tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26393247126929177072024-02-07T18:39:35.967-08:00One girl+one city = 365 photosRashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-36621146740985386112012-06-03T05:46:00.001-07:002012-06-03T05:49:01.641-07:00Day...I think I lost count....so let's call it day 1 and start fresh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIbbUNP-gBYt3cL-EYXLkFbXFyn5WU2RznMkB2bOSmttU9QCP6K52YBksMnHPgVWIoge0YP3XN2uwvgLJUgMPB1KSVcw2BtOTmz_NPfWKxtLkop36S6qPU-1_hiZx1Mi29aVJTs2nGl8/s1600/IMG_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIbbUNP-gBYt3cL-EYXLkFbXFyn5WU2RznMkB2bOSmttU9QCP6K52YBksMnHPgVWIoge0YP3XN2uwvgLJUgMPB1KSVcw2BtOTmz_NPfWKxtLkop36S6qPU-1_hiZx1Mi29aVJTs2nGl8/s320/IMG_0080.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
I was exploring the streets of downtown Soho with a friend and came across this statement. The funny thing is that I love love stories (yes that is not a typo). One thing I have learned since moving here is that New Yorkers are direct about things they love or hate. This city is a place where the truth is definitely told even if you don't want to listen. For all I know, this person could have just seen the worst romantic comedy and decided, love stories just suck. Or maybe this anonymous New Yorker is struggling through a breakup. Maybe it is just spontaneous self expression. At the end of the day, "anonymous New Yorker" decided to stand in his truth and let it be known. I admire this type of strength and honesty. <br />
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Yesterday, I just had a conversation with a friend from California about truth telling. She mentioned how frustrating it is to talk to Berkeley hippies because they will talk in circles in order to never say anything that will come across as negative even if it is just the truth of the situation. She felt like relationships with people like this is close to pointless since their is never a foundation of honesty. "It is all smoke and mirrors and rainbows" she said sighing. </div>
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So, I love this city. This place is storytellers 365 days of the year. Stories are being written everyday all around me. This place is a canvass and a platform for self expression.<br />
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<br /></div>Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-65136128477686467182009-11-04T09:30:00.000-08:002009-11-04T09:39:55.785-08:00Day 33...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51b7JBXa56DRyE8BJWlny6ZTq8zHk3h3w_v4BPFDHY5RDW-FNH-Jdw8lhJXjebpFldR1d4LrECAuYsbctY5_GSUYFpeM41dN0jk6MA82YpF2E4hSdpsBaRC92Wq3_UdNNl_MYKPLaCZo/s1600-h/IMG_3140.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51b7JBXa56DRyE8BJWlny6ZTq8zHk3h3w_v4BPFDHY5RDW-FNH-Jdw8lhJXjebpFldR1d4LrECAuYsbctY5_GSUYFpeM41dN0jk6MA82YpF2E4hSdpsBaRC92Wq3_UdNNl_MYKPLaCZo/s320/IMG_3140.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400304286005967394" /></a><br />I bought my first painting to hang in my room. It is a shot of Prospect Park in Brooklyn. This park was designed by landscape architects Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux, who also designed Central Park. I have yet to go to Prospect Park! I saw this particular artwork at the Union Square Market and fell in love with it. After searching the Prospect Park website (yes, the park has a website) I found out that it has a forest, the nation's first Audubon center, a zoo, and hosts a performing arts festival each year. I am definitely going to visit the park this weekend while the weather is still nice. For now, I have this beautiful picture above my desk to remind me of nature and new sites to explore.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div>Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-29936248905361491852009-11-02T08:55:00.001-08:002009-11-02T09:03:22.582-08:00Day 32...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1GTRes1gBffvc6QSIUtPQeMVP9h2A-AJajvXHxWG_UtaszvBW-H00_fhv1GIsgEJ0LUWZMJX3IS6WMd7PJl_0G1lviUk4s2SKprRkTpJcrX4bKtoNapjl0ec7owbp-EEQA2p5tYFDBM/s1600-h/IMG_3128.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1GTRes1gBffvc6QSIUtPQeMVP9h2A-AJajvXHxWG_UtaszvBW-H00_fhv1GIsgEJ0LUWZMJX3IS6WMd7PJl_0G1lviUk4s2SKprRkTpJcrX4bKtoNapjl0ec7owbp-EEQA2p5tYFDBM/s320/IMG_3128.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399552964487992434" /></a><br />This past Halloween I was inspired by the 1920's party I went to. I "flapped it up" at a benefit party in Brooklyn. Only in Brooklyn would there be six Hunter S. Thompson's at a party. My favorite was a group of guys costume. One of the guys was the plan that landed on the Hudson with a blow up plane on his head. The other four guys were air traffic controllers directing the plane to the beat of the music. And the last guy was the pilot. He had good rhythym too!! He was dancing up a storm in the front of the plane. It was so funny!! Halloween is really a sight in New York City. Other interesting costumes were Lady Gaga (the bubble version), vampires, a local vegetable market (I kid you not), pacman and the list goes on. It was a fun night. I am starting to get intrigued by Brooklyn.Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-8712116507067955452009-10-23T17:53:00.000-07:002009-10-23T17:56:47.989-07:00Day 31...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5_T9gtzyWPmjHX2P-eVLpALIyfGnhuNj50FSF4UGU9KcfoxhJmSwWQOVoLvg73tURicLS6iPTnwQjO_BfrUM0tcJbxz4r2oe3uz7DDJu8Ji1MRilCtH6Zwnbx_FcIygGb5v7847jRF4/s1600-h/IMG_3097.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5_T9gtzyWPmjHX2P-eVLpALIyfGnhuNj50FSF4UGU9KcfoxhJmSwWQOVoLvg73tURicLS6iPTnwQjO_BfrUM0tcJbxz4r2oe3uz7DDJu8Ji1MRilCtH6Zwnbx_FcIygGb5v7847jRF4/s320/IMG_3097.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395963683658498690" /></a>Today marks my last day on the day shift. Next Monday I will be working from 8pm-8:30 am. The changes... they just keep on coming. So, I am going to enjoy my weekend and not worry about what the future will bring. It will all work out the way it is supposed to.Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-70677726363423188082009-10-15T15:57:00.000-07:002009-10-15T16:04:59.561-07:00Day 30: Transitions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFImb-akIyTcMnZ0Ht5cMGmUU8FLPTu_DEr69t8D_V5G3YeLM7LuObZu_qbMsNCEoa8H-U-hgiAxtVCUsNPW13m9EbUdPT4OImSpQso45snfTXonzJiZDG0of4iZYLrrfYcUZVdK7yTc/s1600-h/IMG_3088.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFImb-akIyTcMnZ0Ht5cMGmUU8FLPTu_DEr69t8D_V5G3YeLM7LuObZu_qbMsNCEoa8H-U-hgiAxtVCUsNPW13m9EbUdPT4OImSpQso45snfTXonzJiZDG0of4iZYLrrfYcUZVdK7yTc/s320/IMG_3088.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392965400546699762" /></a>The world is all gates, opportunities, strings of tension waiting to be struck" Ralph Waldo Emerson.Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-9334161842002466632009-10-13T17:15:00.000-07:002009-11-04T09:40:51.760-08:00Day 29: In Contemplation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkt6vcSpxmaoQ2e_Kx71qgiDuYCsOtnSjp8VtA-orpsEut2V7KZmvIxBywbSEH25l5NV9Eot1Om3fGgWaUaQQ9eSafY2HPVeXc-ogvBRMbc_V9m5t8TKt-ECDC4oTpX70OUXfbTgpbUeg/s1600-h/IMG_3119.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkt6vcSpxmaoQ2e_Kx71qgiDuYCsOtnSjp8VtA-orpsEut2V7KZmvIxBywbSEH25l5NV9Eot1Om3fGgWaUaQQ9eSafY2HPVeXc-ogvBRMbc_V9m5t8TKt-ECDC4oTpX70OUXfbTgpbUeg/s320/IMG_3119.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392243956101594674" /></a><br />I am torn... I stood in line this past weekend and missed out on $35.00 same day tickets to Hamlet starring Jude Law. It is going to be a very rainy day on Friday (my next day off) but I can maybe score tickets or just pay full price and see the play. Decisions, decisions. Part of me wants to sleep in and just spend the day reading my book at a coffee shop but then the other part of me wants to put on a pretty dress and go to the theatre. I think the theatre may win out. What could be more perfect than a rainy day, shakespeare's greatest play and Jude Law playing the lead? I can't really think of anything.Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-47098120965467574992009-09-22T20:58:00.000-07:002009-09-22T21:14:22.888-07:00Day 28: A little coffee break<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdiHfHbaY5_K-nPosCL-D1JxaI9SU7pfBoQAAmN8C9z92tsol5mOHoMMUnudq3EurFO4hJ4jykFP-ghrf432f0nFS3m3p2lwROCPd1sTyvoGpi6lSpfoOUSHWmMJUu294xdjOyw3hyZE/s1600-h/IMG_2295.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdiHfHbaY5_K-nPosCL-D1JxaI9SU7pfBoQAAmN8C9z92tsol5mOHoMMUnudq3EurFO4hJ4jykFP-ghrf432f0nFS3m3p2lwROCPd1sTyvoGpi6lSpfoOUSHWmMJUu294xdjOyw3hyZE/s320/IMG_2295.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384510054226958450" /></a> Things have been rather hectic. I started a new job and I have been working 9-5 during my orientation. Transitioning from student to worker-bee is very tiring. I actually contemplated taking a cab home yesterday! As I was packing up my bag for the day I thought about the ease of hailing a cab and sinking into the worn leather seat... but I pushed myself to walk. Anyway, the pictures will be coming. I predict I will be back on schedule in one week. I just need to adjust to working. But rest assured, I am jotting down my thoughts about this city and I am still living very fully in it.<div>On a different note, I found a great little book that I have been reading before I go to bed called "Instant Karma". It has over 8,000 little quotes to make you think, feel better, change your ways, or just say hmmm... Here is one of the quotes I love:<br /><div><br /></div><div>"There is always a piece of fortune in misfortune."