On The Move

Today I completed the move from NYC Apt. #1 to NYC Apt #2. I apologize for the long lapse in blogging, a portion of which is due to the move and other climatic experiences that should be forgotten. Regardless, I am living approximately 2 avenues and 2 blocks from my old address. My two room mates are a guy and a girl, both 29.

But, the real story is about the dresser...

You see, this is not your average dresser. Turns out this weighs a lot more than 100 lbs and is quite difficult to maneuver across the city of Manhattan. My move began yesterday, but after underestimating the space; I realized a dresser/ drawer set was in order. I began to search for a bargain. I contemplated plastic, but even those seemed expensive.

So, this morning I came across the beauty above (still missing 2 drawers, because I'm going back tomorrow for them). It is also missing the other sliding door, but I don't care. Like I said, this is not your average dresser.

The story goes that I found the dresser, put it on hold, but could not find affordable, or available movers. I brilliantly begin a phone tree to find someone to help me carry this across town. I employ my friend Stephen, after a bit of reluctance, in part because he is one of the few reliable (strong?) males I know. When Stephen arrives at the store I discover there is more to moving a dresser a few blocks, than just lifting it onto a dolly. Did you know to measure? Attempt to lift? Remove drawers? Or, consider the option of a freight elevator? Apparently, being so excited about somewhere to house my clothes...I had forgotten to think about all of the above! Minor Logistics?!

Stephen and I, with the help of the first (of many) surprisingly, nice New Yorkers lift the dresser onto the dolly (a square of wood with 4 wheels). We venture down the sidewalk encountering many stares, help at every corner (where it would get stuck or fall off the dolly), and a lot of laughs. I think Stephen may have received a splinter or two, as well. At some point, it became apparent that my lawyer friend was not having very much fun.

When we arrived at my apartment, we took a few moments of hesitation (also known as measuring the elevator, ceiling, and dresser length). Stephen, my new room mate, and friend got the dresser into the elevator, onto my floor, and into my room. It was quite a delivery, and one that did not come free. I will be buying him dinner and drinks, but even that doesn't seem like enough for his labor. I can safely say he will never help me move again.

I went back for the drawers later, but exhausted and ready to relax I gave up on the last two. Fiddle Dee Dee...I will go back for them tomorrow!

Worn Outside-In

It was such a horrible week I'm not going to go into detail. A girl quit at my new job, and it was fashion week at my other. Enough said. I am currently too exhuasted for anything positive to say.

Can't Buy Me Love

I woke up this morning to phone calls and texts. For the first time none of them were fashion people harassing me about my slave labor hours. One family member, two work related, and three friends were curious about my existence.

Aside from the call to pick up someone else's shift these calls were alarming and comforting. I did not expect a morning wake up call, but did enjoy the distractions from a day focused on flowers, candy, presents, and sex.

I proceeded with my morning and headed out to Astoria. For those of you not familiar with NY, Astoria is north of Manhattan. I hopped on a train, walked a few blocks, passed a beautiful vintage car dealership (covered in snow...really wish I had pictures, but the poor camera died a few weeks ago), and ended up at a friend's house.

I met this woman at one of the stores, where I shop locally for fabric, almost daily. We hit it off, she's preggers now, and wanted me to teach her some prenatal yoga. Her husband is an artist, and their house is covered in cool 30's Americana vintage inspired art and furniture. We pulled up the carpet and rolled out our mats in their living room. I taught. We laughed. They relaxed.

At the end of the session we gossiped for a few minutes, and then I was back on my way home. On the ride back I thought about how kind her husband was to answer many of my graduate school questions, allow me into their home, and take a class with her, despite his horrible hangover and day off. I then thought about how caring she had been to make him feel the least uncomfortable, since he had never taken yoga before, or met me.

They are two very nice people. but equally as important is their relationship. After the class she mentioned how this was the perfect thing for them to do on Valentine's Day. She was right. It wasn't about what we were doing, which cost them a lot less than movies and dinner. It was about who she was with.

He cared enough about her to join, and she cared enough about him to have him there. They cared enough about me to take me under their, already multiplying, wing. And, I cared enough about them to make an hour commute there and back. It is these kinds of gestures, that describe love...not the red and pink candies in disguise.

It's All In The Cards

Last Friday at the store where I work now, an older, spunky, woman came in. She and I got very close in a short amount of time. She told me how she has started taking Tarot Reading classes. I said I'd be happy for her to read my cards, if she ever needs to practice...

I have, despite my age, always made friends with women over the age of 40, who have eccentric habits or hobbies. These women often become mentors, good council, or people who I can go to when I just need to throw my thoughts in the air. Maybe this relates to my relationship with my mother? Maybe it is because I see these women as powerful for following their dreams? Or, maybe I feel the least inhibited by women who look old enough to be my mother, but act young enough to be my sister? In the past these women have been writers, actors, yoga instructors, a black jack dealer, and now I can add tarot reader.

