Sensorimotor

SEE : on why i love dc

2010-08-02T09:15:00.003-04:00

Guess who I saw this weekend?

{beat}
Barack Obama! In jeans! Less than a block away! (My cell phone camera doesn't have a great zoom. Or any zoom, for that matter. So here's an official photo for proof.)

(J. Scott Applewhite, AP Photo/ July 30, 2010) (via)

My friend Ben and I were eating dinner outside when a cavalcade of black SUVs and police cars pulled up at the Spy Museum across the street. Michelle and Sasha arrived first, and Barry (we're on a first name basis, FYI) came with the second round of cars. We cheered and clapped; he waved. It was all pretty exciting.

And did Ben and I wait around for the First Family to come back out? Um... no comment. :)

TASTE : random act of kindness

2010-04-15T17:35:00.006-04:00

Have you guys ever heard of (or had) Pocky?

It's (as you can read on the box) a biscuit stick covered in chocolate (or other flavors, including a "mature," dark chocolate version that's called "Men's Pocky). It's from Japan and apparently very popular in East Asian countries.

I had not heard of this little bit of deliciousness (seriously, I ate the entire box in 5 minutes) until yesterday when a co-worker of mine bought me a box, because he thought I was "down." (It's been a stressful/busy week, so I've not been as social as I normally am.) I mean, is that sweet or what? I am constantly surprised by how kind people can be.

I saved the box, because I love how retro it looks... and as a reminder to be kinder to (and definitely more patient with) people, just because, and to be less dour at work (even when I'm stressed).

Fun Fact: Pocky was renamed Rocky in Malaysia, perhaps to avoid sounding like a vulgar word in Malay (from Wikipedia, of course).

HEAR : giving up the gun

2010-04-13T19:00:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was perfect. A sunny 72 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight wind. I worked from home, which meant I could take my laptop out to the patio and type-type-type away on the grant proposal I'm currently working on. I wore a sundress and sunglasses and ate chips and drank Ale 8 One.

Today is the complete opposite. Chilly and rainy, and I'm still at work, wearing tights, a pencil skirt, and makeup that was smeared away hours ago. Pretty.

So I'm listening to fellow Columbia U graduates and wishing for warmer weather (which could come as soon as tomorrow? Oh, DC weather):

I can't believe it was almost (exactly) one year ago that I saw Vampire Weekend live. Oh, time, how you fly.

FEEL (hopeful) : a letter to the world (wide web)

2010-04-12T11:41:00.011-04:00

Oh, internet, how I've missed you.

But I've forgotton how much of a hindrance you can be to my productivity (and let's be honest, I don't need any help being unproductive). In the month or so we've been apart, I've...

&

&

taken up running (sort of), although I don't have a picture of that.

But I've also picked up some bad habits, like watching this and this. (Please don't judge! We all need mindless entertainment sometimes, right?)

So, let's just make a pact that you'll help me be productive. Support my reading goals by emailing me installments of books via Daily Lit (I'm currently reading Alice in Wonderland). Remind me to complete my Arabic lessons on Rosetta Stone. Help me figure out a way to actually run a mile without dying. And I'll forgive you for helping me waste my time on silly things like this. Deal?

Welcome back, old friend!

dead again

2010-02-20T16:35:00.005-05:00

My laptop is dead. Again.

I think I might just call it quits and get a new laptop. And maybe this time I should get a Mac. {I really hate those Justin-Long-versus-John-Hodgman commercials {I get it. Macs are better than PCs. My track record with PCs doesn't really dispute that. But Justin Long over John Hodgman? No way, Apple.}, but this is really convincing.}

please look after this bear. thank you.

2010-02-08T20:21:00.008-05:00

Poor little bear didn't stand a chance. And, did you see what happened to the tree in the background??

SEE : snow white

2010-02-06T19:54:00.009-05:00

So it took SNOtorious B.I.G. {No? Snowpocalypse? Snomgasm? How about Snowmageddon? It's what SnObama prefers.} for me to finally update my blog, but I wanted to share with you the ridiculous weather-beating DC got this weekend. These pictures were taken using my cell phone {I still haven't bought a new camera to replace my old one}, so please excuse the quality.

Patio Table & Chair, Arlington, VA. 2/6/10.

{I actually prefer having 16-some inches of snow on our wall. Our neighbors {on that side} are sketch.}

Mailbox Wearing a Hat of Snow. 2/6/10.

Please Come In! 2/6/10.

Trees. 2/3/10.

The last photo is from a snow storm we got earlier in the week, but it's my favorite picture taken of the snow so far. We're expected to get some more snow on Tuesday, Wednesday, AND next Sunday, so there may be more snowy photographs in this blog's future. Basically, I live in Alaska.

PS: Regarding the last link: Yes, I totally watched Rock Star: INXS. Marty was my favorite, obvs.

do i know myself, or what?

2010-01-06T23:51:00.001-05:00

{Sagittarius via here}

The only horoscopes to which I've ever really paid attention were published by Yahoo! during a stretch in 2007, because they said things like, "you could feel like a vaudeville performer who's just gotten out of their straitjacket while locked in a tank full of water using a tiny golden key and their teeth." I'm not kidding. That was an actual horoscope. HOW AMAZING.

