One thing about being in NY is that all the people I come in contact with on a daily basis is in the age range of 21-35. In fact, I sometimes wonder if there are any kids/teens in NY since I barely even see them outside in public. At my work, my director/boss is one year shy of being 30, and I don't think there's anyone in the office in their 40's and above. Even the oldest married couples at church are in their early 30's (and it's not like we have a KM with older parents either). You would think it would be fun and exciting to be constantly around people your own age (which it is), but sometimes, I feel as though a part of my life feels empty.
I didn't realize how much this took a toll on me until today when I found myself playing with the babies at church (ah~ they're so cute) and gravitating towards these korean grandparents in the bus. A few weeks ago, after seeing some pictures of my nephew back at home, I realized how much I missed him and my niece. It was so strange... it wasn't like the kind of extremely temporal and sporadic hollowness I feel from missing friends at home (where I would think about them briefly and possibly end up texting or fb messaging them), but it was an almost painful, longing kind of heartache. I ended up calling their house and talking to them. I know they could care less about talking to me (I think their mom literally forced them on the phone while they were watching t.v.), but it warmed my little heart to hear their extremely high-pitched voices. I also called my grandma, and though she can't hear anything I'm saying due to her poor hearing, it was nice to be greeted by her screaming about how much she misses me. I can't wait to see them all for Christmas.
11.28.2010
11.26.2010
mall rat
NYC has pretty much of everything, and the best of it too. However, one thing that it seriously lacks is indoor shopping malls.
The top three malls that I would frequent back in California:
1. Brea Mall
Brea is like your reliable best friend. You know the in's and out's of that place... you know where every store is, what types of booths there are in the food court, the whole she-bang. It's nice without being arrogant. There are a good array of affordable shops. You've got your Banana's to your H&M's to your Nordstrom's- nothing is superfluous. In general, the crowd seems to consist of friendly, wholesome middle class folks.
2. Beverly Center
This is like your rich cousin you see on an biennial basis... kind of snooty but tolerable. It's good to visit once in a while, but you would get sick of it if you saw it too often. Most of the shops you can't really afford, but it's nice to know it's there. Something about the place seems a little bare, lacking of substance & variety.
3. Puente Hills Mall
This is like your deadbeat ex-boyfriend that you dated in high school. Whenever you go back, there's constantly new stores (whatta whore), but they're all cheap and tacky and will be gone in a month. You go there maybe once every time you go home for some last-minute purchase, because it's convenient, but every time you go, you feel a bit paranoid that you'll see some blast from the past and try to get outta there as quickly as possible.
So for Black Friday this year, my cousin and I decided to go to the Garden State Plaza (NJ's landmark mall). Big mistake. I somehow forgot I can't stand mobs of people in enclosed areas. I also almost forgot how malls seem to attract the most annoying types of people.
1. Teenagers
They are just so loud and obnoxious, toting their Pacsun shopping bags and Mcdonalds cups. I ask myself if I were ever that loud and obnoxious when I was in my teens. No, I was always a 25-year-old in a 16-year-old body. ha! That can't be right because I don't even feel like a 25-year-old in a 25-year-old body. But yeah, I would like to think that I could've never been that bad.
2. Really big people
Okay, I know I'm going to come off as a really mean witch, and maybe because I now rarely see overweight people walking in the streets of New York, but they are just so slow and take up too much space. And always eating pretzels.
3. Asian mother-and-daughter pairs
I always seem to run into these types when I'm shopping in a store. It's usually the case of the overbearing mother telling the quiet, slightly insecure daughter what to try on and what to buy. I don't know why this bothers me so much, but it just does. They're somehow always Asian... usually Korean.
Regardless, I know one of the first things I will do when I go back home is visit a wonderful popcorn-scented, mob-infested mall. Even of the loser ex-boyfriend variety.
The top three malls that I would frequent back in California:
1. Brea Mall
Brea is like your reliable best friend. You know the in's and out's of that place... you know where every store is, what types of booths there are in the food court, the whole she-bang. It's nice without being arrogant. There are a good array of affordable shops. You've got your Banana's to your H&M's to your Nordstrom's- nothing is superfluous. In general, the crowd seems to consist of friendly, wholesome middle class folks.
2. Beverly Center
This is like your rich cousin you see on an biennial basis... kind of snooty but tolerable. It's good to visit once in a while, but you would get sick of it if you saw it too often. Most of the shops you can't really afford, but it's nice to know it's there. Something about the place seems a little bare, lacking of substance & variety.
3. Puente Hills Mall
This is like your deadbeat ex-boyfriend that you dated in high school. Whenever you go back, there's constantly new stores (whatta whore), but they're all cheap and tacky and will be gone in a month. You go there maybe once every time you go home for some last-minute purchase, because it's convenient, but every time you go, you feel a bit paranoid that you'll see some blast from the past and try to get outta there as quickly as possible.