This woman is no exception. With a very youthful, buoyant personality she came to my work today, with cards in...palm?

She shuffled the deck.

Told me to split, and think of a non-yes-or-no question.

One, two, and three piles.

Then stack them back into one.

From there she pulled 3 cards, and then took 1 from the back. She told me to repeat my question aloud. I asked what any girl would ask(especially around Valentine's day)...

'When will I find love again?'

The first three cards were courage, the chariot driver, and the king of wands. The courage card is illustrated with a beautiful, light-covered, woman and lion facing each other. Courage being represented by both the lion as symbol, and the beautiful woman meeting him halfway. The chariot driver is a man of strength driving both a white and black horse, meaning he decides the path and direction, often by choosing one or the other. The king of wands is a king holding a wand (or instrument) with brown curly hair and blue/green eyes. (She is still learning, and wasn't 100% sure where he fit in, until I gave her background information after the reading). The 4th card, which came from the back, was a knave card. It is a card I forgot the name for, but stands for stealing and dishonesty.

The reader's interpretation: 'I need to find courage to move in a direction of my choice, after having my heart stolen.'

I only had time for one more question, since her husband was finished with his workout and more customers arrived. I asked, 'Where am I going in life?'

She read them equally as well as the first time. I received another courage card, practically unheard of, the magician (who has all the tools), a knave of wands (youth and innocence), and then the seven of swords (meaning I'm going to have lots of obstacles).

Her interpretation: 'I need to have courage to use the tools I already have in order to overcome obstacles. I am still young, and there is no way of knowing where I will be, but that the journey is going to be long.'

I'm sure anything can be rationalized, but I do think she nailed my life right now. Despite how hard I'm trying, there is no denying that I have two major hurtles to jump over. Without knowing very much about me, and using symbols and illustrations as a language, this woman was able to sum up my life in several words, phrases, and sentences. The event was a little uncomfortable and intense, considering our new friendship, but I have become both addicted and inspired.

And, perhaps, I have discovered the real reason I like Woody Allen's Scoop so much? There is a little Tarot Card Killer in all of us?

When The Saints Go Marching In!

Dear Super Bowl 44,

Congratulations to the Saints for a big WIN! My condolences go out to the large majority of my readers, who are indeed Colts fans. It was a good game complete with Bloody Mary's, Abita beer, fried chicken, and friends. The only thing better, would have been to be home...

or in Miami!

Fondly,

NOT just another Who Dat

Body & Beats

Last night was one of the best shows of my life!

I was carded twice at Pianos!

Did I move back to Bloomington, or something?!

Talk about embarrassing...

Oh, and this was after a 25 minute wait in the cold,

on the street corner, where I looked like a fancy hooker.

I was waiting for Luis, the man who sold me tickets on craig's list. Talk about sketchy?!

With my cash ready, it felt like a drug deal...Turns out Luis (who I wanted to call Louie) was actually really, really normal. And, he gave me a free cd!

The first set of the show was the main reason I came...and, boy! I had no clue what I was in for! The opener were the Willowz, who had shown me a good time before at Mercury Lounge. The lead singer was struggling with voicelessness and the guest guitarist from the previous show was missing. They were good, but not great, which I'm going to attribute to their non-stop touring schedule.

The second set was Gordon Gano & company. He is the lead singer/ guitarist from Violent Femmes, so basically LEGEND! Their band rocked it out with some good ol' American kind of tunes and a fantastic trumpet solo! They were a really friendly bunch, and I even had a few words with Gano at the end of the night!

Oh, and in case you were wondering...

They did play 'Blister in the Sun!'

The last set (which was almost 2 hours long) was Delta Spirit! Another California crew who knows how to put on a good show! They did a spectacular job of mixing their old with the new songs and grabbing Gano for a little jam band action, including a rendition of 'St. Jame's Infirmary Blues,' one of my all time favorite songs!

The drummer has stolen my heart! Not only was he the best drummer I have ever seen (knocking out the guy from Wilco), but I'm pretty sure I caught him checking me out a few times before the show (before I knew who he was). Fuck. Well, and it goes without saying that the lead singer would want to have a few words with me about his burger, which I was pretty envious of by the end of the night.

I couldn't get over how much my cheeks were hurting during the show. I haven't smiled or danced that much in a very long time. It was the most happy I have felt while here in New York. And, they are just people doing what they love, and all I have to do is listen.

When my grin wasn't so big,

you may have caught me with my mouth open.

I wasn't hungry. I was in awe.

What these people were doing was filling up my soul.