But this one on New Year's resolutions is pretty spot on, too:

Sagittarius
Expansive Sagittarian energy demands both freedom and adventures. Even if you are experiencing tight financial times, resolve this year to do at least one very exciting thing each month. It could be hiking in the national parks, leading a children's sports team, or campaigning for your favorite cause - anything that pushes your limits and expands your horizons will do. The more people you meet, the better you will feel.

Hmm...maybe I should accept a friend's invitation to go skiing at Wisp next month...? If you'd like to know what resolutions you should be making based on your astrological sign {and really, why wouldn't you? :)}, click here.

it may be the antidepressants talking, but i'm feeling somewhat optimistic about 2010.

2010-01-03T20:30:00.003-05:00

{title via someecards.com}

2009 may not have ended well {and the five-month period I spent looking for jobs was a little rough}, but there were some definite highlights that keep me from declaring it a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year:

in the beginning of the year, I was living and playing in New York City;
I received my Master's in Social Work from Columbia University;
I got a job where I'm actually using my education and internship experience {gasp!} and moved to Washington, DC {or, more accurately, Arlington, VA}...

...okay, so that's only three things. But there are lots of little things that were great, too {indulging my inner child with regular cupcake runs, starting this blog, decorating my first real place...}, and I'm cautiously optimistic that I'll be a little more figured out by the end of this new year. {One can always hope, I guess.}

And thus:

Goals for the New Year

Run a 5K. My expectations are low. I don't care if it takes me 2.53 hours to finish; I just want to cross that finish line.
Game Plan: I've begun preparations for this goal, albeit unexpectedly: I won a gift card to Famous Footwear from the lovely Anna at Around the Way Girl, and I think I'm going to be practical and purchase New Balances with it. And! I've bookmarked the Couch to 5K Running Plan! I don't care what you say; that's progress.

Learn a new language. I want to learn a lot of languages, actually, but as it stands now, I can speak English and Banglish {an atrocious mix of Bangla/Bengali and English, of course}, can order a taco in Spanish, and can say "un ananas ne parle pas. ce n'est pas possible!" in French. Very useful.
Game Plan: Register for Arabic via Rosetta Stone... which is available to me at no cost via my job {how awesome is that?!}. I will go to Egypt and ride a camel yet! {Long story.}
Read 12 books. What did I say about low expectations? Last year I read a total of 8 non-graduate school-related books {I KNOW}, though I started {and bought} about 5x that many books. This year, I have a TV. Disaster waiting to happen.
Game Plan: Read?
Take a trip to India. {Or maybe Egypt? I can use my newly-acquired Arabic skills!} I really want to see the Taj Mahal. Maybe I'll take my mom. {My dad has already been twice, the bugger.}
Game Plan: Work like mad, don't take any vacation or sick days, and then buy a ticket {or two}!
Do something unexpected {for me} every once in a while. Go camping {"I hate outside!"}. Make a quiche. Take a dance class. Paint something for my room. ...Run a 5K. :)

happy new year, friends!
it's going to be a good one. i can feel it.

a home of my own

2009-11-14T09:50:00.007-05:00

So I've been traipsing all over the DC Metro Area {through rain, biting winds, and a bad sense of direction} in order to find a suitable living space. After much effort, I have found the {almost} perfect place:

How charming is this kitchen? I love the pale green tiles and white cabinetry...

...and the little dining nook {and the scrollwork on the balcony}...

...and the rafters, the splash of red on the walls,
and the curtain that separates the bedroom area from the living room area.

The only problem? It's in France. {That would be a long and expensive commute, but what a gorgeous view.}

{Images via here.}

I'm looking at a few more apartments this weekend. Let's hope one of them works out!

***

have a great weekend!

weep no more, my lady

2009-11-10T11:28:00.009-05:00

Corn, Evans Orchard and Cider Mill, Georgetown, KY. 9/11/09.

...oh, weep no more today...

{Via my friend Samya... Can you see the horse by the fence?}

...we will sing one song for my old kentucky home...

{Via my friend Kate}

...for my old kentucky home far away...
{Lyrics by Stephen Foster.}

retail therapy

2009-11-09T23:22:00.005-05:00

I am frustrated.

Last week I bought new glasses and was assured by the Lenscrafters associate that I would receive them before I left for D.C. {tomorrow!}. This morning I was told that my hi-fi high-index lenses won't be shipped until tomorrow.

And then, when I went to pick up a copy of my records from the health department {to prove I have been properly immunized and vaccinated for work}, I was informed that my files may have been lost in the transition to an electronic filing system.

{frustration!}

Yes, I am one of those people who sweat the small stuff.

And, yes, I am also one of those people who tend to partake in a little retail therapy to make me feel better {although I never really need a reason to shop}.

My wishlist, as of late, has been very home-centric. Maybe I'll blog about my favorite items and design aesthetic {which is basically Moroccan/Middle Eastern/"ethnic" + French + country + a tad bit modern + pseudo-vintage + whatever strikes my fancy, otherwise known as "eclectic" or "a hot mess"}, but for right now I wanted to share a print that I lovelovelove and think is appropriate for today and the next few days:

{Via The Love Shop here}

PS: I also love these prints from The Love Shop:

love is the new black // je t'aime //
it always seems impossible until it is done

...and the multiple "oh my chandelier" prints as well.

