The Tourist Lane

I literally burst out laughing after reading this blog post.

Improv Everywhere (if you haven't ever visited this site, YOU MUST DO SO IMMEDIATELY!) thought it would be a cool and exciting project. It was a huge hit! Really, this one photo hardly does justice to the comedy of this project. Please, please, please read! :)

New York City

I had the wonderful opportunity to fly back East this past weekend and mingle with some of my fave gals, visit my old stomping ground, and fill myself with some of the most amazing food ever!

If you're in the city, you must visit... 

CASK, order the white sangria and expect your life to change.

S'MAC, take a peek at the menu, then decide to order the NOSH size of the CAJUN Mac. Amazing.

16 Handles, create your own heaven in a cup, then die happy.

Magnolia Bakery, if you order the Banana Pudding, you'll have one bite and refuse to share.

Mercury Bar, if you're a drinker at all, order a "Dirty Girl Scout." No X-factor here, it's just a mint-cookie flavored shot. 

The Move

Moving across the country is quite a task. A rather exhausting one. It took weeks and weeks of planning and anxiety. I decided to sell all my furniture, ship a couple of dozen boxes back to Phoenix, and finally - migrate west by plane. The shenanigans of organizing this were absolutely ridiculous, including the movement of *heavy* boxes out of the city and into the cargo center at JFK, the sale of all of my furniture (yep, all of it!), and the tying of loose ends with my lovely shoebox apartment. And I must say, I simply could not have done it without the assistance of my dear mother. Bless her heart for putting up with my stress attacks and anxious remarks. She drove the cargo van in and out of the city with grace.

(My dear mother, helping me ship a few bigger pieces to Phoenix.)

Everything arrived in one piece at Phoenix Sky Harbor (for the most part), and we were able to get everything home in one trip with the cargo van. While driving my boxes to the cargo center in Queens, NY, I remember thinking, "I want today and tomorrow to be over." Now, it is... And, it's weird. 

My Return to Phoenix...

(photo via fffound.com)

Has been really lovely. I know I've been MIA - lots of stories to share. (Not gonna lie, it made my heart tinker when I started hearing from you, inquiries of my whereabouts!) Plus, Cue is gonna get a re-vamp. It's time for a change... Since New York City isn't my venue anymore. (Sigh.)

I miss it, as expected. I miss my independence. My own apartment. My own walk to work. My own Starbucks across the street. I made the right choice migrating west. But, I still miss it. 

"Life is a hell of a thing to happen to a person..." - Rossi

Plenty more to come. 

Window Shopping

(photo via wikimedia.com)

Spring cleaning is wretched. Indeed, it feels oh-so good to see the progress, but the whole dust-bunny thing kind of kills me. However, this time around, I had a different agenda. Due to my upcoming migration west, I decided it would be wise to clean out my closet. You may recall me talking about Housing Works a few posts back... Welp, I decided to donate some used clothes to them. Their store is pretty baller. The window motifs are fun and frisky. Although it's a thrift store, I'm pretty sure its operated by some fresh fashionistas.

So, to my story... I donated a few bags of clothes last week. As I was walking by the store today, one of my donated purses hung on the wrist of the window mannequin. Ahh! Cool, eh? I thought to myself, "Wow, I really like that bag!"

Phoenix

Indeed I just graduated, and I'm getting a lot of "What's next, Lauren??" and "Find a job yet??" and even a few "The real world is scary! Are you ready??"

So, what is next? Here's the story...

After careful consideration, I've decided to move back to Phoenix. Pause for reaction.

I've mentioned it in blogs here and there, and perhaps alluded to my excitement for returning to my hometown. The truth is, I miss it.

