Earlier this month, Scholastic re-released some of the original Baby Sitter's Club books with slight updates to help modernize them. I loved the BSC books when I was a kid- I read them when I was way too old to still care but the 4th grade reading level made them easy to fly through.
A lot of people think women move to New York to live out the Sex and the City fantasy lifestyle. I find that notion pretty insulting, in part because I knew way before Sex and the City came out that I already wanted to move to New York, and that was because of the Baby Sitter's Club books.
The books took place in a suburb of NY in Connecticut and my favorite character, Stacy, was from New York City and that's when the seed was planted. I think that was when East Coast life sounded fun and interesting to me.
Part of me is tempted to pick up a new modernized copy for a trip down memory lane, but I figure I've spent enough money on those books over the years. (they were $4 each and I think my weekly allowance was $5) Either way, I hope a new generation of girls will discover the books and maybe make a plan to move to the big city.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Visit with the Parents
The last time my parents were in New York together and with me, they were moving me to the city the day after graduation. It was a stressful trip, I'm sure there was rain, and I don't think any of us remember it being a lot of fun.
So, when they said they were coming for a long weekend on the way to Boston, I was really excited. My mom and I have things we like to do when she visits and my dad unfortunately is the champ of going with me to Home Depot, the grocery store and also sporting events. This past weekend was a combination of old favorites and a few housekeeping projects.
I moved to the couch bed and planned out the weekend. We had a great time- beautiful weather on Saturday was perfect for walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and having famous Grimaldi pizza in the park. Dinner at Mesa Grill was also delicious. Sunday was rainy so we did church, brunch very near church and then headed to Costco to see about getting me a family membership (didn't work out) and also to have helpers for carrying the loot home. :)
Then we went to the Mets game Sunday night. It was damp and misty when we got there, then the heavens opened up to rain and we fled our seats. We got some dinner and ventured back to our seats, but the mood was down and the crowd was sparse. They told everyone we were welcome to move to any seat on any level outside of the dugout (so the coveted behind home plate seats were not an option). We were much happier under cover and closer to the field, especially when the heavens opened up again in the top of the sixth- we sat through some of the rain delay (in part to eliminate the walk to the subway in the downpour) but finally gave up and learned this morning they ended up calling the game.
I am a lucky girl; I got help rotating my mattress, hanging some pictures, got a clock fixed and just had a great time showing off my city and apartment.
All the pictures from the weekend are on my mom's camera, but I'm sure she'll share.
So, when they said they were coming for a long weekend on the way to Boston, I was really excited. My mom and I have things we like to do when she visits and my dad unfortunately is the champ of going with me to Home Depot, the grocery store and also sporting events. This past weekend was a combination of old favorites and a few housekeeping projects.
I moved to the couch bed and planned out the weekend. We had a great time- beautiful weather on Saturday was perfect for walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and having famous Grimaldi pizza in the park. Dinner at Mesa Grill was also delicious. Sunday was rainy so we did church, brunch very near church and then headed to Costco to see about getting me a family membership (didn't work out) and also to have helpers for carrying the loot home. :)
Then we went to the Mets game Sunday night. It was damp and misty when we got there, then the heavens opened up to rain and we fled our seats. We got some dinner and ventured back to our seats, but the mood was down and the crowd was sparse. They told everyone we were welcome to move to any seat on any level outside of the dugout (so the coveted behind home plate seats were not an option). We were much happier under cover and closer to the field, especially when the heavens opened up again in the top of the sixth- we sat through some of the rain delay (in part to eliminate the walk to the subway in the downpour) but finally gave up and learned this morning they ended up calling the game.
I am a lucky girl; I got help rotating my mattress, hanging some pictures, got a clock fixed and just had a great time showing off my city and apartment.
All the pictures from the weekend are on my mom's camera, but I'm sure she'll share.
Monday, April 19, 2010
In The News
Every now and then, a news story comes around that I become REALLY interested in. Like, read all about it, watch the extra segment on the morning show and then talk about it all the time, thus educating my friends and family. Last week, it was the story of the autistic girl who went missing in Florida and was miraculously found. The logistics of getting aid to Haiti after the earthquake was another one I really found interesting.
