NYC - nature, music + staying hydrated :)

Hello everyone!  It's been a while, since I last posted.  

I've decided today OFFICIALLY, that I need to get back to writing....to take some of the moments that put a smile to my face, and engrave them to my memory, so that I have these to turn to when the going gets tough.  They say that showing gratitude is one way to reduce stress.  I want to believe this very much.  So here goes.  Below are some moments that I am grateful to have seen/experienced. I hope you like them as well.  New simple experiences are often the best way to re-energize you.

Fashionista Dogs wearing shades + boots have gone shopping.....at Neiman Marcus, no less

If you happen to walk the High Line, you may be tempted to blow on these red-seed dandelions found growing on the former rail tracks.

Finally, an authentic, unsweetened Iced Matcha Latte...found at Cha Cha Matcha.  It was definitely matcha healthier than some of the artifical, sugarly stuff found elsewhere.

This is the vessel.  Found at Hudson Yards.  If you like a good view, go visit, and climb those stairs.  If you're afraid of heights, snap your picture here.

A Deconstructed Latte - sparkling water to clear your palate, then an espresso & warm pasteurized milk.  Finally, the end product & a little nibble.  All for $8 at Coffee Project NY

Duck family stopping for some hydration

 And finally, some music:

First video is of two musicians just having a good time.  The sound takes me to another era, where writers would convene and share ideas...sorry, I think I'm thinking of the movie "Midnight in Paris."  Ha, ha. 

 

Second video is of the Navy Band performing some great marching tunes.  FYI - It's Fleet Week this week in NYC!!!!

 

 

Review: Harry Potter And The Cursed Child - Part I & II (Broadway Play)

Step 1: Get tickets to HP & Cursed Child ("HPCC") play.  Easier said than done.  After multiple attempts being on the waiting list and NOT getting off it, I finally managed to snag tickets when the online doors opened to the public.  The cost - a long waiting period (several months) before getting to see the show, and a price that I prefer not to dwell on.  Darn you, scalpers out there who managed to get cheaper tickets and are selling them on stubhub on an inflated basis (~1000% higher).

Step 2: Wait, wait, wait.  Wait for the day to finally arrive to see show.

Step 3: Eat a hearty lunch and bring a bottle of water on the day of the show, because it's a long show and you will feel thirsty.  I was unable to locate the "single" water fountain that the ushers told me existed somewhere near a men's room (on another floor).

Step 4:  Go see the show.  The Lyric Theatre's recommendation is to arrive 1 hour before show
starts.  I don't think that's necessary unless you have little kids who need to linger in every single room, and then use the bathroom.  As always, women's line is muuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuch longer than the men's.  Recommendation #1 to ALL theaters:  Put more stalls in the women's bathrooms.

Step 5: Before heading to your seat (if you have at least 20min), check out the Patronus room.  It's near the HP gift shop.  If you don't know what a Patronus is, shame on you.  This means that you haven't read the first 7 books.  You won't be punished, as the definition will be provided during the show.

Step 6: If you are short and are sitting in the upper sections, you can get a pillow to sit on.  There are ample pillows available in the closets before heading up the stairs to your seats.

Step 7: Enjoy your surroundings - both the other audience members (many will be wearing HP themed clothes) and the Lyric Theatre, which did a fantastic job in setting the HP theme.  My favorite was the little dragons made out of metal (brass?) hanging above, with each tongue holding a lamp.  Also, check out the carpet below as you walk.  Red, with the "H" emblazoned each step of the way. 
Look above you, as you come up the stairs. You've got a view of the sky.  The Lyric Theatre is spacious and smells fresh (yes, I am sensitive to smell, and nothing is more unpleasant than something that smells stale....well, there is body odor, but that's for another post).  There are also stands by each door selling HP goodies.

Step 8: Settle down in your seat at least 10min before the show starts.  Get to know your seatmate, as knowing if they are true HP fans will make for a joyous/interesting/loud discussion.  And if they haven't read the books, then be there to answer any questions if they get confused with the storyline. 

Step 9: And off we go for an amazing journey for Part I (2pm) and Part II (7:30pm).  You will get a ShowBill booklet for each part.  In there, it actually gives a summary of Books 1 to 7 (for the newbies or just those who need a refresher), as well as some common words used in the wizarding world (e.g., Muggles, Polyjuice Potion, etc.).