Yes, I love, love, love Manhattan. I have developed a sincere passion for this big city lifestyle. But, I'm ready for something else. Will I find it in Phoenix? Maybe. But, I know I've looked for it here, and I haven't found it. The next year will give me the opportunity to seek some field experience, now that I've completed my degree. And, I'd like to obtain my PhD one day, but the reality is... Money is a bit tight and it would be wise to spend my summer making a genuine investment in my future, that is studying for the GRE (Yikes!) and writing phenomenal letters to schools. And even better - spending some quality time with my family and friends. I miss my dear Miss Kate, my wonderful Sister, my supportive parents, and my lovely friends. I'm ready to make Phoenix a home, even if it's a temporary transition to something else. Sure, I've gotten some grief from some pals here in NYC, like I'm giving up on this lifestyle, like I couldn't hack it, like I disliked it all along... They joke, of course. But, the reality is... I did succeed here. I'm not giving up, simply moving along, heading in another direction.

So, I have a wicked to-do while I'm home! I still have four crazy weeks left in New York City. I've got some research to wrap up, and a few tasks to take care of. Naturally, I plan to make the very most of my final days in the city, embracing the grace and charm of this city. But, here are a few things on my mind...

1. Eat at Pita Pit with my gal pals. 

2. Shop at the H & M in Scottsdale with my Sister (Cha! There are H & M's in NYC, but I'd like to dig into a little big city shopping as a desert rat.)

3. Central Coast Wine Tour. 'Nuff said. 

4. Dance. Dance. Dance. 

5. Take an Aqua Zumba Class

6. Canoodle with my Mom, Sister, and Baby Kate

7. Go swimming. In a swimming pool. While it's 100 degrees outside. 

8. Cosmic Bingo! My friend Kristin piqued my interest yesterday. 

9. Drive. A car. With the windows down.

10. Get a good haircut. (I really only trust my hairdresser in Phoenix. Snobbish? No, just selective.)

11. Eat at Postino with Brie.

12. Do the Scottsdale Art Walk.

13. Go on a hot air balloon ride.

14. Go Salt River Tubing.

15. Find a job? Whoa, how did *finding a job* make it on this list?

16. Visit the Cave Creek Thieves Market. Have you ever heard of this??

17. Visit First Friday in Downtown Phoenix, hosted by ArtLink

18. Go Bowling. 

19. Join the gym again. Amen. 

20. Surround myself with family and friends. 

Picnic on the Roof

To celebrate our graduations and transition to adulthood (whatever that is), we decided to invite friends from our programs over to the apartment for a picnic party on the roof. The weather was downright gorgeous and the sunset was the perfect encore to the evening. We had sexy sangria and some delightful little snacks. Aaron even made his famous bruschetta!

Chchchcheck it out!

We even had a staring contest! I got the idea from A Cup of Jo several months back and I've been dying to try it out. My pals were a little skeptical at first, but we were all laughing by the end.

Ahh, the night was truly magical! 

I graduated!

It happened! Finally. After two years of blood, sweat, and tears, I'm done! (Ok, a bit dramatic, I know...)

The ceremony was quite lovely, but bitterly boring - as to be expected. However, I got to share the experience with my closest girlfriends. It was a very special time and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Check it out...

The City Got Smaller

 (photo via dablogter.blogspot.com)

Alright, while having a conversation with my friends Aaron, Alix, and Rachael recently, we were discussing our adventures in the city. They, too, are heading out after graduation (5 days!). By chance, I had walked by a restaurant they had just walked into. I called their names and they were surprised to see me standing there, just as I was surprised to see them standing there. Small freakin' world! We bantered back and forth and then decided I would return for a beer after running a few errands. So, this encounter sparked our conversation.


When I first moved out to New York, two years ago, I was nervous to go outside. I looked out my window and there was his whole world bustling below me. I had no idea what street was in front of me, no idea which way was South, North, etc. I didn't even know where the nearest grocery store was, and I was starvinggg! The city seemed like this huge pond with big fish everywhere, and I, a new little fish, was uber nervous to jump in.

But, I did. I quickly became acquainted with my neighborhood, and finally figured out where a grocery store was. (Psh!) I started visiting the sites uptown and downtown. I started getting involved with extracurricular activities. I started seeing my friends randomly on the street. And it was then that I noticed, the city got smaller. Ahh, perhaps it's more appropriate to say this little fish got bigger...

