Apple.

Isn't it ironic that the apple icon represents humankind's first biblical sin? Could this be likened to the idea that information and knowledge transmitted through computers is detrimental to our religious vitality? I think so. (I should really study semiotics. This is so fucking intriguing to me.)

WWJB?

I saw this on my anthropology of media website and thought it was brilliant. I did a paper last semester that this would have been perfect for. Oh Boy.

Tim and Eric Awesome Show...Great Job.

Last night I saw Tim and Eric with Derek. It was really funny, but I think I stood for too long. I forgot what its like to go to shows and have to stand the whole time. Maybe I am just getting old. They came out chanting a song where the sole word was diarrhea, in tight gold lame body suits. It was awesome. Some parts of the show were a bit bazaar, but that's a usual thing for Tim and Eric. I love potty humor. This video "I wear my dad's dirty socks" goes out to Carrie. "Sniff, Sniff, Sniff!"



It was nice to go there with my bro. It just sucks that I have so much school work to do today. I forgot that he had told me that he took off work and now i feel like a big jerkface. On the other hand, it is really good that I didn't go out last night, because I got an e-mail this morning from my professor saying that me and 2 other people in my novel class have to start the discussion in class on monday. I already read the article but don't have the slightest clue on how to analyze it, being that its about homer and the illiad and the odyessey, both of which I have never read.

On the subway home from 42nd, I sat next to this group of 4 girls and 1 guy. They reminded me a lot of myself and my friends 3 years ago. Some parts of their conversation struck me as obnoxious and depressing. They were talking about how all of these lesbians always flirt with them because they're so hot. They were also talking about how 'Oh my GOD I can't believe I am going to be 20, its SO weird", and "It must be SO depressing when you turn 22, cause you have nothing to look forward to". They thought they were SO funny and that everyone was in love with them. It was lame.

I think just about everyone on my train was on their way to McKibbin lofts. I just don't understand how people can go out in the winter. I guess i'm just crotchety, over worked and under paid and I am sure it doesn't help that I am trying to quit smoking. IDK I just get so tired so early. I can't party like I used to.

Borders.

And now a poem about my trip to Borders at Penn Station.

A black man offers another black man a tissue after he sneezes.

An old man takes a big gulp of whiskey and starts snoring while reading a book on how to increase brain power.
A beast of a woman sits down next to me and talks loudly on the phone, while eating and discusses jersey train times.

OH 2 books I really want. (#1 see above)

I forgot one of them, but its something about music. dammit. it looked really good too.

Save The Last Dance.

Ok. So I went out last night. It was my friend Nick's birthday. We went to this party at McKibbin lofts. We went there for new years and it was floor after floor of crazy party space. Last night it was just one floor. There were kids dancing and a DJ and some cool art projected on the walls to go with the music. There was also a lost of cool modern/trash art on the walls. I was sitting around for a while watching the hipster kids dance, making fun of them, thinking to myself 'this is today's youth'. I felt conflicted like I didn't want to be a part of this generation anymore, but I wanted more than anything to fit in and forget all about my scruples. I mean, I was fitting in. I do fit in. I occasionally thought of the people in my classes and if they attend parties like this.

This morning I woke up with a mean hang over. Normally I wake up early and get straight to work, but right now I am procrastinating and 'Save the Last Dance' is on. During the high school scenes I keep thinking about my potential job at teach for America and how terrified I am of the kids. I shouldn't be like that. I gotta be a lion tamer (in the words of a previous TFA corps member).

Incompetent.

Today I was walking the concourse between 123 and L and I saw a blind man with 2 other people, helping him walk along. I was thinking, I would never want to be one of those people helping him. I know. How self-centered and foolhardy of me. But in all honesty. I wouldn't. Then I was thinking that 'god' doesn't give anyone more than they can handle and challenges us everyday because 'he' knows we can overcome it. What about all those people who commit suicide? They couldn't handle it.

