A Lighter Load June 26, 2009

One of the best things about moving is that it is the perfect time to unburden yourself from all the unnecessary items in your apartment/house. In my case, that comes mostly in the form of food and clothing.

Yesterday my parents came into the city to help me pack up, which was heavenly. That kitchen really was intimidating. We made amazing progress, and I feel so much better about the move now that I know it’s all under control. One of the greatest parts was my mom recounting the story of when her sister helped her move years ago and made her get rid of things or pack them away, rather than leave them because “I might need them”. Then my mom did just the same for me!

Out went the unopened bottle of Light Corn Syrup that I bought for an undetermined reason, out went the soup from 2 years ago. Good bye to the last, sad little pasta twists that wouldn’t suffice for a snack, nevermind dinner. So long random remaining sea salt that I think I used for Margaritas. Ciao, white corn meal that I used once and hated. See ya, really, really old cereal.

My dad helped me with the alcohol (we have quite a selection here). We combined the vodka since it was the same brand anyway, decided MNH could finish the single malt whiskey (or is it Scotch?). There went two bottles I would have packed.

Then we all hit the bedroom to pack up the closet. I had started a pile of clothing that I was either going to re-use for sewing projects or give away to Good Will. I decided there was too much of it and it was all in such good condition that I would give it away. Into the pile went several more pairs of paints, sweaters, a skirt 2 sizes too big, a jacket 1 size too small, part of a suit, and on and on and on.

My parents even took the bags of clothing for me to bring to Good Will because they have a car and it’s easier for them. I was also able to hand over to my mom a cheese plate that I got as a wedding gift and would never use.

I love these purges – I feel much lighter and less wasteful! I know when I unpack (oh, shudder to think of that) I will find even more items to do away with somehow. Of course, I also have to deal with MNH who wants to reuse all the bubble wrap in some kind of art project or “gravity experiment”.  He can’t get rid of anything. Good thing he’ll be at work for most of the unpacking!

We ended the day with a trip to the Crabhouse because my parents have heard us talking about it but had never been. We had two piles of crabs, one done Maryland Style (yum) and the other done in garlick, oil and spices. OMG. That was good. in my dads words “sinful”.

AND my folks are even coming in tomorrow to help with the actual move! Amazing.

Good day everybody, thanks mom and dad for all the help!

No Soul For Sale June 25, 2009

A non-art fair, pseudo exhibit, sort of event is taking place now at the former Dia: Chelsea building. Up for only 3 more days, this festival, No Soul for Sale: A Festival of Independents, features 40 international non-profits. It’s about collaboration, sharing, no barriers, no walls, no fee!

One of the best events to come to the contemporary art world lately. Go check it out.

Photo: Joanne Kim, Courtesy of X Initiative.

The Big Send Off June 25, 2009

Isn’t this pretty? It’s painted rocks from the courtyard at SculptureCenter. They have an exhibit up called University of Trash. I snuck a rock in my pocket. Sssshhhh, don’t tell! Moving on……

My life this week is boxes, bubble wrap, and tape. I’m finding moving to be pretty stressful, which makes last night even more sweet. My husband asked me to go on a date with him and had a secret plan that he refused to share with me, except that is was weather dependent. We left home and walked and walked and walked, and on the way I guessed possible destinations. After a while we were so completely in no man’s land that I was sure we were going to Socrates Sculpture Park, but then we turned right.

Apparently, LIC is cool enough to have it’s own brand new boutique hotel! The place is called Ravel, and I think they suck. That’s right, they suck! They are located right next to the 59th Street Bridge, which truly is the middle of nowhere, and it’s ugly and loud. Surrounded by nothing but filth, they wouldn’t let us have dinner on the rooftop because MNH and I had flip flops on. Seriously?! And when MNH asked the guy at the desk, hoping to sweet talk him, he grumbled unintelligbly  “Wehaveaasdktrictfkspolasiy”.

I’m sorry can you repeat that? We couldn’t understand you WHAT WITH ALL THE FOOD IN YOUR MOUTH.