This week: Eyjafjallajokull. Yes, that's "the volcano" in Iceland that erupted and has disrupted all of Europe and travel around the world.
I tried very hard to learn how to pronounce "the volcano" using this phonetic guide from the NY Times: EY-ya-fyat-lah-YO-kut. It hasn't really worked. But that's okay, everyone knows and understands what you're talking about without the proper name.
I think part of why I find this story so interesting is because this isn't a man-made problem. It shows you that nature is truly the most powerful being at times; it can ground planes and drift ash into countries miles/kilometers from the source of the eruption. Just makes me stop and think about how unpowerful man can be at times.
And it makes me really glad I wasn't trying to travel internationally!
This week: Eyjafjallajokull. Yes, that's "the volcano" in Iceland that erupted and has disrupted all of Europe and travel around the world.
I tried very hard to learn how to pronounce "the volcano" using this phonetic guide from the NY Times: EY-ya-fyat-lah-YO-kut. It hasn't really worked. But that's okay, everyone knows and understands what you're talking about without the proper name.
I think part of why I find this story so interesting is because this isn't a man-made problem. It shows you that nature is truly the most powerful being at times; it can ground planes and drift ash into countries miles/kilometers from the source of the eruption. Just makes me stop and think about how unpowerful man can be at times.
And it makes me really glad I wasn't trying to travel internationally!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Is Church Getting More Hip?
I made a point to go to mass every week during Lent. I'll be the first to admit that I don't have perfect attendance every Sunday, but on the weeks I don't go, I usually feel guilty. So I told myself that I needed to make it a Lenten pledge to go every week. I did it and I enjoyed.
It is hard sometimes to fit church into the weekend, especially when most of my friends don't go. I have one church buddy and we're pretty good about holding each other accountable but we also understand if someone can't make it. One of the reasons I don't always like going to church is because it isn't always relevant to my life. A lot of older people are there, the music isn't contemporary and you never know what the homily will be about or remember it by the end of mass.
However, during Holy Week there were a couple of moments where the priests seemed they were really trying to reach the people. On Good Friday, one priest referenced a Lifetime movie and on Sunday, there was a shout out (okay, really just a mention considering this was a 60 something priest but shout out sounds more fun) about Weight Watchers.
I remember snippets of the homily from Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter. Holy Thursday didn't hit home, but 3 out of 4 are good odds and I'm really motivated to keep going. We'll see if the priests keep up the "hip" messages.
It is hard sometimes to fit church into the weekend, especially when most of my friends don't go. I have one church buddy and we're pretty good about holding each other accountable but we also understand if someone can't make it. One of the reasons I don't always like going to church is because it isn't always relevant to my life. A lot of older people are there, the music isn't contemporary and you never know what the homily will be about or remember it by the end of mass.
However, during Holy Week there were a couple of moments where the priests seemed they were really trying to reach the people. On Good Friday, one priest referenced a Lifetime movie and on Sunday, there was a shout out (okay, really just a mention considering this was a 60 something priest but shout out sounds more fun) about Weight Watchers.
I remember snippets of the homily from Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter. Holy Thursday didn't hit home, but 3 out of 4 are good odds and I'm really motivated to keep going. We'll see if the priests keep up the "hip" messages.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Come Fly With Me
I remember long ago when flying was fun. I was a child and going on an airplane not only meant we were going somewhere, but there were new coloring books and crayons saved for the trip. We got to order sodas from the stewardesses and eat little bags of pretzels or peanuts. There was a movie that hadn't come out on video yet and sometimes we got little pillows.
Now when I think of flying, I feel dread. It starts with planning the trip and gambling online trying to find the cheapest flight at the best time with good seat selection. Then, you get to the airport and security is a disaster. I always seem to get behind people who have maybe flown once in the last 2 or 3 years, which means the rules have changed and they live under a rock and don't know about liquid restrictions or taking off shoes. Once on board, you have to bring your own entertainment and food, which is fine by me, I prefer my own books and snacks but I know some people are bothered. Of course, everyone is also fighting over overhead space, under seat space and bringing lord only knows what on board.
