of her apt. Kind of ridiculous. I mean, they even took her contacts and mix CD's. I think maybe it was someone who knew her, cause why would someone take stuff like that, which is SO personal. I mean, I understand taking someone's gps or ipod, but not that stuff.

Anyway, I had a meeting with my new boss today. I finished all my paperwork and I am pretty much ready to start working, just as soon as the Nov semester begins. I got the textbook for one of the classes I am teaching today. Pretty stoked. I also got to catch up with my friend Karyn (who got me the job) for a bit. I am really excited to start teaching.

After that, I went to Kim's for a bit of band practice. Everything seems to be coming along nicely. After that, I went to Jen and Will's to plan Jen and I's circle line cruise. She is taking me on one for my grad/birthday. We also went to her job for drinks. I can't believe the guido's she works with. I would never be able to deal with that.

I am exhausted. They must be having some sort of Winona Ryder sort of marathon lately on encore because movies starring her are all that seems to be on. Oh well.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Oh boy

I have been rather evasive, but not out of neglect, out of sheer transportation confusion/poor planning. My computer and I have not been seeing much of each other. I went to the beach, as usual, on Sunday and then met up with Lauren after for band practice/hanging out. We practiced a bit and then passed out while watching 'Thirteen'. This morning we had high hopes of getting brunch, but only wound up with bagels. My fingers are sore. So much music playing within the past 30 hours. We have so much fun and get so much done. It is really really great.

Here is a video of one of the songs we wrote and have been working on.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Cutting a 13 Track Album

Yesterday I recorded in my bedroom for 7+ hours. I wrote a new song, learned a new song and finished up an old one. I titled the CD 'Naked Friday' cause its just a bunch of rough copies for Kim and Lauren to practice with.

After having to file a noise complaint against the church across the street, I went over to Carrie's. She just got back from PA. We went to sweet ups and then R bar. We got caught in a downpour in between. Later on, I beat it and went to Sam's house warming right by McKibbin. I could never live there, its like a dorm building with rowdier students and higher ceilings. The apt next to Sam's got robbed and ransacked last night. Fuck that shit. It made me happy to be 5 blocks west of there (not even).

I got into some really interesting sociological discussions with some strangers last night. I got the feeling that (hopefully) that will be what my classes will be like to teach. Once again, though I guess I get boring when at parties and have the same conversation with everyone. I am good with one on one, then my conversations have a purpose and lead to something more profound. I hate having to feel like I have to start at square one with everyone, it is a lot of work. Just an observation.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Production

Yesterday I went to the park with said Aussie. He was nice and told me things about life down under. No, we didn't kiss or anything. It was nice to spend an afternoon with someone new, even though I am not interested. We got burritos at a truck in the burg. So good.

After that, I went to work and put some finishing touches on my naked bike ride video. Next, I went to my orientation to be a certified television producer. I think it is really cool that MNN has free classes to get certified, but the people who go there are really weird. Luckily, I met this cool girl (Alison) from the UK, who I quickly became friends with.

I came home to Nathan and Colleen watching Gattaca. All in all a good day.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Getting the Fun Done

Yesterday was a work day, accompanied by a bottle of wine. I went and visited Nathan's 'Marc' store in between meetings and tried on clothes I can't afford. I went back to PTTV and then went out for some beers with Mike and a couple of new members. It was nice how the newbies actually wanted to come out. I feel like we get stronger when we hang out, outside of PTTV.

After the bar, Me, Mike and Rebecca went to Union Pool. I know, usually not my first choice , but it seemed ok at the time. We sat and chatted about vampires and then Carrie and Anna met up. People came, people went. I noticed a lonely stranger standing near us, and was feeling talkative so I went up to him and struck up a conversation. Turns out, he is Australian, the lead singer/guitar player in a band and a gemini. I sat and talked to him for a while about a lot of stuff. He tried to kiss me and i didn't let him. He got me a beer. Later on, another boy who, funny enough, was from Huntington, came along and sat next to me. I wasn't into him at all, but once again, after a decent amount of conversation, he tried to kiss me and I declined, and he bought me a drink.

