Happy Purim!

I have always had a great fascination with the culture and religion of others. I studied Religion in College and considered majoring in the study. One of my most interesting classes was World Religions. Having a new insight into the Jewish faith, I love being able to open my eyes to a world I was not aware of, until now...

Today is a very joyous day in the Jewish faith. Today is Purim. "What is Purim?" you ask. No worries, I was asking myself the same thing when the boss lady had a costume of a popular action figure ordered for the redhead. I was confused seeing as it was then the end of January and last I checked the only occasion I knew of that allowed children to dress as their action heroes and receive tasty treats was Halloween, three months ago! Turns out Purim has a few similarities to Halloween, yes young children are allowed to dress up and they receive treats. The traditional festive Purim treat is called Hamentaschen, triangle shaped cookies with fruit filling.

yummy hamentschen!

The Holiday commemorates a time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination. The Purim holiday is preceded by a fast and is celebrated with the reading of the Book of Esther. During the reading when the name of Haman (bad guy trying to destroy the Jews) is mentioned you are allowed to hiss, stamp your feet and play loud noise makers to "blot out the name of Haman".

Costume parties, carnivals, cookies and noisemakers! No wonder Americans sometimes refer to Purim as the Jewish Mardi Gras!

6 Degrees of NYC!

One of the (many) benefits of moving to NYC is the network. I have found that many friends that I know have a friend who has also made the move. There is something about moving to New York that I feel bonds you. When you meet you already have an instant bond and similarity. You are the brave ones. Because of this I have had many friends introduce me to their friends who are now living in NYC. I have been thoroughly impressed with the outreach I find from these people. It is like they are all cheering for you, they all want you to make it in the city and pay it forward to another new New Yorker one day. I can not put it into words. I was nervous coming up her with the one friend I had in the city subletting her apartment to me and temporarily residing in Chicago. However, I felt so welcomed by her friends. Also, with Katie's visit I was able to connect with new friends and previous acquaintances from College.
This evening I was off to meet another Florida native turned New Yorker. I was chatting with a friend on Facebook this weekend when she mentioned she had a friend who had moved up here this past summer. She immediately messaged both G and myself. Seconds later we had made plans to meet up! It is always a great feeling knowing someone is interested in meeting you and helping you find your way. I was hoping to rack G's brain with how she found an apt where she was working..Remember, my current situation is temporary and soon coming to an end. Carolynn will be back March 17th and I'll be in need of a new apt and a new job by March 22! G and I had made plans to try a chocolate bar she had wanted to try. Unfortunately G had lost her wallet today and we had to reschedule. I was bummed, but glad that I had ventured to mid-town today. I still need to find my way around this often intimidating city. So I had some time to kill and found myself walking the streets of New York City. Thankfully, it was a beautiful night, slightly chilly, but only 40 degrees! I tested my Lenten promise (to give up shopping!) by walking down 5th ave, said hello to the Chrysler building (my favorite site in all of NYC), and was asked for directions.... I often get asked for directions when on the subway or walking the streets. I feel empowered thinking to myself, "Yes! I must look like a real New Yorker!" However ,I think its more likely that I look like a friendly face and not anything that resembles a jaded New Yorker. I was asked directions by a mother and daughter, "Is 5th ave in this direction?" I had no idea. I had come off at 7th and knew that 8th ( I was headed towards 9th) was either a left or a right. Since I had time, I guessed (wrongly) left and took a stroll. As we approached 6th, I stated, "Yes, you are going the right way, I am not." They looked at my puzzled. I mean, why would this crazy lady (me) be going the wrong way intentionally. I explained I had just moved here and was trying to get to 9th ave and coming from 7th, which is how I knew they were on the right path. They were very pleasant and we talked briefly as we came to 5th and I decided to walk on a bit further instead of do the embarrassing stop and turn around in the middle of the sidewalk (which I do often) when you realize you're headed in the wrong direction. I had time to spare and I get very sentimental when I see mothers and daughters together. I asked if they were visiting, they were in a sense. The daughter was touring NYU. I told her how I always wanted to attend NYU, but unfortunately given some changes during that time, it was best for me to stay in FL for college. They asked me why I moved to NY. "I have always wanted to live in NYC" I told them. With that the mother told me, like only a mother could, "You are so brave." I had never thought of myself as brave. I joked to her, "Brave or crazy" we laughed and wish each other luck, then went our separate ways. I think we all have choices daily that can make us face our fears and show bravery. What is that one thing you have always wanted to do, or experience? What changes have you put off in your life? What is standing in your way? What do you really have to lose? Think of what you have to gain. Be brave. Even if people call you crazy, even if you feel the obstacles in your way may defeat you, be strong. Live the life you always dreamed. Trust me, you'll never regret it. Even if it turns out to not be what you expected.

