my life, etc.,etc., etc

Sunday, April 30, 2006

Dear Blog,

Yesterday was a lovely Sat. I hung out here at my house, which I guess I don't really do all that often. I took a run on the mill and then soaked up the sun on our back porch. Then I went into the city and met up with Jen(whose interview with the NY Public School system went well) and Amy and we checked out this new exhibition by Kara Walker, and the show was prefaced by a short blurb about how it was directly related to the Hurricane Katrina devastation, but half way through, I noticed that the project had very little to do with the hurricane, and mostly about African-American Stereo-types. Amy is going to grad school for the art history thing so she had lots to say about it. After that we went to this little bakery on Madison Ave.(very shi-shi, and somewhere I don't usually hang out, but it was nice). Later on we met up with Paul for dinner at this Latin kitchen called Lucy - the Sangria was too good and I had too much - I'm a sucker for that stuff.

The next day was quiet. We cleaned up the back porch for the BBQ and ran to the store to get some extra stuff. We didn't care to worry about whether our grill would work or not, so when we go to fire her up, after everyone got there, it didn't work - I guess we had never shut the gas off after the last BBQ so the tank was empty. Sandra blamed it on Ian, which might be one of the reasons he doesn't come over much? Anyway, it was fun and good people showed up and we need to do it way more often. So into another week I am - trying to keep my spirits up so I don't bring the whole world down with me. Time to finish the resume and send, send, send, send.

Goodnight Blog,
Kate
xoxo

Saturday, April 29, 2006

Dear Blog,

You know what really blows on the weekend? - that time around 7:30 am when you bounce out of bed, and can't fall back to sleep, because your body has been programed like a robot to wake up at an unreasonable hour Mon-Fri. I just throw on the food channel and hope that Paula Dean can sing me to sleep with her "hey Y'alllllllllllllls"( as Paul says it). Last week was a busy one, and glad its passed. Last night we went to a BBQ at our friends Ian's office - he works at a design firm called "Nice" - if only we could all be so lucky to work somewhere called nice. They have an amazing interior space and then an awesome rooftop where they grill - they really do go all out for these BBQ's - there's really something to be said about a working environment as pleasant as this one. The food was great and then around 9 or so my friends Jen and Amy stopped by and we had a summer of 04' reunion. Today, we are planning on meeting up at the MET around 3:30 and then who knows - the 3 of us can get pretty crazy - of coarse any of you that know us, know that this isn't true, but we do what we can.

Have a good Saturday Blog, and stay out of trouble
(don't really know what I mean by that)
xoxo
kate

Wednesday, April 26, 2006


Dear Blog,

Shine up your dancing shoes Blog and freshen up on your Spanish and Protuguese cause my friend Jen's a coming to town - she's spent the last 8 or so months in Brazil and jet-setting amongst the southern most parts of the globe - she was actually doing many great things - among them, teaching. I am so envious of her, and also our friend Emily who is also hopping from country to country as well, seeing the world and enjoying her 20's - sooooo envious, although I am grateful and lucky to have a job......... blah, blah, blah. She's coming here to interview with the NY Public School System, very very brave girl, and it staying with us here in Queens for a night - very excited, haven't seen her over a year and a half. Anyways....today went well. We are having a marathon week of very long meetings to figure out the spring 2007 line, and it's quite a task. Well blog, I am tired and need to re-energize for a long day tomorrow. Can't think of anything else to say, other than that we went to a trend presentation/seminar thing today at the Direction Show near Penn Station. It was interesting.....fashion......hmmmmmm?!???

Sleep tight blog,
xoxo

(oh, the pic above is of Jen and I in Charleston SC)

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Dear Blog,

Sorry I have been a little neglectful of you lately. As you know, I have had a rough "what does it all mean" kind of week, and, fingers crossed, this next one will come and go more smoothly. Thanks to all of those who left a comment - it's true that we all have to go through this and I guess this is just my turn on the horse - the crazy retarded horse with one eye who spooks easily. This was a happy weekend for me. Paul's brother was in town, so on Saturday, the boys hit up a Yankee's game, unfortunately the weather has been a hater the last few days, so the cold made it less than enjoyable, but whatever, you're at a baseball game. I hung out with the roomates and did some grocery shopping, because we had planned to BBQ today, but it's postoned til next weekend so everyone mark your calenders accordingly. Later that Sat. evening, all 8 or so of us went to dinner at this cool diner/bar place called "Cup", down the street from my house. This place serves breakfast all day long, and it's got a bar right in the middle of it all - nothing better, I tell you what. After that we watched"King Kong" and I think it could have been about 2 hours shorter and still would have been alright, but you know, I probably should have gone to see it on the big screen anyways. Today we did some shopping, John made out like a bandit on jeans and stuff, and then I came back home and enjoyed the last few hours of my Sunday - so depressing right?!? Ok, blog, well chin up, and things will get better, or things will get different, one of the two.