</div></div>Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-77364630450975056742009-09-15T19:34:00.000-07:002009-09-15T19:36:16.614-07:00Day 27: Begin Again, and again, and again<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCSpidDu4wEEp3QZQjKXsoLBuKXa9Fo50yoRgBcZ0bqOFnUOUHJhH6ZPRuwhyphenhyphendc6rzJJI0TO2vWWsokmMEWb6C2HpWcUZb3RDn1d_G3CPhC6r1MDoV2LHj0NROcMZdS9HhQoqIXi47FY/s1600-h/IMG_2991.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCSpidDu4wEEp3QZQjKXsoLBuKXa9Fo50yoRgBcZ0bqOFnUOUHJhH6ZPRuwhyphenhyphendc6rzJJI0TO2vWWsokmMEWb6C2HpWcUZb3RDn1d_G3CPhC6r1MDoV2LHj0NROcMZdS9HhQoqIXi47FY/s320/IMG_2991.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381888523391513954" /></a><br />The secret to a rich life is to have more beginnings than endings.<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Dave Wienbaum</div>Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-26826547647189590082009-09-15T19:11:00.000-07:002009-09-15T19:26:07.762-07:00Day 26: Taking a walk<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFCzSze-_8Ra5bT49AVlEhKCsO1G3i8E_MS3XNySXYVi8YB4C6tcvMF9m_wfBA_hwMDLm84asvSaap7lCxDlbgfmBr32NNO-wDP_InMtP_SpqrafcqtZFa2HL4uyv-z6YozMR7x1HM8A/s1600-h/IMG_2979.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFCzSze-_8Ra5bT49AVlEhKCsO1G3i8E_MS3XNySXYVi8YB4C6tcvMF9m_wfBA_hwMDLm84asvSaap7lCxDlbgfmBr32NNO-wDP_InMtP_SpqrafcqtZFa2HL4uyv-z6YozMR7x1HM8A/s320/IMG_2979.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381884926464576290" /></a><br />I stumbled across three houses (326, 328, and 330) east 18th street. They were built in 1852-1853 and were part of Peter Stuyvesant's farm. They are said to be the earliest surviving structures in the neighborhood of the east village. All of the homes have deep landscaped front yards and beautiful "italianate" decorative elements. <div><br /></div><div>All summer, I was kindof whining about not having outdoor space to barbecue and when I stumbled upon these homes I suddenly felt a stronger desire to get to know my neighbors! Summer is ending though, I can feel fall in the air and the distracting whisper of the beach is slowly fading away. But I have to admit... I would love to meet this particular neighbor. It would be nice to have tea in the front yard of and watch the people pass us by. </div>Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-18413466825359448082009-09-13T17:52:00.000-07:002009-09-14T03:46:57.787-07:00Day 25: Obama truck<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufJlCo6rrju_-bw5SXUpZA4UBcDP799DjUV7Cp7w6ZP7NsTxdbZIlKRu_zfqIYG9zAhF8s2ev6e6myHHuuQsFM2GDSD5v8Nzd8kW7LjC1e7ztMMPdzB-2ZOxCTy-u__X3lrIvJbhFtyQ/s1600-h/IMG_3070.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufJlCo6rrju_-bw5SXUpZA4UBcDP799DjUV7Cp7w6ZP7NsTxdbZIlKRu_zfqIYG9zAhF8s2ev6e6myHHuuQsFM2GDSD5v8Nzd8kW7LjC1e7ztMMPdzB-2ZOxCTy-u__X3lrIvJbhFtyQ/s320/IMG_3070.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381133910955866514" /></a><br />I forgot to hit enter last night for this post. So, not much text but here is my picture. The healthcare debate is still not uniting the right nor the left (not suprisingly). But I am behind my president all the way.<div><br /></div>Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-81369545263131850032009-09-12T17:29:00.000-07:002009-09-12T17:35:24.975-07:00Day 24: Feeling better<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGchyZGAp4nynrZeNPDODoZQEOgiUZS9cHKFjfs76qrV3vES2RlxOTwBMa_Qv24PkoI08RcT4MP0YXJoh6MopnySgPKC0aHUzNbB10WAZwRVyvf4V1Flc2FEIuVtkPOsuGdf6m-O72-Fc/s1600-h/IMG_2914.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGchyZGAp4nynrZeNPDODoZQEOgiUZS9cHKFjfs76qrV3vES2RlxOTwBMa_Qv24PkoI08RcT4MP0YXJoh6MopnySgPKC0aHUzNbB10WAZwRVyvf4V1Flc2FEIuVtkPOsuGdf6m-O72-Fc/s320/IMG_2914.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380743335732146018" /></a>I was trying not to make this a mouse post... but here goes. Today my roommate and I found the holes in the kitchen and stuffed them with steel wool. And to my own surprise I actually made tea in the kitchen and ate dinner in for a change. I think we may have found the source of the problem behind the refrigerator. So, I am starting to feel more at home again.<div><br /></div><div>Today was a soggy day in the city. I had the most amazing hamburger and Park Soho with my roommate and my nursing school friend and read another page turning chapter in New Moon. And now I am going to watch two episodes of True Blood on demand. It is a lazy Saturday!</div><div><br /></div><div>And in two days I start my new job. In two short days another chapter opens for me!