Burlesque Bikini Bootcamp!

(photo via googleimages)

My dear friend AmyJane is getting married in October (yaaaay!), and as a tribute to her upcoming nuptials, a group of gals decided to treat her to a Burlesque class in Chelsea. (Thanks to Hayley & Blakely for organizing!)

Oh. My. God.

It was so much funnn! Our teacher, Kitty Cavalier, was oh-so sexy and taught us some delicious dance moves. We started off with a steamy warm-up (no nudity!) and then finished with a spicy little number. The class lasted an hour and it was so silly and different, such an original way to celebrate a bachelorette's transition into marriage.

Traditionally, Burlesque dancing is a variety of acts, including dancing girls, singers, comedians, mime artists, striptease artists - all with a saucy edge. Of course, we were all wearing gym clothes and sneakers, but we were definitely sweating like crazy near the end. It was a tough work-out. Kitty encouraged us to simply love that reflection in the mirror, because "that is what burlesque is all about, loving yourself."

8 days

(photo via postsecret.blogspot.com, shared by my friend Rachael)

8 days, my friends. 8 long, long, long, oh-so very long days. On Thursday, May 27th, I'll be a Master scholar. Yessss! I've been MIA the past week trying to wrap up a million loose ends with school, work, externship, yadda, yadda, yadda. But, I'll be back in blogging action quite soon. I have some serious shenanigans to share! Isn't it madness to think... The last two years have just flown by. But time, now, seems to be just creeping by. The next 8 days will be totally brutal, but I'm almost there! :)

Mole People

I'm reading a new book... Mole People, by Jennifer Toth, per the suggestion of my dear friend Rachel. It's most certainly an interesting read, outlining life in the tunnels below New York City. Since living here for a few years now, the stories hit home. The author acknowledges places like "48th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues... Trains enter the city from New Jersey..." where "houseless" people gain access to their homes. Yes, indeed, this is my neighborhood.  Many of the stories are frightful, as the author interviewed real people who are really living under the city, in areas like Grand Central, Penn Station, and Port Authority.

(photo via wordpress.com) 

Perhaps what is most interesting for me, is that people living under the city have developed families, communities, lives. Many people maintain a certain lifestyle by themselves, but many of them choose to stay social. They have beds, televisions, refrigerators. It's intense. According to the reports outlined in the book, the life expectancy is much lower, but people do survive underground, and choose this lifestyle over the hectic world above.

Let me tell you, busting out this book while sitting on the subway... I get plenty of interesting looks from my fellow car-riders. I'm not finished just yet, but I'm getting close. Need a read that will keep your attention? Pick this up.

Housing Works: Design on a Dime

(photo via housingworks.com)

Heard of this place, Housing Works? It's an organization offering services to two populations - the homeless and individuals suffering from AIDS. It's a rather fantastic organization with services like case management,  health care, legal aide, job training, housing subsidies. Ahhh, I could keep going. Anyhoo, they have an event coming up - Design on a Dime. It's a huge fundraising event at their flagship thrift shop on 18th Street celebrating progress in this field of work. And, I reallyyyy want to go! Bummer I have a test that night, but I'll definitely make it to their public sale on Friday and Saturday! Isn't it lovely to do something fun - like shop - and still make a difference? :)

This time last year...

(photo via watermelon.org)

Remember last April... When I was complaining about the dreadful heat, and the dreadful cut-off dates for our air-conditioning? Oh yes, my friends, we're back again... As of right now, it's 86 degrees outside with 49% humidity and we are sans air conditioning... And we're still 13 days away from a reprieve. It's one of those days you wish you lived in a freezer, or you felt comfortable in the kitchen, making your own watermelon popsicles... 

Mets Win!