My Verdict: Amazing job bringing this play to life, and transporting me through this magical journey.  It was everything I had hoped for and so much more.  I don't have enough words to say what this play did to me.  But to anyone who wants to be placed in a magical world, filled with creativity and brilliant acting, and learn about friendship, father-son relationships, forgiveness, and making tough decisions, then this play is a must see!  The special effects are creative and make you think - How is this possible?  How did they do it?  You can't dwell too much on it, because well, you're off to the next scene, but still, it leaves for much pondering how much technology has improved and changed over the years.  Lastly, bring a cardigan or sweatshirt, because this Lyric Theatre is cold (just ask the tip of my nose....ha, ha).  Recommendation #2 - to the Lyric Theatre specifically: Please lower the AC.  It must have been 65 degrees.  I was shivering.  May have been a strategy on their part to have audience members purchase the $60 HPCC sweatshirts, but I wasn't buying.

Summary of my favorite scenes:

1. The cliffhanger right before intermission of Part I, when Dolores Umbridge makes an announcement.  I won't give it away as I do believe in #KeeptheSecrets (you will get a free pin w/this hashtag as you exit the theatre after Part I).

2. Moaning Myrtle's meeting with Scorpius Malfoy and Albus Potter.  Her voice inflection and playful nature had the audience laughing along.  Well done to the actress, Lauren Nicole Cipoletti.

3. The set design with the use of the time turner, and the way the stage became slightly blurried.

4. Opening of Part II with the music/dance performance.

5. Scene when Draco Malfoy hugs his son when they are reunited in 1981.  I'm not giving away more or the preciseness of the date.

6. After Albus Potter drinks the Polyjuice potion and becomes Ron Weasley, and then has a run-in with his wife, Hermione.  I won't say more, except it happened right in front of Hermione's office.  The scene was hilarious. 

One faux pas: Not sure if my view was blocked or not, but it seems that Hufflepuff's sign was not held up during the sorting hat ceremony during Part I.  I would have added 1min to the scene, where a student was sorted into Hufflepuff.  Just saying.

Final Note: I loved this play so much.  The casting was spot-on.  While I was unable to see the actors' facial expressions because I was sitting way too far away from the stage, their voices held the right amount of emotion and strength, as did their body language.  I am very grateful that this show came to NYC, because otherwise I don't think I would have had a chance to see it.  I hope this show runs for many, many years for others to enjoy.  And maybe, just maybe, I'll one day get super-cheap tickets (like Friday 40), and see it again.  There's no rush.  But if there is ever a show I wouldn't mind seeing again, it would be this one.

A Glimpse in the Morning of the Hogwarts Express Train Conductor

Clutching his piping hot cup of coffee brought from King's Cross Station, as well as a small brown paper bag, containing a poppy seed bagel smeared with cream cheese (an American phenomenon, as per what his nephew told him while attending the Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft), Dupuy, the train conductor for the Hogwarts Express, made his way toward Platform 9 3/4, where he would run through the wall, when the Muggles appeared to be too distracted to notice.

Students would be boarding in the next 30 minutes or, and Dupuy wanted to make himself comfortable in his little compartment and have his breakfast, before starting the engine at around 10:45am, and leave the station promptly at 11am.

Five years had passed since Harry Potter had graduated (thank the heavens for that).  Dupuy wanted to enjoy the scenery of the English countryside while riding out to Hogwarts, and not worry about Death Eaters, and what not.  No drama this year.  Dupuy took a bite of the bagel.  A dollop of the cream chees escaped from the bagel and landed on to the wrapping paper.  A chewy piece of bread, Dupuy thought, not to the French quality standards but not bad. The cheese type, however, could be replaced with something more refined, such brie.  Dupuy peaked out of the window. A few early birds were standing with their family, getting last minute lectures to do well in their lessons.  Dupuy sighed.  Oh, he would have loved to be a Potions master at Hogwarts.  Unfortunately, his grades were not up to par.  He had dropped out of Hogwarts after his third year. And so here he was.  A conductor for Hogwarts Express for the last 20 years.  He enjoyed his work.  As long as nothing and nobody was obstructing him from getting to his destination.  And on time. 