I wish I could just count on my charisma and not have to pay for drinks ever again. HAHA, It does feel nice to say that two guys (one on each side of me) wanted to kiss me last night, but I refused both of them.

After saying goodnight to bk bardom, I headed back home to find Nathan, watching 'the Stepford Wives' making a mask out of celluclay. We started yamming it up, and made it an ambien night. We dressed up, painted each other, wrapped Jason in saran wrap, hung out on the fire escape, put in vampire teeth, and took our clothes off! No really. I am not joking.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Melissa

My step sister Melissa just recently found out she has cancer again. She had it about 4 years ago, lost all her hair, and braved it out. This was a difficult feat, and everyone is amazed at her progress. She was even able to have a baby (my adorable niece Leah) after having one of her ovaries removed. Last time she had this really difficult bout with cancer, she made a friend who had the same strain as her, her friend did not make it. This shows how much the odds were against this type of cancer.

Luckily, she is very in touch with her body and finds out early when something is wrong. A few weeks ago, she found a growth in her abdomen and quickly went to get it removed/checked out. When I saw her this weekend in Greenport, she was recovering with staples still in her gut, and waiting for the results from the tests they took to see if it had spread. A few nights ago, she had to go into the ER because something was growing right where she had just been stapled up. She and my family are less optimistic this time, as they do not yet know what kind of cancer it is. They are thinking it is small cell, which is the fastest growing, most difficult type to beat.

I know that I always proclaim myself atheist/agnostic, but that doesn't mean I am not spiritual. I have been thinking about her a lot and hoping that she will once again come out of it like a phoenix. Even though we aren't very close, she has been a part of my family for most of my life and she has been nothing but sweet to me. It really sucks how bad things happen to nice people. There really aren't any words for how sorrowful I feel right now for her. Why can't diseases just happen to mean people?

I would really like to go visit her and bring her flowers or a card or something, but I hate hospitals and dread going alone. I know how dumb that sounds. For all the people close to me that have died, all my philosophical classes on death, and the way that I have come to understand death as an inevitable part of life; hospitals still scare the crap out of me. I should just get over it and go, I need to not be so selfish right now.

The Currant

Monday morning I woke up to get brunch with Dr. Rogers. We went to Mundays, our usual joint and discussed a broad cross section of goings ons. She was all flustered as she left for Paris yesterday. One of her students wrote a paper for SASE and got into the periodical. They have one conference per year for the student and advisor to go and commemorate their publication. This year was Paris, last year was Bangladesh. I am hoping that I can get one of my papers into this journal, as it would be fun to travel (for free) and it would look excellent on my resume. Nathalia is always so upbeat and positive. I told her about my band and that I may be taking an extra year off, (deferring my acceptance) and she said that I should do what I feel in my heart right now and that school/academia will always be there. I just can't lose focus. She even said that she would like to come to one of my shows or something.


After brunch, I had the girls over for band practice. As always, we made progress. I told them about the band name I had been thinking of, and they both love it. I don't want to go with one of those 'the' names, however, when thinking about the band's common interests I thought about wine and the beach. I thought about 'The Currant', the kinds that are in wine, then I thought about 'The Current', as in waves, and then I thought about current times. I like that this word has three meanings, even though some are spelt differently. They were both excited about the name, and amazed that no one had thought of it before (or maybe they have and just haven't gone anywhere with it).

Sunday, July 12, 2009

The Beach


Today was gorgeous, typical amazing day at the beach. I think I even got a little burnt. Kim and I met up at her boyfriend (Rob's) house. I finally got to meet her man that she is in LOVE with. He is so cute and so good for her. This is a polar opposite of my last post. Kim has got her head on straight and can finally see clearly (after Ryan, her ex, who now lives in a van somewhere in SoCal). It makes me really happy to see her so happy.