</div>Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-9154167142827898612009-09-11T15:32:00.001-07:002009-09-11T15:37:14.079-07:00Day 23: Rainy day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2QHvtyzALHTY-pT_w_CTWCISXfZdB5WYcB0YTlRrljt6bTsyMP_OSKkeBecuh6pVgPLLg4c2qlle0dv0zwGrMT0YsNkc_c1SO_kl2ePw-Fw_yEizf1kt3Uuj-pyHpECJCmUr26gJMAo/s1600-h/IMG_2923.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2QHvtyzALHTY-pT_w_CTWCISXfZdB5WYcB0YTlRrljt6bTsyMP_OSKkeBecuh6pVgPLLg4c2qlle0dv0zwGrMT0YsNkc_c1SO_kl2ePw-Fw_yEizf1kt3Uuj-pyHpECJCmUr26gJMAo/s320/IMG_2923.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380341725657293522" /></a>It is a soggy day today in the city. Fall is definitely making its presence known. The wind is getting cooler each morning and each evening. And the sunlight doesn't have the same feeling as it did during the hot days of summer. This weather makes me remember that every now and then a little rain must fall.Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-21529066534986188372009-09-10T19:34:00.000-07:002009-09-10T19:50:01.549-07:00Day 22: Relief in a cup<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEgnfJqoDH5z4-NVI_TvEV2EwxoxlgeXGxe8GQjk2jKBmAtP3b7VqRPAE4RpYsxZF7vzO4SOmyg77dJI_1hukdjsvgwgeJXHD2HPt4bS31vuVp-IMLqrH7xW-zxMqral48tFmADMqWyI/s1600-h/IMG_3069.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEgnfJqoDH5z4-NVI_TvEV2EwxoxlgeXGxe8GQjk2jKBmAtP3b7VqRPAE4RpYsxZF7vzO4SOmyg77dJI_1hukdjsvgwgeJXHD2HPt4bS31vuVp-IMLqrH7xW-zxMqral48tFmADMqWyI/s320/IMG_3069.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380033018782163778" /></a>This has been a stressful day. I had another mouse sighting today in our apartment. I thought I was seeing things but it was a tiny mouse on our stovetop. I jumped up (and almost out of my skin) and then called my mom. I don't even remember what I was saying through the sobbing. I think I have found the one thing that brings me to my knees... a mouse family in our kitchen. <div><br /></div><div>So, I went to a cafe to decompress. Normally, I would order a coffee (cafe late, nonfat milk, and extra foam). But this time the only thing I wanted was a hot chocolate. I sipped my drink and remembered to breathe. I have to say, this was a day of not really *loving* what is going on right now but the chocolate helped me accept the reality of this situation. And tomorrow is another day to formulate a plan to restore my little New York City apartment back to the peaceful abode it once was.</div>Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-28294078163962782002009-09-09T15:40:00.001-07:002009-09-09T15:56:00.899-07:00Day 21: Beautiful<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBie6ftLRvveA2EmjuAv7rc4EmP_9F7sLancuA9CvmXPfVuf6DMKg5MXUhhvtgaTi1yVuC1hYlIDyF3xXNPO8NdJ5P9fmmgI3hAcT7Qt7sD_u09DnkoYMO7SH1FYtgSiMDLUsFUakAydc/s1600-h/IMG_3064.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBie6ftLRvveA2EmjuAv7rc4EmP_9F7sLancuA9CvmXPfVuf6DMKg5MXUhhvtgaTi1yVuC1hYlIDyF3xXNPO8NdJ5P9fmmgI3hAcT7Qt7sD_u09DnkoYMO7SH1FYtgSiMDLUsFUakAydc/s320/IMG_3064.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379601587636448434" /></a>I didn't know what I loved more, the curvy strokes of the graffiti or the fact that it may say "Live", "Love" or "Sure" all at the same time. At any event, it was another eventful day in the city running a few errands and getting back into the swing of things. <div><br /></div>Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-26322223688079961772009-09-08T14:03:00.001-07:002009-09-08T14:15:47.752-07:00Day 20: Back in New York City<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVbgCgUehe5IlUvPBYnI-7iu6ieNQbCiGFblkjGG9IE3ZIVRwLrV0EL0OMD3V2jmrRLzYnm72F6tW3U-kD6tb3VDFSmM_XLh0WXVbalynZ_-vHU1hY0q1kO-Ygl8GLgIMUdw5YMOVk7A/s1600-h/IMG_3061.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVbgCgUehe5IlUvPBYnI-7iu6ieNQbCiGFblkjGG9IE3ZIVRwLrV0EL0OMD3V2jmrRLzYnm72F6tW3U-kD6tb3VDFSmM_XLh0WXVbalynZ_-vHU1hY0q1kO-Ygl8GLgIMUdw5YMOVk7A/s320/IMG_3061.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379205469690737362" /></a>I feel like I walked a couple of miles since I got back to the big apple! The highlights of my return are the following:<div>1. A magician on the subway who transformed an empty box into a box with a fluffy bunny rabbit (definitely worth a donation!!)</div><div>2. The cutest baby ever waving hello and goodbye to me</div><div>3. The first bite of a nyc pizza after a one week hiatus.</div><div><br /></div><div>And the less than memorable moments are:</div><div>1. The sight of a mouse scurrying under our refrigerator</div><div>2. The sound of a woman cursing out a passerby for simply bumping into her</div><div>3. Waking up to the sound of sirens in the morning while I am trying to burrow deeper into sleep.