NYC Gems

     There are many great things about the city, great public transportation, several parks, fair amounts of art, food, a variety of cultures, etc. One of my favorite things about the city are the hidden surprises around every corner, the little treasures I find when I'm not looking. I call these surprises that fall into my lap,"gems." 

   On a recent venture to Queens, Keith and I found gems in the sense of food. Two restaurants with decent food at a great price. The first place we found is a pizza and burger joint called Chubby Burgers.

     First I would like to point out that pizza and burgers is a great idea. Both are easy to make, but they also cover a lot of ground when it comes to what the masses like to eat. I feel like MOST people like both of those options, but usually if someone doesn't like hamburgers, they at least like pizza and vise-versa. Secondly, the price was great! For a delicious Chubby burger, salad, coke, and water it came out to about 13 dollars.Not bad at all!

Our second food gem was also in Queens. It's a Greek cafe called Cafe Boulis. They have these delicious doughnut-like creations called LOUKOUMADES (lu-ku-ma-days) that they make fresh to order. YOU HAVE TO TRY THESE. They are like a petite doughnut and you can order a variety of toppings, but it's suggested to try the classic toppings first. The classic loukoumades comes topped with honey, cinnamon, and powdered sugar. There is also great coffee, and other pastries such as baklava that are really good and worth trying. For under 10 bucks you can get enough loukoumades for two, an ice coffee, and a juice. A GEM INDEED!

Saturday morning Keith and I checked out the FREE KAYAKING provided on a volunteer-basis by the Downtown Boathouse. It's really cool; fast, and friendly people volunteering their weekend mornings and afternoons to allow anyone who wants to come and kayak for free in the Hudson River.  the objective is to provide recreational opportunities to a space-constrained world. Donations are welcomed, so perhaps bring a dollar or two; it's still a great deal! 

        The walk back to the apartment led us through all kinds of markets that were like community garage sales. We weren't looking to buy anything, but we were stopped by a gentleman offering us deals from his table because he was ready to get the stuff sold and call it a day. He was really friendly, told us about the Broadway Flea-market that was Sunday, and sold us a movie and a book for five bucks. Here's where we found a gem. STARRBOOTY dvd starring RuPaul the one-and-only in an unopened case. Um..that' worth about 40 bucks on Amazon right now. Forget the monetary value, it's a freakin' gem because it stars RuPaul! Bonus points because Lady Bunny is also in the movie.

    Sunday we decided to check out the Broadway Flea-market which is a giant fundraiser for Broadway Cares: Equity Fights AIDs. It's the 28th annual fundraiser, and larger than ever. There are 60 tables set up selling anything from playbills and magnets, to original works of art and costumes. Last year the organization raise over $630,000, and since the beginning it has raised over 10.3 million dollars.

         I realized that I don't know half  of the Broadway musicals nor have I seen more than a handful. My desire for trinkets was very low, but I did find two cute magnets and a key-chain. The key chain is from a musical (?) maybe? It reads, " Suite in 2 keys." I have no idea; it was worth a dollar. The magnet that reads, "BAD JEWS" I thought was funny but is from a musical that I know nothing of except the title, "Bad Jews." Magnets are my favorite item to collect. Why? They are small and make great decorations for the fridge.

       My most recent gem came from Central Park today. Completely unexpected like all gems. I was just walking through Central Park during the March for Climate Change, and out of nowhere I found Big Bird just sitting on a rock playing music, holding a box, with two other puppets dancing around in said box. There weren't any cameras around that I could see, but it looked like a legit Big Bird from Sesame Street. A bit bizarre, maybe even creepy, but at the same time it was like seeing a unicorn. 

     They are the unexpected, the hidden treasure, the diamond in the rough; Gems.  Of course gems can be found anywhere you go; I happen to find many of them throughout NYC. You only have to go to find them. What treasures have you found lately?

Love in the City

 
    I have found true love in the city! Two loves at that! Coffee and Cookies. Separate they are delicious; together they're even better! It may not seem like deep, profound love, but that's because these are not just any old coffee and cookies. These are Schmackary's cookies and coffee and Pushcart Coffee coffee and cookies. Both of these places hold the secret of rich, deep love. 

                                 

                                               Coffee from here, there, and that place.