I don't know if I just have the beginning of the semester blues or if I really am incompetent. I feel like all I do is read. I read so much that I forget what I read. I get nervous to talk in class because I don't sound as good as everyone else. Even in my undergrad classes, I feel like everyone knows so much more about everything than me. Often when I make comments in class, I try to make a serious point and people laugh, because they think that I was trying to be funny. I mean, sometimes I try to be funny but I guess my peers are conditioned to laugh at me regardless. And, if they don't laugh, someone will combat my statement and I will get baffled and not know what to say.

I should be happy and focus on where I am coming from. I am the only person at columbia right now to study sociology/mass media and ideology. All my work should reflect that. But I am starting to doubt what I know. Other students in my classes remember explicitly articles that we read last October. I can barely remember what I read earlier today. Maybe my memory is the problem. No matter how many notes I take or how many words I highlight I just never get some things. I know I am smart. I am just not smart like everyone else. I think differently I guess. I am trying to see that as a good thing. But its hard.

I know I am going to get through this semester. I will probably do good too. But I will not have a social life. I will barely leave my house unless it is to go to school. I know that it will be over before I know it and I will forever tell everyone that 'Columbia was soo easy, I loved it soo much'. If you are reading this, you will know that it is not. I have never worked this hard in my life and I doubt I will ever again. I mean, what other kind of job requires 98% of your time?

SNOW PLOWS.

Today's class was grueling. Me and one other girl are the only masters students in it. We never have anything to say. I guess its better than being surrounded by a bunch of dumbasses.

I wore the worst possible boots today and almost slipped 40 times in the snow.

I went swimming and saw cute boys in the pool.

Today gave me a lot of challenges. But I guess its cool.

Epilepsy.

I had a really weird dream last night. I was in a hospital bed, but it was more of a communal hospital room. I didn't know why I was there. For most of the dream, I was trying to get out because I felt fine and didn't feel like going back to sleep (all the nurses kept telling me to go back to sleep). Then later, my mom comes in and says that I am there because Hillary Clinton died because of epilepsy and that I had epilepsy and that I had to spend the rest of my life in a hospital undergoing tests. In the dream, death felt like a welcoming experience. Then, my friend Sean (from Dowling, who has epilepsy) comes in and saves me. He says that he has had epilepsy his whole life and he's still alive. After I get out of the hospital, I wake up. These were all just irrational fears. I remember this dream feeling so real and really hating the people who were keeping me there.

I wonder what this could mean I was thinking about.

I Caved.

I slipped and bought a pack of cigarettes tonight. I regretted it immediately. Maybe I could sell them to someone. UGH. :(

Flied Lice.

I am making pineapple fried rice tomorrow for our LOST potluck. There is this one recipe I used a couple years ago which worked out well. I really like the way its written cause its funny and makes me want to cook. I do believe the fact that I am a cancer guarantees me some cooking power. I haven't really tapped into that side of me yet. I suppose after I am married with kids I will be a cook-a-haulic and I will have my own cooking show. But, as for now I am still claiming college kid who can't cook. Anyone interested in making some kick-ass friend rice, check this recipe out.

Practice What You Preach.

Yesterday I met with someone from Teach For America. He basically made me want to cry and not follow through with the program. The summer program which certifies you to teach, he says, is extremely grueling and much like a teaching boot camp. Then once you actually start teaching, the kids are extremely unruly and start fist fights on a daily basis. One good thing I figured out is that TFA employees actually earn their masters in education while they teach. I don't know if I am cut out for this sort of rigorous, tedious, strain that TFA is known for. But the other part of me says that this is my time to put my money where my mouth is and practice what I preach. P.s. Today I found out that TFA invited me to go to a final interview. I guess I just need to talk to more people who have done the program. I just don't know what to do.

Today I went to 2 classes; sociology of expertise and sociology in/and/of the novel. I really have my work cut out for me this semester. I have to keep telling myself to relax more because I know I will not get through this semester if I go about things the way I normally do.