</div><div><br /></div><div>I still love it here. And I am excited to start work in a week and to keep snapping away and documenting my time here. </div>Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-82424328286863605192009-08-27T21:10:00.000-07:002009-08-27T21:13:40.046-07:00Day 19: Vacation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4eCWgzbjFRmq1zmB5cXmDfqOO32Tf6iouL5KWNetmlBQC515v876lYHG44xElvgXPRZnVsUtgKTPZ_JdnaHLe5cQEgsdUVB5KEVavZGw3gE7wNS_qB3XW-Wz4oE5vm_Qarc0wxVAN_U/s1600-h/IMG_1944.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4eCWgzbjFRmq1zmB5cXmDfqOO32Tf6iouL5KWNetmlBQC515v876lYHG44xElvgXPRZnVsUtgKTPZ_JdnaHLe5cQEgsdUVB5KEVavZGw3gE7wNS_qB3XW-Wz4oE5vm_Qarc0wxVAN_U/s320/IMG_1944.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374862982333335666" /></a><br />I am heading out of the city! I am off to California and then North Carolina to visit the family. I haven't decided if I will post while I am on the road. Goodbye New York... for now. See you in a week!Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-42982034989378193412009-08-26T19:24:00.000-07:002009-08-26T19:28:47.636-07:00Day 18: Beach bumming it<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM0T9ziDW9SOzN8Z7ISg7T9R8Ntwh4Ccy5aHDhTK0nzlsQZvcqo7jcneIKDPUvI4aRB9rLu-GI2bW2_ArSFfHx5pOivgJBYJgw9Cfel1mrZ0-1EUnk5F6tpPhrVzHV1WsckEcXrq2QCE/s1600-h/IMG_3021.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM0T9ziDW9SOzN8Z7ISg7T9R8Ntwh4Ccy5aHDhTK0nzlsQZvcqo7jcneIKDPUvI4aRB9rLu-GI2bW2_ArSFfHx5pOivgJBYJgw9Cfel1mrZ0-1EUnk5F6tpPhrVzHV1WsckEcXrq2QCE/s320/IMG_3021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374464144680870034" /></a>Today was spent with the sun, the waves, good reads, and good friends. I had so much fun. I promise to write more tomorrow. I am now going to become one with my pillow.Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-58727535876258171652009-08-25T17:58:00.001-07:002009-08-25T18:32:11.912-07:00Day 17: A New York Minute<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbq-HIALwYTVaH4UV1cVzYX-JtxIOEqHSulftcKPRX17cmCvJpjMmeyHho7NWYw_iwCrPT70rUdDmRUsqMNT7GM8pjljl8qxOZqRMZqc5WxgSF0npc09P-ugoY_YjIUu24mYqjBKpsXQ/s1600-h/IMG_3014.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbq-HIALwYTVaH4UV1cVzYX-JtxIOEqHSulftcKPRX17cmCvJpjMmeyHho7NWYw_iwCrPT70rUdDmRUsqMNT7GM8pjljl8qxOZqRMZqc5WxgSF0npc09P-ugoY_YjIUu24mYqjBKpsXQ/s320/IMG_3014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374071046408149794" /></a>Life moves at warp speed out here. My experience interviewing for a nursing job at NYU Langone Medical Center typifies the saying and song "In A New York Minute." I interviewed with the nurse manager and immediatley after the interview I called the nurse recruiter to let her know how it went. She said, "Great. I already heard from the nurse manager. I am drawing up the paperwork and we are targeting a September 14th start date!" I literally went from jobless to job in... you guessed it "A New York Minute!" I am still in a bit of shock as I was walking around Soho today just taking in the sights. As I walked the memories came flooding back to me, the exams, the clinicals, the tears, the triumphs. And I closed my eyes as the cool summer air hit me, and I savored how fast a New York Minute could completely change my life.Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-33573532728656243222009-08-24T15:08:00.000-07:002009-08-24T16:08:57.046-07:00Day 16: Movies set in New York<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9-6qEt5X6UeXNsdcy0PwRIIWjo6bZBKDtSoaGAhFCbiPQnN3o6eVPdsSj5k6KXrqjqk83ifYxJyG5dqu_5p1E4b0lS8gcOxRfVUo6Pv_SxV2d56lmBT3bl2JxIIkrETaM2Fal1fuIGc/s1600-h/IMG_2892.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9-6qEt5X6UeXNsdcy0PwRIIWjo6bZBKDtSoaGAhFCbiPQnN3o6eVPdsSj5k6KXrqjqk83ifYxJyG5dqu_5p1E4b0lS8gcOxRfVUo6Pv_SxV2d56lmBT3bl2JxIIkrETaM2Fal1fuIGc/s320/IMG_2892.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373662730081878786" /></a><div>Here are the first ten movies that come into my head that were filmed in New York:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>1. August Rush</div><div>2. The Visitor</div><div>3. Taxi Driver (A classic)</div><div>4. Boiler Room</div><div>5. The Usual Suspects</div><div>6. Saturday Night Fever</div><div>7. A Bronx Tale</div><div>8. Do The Right Thing</div><div>9. Regarding Henry</div><div>10. Coming to America</div><div><br /></div><div>If you go to Wikipedia, the list of movies filmed in New York City is rather lengthy! And I find myself becoming like every other New Yorker when I go to the movies and mutter to myself, "I have been to that deli" or "I know that subway stop". It is really funny! I find myself more and more invested in this little island the more I live here. Maybe it has to do with all of the walking and exploring, camera in tow. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, out of my list 0f movies two were filmed under the arches at NYU. And since I have been here, I have stumbled onto three movies being filmed at NYU. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, I will end with a quote from "Coming to America" a funny, comedy that seems to play on repeat on Bravo. It starred Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall. This quote was said by Murphy's character, Prince Akeem to a woman he was initially supposed to marry. When he asked her what she liked to do, she would answer with a comical bow, "Whatever you like" to which he responded, "Listen, I know what I like and I know you know what I like, because you are trained to know what I like, but I would like to know, what do you like?" </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, looking at this quote, all I can think is, blunt and direct... just like a typical New Yorker!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 17px;font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal;font-size:16px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-24784247905690385872009-08-23T16:07:00.001-07:002009-08-23T16:18:35.095-07:00Day 15: Change<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfKkw6J3SWu0fl54XZvp0pNYTpNon8qCQT3RBhsNxyDA25Y9iUnUwkbngLgVmz3peggCnlDKZRY3iBV2DG_qFeC_ig3QKUKzu0giPHB05CBwT3IDVco2bi5tva8One935K3GoBYa2H44/s1600-h/IMG_3004.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfKkw6J3SWu0fl54XZvp0pNYTpNon8qCQT3RBhsNxyDA25Y9iUnUwkbngLgVmz3peggCnlDKZRY3iBV2DG_qFeC_ig3QKUKzu0giPHB05CBwT3IDVco2bi5tva8One935K3GoBYa2H44/s320/IMG_3004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373301801375034626" /></a><br />I finally took the big leap and chopped my sisterlocks into a chin length bob. On Saturday, I took some before pictures and went to Khamit Kinks in Brooklyn for a consultation. I was hoping that the salon would not be too busy and that they would take me before I changed my mind. My mom can tell you, I have vacilated back and forth about my hair since last December (I kid you not!). But I found my way to Brooklyn on that soggy, Saturday afternoon and after getting turned around it seemed like Khamit Kinks just ended up appearing at the end of a block that was undergoing construction. An African woman greeted me and ushered me into her station. I explained the various lengths of my hair and the breakage that had occurred. Then she looked at me and said, "Do you want to just cut it now?". I shook my head yes and before I knew it my sisterlocks were tumbling to the floor. <div><br /></div><div>It is funny, but locs hold a lot of history. Even after my haircut was done, my hairdresser carefuly scooped the chopped hair up into a bag and handed it to me like she was handing me my own personal history book. I emerged feeling lighter. I am so glad that I took the plunge, change really is awesome!</div>Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-80909901892856787412009-08-22T17:00:00.001-07:002009-08-22T17:58:41.749-07:00Day 14: Future tellin'<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4ZLqLo8UHWokY1g_n-t6_pFhPjakiHEF8e3i3j8XxFvknnT8rpkPMNouYmesWN82Sr_-nrqpC_JvWfK6iy4iBbZ3Qiiz3H-zb9pAITRu8NHKXLFq57W67wj4_775IklAFJhTbkVLmYw/s1600-h/IMG_3007.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4ZLqLo8UHWokY1g_n-t6_pFhPjakiHEF8e3i3j8XxFvknnT8rpkPMNouYmesWN82Sr_-nrqpC_JvWfK6iy4iBbZ3Qiiz3H-zb9pAITRu8NHKXLFq57W67wj4_775IklAFJhTbkVLmYw/s320/IMG_3007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372942906625924786" /></a>It still continues to amaze me how many psychics are in the East Village! I think there are at least two per block! Coincidentally, a recent article by a reporter at <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/02/05/psychics.economy/index.html">CNN.com</a> discussed the increase during this economic downturn of people consulting psychics. In fact, a new type of person is consulting psychics: the type A, business suit, wallstreet type! And relationship questions are taking a backseat to finance questions/predictions. <div><br /></div><div>I have had three experiences with palm readers. The most recent one was when I was food shopping in Whole Foods (possibly hippie central) This guy in cowboy boots and a cowboy hat grabbed my hand and stared at it for what seemed to be an eternity. He then exclaimed, "Why are you not writing anymore?" I was flabbergasted by the question. How did he know that I used to write? He then asked my why I was not singing anymore. Many people do not know that I can sing. Then he touched me on my back and asked me why I didn't have someone look at where I was injured. So far he was batting 3 for 3. </div><div><br /></div><div>The next experience involved a guy I had been dating a couple years ago. We were having