    So first let's talk about Schmackary's.  SCHMACKARY'S! Yes, the name is SCHMACKARY'S. And it's at the corner of 45th and 9th ave. Everything about the place is cute, adorable, lovely, fantastic, insatiable..I could go on! (I could also live there, but that's beside the point). It's this delicious cookie cafe just two avenues away, and these cookies are seriously so. Damn. Good. I have tried about 7 different kinds so far, and every day they have something new. They even have delicious pastries that are not cookies. I'm talking cupcakes and brownies that look so good you would risk you teeth for them if it didn't hinder your eating ability (I have yet to try these other pastries because I haven't tried all 20+ different kinds of cookie; priorities, people!)

     The cookies I highly recommend for a first timer: Bacon & Maple Syrup, Cookies & Creme, Chocolate Duet, and Red Velvet. All of those are amazing. Bacon & Maple were all I would accept the first 3 times I went (I've been about 10 times; stop judging!..), so maybe try that plus another ;) And if you're with a group, or have the munchies you can get a box of six for $14. The coffee is also good, but please don't be that guy who gets the "extra dry cappuccino." Keep that bull at Starbucks.

      Now onto my second part of love: Pushcart Coffee. As the name implies it's a coffee shop, and the coffee is great at a fair price. Here's what's not implied: they have awesome pastries, specifically cookies. Try the salted pecan cookie, and you'll never feel lonely again.

This place is amazing, and not just for their coffee; it also sells beer and wine. It's a tough call; do I want coffee and a cookie? or a glass of wine? BOTH, please!  That's so ingenious, it's just about insane!

 Pushcart Coffee is located at the corner of 25th and 9th ave. The atmosphere is really relaxed, and there's plenty of seating. Schmackary's tends to be chaotic because it's almost a hole-in-the-wall that's packed 80% of the time. If you ever pass by and there's not a line, run in ASAP! Consider yourself blessed, child!
      It may be time to pick up some extra cardio routines and/or join a gym. But who cares about vanity when you know the true meaning of love?! Ok, I'll bike more..

Walking 500 miles to the Art of NYC

 
                                         

Andy Warhol-silkscreen on acrylic- "Ethel Scull 36 Times" can be found at 945 Madison Ave at the Whitney Museum of American Art

     One might think that moving to NYC, or any giant city where a car isn't needed, would be a great way to lose weight/get in shape from walking everywhere (false!). You walk SO MUCH ( especially if you're one of the many who hates the subways). Today alone I know I walked 100+ blocks, but all of my favorite museums are at the upper part of Central Park. My first pair of shoes are already starting to wear away at the soles, but that's to be expected at the right price of a $15 pair of H&M bargain shoes.

 This cat meme actually brings me to my next conundrum. How do women walk so much in heels? And there are always hidden cobblestone paths popping up out of nowhere!..

                   (This meme reminds me of something I saw at the Koons exhibit yesterday..

..and for size reference).

..But I digress!! I wore cowboy boots one night during fashion week to be ironic/funny/stupid? (Really I just wanted to see if the faux-photographers would approach me. NO LUCK! In my defense I think I played it too safe). My point is I wore cowboy boots and my feet were killing me an hour later. It got to the point where any uneven pavement felt like knives in the side of my feet! (Hi! I'm dramatic!) I can't imagine what it would be like to wear heels.

PopWare! Fashion

Today's long hall started with a trip to the Guggenheim. I thought I knew which train to take but I was wrong. I ended up saving myself about 12 blocks of walking..sounds great but not really. The walks are nice, and lately the weather has been really nice and accommodating for outdoor activity so I did not mind the 40 block-walk at all. Not to mention the east side of Central Park is lined with beautiful architecture.

One of the fun things about walking throughout a city versus driving is that you can "pull over" and have a random photo shoot at any moment, anywhere! Here's one of Keith and his close-friend Beyonce. Beyonce was in one of her moods. Probably 'hangry.'

  Though you do walk much more than you would have originally thought/planned, you would sooner die than lose weight in the city. When money is tight or when you don't feel like spending, oh I don't know, $20? $30? for a basic lunch you have the option of $1 pizza, $2 bagel, $3 pretzel/hot-dog. Notice anything missing from those food groups? WHERE ARE THE FREAKIN' DOLLAR SALADS? There also happens to be a lovely thing called Happy Hour at almost every single bar/restaurant. Five-dollar sangria? HELLO!

Walking is great, for now at least. Maybe in the coming months I'll hate it, but for now I'll continue to walk to Central Park and the surrounding museums to enjoy what's offered. I'm loving all of the aesthetics of the city. It's just too bad I can't substitute walking for exercise. '_'

"..suddenly the Koons is Me."

