Puppy sitting

Meet Sumo.


Meet Lilo.


Meet Brian :)


Slobbery Sumo.

Valentine's

Home cooked dinner.
Mussels, pasta, garlic bread, wine.

Slightly tamer than last year's festivities...









Happy post-Valentine's Day, folks.

Intel Visual Life: Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist

Great short film about Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist and his visual life.

Around 3:40 to 4:10 is my neighborhood (in the Mr. Roger's feel of a neighborhood) and the apartment that I lived in at Union Square with Jeannie and the girls (love).

2011

1. 365 days of pictures:
   In middle school and high school, I took a billion pictures; I was never without a camera (I had gone from disposable cameras to a point-and-shoot film camera to a beautiful Minolta xd-7 to a Canon G5, which was pretty much permanently attached to my hand from 10th grade until 12th grade). And then college hit and my camera suddenly stopped joining my on my daily adventures. Even after I purchased a Canon Rebel XS and a Canon SD780, my photo-taking increased a bit but still stayed at a significant low in comparison to my younger years. This year, I will document my life more -- because life is precious and my memory is seriously shot (note to self: take more fish oil capsules). Also, I'll try to post the week's pictures up.


2. Speak more than English:
   I will improve my Spanish significantly. I will learn to do more than read & write the Bengali alphabet -- I will actually learn words so that I can understand what I am reading & writing. I will improve my Cantonese. I will pick up more Mandarin. I will attempt French and Portuguese (again). The last sentence is a huge maybe.


3. Travel:
   Hong Kong. Macau. Nanning. Shanghai. Dhaka. Kolkata. Hyderabad. Mumbai. Rajasthan. Delhi. Kopila Valley. Dubai. Anywhere inspiring.


4. Read at least a double-digit amount of books:
   This excludes assigned academic texts and the Bible.


5. Read the Bible. Like, really read it:
   I once had about 10 books of the New Testament memorized word for word, references and all. And not just zombie-memorized; really studied and memorized. I sadly cannot say that I can recite most of them to you anymore. Time to brush up. Maybe not memorize word for word, but definitely take this reading way more seriously than I did in 2010.


6. Cultivate creativity:
   I will paint more than one piece this year. I will actually use my sketchbooks for more than propping up things and collecting dust. I will Sculpey. I will design. I will innovate. I will dance. I will get inspired in any way I can. I will spray paint. I will take photographs, not just pictures and snapshots. I will write. I will be someone's muse and model.


7. Listen to more music:
   I used to be a music junkie. The whole indie-punk stereotype. In 2011, I will discover new music and listen to it more. If you have recommendations, send them over. Music inspires me; I think that's why I stopped creating as much in college. I stopped listening to music like I used to.


8. Go on more daily adventures:
   This pertains specifically to my city. I don't know how much longer I will be in New York City, the best place ever. I may be here forever...but I may not. I already go on a good amount of excursions on these streets but I want to continue it and do it even more this coming year.


9. Listen to more sermons online:
   At least twice a month.


10. Select and maintain friendships better:
    In the past, I've gotten into a lot of trouble because of people misinterpreting my actions -- either I act too much and end up being seen as demanding or I don't act enough and I'm told I'm ignoring people. I will be more conscious of my friendships, make dates with people, enjoy company, be aware of girls' cattiness and boys' idiocies, and mold myself more to be a better friend who understands, accepts, and loves her friends around her. In an almost paradoxical attempt at a balance, I will also be more careful in choosing who I spend my time with and who I let into my heart. Not everyone should be so intimately deemed a friend, otherwise there may be a lot of hurt and heartache. Noted.


