Moments in History

Its definitely been a rollercoaster these last months of spring especially to do with my job...but I'm not even going there. What I will say is that despite the bumps rather walls I've had to climb I have had some good experiences.

Meggan, one of my second cousins on my Dad's side of the family (Valero) invited me to come with her and her friend Alli to go to the Boston Calling Music Festival. This was perfect timing considering I didn't make plans for Memorial Day weekend. Top it all off, we stayed with Meggan's sister Erin - who's apartment was REALLY spacious, clean and modern - and met up with their brother Justin, who flew in from DC. I was so thankful for the beautiful weather during the daytime and parts of the evenings throughout the weekend - with the exception of Saturday night when it poured for about an hour before I decided 'eh I've had enough of this' and go back to Erin's place. Sunday was 'walk in Erin's shoes' day, met her friends at this french restaurant, walked around the SoWa market and bringing some food truck meals back to Erin's apartment. I really appreciated the bonding moments between the cousins - Erin, Justin, Meggan and I - like Saturday morning breakfast :) I hope to repeat this again soon in the near future!

Meggan (flamming purple hair), me and Alli

Boston Calling Festival at City Hall - scenes from The Departed were filmed here :)

The crew heading to the SoWa market

SoWa Food Trucks

Street art (SoWa)

One of two stages - Boston Calling (every fall and spring)

Fast forward a week later, I went out with my JC Gang and the Downtown Jersey City Meetup peeps on the annual Bar Hawral/Birthday Party for Rachel. I met up with everyone at the first dive/irish pub called Bobby Dee's near Journal Square. The bartender and old patrons couldn't have been sweeter. Rachel got some rounds of free shots and a pound cake with a candle - as we sand "Happy Birthday". It was a get way to kick off the Hawral! Fifth bar in - Journal Square Pub next to Loews Theater - I said my goodbyes and heading home to make a quick change for the Sundree and Tie event at The W Hotel via NJ Young Professionals group. I met some more lovely single ladies who gave me all the dish on other events and groups to check out for a young, single, professional like myself. It couldn't have been a more pleasant evening.

Happy Birthday Rachel cheers

After a hellish week, I took off part of the first Friday in June to head into the city with my Mom to get massages and facials. It was the right amount of pampering I needed to diffuse my stress. We made it back to Jersey City just in time to catch some of the cultural/artsy events in The Heights for JC Fridays (first Friday every quarter).

View from The Heights 

 

  Madouche Bag - plays live every Thursday at Madam Claude Cafe

Live at the Lumberyard (Palisade Ave) - once a month throughout the summer 

 

The next day I was heading into the city with all the yuppies to make my way to the Belmont Stakes in the hope that California Chrome would win. I met up with my cousin Kerry, whom I hadn't seen since Christmas. We spent the rest of the day hanging out, rehashing our college days as we watched all the preppy kids take over the grounds outside the racetrack. Two hot dogs, a couple of bets, and one, two, three beers in we picked out our spots to get the best "front row" seats we could find. Unfortunately but expected, California Chrome didn't take the gold but lucky Kerry #11 did! She bet on him thanks to a family member's tip. $95 winning ticket - cursing that I didn't follow her lead but none the less it was a fun time.

Craziness inside

Craziness outside - mainly tailgating yuppies

 

 Our view of the track

 My cuz and I

To bring you up to the most recent events...the last few weeks I've been hard working after work hours. I've gone to a few volunteer training sessions for this years NYC Pride events, The Rally (6/27), Teaze (6/28), The March & Dance on the Pier (6/29). I know this is going to be a super rewarding volunteer effort - plus I'll meet more friends in the LGBTQIA community so WIN for me. I also started the summer Zogsports leagues - Social Sampler (again) and Soccer. I recruited a few guy friends from the JC Gang which is awesome especially since we're on the same team. Downside is that Zogsports Soccer League - at least the team I was assigned to - is way too competitive for me. I pretty confident I won't be returning...which sucks because my friend Dan is on my team but at least he'll meet some new people :)

This past Friday I went to the Yankees vs Orioles game. Unfortunately I left at the top of the 9th inning due to expected commuter traffic getting back to NJ. However, I heard that Beltran made a homer that won the game - went from 2-1 Orioles to 5-3 Yankees takes it! Sunday my Mom and I went into the city to see our friend Donald perform with Rev. Billy & Shop Stopper Choir at Joe's Pub in the village. I had some time to kill before and went to a hipster coffee shop near the 9th St PATH station called Joe The Art of Coffee - Disclaimer: creepy single guys make small talk and stare at young women from the street while smoking ICK! Walked to Washington Square Park before and after the show where everyone and their families were out including a wedding party. We were witnesses to this lovely couple getting married in the park - great and cheap idea!