PPS: Thank you guys for your encouragement and kind words! You all are very sweet, and your comments made my day!

death by proxy

2009-11-03T18:04:00.009-05:00

I've had a bit of bad luck with my laptop: It died. In a violent, violent death. First, there was the blue screen of death. Then, beeps, half-starts {my laptop apparently couldn't load the welcome screen}, and error messages. And then... there was nothing. {And I mean nothing. It wouldn't even turn on, the jerk.}

Fortunately, my dad has a friend who has a friend who thinks my laptop is salvageable {and is willing to work on it for free!}. And luckily, I had most {though not all} of my documents, music, photos saved on an external hard drive. Really, the only annoyance has been not having access to my computer or the internet the past few days {our home computer is slow as molasses}-- it really is amazing how much of my life is on my computer and how dependent I am on the internet.

On the bright side, though, I've had lots of time to pack. {But, have I? Uh...not really.}

what a way to make a living

2009-10-29T13:56:00.006-04:00

I have some news. Good news, in fact. Remember when I went to D.C. early in October? Well... after five months of job hunting, I have been offered {and have accepted} a grant writer position at a nonprofit organization in the district.

{Huge sigh of relief.}

Alexis Bledel as the "We Can Do It!" woman
(found here via Glamour)

I'm lucky, I know, to have gotten a) a job b) that I wanted c) where I can actually use my graduate education and internship experience.

But I am more than a little worried about making the transition from a lazy bum {not that all unemployed people are lazy... just me} to working girl, and having responsibilities, and being a grown up, and having programs and people depend on my ability to do my job well.

{Deep breath.}

someone talk me out of this

2009-10-26T00:57:00.006-04:00

I want this:

Custom Acrylic Nameplate Necklace via here.

I want mine to say "j'adore" or "je t'aime" or something equally French and cliched. I want it in silver mirror acrylic, typeset in Helvetica Bold, and maybe with skull or heart or cupcake cutouts... Tacky? Or AWESOME? {Please say awesome.}

{I think I've been jonesin' for acrylic jewelry ever since I saw this necklace and these rings {by the same fab designer} in one of those daily Etsy Finds emails. I should probably give in and buy it... all. Or ask my friends to do an intervention.}

i would like to thank the academy...

2009-10-21T11:32:00.004-04:00

part one

Thanks to Liz at Pink Monkey, I now have {or will have, rather} this lovely J. Crew scarf in my closet:

I love the knotted scarf and the multiple necklaces-- very effortlessly chic. I think I'll try this look once I get my new scarf! Thanks, again, Liz!

part two

I'm honored to have received the Superior Scribbler blog award from the very eloquent Mae at I am the Walrus!

Rules here.

The last blog I had {in college, when I used Xanga to document all the inappropriate and awkward things to come out of my mouth} lasted all of five entries before I lost interest, so I'm rather proud of myself for having kept up with this blog for the past couple months {this is called 'setting the bar low'}. And I'm always pleasantly surprised when I find out people are reading my posts and looking at my low-grade photography {seriously, I need a new camera}, and I want you guys to know that I appreciate you very much!

And now, in turn, I would like to pass on this award to:

Ginger at Taste of Ginger, for sharing her adventures in Hollywood as she tackles the uncertainties of being a twenty-something and pursues her dream of becoming a writer/actress/singer/lyricist/painter.
Samya at Eclectic Samya, for being half-responsible for the multitude of food-related posts on my blog... and for all the mouthwatering posts on hers.
Katie at Whims and Inconsistencies, for embracing the life of a domestic goddess with humor, introspection, and vivacity.
Holly at Her Southern Heart, for introducing me to awesome photographers, incredible places, and a laundry list of creative people through her daily inspirations.
K at Blog Goggles, for her hilarious and inspired take on fashion.

You all inspire me daily and are part of the reason why I have kept up with this blog.

{And, seriously, if you haven't already, definitely check out these blogs!}

happy {early} national chocolate cupcake day!

2009-10-16T15:04:00.001-04:00

Chocolate Cupcake with Vanilla Buttercream Icing
from BabyCakes Cupcakes.

...

hope you have a wonderful weekend!

{and enjoy a cupcake or two on Sunday for National Chocolate Cupcake Day!}

inspiration: seeing red

2009-10-14T19:03:00.001-04:00

(Image via StockholmStreetStyle)

How glamorous is this woman? I lovelovelove the menswear-inspired jacket and details {the pocket square!} and the red, red lips. Doesn't she look like she belongs in Old Hollywood?

I wish I had the confidence to pull off red lipstick. I always feel like a little girl playing dress up with my mom's make up or {even worse} like Ronald McDonald.

reward dependence

2009-10-12T13:29:00.007-04:00

{Phew.}

I am back home, a little more hopeful about my employment prospects {fingers crossed! xx} and a little tired of talking about myself {though, apparently, not tired of writing about myself}. I like to pat myself on the back for doing things I should be or need to be doing in the first place {like interviewing for jobs}. {Let's pretend it's positive reinforcement. :)} Most of the time, these reinforcers come in the form of either food or fashion: after one of my interviews I bought a new sweater; after the other, a new dress; and at the end of the week, I celebrated by treating myself to Vietnamese.

Grilled Scallops and Shrimp on Rice Vermicelli from Four Sisters,
Falls Church, VA.

