Williamsburg Hipsters

Paula's one request for her trip to NYC was Thai food in Williamsburg. Our original dinner plans were Sea, a delicious Thai food place we dined at during last winter's visit. Upon boarding the L subway, we could immediately feel a difference in the people and atmosphere. We were entering the hipster world of Williamsburg. What is a hipster you may ask? It is a popular term for the occupants of Williamsburg.

Q: What is a Hipster?
A: Hipster is someone who is fashion conscious and a connoisseur of music, art, and fine cuisine. Though Hipsters have always been around (Flappers, Beatniks, and Hippies were earlier forms), today's Hipsters experiences being bohemian by shopping at thrift shops, by denouncing something's credibility should it become mainstream, and by striving to be ironic. Hipsters generally consider themselves to be artists who lean to the left politically. Republican Hipster is an oxymoron. In a nutshell, a Hipster is someone who is up on all the latest trends.

*Found a great handbook for all the Hipster info if you are interested in pursuing the title. Check out The Hipster Handbook by Robert Lanham.

Anyway, we ended up heading to Planet Thailand instead of Sea because of the hour long wait. Other than the loud music, I completely loved Planet Thai. Despite the somewhat disappointing spring rolls (we'd salivated through the subway ride over the spring rolls we looked forward to eating), my food was amazing! I had teriyaki chicken, a California Roll, and tempura (which was fried fish and fried veggies in batter). My taste buds were thrilled at the jackpot I hit!

Because we were going to Williamsburg for dinner, we figured we'd also visit a bar called Bar that we were introduced to by one of Seth's brothers. The neighborhood is a totally different place then anywhere else in NYC I've been. It is fill with young people who are very hipsterish. Seth and I decided that we need to visit Williamsburg more often, despite what it takes to get there (R subway to the N to the L) and home (either subways that are running less frequently or a $15-20 cab ride).

I especially want to go back to Williamsburg so I can read the graffiti and postings around the neighborhoods. Very liberal and quite a bit more peaceful than you see anywhere else.

I Get By With a Little Help from my Friends

Paula, one of my favorite friends from college, came through New York City for a quick weekend trip on her way back to Kansas after helping a friend move to Vermont. Her last minute trip plans still make me smile and will for days, and spending the weekend infused me, once again, of my attempts to persuade her to move to the City. (Come on Paula, I know you want to experience something new, to leave Kansas... NYC is perfect! It's worth the cold winters!) It also reminded me of how much I truly miss her! The last few years, I have been able to see her and hang out with her often. So many of my favorite memories include her... This weekend, we were only able to add to the archive of memories.

Sunflowers in the big City. I often see sunflowers either growing or cut and waiting to be bought, and every time I see them, I am reminded of Kansas. I've requested that next time Seth buys me flowers, he buys sunflowers. He wondered why and I explained the link to our home state and my mom's kitchen (decorated in sunflowers). This particular sunflower can be found standing tall in a park overlooking the Hudson River and Jersey City, NJ.


We started our Saturday by heading to the Irish Hunger Memorial, a place I found earlier in the summer. Before making it to the memorial, we sat and rested at a wonderful fountain. Sitting on the edge of the water, a little girl scooted her way down to sit right beside us. Unfortunately, we were getting up as she moved down by us. The innocence and sweetness of young children always warms my heart. The flowers and other vegetation growing throughout were beautiful, especially with the city as its backdrop. As we walked through, I noticed the rocks along the garden pathway were engraved with names of cities in Ireland. I don't remember noticing that last time I was here.


After visiting the memorial, we headed East to the other side of the island. Destination: South Street Seaport. Along the way, we passed the sight of the World Trade Center. It seems to me that there is visible progress going on, even in the past few weeks since I was there with my dad. A group was meeting and handing out pamphlets spreading questions on the street about the truth behind 9/11.


The ships at the South Street Seaport.