                         *Fair warning I've become slightly obsessed with Jeff Koons.*

      I had a very exciting 9-11 running around Central Park and museum hopping. -Shouldn't there be fireworks or something for today? #Neverforget!
       The first museum I flew through was the American Museum of Natural History. It's intimidatingly large, but the staff is friendly and helpful. I still couldn't see anyone in HR because you can only be seen by appointment (as I'm starting to find out, that's how these museums work). Next on the list was the Whitney Museum of American Art which I have been wanting to check out for months. Fortunately the "Jeff Koons: A Retrospective" exhibit was still on display. Anyone, artist, non-artist, art-enthusiast, and art-hater, would love it.

       His most recent works were the Gazing Ball and Celebration, but much of his work since the late 80s was displayed throughout four of the five stories of the museum. Koons has some "really good shit" as a random man described to no one in particular before I entered the museum. The exhibit runs until October 19th, and if you haven't seen it these photos don't do it justice; go see it!

                                                      Gazing Ball (Farnese Hercules)

                                                                         EasyFun

 

  Metallic Venus

                                                                      Celebration

      I took a few photos for each room I really enjoyed. The first being "Gazing Ball" where Koons took familiar famous works of art, recreated the work out of plaster, then added a gazing ball. The gazing ball symbolizes a "sharing" element. Koons applies this from his childhood growing up in suburban Pittsburgh where most neighborhood lawns had a gazing ball "inviting" others to their yard.  I think I'm remembering that correctly..
     The other room that was like the name EasyFun was just that. It was right after Koons' divorce (fun fact!!! His ex-wife was Ilona Staller  who by the way was a porn-star whom Koons hired for his series of paintings titled "Made in Heaven," not my favorite room but interesting/amazing nonetheless. So Koons hires her to make a movie,-porno!- but falls in love with her and decides to just makes paintings of his idea and scrap the film). Staller ended up taking their kid to Italy and it caused a huge  international custody battle. Koons real life became very heavy so his art became really light. The room is mostly animal-head shaped mirrors with fun colors.
       I feel I should mention more about "Made in Heaven." It was early on in Koons career as an artist so you have to forgive him for the narcissism and tackiness that goes on in the room. He tries to BS his way through the use of pornography by posting a dog sculpture and flowers in the room saying they symbolize fidelity, but it's just about what every amateur artist does. Not to mention there are ZERO symbols of fidelity in the actual paintings. And these are ginormous paintings so it's not like there wasn't room.

                                                                     Shame Face

     The room with "Metallic Venus" is actually called Antiquity and is basically dedicated to the Greek Goddess Aphrodite. There are multiple paintings and sculptures of the goddess in different interpretations (for example there is a Balloon Venus). One interpretation of the Venus I enjoyed was a painting of a model dressed to look like Betty Page riding a blow-up dolphin. The painting is humorous, but also has a large variety of textures painted throughout the painting which I appreciate as a painter. I also enjoy the message that celebrities are like the Gods and Goddesses of our time. Very Pop Art.
    The best was saved for last and that's the room "Celebration." It's almost breathtaking. In the middle of the room is a HUGE sculpture of children's Play-Doh, and then to the left is "Yellow Balloon Dog" which is also quite large and startlingly impressive. I truly believe everyone would love this room and be in complete awe of it all.
      I finished the afternoon adventure with a stop at the Guggenheim WHICH WAS CLOSED!!!!! The gift shop was open, and the staff was mostly present. You know who wasn't present? HUMAN RESOURCES. Not that it would have mattered because come to find out they too will not see anyone without an appointment. Persistence is KEY! I need to make some friends. FAST.
   We'll see what happens!
  

Hats off to Fashion

     Yesterday I went back to the Met to check out some of the complete MADNESS of NewYorkFahionWeek. It's so interesting/new to me. "Models" and "photographers" randomly meet and make connections in the square of the MET. It's as if words are not even necessary (more than likely bc of language barriers). If you are a "model," you are tall (taller than anyone else.. unless you're 16?) and rail thin. Super thin. You're also dressed like you gave $25 to your 9 year-old niece and said, "Go down to the Salvation Army and pick me out a complete outfit." And the "photographers" just know and question the "models" by raising the camera to question, "Can I shoot you?" So they literally have a photo shoot right there in the square in no particular designated area, and no care that there are about a hundred people just watching at the fountain. It's interesting and annoying; I love it and hate it.

