I opted to work from home today as the weather is nasty and I don't want to commute, especially when it is likely only one person will be in the office. My internet is acting weird so I made my way to a local cafe where I have found that there are a lot of people not working or taking leisurely mid-morning coffee breaks. The cafe is bustling with middle-aged men discussing property, two early 20's girls playing Uno and laughing while sharing a scone, and a steady flow of traffic coming in and out of the door. The two girls behind the counter greet the regulars and whip up delicious caffeinated treats. I was glad I requested a chocolate chip muffin and not the blueberry as the woman next in line (one of the 'regulars') requested what was the last one. Let's be honest, I'd rather have chocolate over fruit anyday, unless the fruit is covered in chocolate; so I will adhere to the same policy when it comes to muffins.
Fall is definitely here. I love the chill but not the rain.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Why make things yourself?
I made a decision today to never make salads or coffee again (okay I obviously will have to do both again at some point but...). I realized that when other people make me a salad or coffee they taste a million times better. All those salad mixing places at lunch taste so much better then when I try to toss some veggies together myself. And somehow those coffee cart guys know just how much cream and sugar equals an amazing cup of coffee (and I never know how many calories are in that toasty beverage).
Other note- I did not overdraft my bank account last month for the first time in months! I am patting myself on the back as we speak. There was a hairy moment Tuesday night when my salon's credit card machine was down and I had to use an ATM, but all is well in the world now!
Other note- I did not overdraft my bank account last month for the first time in months! I am patting myself on the back as we speak. There was a hairy moment Tuesday night when my salon's credit card machine was down and I had to use an ATM, but all is well in the world now!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Not just about ticket stubs anymore
I had some random thoughts come into my head today and decided to write them here in my blog:
1. I am patting myself on my back. This month I managed to pay off all of my credit card and still put money in my savings account. I refuse to get into credit card debt any longer!
2. I love the show the Biggest Loser. I always get emotional watching it and last night was no exception. It also inspired me to really re-evaluate my health and lose those 15 pounds I have been talking about for ages. While I am starting my diet with Dan in November I can start to make healthy choices today. The show also inspired me to possibly order the BodyBugg- a device to track caloric intake and exertion. I love tracking things by numbers/points so I may splurge and get it. This way I will know how awful some things I eat are!
3. I love lazy nights with Dan; last night is a perfect example. Thai food, tv and great company.
4. For the first time in a while I had a truly nice time when I went home this past weekend. I got the perfect dose of family time, beat my mom in scrabble, and relaxed on the couch with my friend Lauren.
5. I love fall! Bring on the sweaters, chill in the air, football season and Islander hockey : )
1. I am patting myself on my back. This month I managed to pay off all of my credit card and still put money in my savings account. I refuse to get into credit card debt any longer!
2. I love the show the Biggest Loser. I always get emotional watching it and last night was no exception. It also inspired me to really re-evaluate my health and lose those 15 pounds I have been talking about for ages. While I am starting my diet with Dan in November I can start to make healthy choices today. The show also inspired me to possibly order the BodyBugg- a device to track caloric intake and exertion. I love tracking things by numbers/points so I may splurge and get it. This way I will know how awful some things I eat are!
3. I love lazy nights with Dan; last night is a perfect example. Thai food, tv and great company.
4. For the first time in a while I had a truly nice time when I went home this past weekend. I got the perfect dose of family time, beat my mom in scrabble, and relaxed on the couch with my friend Lauren.
5. I love fall! Bring on the sweaters, chill in the air, football season and Islander hockey : )
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Monday May 18, 2009 (morning entry)
This entry is really more of a non-ticketed entry. This morning on the LIRR I forgot my wallet which also contained my train ticket, cash, debit card and credit card. When the conductor came by to collect my ticket I had to tell him that I had forgotten my wallet and couldn't pay my fare. Rather than write me a ticket and grant me a fine he simply told me to "keep looking" then never came back again. Lucky me that I was able to skate away from a fine- what a nice conductor! Maybe it was my puppy-dog eyes and the sincerity in my voice. I got off at Jamaica and used the lone credit card I had in my other wallet to purchase the rest of my fare into NYC.
