Recent Pics from my Flickr

Old School Goodness

Just copied Evolution by Boys II Men on my computer. Found it in my parents car while at home. QUALITY.

Walking into the Past

I finally got out of my apartment around 12:30 and immediately headed to the Mud truck for some absolutely delicious coffee. I don't know if that one particular guy added the perfect amount of sugar and milk, or if it was just because I hadn't had it in a week.. but I savored every last sip. My goal for the day was to photograph downtown the Wall Street area perhaps inspired by a book I just started reading, "Liar's Poker." It wasn't as interesting an area as I thought, mainly dark and full of tourists so I detoured to South Street Sea Port. As I'm walking away, I see two girls I went to high school with and probably haven't seen for two years. One was visiting from San Francisco, the other from Virginia. Random. Then another high school friend met up with them who I actually ran into a few months ago and lives in NYC. Randomness. And blast from the past.

After awkwardly catching up, I headed towards the West side, walked around the Trinity Church graveyard, St. Paul's, and up into Tribeca. About two years ago, I freelanced for 6 months on Duane Street. As I walked around the familiar streets, I found it fitting that it was a bit chilly. I worked in that location between January to about April and my memories consist of running to get my lunch in the freezing cold. Also running because I was being paid by the hour and not by very much. Ran into the super from the old building that was actually a fancy, residential apartment.

I stopped for lunch at Bazzini's then headed a bit farther north to West Soho on Varick Street. There, I quickly was taken back to my the month I freelanced at an ad agency. But instead, I remember working there during the intense heat of the summer. Every lunch spot felt so far away because it was moments without air conditioning. Either way, I'm very happy to be working on Irving and think I probably work in one of the best neighborhoods of the city. I suppose everything happens for a reason. Who knows where else life will take me.

Then I headed home and once I landed on my street, realized I was probably better off sticking to my hood. Everywhere I turned, there were suddenly interesting, colorful people to photograph.

Yawn

And it remains that I can't seem to wake up before 10:30 if I don't have to. I went to bed around 1 and it's not like I had a strenuous day. So I need on average 9 hours of sleep apparently while my roommate just told me she can function on a regular dose of 4 hours. hmmm

What shall I do today??

A Classic from My West Coast Sister

and cause I'm on a roll

anyone knows me, knows that I can do a disturbingly killer impression of Kermie singing his line in the Muppet Babies opening song.

Hmmm

All good suggestions. This week might be really slow and boring.. I'm actually worried I won't have much to do. So perhaps I'll try the Jdate and Plenty of Fish. I've also heard of crazyblinddate.com which I would try on a dare or if someone paid me. And by paid, I mean either bought something from Arbonne or Cafe Press. Yes. I am shameless.

In any case, my friend and I were on the phone and he was like, "wow, I can't believe you put that picture up. You have no shame."

Yes, I have no shame.

and to see some lovely people that also have kindly given up their shame for my photographic project- please see this link.

hmmm

I'm thinking of joining match.com again. I haven't had any fun, dating adventures in a long while Although maybe I should concentrate on my photography and back to better habits- i.e. working out. Any thoughts? It's damn expensive. $75 for 3 months so if I did it, I'd really have to commit to it. Hmmm.

Christmas in Schmersey

This is one of the first weeks since I was unemployed that I've had absolutely no obligations. Very few errands and can just spend it hanging out. Actually, this is the first week between Christmas and New Years since 2005 that I've had a paid vacation and wasn't freelancing! Despite the turmoil in the financial sector, and various other tragedies, I feel that overall, this has been a fantastic year for me. More on that when I do my "look back."

But for now, here's a sampling of what Christmas in Schmersey is like for me. It involves going to the 5pm Carol Readings at St. Peter's in Citicorp Center where my sister and I, like two children with undiagnosed ADD, scope out the cute boys, write notes on our program, get distracted by the adorable children, sing our hearts outs, and get teary eyed when we listen to the beautiful music and feel the love among our family and congregation.

The ride back into New Jersey included us singing our hearts out some more- this time to Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terril. Our newest tradition has been to get bagels and lox. Perhaps a nod to the Jewish half of our Jewthuranism despite my doctor's orders to limit my carbs. This year we got caught up watching National Treasure on TV as a family, so involved that we post-poned opening presents. Finally, we sat in the living room to open up presents- a Christmas Eve tradition that is apparently Norwegian. Despite perpetuating my extreme impatience and tendency towards instant gratification, I feel it's more romantic and relaxing. Instead of opening our presents groggy-eyed, we sit, laugh, and enjoy.

