Best Long Weekend Ever!

This (long) weekend was exactly what I needed to unwind from a busy and crazy week at work. Long weekends that go from Saturday-Tuesday are the best because for that one week, Monday doesn't exist. Technically, Tuesday functions like a Monday, but because there are only four days of work this week, it's still definitely Tuesday. Hooray!

On Friday Robbie and I went to a delicious Austrian restaurant on the Lower East Side called Cafe Katja. We went over the summer and since we were going to a show nearby, decided to stop by again. Big beers and pretzels with spicy mustard were consumed. The pretzels are imported from Germany, and the restaurant receives them halfway through the baking process, so they're finished off in New York and super fresh and amazing. Yum! And we shared a sausage sampler, complete with dumplings, sauerkraut, pork belly, cheese-filled sausage and fresh frankfurters. Oh my god. I have died and gone to heaven.

I tried to snap a picture, but it was bit dark. Maybe you can make out a sausage?

After dinner we went to a venue called the Rockwood Music Hall and saw some random bands. Alex Berger was our favorite! We also saw a hipster band called Hurrah! A Bolt of Light. There was a lot of sexual tension between the singers, but after some stalking, apparently they're not dating. Robbie and I are creeps.

Hurrah! A Bolt of Light

Saturday was a lazy day, which I needed. I stayed inside and watched TV with Robbie and ate peanut butter sandwiches. I stayed in that night with a bit of a stomach ache, but was glad to be lazy for a full 24 hours. With the stomach bug going around the city, I wanted to be safe.

Sunday I went to Ollie's to work at the shelter. We've been recovering from a mild outbreak of ringworm, so the shelter was closed to visitors. The kitties all seemed a bit cranky from not getting as much playtime or love from new people, but I was glad to be able to let them into the playroom for a bit.

And Robbie and I decided to sponsor our two favorite kitties, Sebastian and Viola. They grew up together and ended up at Ollie's because their owner died. They're 11 and the sweetest little things, I just love them. They've been at the shelter a long time, and while I want to see them go to a loving home, I selfishly hope they hold out until I am living in a more cat-friendly apartment and can take them to their forever home with me.

 Sebastian is gingery, Viola is the smaller one.

Viola has been at the vet, hence the sign and Sebastian climbing up his cage. He seemed lonely so I gave him lots of head scratches and kisses. Purr purr.

When Robbie got back from his Sunday soccer game, I cooked up some chicken and pasta and we feasted. Plus there was still leftover cake from Valentine's Day, yum. We went out with Robbie's friend from high school and ate fried pickles with beer and cocktails. It was exciting to go out on a Sunday -- less crowds and I felt kind of a like a rebel, even though I didn't have work the next day. 

Yesterday Robbie and I saw "The Secret World of Arrietty" and it was fantastic. We watched another movie from the same director, "Howl's Moving Castle" last week and were really into the style. I'd recommend it entirely! But maybe go at a time when there wouldn't be lots of young kids -- we had some loud laughers and it wasn't the most comedic of movies.

Hope you all had an equally relaxing and fun weekend! Glad it's a four day week...I have many things to look forward to in the next few months :-)

I Guess It's Been A While

"I guess" and "a while" are both pretty gross understatements, but between changing jobs, moving again and being lost in la la land, I've been off the radar. But I suppose it's time to fill everyone (another gross overstatement) in on what's been going on.

First, I quit my job at WSM. It just wasn't a good fit for me and while the nine months I spent there were fruitful, it was time to move on. So after a brief trip upstate in October to tie off loose ends with my manager Margot, I started at a new company called Kognito Interactive.

These are some pictures from my travels upstate to a small town called Margaretville.

You can see my face and read my bio on Kognito's team website, which is pretty nifty. People are constantly asking me what Kognito does and honestly, I haven't gotten better at explaining it. So I'll use our website's language: "Kognito is an award-winning developer of online role-playing simulations and games where users build interpersonal skills to effectively manage challenging conversations in the areas of health and behavioral health".