11. Say yes to dates/give him a chance:
    Since I was twelve, I have had some terrible stigma against the male population. I don't know if it's some need to prove I don't need a guy...that's likely it...but who knows. Guys who have shown interest in me I have shot down almost immediately. As I got older, the reaction time got faster too. And my reactions got meaner (ashamedly so).
    "Hey, are you friends with --"
    "Bugger off. I'm not interested."
    "But --"
    "BUGGER. OFF."
    "I was just --"
    "I'm a lesbian. And I have 5 kids. Go away."
    "Okay...nice chatting..."
    "Idiot."
    Okay, I exaggerate. I'm not that mean ever. But I really don't give guys much of a chance. It seems very counter-my-personality though to be so cold. With most new people, I'm cheery and excited to meet them. I think I just get turned off as soon as a guy shows interest. Anyways, I think it's time to melt the ice queen a bit (I was actually called that twice the past month) and start giving *some* guys a chance. It's unlikely (I reallyyy emphasize that word) anything will transpire beyond a coffee or a dinner but I don't see why we can't enjoy that coffee or dinner before realizing we're really nothing but acquaintances who like frapps or salmon rolls more than we like each other's company. It may be...nice. And who knows, a friendship may come out of it instead. Though guys almost never want to be friends with girls...whole 'nother story.


12. Take care of my physical self:
    Hopefully this means that I will work out more than once a month. But this definitely means that I will watch what and how I eat as much as possible (eat slower, chew more, go organic whenever fiscally possible, smaller portions, etc). I will drink more water and tea. I will take my vitamins and supplements (fish oil!!!). I will eat even more fruits and veggies than I already do. I will meditate. I will not sit on my butt all day. I will moisturize. I will definitely wear sunscreen (Baz Luhrmann).


13. Call home more:
    Or gchat or email or text. Whatever. And subresolution to this is to make sure I talk to Timothy more. I love my family and I want them to know that.

I think that's a pretty decent list for now. Broad enough to cover most things I want to do but specific enough to give a picture...actionable...measurable...timely...okay, yeah, I've been working on policy and business plan developments too much.

Undercover at Blacktone's 25th Anniversary + Holiday Party

This article in NY Mag pretty much sums up my Thursday night as a spy amongst bankers. Except I wasn't regretting my career decision at the end of the night still.



When I grabbed drinks last night with a friend from Barclays, he told me that most places were axing their holiday parties -- JP, Morgan, etc. -- and that Barclays definitely did not have them. Sad day for them.

Private equity parties...only they would book the ENTIRE Met for a night. Amazing.

More water talk. #BlogActionDay2010

Just earlier, Mark and I were talking, and the fact came up that a lack of clean water kills more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. He mentioned that this was the fact that struck him the most about the water issue. It's pretty horrific and really puts into perspective how deadly water can be for many in this world (one in eight billion, actually). Not to sound callous, but it sounds about right. If over 38,000 children are dying every week because of water-related illnesses, then yeah, I can believe that the issue kills more people than all the wars and acts of violence occurring in our world.

Mark went on to comment that the Nobel Peace Price should go to the person who most alleviates the water problem.

Honestly though, there are so many who are working on this issue from so many levels. The solutions are already there. But it takes more than just organizations like Charity:water or Lifewater International to change the numbers. It takes people and mobilization. Unfortunately, for every great idea or solution we have out there, there is even more apathy and inaction.

I read this quote from Christian just yesterday as he was presenting MakeSense at the i7 Summit in Paris yesterday:

"Reward success. Celebrate failure. Punish inaction."

I know it was more in relation to the work that MakeSense is doing, but it made me think yesterday. Yeah, "punish" is a strong word but it's true that the biggest hindrance to development and progress in our society today is inaction, often driven by apathy. It is one of the things that keeps me up at night -- how can we motivate people to bring social change or to do social good?

It's been one of the things that has been on my mind a lot. It's one of the main reasons why The 3:18 Movement was birthed. And it so happens we're currently focused on the clean water issue.


Moving onward, I do have to say that I am incredibly glad for today. It has been such an inspiring day -- what with Blog Action Day (#BlogActionDay2010 #bad2010), The Feast conference (#feastongood), the RSA animation on Sir Ken Robinson's talk of social change, and a work meeting with some amazing & dedicated NYC women in fighting sex trafficking.

