Telling Dream?

Yeah, I know.. talking about your dreams with others is kind of lame so I'll make it short. Last night, I dreamed that I was in a small plane, and in the front for some reason. Maybe even the cockpit, and I was talking to my dad on my cell phone. Then all of a sudden, I saw the ground getting way too close, hung up and realized the pilot was passed out. So I tried to steer the plane to safety but ended up crashing it (but good enough that we sort of landed). Then grabbed the nearest bag and hopped out of the plane. Then of course, seconds later, it burst into flames.

When I got out, some people came to help me but they didn't seem terribly concerned about the whole situation. Believe it or not, I think we landed in Kansas or maybe it was outside Kansas City, Missouri. In the end, I was freaking out that my camera was damaged and my computer. But it turned out I had grabbed the right bag that held my camera, although my computer was toast.

I'm curious to understand why my sub-conscious thinks I'm "crashing" or nearly about to crash but take comfort in know that my love for photography, etc. will pull me through. Or it's what I need to focus on.

Ups and Downs

Ups- my photography teachers remarked that various shots from my edit were $500 portraits. Sweet. So yeah, hire me for your head shots. I gotz the skillz. That's where I need to focus on the positive. I can't remember a time in my adult, post college life where I have been so consistently inspired. Nothing like following ones passion.

Down. So this whole dating thing is having its ups and downs. Der. I kind of knew what I was getting into but it seems like every time a date doesn't work out, I get annoyed cause it requires me to go back to the drawing board. And then I wonder if I can find another smart, cute and interesting guy. Then a week goes by, and I usually do. It's just that being impatient and dating really don't go together. Then again, being impatient is something I need to work on and probably doesn't serve me well in any situation.

Ups- ever have one of those days where you look at yourself in the mirror and it's after a long day at work, rainy out, gross weather.. but you think, "damn, I look good." Come on, don't lie. You know you do. So yeah, I'm having one of those. Two very hot, but obviously younger guys stopped me on the street on my way home asking for advice on Thursday night hot spots. At what age is a woman old enough to become a cougar?

And down, even though I hate to end on a bad note-- two of my favorite coworkers are moving on from our company to pursue other endeavors. A company is all about its people and it's interesting to see how it evolves, grows, changes, etc. based on the particular group. Then how we evolve, grow and change to accommodate those changes.

Very Cool Ad

Photography Filled Weekend

Totally shouldn't be awake right now. Perhaps the 4:30 PM coffee wasn't a good idea. But I'm feeling uber inspired. I had a fantastic weekend from start to finish. Spent some quality mom, sister, best friend (old friend), new friends, old boyfriends, and new dates-- time. All in one long weekend. Oh, and quality photography time. In lieu of a recap, here are some of my favorite shots.

Writer/ actor/ comedian/ friend

My beautiful sister



Eclectic crowd at Good-bye Blue Monday in Bushwick

Vote for the King

Coworker's husband who is very nice. Vote for him on the Dunkin Donuts site here.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit spoon - smart purchase of the week and nice way to start off the morning.

But Of Course

Just a typical day OUTSIDE the office honey. Lunch break in Union Square:





Guy selling t-shirts Mmm. Spicy.

Rejection

Me thinks that doing the rejecting is just as hard as being the one rejected. Okay, not just as hard or time consuming. It doesn't involve obsessively checking ones phone/ email and bouncing off theories to friends as to why said boy hasn't called. Instead of taking the guy/ ignore route, I'll carefully compose a text response politely explaining that while I enjoyed his company, it's not a match. What's worse? Why can't guys do this?

I've been disappointing my 5 fans with my lack of relationship/ love juicy tid-bits. And I will continue to do so. But I will say that it seems like I find guys who are a perfect match for me in theory- i.e. share similar values, my taste physically, have stuff in common, interesting, etc. But then we have no chemistry. Instead, I find chemistry with the close minded, conservative, jerkish, not terribly attractive guys. Do I have a problem? This is annoying. I'm not worried though, cause there are a lot of fish in the sea. See, haven't I come a long way!? Lots of smart fish I might add. Schools.