Serendipity

Love, love is what brought my dear friend and old college roommate, Katie, to New York City this past weekend. Katie and I were not able to meet up before I left the Sunshine State due to my work place requiring me to fulfill the 2 weeks of my 2 week notice. I know, I know that should have been expected. However, every other individual who has ever given their two week notice has been escorted from the buliding immediatelly. Except for me. I am supposedly, "trustworthy" and therefore was swamped come moving day! Katie and I decided the perfect solution to us not being able to say farewell, was for her to visit...Valentine's Day weekend!

Best idea...everrrrrr.

When I was younger, I remember the absolute fondness I had for this holiday. I love romance, chocolate (espeacially out of heart shaped boxs), and of course the little hearts with words. I adore them, even though they taste like chalk. I would be filled with glee upon first seeing the valentines cards pop up in Publix ( the most amazing grocery store on the face of this earth, sadly not in NY) or Walmart ( they sell just about everything, but walls! Also, not in NY). And to be certain that no one else would have the same valentines as I, I made my own. Yep, handmade Valentine's hearts with puffy painted names of my classmates. It was the one day of the year I could eat candy for breakfast. My dad would always get my mother, sister, brother and me Valentines Chocolate...it just tastes better. Even though its a "Halmark Holiday" I feel it can bring out the best in people, and who doesn't love an excuse to express your love?!

I remember one year in college, my dad called me and said he was in the parking lot near my dorm. I walked out and he had a Valentine's Day ballon and $100 cash for me! He said, "Go have a Happy Valentines Day." It was one of the most thoughtful things he ever did for me, my roommate at the time appreciated it too...I treated her to Outback Steakhouse. I have never had a significant other on Valentines Day and that has never bothered me. I always felt like this day was not just about Romantic Love. Not about your significant other. It is about taking the time to acknowledge those who you love and who make your life more lovely. This weekend, Katie and I even got to talking about our married and attached friends and their plans for Valentines Day, "nothing". It seemed those friends and loved ones who are attached were the least bit concerened about the holiday, the single women were worrying enough for them all! I almost feel pressure to feel pressured by all the pressured woman who are single on Valentines Day. But, Katie and I were too busy having a fabulous weekend to think of what we were missing out on being single...

Katie outside of Serendipity 3!

One of Katie's favorite movies is Serendipity with John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. Its an adorable tale of a fate devoted young woman, Sara and Jonathan, a man determined to show Sara that chance and fate both need to be seized. It is one of those mussy, romantic comedy's most woman love and most men, well they must love the woman they watch them with. Anyway, The movie as a scene at Serendipity 3 an amazing restuarant known primarily for there frozen hot chocolate. Which Katie enjoyed impensely (so much so, she also enjoyed the remainder of mine, I was not equiped to finish)

you really must try it!

After a divinely scrumptious dessert, Katie and I went to see Valentine's Day. It was perfect. Katie and I had no reservations at Serendipity 3, did not pre-purchase movie tickets. We just went for it....and it coud have not all corresponded so elegantly. Katie and I showed up at Serendipity at about 11:45 (they open at 11:30) and put our name in for a table for two. We then went down the street to the most amazing candy store I have ever seen, Dylan's Candy Bar. We treated ourselves to an assortment of tasty delights. Katie enjoyed the chocolate fountain and I tasted the latest fudge sample, yummmmm blueberry! Thirty mins later, we headed back to Serendipity just in time to be seated. Though we were actually third down on the waiting list, the polite young man at the host desk sat us immediately. :)



After just trying to find some clips from youtube on Serendipity to give you an idea of the decadently decorated atmostphere, I just realized we actually sat in the SAME EXACT seats as the stars in the movie. Katie thought it was pretty close, but looks like it was indeed the same position. All I have to say is, you must try the frozen hot chocolate if you find yourself in NYC. We finished our desserts and went across the street to the movie plex and say Valentine's Day, which was starting in five minutes. It was a light hearted romantic comedy with many a A lister. If you do see Valentine's Day, after the credits roll, stay seated. The last blooper with Julia Roberts was my favorite part of the entire movie....they really should have worked it in!