Then airlines had to compensate for fuel prices, so flight cost went up in addition to costs for checking bags. Fine by me, I adjusted my packing and only checked when needed. If I carry on only, it is a rolly that fits in the overhead and I can lift it up and down myself. I managed to control the dread by being an efficient and semi-frequent traveler. I can adjust to challenges and still choose to fly as a means of travel when practical.
But now, I'm pretty annoyed. Spirit Airlines has announced they will start charging for carry-on luggage. Seriously! And Ryan Air (based in Europe) is charging people to use the bathroom on board. I don't fly either of these airlines and don't really intend to, but what makes me nervous is that if one company does it and people don't boycott and protest, will the others follow suit? Ryan wants to encourage people to use the restroom before or after boarding- I have news for them, I do that and I still usually use the bathroom on board depending on flight length!
My dream superpower is to be able to teleport just so I could avoid nonsense like all of this. Absolutely crazy!
But then that being said, I'll be on a plane a month from today, CA bound. My goal is carry on only with a good book and even better snacks. :)
Now when I think of flying, I feel dread. It starts with planning the trip and gambling online trying to find the cheapest flight at the best time with good seat selection. Then, you get to the airport and security is a disaster. I always seem to get behind people who have maybe flown once in the last 2 or 3 years, which means the rules have changed and they live under a rock and don't know about liquid restrictions or taking off shoes. Once on board, you have to bring your own entertainment and food, which is fine by me, I prefer my own books and snacks but I know some people are bothered. Of course, everyone is also fighting over overhead space, under seat space and bringing lord only knows what on board.
Then airlines had to compensate for fuel prices, so flight cost went up in addition to costs for checking bags. Fine by me, I adjusted my packing and only checked when needed. If I carry on only, it is a rolly that fits in the overhead and I can lift it up and down myself. I managed to control the dread by being an efficient and semi-frequent traveler. I can adjust to challenges and still choose to fly as a means of travel when practical.
But now, I'm pretty annoyed. Spirit Airlines has announced they will start charging for carry-on luggage. Seriously! And Ryan Air (based in Europe) is charging people to use the bathroom on board. I don't fly either of these airlines and don't really intend to, but what makes me nervous is that if one company does it and people don't boycott and protest, will the others follow suit? Ryan wants to encourage people to use the restroom before or after boarding- I have news for them, I do that and I still usually use the bathroom on board depending on flight length!
My dream superpower is to be able to teleport just so I could avoid nonsense like all of this. Absolutely crazy!
But then that being said, I'll be on a plane a month from today, CA bound. My goal is carry on only with a good book and even better snacks. :)
Tennis Tuesdays
Okay, so I know it isn't Tuesday, but I play tennis Tuesday nights and that's where this story begins.
In late November of 2008, I signed up for adult tennis lessons because the summer before, my friends were playing tennis and as much as I tried to join in, I had not retained any tennis skills from the brief lessons in junior high PE. They said I couldn't play with them until I took lessons (they said this nicely) So I joined the USTA in Flushing Queens, where the US Open is held, to start in adult level 1 classes.
However, almost 2 and a half years later, I have made sooooo much progress. For the fall 2009 session, I moved myself up to Level 2. Then I was self-conscious about being "that girl" who brings the level of the class down by not playing well, but I can totally hold my own, even playing with more men now. Now, I'm not trying to brag nor will you be seeing me play in the US Open but people who know me know that I'm not really a sports-playing person. Before I started, I bought a racket and tennis skirt and my mom's comment was, "at least you'll look cute in case you're not that good." Yikes! (but kind of true- I have liked some sports outfits better than the actual playing of sports).
My parents were great when we were kids and let us try all sorts of activities, I recall doing ballet, then gymnastics, then back to ballet, plus jazz and tap. I also briefly dabbled in basketball (because I was tall), tried out for volleyball and cheerleading (didn't make either). I also tried guitar lessons and flute lessons since athletic activities weren't sticking. I did do one tennis camp as a kid, but I remember not being very good and also not really enjoying the sport playing part of the camp. But finally, I found my hobby!