I'm a marketing assistant/junior account manager and everyone I work with is really fantastic. A positive work environment plus a company that promotes health & mental health awareness plus a kitchen full of snacks yields a very happy Magda. It's been a hugely positive change.

Just before I quit WSM, I moved from my tiny, horrible, expensive apartment in Brooklyn to a beautiful, spacious, inexpensive and close to the subway apartment in Astoria, Queens. I now have a queen sized bed (that's not on a platform!!!!) and floor space! Plus a lovely eat-in kitchen, a large living room and a front porch. I live in a three bedroom and actually know and enjoy the girls I live with, so that is a huge improvement. Robbie moved to Astoria in August, so commuting from Brooklyn to Astoria was a wreck. It's nice to be back to living a few blocks away from each other and having tons of things to do on the trip back and forth. Astoria is full of restaurants and bars and great things to do.

Here is a shot of my block, just so you know what the area looks like. I live in what I guess is a condo-style  house. First floor, left side. But this isn't my apartment, just some buildings across the street.

For anyone who hasn't seen me in a while, I also chopped off about a foot of my hair and donated it to Pantene's program for female cancer survivors, Beautiful Lengths. It has been quite an adjustment, going from throwing my wet hair into a bun for most of the day to blowdrying, straightening or otherwise styling it every day. I've gotten pretty good at a few different styles, and it's MUCH more manageable so I'm glad to have changed my look (it's like high school all over again) and to have done some good. Here are some pictures of it styled two different ways! It's also grown a little between pictures (which I can't seem to reorder...the second one is right after it was cut), which I'm happy about. More options!

Robbie and I have been together for nine months today! In a way, I can't believe that it's already been so long and that it's only been so long. We have been working on doing more "stuff" as opposed to watching TV and eating takeout, so tonight we're going to a comedy show to celebrate our monthiversary. I also cook on Sundays and we have one or two days over the week where we go out with our own friends. Bursting the relationship bubble can be hard when you're so damn happy you can't stop smiling. And when everything you do together feels shiny and warm. Ok, that's enough grossness for one blog entry.

I also have started volunteering at a wonderful cat shelter in the city called Ollie's Place on Sunday mornings. These are some of my babies! I'll try to get more pictures this week...I've been thinking about bringing my good camera to get some shots that can possibly go up on their website.

Annabelle -- she has the most beautiful blue eyes and is VERY vocal

Sebastian -- literally my dream cat. He is chubby and laid back and the friendliest guy ever...loves belly rubs :-)

Taylor -- also a sweetheart but can be kind of finicky.

So I think that's all I really have for now. Sorry that it's been so long!! I will do my best to update more frequently than once every 4 months. Ciao for now!

For Anyone Who Wants to Know

This is my face.

At work.

No make-up.

Yes, Accutane is worth it.

Two more months and this will be me every day.

What Is This Shit, NYC?

 

I'm escaping to a tropical island.

Peace out.

Things With Blue Eyes, Snot, and You

I like oxford commas. I think they make sense.

Take from this song and the tags what you will.

Flashback Central

Somehow, regardless of how much I love photobooth and how many self-taken GPOY exist, today's endeavor into getting a "descent" photo to show off my new glasses really got me thinking about how different I used to look.  It's bizarre how much a little hair dye, glasses and a nose ring can change things.

August 2011

 June 2010

January 2009

January 2008

December 2007

October 2007

August 2007

December 2006

November 2006

Also November 2006

 April 2006

November 2005

 December 2004

Proving Myself Wrong

Every time I think I couldn't be happier, I get happier. My entire summer has been filled with constant smiles, late nights, clasped hands and butterflies.

I Get Cranky When It's This Hot

I get it. It's summer. It's July. It's supposed to be hot. But I can't deal with 97 degrees and humidity! My hair goes wild and I sweat all over the place and there is only so much iced coffee in the world!

In other news, if you're in the greater New York City area and you're looking to adopt a kitten, this adorable little thing was found by a woman I work with. She's currently nursing him with a bottle, and you can see in the pictures just how tiny he is! I'm so tempted to take him in myself, but I was allergic when I was younger and don't want to risk it. If you're interested, or know someone who might be, let me know!!!

