Healthy Wagers

(photo via nbc.com)

New Yorkers are serious about their sports. I'll tell ya, they have a ton of pride. Arizona - eh, the Phoenix Suns have a big-time following, but everything else - not so much.

Since the Yankees are heading to the World Series for their 50 millionth time, there's quite a bit of friendly jesting with the opposing team - the Phillies. However, there have been several healthy wagers established in light of the Turnpike Series.

I'm giving major props to the city mayors - Michael Bloomberg (New York City) and Michael Nutter (Philadelphia) for coming up with a creative way to stay competitive. Pending the completion of the series, the losing team's mayor will have to devote himself to a community service project in the winning city sporting the winning team's colors. (AKA - If the Yankees win, Nutter will come to NYC and wear pinstripes for his community service project. If the Phillies win, Bloomberg will head to Philadelphia for a community service project wearing the classic Phillies red.)

But, it doesn't stop there. Two markets - The New York City Hunts Terminal Market and the Philadelphia Regional Produce Market - have agreed on a bet as well - and it's definitely a good one! The loser will donate TEN TONS of food to the winner's choice food bank in the winner's city. How phenomenal is that?? It's so heartening to see the community use their pride for their city as a way to give back. The next two weeks should be pretty amazing. :)

Waking Up in the Dark

(photo via englishcut.com)

Yeah, about the whole - winter - thing...  Since there are more dark hours than light hours in this season, I've been waking up to darkness the past few weeks. I'm usually up by 6a (I've got the early shift at work.), so my bedroom is pitch-black. I usually stumble around (shoes everywhere) for the light-switch before I can get my morning started. Waking up in the dark is kind of a bummer. I feel like I should be snuggling back into bed. I must say, though, once I'm on the road to work, I witness some pretty spectacular sunrises - oh-so breathtaking.

My Flu Shot

Per request of my dear old Dad, I got a flu shot this weekend. I'm working at the hospital now and they were offering them up for free. It didn't hurt at all, but I have been experiencing some "flu-like" symptoms the past few days - body aches, head aches, sore throat. This is to be expected, according to the nurse who gave me the shot. If I catch the full-blown flu, however, this girl is gonna be pretty upset.

However, I'm hearing more and more stories of people I know getting the Swine Flu... Gotta be prepared, unfortunately.

IMAX

(photo via blogger.com)

Where the Wild Things Are at the IMAX Theatre this weekend. Totally. Amazing! The movie filled the entire screen... And the screen was HUGE. The creators of the film did a great job interpreting the book. Some of the pieces were more interesting than others... But overall, it was pretty phenom. Two thumbs up!

Men with Flowers

(photo via gettyimages.com)

There's this stigma - men who carry flowers are guilty of something... Whatever. I'm tossing on my rose-colored glasses for this.

I saw two, count 'em - two, men carrying flowers this morning. One of these men was also carrying two coffees and a brown Dunkin Donuts bag. Of course, my heart tells me this nice fella stepped out for coffee and planned to return and surprise his lovely partner with flowers too. Ahh, swoon!

Whatever a girl says, "I hate flowers," she still loves receiving them. Regardless of the stigma, there's something oh-so refreshing about a seeing a man carrying a bundle of fresh blossoms. It kind of makes your heart tinker... I wonder if men feel the same way as they pick out a nice arrangement?

Warm Thoughts

(photo via flickr.com)

It's become quite important for me to remind those I love how much I love them. Living in New York, I'm quite distant from a lot of the people with whom I share close relationships. Mama Meyer is able to visit pretty frequently - and I'm oh-so blessed with this; however, I struggle not seeing my Sister, my Dad, my niece, my close friends on a regular basis. For awhile, I had to remind myself to tell those I love how much I love them. Now, I make a point to end every phone call (OK, almost every-ish) with an "I love you," or an "I miss you," or even an "I think of you often." I've been told it's amazing and quite lovely to hear - that even though they're note *here,* they're actually *here.*

My Weekly Fix

I gotta share my latest findings on ffffound.com! Enjoy. ;)

Reasons to Get Excited - Volume 2

I think I've watched the trailer a dozen times because I'm totally smitten with the song that is played - "Wake up," by Arcade Fire. (Download. Immediately!)

I looooved this book growing up. I've decided it's is timeless; I think the message spans across generations. And, I've decided I'm buying it for my niece this Christmas - no questions about it.