I wish I had someone to love who would be around and that I could get silly with. I mean right now, I am happy to be single, but I just want someone that I can go places and do things with. We were all talking about going on a weekend camping trip with tents and stuff, and I really want to go and have a guy to cuddle with by a fire. Oh well, I guess I will have to wait this one out and use my hand for a little longer.

Fuck ups

My dear friend Julia and I got together last night on my way back from Greenport. I met her at the beach last summer and we had a little dating thing going on for a short while. We are still pretty good friends, but sometimes I think she is crazy. She is very wild and it is usually very liberating to be around her because she always just wants to have a good time. She has been dating this guy for a month. He is a great fuck up.

I mean this in the nicest way. One of my exes reminds me so much of him because he's a total jerk and is completely irresponsible, but such a funny sweetheart when it counts. We have all dated them. Us girls think we can 'fix them', but we only wind up getting annoyed and worked up. These kinds of men will never change. Her boyfriend got arrested and lost his phone last night. He then (at age 31) had to call his parents to get him out of going to the precinct. What an embarrassment. It was good to see Julia, but this is something she will have to realize for herself. Oh well.

Ahh Greenport


Friday-Saturday was spent at my lovely summer escape with the fams. I love going out there because it played such a poignant part of my childhood and brings back a lot of memories. It is weird how much it has changed over the years, but the important things still have stayed the same. I got to spend some quality time with Dad and Jean and got to see my adorable baby niece, as well as my step sis n her hubbs. Good times all around. We went yard sailing, book shopping and beaching,

Friday, July 10, 2009

200,000 Waiters?


I just read in TimeOut NY that there are approximately 200,000 employed waiters/waitresses in the state of NY. That isn't even counting those who aren't on the books. We are such a food obsessed state/country. I wonder statistically how we measure up to people of say 100 years ago (or more). What does this say about us as a state/nation?

Public Option vs. Single Payer

Thursday I went to a healthcare rally outside of Chuck Schumar's office. A bunch of individuals had gotten together to hand in a large number of signatures and make a scene on the street about passing the public option healthcare plan. This plan values the idea that everyone should be supported for less money. The single payer healthcare plan covers everyone, like how it is in places with a social democratic welfare regime.

Paper Tiger is doing a show on the single payer healthcare option, which is the more extreme and more comprehensive option of the two. I interviewed some of the people at the rally. This footage may make it onto the show. It is kind of funny that I got to play the role of reporter.

After that, I visited Carrie and started taking the stride back to the other island. I went and got Thai food with Boppy and figured out how to use Garage Band! I am SO excited! This means that now I can record myself and make a myspace. It is a bit overwhelming, but I am very very pumped to start recording practices and stuff.

After learning how to use Garage Band, I went and visited Smally at work and got a beer. I was tired beyond belief by this point. So next I called it a night.

Jam-Packed with Musical Fun

Wednesday was a really great day. I started the day a bit early with Kim, coming over around noon to do yoga in McCarren park. After finding our chi, we got some delish Indian food in the burg and went back home to practice. We blended so well together and really accomplished a lot in a matter of a few hours. This thing is really coming together. We are definitely going to start playing shows in the end of August. I just may have booked our first one. Yay!

After a wonderful jam session, Kim and I decided we deserved a beer before she went home and I went to work. We went to Duckduck, this cute, little, duck-themed local bar.

After a couple of brewskeys I went to PTTV to help orientate some new members, and got put on the spot to fill in and facilitate the meeting. I was a tad absent minded, being put on the spot like that, and I had to leave early. I think I do way better at being the center of attention when I have some time to mentally prepare. I asked the collective about my band playing at our screening in the garden and they all seemed OK with it, I just have to OK it with the garden.