During my break in between classes I read my classmates submitted memos for my 'designs of research' class. I found out a lot of interesting things about my classmates that I never knew. One woman was a practicing lawyer, another one is a certified biochemist and studied the spreading of cancer cells, another has multiple publications, and another student's into I couldn't even fathom reading cause his language was too elitist. I am wondering where I fit in. Why they picked me? I wondered this all of last semester and I still haven't come to a proper conclusion. I do believe I am the youngest person in my department. Maybe my job is to be the sponge and soak up everyone's integrity and diverse research and use it toward my own exciting sociological endeavors. Who knows?

Tomorrow is my day off/day to read a bajillion pages.

Equus.

Tonight I saw Daniel Bradcliffe (Harry Potter) naked. Equus was really great. The plot line was really interesting and the way it was portrayed was really attention grabbing and personal. Of course the acting was terrific. Daniel's eyes are so piercing and beautiful it made for a very intense performance. The main character Richard Griffiths was in The History Boys, which is one of my top 5 favorite movies. Our seats were actually on the stage on a balcony behind the actors. For the first act, we pretty much only saw the back of the actor's heads. We moved to better seats for the second act. I could literally spit on Harry Potter's head. It was really exhilirating. I really want to see it again from the audience perspective.

I also realized today that I need to learn how to sign 'I'm deaf' so that when punk asses try to talk to me on the street I have an excuse to look dumbfounded and make them feel like idiots.

Breathe.

Last week I was on the precipice. Now I dove into the work. I have to say that it makes me feel alive to learn. Yes, sometimes its boring and i count the pages until the end of the article/chapter repeatedly, wishing it would go along faster, but after its done, in most cases I feel like i've learned something new. My memory isn't the best, so sometimes I can only retain the information for a week, but that's good because all my classes are within a week of the readings.

I have been listening to a lot of piano instrumentals while I do my work. I love pandora. My new favorite artist is Greg Maroney. Breathe is probably my new favorite song. Hit play and just listen while you go about your work. You can't not like it. The recording is kind of shabby...If you want to hear more go to his myspace...just click the link I posted.

Columbia BureauCRAZY.

Yesterday was my first day of school. I REALLY enjoyed my Anthropology class. The teacher is a HOT older British man. (sigh) Too many people signed up for the class however, and preference had to be given to anthropology students...I got booted. I was pissed for a while today because I already bought the books and read a large portion of the reading for the week. Tomorrow I will be checking out that same professor's undergrad course with hopes of signing up for it as an independent study with extra work. What he teaches is just so relevant to what I want to do for my dissertation eventually(media and religion, dealing with secular and non-secular beliefs). It also doesn't hurt that the prof is gorgeous.

After a long day of schooling, I was tired but completely content. Even though I had spent a total of 2 hours on the subway, I couldn't have been happier. I am living my life's purpose. I love broadening my horizons and my mind. It feels really good to be in school again. I may have more highs and lows, but its way better than the monotony of static.

After the long haul back from Columbia to Williamsburg yesterday, Carrie and I met up for Thai and went to the Lazy Catfish for free PBR and watched the inauguration party. I hung out with a lot of great people..a usual occurrence in Brooklyn. I really feel like I belong here.

Today, I had to wake up at 7 to be at a mandatory class at 9. This class is a socialization and peer review class. It is different than any other class I have taken before in that each week we read a bunch of articles and then write a response. We then submit that response online and our peers are assigned to read it. The class is all about class discussion of the materials. The professor for this class is another good looking older man, but instead of the sexy accent, he's got a great sense of humor.

After class, I met up with Kate for lunch. I had a kick ass veggie burger with sweet potato fries. YUM. Then, Kate wanted to check out a Feminist seminar class over at Barnard. I went with her to check it out. It seemed really interesting, but it was packed and I don't think I could handle rejection again.

Tonight LOST is back. A few friends and I are having a mexican potluck and champagne to celebrate the event. I am making quesadillas.