Night blog
xoxo

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Dear Blog,

Well it has been almost 2 whole days, and I'm sure you have been going crazy since I've been gone. Actually blog, I have been spending my days with people - no offense, but sometimes I need someone who can talk back to me. So where to start....Well, on Friday, my day off, one of my few days offs, ever, we got an early start and walked over the the American Folk Art Museum- it was really interesting, and definitely a better time than I thought - folkart - don't knock it til you've tried it. After that, we went to Burger Heaven down the street for lunch (it's kind of a new york tradition I guess). We ended our afternoon at Bloomingdales and then walked down 5th Ave. on the way back to the hotel. We rested and had a little nap, and then it was off to dinner at Patsy's - a famous, and very delicious Italian restaurant in the theatre district. I am a little skeptical of any restaurants near, in or around times Square, but this place is and always will be great.

On Saturday morning we did the MET, and saw what we could in about 2 hours. I need to go more often so I don't forget my entire art history education. After that, we went to Serendipity III for lunch and got their famous "frozen hot chocolate" - a little tip - if you feel like being obese for an afternoon, go there and stuff yourself stupid. We went to the Frick Collection after lunch and saw "Goya's Last Works"(or the "crazy period" when he was starting to lose it). The exhibition was good and the permanent collection rivals the MET's. This is definitely a good alternative to the MET and it's set in somebody's home(well, a really uber fabulous one, but still). It was so nice, sunny and beautiful that we spent the rest of the day outside wandering through central park. We walked past "The Dakota" where John Lennon was shot and then walked down to the Time Warner Building. We were so stuffed from lunch that we had greek salads at this place down the street from their hotel, and then it was back to Queens for me.

Easter Sunday, we waited in line for the 12 pm mass at St. Patrick's cathedral, since the 10:15 mass was sold out - it doesn't sound very good when you say "sold out", but anyway, that's what they said. After that we went to the "Top of the Rock" at Rockefellar Center about 77 stories up. I have to say that it was better than the Empire State Building - fewer people and more room to walk around. Later, we went to see "The Odd Couple" with Nathan Lane and Mathew Broderick. It was uber funny, however I can't figure out whether Nathan Lane just gets the better parts or whether he's just funnier than mathew - hmmm? Paul met up for dinner later and then I said goodbye to Mom and Dad until August. It was sad seeing them go. Most of you that read this know that I am an only child, so they are kind of all I have - besides my friends here in the city of course.

This was a busy weekend, but it was a nice change. The people that live here in this city, don't take enough advantage of all that New York has to offer, and it's important to remind ourselves of all we have. Ok, well I have gone on long enough - it's starting to sound like a review out of AAA.

Goodnight Blog, have a good week!

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Dear Blog,

It was one of those ho-hum kind of days, not really fantastic, not really horrible. I met Mom and Dad this afternoon for lunch after their trip to Ellis Island. My mom went on and on about how interesting it was and how moved she was by the immigrants plight. I guess if you go, you need to take the audio tour. Interesting fact - Did you know that if you were a single woman that came to this country unaccompanied with family or friends, you could not leave Ellis Island unless you were claimed or escorted off the premises by a man. Another interesting tid bit - Each country had an "immigration quota' per country so if you arrived to NYC, after your country's quota was filled, they shipped you back. They also shipped you back if you were crazy, or apparently a single female. Well, anyway, enough about Ellis Island - I will definitely have to go one of these days. For dinner, we went to my favorite Mexican restaurant in the city called "Rosa Mexicano". It has the best food, service, and this glass wall with a waterfall and little divers - hard to explain, so you really need to see for yourself. I'm especially tired tonight - too much sangria. Tomorrow it's off to some museums, maybe a little shopping. Well blog, I might not be able to chat tomorrow, but don't be sad. If you need something to read, go to dport7.com or phrogger.com/swirlogirl/ - there's good stuff there.