A Charlie Brown Ad Agency

I got this from my West Coast sister. I would have posted this sooner but I was too busy working! This is so hysterically accurate from the insecure creatives to missing your weekend events, to hooking up with coworkers while drunk. Anyway, here's to advertising! I love it!

Holy Crackers

I've been working non stop like a Mo' Fo. Ain't even gotz time for Christmas Shopping. Holy Crap.

Gotta get back to work.

Cozy in Schmersey

I'm so glad I made the trek to my parent's today. It's so nice and cozy. No massive pipe banging to keep me awake. And I can literally spend the entire weekend in their house and not feel lazy, lonely or lame. There's something about being able to walk through various rooms, up and down stairs, that make staying inside not that claustrophobic. And all the goodies my mom buys. Case in point.

Me: looking through the cabinets. "Mom, why did you buy all these pastries? You know we don't need them."
Mom: "Because they were on sale."
Me: Noting that this is the same answer she always gives and shakes head. "But mom, what's the point of buying something on sale if we don't need it and will make us fat..." trails off.

Verizon Still Sucks

It's been nearly a month and I still haven't gotten my $369 back. The dumb folks at Verizon gave me about 2/3rds then said I needed to go to the store where I purchased the original phone. Then I went back to the store, and they told me Verizon made a mistake. So here I am waiting another 2-3 week for the rest of my money. Joy. Come on. You know you want to switch to the iPhone. All that talk about Verizon having a better network is BS. I haven't taken my phone outside the tri-state area.. but come on. iPhone.... It's about the same amount as Verizon with a data plan but unlike Verizon, there aren't bullshit, hidden fees. And the phone is so much easier to use.

Global Warming Isn't Going Away

2008 record hottest year and 98-08 hottest decade. See here.

Wardrobe Malfunction

I had a wardrobe malfunction this morning. I have a pair of zip up boots from Aerosole that I bought last year. The zipper is sort of broken but I've been wearing them despite the risks of them getting stuck midway. And they did. Spent 15 minutes working up a sweat and trying to pull the zipper down. Finally, I succeeded and vowed to bring them in to get fixed. Hmm.. I guess a pair of $50, fake leather boots really isn't a deal if it only lasts a year. On the other hand, I bought a pair of $100 Anne Klein boots about 3 years ago and they're still my favorite. Only brought them in to get the heel fixed a few months ago!

Weekend Update

I have to say, overall, this was a great and busy week. I met some very cool people. Was inspired by both photography, and some fantastic music on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. The Nightrats, Symphonics, and Dujeous. Accomplished a TON this weekend.. from visiting the Whitney and seeing the William Eggleston exhibit, to carrying up a 67 pound desk up the stairs and relying on the kindness of an English stranger.

And finally, I ended the weekend with an adventure. My friends and I had plans to eat at Kefi on the Upper West side. Unfortunately, we didn't make reservations.. and they told us it would be a 20-30 minute wait. But it ended up being over an HOUR! Hello!? A little honestly would have been nice. Then after we were all sufficiently dizzy, cranky or a bit of both, they finally seated us. Only we waited for another 15 minutes and no one took our order!!! So we upped and left. Got pizza and ended up having a great time. So that would be my third pizza for this week..

Long Awaited Pics

Symphonics Live - for the rest go to my flickr page

Music is My Boyfriend...

These last two nights have been all about the music, and some damn good music at that. Last night, I went into Williamsburg at Pete's Candy to see the Nightrats, sort of mellow, but interesting sound. Can't figure out who to compare them to but I like their style, and they mix French into their lyrics which is cool. On top of that, met some really cool people. I can't tell you how nice it is to meet artistic people. As much as I've enjoyed the last 5 year and value the friendships I've made, it gets old speaking with finance people, etc. Definitely nice to be appreciated or recognized for my creative abilities instead. I've felt like I've made a greater effort to understand what people do in finance than anyone has in asking me what advertising, etc. is all about. But maybe that's just me.