Turns out, they are too posh for us and have a very strict policy, though apparently they are cool with their front desk clerk eating while on the job and talking to potential patrons with a mouth full of food. It was gross. Never go there.

Clearly, we left (we had no choice). MNH was disappointed because he planned it so we’d be on the roof at sunset. It was meant to be our big goodbye to LIC. Instead we found ourselves at a diner for a quick bite, and then headed to Dutch Kills for a few fancy cocktails. I told him he got major points just for thinking of it.

If you haven’t been there, go visit. It’s a great, dark speakeasy where the barman (he’s no bartender, but maybe he’s a barkeep) wears suspenders and knows all kinds of fun, old fashioned cocktails.

We each had a couple with great names like Sugar Plum, the Blue Collar, Fruit Cup and Gin Sling. We talked to Abraham, the talented barman, who MNH thinks knows about 1,000 cocktails. But Abraham wouldn’t tell.

Abraham treated us to a final cordial before we left, on the house. Getting a free drink is always a great treat, especially when it’s of the barman’s choice. So Abraham poured us a very nice looking drink and I asked, “What’s this one called?” to which he responded,

“The Brooklynite”.

See ya, LIC.

How Did I Miss This?! June 24, 2009

The Beekeepers Ball

Beekeepers, friends of beekeepers, friends of bees, people who like to dress as bees, people who like to dress their children as bees, bee-dressed children, and fans of local food were all in attendance at the Beekeepers Ball, held Monday night at Water Taxi Beach at South Street Seaport.

The beer, provided by the Brooklyn brewery Kelso, was infused with city honey and whipped up specially for the occasion.

Is this city amazing, or what? Seriously, a Beekeeper’s Ball. Unbelievable.

Long Story Short June 23, 2009

Instead of moving in 2 weeks as planned, MNH and I are moving on Saturday, and we just found out yesterday!!

We have been packing and packing and I still feel like we haven’t even made a dent in things. Such as the kitchen. Oh, I fear packing the kitchen…..

While this is sort of extremely stressful news, I’m also excited to be in our new place a few weeks earlier than expected, and it means the hubs finally gets to see the apartment (if you recall, I had to sign for it before he got a chance to peep it). This also means that instead of having the stress of packing and moving looming over our heads like a big storm cloud for 2 more weeks, we are just forced to get it done, which I think is better for my psyche anyway.

If you have any packing tips – bring ‘em on!

And… I’m Back June 22, 2009

Lately I have been sort of ignoring this blog. Have you noticed? I have been busy (lots of visitors, finding an apartment, looking for a job, etc etc), but I don’t actually think that is why. I haven’t done much of anything that I am interested in lately, and with this weather and no job prospects I got myself into a funk and just haven’t been inspired me to write anything. But, it’s time to get out of it. So, I’m back.

The other day I walked around LIC with MNH and my brother -in law and his wife (my sister-in-law once removed?). It wasn’t a nice day but we trudged through the rain anyway determined to be out and about. After brunch we started waking around and we went further than planned. We found ourselves near SculptureCenter. We went in to see the exhibit The University of Trash but there was a panel discussion taking place so we didn’t get very far. I did take a painted rock from the courtyard as a memento, but that’s all we really got out of that visit.

After that we wandered around 5 Pointz, which was pretty cool. Then we headed over to Manetta’s for an afternoon pick-me-up of a little Frangelico and a conolli. It turned out to be a really nice, relaxing day, and I was happy to re-visit some fave LIC spots before we leave for Brooklyn in a few weeks.

I can’t believe that we are actually moving in just 2.5 weeks. We haven’t packed, we don’t have movers, we are going to be gone for 4 days for a wedding, and I think our current building thinks we are moving in 6 days. (I need to check on that tomorrow). While I am really excited about moving to a new neighborhood and having a bigger apartment to decorate, I’m also really sad to leave our cozy little corner in LIC. The view is gorgeous, and MNH and I grilled out and putted on the green the other day – these are not things we will be able to do in Brooklyn. I have loved my 2 short years in Queens, but I guess I’m ready to add another borough to my geographical background. It’ll probably be my last — somehow I just don’t see myself moving to the Bronx or to Staten Island. And since my sewing teacher is in LIC I’ll still be here for weekly visits.