A Poem: Oscars 2018

Tonight,
On March 4th - to be exact and right,
We will find out,
Which movies are deserving of an Oscar,
So that all those who worked on it,
Can go to a bar,
And celebrate,
While us average people will debate,
Why "Wonder Woman" was not up for nomination as well,
For if it had been,
It would have been really swell.

This year's nominated movies for Best Picture I have seen none,
Though "Lady Bird" is one I plan to watch,
Before this year is done.

Jimmy Kimmel will host this year,
I wonder how funny he will be,
I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Ricky Gervais would have pushed the envelope more,
But probably would have been shown the door,
By those organizing this once a year event,
Which takes place in a huge auditorium and not a tent.

I find the Oscars very superficial,
But tune in,
Because it's sometimes mildly entertaining,
Especially when there's a song to sing.

So, I'll tune in for a bit,
And hope we are not subjected to dim-wit,
Where Best Picture will be announced by a wrong envelope,
It would be really dope.
This happened for real in 2017,
And made a ridiculous news headline before unseen.

The End

Duck Sightings



Stretching wings

Earlier today, I took a walk by the river to get the blood properly flowing in my veins.  The pavement was still wet from the rain that had fallen last night, and the air was cold, damp, and fresh.  I love this type of weather.  It makes me very happy and rejuvenated.  I wish it could be like this year-round.  I inhaled deeply to awaken my sleepy self, and capture this amazing air in my lungs.

As I made my way down the path, accompanied for a few seconds on and off by a passing jogger, I came across ducks hanging out near the edge of the water.  They looked like they were enjoying themselves, taking in the view from the land, and occasionally gazing into the river to watch their fellow brothers & sisters swimming.


Taking a little break from swimming

I thought it would be fun to write a mini-poem from their point of view.  So here goes:


Ducks Deserve A Break
It's nice to have our webbed feet on land at last,
Because swimming non-stop and fast,
Makes for feeling fatigue,
And puts us in a league,
Of a burnt-out athlete,
Who's already gone through the Olympic feat,
Of winning Gold medals many,
And is now ready to retire with more than a penny.
So, here's for taking a break, with no dogs in sight to chase us into the river,
And make our feathers quiver.

A Poem: Messed Up Food Orders

The food preparer put meat in my sandwich this week twice,
It didn't look very nice,
Because I'm a bit picky with my food,
I know people make mistakes,
And was therefore very calm and not at all rude,
When I returned the meal,
And asked for another one,
The correct one for real.

I don't know if the food preparer thought I needed more protein,
But right now, I prefer my food veggie and bland.
The wrong sandwiches had to be thrown in the garbage bin,
I feel bad for that, for wasting food is a sin.

However, the error was not mine,
All I wanted was the correct sandwich to dine.
Due to the error, the food preparer threw in my bag a little freebie,
Which I was happy to see,
Was healthy and simple,
And cause me to smile with a dimple.

Here's to hoping for no more messed up food orders to go,
For it's really tiring to delay the meal time flow.
However, I'm taking all this in stride,
And just going along with this tide.

Attempt at Making Soup....

It's a simple task.  Boil water, and pour the packet of Lipton Noodle Soup with real chicken broth into the boiling water.  Wait five minutes, then pour it into a bowl, and eat it.

This is what happened 20 minutes ago.  My soup was ready, and I poured into one of my favorite bowls....a red ceramic one.  I then placed it on a tray, and as I was ready to exit the kitchen, I balanced the tray against my chest, and attempted to shut off the kitchen light.

What happened next?  The tray, along with the piping hot bowl of soup, slipped out of my grip and crashed on to the floor.  The ceramic bowl broke into pieces (15 or so), and the noodles spread out all over the floor and on the wall.  The worst of it....some of the hot soup fell on my abdomen, right side and on my right wrist.  They both turned red and stung from the heat.

The first thing I did was change my clothes.  I put some cream on the abdomen and the wrist.  The skin looks a bit bumpy :(  Next, I picked up the shards from the bowl, threw it into a plastic bag.  Then I took a sponge, and gathered all the noodles in one big pile on the kitchen floor, and using my hands, grabbed as many as I could, and threw those in the garbage as well.  Then I wet the sponge, and mopped the floor.  PS = wet noodles do not feel good to the touch.