        One thing that has me perplexed since entering the city nearly two weeks ago: what is this black Amish/Jewish/cowboyish hat that is making frequent appearances? Don't know what I'm talking about? I got you covered with photos!(shh!) Here are some of the "models" and "photographers" I saw wearing this enigmatic hat.

        This guy was just promoting something fun I think. His beard was purple so he got a plus in my book. 

"Photographer" but probably actually someone important. See that badge? To get into the Mercedes-Benz building behind him, you had to have a badge similar to that. I did not have said badge.

                                                     "Model" but probably nothing special. :)

 Any guesses? That's right! "Model."  He had an agent with him so..? Maybe something special.

                                                   "Photographer" wanting to be "model."

Notice that they are not all quite the same, HOWEVER they are following a pattern, black and fedora-like. I don't know if this is a high-fashion trend or religious statement. I've seen it here and there all over the city, but at this particular spot and time it seemed like if you wanted to scream "fashion!," you wore the black fedora-like hat and everyone just knew, 'ok that's someone REALLY serious about fashion.'

On a not-so-dissimilar  topic, I finished the bracelet I was buying supplies for in my last blog! It's black leather lace braided with hex nuts. Industrial, masculine..says, "I can pack a punch," or something..

TAH-DAH!!

 Tomorrow is the last day of fashion week, and I'll have to find something else to fill my days.  I still don't have a job, but every day I get more aggressive with finding one. I'm still hopeful.Optimism is easy in the Big Apple. Tomorrow I'll go by the museum(s) and beg for an interview; and if I'm not immediately escorted off the premises, I'll write about that. Actually either way I'll write about it. 

Eat, Apply, Shop, Repeat

    Today was...easy? relaxed? I don't know. It started around noon so that was nice. I started with a bagel on my way to K-Mart for some home necessities, and passed by a party store that was hiring. Figuring since I still don't have a job, it wouldn't hurt to apply there. I checked out the employees to see if I would get along with them..they seemed alright so I took an application and asked how long before I would hear back and for whom to ask when I was finished. Got some names, kicked some ass, FELT GOOD.

     Now I know 26 is not the ideal age to be asking (begging) for a job at a party store chain, but if there's one thing I've learned in the past two years is that it doesn't hurt to have two jobs and make twice the connections; ESPECIALLY in a new city. Plus hello, discount!

By late afternoon/ early evening I went out just for funsies.. or a smoothie. Maybe there was something to see outside of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week? No, not really. Not at 7 o'clock anyhow. I did however raise my nose to those taking pictures all around the Met. CLEARLY their first time there. Where were they Saturday?

        I proceeded to hunt for an art supply/ craft store. Initially I went to the craft store for supplies to make a neat DIY bracelet. It will look great when it's complete..

PARTY!! J/K. I'm not making that bracelet.

 Noticing how busy they were for a craft store, I decided to ask if they were hiring as well (discounts people!! not to mention again, but I still don't have a job). Of course they were hiring! I took an application, but honestly I haven't filled it out yet. Maybe when I feel more desperate? Maybe tomorrow. 

So yeah today was pretty "beige" although I did experience my first carry-a-bag-of-groceries-30-blocks. NOT A BIG DEAL.

      Tomorrow is another day, another way, and maybe even a dollar will be thrown my way. (In the near future you may see me dressed as a unicorn in Time Square; I'm not even kidding).

Hell's Bells (and Kitchen)!

Hello World! 


     Today starts my serious job hunt. I'm excited for the vast amounts of opportunities offered throughout NYC.Unemployment has been fun, but I'm already getting antsy and need a job! Here's to employment! 

       I took the first three days here getting to know my immediate surroundings. Then I moved into my permanent residents (or at least for a year since that's the lease I signed!), and the day after I finish moving in I got a cold. As a friend of mine stated my body was over the stress and anxiety of moving it finally settled down and allowed itself the sickness. Finally feeling back to somewhat normal I have decided to take on job hunting head on! I've applied to two museums so far and to a grocery store- Trader Joe's. I like to feel I have a safe option in there. Tomorrow I will back up my online applications by visiting each potential workplace. In no time I'll be working! 

       Last Night I went by Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. It was pretty exciting to be so close to it all, only to have security remind me that  I was not on the guest list. Le Sigh. I like to think there is a part of me that could or would be a great clothing designer, but I think I'm a little late in the game. Here's where the cool kids view fashion week: outside.

       One thing I have learned more of, because I already knew, is that I need coffee every day of my life or nothing gets done. NOTHING. With that being said, I'm out of coffee and it's 11 pm. I need a refill.