OH. I e-mailed the guy who interviewed me for teach for America and we're supposed to be going out for coffee or something this week. He's kinda cute and I already know we have good conversations. We have our ivy league status and philanthropy in common, so I can't help but think that maybe we'll hit it off. I am probably just jumping to conclusions but what can I say? It's been a while since I found someone worth seriously liking.

Trouble in Paradise.

I was just reading an article in 'Radar' about crime rates in New Orleans and am seriously reconsidering my decision to go there.

I feel like I am going to cry.

"I don't know if there would be many more murders here if there weren't any police at all"-Criminal defense attorney

"Murder in New Orleans is becoming more democratic, now even white people have a chance to get killed" -Tulane University criminologist Peter Scharf

Article 701 of Louisiana's criminal code states that felony suspects cannot be held for longer than 60 days without an indictment, which means that the DA was forced to put nearly 3,000 drug, rape, robbery and murder suspects back on the streets in 2006.

Things are only getting worse as this article states.

The "no snitch" ethos on the streets denies the police system of dynamic authenticity.

"When the system isn't working, you don't participate in it. There was one case recently where a mother would not cooperate in the investigation of the murder of her own son. It scares me." -Harry Teravon, Jr., a prosecutor in the DA's elite Violent Offenders Unit (VOU)

"Summertime is always high crime season in New Orleans--released from school, the city's teenagers are hot and restless. Meanwhile, a scarcity of tourists stumbling down Bourbon Street puts service economy workers in the criminals' crosshairs. The summer of 2007 promised to be worse than most. A rash of robberies had shaken the French Quarter that spring, many perpetrated by a sadistic mugger who prowled the streets looking for female marks, then beat them senseless and took their cash ."

(OH MY GOD!)

"My wife and I found an apartment in the lower French Quarter-the more residential end of the neighborhood, full of small restaurants, gay bars, and Creole cottages, and home to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Soon after we moved in, the neighborhood was hit by a rash of violent crimes. On August 10, a group made up of two men, three women, and a 14-year-old boy committed three armed robberies in the Lower Quarter in just 90 minutes."

This article continues with substantial severity. I am horrified. I need to talk to someone who has lived there during the past couple of years to really make my decision. If worst comes to worst, I could just teach high school in the Bronx or something. I did put NY as my second option. I just wish NY wasn't so damn cold.

Even though this article is from April 2008 and a lot can change, I am sure it hasn't changed enough. I really don't want to get murdered. I really need to talk to someone who knows.

It's The Final Countdown!

Today is monumental.

Obama gets inaugurated and I start my 2nd and final semester at Columbia University. They are having events all over campus to celebrate the new presidency. I have to say, even though I didn't vote for Obama, I am excited about him going into office.

My class for today has been shortened to one hour. The class is called "Religion, Media and Anthropology". I was told that I may not be able to take it because too many Anthropology students have signed up. So I wrote the professor saying that this subject matter is vital to my thesis research, so hopefully they will let me stay in the class.

Wanted (Wanted) Dead or Alive.

Today I woke up and searched my room for the missing phone. I couldn't find it, so I hopped a train to LI. On the way I asked Caleb to pick me up. He did, which was awesome cause it gave me an excuse to hang out with him more and gave me someone to drag with me to AT&T.

I got my tilt back, then I bought Caleb and myself coffee at Barnes and Noble. It is really weird how much me and his gf/not gf have in common, but he says we're totally different. I really hope I get to meet these people with my birthday.

After a pleasant couple of hours on LI, I hopped a train back into the city. Ryry came over to watch tv/movies. I refused to kiss him, which made our flirty banter more exciting. I haven't cuddled in so long and it was good to giggle and be silly with a cute boy/man. I am well aware that he is all wrong for me, but why shouldn't a girl have some fun?

BUMMER!

I lost my phone yesterday. I feel like i lost my right arm. I had it in the car when mom drove me to Brooklyn...then i didn't see it at all after that. It is on vibrate. I kept calling it in my room, outside in the snow and even asked mom to check the car. I can't deal and I am really pissed. I fucking LOVE that phone and I am in NO position financially to get a new one.