Anyway, I've really gotten into tennis, love the program in Queens and everyone at work knows that I have a hard stop on Tuesdays because it's Tennis Tuesdays! I just think that it is great to be able to try something new at any age because you never know what is going to click.
In late November of 2008, I signed up for adult tennis lessons because the summer before, my friends were playing tennis and as much as I tried to join in, I had not retained any tennis skills from the brief lessons in junior high PE. They said I couldn't play with them until I took lessons (they said this nicely) So I joined the USTA in Flushing Queens, where the US Open is held, to start in adult level 1 classes.
However, almost 2 and a half years later, I have made sooooo much progress. For the fall 2009 session, I moved myself up to Level 2. Then I was self-conscious about being "that girl" who brings the level of the class down by not playing well, but I can totally hold my own, even playing with more men now. Now, I'm not trying to brag nor will you be seeing me play in the US Open but people who know me know that I'm not really a sports-playing person. Before I started, I bought a racket and tennis skirt and my mom's comment was, "at least you'll look cute in case you're not that good." Yikes! (but kind of true- I have liked some sports outfits better than the actual playing of sports).
My parents were great when we were kids and let us try all sorts of activities, I recall doing ballet, then gymnastics, then back to ballet, plus jazz and tap. I also briefly dabbled in basketball (because I was tall), tried out for volleyball and cheerleading (didn't make either). I also tried guitar lessons and flute lessons since athletic activities weren't sticking. I did do one tennis camp as a kid, but I remember not being very good and also not really enjoying the sport playing part of the camp. But finally, I found my hobby!
Anyway, I've really gotten into tennis, love the program in Queens and everyone at work knows that I have a hard stop on Tuesdays because it's Tennis Tuesdays! I just think that it is great to be able to try something new at any age because you never know what is going to click.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter Weekend
I'm pretty beat from Easter Weekend, so this is just a quick look at what all Paula and I did.
Brunch at Brasserie 8 1/2; it was a lovely buffet and we sampled pretty much everything. (lo-res because we had to use the iPhone...)
Walking around 5th Ave enjoying the gorgeous 75 degree weather!
With memories of childhood, we dyed some eggs.
And we got pictures of our new nephew! Wish I could have been closer but I'll get to see the little guy (kinda, he was 9 lbs, 12 oz) in about a month. Here's Derek Ryan Marshall:
Brunch at Brasserie 8 1/2; it was a lovely buffet and we sampled pretty much everything. (lo-res because we had to use the iPhone...)
Walking around 5th Ave enjoying the gorgeous 75 degree weather!
With memories of childhood, we dyed some eggs.
And we got pictures of our new nephew! Wish I could have been closer but I'll get to see the little guy (kinda, he was 9 lbs, 12 oz) in about a month. Here's Derek Ryan Marshall:The combination of great weather, Paula's wonderful company along with silly Easter activities and the excitement of a new baby- it was a great weekend!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Peeps!
I love Peeps. I think they are a great part of Easter but I am particular about how I enjoy them. I like them stale. You know, like they had been hidden in a plastic egg and then put in your basket for a couple of days stale. Then they're crunchy sugar on the outside and gooey marshmallow on the inside.
I'm not alone in this. there are at least 600 fans of stale peeps in various groups on Facebook and I'm pretty certain I have some sisters who like 'em stale too.
But another favorite thing about peeps is to see the dioramas people put together featuring the little marshmallow guys. I pulled a few of my favorites but the link for the full slide show is below. Enjoy!
Madeline in two straight lines:
Mad Men (this was a really funny episode involving a tipsy secretary and a lawnmower accident in the office, probably one of my favorites this past season):
Wii/Piip tennis:
It's a Small (Peep) World:
And "the birds":
I'm not alone in this. there are at least 600 fans of stale peeps in various groups on Facebook and I'm pretty certain I have some sisters who like 'em stale too.
But another favorite thing about peeps is to see the dioramas people put together featuring the little marshmallow guys. I pulled a few of my favorites but the link for the full slide show is below. Enjoy!