Lastly, I we went back to the car in downtown Jersey City only to find the battery was dead. AAA is a godsend and was there in no time - good for me since I was super pissed that I might miss the USAvPOR game. Listened to the ESPN radio announcers in the car while it was running (leave it on for 30mins minimum) and then inside our house. I was screaming and on edge the whole time - reading Twitter feed, browsing the Internet for updates...and then Rolando kicked the goal making it a 2-2 final call. Ugh. But overall it was a pretty decent weekend!

Next week...PRIDE! Till then ;)

Back to Reality

Over the last month and a half I have undergone so many transitions and experiences. To start, I've on and off working part-time jobs - some paid some not - trying to keep myself busy and praying for the strength to overcome challenging personalities. All I can say is I don't know what I would've done without my true friends, like Keith. I visited him at the end of August to see his new apartment and catch up. It was a good thing I did because I had to witness for myself his nice digs.

My trip to Philadelphia was much more nostalgic than a casual meeting with an old friend. As it turns out I had alternative motives - guilty as charged - since I was so curious about the lives of other some people I knew back in high school who've continued their passion for music going "on tour." I mean how long has it been since my last basement show? What I found to be refreshing was finally seeing that atmosphere from a more objective perspective rather than a young girl crazed with the idea of getting the attention of a musician. It was a pleasant time laughing, conversing, singing along and most importantly staying in the present.

After that my working life - or lack there of - came to a screeching halt. So what else better to do than beg your friend, who has backstage access to New York Fashion Week, to brighten one's low spirit. Although I did buy a brand new dress for the occassion - since none of the out of date, frumpy and unflattering wardrobe I have would do for a NYFW Venexania show, or any NYFW show for that matter. I'm far too critical because as it turns out there were people wearing articles of clothing that should've never seen the light of day - WTFWYT?!?! Overall, it was great to see my friend Greg and sit in the 2nd row at the show; even got one of those goodie bags :) And of course as my technology curse proceeds me, Greg's phone deleted all the photos from the event...except for the few below. I guess I have to stalk Twitter to find any pictures taken during the Venexania show and see if we're in any of them.

But I did return to Lincoln Center right after the crowds and shows were over to get a make-over at the Allure Glamor Lounge. What an experience: beauty is pain, note to staff - don't allow the hotel you are renting space from use the air conditioner unless you want to deal with leaks in the ceiling and stop to enjoy the moment because life is short. At least I looked really great for the New York Elon Alumni event that evening. Did not expect to walk into a room with over 700+ alumni! PS I am so glad I had the opportunity to have a drink and relax in The Plaza bar. Can you say fancy?

Probably my fo-pa that I was let go at Blimpies. My plan all along was to leave for a week for the Duke University's Continuing Studies Nonprofit Management Certificate program in the middle of September before I took the part-time position but I guess everything happens for a reason. A learning experience none the less but more along the lines of experience with passive-aggressive management and leadership - or lack there of. The same could be said for some other side projects I'm involved with currently but that's a discussion for another day...

It was great going back to North Carolina having no responsibilities to academic work or college life other than what I signed up for with the Nonprofit Management Certificate program. Per usual, I reached out to a few peeps I knew were in the area - Jamie, Alice, etc. Of course there is never enough time to see everyone but I felt good to try because I did benefit especially in regards to reconnecting with Elon Alumni. Saw Jeff (2012) and his crew - Chris (2011), Cody (2012) and Mitch (2012) - at Fullsteam downtown and went to dinner and Locopops with Alice and Kit on Friday. Must say that I never thought about crazy flavored ice cream icicles - flavors like chocolate rosemary, pomegrante cognac and other weird stuff. I had simply salted caramel which was the perfect end to a great reunion.

Great Food & Fun over "Fake" Break

"Fake" Break comes but once a year and this year is the last one for me. The positive is that my last "fake" break is by-far the longest I've had since I've attended Elon. For starters: Restaurant week practically everywhere: Philadelphia, New York City, Jersey City :) Went to The Merchant near Grove Street in downtown Jersey City. My mom and I decided to share each others 3 course dinner so we could try more dishes at a very reasonable price ($25 for the entire meal except the drinks -- but the all-night Happy Hour helped in that department too). Dirty martini made with vodka NOT gin - ICK!

Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip with Homemade Pita Chips

 Apple and Fried Goat Cheese Salad

Sun-Dried Bow Tie Pasta in Cream Sauce

 Salmon with Vegetable Risotto 

 Classic Apple Pie with a scoop of Vanilla ice cream

 Chocolate Mouse cake with raspberry syrup

I decided to sleep in - which I had gotten used to this past summer - almost everyday during "fake" break. It was so nice to have no plans - except on Thursday when I felt ill and decided to cancel my appointments in the city. However, I was a bit ddisappointed at the lack of music choices at my usual places (i.e. Bowery & its incorporates, Webster Hall, Irving, etc). At the same time I didn't look at venues I've wanted to go to (for example, the Brooklyn Bowl) for awhile OR simply check regional media sources like The Village Voice for alternative shows/art/concerts. No that would've been too easy.
Instead I looked on Craiglist for tickets to the sold out Lumineers performance at Terminal 5 on Sat. Feb. 2nd. I thought - at the time - how luck I was to find people on Craiglist offering to exchange or sell their tickets. I was also pissed off because they are taking tickets away from people who really want to go to the show only to resell and make a lot more money (or scam you as I soon learned). 

I encouraged Keith to come up from Philly to visit mom and I and finally stay over our house in Jersey City. We decided to go see the show together...We took the 123 bus into the Port Authority then walked up 8th Ave towards Terminal 5 area. Upon my suggestion to grab a quick bite we ducked into this traditional bar called The Social. We shared two dishes over beer and my lemon drop cocktail (not the shot) while listening to techno/new age music and chatting about life. 

 Chicken Fingers and Baked Mac n Cheese

Snapshot as we walk towards Terminal 5 and it was snowing!!!

I was in a terrific mood considering it was snowing, I was with a good friend and we were about to see a pretty awesome (hot item) band! Unfortunately my mood was quickly defused once we were turned away for fake tickets. I felt so stupid but we did see quite a few people walk out the doors of the ticket lobby muttering similar disappointment. Two girls outside mentioned paying a total of $200 for a pair of tickets and were turned away...OUCH. I definitely was not going above the $100 I spent for our pair considering the original price for the tickets was $30 a pop. 

Despite the upsetting news it was snowing and we had the whole night to take the city by storm, literally. And we did. Hopping on the subway heading downtown to try Bubby's for their late night breakfast menu since Keith expressed an interest in that particular cuisine. After feeling pretty proud that I found the place (in Tribecca - name streets makes it a little difficult) it was yet again another FAILURE. The waiter told us the "breakfast late night menu is not available (or ready to serve) until 12am midnight." Well that sucked but all the better. So out into the fluffy whiteness heading north to 14 St. We walked and walked and walked. FYI don't where Timberland boots if a) they are not weather proof, and b) walking long distances. Of course I did not know it was expected to snow (which is why I was so happy) but the walking bit I could have prevented especially after we ate our late dinner at Coppelia.

Cross bridge over the exit of the Lincoln tunnel into Canal St/Chinatown/Tribecca area

The upside to the extraneous walk up to 14 St was walking through Greenwich Village and once we arrived at the eclectic Peruvian/Cuban/Mexican fusion diner I ate to my heart's content. The menu was very random and made it hard to choose a dish but I was thoroughly pleased with my choice (see pic below) and the coffee WOW was too die!

Menu at Coppelia

Sweet tooth - challah french toast with fresh fruit, caramel and syrup

After our bellies were full we continued to walk around the city. Keith, having not so many experiences in the city like me, was open to seeing/doing whatever. So we went to Union Square. Fond memories of all the seasons in that area so I thought it was worth a shot.

Its as if I should expect anywhere and everywhere I choose to go I will find someone I know particularly someone I know from Montclair. "Catherine Valero?!?!?!" (with excitement, bewilderment and shock). Frasier and Rebecca, colleagues both Keith and I had gone to school with, were with a few people coming out of an apartment near Union Square on 14th St heading east. All I got to say about that is...strange but now I will forever expect that type of scenario to happen. The world is so big yet so small.

 I loved the glass torch-like awnings on this building we past going west

from Park 

 Empire State at night in the snow on 5th heading uptown

 Frozen water fountain in Bryant Park 

 Erie Rockefeller Center. No one skating and no one in sight

Following day Keith, mom and I went back into the city to investigate art at the Met and see Grand Central considering it was the centennial and I had never been inside (except via subway). We ate an early lunch at Junior's (not my fave but I had a delicious grilled cheese & bacon on challah bread) and afterwards got back on the subway to 86th street to visit the Guggenheim (didn't go inside since Keith would've missed out due to the ramps were closed for construction purposes). We walked down a few blocks to the Met and spent the next 3+ hours there. It's HUGE! Of course not as big as some art museums I've been to in the world (i.e. the louvre in Paris) but for America its pretty awesome.

 100 detail on the windows in honor of the centennial

 Starring at the unique structure of the Guggenheim before we walked 

a few blocks south on 5th to the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Interestingly AWESOME drums of ancient Indonesia I think?