a coffee at starbucks and just enjoying each others company. He takes my palm and asks me if he can read it. I start to laugh, and ask him if he is a psychic. His brown eyes became serious and he said that his grandfather is a "seer" and that he has the gift but doesn't choose to pursue it. He slowly talks me into the reading, taking my palm carefully into his and studying it for a couple seconds. He told me that I have a lot of schooling ahead of me. I found that very interesting because that was way before the idea of going back to school had even entered my mind. He also said that in terms of children, I have "two boys in my hand". When I asked him how many children he had in his, he quickly responded, "I have one, a little girl". What struck me was how sure he was about what he was saying. It didn't seem like he was consulting some crystal fairy in the sky he uttered these things like he was reading a book.</div><div><br /></div><div>The last brush I had with a psychic was during a street fair in Rockridge, California (a gentrified area in Oakland). I was walking through the crowd and a woman grabbed my hand and said she had to read my palm. I relented. She told me mostly things about a relationship that kind of seemed to ring true but what I really remember is her saying that I was going to move to a place surrounded by a lot of water. Her words came back to me in a flash when I looked out of the window during my flight to New York and saw the ice blue water jut out against the island of Manhattan. I remember thinking, "hmm...maybe there is something to this psychic stuff. after all" Either way, I have more education, moved to a land surrounded by water, and I am writing again. So, I guess so far I am batting three for three.</div><div><br /></div><div>p.s. Your eyes are not playing tricks on you. The sign says, "special reaing $5.00". I guess since they can predict the future they don't need to know how to spell it!</div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><br /></p><p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-21970894208541666342009-08-21T18:06:00.000-07:002009-08-21T19:47:40.458-07:00Day 13: Brooklyn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ36Sw5IFPI3nOOj3T8_VLTVJm72hiszPuiGYLE-Nrrn1EtL1lTTA5XZ3wkUfdrrX2nwuMXoQxDGEwhqPBV4YlNI_IfXi6nQQ-q4WmMU6mUEYftq0VXbcTyH9XqiZjAK74QSP0yky8qTM/s1600-h/IMG_2103.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ36Sw5IFPI3nOOj3T8_VLTVJm72hiszPuiGYLE-Nrrn1EtL1lTTA5XZ3wkUfdrrX2nwuMXoQxDGEwhqPBV4YlNI_IfXi6nQQ-q4WmMU6mUEYftq0VXbcTyH9XqiZjAK74QSP0yky8qTM/s320/IMG_2103.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372588873526420386" /></a>I think Brooklyn is my favorite borough of New York. I remember when I first moved to New York I had to be in Brooklyn for my very first nursing clinical. It may seem silly now, but I was absolutely terrified! I was just getting used to living in Manhattan and now I had to venture to another borough? But once I found my way there I realized, it isn't all that bad and I started to realize why people loved it there so much. I mean my friend just visited New York and she named her new dog Brooklyn. How cool is that!! Even Posh Spice and David Beckham named one of their sons after the beloved borough. <div><br /></div><div>I will never forget when I was hanging out with my friends in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and my mom called. I was out a little late and I told her, "Hey Mom, I am in Brooklyn". Her voice was incredulous! She replied, "You are in BROOKLYN!!" I could see images from "Good Fellas" flashing in her mind. Williamsburg is one of those neighborhoods in Brooklyn that has undergone a face lift (aka gentrification). It used to be a rough neighborhood but it is now home to many hipsters (skinny jeans wearing, whole foods shopping young people). We laugh about that night now. For me, that night stands out as a growing time for me. I was stepping out of my comfort zone and spreading my wings as a newbie New Yorker. And boy did it feel good to stretch my wings and fly.</div>Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-31954698686505556862009-08-20T07:12:00.000-07:002009-08-20T08:30:43.030-07:00Day 12: New beginning<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDs9eAi-EUrr-5NQOdGCJxCnaHI3A_KO2GiFsZy7f1MiwhaV_P2-SnYuKX00-L295cUiQbhn8om-lhHgR3R0N87PGkxsD6fdIyqK7QG1QHSiglSW3I_yGj7YOGVBNrg6zk3dTiwcPl87c/s1600-h/IMG_2988.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDs9eAi-EUrr-5NQOdGCJxCnaHI3A_KO2GiFsZy7f1MiwhaV_P2-SnYuKX00-L295cUiQbhn8om-lhHgR3R0N87PGkxsD6fdIyqK7QG1QHSiglSW3I_yGj7YOGVBNrg6zk3dTiwcPl87c/s320/IMG_2988.