Today was the reminder I needed of why I do what I do and how much I love doing it.

Lastly, consider doing some of the following:

• Blog/tweet/FB/whatever about the water issue.
• Join The 3:18 Movement's campaign by either walking for a cause or joining the 3:18 team
• If you can't do the walk on October 23rd, consider sponsoring one of a walker. The money raised will bring clean water, health education, and community development to hundreds in Northern Uganda.
• Sign the petition below:

Petitions by Change.org|Start a Petition »

Let's change the world :)

Look for my picture in Soho.

I love making new friends.



Last weekend I met Roman, an artist living in Soho who is originally from Mexico, & we chatted about Polaroids, painting, transfers, human rights, life as an artist, etc. And then he took my picture and gave me the "negative" for free. You might find the transferred piece sitting on his table that he displays every weekend on Spring St.

Labor day weekend.

Minus a few bumps in the road, this weekend was a pretty nice weekend to have before I return to my imminent death-by-boredom/irritation/anxxiety thanks to the academic institution I currently am attending a scheduled routine of classes & work. A bit sad though because I left my camera behind for a good portion of it.

Highlights:

• Traveled out to Long Island for a day: Parentals + dog
• Art projects & creative juices
• Back to Manhattan: celebrations + kids card games with a 21+ spin
• Amazing flea markets
• Puppy shops
• Brunch at Penelope
• SoHo/West Village wanderings + meeting new friends on the street
• Lots of sushi
• Rooftopping with good friends

So long, sweet summer.

08.28.10: SoHo wanderings.

First record Doug pulled out at Urban Outfitters. Perfect for this week.


Washington Square lounging + fashion icon spotting (not pictured though; I refuse to be a creeper).


Some sort of aerobics utilizing bouncy rollerblade-like footgear. Odd.




For a period of my prepubescent to adolescent life, I wanted to be a glass-blower.




Hey, Takashi Murakami piece just sitting on the floor of this gallery.


Wishlist watch.
(& added more Munnys to my phone.)


Wandered SoHo for hours upon hours.
Note to self: must purchase many a L'Occitane product.


Saturday, August 28th 2010.
Goal: Be inspired.
Result: Am inspired.

08.27.10: Pickles & paintings.

After a yummy lunch at Banh Mi and some Lower East Side wandering, David & I came across that pickle store that my AP Government teacher from high school used to talk about: The Pickle Guys. Awesome.



Then I forced David to paint the rest of the afternoon.



Took a break for sangria & roasted eggplant spread over bread...I think my taste buds danced a little.



After our painting ordeal, we dragged some folks to my favorite neighborhood Tavern on 13th St...where I found a tipsy friend sitting on recycling tossed on to the curb.



Love this fool.

Mellow days make me smile.

08.24.10: Fifth Ave + fro'yo.

Jeffrey came back from India recently so we had a day of catch up & curious adventure.

After a beastly meal at Jackson Hole (having lived primarily on a pescatarian & macrobiotic diet this summer, I can't remember the last time I ate that much meat & grease!), we decided to wander my new neighborhood.



The entrance to Central Park closest to me also happens to be where the Central Park Zoo is. Beautiful! I named this fellow Catherine (for privacy reasons, I won't reveal his full name). We also discovered the "Zootique," which has some fluffy stuffed animal toys.

We headed down 5th Ave. where we admired the gorgeous window displays. I'm a fan of the current building design of Louis Vuitton. Not too happy that there was an Abercrombie & Fitch right next to Prada that had a line wrapping around the block just to get in the store. I might have gagged, which might have in turn freaked Jeffrey out.

As we walked into Bergdorf Goodman to peruse, he thought it would be more fun to speak to one another in other languages and disguise ourselves as international tourists. Except that our non-English tongues don't match. Still a fun (and economically humbling) stroll through the store.

We switched over to Lexington Ave. where we passed a building whose top floor looked like a jungle. Being curious kids, we searched for a way to get up there. We finally found an entrance around the corner, through which we met a woman who directed us to the 3rd floor.