If you ever find yourself in the D.C. Metro area and craving Vietnamese, I definitely recommend Four Sisters. Their menu is comprehensive and their food delicious and reasonably priced. {I also recommend getting the shrimp toast. I didn't think it sounded very appetizing, but oh, it was. so. good.}

Also in reward, I slept in on Friday {the only day I didn't have interviews scheduled} and then, channeling my inner Gossip Girl, spent the afternoon on the steps of the National Museum of Natural History {not quite the Met, but...} with Le Petit Prince and a salty oat cookie and Japanese sweet green tea from Teaism.

Salty Oat Cookie and Japanese Sweet Green Tea from Teaism, Washington, DC.

Hmm... Perhaps my need for reward is a bit excessive...

traveling light

2009-10-03T15:20:00.015-04:00

{Image via here; edited using Picnik.com}

I've spent most of the afternoon trying to figure out how to pack two suits and a week's worth of clothes, shoes, and other everyday essentials {flat iron, accessories, make up, etc.} into a carry-on for my trip to D.C. next week. {I have two interviews scheduled, which is the most I've had all summer. Long distance job hunting is hard!} I generally do not travel light, but I am flying Delta, which like most airlines, charges $15 for the first checked bag {one way} + $5 if you don't check your bags online. Frustration!

{I know... I might have to bite the bullet and fork over the $30.}

Sometimes I opt for comfort when I'm traveling, but often, especially when my suitcase is overflowing, I'll layer on items -- jackets and sweatshirts and bulky shoes -- that take up the most space. {It's not very chic.} the glamourai has some useful advice on packing jewelry and such, which I will keep in mind as I reorganize my suitcase yet again. If any of my fellow travelers out there have advice on packing or traveling in general--

do you roll your clothes to keep them from wrinkling?
or do you just fold them?

what can you not leave the house without?

-- please share!

sugar rush

2009-09-30T20:47:00.008-04:00

My parents called a moratorium on my baking efforts last week, after I made biscotti, chocolate cupcakes, and a carrot cake within the span of 24 hours. {Focusing my energy on an activity that has an end result somewhat assuages the frustrations of job hunting.} So what's a girl in need of a sugar fix to do but visit as many cupcakeries and bakeries in a day as possible?

{Black forest & strawberry cupcakes from Brown's Bakery and chai tea cupcake from Babycakes; My favorite cupcake of the day {Chai Tea Cupcake}; Strawberry tart from Le Matin; Chocolate flourless squares, vanilla cupcakes, and a petit four from Tinker's Cake Shop; Guava and cream cheese pastry from Old San Juan; Baked goodies from Mondelli's Bake Shop}

Best sugar coma ever.

cinderella

2009-09-27T23:11:00.005-04:00

Mossimo Valda Ruffle Flats in Cranberry, $25.

There's nothing I love more than a pointed toe flat. I went to Target to buy these today, and the only sizes left were 8.5+. Darn my stupid feet!

But I did get these sensible {non-flat, not really a pointed toe} shoes for a bargain {less than $20} today, so maybe I shouldn't complain:

Calvin Klein Paxter in Black Kidskin, $90.

You know, I keep saying that I hate shoe shopping, but I don't really think that's true.

a look back, part two

2009-09-26T20:57:00.000-04:00

So, while I was tweaking the layout of my blog this weekend {html is not my friend}, I realized I never posted the second part of this entry. How annoying. That's like the blog equivalent of not closing a parenthesis.

I split the post in two parts, I think, mainly so I could post this New York Post video {it's old; the pictures were new}:

Yeah, that's me @ the 1:04 mark! And, yeah, I know I'm pretty terrible at Bhangra.

9/28/09 ETA: I always forget that I have {and go by} a million different names. In any case, none of my names are Rayfana. Thanks for butchering the spelling of my name, NYPost!

q&a, part two

2009-09-23T23:31:00.015-04:00

My lifelong love for books began, I think, with Frances Hodgson Burnett's magical and utterly charming novel A Little Princess.

I had received the book as a birthday present-- and let me tell you, I was not happy about receiving a book! for a present! {ugh} ...until I started reading, and then I was captivated. I wanted to be Sara, not only for her riches, but also for her goodness and strength and spirit and imagination. The moral of the story -- that being a princess is not about privilege and fortune, but rather about how one chooses to respond to difficult situations and life's unexpected turns -- is inspiring, and even as adult, a point I would do well to remember.

And now a puppy with a tiara (via here).

I am grateful for having received that book for my birthday, as it instilled in me a respect and appreciation for the written word. Many children are not so lucky and do not have access to books. First Book addresses this barrier to literacy by providing new books and educational resources to children in need. This year, First Book is pledging to donate 50,000 new books to the state that receives the most votes in their "What Book Got You Hooked?" Campaign. So, head on over to First Book's website to vote, and while you're there, be sure to let them know:

"What book got you hooked?"
{I'd like to know, too, if you don't mind sharing your story.}

Vote now. Vote often. Vote Kentucky ;).

{Okay, you don't really have to vote for Kentucky. But you do have to vote before midnight ET on September 30, 2009.}

q&a, part one

2009-09-22T13:10:00.034-04:00

Time Out New York is a useful magazine to which to subscribe. It's not so useful when you get your issues a week late. And it's even less useful when you no longer live in New York. {But for some reason, I still get the magazine at my parents' house. (I hope I didn't pay for this. I don't recall signing up for it, actually.)}

In last week's wearable fall fashion issue, TONY asked,

"What do you want for fall?"