I suppose it's back to the tilt. :/ which is better than buying a new phone. I guess my life isnt SO bad. At least the snow is pretty and I have a date tonight.

Tada!

Here I am, back home. There is a ridiculous blanket of snow over everything. I can't wait to get back to Brooklyn. I miss it. I miss my cat. I miss my roomies.

I had my phone interview today for Teach for America and I believe it went wonderfully.The guy who interviewed me was really cool and actually taught in the Bronx. He gave me his e-mail just in case I had any further questions and he said we could go get coffee, which is cool too. I am pretty sure from his response that the next step towards TFA is in the bag.

I had a really great time last night. First I went to go pick up Lulu at Jennifer's and she and I talked about the Twilight series and then I met up with Caleb and we wound up drinking a lot and talking a lot. I found out his gf of like 5 years has my birthday and that Caleb knows like 4 other people with my birthday. I need to meet these wonderful people!

Anyway, today its snowing and I just want to eat everything because of my oral fixation. Wohoo.

<3

Day 2 at Universal.

Today we went back to Universal. I went on a few rides I have never been on before. It was pretty snazzy. I have been a bit depressed though. Throughout the whole trip the weather has been kind of flaky and not very cooperative with my wishes. It was pretty cold today and although the weather is nicer than NY it was still pretty blustery.

On another note, I feel as if school has already begun. Class starts for me again on Tuesday (the day of the inauguration). I have my phone interview on Sunday and have to study and read for that. Ugh. This weekend will be my last weekend of freedom WOOHOO. However, I have this new thing where I don't sweat the small stuff cause its all small stuff. I decided not to be as much as a perfectionist as I have been. I think this new life strategy will give me less forehead wrinkles later in life. Definitely a perk.

I have a fun weekend planned. Tomorrow night I am meeting up with my old friend Caleb and we're going to discuss music. He just started a solo project and he wants me to throw down some jazzy vocals. (See, good things come to those who quit smoking)

Sunday night, after I kick ass on my phone interview, I will be going to Carrie's 2nd birthday party. I believe Kim and Billy will be joining me and Kim will sleep over. That will be sweet.

Monday I will be focusing on getting rid of my hang over, and at night I have a date with a guy who is bad news, err..well, he used to be bad news...now he cleaned his act up and asked me to go to dinner and get all dressed up. I am eager to see how this goes. I haven't been on a date in SO long.

I guess you could say I am actually excited to go home. I won't be too happy getting off the plane and stepping into snow, but whatever, I got reasons to make me happy to be back in NY.

Islands of Adventure.

We went to Islands of Adventure today and it was kind of a disappointment. I am not one for big drops in roller coasters and it was cold so the water rides were void and null, so we pretty much didn't have much to choose from. The cat in the hat really creeped me out. When I took a picture with him, he kept purring in my ear, it made me feel really dirty. Dr.Seuss and I aren't friends anymore cause his cat was harassing me.

I DID get to meet Rogue. That was probably the highlight of my day, because she has always been like a hero to me since I was little. She was SO cute and excited that she was my favorite X-Woman. Storm was kind of pissed that I was prejudiced, whatever. Another highlight was this hang gliding thing they had that soared over the Jurassic Park area. It was surprisingly fun. I didn't really know I was afraid of heights until today.

After the park, me and boppy went to the Bob Marley restaurant and 'we be jammin'. They had awesome food and we got PLAINTAINS! I love those delicious fruits. Now it's bed time, it's barely past 10, which is kind of lame, but good for my head...I suppose.

Goodnight y'all.

Disney!

This morning Emily drove up from Sarasota and we got hash browns. We ate greasy deliciousness and it was incredible. After arriving back at the time share, we saddled up in the rental and started for Disney-Hollywood Studios. We went on a bunch of rides and had a lot of laughs...but I would have to say that the best part was lunch at Prime Time Live and going on Rock-N-Roller coaster 3x in a row (a grand total of 4x). It was really good to see Emily. We drank a lot. I am tired. I NEED to go to the gym tomorrow. I ate wayyy too much today. yuck.