We departed from Keith in Port Authority and headed home. I was really feeling the pain in my feet from all the walking I had done in the last 24hrs so instead of going to the Irish pub for another restaurant week deal and to watch the Superbowl we stayed home. There were major benefits in staying home: comfy clothes, free meal thanks to my mom's bf Dennis who paid for dinner, check out Superbowl stuff on our own tv while online and I could go upstairs to my bed at anytime. 

Leaving my mom is always sad especially since we have a really great relationship: we're mother-daughter and best friends. But all good things must come to an end right? At least we had the entire day on Monday to spend more time together since she called out of work. I am exceptionally grateful to have her in my life and I know I'm eternally blessed. 

Christmas & Good Times with Family

The last few weeks home have been packed with things to do with family. One of them being a visit to the cemetery in New York on the way to see my Grandparents in Queens. We've (my mom and I) have been coming to see my grandma's (her mother whom I never had the opportunity to meet) grave. Over the years a few more people have died and were buried in this lot including my great grandmother Dee-Dee who died at 98 on Christmas day in 2001. Although I never really thought about it before I realized this year that after my mom is gone this will probably become my tradition. I don't know about other people but I find cemeteries very peaceful and even fun. I used to run around as a kid and play hide and seek. Bringing life to the dead...

 Below is a picture of our Christmas tree this year. We went to a tree farm in central Jersey near Princeton to cut our own tree. Its been a tradition to return to the same tree farm every year (with the exception of maybe one or two years) and more recently we've gotten into a habit of cutting our own. This year we brought Tom and Adam (Tom's son) along. Mom and I dressed the tree in ornaments Christmas Eve day while we watched Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer. That weekend we also put up the lights and garland on the front porch. Our home was finally looking appropriate. Everywhere you looked I could see the spirit of Christmas. 

Christmas Day was a nice quite time with Uncle Jack. We opened presents and cooked appetizers and dinner dishes all day. Dennis, my Mom's boyfriend, came to join us for dinner. The pot roast was perfect especially with Mom's special horseradish sauce! Afterwards we called my cousins in Georgia to check in (an annual tradition --call all the relatives on Christmas). It was great to play a joke on them using Dennis as an announcer for the Mets ticket office. Uncle Jack (major baseball fan) has a long track record joking with my cousins who are Braves fans.  

Me and my cat Jessica (18 yrs old)

Our dinner...yum

The next few days Uncle Jack stayed with us. I decided to check out and see what was going on in town. We ended up going to City Hall to finally see what Mom had been raving about. She had mentioned that there was a room in City Hall that was used in the movie Quiz Show. We also went to see the Colgate clock near the Hudson. Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to see that since it started snowing and it was way to windy for me to volunteer walking around the boardwalk even with a crazy Uncle that would do anything (and loves the cold like me).

The last day Jack was here Mom took a half-day and we all went into the city for our traditional Christmas visit. We've gone into the city almost every Christmas most of the time with someone new to the area or here for a limited amount of time or someone who has never been to NYC. Note to anyone: Manhattan is magical during this time of year so don't wait, GO! We weren't as impressed by the tree this year (even though it's from NJ) but Saks' windows were a nice balance (compared to years past). We also went into the public library. My mom knows how much I LOVE libraries so she wanted to take me. I'm glad she did because I couldn't help but feel awe-struck as I walked into the building especially the study room. Of course all the scenes from movies and tv shows flooded my mind as I walked through (i.e. The Day After Tomorrow, Sex and the City, etc). I asked one of the librarians how many books the library carried and they said over 3,000,000 or probably more!! Knowing how amazed I was at all the visits to college campuses during my junior and senior years at high school I thought it was so sweet of my mom to think to do this.

Macy's windows - a history of Macy's

The public library

After Uncle Jack left early Friday morning Mom and I spent the rest of the time I was home together with the exception of a little holiday get-together on Saturday. We invited some family and friend over to have lunch and drinks and celebrate the New Year. It was so nice to finally meet some of our neighbors and to see Uncle Gerry, Aunt Mary and my cousin Kerry. Also thanks to my mom we played some Christmas games which was an interesting experience as you can imagine.

Sunday was a leisure day. Mom and I went to see Les Miserables. We both thought it was great, however, I was the most blown away by Russel Crowe's voice no matter WHAT the stupid critics say. I never thought he'd sound that great! Hugh Jackman on the other hand (especially an actor with theater experience) I wasn't as impressed, however, reminded of the actor who played Jean Valjean WOW it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. 

New Years Eve was just us. I originally had adventurous plans to go out in NYC with my friend Kristi who lives in DC, however, do to her cancelled flight back from Iowa over Christmas she couldn't miss more work. Mom and I did attempt to spend the night on the town but between the band, that was scheduled to play at the bar we went to, standing around instead of playing and mom being somewhat tired we decided to watch the ball drop at home. It was nice to just be together.