Madeline in two straight lines:
Mad Men (this was a really funny episode involving a tipsy secretary and a lawnmower accident in the office, probably one of my favorites this past season):
Wii/Piip tennis:
It's a Small (Peep) World:
And "the birds":
For more images, check out: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2010/03/29/GA2010032903934.html
Friday, April 2, 2010
Break Out Your Sunday Best
Easter on the East Coast is so tricky- you never know if it will rain/snow/be sunny/be warm or cold. This year, we're shaping up for a perfect 75 degree Sunday. The combination of knowing the weather and getting a coupon in the mail led me to Ann Taylor Loft to look for an "Easter dress." This reminds me of when we were little we got new dresses for Christmas and Easter, specifically to "debut" at mass. Easter usually involved white patent leather shoes and white socks with ruffles. And sometimes a new purse. Clearly, you know I loved this part of the holiday.
Anyway...back to buying a new Easter dress at the ripe old age of 26. I was headed to the Loft when I got a text from my sister about what to wear. I called her and here's pretty much the conversation we had:
Paula- so yeah, what are you wearing for Easter?
Me- well, probably a new dress, I'm shopping now. But if not, probably that short-sleeve satin dress I wore to Sara's graduation with a gray sweater.
Paula- hmm, I'm trying to think what I have [understood, probably didn't pack a lot of spring dresses to college]
Me- well, don't worry about being dressy. A jean skirt or khakis would be good to.
Paula- you say that like I have those
Me- you don't? I thought everyone had khakis and a jean skirt...
The conversation continued but it made me laugh that things I consider staples (albeit preppy staples) are not things other people even consider wearing.
And I did find something cute (and on sale!)at the Loft, but can't find a picture online to show you... hope to take some pictures this weekend so I'll post then.
Anyway...back to buying a new Easter dress at the ripe old age of 26. I was headed to the Loft when I got a text from my sister about what to wear. I called her and here's pretty much the conversation we had:
Paula- so yeah, what are you wearing for Easter?
Me- well, probably a new dress, I'm shopping now. But if not, probably that short-sleeve satin dress I wore to Sara's graduation with a gray sweater.
Paula- hmm, I'm trying to think what I have [understood, probably didn't pack a lot of spring dresses to college]
Me- well, don't worry about being dressy. A jean skirt or khakis would be good to.
Paula- you say that like I have those
Me- you don't? I thought everyone had khakis and a jean skirt...
The conversation continued but it made me laugh that things I consider staples (albeit preppy staples) are not things other people even consider wearing.
And I did find something cute (and on sale!)at the Loft, but can't find a picture online to show you... hope to take some pictures this weekend so I'll post then.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
April Fools
I keep forgetting today is April Fool's Day and I think that is for the better. Luckily, we're too busy at work to play pranks on each other and I've been able to tell what most of the prank posts are on facebook.
I don't think I've ever bee seriously pranked and I can only remember successfully "fooling" once.
It had to have been 1988 or 1989 because I know we were in our old old house. Anna and I (had to be like 4 and 6 or 5 and 7 at the time) decided it would be funny to put all the movies in different boxes. I remember mom not being amused and as it turns out, the joke was on us because whenever we went to watch a tape, we had no idea if it was the right one. And, some of the movies were taped off of TV and didn't always have a label on the box and the actual VHS. I just remember it taking a long time to sort out and I think that was the end of the foolery for me.
Hope if you've been fooled it was a good laugh!
I don't think I've ever bee seriously pranked and I can only remember successfully "fooling" once.
It had to have been 1988 or 1989 because I know we were in our old old house. Anna and I (had to be like 4 and 6 or 5 and 7 at the time) decided it would be funny to put all the movies in different boxes. I remember mom not being amused and as it turns out, the joke was on us because whenever we went to watch a tape, we had no idea if it was the right one. And, some of the movies were taped off of TV and didn't always have a label on the box and the actual VHS. I just remember it taking a long time to sort out and I think that was the end of the foolery for me.
Hope if you've been fooled it was a good laugh!
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