Nicotine Free!

Today is day 9 of no smoking. I keep waking up in the middle of the night with coughing fits. It stinks. At least it will end soon.

Today Emily is coming to the time share and we are going to go to Disney Hollywood Studios! I can't wait to go on Rock n' Roller coaster. Gotta go shower. XXO

Leather Obsession.

You know how some girls have an obsession with shopping for high heels? I have an obsession for leather bags. I mean, I don't mean to knock shoes, but it is so hard to go shoe shopping when you're a size 11 and teetering on 6 ft. I LOVE boots, but this is not part of my story.

I have had this fetish of smelling fresh leather for some time now. I go into stores like Bloomingdales, Cole Haan, Coach and Dooney and Bourke and just breathe...it's "like my own personal brand of heroin". Sometimes I stalk bags when I know there is a big sale coming. Foe example, the after Christmas sales. I had my eye on a few priceless beauties, and stalked them, waiting eagerly for their prices to go down.

I had three pictures on my desktop until today. Ma and I went to the outlets out here and they had the same style bag as one that I really wanted that was on my desktop. I am pretty stoked. Originally, this bag was $500. I got it for $150. I couldn't resist. They had it in dark brown, which is close enough to black and probably my favorite color anyway. The only thing I feel bad about is that I JUST got a brown leather bag yesterday while shopping with ma. Of course, the first was a gift, I had to pay for the second. There are some things in life you just have to splurge for. This was one of them. Plus, I should treat myself for my phone interview...right?

Phone Interview.

Today I found out that I am invited to participate in a phone interview for teach for America. I am so glad I made it to this first step of the admissions process. I am totally excited and hope it goes well!

Wish me luck!

Universal Studios.

Today was action packed. We went to Universal. We went on the beloved 'Mummy Returns' ride 2x first, then hit up the new simpsons ride, then a few others. We ate lunch at Emeril's I had the most delicious lobster ravioli of my life. Then boppy and I went shopping and got sort of matching pocket books. This is just something we tend to do on vacation. I find it cute. After dancing around the park like 10 year olds, we saw a magic show, which was actually pretty good. Then I dragged mom to see Twilight. It was my third time. I could watch that movie over and over. Edward Cullen is just so dreamy.

Pikachu Hates Homework.

Here is an old video I finally uploaded from during finals. It shows how much Pikachu hates homework and how retarded my voice sounds on video when I talk to her.

Sponge Town!

Today ma and I went to visit the Garveys at their new abode in another part of central Florida. They live in a really cute development, near this area (the name of which I forget) where the most sponges are found in America...or something.

We went into town and spontaneously took a boat ride to an uninhabited island and saw dolphins on the way! Then we ate some amazing Greek food and bought some sponges. The whole area is inspired by Greek things..it kind of seems out of place, but it's really cute.

Fucking Gorgeous Warmth.

We arrived in Florida today. So warm. I don't think I have ever appreciated the warm weather this much. We got here and immediately decided to get lunch at Houlihans and eat outside (sort of a tradition). I had 2 delish Mojitos and our waiter was juggling the whole time. After that we got to the timeshare and the room looks exactly like the one we were in in June, of course one big thing was missing...my wifey.

Since the weather was a luscious 77 degrees, we decided to hit up the pool. We drank punch, laid in the sun, and I did kareoke poolside. After that, grocery shopping and now just chillin out. I am SO happy to be on vacation and I am even happier that its warm here. YAY!

Time Well Spent on Long Island.

I had a great "weekend"/ non-weekend on LI the past couple of days. Thursday night was spent with Kim, Billy and Jim in the village. I haven't seen Kim since this summer. Her break up with Ryan (who was in and out of a psych ward throughout his and her relationship) has given her an abundance of time to spend with friends. I am really glad to have one of my good friends back in my life.