Last week, Alix, Matt, and I took a trip into Queens for the Mets/Dodgers game. Citi Field is pretty legit, shiny and brand new! The weather was kind of nippy (40 degrees and breezzyyy); I totally failed to dress appropriately. But, the Mets won both games (double header), so we celebrated with high fives during our walk back to the subway.

Not gonna like - Mets fans are a little spicier than Yankee fans. They're a little friendlier, I feel... No? What do you think?

Next on the agenda, Yankees vs. Red Sox on Tuesday, May 17th. It will be pretty cool to see a game highlighting the biggest rivalry in baseball, or as my pal Matt says: "Pssh, the biggest rivalry in SPORTS!"

Jack Johnson, These Banana Pancakes Are for You!

(photo via yelp.com)

No, there was no pony; at least they nipped that one in the bud right off the bat. But, the brunch at Vintage in Hell's Kitchen was pretty awesome! Alix had the Challah French Toast, and this little lady had the Banana Pancakes. I formally dedicated my heaven on a plate to Jack Johnson immediately upon ordering. :) Ahhh, we dooo love food! 

Whym

Ahh, Whym. I do love you, you and your divine desserts. On Friday, AmyJane and I took a swing by Whym for lunch. We had the fantastic Tortilla Salad, and decided to split the S'more's Dessert. Ahh, Friday was happy, indeed.

Bomb Scare?

Welcome to New York City... Beautiful lights, beautiful people, and sketchy bomb scares? Yep.

While chatting about an adequate ice cream destination last night, Alix glanced out the window and said, "Maybe we shouldn't go outside?" The photo above was taken *after* the crowd started to clear... The entire street was packed with people at first... Apparently a suspicious SUV was spotted on 45th street between Broadway and 8th Ave. The license plate did not match the vehicle, and odd looking packages were seen in the backseat. Upon investigation, the SUV was packing tanks of propane, electrical wire, fireworks, and clocks with batteries. Times Square was evacuated immediately.

Scary stuff, living in this beautiful city.

Moral Dilemma

I do research for a professor on campus. Quite some time ago, while working in her lab, I noticed a newspaper clipping pasted to the side of the computer. I've read it several times and thought it was pretty interesting. I'm not sure which of my lab-mates posted the clipping, but I decided to share it today... You may find the story odd and unrealistic, but it's something to think about, if nothing else...

It reads (since my photo is impossible to decipher!)...

You are driving down the road in your car on a wild, stormy night, when you pass by a bus stop and you see three people waiting for the bus:

1. An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.

2. An old friend who once saved your life.

3. The perfect partner you have been dreaming about.

Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing that there could only be one passenger in your car? This is a moral/ethical dilemma that was once actually used as part of a job application. You could pick up the old lady, because she is going to die, and thus you should save her first. Or you could take the old friend because he once saved your life, and this would be the perfect chance to pay him back. However, you may never be able to find your perfect mate again. You won't believe this... The candidate who was hired (out of 200 applicants) had no trouble coming up with this answer. He simply answered: "I would give the car keys to my old friend and let him take the lady to the hospital. I would stay behind and wait for the bus with the partner of my dreams." Sometimes we gain more if we are able to give up our stubborn thought limitations. Never forget to "Think Outside the Box."

Chivalry-ish?

(photo via google images)

Yes, yes, I am all about women's independence, liberty, feminism, etc. Women have really embraced an identity in this world and I couldn't be happier about it. However, I reallyyy love having a car door opened for me. And, I reallyyy love when a fella walks on the outside of the sidewalk, so he's nearest the street. And, I reallyyy love when a gentleman insists I order first at dinner. It warms my heart. Does my appreciation for these acts of kindness make me less like a feminist and more like a traditionalist? I seem to straddle this line of enjoying my place as an independent young woman seeking my autonomy, but entertaining the idea of being taken care of... While walking around campus today, I was in and out of different buildings, running through doorways. Some men held the door, some didn't. Most of those who did were older men. I might argue these chivalrous acts come with age, but not necessarily. What do you think?