Pier 17 of the South Street Seaport. We hung out here, grabbed a slice of pizza, and waited for the Circle Line Boat tour. The boat tour was specifically for the waterfalls that have graced the East River this summer.

These waterfalls were designed to look industrial to fit the urban feel of NYC. The artist behind the 4 waterfalls is Olafur Eliasson. It is temporary art sponsored by the Public Art Fund. I've been a little skeptical on whether I liked the waterfalls or not, but after this boat tour, I've decided that the one placed underneath the bridge is not that bad. It's a lot prettier looking from the water. The others... I'm still unsure about.

We scored front row seats on the boat. Paula was very happy to see the city from the water.

This is Our Chance

And it is on their behalf that I intend to win this election and keep our promise alive as President of the United States. What is that promise? It's a promise that says each of us has the freedom to make of our own lives what we will, but that we also have the obligation to treat each other with dignity and respect. --Barack Obama's Nomination Acceptance Speech, 2008

Is this our chance to see the first black man as our nation's president? Is this our chance for a change? A woman reading about Barack Obama's speech at the Democratic Convention, whether he is elected our president or not, it will be a moment that goes down in history.

Scooting to Brooklyn Bridge Park

To work towards keeping our new pact of visiting a park once a week, Seth and I jumped on the subway and headed towards the Brooklyn Promenade which we skated/scooted down with our destination being the park on the North side of the Brooklyn Bridge on the Brooklyn side.

The view is always amazing, and even though I have this shot 50 other times in my photo folder, I still take a new one every time! We sat on the promenade for a bit, but it was getting a bit warm so we jumped on our boards and headed towards the bridge.

Before the park, we hit the dock on the south side of the bridge. It was weddings galore here, as it is a very popular place for couples to head for a few pictures as they bask in the happiness of their day. I think I'm a bit jealous of the crew on this sailboat. Wish I were out there enjoying the summery Saturday afternoon and taking in the view from the water.

Finally in the park, laying in the cool grass in the shade of a large tree. Our next trip to the park, we are going to aim for a spot in this weeping willow's shade. It is a charming tree with the backdrop of a beautiful bridge and a breathtaking city.

Here's our view of the bridge from were we laid our blanket out. Even with the rumble of the subway as it travels across the Manhattan Bridge, this park is still a peaceful place to spend a Saturday afternoon reading (me) and napping (Seth) at the end of our summer.

A Circle Line tour heading up the East River towards the Manhattan Bridge.

On the lower right you can see one of the 4 waterfalls that have made their appearance this summer on the East River.

Of course, I also have many shots of the bridge, but it's beauty always captivates me and is a sure catalyst for more picture taking.

Benjamin's Brithday Barbies

Twenty two years ago today, one of my favorite people was born... Benjamin, my younger brother. After I talked to him tonight, I realized how much I missed him. And so, to honor his birthday, I've decided to give him his own post! I also wanted to share how far he's come since the birthdays of Barbies! Plus it gives me the perfect opportunity to share this pic I've been holding onto!

Ben's 5th (I think?) Birthday. Barbie time... he always (well, almost always - siblings always fight at some point) made a great playmate!

I know, I seem like I might be teasing a bit, but I really do like this little brother of mine. Here were are on one of our 1st days of school. Sadly, I'll be starting my first day of school here in the next week or so without a traditional 1st day picture.

Dang, we are cute!

Our most recent picture together. Unfortunately, because Seth and I are states away, we couldn't join Ben and the rest of the family for the traditional Birthday Dinner at La Fiesta... so I have no pictures of the sombrero wearing whipped cream facial he should be getting about now!

Flowers of Love

My wonderful husband came home earlier this week with flowers for me! I love when he shows his love through flowers :) Plus they're green, my favorite color!

I also love the way that buying flowers is so convenient here in the City, as many grocery stores have them sitting outside the front of the store enticing you with their beauty and smell as you walk by.