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372061900276123682" /></a>I love taking pictures of doorways. For me, doorways represent endings and new beginnings. A friend of mine calls the difficult times in life as the "hallways of life". "You just have to find a creative way to get to the door", she would say. After hearing that I remember feeling a little relieved. A lot of growth happens when you are in the hallway and the changes that occur lead to an assured hand grasping the doorknob. <div><br /><div>p.s. This picture was taken on a stroll down the private lane downtown called The Mews (the gate was open). It is a great little stroll if you have time. It is open to the public from 11:00-5:00pm.</div></div>Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-86939868203983501492009-08-19T12:59:00.000-07:002009-08-19T13:57:06.051-07:00Day 11: Town Hall Meetings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaq-_cdMoUwut4ugZw_RsSQcJUYbaiBZGZXZS8WajSdlI0uzWgCIiHjLu87AQZNCDQdzLQlHBYGa7BOh4Mqh49fcywaTpSPDt9zu_Do7dodL9Lz9urJlOAO78bnuwwK_Zzmv0_BELUwr4/s1600-h/IMG_2006.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaq-_cdMoUwut4ugZw_RsSQcJUYbaiBZGZXZS8WajSdlI0uzWgCIiHjLu87AQZNCDQdzLQlHBYGa7BOh4Mqh49fcywaTpSPDt9zu_Do7dodL9Lz9urJlOAO78bnuwwK_Zzmv0_BELUwr4/s320/IMG_2006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371769778961684802" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Who are all these crazy people at the town hall meetings? Well, thank goodness we have Congressman, Barney Frank in the President's corner. He was so right when he said, arguing with some of these people is like arguing with a dining room table! Now there is a group of people comparing Obama's healthcare policies to the policies of Hitler? I just do *not* see the connection. And I have to say, Hitler is not so well known for his ideas about health and wellness I think he is well known for killing innocent people. The argument is just truly ludicrous. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think this is going to be a rough road for our president but a poster hanging around town made me remember the hope that inspired so many people on election day. I believe the President (and all of us in favor of socialized medicine) will see a change in our current healthcare policies. If the detractors of this healthcare plan continue to use faulty arguments (like the comparison to Hitler) I think it is safe to say: a) the opposition doesn't understand what Obama's healthcare policy is b) they don't fully understand the history of Hitler and c) they might need a psychological evaluation. </div>Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2639324712692917707.post-80993873050752548992009-08-18T06:58:00.000-07:002009-08-18T07:27:04.860-07:00Day 10: First Memories of New York<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODtnNSRl_MjeYaeYBBldMutY9zD23mypycuKHzhRairdCT-kOfE24PBdG7ffaHCx0t1_Ra1Bsf_ckoyX7kaBCWa5fxgUSlYiiPp3t0h9pQh4Kp5muyRVW7C8f9Ile_D3SJaLpTnnaAW4/s1600-h/IMG_1821.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODtnNSRl_MjeYaeYBBldMutY9zD23mypycuKHzhRairdCT-kOfE24PBdG7ffaHCx0t1_Ra1Bsf_ckoyX7kaBCWa5fxgUSlYiiPp3t0h9pQh4Kp5muyRVW7C8f9Ile_D3SJaLpTnnaAW4/s320/IMG_1821.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371309044297272610" /></a><br />I moved to New York in January of 2008. I remember the cold, the unbelievable amount of walking, and all of the people spilling out from what seemed like every corner. The subway system seemed so daunting and my second week of school I had to figure out how to make it to a clinical in Brooklyn. And I also had to get settled into the dorm on East 26th street and 1st aveune. This dorm room literally crushed my Felicity memories. I felt betrayed! I laugh about this now but when my Mom and I entered my dorm, we walked into a dingy, dirty, and depressing space. There was a broken lightbulb in the common space, dishes were piled high in the sink, and no one was there. I was going to be sharing my room with someone I didn't know very well and I could not believe it. I knew Felicity was a lie but this really brought it home. And my resident assistant was definitely not <a href="http://www.felicitypage.com/imgs/noel_pic2.jpg">Noel</a> from Felicity. But as the days stretched out into weeks, I started making my way. I found a website that let me plug in my address and where I needed to go in New York and I was starting to learn the subway system. And by the end of the first semester, I realized that I made it through my first east coast winter. I knew that I was starting to find my way when people were asking me for directions on the subway. I secretly smiled to myself when I remembered how lost I initially felt. And now after 18 months (but who is counting) in this big city I actually feel found.Rashidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09625147571291002204noreply@blogger.com1