This is a spa/salon and possibly one of the most zen feeling places in Manhattan. It was as if we were inside a dream. Phyto Universe has the largest vertical garden in the United States, with over 9,000 plants spanning 3,000 feet creating a mini rainforest in Manhattan. In addition to that, they have a room dedicated to perfumes. I wasn't allowed to take a picture but they have these gorgeous large crystal urns containing different scents, with the names of each engraved in gold script on the crystal. Amazingly beautiful. The owner let me test some scents and pick one to wear. They also gave Jeffrey a sample of their men's scent.

Here are some more pics, stolen off Google image:







Great discovery. I recommend checking it out. And if you can afford it, maybe try their treatments.

When we walked out, it was like being hit -- we went from this completely tranquil place where we forgot that we existed in a Real World, back out to the bustling of Manhattan. For me, at least, I felt like I woke up from a dream (this seems to be a recurring theme in my life recently).

We headed to Bloomingdale's for some frozen yogurt at their Forty Carrots cafe.



Huge portions and super yum, though we both agreed that Red Mango or Pinkberry may still have a better taste to it.

Not a shabby day of catch up.

Hello Rewind photoshoot.

Last Saturday, Hello Rewind had a photoshoot to better display their products & what it is that they do. Below is a teaser video they posted of the day, made by one of the photographers Jon Freeland. Check it out & be on the look out for the results of the photoshoot :) Sure to be fun photos.

08.20.10: Perfect Friday.

wandering MoMA // bike carriage rides along the westside
sending messages on paper boats in Central Park // pool halls

08.15.10: Lazy Sunday.

Brunch at Cafe Mogador. Eggs Normandy + really, really good orange juice.


Cute stores with cute elephant paraphernalia.

Slick move of the day: busting out the Bengali.

After I finished a film at the Angelika, I decided to wander around St. Mark's a bit in search of food & fun. Wanting to get a pair of glasses, I went to a shop on the corner where I knew for a fact the men who worked there were Bengali-speaking.

I got there and was trying on some glasses when I saw a hat I liked too. Seeing as I wanted to purchase glasses and a hat, and I still needed to pick up dinner, I knew it was haggling time. I asked for the prices -- $27 for both items -- and then waited for the inevitable question.

"Where are you from? Philippines?"

"No, Hong Kong."

"You live there?"

"No, I was born there but I live here in Manhattan now. Where are you from?"

"Bangladesh."

"Ah!" I feigned surprise, "Amar nam Gabrielle!"

At this moment, the two men burst into excitement with a bunch of oohs, ahhs, giddy laughter, & giant smiles like they just discovered the answer to a NY Times crossword puzzle clue.

I topped it off with, "Kamon achen?" which elicited an even more excited response (though neither of the men actually answered the question).

To top it off, I inquired where in Bangladesh they were from, guessing, "Dhaka?" (the capital city...and the only one I can remember off the top of my head, sadly). The men shouted yes so excitedly, I was convinced that they had just completed a Sunday crossword.

After pretending to peruse a bit more, I asked for the prices again. When I said $27 was too much, they dropped it down a good amount. Still, I shook my head and they, without any reluctance, responded with, "Okay, fine, for you, $17 for both, no problem."

Three letters, one word: WIN.

06.25.10

+

= Afternoon with Carlos & his adventures traveling from New York to Atlanta and back.



First henna of the summer.

We passed a number of women at Union Square doing henna, but there was one who had a sign about fighting modern day slavery. After Carlos headed back uptown, I turned around and found her. We talked for half an hour about henna & human trafficking, exchanged information, & had her do my hand (first time on the hand -- I always get my feet done but I had Keds on). She told me all the money she was making that day would go to a coalition to fight slavery in Florida.



[img via]

Spent the night [into morning] sitting on the rooftop of Brass Monkey, overlooking the Hudson River, with KP, Katie, & occasionally Miss Ireland. Not the best rooftop I've been to but it had a good vibe for the most part.