Night!
xoxo

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Dear Blog,

So it has turned cold out again and I just don't understand it. As soon as it starts to get warm and beautiful, winter rears it's ugly head. My parents got here today and we just got back from dinner at this organic restaurant called Josie's on 38th and 3rd. I was a little skeptical at first - you know, too much green food scares me. But it is actually very good, and has a nice energy. I gotta say that I love four day weeks - tomorrow's already Friday for me and I am uber excited about it. 3-day weekends are the closest thing I can get to a vacation these days. On the subway there are these posters, I think advertising Bermuda or the Bahamas or somewhere "islandy". Each picture is different and says things like "take the road less shoveled", "trade 18 layers for 18 holes", and then my favorite, "just say no to pants". It makes me want to move to California or somewhere "eternally summer".

Night Blog!

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Dear Blog,

It is lunchtime here in NYC. Our design office looks out over Bryant Park(big perk of the job), and the place is packed to the brim with people. It is a beautiful, sunny clear afternoon, and for the first time today, I noticed that the tulips and the hyacinth are starting to bloom, which helps the city to smell clean and new again. They still have the lawn roped off, but(fingers crossed), they will open it by next week. My parents are coming for a visit tomorrow and will be staying through next Monday - I can't wait. They like to do all the tourist stuff, and we all love to shop so I am sure there will be a little of that going on. On Easter Sunday, we have brunch in the morning and then we are going to see "The Odd Couple" in the afternoon - with Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane. I saw "The Producers" in theatres over Christmas, and I couldn't help but question Mathew Broderick's sexuality, but then again, maybe that's the thing about a really good actor - they always keep you guessing. Lunchtime's almost up for me, so gotta run, but maybe later Blog, if you are very good, I will leave another little note for you.

Chow Blog!

Monday, April 10, 2006

Dear Blog,

Ok, time to send those angry letters - boy, is ABC, is on my shit list. This is what I don't understand - what's the point of a season, premier through finale, if you are just going to fill it up here and there with re-runs, I mean, why not just end the season early and save us all a lot of trouble. Grey's anatomy needs better get it right with Jesus, and that means new shows, full of bombs inside patients, hearts catching on fire, male pregnancy, etc., etc. until summer. Ok, rant over. I know I vowed when I started this blog that it would be devoid of all negativity, blah, blah, blah. Monday was you know, how every Monday is and how every Monday will be for the rest of your life until you retire. Next Monday, if you want to make somebody smile, send an e-card. I know it sounds lame, but hallmark has the best "anytime" cards, especially this series called "hoops and yo-yo" - good stuff. Today was a nice day. I was out of the office and sketching - it helped clear my head and get back into the design swing of things. Well a little bit of Jay Leno and it's off to bed.

Goodnight Blog!

Sunday, April 09, 2006

Dear Blog,

Today was Palm Sunday so Paul and I were good this morning and went to mass. For some reason, Palm Sunday and Easter always sneaks up on me. After church, we headed over to Prospect Park where we met up with Ian and tried to soak up some sun, although it's still a touch too chilly. There are too many of us trying to rush the season, and the spring/summer is being very, very stubborn. I think it was my fault because last week I bought "my summer sandals", and then yesterday, what happens - freezing rain - I jinxed all of us - at least all of us here in NYC - sorry. I am hanging out with my boys this evening - they begged me to stay for taco night, and I gave in, as always. I do love my Mexican food. So I don't think I'm alone when I say that "Grey's Anatomy" is on tonight and I am very excited about it - last week they fooled us all and it was a re-run and if it happens again tonight, ABC's getting an angry letter from me.
Goodnight, sleep tight Blog!

Saturday, April 08, 2006

April 8th, Part Deuce

Dear Blog,

Blog, you sure are lucky - 2 posts in one day - too much. So I finally got myself out of the house today after a run on the mill, a couple of errands and some minor house cleaning. Paul and I headed down to Union Square and Paul got a fabulous do' by one of the fine ladies at Super Cuts. After that, it was off to lunch at Cedar and then down to SoHo for some shopping. We stopped in this store called "Kid Robot", and it's a hard store to explain. There was a lot of Asian cartoon character figures and animation stuff, but kind of cool. I mean, I wouldn't spend $100 on a scale model of Jack Skellington from "The Nightmare Before Christmas", but hell, it's one crazy world so I'm sure somebody out there would. We also stopped at Super Target and
Old Navy on our way home - $3.50 for a pair of flip-flops - doesn't get much better than that. Well blog, before I go I wanted to give a shout out to my friends that commented on my last entry. I do appreciate the support and feel quite welcome in "blogville"(thanks Jen). As for Allison, I look forward to reading you and your mates blog and as for Uncle Urb, I think it's time the urban cowboy got back up on that horse. Lastly, Jon Schulman rules my world - I'm glad you can die happy now Jon. Goodnight Blog

