Hot dog it's a recession

So for those of you who are wondering.... the job hunt still continues. (Major prayer request!) Between the fall of Lehman Brothers, the housing crisis, and the ups and downs of Wall St., it is safe to say we are currently experiencing hard times. Many companies are currently having hiring freezes, if not laying off positions in fear of our current economic state.


So you want to know how bad things really are in New York City? As if Gray's Papaya wasn't cheap enough...

That's right, save $1 on a meal that only cost $3.50. Two hot dogs and a drink. Oh the tiny hot dog stand, where do you get such large signs?!

* Presently, I am working for a recruiting company and reciting Jeremiah 29:11 daily. My playing days are over!

Connect-i-cut

A few things you need to know about a day trip to Connecticut...

1. Minivans are cool. (Made popular by the Rockwoods in high school.)

2. (In my opinion, and in Kristin's) The Immaculate Collection by Madonna is the ultimate minivan music.

3. Driving in the city isn't as scary as it looks.

4. Fresh air is awesome.

5. Apples taste the freshest when you pick them off the tree yourself.

6. Eating an unwashed apple won't kill you.

7. Spending an hour looking for the perfect pumpkin and actually finding it is a very proud moment.

8. Backwards people exist all over the country. Two words: Mohawk mullet.

9. There's no limit to what the stomach can hold. (Apple pie, apple cider doughnut, cookies, pumpkin bread, possibly one rice krispy treat, oh and a sandwich. I don't even feel sick, only guilty.)

10. "Good friends are for life." (Molly is a fantastic driver, Kristin creates rock-on mixes, I sing loud and sooooo good, Laura brings funny stories, and Ashley packs yummy treats.)

Our sweet ride.

My proud moment.

Apple picken'.

The crew.

How far is too far for Starbucks?

I have given my not-so-avid-readers ample time to catch up... :-)

Last weekend I went with a group of girls to the Pocono Mountains for a getaway weekend. Rented a gold Mercury Grand Marquis and hit major NY Friday evening traffic. Met one friendly lady at the camp site named Donna, who's speciality is cooking homemade doughnuts. (Her staff was just as interesting as she was.) And although the temperature was 40 degrees, the views were worth it.

Bright and early Sunday morning we jumped back into the G.M. and desperately needed some decent coffee. Oh you know it, we detoured clear out of the way to stop by a Starbucks. Despite our suspicion that out-in-the-middle-of no-where even had a Starbucks, we found it. Located in the Great Wolf Lodge. Not sure if everyone has heard of this Lodge, but it quite a sight for sore eyes. The building itself looks as though it was made of Lincoln Logs, the restaurant is called The Loose Moose Cottage, suites have names such as Wolf Den and Grizzly Bear... I mean this place is goofy. Pretty sure it is the strangest Starbucks I will ever travel to, but the coffee was good.

(By the way, this is a trash can. With raccoons.)

dumbo

In order to take advantage of the surprisingly mild weather we are currently experiencing, Kristin and I decided to walk the Brooklyn Bridge. We ate Grimaldi's pizza on the pier. Watched several Asian prom queens? brides? conduct a photo shoot. Shooed away one very annoying pigeon. Lusted over an apartment with a red door. Basked in the sunshine streaming through a yellow leaved tree. And embraced our inner hipster.

I always wanted to be a Tenenbaum

Kristin and I did something that we have been wanting to do for a very long time. We went to Harlem. We got into a cab and asked him to drop us off at 144th and Convent Ave. You see our favorite movie in which we love to quote quite often and have a couple of business ventures built around is The Royal Tenenbaums. It is a very clever and smart Wes Anderson film. The characters are as dry as burnt toast. They say things like "That cab has a dent in it." or "You heard me Coltrane." and we laugh. So today walked right up to the stoop of 339 Convent Ave, to the house Royal Tenenbaum bought on Archer Avenue in the winter of his 35th year.