Anyhoo, we're going to see the movie at the IMAX on Sunday and I'm really looking forward to it. It's gonna launch me back to Ms. Morgan's Kindergarten class - when she used to read to us after our afternoon snack. Ahhh, I can feel my eyes swelling... At the end of the year, we each got to pick a book from her collection to keep. I picked this one. It's buried in my room back in Phoenix - but it's definitely time to unearth it from its resting place.

Ear Muffs

Today, I dropped ten bones on a nice headband/earmuff... thing... from etsy.com. It's absolutely adorable and I'm super psyched to wear it. (If you haven't visited etsy.com, I highly suggest you mosey on over there ASAP. Everything is hand-made and sold directly by the artist/designer/creator/etc.) Watch out, winter! I'm comin'!

Reasons to Get Excited - Volume 1

I'm graduating from John Jay in less than a year (to be discussed in future volumes of RTGE). As a graduation present, Mama Meyer is taking me on a Garden Tour of Cape Town, South Africa. We're going on safari!! I'm getting uber excited as we start to put the plan into action. I'm thinking I'd like to go shark-diving while I'm there. (I'm serious.) Why not, eh?

Midterms. Oi.

(image via ffffound.com)

It's about that time in the semester - when this girl begins to lose her mind. I've got about a million little projects in the works and my head is about to spin off into another dimension. Lucky for me, Mama Meyer was able to visit me in the city last night - a perfect little dose of home to keep me going through November. Ahh, we had dinner at Europan Cafe - as usual, then returned to my apartment so I could finish some homework assignments. Of course, my mother tinkered around on the flight attendant discussion board...

My mom always seems to know what to say to make me feel better. For a long time there, she would say: "Oh Lauren, it will be OK." And I used to think - "No, mother! It won't. Right now, it's not OK." Since then, she's seemed to curb such words, but last night - she said it and didn't even realize it. Oddly enough, it didn't bother me like it used to... I always tell myself everything works out for the best... But I'm finally ok with others saying it, and having it mean something.

Thank you, mom. You really are very special.

Mamma Mia

Last Wednesday night, Alix's parents treated us to a Broadway show - Mamma Mia. Oooh my! It was totally marv! I was totally thrilled that my Wednesday night class was cancelled so I could attend the event. Anyhoo, all the show posters claim you'll be dancing in the aisles before the end of the night - so true! The set was amazing; the cast was amazing; the show - totally amazing! Super psyched I was included in the evening. I'll hang onto that night forever. :)

We're Reminded... Every Once in Awhile...

(image via ffffound.com)

I work in a large office. Lots of people come and go. It's always scary to leave your personal belongings around when you know they will be exposed to so many different people - a lot of them are students. Unfortunately, students get a bad wrap for stealing, among other things. However, there have been several occasions - this morning counts as one - where a student has returned something left behind by another student. The unfortunate soul who left her keys at one of the computer stations came back in a panic this morning - and was oh-so warmed when she discovered her keys (car, house, yacht, safe, etc) had been handed over to the front desk for safe keeping by another student. The world is not full of dishonest people, despite what we sometimes think...

Daily Candy

(photo via dailycandy.com)

It's like a little piece of chocolate arriving in my g-mail/mail-box every morning. Daily Candy is a website that sends daily e-mails to it's fans, outlining all the hot activities and fun products available in that city for that day. Today in New York, a totally awesome stationary designer, Julene Harrison, is featured. "You are the Beez Neez." Awh, it makes my heart sing! (Daily Candy is available in dozens of cities: Dallas, San Francisco, London, Washington D.C... The list goes on!) It really is a treat. I don't always have the dinero to spend on some of the more fancy outing suggestions, but it is quite lovely to peruse the items - kind of like window shopping, but not really...

Back in Phoenix...

(photo via arizonaballooning.com)

I'm trying to get all my pals on board for a hot-air balloon ride around the city. So far, it's not going so well, as the entire event would be kind of pricey... Nonetheless, I'm still totally infatuated with the idea! The desert is absolutely gorgeous, so can you imagine seeing it from hundreds of feet in the air - simply floating along? Gosh, it would be truly magnificent! Hopefully, oh-so hopefully, I can make it happen! :)

Martha's Vineyard

I've been obsessing over my non-existent/future home on Martha's Vineyard more and more recently. Perhaps having such close proximity to the beloved sea town has created an unruly desire to settle somewhere maritime-ish. I'd love to have a summer home off Cape Code (any cape, really) and I'm thinking Martha's Vineyard would be absolutely ideal. Of course, there is my whole "sand - allergy" to worry about, but I'd be willing to sacrifice the discomfort in order to inhale some sweet salt water air for a few weeks every summer. Note to self: Start saving your pennies. And nickels. And dimes. And $100 bills if you've got 'em.