There is a greeting card I keep by my desk that reads: "I can stay calm in a crisis because I am often the cause." No statement is more true for me. While I don't think not having a train ticket is a "whoops I dropped a candle and now the rug is on fire" type of crisis but at 7am it can feel like it.
There is a greeting card I keep by my desk that reads: "I can stay calm in a crisis because I am often the cause." No statement is more true for me. While I don't think not having a train ticket is a "whoops I dropped a candle and now the rug is on fire" type of crisis but at 7am it can feel like it.
Saturday May 16, 2009
Tonight's ticket stub was from the crime drama State of Play featuring Rachel McAdams, Russell Crowe and Ben Affleck. I attended this movie with Dan at a theater I had never been to before in Farmingdale. There are two Farmingdale theaters and went to the wrong one first (doh!) and had to turn around. That coupled with long ticket and snack lines caused us to miss the previews (our favorite part of going to the movies) along with an undetermined (but likely only 2 minutes) part of the movie.
I was entertained and on the edge of my seat for the entire movie. A politically-fueled murder of a senator's aide being investigated by a D.C. journalist with a connection to the senator whose was having an affair with the victim. I enjoy Russell Crowe and Rachel McAdams and they did not disappoint this time either and provided a good student-teacher dynamic. Russell as the grizzled vet journalist using old-school reporting methods to build his story including sweet-talking hospital morgue workers and police officers alike, with McAdams as the young internet-saavy blogger who was trained in more classical, and ethically pure, reporting methods. Throw in a struggling newspaper under pressure from a new corporate owner and you have immense pressure to uncover the murderer before the cops do.
I could uncover much more to the story but I don't want to give any more away. I will add a stellar, albeit short-lived, performance by a club-hopping Jason Bateman (I love that guy- why did he disappear for like 10 years) stole the show and kept the intensity up towards the end of the movie.
I recommend giving State of Play a viewing- if not in theaters (all of the summer blockbusters have hit the ground) then definitely add to your Netflix queue upon release date.
I was entertained and on the edge of my seat for the entire movie. A politically-fueled murder of a senator's aide being investigated by a D.C. journalist with a connection to the senator whose was having an affair with the victim. I enjoy Russell Crowe and Rachel McAdams and they did not disappoint this time either and provided a good student-teacher dynamic. Russell as the grizzled vet journalist using old-school reporting methods to build his story including sweet-talking hospital morgue workers and police officers alike, with McAdams as the young internet-saavy blogger who was trained in more classical, and ethically pure, reporting methods. Throw in a struggling newspaper under pressure from a new corporate owner and you have immense pressure to uncover the murderer before the cops do.
I could uncover much more to the story but I don't want to give any more away. I will add a stellar, albeit short-lived, performance by a club-hopping Jason Bateman (I love that guy- why did he disappear for like 10 years) stole the show and kept the intensity up towards the end of the movie.
I recommend giving State of Play a viewing- if not in theaters (all of the summer blockbusters have hit the ground) then definitely add to your Netflix queue upon release date.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Thursday May 7th
Sum 41 at the Crazy Donkey. I remember when I first heard of Sum 41. I was leaving a New Found Glory concert at Axis night club in Boston when I was handed a VHS tape of a music video Sum 41 made. I can't remember the song now, but I don't think it was Fat Lip. It may have been from their first album...anyway. Going to see them reminded me of my good friend and college roommate Lauren who I went to see the NFG show with. I think that was around the time she dropped gum in her boyfriend, Kris', armpit hair and had to cut it out. I still remember that as one of the funniest things I saw. That and the day Kris and his friend has opposite arms sunburned from a road trip to Maryland where the each had one arm out opposing windows.
Okay...enough reminiscing and onto the actual show. I attended this concert (which did not have a ticket stub- we were on the will call list) with my boyfriend Dan, his roommate Bill, friends Katie, Sam and Tom. We arrived in time to hear the opening band whose music I liked but I wasn't a fan of the lead singers voice. In between sets there was a plethora of AC/DC songs which kept everyone pumped up. We stood by the bar with all of the parents who were there chaperoning their teenage children. One of whom was wearing a notable t-shirt: "Talk shit. Get hit." Classy.