Eating Dessert Carrie and Miranda Style

Ms. B, an avid baker, suggested we visit Magnolia Bakery during our lunch break from our teacher orientation yesterday. She knew there was a location was close to where we were (kind of near 59th St-Columbus Circle), but by the time we figured out the exact location (thanks to cell phones and Google), we were headed the wrong direction. With only an hour, we put off our dessert trip for the next day. Today, we left in the right direction, with no plan for our actual lunch food, but a definite plan for dessert!

Magnolia Bakery had it's moment in the spotlight in Sex and The City, where the women go and enjoy the superb cupcakes. The Magnolia Bakery we visited today is not the actual bakery in the show (just a sister bakery - the original one is on Bleeker), yet it was still a delicious visit!

Ms. B enjoyed a cupcake, a favorite of hers - so much so that she bought extra to take home and enjoy later. She explained that the vanilla cupcakes are the best, and even though she has the recipe from a Magnolia Bakery Cookbook, she refuses to make them, because she only wants to be able to enjoy them in their perfection from the bakery! I think I might have to visit the Bleeker street location and try the cupcakes there... just as Carrie and Miranda do in Episode 35 as they discuss Carrie's new guy, Aidan.

I ordered cheesecake, a macadamia nut white chocolate cheesecake to be exact. I am very excited to find this place, one more place to add to the list of things to do in the City. It's especially nice because it's close to Central Park and can easily be squeezed in while on a park trip.

Sharing the Streets with the Movie Stars

Good Morning World! View coming above ground at Columbus Circle - 59th St.

I was up with the sunrise this morning, and I'm quite aware that I'm going to have a hard time transitioning into a working schedule. It's not that I've been sleeping in much; almost everyday I'm up with Seth by 7:30 a.m. ... 6 a.m. is very early though! I attended the first session for NYC New Teachers. The keynote speak was Rick Smith, the author of the book Conscious Classroom Management. The session lasted the morning, but I was starting to space out by the time it was over. I have two more full days of this... and I'm a bit worried that I'm going to be spacing out a lot.

It's refreshing and nice to get ready for the year, but I think I'd rather be in my classroom working. It's also directed at true 1st year teachers... and I've already been there and done that. I'm not that worried about beginning this year or how to handle the kid who doesn't listen. Plus, I'm very confident in my abilities as a teacher, and I have no doubt that, although I will be challenged in the new teaching environment, I will be a successful teacher here, too.

After the morning session, Stephanie and I headed downtown to meet her friend Jessie for lunch. It was an amazing and relaxing time, a lunch ritual I wish I could have everyday! We stopped at Bazzini's, a great place with a huge selection of food (good food too!) and grabbed Chicken Fajita Paninis (delicious!). After we got our food, we walked to the Rockefeller Park overlooking the Hudson River and Jersey City, New Jersey. We ate, talked, and enjoyed the park and view.

Since we were in the area, Stephanie and I were going to go visit China Town before heading to Herald Square so I could get really cheap postcards. (20 for $1.00... can't beat that!) On our way, I saw these green signs posted saying "Set" and pointing in the direction we were heading. While dreaming of how cool it would be to stumble upon a movie filming and maybe a star we could recognize, we found ourselves across the street from something. Turns out, the filming for the movie City Island was taking place, and the star to be seen was Andy Garcia (most recent fame was in Ocean's 11, 12, & 13). City Island is actually an island that is part of the Bronx. Interesting fact I found on Wiki is City Island is nicknamed Cinema Island because of all the filming that takes place there. The movie, a comedy, is to be out sometime in 2009. Think of me when you watch it!

Ahh, stars in my eyes. The man himself, smoking a cigarette, and getting ready to leave as the set broke up for lunch.

Not really sure what all the men were doing lined up down the street and around the corner. I overheard a guy whose job was to help keep the masses of people at bay saying it was a scene in the movie where they are at a casting call ... but then again, I don't know what he said. Guess we'll have to watch the movie and keep an eye out for this scene!

The film crew on the street to the right and the line heading around the corner and down. Andy Garcia was at the end of the line in a suit lighting one up.