Anyway, it’s good to be back.

Bachelorette Weekend June 15, 2009

The weekend was a hit! The bride-to-be (my future sister-in-law, once removed) seemed to be a very happy girl after her weekend of spa treatments and hanging out with her friends.

We had a silly night of dancing and drinking, and doing our best to embarrass her with lei’s, a customized tank top, anatomically suggestive  straws, and a tiara. But she held her own!  Even when she opened up all the gifts we got her, including Fundies (underwear made for two).

Somehow, I don’t think they are going to make an appearnace on the honeymoon….

Brooklyn Bound June 11, 2009

We got the apartment!

I am so excited. MNH hasn’t even seen it yet, but I took some pictures to give him the idea. It was too good to pass up! I ran over to Brooklyn early this morning and signed the lease, and we move at the end of the month. I will be taking before and after shots of our moving in and decorating process. We don’t have nearly enough furniture for this place, so I see a few fun shopping trips in my future…

I am on my way now to the airport for a bachelorette party weekend and can’t wait to see the bride-to -be!

What a great few days, I love when things work out.

Have a good weekend!

Third Time’s A Charm, Right? June 10, 2009

MNH and I are looking for an apartment in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Or very near there. I knew the process would be painful, but who knew it would be this bad?!

I have seen approximately 25 apartments.

Most of them I walked in and out of within 30 seconds — they were that bad. A few I took pictures of and thought that somehow we could make it work and even turn it into a nice little home. Little being the operative word. Tiny kitchens, tiny bathrooms.

Finally, we saw what we thought was The One. But after meeting the landlady (who would have lived downstairs from us) we decided it wasn’t a good idea. She wouldn’t let us paint, and demanded a certain percentage of the floor be covered with area rugs. She seemed incredibly picky, and I didn’t want her knocking on my door every time I walked across the floor in heels, or had people over. So, no deal.

Then we saw one just like that apartment, only the landlords were a  very sweet older couple who didn’t care what we did as long as we were respectful. We fell in love with them. I saw myself going downstairs for a visit and a cup of tea once in a while. Alas, someone offered more money than we did, so again, no deal.

Yesterday I saw what I believe to be The One. It is bigger than all the others, has a dishwasher, laundry, two full and separate bedrooms. The living and dining areas are separated by a big kitchen with lots of counter space and storage. I am in love. I love this more than I loved the older landlord couple. MNH never even saw it, but we put in the application last night. And now we wait.

xx  Fingers crossed that someone else doesn’t offer more money, or find some other way to steal this little gem from me.

It actually happened! June 9, 2009

The High Line is open, thanks to Friends of the High Line, a non-profit started by two unassuming guys who happened to meet at a community board meeting ten years ago.

The High Line was originally constructed in the 1930s, to lift freight trains off Manhattan’s streets.  When all sections are complete, the High Line will be a mile-and-a-half-long elevated public park, running through the West Side neighborhoods of the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen. Its landscape combines meandering concrete pathways, plants, flowers, seating, lighting, and special features like public art projects.

This is one of those great New York stories about perseverance, communities coming together, acting for the greater good. That two guys who had no experience in community planning or facing down business people and community leaders, or raising money or running a non-profit, could join forces and succeed in not just saving a part of old New York but actually rally such support behind the project was a surprise to everyone, including themselves.

When I was in school one of the 2 founders visited my class to discuss how Friends of the High Line got started.  He basically said that they just knew the High Line shouldn’t be torn down, and started talking to people about it. They took it from there, going to meetings, trying to get support from the local business owners, and went from there. Everything else they learned on the job.  Congratulations FHL, and thanks for our new park!