Bonus -- I'll be home next weekend, so if you live in SPF, I can bring him to you!

I'm A Giant Ball of Cheese

Hello everyone! As per usual, I lied about putting up my sunflower pictures. I've been so busy that I'm rarely at my apartment during waking hours! Lots of dinner dates, happy hours, appointments, and all those kinds of fun things! I'm buzzing around like a little bee, but I couldn't sting someone if I tried--I'm just too happy and excited about everything. Summer is great and I love feeling like free time is really free and not meant to be spent thawing my fingers and toes. Though with all the heat and sunshine, a lot of it is spent trying to cool down and not get sunburned.

Friday night I was supposed to go the Yankee's game with Robbie, but it was rained out. So we missed stupid Jeter's 3000th hit and the stupid Rays didn't want to do a double header on Saturday. But, as luck would have it, we were able to buy tickets for Sunday's game, and it was a beautiful day. Lots of sunscreen was had...with a side of ice cream and hot dogs. Afterwards we went to a little barbeque at Jen's and ate hamburgers and drank sangria and it was kind of a hen fest but it was a wonderful day! It was the definition of a Sunday Funday, and I'm still exhausted. Sitting outside in the sun all day is hard work!

And as for this photo, well, I think y'all know. Cause I do. It really is that simple; I just know. I'm the biggest cheeseball in the world but I don't care. My head and my heart are filled with unadulterated and overflowing happiness. Deal with it.

Since You've Been Gone

It's been a seriously loooo-o-o-ong time since I last updated (as I was reminded by my mother...thanks to my mom for keeping me on blog-track!), and I promised I would be a better blogger (clearly I lied), so here is an update for you!

Last I updated, I had gone to see free Andrew Bird in Prospect Park (yes, it was a cryptic entry...deal with it. I was giddy), so that was about 3 weeks ago. June 16th-19th was the Northside Festival, which is an annual music festival in Brooklyn. I bought badges with my friends from work, Jen and Emma, and some other lovely people. Beirut headlined, and they put on one of the most amazing live performances I have ever witnessed. There were trumpets, french horns, tubas, cellos, and all the like. So many talented people were on stage together and they were simply incredible. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps!

Here are some pictures from Northside, courtesy of Emma's roommate Rebeca:

Beirut at McCarren Park

Emma, Jen and I waiting for Beirut!

Emma and I at Brooklyn Flea, enjoying our free food (we got coupons with our passes!)

The following week was spent busy with dinners and friends. I also started a new medication for my skin--Accutane. So far I've been doing just fine on it, and I know there are always concerns about people's state of mind while on this drug. I've had many, many conversations with people about all the risks and whether or not it was worth it, and I have to say, it is. It has to be. I've been self conscious about my skin since I was 13. I've tried every topical and oral medication in the book, and everything over the counter. I've had 2 allergic reactions (with hives on my face) because I was trying to clear my skin. I tried vitamins. I spend $50 a month on makeup so I can put things on my face that are natural and gentle and aren't bad for my skin. And who knows how long this could go on on its own? I just can't stand the thought of being so self conscious any longer. So I'm doing this.

This past weekend, fourth of July weekend, I had a half day at work on Friday and headed home. My mom cooked (and made me so many of my favorite foods!) and I snuggled with my dog. I spent most of Saturday afternoon sitting on the deck reading Game of Thrones, because I desperately want to finish the first one and start the second! Damn my subway commute for not being longer. Actually, on second thought, I take that back. I just need a little more free time.

And let's see...what do I have coming up? Surprise excursion on Friday, another long weekend next week, a potential trip to Ann Arbor! And my sunflower seeds are growing! I took some pictures, so expect those this week. I promise!

How are all of you? Did you make it to the bottom of this entry?

Do You Ever Feel Like You Couldn't Stop Smiling If You Tried?

Cause I do.

When She Goes Downtown, She Walks Like She Just Don't Care

Hello, blogosphere! I promised y'all an update a while ago, and damn it, I'm gonna follow through! There's been way too many internet promises slipping through the cracks and I'm a bad blogger and it ends now!