Billy and I have been trying to make plans for a long time. I always really enjoy hanging out with him and find him really easy to talk to. The 4 of us hit it off well and had a good time in each other's company. I always get a little nervous when I mix friends, cause sometimes they wind up hating each other and then the night makes an awkward turn while one person spends the night avoiding/making fun of the other person while thinking 'how the hell is Nicole friends with this person'?

We went to Honu, Mary Carolls and the Tavern and then topped it off with Taco Bell. It was ladies night at Honu which means 2 for 1 girly drinks. I totally got a coconut martini and a peach mojito. Their coconut martinis are probably my favorite drink in all of Huntington.

I saw 'the dentist' (this really cute, young and successful dentist I hooked up with over the summer) at Honu and was contemplating going up to him but waiting for the right time. After we went to MC's he showed up a bit later and I finally had the balls/blood-alcohol level to go up and say hi. I held my composure quite well for the amount I had drank. He seemed genuinely pleased to see me. For those of you who don't know, I was kind of obsessed with him over the summer and I think he might have gotten the hint that I was stalking him for some reason.

Yesterday was spent quite lovely as well. I woke up and got a mani/pedi. They used hot stones in the pedi. I was in heaven.

After that, I met up with Kristen at Starbucks. We made bracelets while chatting and catching up, then we went to Target. I got some good buy's including a stellar red plaid jacket (see photo). I really enjoy hanging out with Kristen. It's like she gets me. Really gets me.

Later on I went to Jennifer and William's to drop off Lulu. I had a really great time talking to Jennifer. She is reading the Twilight series as well so we had MUCH to talk about. She is on the second book (just like me) and she saw the movie twice (just like me). It was really great hanging with her and seeing the 5 new kittens she rescued recently.

Plane time...and we're ready for take off.

So Cool.

I would just like to say that I am updating my blog from the train right now. I feel like a classy ass business woman. I am SO important that I NEED internet on the train to check my myspace and FB.

Ok, so Today is my 4th day of not smoking. The cravings are tough but I find they are tougher when I am around other people. Even if the other people aren't smoking I just get the urge to want a cigarette. Maybe being around people just stresses me out. I am learning things about myself. hmph.

Also, I just spoke to Mariel and we are buying tickets to see Equus, which is a broadway show starring none other than the famous Harry Potter. I hear he gets naked in it too. So I am kinda stoked.

Florida Here I Come!

I am really excited to go to Florida and get out of this frigid weather. I started packing today and can't wait to be in 70-80 degree weather, riding disney rides. To the left of this post are pictures of the lovely resort I will be staying at. Hooray!

Nip Tuck

This show amazes me more and more. It is so terrible that it makes it awesome. I can't believe of the 2 main characters, one is now in a wheelchair and the other has breast cancer. Nip Tuck never ceases to amaze me.

Waste O' Life.

Today I think I still have a feever. I believe this because my heat hasn't been on for hours and I am dripping sweat and I still don't have an appetite. I really wish I could do something. Yesterday, I couldn't get out of bed, today I feel a bit better and want to go out and do things, but I know I shouldn't. UGH, how I hate being bored and unproductive.

Today I tried to schedule an apt for Pikachu to get groomed. I thought I got the rabies vaccination cleared up when I took her to the vet the first time, but I guess I didn't.

I am still need to go to the gym. I am excited to wear summery dresses in Fla but only if I can hit up the gym a few times before I leave. Oy.

Nonsmoker.

Today is day number one of me as a non smoker. I have been planning this day for a long time, and figure the best way to do it is cold turkey.

I woke up this morning feeling really sick. I don't know if it was the fact that my body knows I am going to be fiending nicotine for a while or if I just ate too much crap yesterday. I am hoping this cup of coffee will cure me and make me ready to go to the gym. I might have a feever. ugh.

I finished Twilight yesterday and am now on to 'New Moon'. Books are always better than movies.

It's already 3:08 and I've barely gotten out of bed. I still feel sick. I really should go to the gym, but I don't know if I am capable. Today sucks.

On a happier note, 'Nip Tuck' starts again this week (tomorrow) and continues Tuesdays at 10 on FX.