With my dinner in the garbage, I have now decided to eat some toast with cheese.

"When Life Gives You Lemons....."

They say, "Make Lemonade."  I understand that one should take a bad situation that one is faced with, and try to find something positive with it, and deal with it as best as possible.

Easier said than done, especially when what you are faced with is just a crappy situation.  What I don't understand is that why sometimes bad things happen to good people, and why good things sometimes happen to selfish and cruel people.  I just don't get it.  It sucks and is very unfair.

I am working toward the "making lemonade."  I think the best approach is to try to take a step back, and think of what's positive with this situation, and/or try to do something to distract yourself from that lemon.

To finish this post, would like to leave another food for thought....instead of making lemonade, one can take that lemon and spritz it on salmon, and make it a savory dish rather than drinking a sweet-sour beverage.  Your choice.

The Most Pressure-Cooker Sport

I don't watch many sports, so my opinion is limited to only those that retain my interest.  Today, I started to wonder...if one wanted to be a professional athlete, which sport would be hardest to succeed at and cause the most pressure.  It's not a one answer fits all.  I do believe that that the following five criteria would increase the pressures:

1) You are all alone and have to rely on your mental toughness to overcome nervousness.

2) You likely started very young and may sacrifice school/friends and being away from family.

3) Practice costs a ton of money

4) There's very little room for error

5) Your weight plays a very key role

I narrowed it down to figure skating and gymnastics.  I have huge respect for those who pursue a professional career, but never had the desire or dream to become one myself, because I don't think I would be happy.  But to each his own.  And kudos to those who pursue it, as long as it gives them joy.

Speaking of figure skating, the US Figure Skating Championships were happening this week.  There were some beautiful performances, but I must say, every time a skater attempted a jump, my breath took a hold, and I mentally coaxed them to land carefully.  The Senior Ladies winners were: Bradie Tennell (Gold); Mirai Nagasu (Silver); Karen Chen (Bronze); and Ashley Wagner (Pewter).  Oh, and by Senior Ladies, it means anyone 15 years old and older.

First Post of 2018

Just realized that I haven't posted anything in many months.  I have a valid reason. I've had to deal with some difficult stuff.  Anyway, to distract myself from this "stuff" (yes, I will call it that, because it's easier to express myself), I have decided to start writing again, because they say writing helps, no matter what it's about.  So, I will start.  It will mostly be about general stuff.  But it shouldn't matter what it's about, as long as it's output.  Trying to keep a positive attitude.  It's a New Year.  Time for New Beginnings.

New Order in Concert....Everything is In Order

Being a huge fan of new wave, punk, electronica and indie rock, when I accidentally stumbled across the fact earlier this year that New Order was going to perform at Radio City Music Hall, I of course hyperventilated a few minutes straight at a stop light, then pulled myself together, and walked with a calm that one can technically only achieve via yoga, to the Box Office and breathed a sigh of relief that tickets were not yet sold out.  I repeat Not Yet.

Since then, I counted down the months, then weeks, then days to Thursday, Apr 13th.  I prayed that nobody at New Order would catch a cold and call in sick.  Thankfully, the show was on, and SOLD OUT.

Nothing beats being around people who have a love and appreciation for these music genres I just described above.  I mean, it's like I could just be myself, and not ashamed that I absolutely adore them.

The doors opened at 7:30am, with the show scheduled to start at 8pm.  Of course, I knew this meant New Order would take the stage at least 1hr later.  Between 8 to 9pm, a DJ played some 1980s songs.  Very loud.  I could feel a headache and ear pain coming along.  So to try to remedy this, I took some foamy earplugs (courtesy of Lufthansa) and popped them in my ears.  It didn't really reduce the sound much, but at least it had some impact.

9pm - The show started.  And it was quite a show.  The music was some from their latest album, but what really excited the crowd (and myself) was when they played this 1983 hit - "Blue Monday."  I saw a couple not far from me, getting very lovey dovey (must have been their 1st date song).  Anyway, almost everyone was on their feet at that point, and swaying and dancing.  I tried to record the song without moving my body, but that was nearly impossible....not with this beat.