And my answer is this:

Balmain RTW Fall 2009 Paris

(Image via here and here)

Since the likelihood of my purchasing the "it" jacket* of the season is approximately nil, I would settle for this boyfriend blazer from Express:

What's on your fall wishlist?

For inspiration, I suggest perusing Pink Monkey's Fall Series posts by guest bloggers (and Miss Blog Goggles' post in particular-- she is hilarious!).

*Note to Megan: Please read this article.

what i wore: eid mubarak!

2009-09-21T16:44:00.001-04:00

Despite the blustery, rainy start to Eid al-Fitr yesterday, the day was, as always, an exhausting whirlwind of food, prayer, family, and friends. Instead of wearing one of the new salwar kameezes my mom brought back from her most recent trip to Bangladesh for the occasion, I paired a $10 dress I bought from Charlotte Russe with the salwar (pants) and orna (long scarf) of an older salwar kameez.

Sure, with the orange and black earrings, gold and orange bangles, and gold sandals, I'm a little too 'matchy matchy,' but Bengalis love that nonsense. I got so many compliments from the aunties, most of whom couldn't believe that the dress was bought here and not in Bangladesh-- high praise indeed.

I don't normally wear a lot of print, but I love the retro print of this dress. I can't wait to wear it like a normal person. ;)

pity-ville, population me

2009-09-17T22:28:00.005-04:00

...and Alexander.

Ever have one of those days when nothing goes your way, not even a little bit, and then you end up throwing a blubbering tantrum over something really insignificant (like not having a cupcake pan)?

Well, today was one of those days. So right now I'm eating ice cream and sighing over Logan.

an apple a day

2009-09-12T14:45:00.000-04:00

A few things I learned yesterday:

If you have seasonal allergies, then it's probably not a good idea to go apple picking on a farm in early September without taking your allergy medicine.

1a. At the very least, take lots of Kleenex, so you don't have to steal paper napkins from the Sweet Apple Cafe.
You do not know more than Google Maps.
Buy a whole, not half, gallon of fresh pressed apple cider, because you will finish a half gallon within two days. And it is a bad decision to not buy fresh apple cider donuts; you will regret that later.

Apples, Evans Orchard and Cider Mill, Georgetown, KY. 9/11/09.

I have been super lazy this past week -- seriously, if I were a Harry Potter character, my Animagus would be a sloth (yeah, I just referenced Harry Potter. I am that cool.) -- so it was really nice to be outside, even with my allergies in attack mode and getting lost on the way to the orchard. Plus, picking my own apples gave me a(n artificial) sense of accomplishment, and I like the idea of knowing where my food came from...

Shirt: Forever 21. Scarf: Bakers. Flower bobby pin: H&M.

ETA: My dad has kindly pointed out that we have pear trees in our backyard that I could've picked for free. He's such a Debbie Downer.

make a statement

2009-09-06T11:34:00.000-04:00

On a good day, my style can be described as classic. I have a closet full of crisp white shirts, LBDs, and pencil skirts. I'm in love with trench coats and pea coats, live in (ballet) flats, and believe that only black is the new black (unless it's white... or gray). My style, on most days when not properly managed, can be a little boring.

That's why I rely on my accessories for that pop of color, or to bring visual interest to my outfit. And that's why my favorite trend this season (and always) are

statement necklaces.

Oscar de la Renta Fall 2009 RTW
(Image via Harper's Bazaar)

Let's be honest. I could never pull that off. Nor could I afford it. And after a failed trip to F21 to buy a bib necklace, I decided I would make my own.

I used the always stylish fashion blogger the glamourai's DIY tutorial for her bands of bling bib to create my necklace. I only used two (silver) chains, so it's not really a blingin' bib:

Dress: H&M. Tee: Mossimo. Necklace: Made by me.

I added a chartreuse flower pin (New York & Co., $1.99) and a crystal starburst pin for a little glitz and glamor.

It's not Oscar de la Renta, but I like it. What do you think?

(500) days of summer

2009-08-31T11:24:00.000-04:00

The weather this weekend was lovely - sunny and warm enough for a t-shirt, with a cool breeze and a hint of fall in the air. (This is what winter in Bangladesh feels like, my parents said.) Can I tell you how much I love autumn? Apple picking and warm spiced apple cider. Layering clothes. The colors of fall foliage. A new season of must see TV. The crunch of leaves underfoot. Little kids (not pets, Megan :)) in costumes. The smell of baked goods, cinnamon, damp leaves, toasted marshmallows.

As the last days of summer wind down (fingers crossed that the temperature doesn't hit 90 any time soon), I thought I'd have one last go at summer and enjoy the blessings it has to offer:

Lexington Legends v. Hickory Crawdads, Applebee's Park, Lexington, KY. 8/28/09.

Yes, that is Big Boy holding my ticket to the Lexington Legends game. The great thing about single-A baseball is that you get teams with names like Hickory CRAWDADS. Amazing. Also great: you can see a game for about $5 and sit practically on the field and the players are so accessible.

Pink Lemonade Cupcakes. 8/29/09.