After a fulfillng Valentine's Day Katie and I went to a friends Play. It was a Non Profit theather group that put on a 24 hr production. Writers met and pulled out of a hat the directors and actors ( four) that they would be working with. They entire process, from writing the first word to the final curtain took place in 24 hours. Katie's friend from college, who is now living and working as a director in NYC, directed the final performance. There were six performances and I throughly enjoyed watching each performance and how with the same theme ( the paranormal) each play (about fifteen minutes long) was vastly different. I laughed, I cringed, I would love to go to something like this again!

My Valentine 2010


After the final performance Katie and I went out to another college pal's bar in the city. House of Brews. It was great to meet some of Katie's friends who are now in the city. They were all so welcoming and generous. Before we called it a night we were able to see the ice sculpture in the middle of time square.....





I really love that I was able to spend a weekend with my good friend and meet such great New Yorks who I share a common bond with (University of South Florida Alumni in the City, what what!). I could have have asked for a better Valentine's Day weekend.

Time Square ice sculpture, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentines Day!

"The minute I heard my first love story I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was. Lovers don't finally meet somewhere. They're in eachother all along."

Jalal ad-Din Rumi

Snow day like today....

Being a girl raised in the south (ugh, how I try to suppress that fact) I have never had a snow day....until today! Yesterday schools were canceled for all of NYC! Offices were closed and the snow plow reserves were called into action!





Now, the closest thing I know to a snow day would be a hurricane day. Yes, in Florida we have hurricane days. From the months of June to November it is prime hurricane season. Book a cruise with caution and stock up on batteries, flashlights, water, and canned tuna. Hurricanes can be frightening and deadly, as we all too well know. Hurricanes are also about as unpredictable as they are deadly. This, I learned today, also holds true for the Blizzard. So my preemeptive snow day turned into me going to work as normal, though a few mins late because I walk on snow like broken glass, with the fear that one wrong step my butt is busted on the ice, or at least down the subway steps....which I totally did today. Luckily without a bruise, or because of the "blizzard" any spectators or gwakers since the trains were nearly emptied. Phew, a potential scene of public embarressment escaped, for now.





It snowed throughout the day and really started to pick up around 2:00pm. Because of the persistant snow falling and my empathetic and considerate boss...I got a half day! Yes, a snow day at last. Though it was only a half snow day, it was a first. My first full force snow fall day, my first slip and fall, my first snow ball. Yep, on my way home I could not resist the urge. Of course I waited until I was at my door and felt safe that I would not fall, or have another potentially embarressing scene. Again, few brave souls braved the snow today. I packed an icy little sphere of snow...savored the moment. And then with all I had thrusted it against the side of my building. Smiled for a moment, thought to myself. "I can't believe I'm standing in snow, I can't believe I just made a snow ball, I can't believe how flipping cold it is out here!"

Snow falling outside my kitchen window

(no one knows what that pipe does, but I kinda like it!)

Then I came upstairs. Made myself a hot cup of tea and took a 3 hour nap...as the snow continued to fall outside my window.

[ x ] Snow Day.

It all started about four months ago...

In a galaxy far far south, in a land of palm trees and bikinis, also known as Florida. There lived a young girl with grand aspirations....Mary Ann (thats me!) and this is my story, or at least the current chapter.

I was born and raised in a suburb of Tampa, FL. Now, Tampa isn't all sunshine and rainbows, but it's pretty close. Now my fascination with "THE Big City" did not just come from watching Breakfast at Tiffany's one too many times or keeping Sinatra on repeat. My father was born in Astoria, Queens (Ironically where I currently reside) and his father was a Port Authority Police Officer. Well to give you a little lesson on NY's finest, The Port Authority Officers are actually both Police Officers and Fire fighters. My grandfather worked at both JFK and Laguardia Airports and was a motorcycle police officers as well...Listening to his stories of the "Big Apple" I often found myself fantasizing..."OOOooh if only my grandfather did not retire from the Port Authority and move to FL while my father was in College, and thus persuading my father and newly married mother to move to FL instead of my mothers home town Chicago ( I couldn't blame her, The Windy City vs. The Sunshine State...thats a KO)Perhaps then I'd be a born and breed New Yorker. Alas, sometimes you just have to take fate into your own hands. So when the opportunity to move to NY fell into my lap via a good friend from highschool, Carolynn...I TOOK IT!

I always imagined a proposal at this age in my life. A question that would determine the remainder of my life and how I decide to spend it. Well I went with my hearts desire and I propose you to do the same.