Free + Movie = Stampede

Met a friend in Bryant Park late this afternoon to hang out with her while she scored some spots on the lawn for the last summer movie at the park. Seth and I have yet to make it to one of those, but after witnessing the events of today, I know what to expect and to plan to be there 3 hours before the movie shows with food and beverages! We arrived at the edge of the lawn at 4:40 p.m. Lawn opened at 5 p.m. Show's at 8:25 p.m. I stayed until about 6:15 p.m. just after her boyfriend arrived to take his spot on the blanket!

Armed with blankets and dangerous! Surprised the security guards didn't get trampled when the clock struck 5 p.m.

All I heard was some shouting that the lawn was open, and then everyone Ran for it!

Throwing down blankets as quickly as possible. We didn't think there were enough people to fill the lawn at 5 p.m. but we were mistaken. The place was covered with blankets! Everyone was cracking open their bags of goodies. Not going to lie, I was a bit jealous of the group with a bottle of wine a couple blankets over.

Getting comfy and waiting (3 hours and counting!) At least the weather was nice and the sun had fallen behind the buildings giving a perfect shade. Great place for a great conversation!

View from the back of the lawn looking towards the screen. Tonight's show is Superman. Next summer S and I will have to make a date and head to a free evening show (maybe at the Brooklyn Bridge!) I'll make sure to head out early enough to score some nice seats!

Nothing To Do Today But Smile

Seth and I have decided we are requiring ourselves to hang out in Prospect Park at least once a week from now on. We cannot let the opportunity to enjoy an amazing park slip by us. We headed towards the library so I could turn in my books, before they racked up too many late fees. Lucky for him, the library isn't open on Sundays so I couldn't go in and find more books.

Since we were up at the North tip of the park, we decided to meet up with Bric for brunch and try a restaurant a half block from him called Cheryl's Global Soul. We enjoyed our brunch in the garden. Seth enjoyed pancakes covered with chocolate, bananas, and nutella. (Our weekend brunches have made me realize how much of a sweet tooth he has!) Bric and I both ordered the egg meal, mine poached and his scrambled. We left very satisfied with our tummies full. We'll definitely visit Cheryl's again, even if it is a bit of a jaunt.

After eating, Seth jumped on his skateboard and I on my scooter, and we headed into Prospect Park. He took us to a lawn with fewer people and a great shade tree. We laid out and enjoyed the afternoon in the shade.

Love in the Sand

Love is like a piece of art work,

even the smallest bit can be so beautiful.

- Stacie Cunningham -

Broadway in Bryant Park

Rent, Grease, Legally Blonde, Young Frankenstein, and 13 were all represented at Bryant Park for the weekly summer Broadway celebration. This is the closest I have been to a Broadway production... One of the items on my list of To Do's in the City. This medley of Broadway shows was completely enjoyable as I got a taste of 5 different shows - one of which (13) hasn't even opened on Broadway yet!

Frankenstein carrying the girlfriend chick off the stage. When I was younger and visiting my dad and stepmom in Alaska, we would take trips all over the state. To keep us entertained during long hours of driving, my stepmom bought us the movie Young Frankenstein. None of us were interested in such an "old" movie... Mother knows best, and we were all hooked and watching it over and over again all summer long! My favorite line is the one about the brain when Igor explains which jar of brains he picked... "Abby, Abby Normal I do believe."



Rent performers singing "Seasons of Love"...

Five hundred twenty-five thousand Six hundred minutes,
Five hundred twenty-five thousand Moments so dear.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand Six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?
In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights In cups of coffee
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.

13 opens in September. According to a brochure I received in the park, it's the first Broadway show cast to be completely comprised of teens. If you are interested, you can head to the website www.13themusical.com and download the title track for free.

This show is full of energy! They were dancing and moving and rocking the stage!

A very full park of people. It was scheduled right during lunch. Wouldn't you love to head to the park and enjoy Broadway songs during your lunch?