(photos via tripadvisor.com)

It's like shopping...

I gotta do it, and forget about it (such a terrible metaphor, I know)... I've been so smitten with ffffound.com, that I decided to post a few of my favorite photos as of late, just to get it out of my system... Then I'll let it go for awhile... (Thank Brie & Tamara for introducing me to such a wicked obsession!)

Rutgers Game

Yesterday, Amanda and I went to the Rutgers/Texas Southern Game in New Brunswick, NJ. And, it was totallllyyy awesome! Besides the chill that was in the air, the weather was rather ideal for a football game. The stadium is huge and the entire thing is painted red. Plus, every person in the joint was wearing a red Rutgers shirt... Except me.

Amanda went to Rutgers for her undergrad so she showed me her old dorm and all of the places she used to hang out. It made me very nostalgic for Arizona State. (I miss you, Tempe!) We had dinner at a local microbrewery there in New Brunswick called Harvest Moon. My burger was phenom!

I'm really loving all the green. As we were driving around, I'm pretty sure I made a dozen comments about how green everything looks. They have these things called trees out here. Madness.

Anyhoo, I prefer college football to professional football, so yesterday was pretty special. Rutgers dominated Texas Southern with a 42-0 win. My, my TSU - you've got some catching up to do...

Cloudy Days

(image via ffffound!)

The weather has been pretty shabby the last few days - lots of rain clouds. All the professionals have said the sun is going to come out this afternoon. I could go for a little Vitamin D. Please Mr. Weatherman, be right about this.

Amen!

(photo via ffffound!)

This five-year old was a down-right genius. 'Nuff said.

"The Plan"

(photo via ffffound!)

Ok, I have realized that I have yet to describe (in slightly more detail than my "Mission Statement" declares) exactly why I'm here, in New York City...

I graduated from ASU with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Justice Studies. My junior year at ASU,  I decided that Forensic Psychology was my field of passion. Although it is still considered a small field, it is growing a lot of respect among it's counterparts. There are few schools that offer secondary degrees in Forensic Psychology, so it was slightly intimidating when I began the search and evaluation of graduate schools. After considering a dozen or so universities, I ultimately chose John Jay. They have a fantastic program and they are highly regarded in the field of Criminal Justice. I am one year into my program and I must say, it is going swimmingly.

The most exciting element of my education has become the sequence of reminders I have on a daily basis. I'm consistently coming in contact with people (professors, peers, researchers, counselors, administrators, etc) who prove ("Prove" is considered a "bad word" in Psychology. We can never "prove" anything, but I'm going to use it here - because it's proof for me.) to me how satisfying this work  can be. Through my education, I have discovered a sincere passion for Victim's Services; this is the demographic I would ultimately like to serve upon graduating.

I chose this field for a reason, and tonight I had another reminder why. I recently got on board with the CVTC (Crime Victims Treatment Center), thanks to AmyJane's recommendation. The CVTC is an amazing program offering resources to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, among others. Tonight was Day 1 of my training and it was absolutely amazing. Everybody in the room (close to 50-75 people I might say...) was so genuinely interested in giving back to the community in one way or another. Many of us were students; some of us were survivors of criminal violations, while others were simply interested in social work. Regardless of the motivations, the evening served as a hearty look at the  kind and devoted souls of this field. And, I'm proud to take part. The entire experience will be devastating, enlightening, and educational... And I'm really looking forward to it.

So then, "the plan..." I've fussed over the importance of writing since starting up this blog. I always seem to jump on my soap box about the power of writing and the demons that can be tamed through the written word. In regards to this notion, I have come to appreciate the power of written declarations. If I write something down, it becomes a sturdy obligation - something that must be accomplished. Although I must clarify - the term "obligation" suggests a degree of resistance. I'm not resisting, simply noting I have commitments that I, myself, have created... And thus, I insist on following through.