So for Black Friday this year, my cousin and I decided to go to the Garden State Plaza (NJ's landmark mall). Big mistake. I somehow forgot I can't stand mobs of people in enclosed areas. I also almost forgot how malls seem to attract the most annoying types of people.
1. Teenagers
They are just so loud and obnoxious, toting their Pacsun shopping bags and Mcdonalds cups. I ask myself if I were ever that loud and obnoxious when I was in my teens. No, I was always a 25-year-old in a 16-year-old body. ha! That can't be right because I don't even feel like a 25-year-old in a 25-year-old body. But yeah, I would like to think that I could've never been that bad.
2. Really big people
Okay, I know I'm going to come off as a really mean witch, and maybe because I now rarely see overweight people walking in the streets of New York, but they are just so slow and take up too much space. And always eating pretzels.
3. Asian mother-and-daughter pairs
I always seem to run into these types when I'm shopping in a store. It's usually the case of the overbearing mother telling the quiet, slightly insecure daughter what to try on and what to buy. I don't know why this bothers me so much, but it just does. They're somehow always Asian... usually Korean.
Regardless, I know one of the first things I will do when I go back home is visit a wonderful popcorn-scented, mob-infested mall. Even of the loser ex-boyfriend variety.
the revenge of the nerd
As I've been watching unhealthy amounts of How I Met Your Mother episodes, I can't help but relate to the show's protagonist Ted Mosby as he tries to find love in the large, often isolating, city of Manhattan. Yeah, the characters are not as iconic as Friends nor is it nearly as funny as Arrested Development, but there is a certain element of sweetness and warmth in the show as it highlights the importance of bromance/friendships and the concept of fate.
Also, it gave a second life to the careers of the beloved Willow and Doogie Howser. I think finding a perfect role for an actor is almost like finding a perfect mate. I love it when actors are perfectly cast in their respective roles- like they were born for their parts. Though it may often be limiting to most actors, which is usually the case for people who were strictly known for their roles in famous sitcoms, it is very comforting for the viewer to see that perfect match. And how nice it is for actors like Alyson Hannigan and Neil Patrick Harris to find that, a second time around.
Speaking of Alyson Hannigan, that girl has really got it good (not only in her roles, but in her personal life as well). From Buffy's sidekick to the horny band nerd in the American Pie series, she always played the ultimately dweebus. I didn't know this, but she's actually married to Alexis Denisof (Sandy Rivers, Robin's cheesy co-anchor in HIMYM) who also played a "watcher" in Buffy, which is where he and Hannigan first met.
And they have a baby too! Aren't they the cutest family ever?
Her life seems quite enviable. This adorable getup reminds me of the Office and Modern Family Halloween episodes. When I have a family, I'm so going to get my husband and kids to get all decked out for Halloween in an overbearing manner like Pam and Claire did.
Also, it gave a second life to the careers of the beloved Willow and Doogie Howser. I think finding a perfect role for an actor is almost like finding a perfect mate. I love it when actors are perfectly cast in their respective roles- like they were born for their parts. Though it may often be limiting to most actors, which is usually the case for people who were strictly known for their roles in famous sitcoms, it is very comforting for the viewer to see that perfect match. And how nice it is for actors like Alyson Hannigan and Neil Patrick Harris to find that, a second time around.
Speaking of Alyson Hannigan, that girl has really got it good (not only in her roles, but in her personal life as well). From Buffy's sidekick to the horny band nerd in the American Pie series, she always played the ultimately dweebus. I didn't know this, but she's actually married to Alexis Denisof (Sandy Rivers, Robin's cheesy co-anchor in HIMYM) who also played a "watcher" in Buffy, which is where he and Hannigan first met.
And they have a baby too! Aren't they the cutest family ever?
Her life seems quite enviable. This adorable getup reminds me of the Office and Modern Family Halloween episodes. When I have a family, I'm so going to get my husband and kids to get all decked out for Halloween in an overbearing manner like Pam and Claire did.
11.23.2010
youtube, the bane of my existence.
So because I should be doing my work right now, I will be sharing some clips of the adorable andrew garfield, my latest boycrush. Sure, you're weedy and kind of shy. Some girlie out there must be needy for a weedy, shy guy.
here's andrew & jesse doting on each other. they flirt so awkwardly.
andrew & carey.
The film did not give justice to Ishiguro's heartbreakingly intricate and harrowing novel... but these two & their loveliness (kindof) made up for it.
here's andrew & jesse doting on each other. they flirt so awkwardly.
andrew & carey.
The film did not give justice to Ishiguro's heartbreakingly intricate and harrowing novel... but these two & their loveliness (kindof) made up for it.