I spent a lot of time in the kitchen on Saturday, which is a little bit ironic since it is also the month of Ramadan. I love a cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer day, so when I found this recipe for pink lemonade cupcakes, I knew I had to make them. I used the cream cheese frosting that was leftover from a carrot cake I had made (you didn't know I made a carrot cake, did you?) instead of the lemonade buttercream the recipe calls for, but they were still very good. Mine didn't turn out as fluffy as I like cupcakes to be, but they were moist and I liked the slight tartness of the lemonade.

Gazpacho. 8/29/09.

To me, it's not summer unless I've had a good bowl of gazpacho. My mom and I used to go to this lovely little local tearoom at the beginning of every summer, but it was sadly sold to an overpriced bland Mediterranean restaurant a few years back. Early this summer (summer meaning after classes had ended), when I still lived in New York City, I had had some gazpacho with my friend Brando. But it was still too cold to really enjoy the soup, which was too vinegar-y besides. Mine was better. :) I'm not tootin' my own horn; I'm tootin' Ina's (this recipe came from her The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook). I used tomatoes and bell peppers fresh from the garden and added a bit of jalapeno for a kick. It was simply divine. Loved!

Ah, summer, I shall miss you, but I am so ready for fall!

kindred spirits

2009-08-20T13:21:00.002-04:00

Last Day of 5th Grade, Elkhorn Elementary, Frankfort, KY. 1995?

My friend Megan, whose 25th birthday is today, and I met and became friends under the strangest of circumstances-- although, technically, it was me who was strange (and not the circumstances). Yet, despite my weirdness, or maybe because of it (and hers, too), Megan and I became fast friends and stayed friends through our many middle school fights ("It's your turn to get the band stand!"), going to different colleges, the general growing pains of life, etc.

I think this Brian Andreas print perfectly sums up our friendship, which is why a certain someone might be getting it as a birthday present :) (don't worry, she already knows):

From the StoryPeople's website

(I love the honest simplicity and childlike wisdom of Brian Andreas' work, and I highly recommend browsing through his prints.)

Happy birthday, Mega Coin!

what i wore: sexy back

2009-08-16T21:43:00.000-04:00

Saris, in general, are somewhat of a pain for me to wear: standing still long enough to be pinned here-there-and-everywhere to keep the sari firmly in place, the too-tight petticoat cutting off circulation to my lower body, the yards of fabric weighing me down and constricting my movement... This one, a gift from one of my favorite aunts, in particular gave me quite a bit of trouble; the detailed embroidery made this sari heavier than any of the other ones I've worn. But it was simply too lovely -- much lovelier in person than in these photographs -- not to wear to the wedding reception yesterday.

I chose to forgo wearing a necklace because I didn't want anything to compete with the designs on the achol and kept it "simple" with oversized beaded gold earrings (not pictured) and these glittering bangles. I should never be entrusted with nice things, though, because I lost one of the bangles (the first one) by the end of the night. :(

c is for cookie

2009-08-13T23:45:00.000-04:00

And what a cookie!

My boss brought in these for my last day of work today. Peanut butter cookies + melted chocolate + M&Ms = Yum-O! My pictures do not do them justice.

Peanut Butter Pizza Cookies. 8/13/09.

And what did I say about edible surprises being an instant mood brightener? :)

m.i.a.

2009-08-09T23:27:00.002-04:00

Okay, so I've been MIA. Everyday I think, "I will update my blog today," and then everyday I do a million other things instead of blogging. (Although, I did retroactively update my blog here, here, and here.) I am a blogging failure.

In my defense, I've been a little mopey, since the job search isn't going as well as I had hoped. And it's a weird place to be, to be "in transition." Since I'm looking for (development, grant writing, program management) jobs in NYC and DC, should I move back to NYC (or to DC) and stay with friends, or should I wait to move until I have something lined up? How long can I stay with friends before becoming a bad house guest, especially when I don't have any prospects? Even little things like, should I open a gym membership here at home while I look for jobs elsewhere?

More and more I don't feel like I'm "transitioning"; I just feel like I'm stagnating.

Normally when I feel this way -- when I feel "magenta" (at the 5:00 mark) -- I engage in a little retail therapy to lift my spirits. (Okay, full disclosure, I did buy some new shoes (they're very cute!).) But perhaps, instead, I should focus on the (mostly) non-material things that brighten my mood:

a short list of things that never fail to make me smile

waking up to sunshine flooding my room, and (conversely, strangely) waking up to an early sunday morning thunderstorm
flipping through old photos, even if i don't remember what was happening when they were taken, like this one: ... look at all that pink i'm wearing!
finding the perfect gift... and trying (unsuccessfully) not to spoil it
rolling down the window, turning up the radio, and driving down long stretches of empty road
a good conversation
freshly baked goods
laughing until you pee... and then laughing at that
the golden girls
fresh cut flowers
planning a trip, even if i never make it to my destination
great children's picture books, like cornelia funke's the princess knight, doreen cronin's diary of a worm, kate mcmullan's i'm bad, and anything mo willems
unexpectedly getting free food at the office (or anywhere, really)
looking up at the night sky and being able to see the stars
spontaneous dance parties

This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but I think this is a good start. Next time, instead of spending money I don't have on things I don't need, maybe I'll just flip on the Golden Girls? ...We'll see. :)

a look back, part one

2009-06-08T22:14:00.002-04:00

So I've not been all that productive since I've been home, much to my parents' chagrin. I caught up on SVU and Criminal Minds... and (full disclosure) Hannah Montana. Made a meal for the parents (without the prosciutto, which made the chicken somewhat bland). Painted my nails pale pink. Went to Dairy Queen (twice). And finally got my pictures developed from my Kodak Fun Saver.

