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.

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

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.

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.

I've Got Nothing To Say

...except there isn't enough sunshine in the world for how wonderful I feel right now.

I'm seeing Manchester Orchestra tonight.
Andy Hull is everything that's right with the world.

I'm going to Terminal 5, dancing and screaming my face off, then hauling myself back to Brooklyn and sleeping as many seconds as possible.

Sleep? What's sleep?
I'll sleep in June.

Till then, I'll just skip down the street.
And smile.

All Smiles

New York City feels like home again.

I can't wipe this smile off my face.

Day 15 – A Picture of Something You Want to do Before You Die

 

SKYDIVING

I have to. HAVE to. Honestly, how cool would it be?

The answer? Cooler than there are words for.

New 322-Days Resolutions

So I took a survey at the end of 2010 and it asked me about resolutions. Unfortunately, because I'm lazy and kinda lame, I didn't really make any. "Save more money" might be a good thing to do in 2011, but it's not something that will really make 2011 a better year. Maybe 2012 or 2013, but I digress. Here are a few things that I want to do in 2011, for 2011 and for myself, inspired by some of the newer company I've been keeping.

Write. Not blog. They're very different things. Last night I went back to my old composition notebook I started freshman year and there are only a few blank pages left. I'm going to fill them and get into the journal I got for Israel. Yes.

Read. And not on the Internet!! Right after I graduated I went out and bought all these books because I was so stoked on leisure reading, but somehow between December and February, none of them were touched. Or loved. Or read. And I owe them that.

GO TO YOGA. At least twice a week! My beautiful sister got me a mat for Christmas and it's hardly been used, which is a shame. My walk to and from work every day does not qualify as exercise and I need to be nice to my body. It gets me places.

Breathe. Slowly and deeply, into my chest and my stomach and my toes. This is inspired by yoga (not very subtly) but there's something to be said about taking every breath all the way in. I think it'll make me more relaxed and more motivated. Maybe even more focused on things not on this glowing screen.

HEAT WAVE

Oh, And I Totally Forgot!

I was complaining to you guys about how I was waiting forever for my grades, right? Cause Albert will never be my friend, right?

Well guess what? (How many questions can I ask in one post?)

I waited patiently until I got back from Israel to check (even though I found wifi in a few places), and somehow I pulled it off!

I'm graduating Magna Cum Laude!!

Suck on that, NYU!

Leaving for Israel Tomorrow!!

"My favorite thing is to go where I have never gone."

-Diane Arbus

No "25 Days" for a Few Days

BECAUSE:

I'm a chipmunk. A chipmunk hopped up on vicodin. And milkshakes.

Ignoring My "25 Days" Until Tomorrow

 

I love my mom. Home cooked favorite meal during my last-ever-finals crunch? Hands down the best thing that could happen to me. Macaroni and cheese, you're the love of my life.

Day 10, Day 11, Jerky Professors, FINALS

First, because I'm pretty angry about this, I'm going on a rant about my Psychoanalysis professor.  Honestly, I love this class and this professor. It's one of the few academic (read: non-art) classes I've really enjoyed--even on days that I don't finish (or start) the reading, class discussions are flowing and productive, and I always learn something. The professor makes witty jokes and hilarious puns, encourages participation, and actually admits when he doesn't know the answer. Our class dynamic works really well--I have a few friends in class and everyone is just nice to each other. So far he's been relatively reasonable with papers (pushing back due dates when they snuck up on us, allowing us to come up with topics together, etc.) and had only canceled class twice.

That is, until last week. We still hadn't (and still haven't) gotten back our second and third papers, so I had (and still have) no idea where I stand grade-wise and style-wise. He canceled class on Monday via a Sunday afternoon e-mail, which was kind of awesome because I was tired and it's my first class of the day. Okay. But let it be know that we had scheduled our final paper to be due this upcoming Wednesday, the 15th, and still didn't have the topic that Monday. On Wednesday (the 8th), he didn't show up to class. Really just didn't come. We waited for almost half an hour before we decided we were just wasting our time and went to get coffee. And we just got an e-mail about it. TODAY. Which might have been prompted by my (very polite) e-mail asking about the final paper topic, because yesterday, there five days between me and the final paper being due. A final paper that was supposed to be 7-10 pages in length. Granted, he pushed our paper back until Monday (the 20th), and cut the length to 5-7 pages, but honestly I'm not leaving this until then. My printmaking project will get done during studio time on Tuesday, and this paper is the only other thing I have. Plus, the 20th is the day of my wisdom teeth surgery. Thanks but no thanks.

AND HERE'S THE WORST PART. Let me quote directly from his e-mail: "[Your] papers, all of them, on Monday (30 papers x 20 min/a paper = 600 minutes, or ten hours. It's been hard to find ten hours this semester -- but it's my job)."

YES. That IS your job! And I can guarantee that I spent more than 10 hours writing your goddamn papers. There's absolutely NO WAY I spent less than 3 hours on each of those papers. None. Zip. Zilch. What kind of nerve do you have to even SAY that? It's this total disregard for my time and my effort that makes me angry. SO ANGRY.

But. Moving right along. Here are my days 10 and 11--sorry I haven't actually been doing one every day. Even without a lot of finals and things, it's a hectic time of year.

Day 10: Who spoiled Santa Claus for you?

I'm going to assume my parents on this one. There came a point when my parents didn't even put the presents under the tree during the night, and my sister and I would have to go upstairs and rifle through their closets for the presents and bring them down. Now, we usually put them under the tree a day or two ahead of Christmas, all wrapped and pretty!

Day 11: Favorite gift received as a child?

One of the first years my sister and I were aware enough and had enough money to buy each other presents, she bought me one of those dog-robots that followed you around and you had to feed and stuff. I was obsessed with it for a few weeks. Then, as it always happens, it lived in the basement near the dog cage for years. Oh well.

Day 9: When Do You Put Up Your Tree?

Well, we've always had an artificial tree (I was allergic when I was a kid and we never really re-evaluated) so the timing isn't necessarily important. We usually wait until everyone is home, then we sort the tiers and put it all together. We put up the lights (alternating color and white) and tinsel, then dad disappears and us ladies put on all the ornaments.

 

Actually, we just got a new tree! Our old one was nine feet tall and too big for the new house. So it's going to be quite different this year--it's pre-lit, and so I assume it stays assembled. It's probably already up, but we'll wait until Nora and I are home for Christmas to decorate.

And, behold! This is my final photo project--I printed pictures of foliage in crazy, whacked out colors. I'm so proud of it!

Printmaking, To a T

"Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know it's normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through." -Ira Glass