So, I've been saying for quite some time... "Oh yes, I'd like to get my doctoral degree after I finish my Master's," but in reality - those are just words - promises boasted by the drive I say I have... Here it is... In May of 2010, I will have graduated with my master's degree in Forensic Psychology (woot woot!) I have decided it is absolutely imperative to step away from my education for one year - perhaps to reboot my engines, give myself a break; but really, I need to reevaluate my financial status. New York City has simply tapped me dry. (Thank you, outrageous rent. Thank you, overpriced Starbucks!) It simply must happen... So then, I intend to submit my doctoral applications (in Clinical Psychology, foci in Child and Adolescent Trauma, Women's Studies) by December of 2010, and hopefully (fingers crossed) be accepted into a program to begin in the Fall of 2011. The next year and a half will serve as a dramatic challenge for myself. I must think positively, yet realistically. These programs will guaranteed be competitive and difficult. I may not be accepted on my first try... And, this is OK. It can happen, and I'm accepting of the possibilities of such risky business.

Yet, I am oh-so passionate about these studies, rejection will likely get me down - but not out.

You heard it here first, my friends. I've found something I love, so I'm gonna be here awhile...

Cathedral Parkway

It's truly a sight. It's huge. A single glance at the front of the cathedral hardly does justice. It extends across an entire avenue. And, it's absolutely gorgeous. Cathedral of Saint John the Divine sits on 110th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, on the upper west side. Right now, it's partially gated off for renovations, but it still takes your breath away. Ahh, it is quite lovely. And perhaps what is so lovely about the rustic building, is that it rests right in the center of bustling Manhattan. It's like a slice of heaven (pun intended) in the middle of a madhouse. Even more darling about it, there appears to be this aura that surrounds the entire area, like a plea of tranquility to all passers-by who are in a hurry to get from 'A' to 'B.' It's like Saint John himself is saying: "Hey, you there, my dear... Slow down. Take a deep breath. Your destination will still be there when you arrive..."

I'm suffering from a case of the Wednesdays!

It's Wednesday. Work has been painful and school is draining all of my energy. (There is a small violin playing somewhere...) So, I'm suffering from a major case of the Wednesdays! To fight the torrids of my mid-semester depression, I'm enlisting the services of MSN's Wonderful World page. I'll be chipper in no time!

This 92 year old woman just went skydiving! I'd love to believe that I'll be the type of crazy old lady who decides to surf the skies once more before I die. (I was lucky enough to go skydiving with Emily for her 20th birthday several years ago!) Maybe they offer a senior discount?

How selfless would you consider yourself? I'm all about pulling off a daily good deed and embracing the altruist in me. This woman donated one of her kidneys to her neighbor. The Kansas City neighbors were not close at first, but have developed a strong friendship - sharing car rides and meals together. The donating neighbor has been driving the donatee neighbor to dialysis appointments for over three years.

This guy won major brownie points! He spelled out a marriage proposal in an Ohio wheat field to his long time girlfriend. Then, he took her up in a plane to see it. She said no. Haha, just kidding! She said yes, obviously. ;)

At age 84, this guy got his high school diploma. He was unable to finish his degree when he was drafted to fight in World War II. Every passing moment is another chance to turn it all around, and he took advantage of that. Amen, man. Amen.

Indeed, I feel better already. :)

Layer Up

Not gonna lie, the whole... layering thing... kind of annoying. I love the idea of sporting fun scarves, coats, and boots, but when it comes right down to it, I'm anti-layers. I know that much of the charm of east coast winters is that you get to show off warmer trends - and that's fantastic; however, I still struggle. Waking up in the morning to see a light fog taper across my bedroom window tells me it's going to be a chilly day, and if I want to be at all comfortable, I have to layer up - camisole - long sleeve shirt - cardigan - jacket - scarf - gloves - leggings - jeans - wool socks - heavy boots... This is just one day, my friends, and it's down-right exhausting! I blame my dislike for these wardrobe tangos on my affinity for sweatshirts and "style scarves." (Style scarf = a thin scarf, paired with jeans and light blouse)

Of course, my dislike hardly stops me from making some oh-so necessary winter-time purchases (pfff!). I went crazy today and cashed in a few gift cards I had been keeping... Got a super cute coat from Old Navy and a edgy scarf from Francesca's Collections. Ok, winter, your presence is officially welcome.