These are some of the last pictures I took in New York:

Water Taxi: View from SI Ferry, NYC. 5/13/09.

Jupiter Saturn & The Sun, Rose Center, NYC. 5/22/09.

Commencement Banner, Columbia University, NYC. 5/20/09.

Enjoy The View, Upper West Side, NYC. 5/18/09.

MetroCard Bike, Hell's Kitchen, NYC. 5/12/09.

all the sweetest winds...

2009-06-04T14:34:00.000-04:00

"...they blow across the South"

-- Ryan Adams, Oh My Sweet Carolina

East-West Connector, Frankfort, KY. Date Unknown.

sometimes...

2009-05-25T17:33:00.000-04:00

...you just have to make a decision.

There were some extenuating circumstances that influenced my decision, and I may have been somewhat upset when I made it -- but I've made it.

I'm flying home on a one-way ticket this Thursday, God willing.

what i wore

2009-05-20T23:04:00.001-04:00

I really love those fashion blogs that have daily posts of what people are wearing, like What I Wore or Daily Work It or The Sartorialist. I don't have the fashion IQ to come up with a different outfit everyday or the dedication to update my blog daily (or even regularly), but I thought for today's post I would channel my inner fashionista and post the fabulous outfit I wore today:

The Graduate, (in front of) Low Library, NYC. 5/20/09.

WhatIWore
Cap & Gown (complete with bat wings that can be used as storage): Columbia Bookstore, $50
Shoes: Wal-Mart, $?
Dress (worn underneath, not shown): Macy's, $40
Education: Columbia University School of Social Work, approximately $60,000 (tuition and fees total)

That's right: I can now add MSW (or, technically, MSSW) after my name!

nyc bucket list update: staten island

2009-05-14T15:09:00.001-04:00

1. Go to Staten Island. See the new South Ferry Station (is that lame?). Ride the ferry. ~~Eat Ralph's ices.~~

Staten Island Ferry, NYC. 5/13/09.

I have now been to all five boroughs! Unfortunately, Lucia and I didn't make it to Ralph's, because, apparently, Staten Island is big. Trying to figure out how to get to the closest Ralph's was like trying to figure out how to use the subway map for the first time: a lot of trouble. Instead, we hung around the promenade for a bit, took pictures at the 9/11 Memorial, made fun of the Staten Island Yankees, and then took the next Ferry back to civilization.

Leaving Manhattan, On the SI Ferry, NYC. 5/13/09.

Hair Blowin' in the Wind, On the SI Ferry, NYC. 5/13/09.

Statue of Liberty: View from the SI Ferry, NYC. 5/13/09.

Lucia at the 9/11 Memorial, Staten Island, NYC. 5/13/09.

all the news that's fit for a half hour comedy show

2009-05-13T00:51:00.002-04:00

9. Catch a taping of The Daily Show ~~and/or The Colbert Report~~.

The Daily Show Studio, NYC. 5/12/09.*

So I cheated: I changed #9 on my "NYC bucket list" from eating hot dogs in Coney Island to watching a taping of The Daily Show. In my defense, I've already been to Coney Island, so it didn't make sense to include it on the list as my intention was to do and see things I haven't done before. I also didn't think it would be possible to see a taping of either show before leaving, since it takes a certain amount of foresight and persistence to reserve tickets.

Apparently, I lack foresight and persistence. Lucky for me, I have friends who don't. :)

Holding our golden tickets!

We got to the studio around 3PM -- you have to be there by 4:30PM in order to get the tickets -- and the line was already a hundred people in (no kidding: when we finally got our tickets, we were numbers 93-96 in line). But it was a nice afternoon, and we managed to keep ourselves entertained until we -- or rather, the people at the head of the line -- were finally ushered into the studio at 5:15ish PM. (We had to be screened, so they let people into the studio in stages.)

The studio is much smaller in person, as is the man behind the desk; Jon Stewart is a wee little man (okay, not exactly "wee" but definitely shorter than I expected). Before the taping began, Jon (Mr. Stewart?) took several questions from the audience. His responses were funny, and I would retell them here except I'd totally over-explain the joke and kill the humor. Tom Hanks was the guest (!), and -- I don't know how the interview seemed on TV but -- it seemed like a whirlwind of a discussion on antimatter, symbology, mugs that looked like Prince Charles, and then boom! he was gone. I know the interviews are always that short, but it seemed so much shorter in person. Tom Hanks is such a nerd. :)

At the end of the show, Jon Stewart thanked us for coming, which was nice. Save for that and the Q&A at the beginning, though, there was little interaction between the audience and the show. While it was exciting to see Jon Stewart in person (and in action) and I did have fun, it wasn't too different from watching it on TV. I love Jon Stewart, but I don't think I would wait in line again to watch his show live.

*Photos courtesy Joanna. Thanks, Jojo!

the big potato

2009-05-03T21:54:00.001-04:00

"i don't know how people live here, dorothy.
i mean, it's all very interesting and everything in the world is here, but
it's so tall, and so crowded, and so noisy,
and so much!
i've never seen so much of everything in my whole life."