Introvert or Extrovert

Not to bite off of Nonsociety's links but found this article about introverts and extroverts interesting. Despite my tendency to tell the world my life story, I'm somewhat of an introvert at times. The thought of spending all day with people scares me but then again I'm not constantly connected through my phone, twitter, etc. I've never found myself to be boring and in fact, would rather do something by myself than someone I don't 100% click with. Food for though. Introvert or extrovert?

All Updates Fit to Print

I'm hoping you weren't crying yourself to sleep every night wondering when you'd see my next post. This week was action packed. Okay, maybe "action" is not the right word. Tuesday night had a meeting for an event I'm helping to organize.. more details to follow but save the date for Thursday night, June 25th. Wednesday went home to Schmersey for a mere 4 hours to see my dad get a worthy send off after serving the Board of Education for 12 years. It was beautiful to see both of my parents recognized and appreciated and the impact they've had on our town. The fact remains that I grew up in a very special town and they're continuing to do great things. Yeah, I'm a dork.

Thursday, I had my photography class and afterward, attended an end of semester party for Brooklyn Law. I was wearing my chucks and jeans while all the girls were wearing heels and dresses. It was awesome. My friend introduced me to some cool peeps. Of course they were drunk and I was tired.. which I guess sort of puts us at the same level.

Then Friday, thankfully I had a day off. Let's not even talk about the ending to Grey's Anatomy. Okay, let's. Any thoughts??? Holy crap! Saturday, I spent all day walking around Brooklyn. I checked out the NY Photo Festival, last day is today so GET THERE. Managed to run into about 6 people I know including someone I used to work with at ted.com. It always comes back to ted. Like aaalways. Then walked from DUMBO to Carrol Gardens - nothing like an evening stroll with my music and myself. Then met friends in Park Slope to attend a house party. At the party, spoke in length to a girl who went to Harvard undergrad and now attended MIT for grad school. It was funny that she talked about people being insecure about their Harvard background. What an interesting but understandable perspective. Then we headed back into Manhattan where I had my first Katz's Deli experience.. I know, I know. And finally back to my beautifully, comfortable bed where I would have slept my Sunday away if my mom hadn't called around 11:30.

Off for another adventure. Tootles.

here's some visual entertainment. Shots I took for my class.

Quote of the Day

Quote of the day from my 20-year old sister from email subject line "you are so right."
"I believe you once told me, "give it a couple years and every guy in high school will come out of the closet"

truth. fa realz "

Nothing like starting out the day with an email from the sis with subject heading that I'm right. For an even better way to start out your Tuesday, I got on this email list- like a mini craigslist and these two kittens are up for adoption. If your heart doesn't melt, you have a cold, cold soul.

Weekend Update

Had an amazing weekend. Worked late on Friday and stayed watching Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy. Then actually got up early for the gym, and spent all day Saturday walking around with one of my absolute best friends. It's so relaxing spending time with someone I feel completely comfortable with especially since I've been meeting lots of new people lately. We walked through Park Slope, mostly Northern but I don't know the area enough to say for sure. Ran into the kids I babysit for who were a bit confused to see me. Then took the train to Downtown Brooklyn and walked through Cobble Hill and Carrol Gardens. Good times had by all. Saturday night, I met up with a friend at Solas and was stupid enough to have 3 of Allan's ridiculously strong drinks. I felt queasy around 6am this morning but somehow it subsided by the time my parents got into the city.

Today, I went to brunch with the folks, then we sat in the Tompkin Square Park doggy park for a good hour. I spotted my favorite singer, Sia who was with her dog. AND, Dr. Lisa Cuddy from House. I had my camera and walked over to where there was some serious doggy "action," then made a joke about doppledangers.. that she laughed at. Just as we were leaving, my parents wanted to know what kind of dog Sia had. I finally got the courage to talk to her and she was super duper nice. Told her one of her songs was actually in my head when I saw her.. and she seemed to appreciate that I was a fan. She has two dogs, one who's three-legged and another who needed to go to "rehab." Okay, I know, I know.. if I move into Brooklyn, I won't see celebs on a daily basis, but I'm so okay with that! My day ended with an awesome loft party in Williamsburg for a college friend. I met a ton of super cool, artsy, interesting, sweet people and took some good pictures. Also got a lead on finding an apartment.. hmm. Okay, so maybe Williamsburg isn't that bad after all.