Sum 41 was better than I had remembered from that video in college and I found myself dancing to every song, including the 'Master of Puppets' cover they did. A cover that our friend Bill, a true metal fan, deeply enjoyed. That is the surprising thing about Sum 41, they weren't as pop-punk as I'd remembered, they had a bit of a harder, pure rock vibe which I really liked. The lead singer was as short as the tabloids say he is and Avril was not in tow. He said 'fuck' a lot which surprised me, but it got the crowd riled up. I need to get Dan to give me a copy of the mix he made for Bill...
This show, in this venue, made me nostalgic for the days when I went to a lot of pop-punk shows in similar venues and it got me excited to see more. I love seeing Dan dance, especially at shows like this. I kept looking back at him with a huge smile on my face. Dan and Crazy Donkey= super fun times. I love it and can't wait for the next show!
Okay...enough reminiscing and onto the actual show. I attended this concert (which did not have a ticket stub- we were on the will call list) with my boyfriend Dan, his roommate Bill, friends Katie, Sam and Tom. We arrived in time to hear the opening band whose music I liked but I wasn't a fan of the lead singers voice. In between sets there was a plethora of AC/DC songs which kept everyone pumped up. We stood by the bar with all of the parents who were there chaperoning their teenage children. One of whom was wearing a notable t-shirt: "Talk shit. Get hit." Classy.
Sum 41 was better than I had remembered from that video in college and I found myself dancing to every song, including the 'Master of Puppets' cover they did. A cover that our friend Bill, a true metal fan, deeply enjoyed. That is the surprising thing about Sum 41, they weren't as pop-punk as I'd remembered, they had a bit of a harder, pure rock vibe which I really liked. The lead singer was as short as the tabloids say he is and Avril was not in tow. He said 'fuck' a lot which surprised me, but it got the crowd riled up. I need to get Dan to give me a copy of the mix he made for Bill...
This show, in this venue, made me nostalgic for the days when I went to a lot of pop-punk shows in similar venues and it got me excited to see more. I love seeing Dan dance, especially at shows like this. I kept looking back at him with a huge smile on my face. Dan and Crazy Donkey= super fun times. I love it and can't wait for the next show!
Sunday May 3rd
This night I went to the Bowery Ballroom with my roommate Meagan and two friends who were visiting from out of town, Megan and Katie, to see Vetiver. I love the Bowery, not only as a venue but also due to its proximity to my apartment.
The show was good but I left early so I could get ready for my first Monday in the office of my new job. It started out slow and sleepy but then the band moved into faster songs.
I'd like to just pop into the Bowery on a night I am not doing anything and there is a band playing. It is a close and cheap place to check out new music.
The show was good but I left early so I could get ready for my first Monday in the office of my new job. It started out slow and sleepy but then the band moved into faster songs.
I'd like to just pop into the Bowery on a night I am not doing anything and there is a band playing. It is a close and cheap place to check out new music.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Monday April 27th and Wednesday April 29th
I started my new job on Monday April 27th which began at around 4:45am when I woke up to get ready to catch my flight to Denver where I would spend my first three days meeting my new team. I had to fly out of Laguardia since there are no direct United flights from JFK. I am more of a JFK fan because of its accessibility via public transportation. My flight out was delayed over an hour, which I didn't mind too much as I managed to catch some much needed zzz's. I am not a morning person.
The trip was good and I enjoyed meeting my new team members. A highlight was lunch the first day when we ate at the Spicy Pickle- a chain sandwich shop. They specialize in spicy pickles and they were delicious! I look forward to return trips and more pickles!! I was impressed with the hotel I stayed in- the Residence Inn by Marriott. The room was enormous and had a full-size kitchen with living area. Clearly it is designed for long-term travelers and if I was there longer than two nights I would have made sure to take advantage of the kitchen, although there is almost no need to since they serve hot breakfast every morning. I am a sucker for free breakfasts at hotels. It reminds me of my road trip with my dad where everywhere we stayed (except Chicago) had a free breakfast. What a great way to start a day on the road.