Harlem, 2001

Harlem, 2008

BBQ, Blue Bell, and Texas football

Lessons learned from a very Texan weekend:

1. Blue Bell ice cream can be found in New York

2. Tequila shots are harder to swallow once you exit college

3. Country music sounds much better in a "Texas" bar

4. Lone Star beer taste good because it's from Texas

5. Not everyone (ie. New Yorkers) knows what "Texas OU weekend" means (we tended to forget that)
6. In New York, while it is important to support your college, it is more important to support your state

7. In the words of Bob, good friends really are for life

the Music vs. the Cell Phone

This weekend I saw Fleet Foxes at the Grand Ballroom. My good friend Kristin and I are big music goers. She's really good at keeping my iTunes up to date and fresh and I am really good about always being up for spending my hard earned cash on a concert. But what I unfortuntely noticed mid song the other evening was the amount of people with their cell phones out and open. Lights glowing, fingers taping, eyes shifted downward. The average kids were text messaging while their super trendy friends were checking email via their Blackberry or iPhone. Confession, I am a bit behind the times. For example, I happen to mention to someone at church this week that only a month ago did I finally tack on an extra $5 fee to my cell phone plan so that I can freely text message up to 200 times per month. (I quickly found out after I moved that text messaging is taken to a whole other level in NY... along with brunch. We shamefully waited for over 2 hours for award winning pancakes. Again, this is actually normal Sunday behavior in the city.) Anyways my friend was shocked that I was just now texting on a normal day-to-day basis. To get to the point of this detailed and rather boring post is that when did we decide that texting someone to tell them what song was being played was actually more important than listening to and enjoying the song? It's like taking a picture of the sunset but forgetting to look at the sunset. Photos only take you as far as the band's c.d. can. My recommendations: use the silent feature and sing along. (Opera style preferred.)



Ok, I'll step down from my platform now. Besides, it's been 1o minutes since I last looked at my cell to see if anyone's called... or texted. (And I'm sure they haven't.)

"Hey, can I call you Joe?"

I have never been one who gets too political. And I am not shy to admit, I would rather watch repeat episodes of Saved By the Bell in the mornings instead of the news. But this is New York. And in New York everyone wants to talk politics; it's part of the culture and frankly it makes this election much more exciting. So this year I have decided to get informed. I have read McCain and Obamas platforms, watched the debates, I have read the news from both sides of the spectrum, and I have had many discussion between friends over brunch, lunch, and dinner. And during our most recent debate-watching shin dig, the Obama supporters sat relaxed as they watched Biden do his thing, while the other half of McCain supporters clenched their teeth with high hopes Palin took good notes at Debate Camp. But no doubt with all the information and opinions splattered in every type of media, the whole process of being a responsible American can become very tiresome. In light of the seriousness elections obviously bring, Saturday Night Live is here to ensure we find some comic relief. Whether you side with Palin, oops I mean McCain, or Obama, the skits are just funny. (You'll find the latest clip in the post below.)

And if think about it, the most exciting part of this year's election is that either outcome will create a text book worthy historic moment. We will either have the first African American President or the first woman VP. A truly amazing and overdue accomplishment in my opinion.

Well folks, you know I really hope to see you all at the polls. (Insert wink and wave here.)

SNL

Tina Fey vs. Sarah Palin

Spandex

Let your imagination run wild...

How to properly spend a rainy weekend on the Upper West Side

What do three Upper West Siders do on a gray and gloomy rainy weekend in the city? Absolutely nothing.



Friday: catch up on 4 hours of tivoed television and experiment with cake balls. Yes you heard it correct. I got pulled into a weekend that consisted heavily of cake balls. The roomies reaction to my No Cake Challenge... "Can't you just add a few more days on to you end date?" Ahh guilty peer pressure. (The cake balls were delicious and it is safe to say we got so sick of them I am looking forward to rest of my challenge!) And to be vain for a moment, my poor Burberry umbrella had a small accident and snapped. Guess it's just too delicate for this northeast wind and rain. RIP (unless I have sent off to be revived.)