Such a Sweet Hum?

(taken from the top of our apartment building)

The city is a loud place. Really loud. Upon moving in last summer, I found myself taking longer to fall asleep. Living in walking distance from Times Square, this is to be expected as cabs, buses, and tourists are constantly frolicking by. However, I'm not sure when it happened, but the sounds seem to blend more.

I hardly notice them now...

Every once in awhile, of course, I'll hear a person shout, or a cab driver lay on his or her horn for an extended amount of time, and I'll stop, shake my head, then continue to do whatever I was doing. But, this is a rare occurrence these days.

Interestingly enough, however, when I'm visiting Phoenix, the silence of my suburb is not foreign to me. I enjoy the peace that is my neighborhood. Is it possible I've come to appreciate the duality of big city and suburban living? If so, is it possible, then, that I'm able to gather such a conclusion based on my observations of the hum that envelopes New York City? Perhaps.

Indeed It Is

(photo via ffffound! {duh!})

One of my teachers used to tease me and some fellow students... "Your future is so bright, you gotta wear sunglasses." Then, I found this photo while perusing the web... And it brought back some nostalgia for high school.

Happy Saturday!

This makes me blush.

(photo via ffffound, my new obsession.)

What girl or guy wouldn't like/dislike hearing this from her or his crush? It's pretty sweet - and kind of intimidating. And, it makes me blush.

10 Things for October

10 Things That Make Me Insanely Happy

1. Halloween. It's a fun holiday. Not as cool as Thanksgiving, of course... But, Halloween is the first holiday of the holiday season. It ushers in a series of wonderful little events and activities. Plus, you get to dress up as something totally ridiculous and get away with it. Thumbs up for Halloween!

2. Grey's Anatomy. The entire show has gone down hill, but I still watch loyally. I can't get enough of McDreamy... Or... McSteamy... Or... Kirev...

3. Changing leaves. I'm a desert rat, thus I'm not a big fan of cold weather, but it's pretty sweet to see the leaves change with the temperature drop.

4. Boots, Mittens, and Scarves - oh my!

5. Kicked my nail-biting habit. For good. (Yess!)

6. Pedicures. They are quite lovely. I wear flip flops religiously, so my terrible little toes get a real beating. Thanks to the nail shop around the corner, they'll be looking fabulous by Sunday.

7. Greeting Cards. Snail mail is so under-rated. I just love sending and receiving cards in the mail. It's like a burst of sunshine emerging from the mailbox.

8. Luden's Throat Drops. I'm slowly recovering from a wicked head cold. Luden's Cherry Throat Drops are like candy, but oh-so helpful to soothe my sore throat. Indeed, there's a silver lining to everything. ;)

9. Researching doctoral programs. (Nerd alert!)

10. Countdowns to Vacations. (Thanksgiving = T - 51 days)

ffffound

So I just recently became a fan of ffffound.com. I had seen links on my dear friend Brie's blog, and I was told by a gal at work that I should check out this great photo website... Ok, people are talking about it; I should do some sniffing around.

Basically, it's a huge collaboration of photos from all over the web. Some are kind of silly; some are kind of fun; some are down right bizarre... You get the idea. I stumbled across this one tonight and totally fell in love. It says something real. And, who doesn't love being real?

Ruth, from 16

(photo via ffffound.)

Meet "Ruth," from 16.

As I was climbing aboard the Camelot Express, I was followed in by Ruth, from 16. I was just hanging up the phone with Hayley when dear Ruth's little dog began nipping at my toes. "SWEETIE! Stop it!" (What a nice name for a dog.) "What kind of service do you have, dear?" as she pointed to my cell phone. "Oh, Verizon, I'm just so thrilled with their customer service." She smiled and said: "You know, I just switched to Verizon from TMobile and I'm happy I made the switch." (This entire experience was beginning to feel like a cell phone commercial.) As the elevator arrived on my floor, I began to exit when dear Ruth began to explain her recent obsession with downloading ring tones. "I just downloaded 'Shiny Happy People' and I call myself to hear my phone ring with that song!" I started to laugh. The door closed and she gave me a thumbs up.

Dear Ruth. You're close to 70. Your dog smells, and likes to bite my toes. But, you rock out to R.E.M. on your cell phone. You're a pretty amazing gal. Oh Ruth, it was a pleasure chatting with you tonight.