Another pleasant and unexpected surprise was when Bernard Sumner announced they would play a song they'd never played in New York before.  I held my breath, because I thought, maybe, just maybe they would play my personal old-time favorite called "Vanishing Point."  But no, it was not meant to be.  I was not disappointed though for they played something so deep, dark and moving called "Decades."  I later researched this....it was a song that had been written by former band member, Ian Curtis (before he had committed suicide in May 1980).  New Order was paying tribute to him, and I found the song very moving and so intense.

A few other more upbeat songs were played, including old time "Bizarre Love Triangle."  Show ended around 10:50pm.  A wonderful, exciting, and nostalgic evening.  Would love to post the videos; unfortunately this blog site only allows up to 100MB uploads.  So, will have to find a reputable software to do some cutting and editing beforehand before uploading.  Stay tuned.

Fans streaming out after the show.....

For My Aunt

My aunt was a genuinely kind and decent person.  Even though our paths did not cross daily due to living in different countries, I have very clear memories of my visits since I was a little child.  She taught me compassion and empathy toward those who have had hardships.  She also taught me that even when times are tough, to be strong and never give up.  I am so grateful to have had her in my life. 

Today on March 4, 2017, she passed away.  She had been sick for the past few weeks, and I had hoped very much that she would recover.  But unfortunately she did not make it.  I miss her very much.  I will never forget her spirit, her childlike innocence, and her patience.  I know she is in a better place, without pain and suffering, and is now with my grand-ma and grand-pa.  I hope they are happy in heaven.  God Bless you, my aunt.  May your soul rest in peace.  I love you very much.

Throwback Tennis

Throwback Tennis

History was made in Melbourne,
Where tennis balls the color of corn,
Were hit in styles various,
In some instances rather creative and hilarious,
At the Australian Open 2017,
Like never before seen.

But what made this year extra special?
Which made many stop and mull?
Let's talk about first the Ladies match,
Which was a fan-favorite catch.
Two sisters, by the names of Venus and Serena,
I kid you not,
It isn't a dream-a.

Tennis is now a more long-term career,
As long as you don't burn out,
Have no fear.
Both in their mid-thirties,
Makes many a fan want to cross the seas,
Even if the flight is more than a 23 hour trip,
Which would make any sane person flip.

In the End,
Serena walked away with her 7th Australian Open trophy,
But more importantly,
Now has a record 23 Grand Slam wins,
Which must lead to many grins,
For she has the 2nd most of any player,
And she's not done yet,
We will see her in more tournaments
This year later,
And perhaps tie the record of Margaret Court's 24,
Doing so,
Would surely not be a bore.

Now on to the Men's side,
Many fans were delighted,
To be part of this amazing ride.
We're talking old-time favorites from Switzerland and Spain,
Who could draw a huge audience be it shine or rain.
Federer and Nadal,
Were to compete and enthrall,
In an exciting 5-set match,
That was many sponsors' lucky catch.

In the End,
Federer won,
What a trend,
Making his total Grand Slams to 18,
The most of any player male,
He can take a mini break,
And sail,
Before the French Open starts,
And again bring joy to many tennis fans' hearts.

The End.

Nostalgia, Time Travel, The Past...

Greetings!  It's been over 1 year since my last blog post.  For some reason, I skipped 2016 completely.  Well, I think I know why....a lot of stuff happened in 2016, and the time just ran out.

Anyway, we're now in 2017.  I thought I'd address the topic of nostalgia.  I don't know why this word makes me think of a nose, rather than it's true meaning, which is a sentimental longing for the past.  I prefer a similar German word for it, called Sehnsucht.

What makes me nostalgic?  Anything that evokes a memory.  This could include:

- Songs that you listened to while growing up
- A special type of cake
- A German/French movie
- Seeing someone who meant a lot to you from your past
- Eating certain types of food
- Your favorite retired tennis player making a guest appearance
- Hearing the news that one of your favorite childhood books is being made into a Broadway show or movie.

If time travel existed (for real, not in movies or sci-fi books), I think I'd use it for a day or two and visit some of the most memorable moments that made me happy.  If I could go back in time for a visit, I'd be very observant, and just take it all in.