After my meeting, I went to see my friends in 'In India' play a show at Trash Bar. I went by myself, which is something I am trying to do more lately. However, I knew that Lauren S was gonna be there, so it wasn't like I would be completely alone. The boys played a great show, and I swayed and tapped my foot accordingly. They had open bar for a bit before the boys went on, so I was in for some quick drinks. After they went on, I found lauren, who was accompanied by Ariel and Jani. I then played pool with the boys (terribly) and threw back a few jack n' cokes.

After I was fully satisfied with my networking skills, talking to an abundance of strangers, I hit the road. I talked to some guy who does booking at Trash Bar. I have a feeling it is going to be pretty easy to get shows. I am really excited that everything seems to be coming together.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Tuesday Baby


I just found out that it is a fact that the largest amount of babies are born on Tuesdays. This is actually a fact, due to the fact that nearly 26% of births are cesarians. This helps to sway the baby date, but why is it that people want to have babies on Tuesdays?

Today was pretty typical but extraordinary in its own way. I dropped off 10 bags of old clothes at the thrift store and couldn't help getting a new shirt, two skirts and a book. I drove into BK and had to park around the block because there was a fire around the corner. I went to my PTTV intern meeting and we all decided that we are going to do a show about the social implications of reality TV shows. After getting excited about my new project, I jetted up to Columbia to do some research and then met up with Kate for Thai. Afterward, I came home to a few hours of practicing guitar and then I hung out with my awesome roomies.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Yoga



I have been becoming really obsessed with Yoga lately. I find that now that I am off of anti-depressants, Yoga really helps me to attempt at keeping a stable mind. I don't want to be influenced by the power of pharmaceuticals anymore. Anti-depressants are such a temporary fix, and there haven't been studies yet to prove their effectiveness over a long period of time. Anyway, Yoga has been my saving grace. It is just such a great way to start a day.

Bandsies

Today I woke up, did some Yoga and hung out with the fam. My uncle and 2 cousins were here from Maine this weekend. We watched Monday morning cartoons and had some breakfast. They are such great kids. On July, 4th I had a conversation with MJ about global warming and he was really impressing me. He absorbs information like a sponge and is remarkably intelligent for his age. Ethan is so adorable with his awe-inspiring conversationalist skills, and i am really proud to say that they are my cousins/nephews.

After a family oriented morning, Lauren came over for some sushi/band practice. We had a lovely lunch and came home and wrote a song. I find it so incredible how well we work together. She is wonderful with song concepts, eloquently written one liners, and is really knowledgeable musically.

Boats and Pre/post-July 4th

I have been a bit absent lately. I decided to disconnect my computer from my arm and spent the weekend in a semi-computer-less environment. I hung out on a boat on Friday night at Davis Point. That was beautiful and summery. On the 4th, I went to my mom's BBQ in H-ton. Then Sunday was a full on day at the beach, which was just what I needed. All in all, an enjoyable weekend. Holiday weekends are always filled with loads of sun/fun, so I can't complain.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Open House

Last night was the PTTV open house. Surprisingly a lot of people showed up. I drank way too much wine and don't really remember leaving. I later found out this morning that I stole fro yo and wanted to go to union square by myself. IDK what i did. Probably just came home. OH well. Today was a big hungover day. Jason and I got silly and played scrabble. I have barely left my bed all day.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Explosions in the Sky

Last night I went to see Explosions in the Sly with the Castinettes and the Constantines. Wihle I was waiting on line, it started downpouring. Mind you I was all alone with no friends to complain about it with. Everything on me was soaking wet. I am surprised my phone made it. Later on, Carrie and Audrey showed up and it kept raining. We went to go buy panchos when we got in, but the guy 5 people in front of us got the last one. We stood and complained under two black umbrellas for a while. Then we complained a little more. Finally the sun came out and we went to sit on the bleachers. The show from then on was pretty great, after we got over being cold and wet for a while. Explosions was great. I have always wanted to see them. They are so soothing and mellow. Just what I needed. Watch this guy in the while dance.