Peace and love.

Happy Friday!

My friend was kind enough to sit for me a few weeks ago after a long day at work and dinner. I took the following for my portraiture class and the teachers (we have two) absolutely loved them. Loved the graphic quality. I'm excited because I wasn't sure how they would come out. I guess I should get better at editing and recognizing what's good in my work. Anyway, no pressure K- but they want you to put out an album.

My Other Blog

Marking the year anniversary (+2 days) of another blog started last year and not really finished with a photo of Mr. Bobblehead #2. Okay, back to work!

Ponderings

I'm gathering the Jpegs for my upcoming photography class. We had to shoot portraits using side lighting and Rembrant lighting. Both lighting styles are very dramatic-- well at least how they want us to do the assignment, using our flash on a stand. It's hard to make flattering portraits since they're such high contrast. Anyway, I just realized that oddly enough, 2 out of my 3 subjects are named Kirsten. What are the chances? I'm sure I could find other similarities, like they're both artists.. but I'll stop there.

And side note.. I consider myself a reasonably happy person. I'm rarely bitchy, and tend to have a optimistic, nearly naive view of the world. But lately I have found myself surrounded by negativity and after all these years (2 to be exact), it's really starting to get to me. I cannot imagine how someone can walk around with so much constant anger and such a bitter view of the world. I started out feeling bad for this person, but now that the negative energy is starting to effect me, I'm less inclined to feel that way.

Okay- one more hippie-dippie comment. I rarely ever read my horoscope, but saw a link to Astrology Zone through Julia Allison. Anyway, it said on May 9th, I'll be getting a chunk of cash. And wouldn't you know it- the people I babysit for just asked if I can sit on Saturday night. Of course despite having a million tentative plans I said yes but still..
-Image to put me in happier place.

Apartment Searching = Not Easy

I don't know what on earth made me think it would be easy to find a new apartment or roommate share. The market it good but then again, so is the rent on my current apartment. It seems like there is more available in Manhattan than the areas I want to live in Brooklyn but I'm kind of sick of Manhattan. All the craigslist shares listed in Brooklyn seem to be with 2 other roommates. I've never lived with 2 other people and it seems like I'd be moving backwards in that way. It's hard enough sharing a kitchen and bathroom with one other person. And could I live with a guy? I'm wondering if I should suck it up and get a studio. Of course, that would also mean probably using a broker on top of that. Hmmm. Pondering..

Woe Is Me

Not to be all complainy but my whole body still hurts from yesterday's workout. This is rare. Stupid leg press thing. Hurts enough that I'm skipping a run which means I won't work out till.. Saturday unless for once, I work out in the AM. At least my arms feel better.

I'm Spun

Today's spinning class was one of those classes where I felt like I was going to die within the first five minutes. I don't know if doing 100 push-ups on Saturday somehow effected my legs.. err.. no. That's not it. Or if it was the jumping/ dancing in heels Saturday night to the point where I considered taking off my shoes to walk two blocks. Maybe not. Or if it was my brief workout with the leg press thing before class. Probably. Anyway, I once again entertained the class, but not on purpose. While taking off my spinning sneakers- (the Velcro makes Carl happy- a long running class joke) he pointed out that the boys must be chasing me. Apparently I have that innocent look. Ha! By innocent, does he mean I look like I'm 19 years old. I'm guessing he couldn't harass "chap stick girl" because her man was in class. In other news, this was a nice way to end the day that didn't start off so well. My upstairs neighbor actually STARTED rehearsing or whatever EVIL thing he does with his synthesizer at 11pm at night. Yes, that's right, 11PM. Until around 1am. Even with earplugs in, it still vibrated my bed but not in a good way. Brooklyn here I come.