Saturday: trekked all the way to Anthropologie in the rain and humidity only to get sent home three hours later because of slow business. Later, joined the roommates in eating a couple more cake balls before taking a fantastic nap. Wakey, wakey upper west siders, time for more cake balls and the 10 o'clock showing Baby Mama in Apt. 2D.

Sunday: ready for a much needed run after being cooped up for the last two days. Oops, still raining. Settled for a few deep breaths and sun salutations on my bright green yoga mat. After my arms had had enough, ran across the street to grab a cup of coffee and set out in search of a new umbrella. (Insert tears here...) Oh but what's this? Another street festival? Yes, the 20th anniversary of New York City's Ecofest, featuring all things good for the Earth. Watched some tango dancers perform on a stage powered solely by a portable energy sun panel, while eating my $4 falafal sandwich. Blissful.

Stay tuned, good things are happening on the Upper West Side this week.

Rediscovering the old in Hell's Kitchen

Saturday I awoke to a fall day. It was barely 7o degrees and not a cloud in the sky. I googled new-york-city-flea-markets and set out on my way to rediscover the old. After a brisk 2 mile walk I had arrived at Hell's Kitchen Flea Market. It was the kind of flea market you imagine. Decent prices, really old pieces (as in not faux old pieces), and a minimal amount of junk. There were fur coats, dainty jewelry, sweet hankies and aprons, Christmas decor from the 50's, dated cameras, and some of the most beautiful vintage Buddha heads I have ever seen. I knew I wanted to walk away with something special and was very pleased with my strength to resist the urge to plop all my cash down at the first vendor.

Ladies and gents, I made it through the whole flea market before buying anything!

I continued to think about an old bracelets I saw in the middle of the market. When I went back to the vendor and asked the price my heart sunk when she told me $39.

Well will you take $25? (It never hurts to ask and besides I only had $36 in my wallet.)
No. But I'll take $34.
Ok, then how much for this smaller gold bracelet?
$18. But I will sell you both of the bracelets for $35.

Sold! I pulled out my wallet and became the proud owner of 2 vintage bracelets circa 1960.

The challenge

My friend Martha has recently decided to take a challenge. She has decided to have a dry month. Not a single drop of red wine, white wine, beer, vodka, or any other kind of liquor will touch her lips for the next 30 days. (To be clear, this in an effort to save money and maybe a few pounds. Not because she has an alcohol problem.) While Kristin declined the challenge knowing well she would get her drink on in Texas next weekend, I thought sure, why not? But while we were at dinner I thought about it. I don't have a problem with alcohol. Have it, not have it... doesn't really make a difference to me. The real guilty pleasure in my life lies behind a glass case, made of the finest flour, sugar, and butter. Cupcakes. It would be worthless for me to even begin to tell you how much joy I find in these little creations. They know how to turn my frown upside down before I even consume one. So even though the thought of not being able to enjoy that moist cake and to die for icing for 30 days causes my heart to beat a bit faster due to anxiety, I accept. Oh man, I cannot believe I am about to take the challenge a bit further. But I solemnly vow to restrain from eating a cupcake, a cookie, or any other kind of baked good until October 18th. (I am making my statement public because I will for sure need to be held accountable. I am extremely good at talking myself into cheating!) So long Magnolia. Adios Crumbs. I will think of you often Buttercup. XOXO.

I justified eating two cupcakes as a reward for moving to the city...

5 minutes later, my roommates were impressed

*Yet another obsession that would send shivers down my mother's back.

Skull season

For those of you who know me at all, you know that I have had a love affair with skulls for a very long time. There are two types of skull I am drawn to: Gothic, sophisticated skulls and folkie, Day of the Dead skulls. I'm always excited for Fall. I love Halloween because it means pumpkins, cool weather, and falling leaves are about to make their debut. So when we received a Pottery Barn catalog in the mail this week with their Halloween merchandise I fell in love with their 2008 product. I'm pretty positive some people are a little freaked out when the learn this about me (Rachellee), but let's be honest, we all have our quirks!