Okay...back to my Denver trip. The flight home was also delayed but I got to read the entire Hemisphere's magazine (my favorite airline mag in general although Southwest gets bonus points for having a lot of games) and successfully completed two sudoku's. When I arrived back into NYC I was able to quickly catch a cab and found myself home in no time! That night I was able to catch up with my friend who was in town and then began a fun weekend with girlfriends.
I am a United airlines fan (I guess having the mileage credit card helps) but it was more beneficial in San Francisco. I may have to switch airlines and thus credit cards, but not before I rake up all the miles I can! Free trips here I come!
The trip was good and I enjoyed meeting my new team members. A highlight was lunch the first day when we ate at the Spicy Pickle- a chain sandwich shop. They specialize in spicy pickles and they were delicious! I look forward to return trips and more pickles!! I was impressed with the hotel I stayed in- the Residence Inn by Marriott. The room was enormous and had a full-size kitchen with living area. Clearly it is designed for long-term travelers and if I was there longer than two nights I would have made sure to take advantage of the kitchen, although there is almost no need to since they serve hot breakfast every morning. I am a sucker for free breakfasts at hotels. It reminds me of my road trip with my dad where everywhere we stayed (except Chicago) had a free breakfast. What a great way to start a day on the road.
Okay...back to my Denver trip. The flight home was also delayed but I got to read the entire Hemisphere's magazine (my favorite airline mag in general although Southwest gets bonus points for having a lot of games) and successfully completed two sudoku's. When I arrived back into NYC I was able to quickly catch a cab and found myself home in no time! That night I was able to catch up with my friend who was in town and then began a fun weekend with girlfriends.
I am a United airlines fan (I guess having the mileage credit card helps) but it was more beneficial in San Francisco. I may have to switch airlines and thus credit cards, but not before I rake up all the miles I can! Free trips here I come!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thursday April 23rd
On my second to last day off, after watching two movies on the couch, Dan and I decided to go for the trifecta and see another- this time at the movie theater. His co-worker suggested 'Observe and Report' and who doesn't love Seth Rogen so we travelled met at the Cinema du Lux theater in Holtsville. What a swanky place! They serve food, alcohol, and a large variety of snacks. Stadium seating and 16 screens. Our movie time missed out but try to see your movie in a Director's Hall theater where they will bring food and drinks (alcoholic in nature) right to your seat!
Okay...enough about the theater and onto the movie. Bla. The movie was just okay. There were funny parts but I wouldn't see it again. A lot more violence than I was expecting and one extended scene that I definitely wasn't expecting (I would let on more but I don't want to ruin it if you are going to see it). Let's just say it almost gave the movie a NC-17 rating.
There are a bunch of new movies coming out this summer- with something for everyone- so look for more posts from the cinema.
Okay...enough about the theater and onto the movie. Bla. The movie was just okay. There were funny parts but I wouldn't see it again. A lot more violence than I was expecting and one extended scene that I definitely wasn't expecting (I would let on more but I don't want to ruin it if you are going to see it). Let's just say it almost gave the movie a NC-17 rating.
There are a bunch of new movies coming out this summer- with something for everyone- so look for more posts from the cinema.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Sunday April 18th
My ticket experience on Sunday was at the movies. After weeks of talking about it and somehow finding other things to do instead Dan and I finally saw Adventureland. It was a funny and sweet movie set to a killer 80's soundtrack with tunes to satisfy everyone. I found myself singing along to many of the classics including songs by The Replacements and The Cure. Sadly "Breakin the Law" by Judas Priest is not featured on the soundtrack, but the scene it is played in is one of the funniest in the movie. If you are expecting a movie with the same crass humor as Adam Mottola's Superbad then you will be disappointed. Adventureland is more of a coming of age love story in the style of Cameron Crowe or John Hughes. You will leave the theater with a warmth in your heart and strong sense of nostalgia.
I will have another post later as I will hold another ticket stub in my hand by the end of night...
I will have another post later as I will hold another ticket stub in my hand by the end of night...
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Wednesday April 8, 2009
I feel like for the past 5 years of my life I have always had a lingering flight itinerary booked and I usually was at an airport once a month. It seemed I never completed one trip without another booked. Since moving to NY I have been enjoying not seeing an airport once a month hadn't realized that for the past 9 days I had no lingering flight booked. That changed today.