Wowza, sorry, that got intense for a second. I may or may not be a little wrapped up in the mindset of this TV show, Game of Thrones--cause when you play the game of thrones, you win or you die (hence the intensity). If you don't watch this show, you absolutely should. I started on Saturday and I'm already all caught up (there are only 8 episodes, but still). Based on the series of fantasy novels by George R. R. Martin (A Song of Ice and Fire), it's a crazy and suspenseful series where seven noble families are fighting for control of Westeros. It's an HBO series, so if you don't have HBO, watch it here! Is it wrong that this is the most important thing I want to blog about?

In other news, it's hot. My air conditioner is in the window, and last night I bought a fan at Target (and carried it home from the subway...in heels...I deserve a medal). It almost makes summer feel bearable. Who's excited for it to be 100 degrees tomorrow? (Not me!)

Third order of business: my dad (...hi dad) sold my car. I'm literally heart broken; I've been driving that car for over 6 years. Last weekend was my last time ever driving it, and I didn't even know. No goodbye hugs or blowing out the last speaker that still (sort of) works. No more window songs (woo ooo wooo, ooo woo ooo wooo, wooooooo) and no more helicopter radio. No more broken AC and no more scratched CDs. No more dents and dings and crooked bumpers. Rest in peace, my lovely Lou Lou.

That's all for now, I think.

PS: Hi Aunt Kathy!

Face Pressed to the Velvet Sky

Updates about life soon (as soon as I install my new camera's software on my computer), but until then, Alex Dezen is easily my favorite person in the world. Evidence as to why he should be yours too:

SerialBox Presents: THE DAMNWELLS from The Serial Box on Vimeo.

The Frenemy

Nicole recommended this blog to me, The Frenemy, and so far productivity has gone out the window in favor of reading every single one of these posts. It is hilarious, honest, and basically brilliant. It's so perfect, I can't even. It's out of control (these are two of my currently waaaay overused phrases, deal with it (that's number three)).

But getting back on topic: please read this post about living in New York City. Please. It sums up the way the city feels and the way the city makes you feel. It's not even remotely cheesy but if I wasn't reading it at work, I'd probably make some annoyingly girlish squeal. Read it. SERIOUSLY. READ THIS.

Here is an excerpt, just in case you're not really sure (you should be): "Forget all the great reasons why you moved here, fall in love with the reasons you didn’t think- cool breezes, car honkings, and knowing how to get places. Revel in being alone, revel in learning a city. Hate every job you have. Hate every bar you go to. Love both of these. Love everything. Have really, really good days. Stare at the city like ‘I got this.’ Swear you will eventually leave."

I have days and weeks and even months where I spend an inappropriate amount of my free time (HAH) dreaming about moving to a different city and perusing Craigslist for a apartments in Athens, GA or Austin, TX. The cost of living is much easier to deal with, there aren't surprise 3-foot snow storms, I would have a backyard & therefore a dog, there's hope that I would turn a color other than translucent white. But there is always, always, always something that stops me from being more than 35% serious about leaving the city. I'm not sure if it's comfort (but let's be honest, who's really comfortable here), safety (but let's be honest, who's really safe here), laziness, or the hope (/faith) that something wonderful is happening here. New York City is a strange place filled with too many tourists and too many people trying to sell me handbags, but it's also a place filled with possibilities. Possibilities for new adventures, new friends, new romances, new opportunities. Oh, and $1 pizza.

These Memories Are Playing Like a Film Without Sound

So. I graduated from college on Wednesday. I guess technically I've been done with school, classes, papers, studying (ha!), etc. for something like five months now, but I have to say that finishing school a semester early was one of the most anti-climactic experiences of my life. Honestly, even after having gone through all the hoopla of Steinhardt graduation and all-NYU graduation, I still feel like nothing's different. Maybe it's not. Maybe the "real world" really does change you and the way you feel about things. I have no idea...and that doesn't just apply to the "real world," it applies to a lot of things. But I have a lot of ideas about where I'm going. And so far, I'm going there in the pouring rain (what's up with that, mother nature?) but with a huge smile on my face.