*My mother has never quite figured out where my skull obsession stemmed from. And if you've met her you know it's not from her... she shivers at the thought!

Click on photos for your shopping experience.

One of my commenters suggested I take a picture of my picture and post it. Why didn't I think of that? Here is my Akugbey.

*Also, who posted that comment? Oddly it showed up under my name!

Akubey

I want to share about my little boy that I support in Ghana through Compassion. His name is Louis Akugbey N. He turned 5 in July and is the cutest thing you have ever seen. (That is, if I had a scanner you could see him.) Since I have been sponsoring him I have received 5 letter from him each of which come with a picture attached. My latest letter I just had to share because his sincere and personal words practically brought tears to my eyes. I hope you enjoy it...

Dear Kate,
I was very nice to meet you in my life. How are you doing and your family? I hope by the grace of our almighty God you are fine as I and my family are doing in Ghana. My family loves you very much, they hello to Mark, Claudia, David, Tiffany and you for your support. I am on holidays staying with my parent through out. Are school children in your country on holidays? There is a festival going on in my town New Ningo called Homowo. Do you celebrate festivals? I will like to know more about things going on in your country. Stay bless with all my love to you. Thanks you.
Louis Akugbey

Also included with the letter was a picture of a green pencil! If I get the chance I will try to figure out a way post a picture of Akugbey so you can put a face to his words. Look forward to more updates in the future.


* Thank you Jenn Mosburg for introducing me to Compassion and Akugbey.

*For those of you who are interested in learning more... Compassion. And in honor of my friend Mary Emma and her work with... World Vision. (Both are equally great, world changing Christian organizations.)

When public transportation turns on you

So the story I am about to share with you I have meaning to post for some time now. Putting my embarrassment aside, I think it is important to let you know that sometimes living in the City is quite hard.

A couple of weeks ago I had an interview in midtown. I knew that taking the subway would take around 25 minuted to arrive at my destination. So of course I plan to give myself plenty of time by leaving my apartment 45 minutes early. When I arrive at the 70th St. subway stop, an announcement come on that the B train that is headed downtown is temporarily stalled. Not good! I decide to run up to Central Park West and hail a cab. Success! I forgot to mention that not only is this day the hottest and most humid day I had experienced thus far in NY but many of the streets were shut down due to Fashion Rocks and the NFL kick -off concert that was later being held. As you can imagine the traffic was horrific. So we are sitting in bumper to bumper traffic at 5th Ave and 65th St and I have about 10 minutes until my interview. (Currently about 14 blocks from my interview.) I tell the cabbie I have to get out here and walk (rather run). I pay him $12 for practically nothing and begin sprinting down 5th Ave. (If you are wondering, yes, I was smart enough to wear flip flops and pack my heels in my bag.) By this time I have 5 minutes. I quickly call the HR front desk, let them know my situation, and arrive at my interview 3 minutes late, flustered and sweating. The result: currently the majority of the positions I am being interviewed for will not open up until December.

If only I was in a movie...

September 11th

New York remembers September 11th.

The P Party

Just wanted to share some photos from Martha's latest theme party. The attire was anything that started with the letter P. As I'm sure you can imagine there was a lot of plaid, polka dots, a princess, a Parisian, a few pregnant ladies, Patty Mayonnaise (remember Doug?), 1985's prom queen, Paris Hilton, some preps, Sarah Palin, Pink (Kristin), Purple (me), Pickle (Martha), Peacock (Kristen), and many other P people. And for those of you who are wondering, yes, Kristin and I did take the subway dressed like this.

The party's peacock

Only Martha knows how wear a green unitard

The pickle taking center stage

Pink and Purple loved the pink punch a little too much