Then tonight, I went to another Symphonics Live show, pictures to come soon. As always, it was inspiring and moving. Shawn has a knack for finding some seriously talented people and mixing it up in an eclectic, sophisticated way. And the types of people that are drawn to him have a mutual respect for spirituality, musical talents, honesty, and we all let ourselves be moved by the music. One of the singer's one year old child was in the audience, and to every one's amazement, had perfect, natural rhythm. He instinctively wanted to dance the minute any music came on. And the icing on this week's cake (although the week's not over), was a party I went to on West Houston for a few drinks where I met up with some cool coworkers. I still owe this blog a comparison to my life last year. I guess I might as well wait until New Year's at this point. But let me tell you, I know I'm young and maybe not the wisest, but life definitely has it's ups and downs. And when I say that, I'm focusing on the ups.. because I believe that no matter what you're going through, life will turn around. I feel blessed to have the strength and support from family and friends to help me ride out the waves. And am always learning about myself and others.

peace and love.

A Review of What I Ate Yesterday

Worst idea ever. I'm still feeling it. My tummy aches.

Breakfast - cereal (off to a good start)
Lunch - chocolate croissant (off the wagon)
Dinner - chocolate banana shake and banana nut bread from Starbucks (was running around)
Post dinner snack at 10:20 after class - quesadilla from BAM (holy crap - stomach still hurts)

Arbonne Dreams

Lately I've been having dreams about Arbonne. Last night I dreamed that I ran into Julie Louis Dreyfus except at the time, I couldn't remember her real name so unfortunately called her Elaine. She was taking out an Arbonne product out of her bag so I introduced myself and told her I sold Arbonne as well. And she said she didn't keep in touch with the woman who sold it to her but wanted another product. So I gave her my business card and ID number and contact info. Then the other day, I dreamed that I emailed someone the link to Arbonne, they passed it along and suddenly got sale after sale. hmmm.. my dreams have the tendency to be prophetic.

Okay, so here's your holiday gift guide made easy. So far, I've heard only good things about Arbonne. Everyone who's bought something has liked it. Here's what I think would make good gifts.

For your lover, girlfriend or boyfriend - 5 - in - 1 Essential Massage Oil
For your mom, sister, friend - Awaken Sea Salt Scrub
For your mom, sister, friend who works all day - Makeup Primer (makes skin feel as soft and smooth as satin)

And there are plenty of other holiday products that you should order while supplies last. Arbonne is pure, safe and beneficial. The company has been environmental for 30 years (before being green was in). Products are botanically based, vegan, not animal tested and most are paraben free. Register as a new client under 17896644.

Please email me with any questions at mollyka@gmail.com

Arbonne

I'm Sensitive and I'd Like to Stay That Way

Holy crap. I just quoted a Jewel song. Okay. So I had a rough day minus the many compliments I got on my hair.

How can you not find the below picture amusing, uplifting, and okay- a bit confusing. All I'll say is it was taken at my house on Thanksgiving and is typical of the shenanigans that go on at our meals. Man below is not a family member but given his activity, could very well be.

French Fries for Lunch = Worst Idea Ever

barf.

Envasion

Our office has been invaded by 4 ft or shorter mini versions of various coworkers. Help!

Scottish Accents

And it remains that I still can't understand people with heavy Scottish accents for the life of me. After hitting up a party while hung over and brain dead- being tired and hung over makes me stutter, we grabbed some chicken at a Korean restaurant in K-town. It was amazing. Worth the wait. The protein gave me a second wind so I decided to stop by my spot and say hi to my crew. Was a good decision because I got to meet my bartender's mother! Is that weird? Does that mean I'm taking this whole bar/ bartender thing to a whole new level? Who knows. I only had one drink and it was a beer.

But I couldn't understand anything she was saying so I thought it was best to head home. BUT not before running into pizza boy's roommate and having to explain to him that it wasn't a match and I thought pizza boy was a player. AND I tried to explain to said boy that I've seen countless times chasing after different women, that nearly all guys are players.

3 Words

Korean fried chicken.

New Yorkers are Edgy or On Edge...