Dear Blog,

So the weekend is finally here! Sorry no post yesterday, we got back from "Friends With Money" kind of late and I didn't want to write you unless I could put my whole heart and soul into it. I love the movies and lately there has been a ton of stuff out that I have wanted to see, but last night was a tad dissapointing. I don't want to spoil it for any of you who want to go, but it was a little, "like whatever"(one of Emily's favorite phrases - she was my old roomate from college - most of you know her). Everyone had money in the movie except Jenn Aniston - she was a maid who smoked pot by herself at night and prank phone-called this married guy she's still in love with - wierd - right? Anyway, beyond that, it was a little hard to believe that she was the one with no money, since in real life she likely has more money than all of her co-stars put together. One funny thing about her character though - on the weekends she would check to find out which cosmetic line, Chanel, Lancome,etc. were giving away free samples of lotion, face stuff, etc.,and then she goes around to all the department stores and collects all she can get, like 10 or 15 at a time - I don't know why that made an impression on me, but it did for some reason. Before the movie it was super nice outside so we found this restaurant that had outdoor balcony seating and made a run for it. I think it was called "Pescadoro" or something like that. Anyway, Paul wants to get his hair cut today, so I told him I would go with him and hold his hand - you know, for moral support.

Good day blog!

Thursday, April 06, 2006

Dear Blog,

So I got to spend a little time today with what I call the "afternoon crowd" - a mix of women and men(who may and may not work), tourists, the eldery, and kids just getting out of school. It's funny to see how different the city looks at 3pm and 7pm, when I usually get out of work. Today I went Bloomingdales and Barney's to do some trim retail for our spring 2007 season. Straight out - there's a lot of good stuff our there right now and since we are right on the cusp of spring, all you want to do is buy open-toe shoes and tank tops and lightweight cotton, floaty, dresses. It is easier for me to feel feminine in the spring time - in the winter I feel constantly on-guard, and somewhat aggressive in how I dress. Anyways, it was a lovely afternoon and it helped to get the last little bit of creative juices that I have left from school flowing away.

Well, blog our burritos(and one quesadilla for me) is here, I got's to go.
Night!

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Dear Blog,

So today I saw the first sign of spring on my street today - these trees were blooming into these beautiful, delicate little white flowers. It helped remind me that spring is really here, even though the blizzard this mid-morning really threw us all. Have you ever asked the question, "What makes my boss feel important?"?. My crazy Aunt Barb asked me that question on the phone this evening and it really made me think - and I;m still thinking about it actually. Tomorrow's Thursday already - time goes especially fast here in NYC, and to be honest, I think think everyone in this city could benefit from a slower pace kind of life - now, I said slower, not slow - slow's different. Tonight I made myself an unusually good dinner of cremini mushrooms, asparagus, wild rice and strawberries(I have been overly fond of strawberries and it will have to give sooner or later). Anyway's this was a big deal because I never, and I mean never cook. I can go ahead and say that I will try to cook more often, but blog, lets face it - won't happen.

Goodnight Blog

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Dear Blog,

I told myself that this blog would be for positive and thought-provoking moments in my life, so I instead of talking about my day at work, I will tell you about the book I am reading Tender is the Night, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It starts out with a young movie star on the beach, and then moves through the beautiful hotel on the shore and the meeting of the European bourgeousis and the "nouveau riche" (after all, it is the "riche" that counts - that line is from a movie so I cann't really claim as my own) expatriate Americans who spend their lives floating through their days - afternoon picnics at the beach, elaborate dinner parties sipping sherry. I am only on page 30 something, but I already appreciate how the imagery allows to me to escape. We all need to escape - at least once or twice a day. Sometimes it helps if I have a little mood music to go along with the story - this morning some Miles Davis made a very good soundtrack.

Well blog, more tomorrow if you're lucky,
Kate

Monday, April 03, 2006

Dear blog,

So everyone's got these blog things and I criticize because I do think it's kinda dumb, but if I want to be the open-minded person I think I am, I probably shouldn't knock it until I've tried it. Anyways, this is day #1. I am at work on my lunch break. It has gotten cold out, which is depressing because yesterday was soooooooooo nice and spring-like - we went to central park and was lazy with the rest of NYC.Plans for tonight: run on the treadmill groceries delivered, Katie coming over, Chinese food from Sunrise, "Sex and the City" @ 11 - just in case anyone cares. So I tried it, lets see how it goes.....