I am starting a new job in a few weeks; the same week one of my closest friends will be also be visiting NY. As it turns out I will need to spend the first three days of my new job in Colorado meeting my remote team members. That means another flight! It also means not getting to hang out with my friend, I will need to hand in my abnormal psychology paper a week early (eek!), and not having the option of joining my boyfriend for wing night! The flight leaves at 8am on Monday morning so I can't say I am jazzed about a possible 5am wake-up call (Dan- I will need to spend as many nights as possible with you until then so I can prepare). No ticket stub yet and I can't print my boarding pass for a few more weeks, but I do continue to rack up United miles which equals free flights when I want to travel on my own terms.
My new job is another role in client services for an advertising technology company and I have to say I think it is clear that I love client services/customer support. I love helping people! Speaking of excellent customer service, a phone call I witnessed Dan have last night may have me changing banks. He is a TD Bank customer and when he called with a question about his account he spoke to a real person! On the first ring! I was shocked, excited, impressed- so many emotions I can't even begin to explain. The woman on the line spoke to him about his needs and then was able to direct him to the correct person. No automated menus. No waiting. He told me that they have two numbers you can call: one for an automated service and another to speak to a live representative. How impressive? As a gal who is just leaving a job managing a client support team this kind of service really has me lighting up. Talking to people! What a concept! But also being able to go automated if you choose. TD Bank you are amazing! You may have gotten yourself a new customer. As a WAMU member for nearly 6 years switching banks may be an event, but not one I will get a stub for, unless a deposit slip counts.
I am starting a new job in a few weeks; the same week one of my closest friends will be also be visiting NY. As it turns out I will need to spend the first three days of my new job in Colorado meeting my remote team members. That means another flight! It also means not getting to hang out with my friend, I will need to hand in my abnormal psychology paper a week early (eek!), and not having the option of joining my boyfriend for wing night! The flight leaves at 8am on Monday morning so I can't say I am jazzed about a possible 5am wake-up call (Dan- I will need to spend as many nights as possible with you until then so I can prepare). No ticket stub yet and I can't print my boarding pass for a few more weeks, but I do continue to rack up United miles which equals free flights when I want to travel on my own terms.
My new job is another role in client services for an advertising technology company and I have to say I think it is clear that I love client services/customer support. I love helping people! Speaking of excellent customer service, a phone call I witnessed Dan have last night may have me changing banks. He is a TD Bank customer and when he called with a question about his account he spoke to a real person! On the first ring! I was shocked, excited, impressed- so many emotions I can't even begin to explain. The woman on the line spoke to him about his needs and then was able to direct him to the correct person. No automated menus. No waiting. He told me that they have two numbers you can call: one for an automated service and another to speak to a live representative. How impressive? As a gal who is just leaving a job managing a client support team this kind of service really has me lighting up. Talking to people! What a concept! But also being able to go automated if you choose. TD Bank you are amazing! You may have gotten yourself a new customer. As a WAMU member for nearly 6 years switching banks may be an event, but not one I will get a stub for, unless a deposit slip counts.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Tuesday April 7th
I had meant to start this blog weeks ago but haven't gotten around to it until today. The inspiration for this blog stemmed from the fact that I seem accumulate numerous ticket stubs: concerts, movies, sporting events, train/plane/bus tickets, theater, etc. Each of those stubs holds a memory and tells a bit of the story of my life and many are held in a hat box on top of my dresser. I am a memento saver; a memory pack-rat of sorts.
Today my 10-trip peak ticket from Greenlawn to Penn Station got its last hole punched. It was an early train ride- the 6:15 from Huntington- so I could swing home before work and pick up some gym clothes and clothes for tomorrow.
I will need to purchase new 10-ticket packs today and am pleased to do so as I have $300 in transit bucks to spend on them! Thank you Microsoft! One perk I will defintiely miss.
Today my 10-trip peak ticket from Greenlawn to Penn Station got its last hole punched. It was an early train ride- the 6:15 from Huntington- so I could swing home before work and pick up some gym clothes and clothes for tomorrow.
I will need to purchase new 10-ticket packs today and am pleased to do so as I have $300 in transit bucks to spend on them! Thank you Microsoft! One perk I will defintiely miss.
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