Mothers - oy vey

My mother should be banned from Facebook. She goes onto my father's account and now I know for certain that she stalks people through it. I logged onto Facebook and saw to my horror that my dad's latest update had the name of someone I grew up with. Weird. I don't even think I've looked this person up on Facebook. I instantly came to the correct conclusion- that she put in the name of someone to look up but in the wrong field. So after going through a few potential password combinations, I thankfully managed to log on to his account and fix her mistake- hopefully before anyone noticed. At least my sister and I got a good laugh.

Celebrity Filled and Productive Saturday - Recap

Fortunately, it did not rain yesterday. Instead of spending a lazy day inside as planned, my day was productive and action packed. I started off by heading downtown with the intention of buying certain unmentionables in Soho. After taking 10 minutes to cross the street against the crowds and entering the store, I realized that was the dumbest idea ever. So I went back to the quieter, less insane NoLita and had a sandwich at MJ Bookstore. Great, relaxing spot with excellent food. Just make sure you get a table first. And I discovered these beautiful mugs called Miam.Miam Moda which I'm sooo buying for my next apartment.

After lunch, I walked back up towards my apartment holding my camera, determined to get one decent shot. On Bleeker, approaching the Bowery, I noticed a swarm of activity and eventually realized I was walking directly across the street from Rachel Bilson. The swarm of activity was actually a swarm of paparazzi. Not wanting to be one myself, I played it cool, sometimes even walking in front of her. We were heading in the same direction anyway. I eventually removed myself from the insanity and lost track of her whereabouts.

After months of not going, I finally went to my weight lifting then spin class at Crunch with my all time favorite teacher Carl. I'm surprisingly not in pain today even though he made us do 100 push ups. I thought he wasn't serious when he was telling us to do them. Holy crap. Did 20 manly and about 60 girlie push ups in between moments of inactivity where I was willing my arms to work. Yeah, during spin, I was sweating Carbernet Savignon. On the way home, I stopped off at Whole Foods for grub and money, hoping that people would find my post work out, sweaty and flushed cheeks attractive. Then still in a post workout daze, I chilled in Union Square, where I caught a dance off - inspiring! And back to St. Mark's where the day portion of my perfect Saturday ended with a bang. The Brothers Moving was playing in front of the old Kim's Video store. Obviously had to do some research to get to that point and bought their CD. They're 3 brothers and one other band mate from Denmark.


As my roommate pointed out, it's unlikely I'll experience this kind of day while living in Brooklyn but I'm still set on my decision.

And for the evening portion.. I met up with friends at the Annex. I generally try to avoid the LES and any place with a cover. The bar sort of looked like any other bar in the LES but super duper dark. Like dark to the point that if I ever go again, I won't put myself together. In fact I'll look grungy, where a hat and hope people mistake me for a celebrity. Oh- speaking of celebs, Winona Ryder was there. She's tiny. Maybe tinier than Rachel Bilson. Agnes Dynes was there- the blonde haired super model (do they have super models now?) and Michael Pitt was there. Exciting stuff. I'm sure there were a shit ton of other celebs there but it was so dark. Oh- so maybe that's why they hang out there.

The night ended at the pizza joint on Second Avenue. I know, I know. I shouldn't have. Since all the other tables were taken, these two guys (who I learned were Swedish) sat with me. I also learned that Swedes speak a dialect of German that the Germans don't understand and isn't a written language. And that not everyone living in Zurich is rich despite all the banking. Hmm... sound familiar. So over all, a very interesting day. I'm now looking forward to my uneventful, rainy Sunday.

Cheers!

I Can Stand the Rain

I'm kind of excited to have a rainy weekend. It's a good excuse to stay in and be lazy. No pressure to go running in the park or rollerblading. And by the end of this weekend, I won't be one step closer to developing skin cancer. Cheers to that.

Okay, so this is way past due but by the time Sunday night rolled around last week, I was sunburned, dehydrated and exhausted from the sun. I volunteered to take pictures at a bake sale benefiting BARC- Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition. I'm not much of a dog person but the dogs from the shelter definitely charmed me and I'm hoping have been adopted since the event. But on the crazy off chance that no one has recognized they make perfect companions, check out the site and stop by the shelter in Williamsburg. I mean really.. just try to resist those eyes...

Some Inspiration