Walked around in the cold attempting to do my photography assignment. We have to do a "series." I've been thinking about it a lot but haven't had time to do it. Wanted to do it over a period of a few days but looks like I'll have to do everything last minute. Anywho, I experienced some hate today more so than usual from taking people's photos. First incident was that I asked to photograph a drunk or something sitting on a chair. He didn't look that bad. I'm not all for photographing drunks or homeless but wasn't sure what he was. It's hard finding people lingering outside! As I'm photographing him, some girls walk by and one shouts "I hope she's giving you money." Then a second person walks by and says sarcastically, "that's in good taste."

Jeeze. Every one's a critic.

Walked down further on I think Allen St near the LES and some guy was at a light driving a vintage, 60's car. Photographed him. Then he gave me the finger. Photographed that. Then he drove closer to the curb and yelled that he wanted me to come over and talk to him. I said no way and walked away. I can't imagine what he would have done.

The rest of my photographic journey involved less hate and was quite pleasant although I'm not sure if I really got any decent shots. Went to a bookstore/ cafe and had a great prosciutto and mozzarella sandwich. And had a funny moment with the people sitting there. I think everyone that goes to a cafe/ bookstore alone wants to meet people. I think we all have the same fantasy of trying to look intellectual and engaged in our high brow magazines or books. Sipping expensive cappuccinos in elegantly designed mugs. Waiting for that perfect, cultured, smart guy or girl to strike up a conversion. Okay, maybe that's just me.

Wishful Sleeping

Finally cleaned off my bed last night in the hopes that having a bed completely for sleeping would help me sleep better. Normally the side where a guy should be is inhabited by my purse, mail and pile of magazines. Well. It didn't. Had a very bad dream this morning. As usual work up at 5:30ish AM to the very loud sound of the heater. And finally work up completely at 8:10, way pay my desired 7:30 wake up time. I can't seem to wake up before 8am anymore. Hmmm.

St. Mark's

Quickly ran downstairs to drop off my recyclables and beforehand, noticed that my heater wasn't really on. Ran into a neighbor where we proceeded to complain about the absurdity of the building. And how people left garbage in the hallway, etc. And I said that I'm often ashamed to invite friends over although it's always entertaining to hear the reaction when I say I live on St. Mark's Place. His response, "you will get over that fast."

Holy Crap

Apparently my dad reads my blog. Yikes. Good thing I've been boring myself. Wait, that's so not true. I've been uber inspired by my photography class, sort of want to quit my job, travel around the world and photograph people. That sounds so clique but it's true. Too bad the concepts of sabbaticals don't exist in the corporate world. Could you imagine how beneficial it would be if you could take a month or two leave to explore the world or renew yourself? Everyone would be so much happier, more productive and learn things that they could apply to their job.

Hmm. What about the Peace Corps.

Went to a panel discussion at The New School tonight on street photography sponsored by Aperture and touching on the exhibit currentlyy at the Bronx museum. It wasn't that well organized and some of the speakers didn't have an incredibly cohesive and thought out speech. But there was one guy who I really enjoyed- Jamel Shabazz. It doesn't seem like his career in photography followed the normal path although he did have the requisite- "my father gave me a camera at 15 story" that he passed on. He has worked as a correction's officer and semi documented the streets of New York between from the late 70's on, specifically capturing life in the Bronx, etc. A few things he said really struck a cord.

- That you should really get to know your subjects. Find out their names and stories.
- Inspire young people and let them know their special and beautiful.
- And most especially- that photographers see with a "third eye." We see things that others don't see. Relationships between people and objects, coincidences, etc. Pointing this out really had an impact on me because often times, I see ironies and stories in everyday life and wonder if others see it too. Now I'm encouraged to document what I see because my ability to find these quirky relationships is what makes me a photographer and separates me from the hoards of people carrying around cameras.

And finally, Martha Rosler touched on the relationship between photography and subject but at a different angle. She did a series of photographs that she took while she was traveling, quick, non posed, capturing the mood of traveling. Focusing on what she went through as an artist and photographer. As many artists can relate, I've spent a large portion of my life uncomfortably hauling large sheets of paper, toolboxes full of drawing utensils, heavy and cumbersome cameras, etc.

She also had a profound but obvious thought that she brought up. That she doesn't entirely believe in the idea of photographing the drunks and homeless on the street. And that the photographer needs to examine the idea that a photographer is generally photographing those of a lower class, potentially exploiting their image, then showing it to those of the higher class.

Happy Tuesday!