Friday, September 28, 2012

Coming up: Apple Picking

This coming weekend several people are joining Michelle and I to go apple picking somewhere in central CT. I think it will be lots of fun and apples.

Another fun thing coming up in October is the Wedding of couple of our good friends from Massachusetts. Dressing up, and whatnot. Should be interesting, because this is my first wedding of a friend and I haven't been to any non family related.

We're also going to see Regina Spektor on Wednesday, at the same place we saw Big Gigantic -  The Capitol.

On a less positive note - I am sick, and quite frankly have been sick for several weeks now (was it a month?), I cough and have sniffles. It's nothing serious and I figured my body would fight it and be done with whatever is occupying my system by now. Apparently this is not the case. Perhaps I should see a doctor. Next week? I know these are all bad decisions and there is nobody else to blame but myself.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Ordered Business Cards

I have ordered  1000 'business cards' with thank you on it. Quite excited about them :) I think they're something else! I hope so.
Sent few emails to great individuals, asking for help of their experience. We'll see how this will turn out.

I asked mi madre to send me some older pictures of me, this was one of the ones she sent - I was always an artist.

Couple of days ago I finished reading "What I wish I knew when I was 20: A crash course on making your place in the world", by Tina Seelig. She is teaching an online class from Stanford called "A Crash Course on Creativity" which I am signed up for as well. Already 14,000 people signed up for it. Whaaat! Things never stop happening in life. One just have to take more chances :)

Currently listening to:
Interestingly, I was listening the above song on Grooveshark, and decided to upload a video, and found this live recording. I haven't previously known the band, but in this video i saw all four musicians. Wholeness of the group.
Jeffrey Ling introduced me to Santigold, formerly Santogold (which is what Jeff introduced me to.) He's a great guy, on his way to becoming a doctor, Florida, I believe.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Big Gigantic @ The Capitol


Saturday afternoon was a pleasant day in Bruce Park to celebrate Maya's birthday and hang out with good peoples. Michelle made some amazing wild blueberry crumble cake that we brought to the gathering. Obv. people loved it. We played a fun game of Frisbee and then some soccer both boys vs, girls. It was a great fun. Smores, and yummy burgers prepared by Leo were amazing, Upon arrival the choice of burger was with cheddar or swiss cheese - I knew right away this was going to be a great afternoon. 

Sore muscles the next day and vague thoughts about being covered in sweat. Michelle and I joined Shawny to go see Big Gigantic at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester on Saturday evening. It was a huge success. We purchased some nips and safely delivered them unto the dance floor. The first band was not impressive, and the only positive thing i got from it was that one of the guitarists was wearing a t-shirt saying "Lettuce Turnip the Beets." I found it to be clever and entertaining. The second DJ that was on stage got me going pretty well. We were on the second floor, first row, but I was dancing like I was in the crowd (foreshadow of B.G.) Few people asked me what I was on, but besides alcohol there was nothing in my system. The DJ has some great beats and got the crowd all ready for the main event.
 Big Gigantic did not disappoint, and I haven't seen Michelle dance like that for this long time in a while. It was pure fun. Everyone was on the floor, jumping, swinging, clapping, clinging. Shawny even bumped into his cousin. We left a little early (after midnight) since our bodies were saturated with the dance floor. We talked louder to each other because all three of us got a little deaf due to sexy beats and saxophone extravaganza.
The evening also prompted us to be back at the Capitol on Oct. 3rd to see Regina Spector. She's quite great and I'm sure the live concert will not disappoint either.

The weekend is lining up to be a promising success since today (Sunday) we are meeting with a great gal Sibel, whom we havent seen in few years. She's coming in few hours and we'll have a picnic and go see a movie and catch up on life. Most likely the weekend after next we shall go apple picking and bring home loads of fiber and iron. But lets enjoy the great company now and worry about crossing bridges when we get to one :)

Now, off to meditation:

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Cucumber-lemon Water

As a way to procrastinate on the essay for Substitute teaching application, I wanted to mention that I made some water with cucumber and few wedges of lemon. Fridge over night and voila - a refreshing, unique-tasting drink that is great for me. Even Michelle liked it. It's definitely something to get used to, but if you like the cucumber flavor there should be no reason not to make this potion.





[Vice has some of the best documentaries on youtube. In their latest one they track the life of a New York City drug dealer who makes upwards of $60,000 a week selling every kind of drug you can imagine. Why someone would let a film crew follow them around while they commit crimes is anybody's guess, but this is definitely interesting.]
This is a 20min documentary about a drug dealer. Sure, he may be doing unlawful business, and hes values do not coinside with those of 'lawful' citizens (come on, who hasn't broken a law in their lives?), but I best be sure to try to learn something from his experience, since I will never go through what he is going and all the jail time. It is interesting to me to see the true documentary about his life. You don't often get this type of treat.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

First week back to work

Tuesday
First day at work back in Boys and Girls club ended up starting few hours earlier than anticipated. it was a half day, so kids were out of school by 12.30pm. Many new faces, both children and staff; the club filled in really fast. It's a great place to spend time after school and the parents know it. Great thing about the place is that I have my morning to myself, enough time to work out, and meditate, and cook, and read. Those are all very important in my daily routine.

Made some tuna steak in lemon/thyme marinade over greens with tomatoes and cranberries. Very good looking dinner, I felt great knowing how healthy I eat.


Tomorrow, there is a fun hangout with a bunch of people Michelle works in the hospital. She keeps telling me about all these people I would have fun meeting, and I can't really keep it all in my mind, since I don't know who she's talking about.

Few days ago I wrote a poem about pain. I found it to be immediate and all controlling my focus. It  was a good topic to jot down few lines. I worked on in for few minutes, then went back to reading, allowing my subconsciousness to find rhythm and new lines. Alternating writing poetry and reading was an interesting blend of tasks. I think the end result was a pleasant piece of work (or art):

Pain is immediate,
Attention is turned,
She disrupts my median
to focus on her.

Pain stops my everything.
What was on my plate?
Can't think of a single thing,
Why bother? Too late.

I grab what's my medicine,
Which often is time.
Relief - I can almost feel
attuned and in line.

I have to remember
that pain never stops.
The curtain she renders
And hides 'in surrender'
preparing her bender
and plotting relapse.

Aug. 28th. 2012

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Mohegan

I am attempting to work out again, this time I have a clear reward (a piece of art I will buy) after completing 11 days of work out. Whenever I finished those days I will be able to buy myself that something. I am slightly increasing the number of push ups or crunches, but only a tiny amount after each work out. I am also not allowing myself to check my email or facebook before I complete my reps in the morning. So far it had been good. I want to keep it up and see it to the end.

Michelle's mom had tickets to see Evanescence at Mohegan Sun this past Thursday. She has asked me about it some weeks ago, and I am always down for some live music. We were also able to see Chevelle that night. It was a nice concert, seeing her sing live of many songs I used to really like when I was in high school. Even though I am into different music now, I was still able to appreciate the loud drums and persistent bass.
It was my first time at Mohegan; it was very beautiful. The decorations are plenty and tasteful. I very much enjoyed tree like supports, colorful mosaic carpets and ceiling art.
I lost about $15 in two turns of roulette, but i didn't mind too much. I spent some time at slots, got few drinks and absorbed the atmosphere.
Obviously I kept constantly comparing it to Vegas Experience, where you have slot machines at CVS and drinking outside if perfectly normal. Non the less, I enjoyed Mohegan with Michelle, and after the concert we went to our room and watched food network shows Extreme Chefs and Chopped. Pretty intense stuff :)