11.16.2010
what is yet to come
The pages are still blank, but there is a miraculous feeling of the words being there, written in invisible ink and clamoring to become visible.- vladmir nabokov
11.12.2010
remembrance
While we were walking to the bus terminal on 41st st. the other day, my friend looked around and exclaimed how we pass by this area everyday as if it's any ol' block in town, yet Times Square is considered the #1 destination for people all over the world.
I remember a little over a year ago when I visited NYC, all chipper and starry-eyed... Right when I stepped into this glitzy strip of lights, I couldn't contain my simple, unaffected vigor for life. But now, I've officially become the numbed, jaded New Yorker as I irritably pass straight through people's pictures and shove my way through the masses. I keep my strained eyes to the ground to avoid the bright lights (as well as eye contact with rowdy, homeless folks).
It's almost like being in a relationship with someone. In the beginning, you're just giddy with excitement and you notice the great, unique qualities that sets this person (or in this case, this city) apart. But after a while, seeing him day-to-day, you just become desensitized and forget the initial charm of his quick wit or his manly gait. His singularity becomes a normality, and you wonder to yourself how things have gotten so... (for lack of a better word) blah. I guess that's the flaw of man: we just get used to everything where we end up appreciating nothing.
So New York, I will promise not to take you for granted. I will be in awe of the flatiron building every morning when I pass it. I will fall in love with Central Park like it's the first time. I will take joy in riding your subways and passing through your busy streets. I will not forget why I left deadbeat Cali for you. You will always be numero uno.
I remember a little over a year ago when I visited NYC, all chipper and starry-eyed... Right when I stepped into this glitzy strip of lights, I couldn't contain my simple, unaffected vigor for life. But now, I've officially become the numbed, jaded New Yorker as I irritably pass straight through people's pictures and shove my way through the masses. I keep my strained eyes to the ground to avoid the bright lights (as well as eye contact with rowdy, homeless folks).
It's almost like being in a relationship with someone. In the beginning, you're just giddy with excitement and you notice the great, unique qualities that sets this person (or in this case, this city) apart. But after a while, seeing him day-to-day, you just become desensitized and forget the initial charm of his quick wit or his manly gait. His singularity becomes a normality, and you wonder to yourself how things have gotten so... (for lack of a better word) blah. I guess that's the flaw of man: we just get used to everything where we end up appreciating nothing.
So New York, I will promise not to take you for granted. I will be in awe of the flatiron building every morning when I pass it. I will fall in love with Central Park like it's the first time. I will take joy in riding your subways and passing through your busy streets. I will not forget why I left deadbeat Cali for you. You will always be numero uno.
11.07.2010
street art
I love walking thru Chelsea/the Meatpacking District, because of all the random street art... it's like a happenstance outdoor exhibit- for free! I have a thing for low-brow art (though I hate the graffiti on the way to Queens taking the 7 train... something about it is just overwhelmingly garish...reminds me of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air logo).
I'd have to say David Choe was the one who first piqued my interest for this genre. After watching his documentary Dirty Hands, I was very wow-ed by his wayward path, rebelling against his very normal Korean-American upbringing. Also, his first solo show was called "Double Rainbow," way before the youtube clip made it popular... what a trend-setter. I also met him in person a few years ago at the Giant Robot meet & greet and he was unexpectedly sweet... even to my male friend who hit on him.
(I remember I thought he was so cool and would lie to my old co-workers saying he was my cousin...)And ever since watching Exit Through the Giftshop, I was completely enthralled by this secret inner circle of street artists. I think what really appeals me to when it comes to Banksy's art is his ability to balance the light and heavy. He is able to convey deep, dark, and often political/social messages in a whimsical way. This bit of playfulness is what I appreciate when it comes to art whether its Magritte's surrealistic paintings, Billy Collin's poetry or Kundera/Vonnegut's unconventional narrative voices.
With my bowler hat, I should've been THIS guy for Halloween.My goal in NY is to become a street artist. Of course, announcing it here on my blog already takes away my street cred (I'm supposed to be as anonymous and elusive as possible). Nevertheless, I'm already working on my trademark designs and a catchy pseudonym.
11.01.2010
baby stalker
I'm not a big "baby" person... I'm part of the rare minority of Korean girls who don't go goo-goo ga-ga over every baby in sight; instead, I'm a bit awkward. But for some reason, I love looking at baby pics on facebook. Yep, instead of stalking ex-bf's and random people, I like stalking babies. ~Yet, I don't understand parents who make facebook accounts for their babies... something about it is kind of unsettling and creepy. Like if I were to grow up and find out my parents made a fb account for me... I would feel a little violated. I didn't give them permission to post all my pics for the world to see or the power to choose my friends. It's like my parents not only gave me the gift of life but cyberlife as well. That's just too much. But who knows, maybe starting from this generation, all babies will start having fb accounts. It'll be as common as a birth certificate. The future scares me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)