-- rose nylund, on new york city

I've begun to compile a bucket-list-of-sorts of things I want to do before I leave the city. Rose is right: everything in the world is here, and I've not really been able to explore the city as assignments and readings and bad time management got in the way. Graduation is but a mere few weeks away, and I have the apartment until May 31, so here it is:

things i want to see and do in nyc before i go:

Go to Staten Island. See the new South Ferry Station (is that lame?). Ride the ferry. Eat Ralph's ices.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge. (How have I not done this already?) Treat myself to Grimaldi's afterward.
Visit the Brooklyn Flea: White Dove NYC. Kumquat Cupcakery. Liddabet Sweets. etc.
See 9 to 5!!! I love me some Dolly Parton! Maybe I'll take mom to see this when the parents come for graduation?
Eat at Chip Shop. I'm Southern. I like things fried. Like Twinkies. Mmm... Clogged arteries.
Sunbathe at Water Taxi Beach.
Stalk Liz Lemon at 30 Rock, or take in the view at Top of the Rock.
Gamble away the few dollars I have in Atlantic City. Walk the Boardwalk. Eat Taffy.
Catch a taping of The Daily Show and/or The Colbert Report.
Check out the museums at ICP and FIT. Be inspired.

... it's a work in progress.

cookie monster

2009-05-02T19:23:00.000-04:00

While I'm still processing my reactions to the film Rachel, I want to share one thing that made me happy yesterday:

picture via Time Out New York

Levain Bakery's Chocolate Chip Walnut cookies are six ounces of ooey gooey melt-in-your-mouth yummy goodness -- you will definitely need a glass of milk with these cookies! Here I am at the Amsterdam Ave location, courtesy of the Levain Cam:

Levain Bakery, Upper West Side, NYC. 5/1/09.

On a side note (and this should definitely not be a side note):

Happy Derby Day!

Also, I want this hat.

top of the world

2009-05-01T01:16:00.000-04:00

the world is a book,
and those who do not travel read only one page.

-- st. augustine

Last winter, my parents and I took a three-day excursion to Nepal while we were visiting relatives in Bangladesh. These are some of my favorite photos from that trip:

Prayer Flags, Nagarkot, Nepal. 12/25/07.

Goat, Bhaktapur, Nepal. 12/25/07.

Prayer Wheels at Boudhanath, Kathmandu, Nepal. 12/26/07.

Sunset at Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. 12/26/07.

Himalayas, Nepal. 12/27/07.

here's to the night

2009-04-26T20:43:00.000-04:00

The Spring Gala (aka SWPROM) was last night, and it was so much fun!

I was a dancing machine, of course, and a little bit of a hyperactive mess... but I think that's to be expected for the last hurrah before graduation. I think this picture captures the night (and me) pretty well:

Low Library, Columbia University, NYC. 4/25/09

Special thanks to Myriad for letting me borrow her camera for the night!

*****

4/30/09 ETA: My favorite quote (about me) from Saturday:

@ 9.20 p.m.

niki: omg is [pin] drunk already?

livia: no she always walks into a room by dancing
via livia's blog

You might think Livia is being facetious -- and maybe she is -- but I do love dancing, acting a fool (as evidenced by the above picture), and a good entrance (I'm Southern). :)

overheard at a social work job fair

2009-04-24T23:44:00.000-04:00

Me:

Hi, I'm a 2nd year social work student at Columbia. Blah blah blah. My concentration is in nonprofit management and administration. I have experience writing grants and in program development. More blah blah blah. Do you know of any job opportunities within your organization that would match my background?

Recruiter:

We do have a grants and development department.

Me:

Oh, that's great! Do you know if you're hiring for positions in that department?

Recruiter:

Honey (!), I'm the Director of Social Services. I came here to recruit social workers.

Me:
...But, I am a social worker.

[angry face]

bad news bears

2009-04-20T22:28:00.000-04:00

I broke my camera. Now all my pictures look like this:

In case you can't tell, this is my office computer;

My pen holder, from Aarong in Bangladesh;

And the random loose leaf paper lying around on my desk
because I am organized in a disorganized sort of way.

All pictures taken at my office in East Harlem. 4/20/09.

hot thing

2009-04-19T18:56:00.002-04:00

There are times when I can't wait to leave the city, like when:

I have to choose between paying ridiculous prices for a carton of milk or having to haul my groceries from TJ's on 14th to Morningside Heights (lazy v. cheap, my ultimate dilemma), and having to withstand the hordes of people regardless;
I hear that a friend of a friend is only paying $1600/month for her studio at the Newseum, across the street from the National Mall, or that a friend's mortgage payment towards her house + acreage is still less than what I'm paying for my subsidized apartment that I share with two people; or
I and a million of my closest friends end up sharing the same patch of green on the first sunny, warm day in forever.

...But then there are days like yesterday. The weather was perfect, and yes, Central Park was very crowded, but afterward, Brando and I hung out on Main Campus for the Bacchanal '09 concerts, featuring:

Vampire Weekend was so much fun! Definitely great live.

I might have to buy their CD.

...and...

Talib Kweli is so fantastic. The crowd was disappointing.

Days like this make it possible to endure the crowds, the smell, the dirtiness, the high cost of living, and then I'm back to square one in deciding what I want to do after graduation.