Stormy Weather.

Today Jason and I went to Kate's in Jersey for her family's musicale. I sang 'Stormy Weather', quite well might I add...minus when my voice cracks at the end. Also, Kate, Jason and I sang 'Killing Me Softly'. It was really great to hang with Kate in a stress-less non-school-enveloped environment.




p.s. If I get into this teach for America program, I decided I wanna do this at jazzy places in N'awlins. Wouldn't that be sassy?

Ode to the Good Times of 2008.

I was just taking a myspace survey and thought this question was awesome because of how awesome 2008 was.

Your favor​ite momen​t of 2008?​​:​​
SO many!

New years in New Orleans.
Hanging in Montreal
Getting into Columbia.
Key West with my girls.
Going to Ireland (twice)
Going to Barcelona.
Nude Beach.
Getting my own place.
Getting my cat.
Moving to Brooklyn.

Wow. It was a great year.

tonycapobianco.com

I was trying to think of Tony's graduation quote and I forgot it. I tried to look for it on his memorial website and found that it had been taken down. This made me really sad. True its been over 4 years, but it just sucks how someone can be erased like that. I miss him a lot still and I needed to vent.

A Difficult and Meaningful Road.

I found this story of one person who taught for teach for America. It made me want to cry a bit, but really is beautiful. If I get in to this program, this could be my life. I am thinking maybe science would be easier to teach than english, or music or better yet, art. I will see what is available. This seems very difficult and all encompassing. Take a look.

In their own words...

Teach For America

So, I decided today that I am applying for

Teach for America

This is a program with its hand in many different low income schools around America, aiming for the overarching goal of equal education. I have always wanted to live in New Orleans. I know that now is not the best time for this because of the harsh post-tragedy conditions, but I have an earnest desire to help people who are in distress. This is a 2 year program. Long, I know, but this or something like this has been a goal of mine for some time now. I really stand behind the goals of this program and strongly believe in what they are trying to pursue.

Here is my letter of intent.

I believe that educational inequity is a devastating epidemic in America. In a democratic capitalist country, we are lead to believe that we, the people, have a voice and that anyone can get ahead. These commonly held beliefs are not always true, especially within the sphere of education. Lower income urban areas have a notorious reputation for being underfunded and understaffed. This common trait allows for many children to fall behind and not achieve their true potential as individuals. This inadequate education is a leading cause of high crime rates in urban areas. Education, in many cases, is an important determinant for one's financial and mental well-being. If children aren't granted proper education, how are they supposed to get ahead?
I feel that this program will quench my thirst for philanthropy and enable me to touch the lives of people less fortunate than myself. I hope that through this program, I will become a better teacher, a practice that will aid my future career as a sociology professor/researcher. I also truly desire to connect with children and spark an excitement for education in them; much like the one that I feel, which a professor has ignited in me.
I am particularly interested in teaching in New Orleans because I believe that its residents have been dealt a rather poor hand environmentally and that it is the important responsibility of a teacher to give hope and to use education as an outlet for less-than-perfect life situations. I have always been passionate about correct dialect and grammatical syntax. I am hoping to teach English to children on the middle school level.
My strong affinity for academia paired with my witty and friendly personality make me an excellent candidate for Teach for America. Through my extensive studies and interest in the social sciences, I am well equipped and passionate about human rights and social equality and feel that my charismatic approach to harnessing and nurturing young minds would be a well appreciated asset to teach for America.

Frozen.

Last night was pretty fun. I think I looked really pretty so that made me feel good. Pre-parties, pink champagne, taking a million pictures of myself, making new friends I will never call again, putting on fake eyelashes, going to a crazy McKibbin loft party, dancing with friends on drugs, wishing anybody and EVERYBODY a happy new year as they walked by, walking home alone, finding out that something happened to my shoes that hurt my feet and make me walk awkward and finally making it home in one piece. That pretty much sums up my night.

I woke up this morning to find that my heat is being silly again. Needless to say, I have been cuddling with pika and hiding under the covers all day.