If I was forced to go back to a time that was not so pleasant, and actually be myself (not an observer), I would change something that I regret not saying.  I would let someone know that she was wrong, not everybody hated her.  I think she knew, but I would have liked to clarify it.  I was alone, and found the "clique" to be a bunch of cruel bullies and a bunch of gossips, and personally had zero respect for them.  Some days were so unpleasant, I don't know how I survived.   I admired that she was strong enough to not show outward that she was affected.  For me, it was torture.  I couldn't wait for it to end.  But she had a goal, a focus that she strived for, and ultimately succeeded.

I'm relieved we both got away from an unpleasant place, and have moved forward.  But yes, if I had to communicate one message to her on that one specific day in 2003, I so would.  Anyway, I digress.  This is not nostalgia, but more like regret.  But frankly, I NEVER EVER would want to time-travel to that time in 2003.  I'd much rather that our paths would cross today, and I could let her know, and we could laugh about it, and move on.  Since it's unlikely this will happen, am sending good wishes to her.

For Grand-ma

Dear Grand-ma,

I am writing you a letter and posting it online, because I believe that you will be able to see it.  

I just want you to know that you meant so much to me.  I loved visiting you, and hearing the sound of your voice, when we spoke on the phone.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the kindness, love, and genuinely sweet gestures you have shown me since I was a baby.  I will never forget these memories, and will carry them in my heart forever.

Your home-cooked meals were the best, because you cooked with a lot of love.  I will never, ever forget the taste of the cauliflower (Indian style gobi) you cooked, especially for me.  It stands alone.

You were a very strong and brave person, and I admire and respect you so much.  I also love you very, very much.  May your soul rest in peace, and I hope you have been reunited with Grand-pa in heaven, and smiling down at me.

A few weeks ago, while visiting a park in London, I saw a beautiful layout of flowers.  I know you were fond of bright, vibrant colors and flowers, and snapped a picture of them for you.  See below.

Lots of love and kisses,
sonie

New Whitney Museum of American Art Event

The Whitney Museum of American Art recently opened at its new location at 99 Gansevoort Street (near the Highline), and offered free admission & a block party on May 2nd.  Great architecture both exterior and interior (including the elevators).  I won't lie; I didn't look at each painting too closely...some didn't make sense (e.g., a canvas painted completely white, another painted completely black)...hmmm...

But there was also artwork that was pretty amazing.  I'd never even heard of these painters before today, so I'm glad I got introduced to them.  And of course, who can forget the bulky TVs of previous decades?

Writing Class Update

My writing class is soon coming to an end; this week will be the final session.  I am nervous and excited to present my final work, and obtain feedback and comments from my classmates.

I'm also a bit sad that the class is wrapping up, because what I really loved was the structure and immediate feedback and interactiveness received.  My classmates each have such a unique voice, and some of their writing was out of this world.  I hope to one day see them published, because their writing just sucked me into their characters' lives.  It truly was a mind-altering journey.  Who would have thought?  I have so much respect for people who are good story-tellers, and see that it just makes you feel really good, once you have created something.  I finally get why some people choose to major in English Literature and/or Creative Writing.

Once the class is over, I am afraid that I won't find the time, motivation, and discipline to open up a word doc and continue to write.  I have some good starters for a story, and need to just get on it.  I guess, that will be my Resolution (yes, I know it's already 4/25, but I'm going to make an effort to create and further develop my story this year).

This has been by far the best class I have taken in a long, long time.  I had been encouraged to take such a class for many years now, but never had the motivation.  This year, though, something inside me just probed me to start writing.  And this class has truly opened up my heart and soul in a way I can't describe.  It was such a unique experience that I hope to carry with me long after this class is over.  And with that I will close my blog, as I plan to spend my weekend putting the final touches on my work before class time.

Writing Class

I wanted to do something more fun and creative this year, so I went ahead and enrolled in a fiction writing class.  I'm so glad I did.  The people in my class are so unique and in some cases quirky, I'm getting such a kick out of it. 

To give you an idea of the level of intellectualism in my class, when the instructor asked us what our favorite book was, most people said something like "Wuthering Heights" or "Ulysses."

Really?  Before my turn came, I was seriously debating whether to just say "Jane Eyre," but while the book represents great literature, it's by no means something I would have picked out on my own (it had been assigned to us in high school, and was one of the few books that I liked...not loved, but liked). 

Rather than being pretentious and/or a literary guru to match some of my fellow classmates, I picked something more recent that was an NYT Bestseller, and which had kept me up all night.  A true page-turner.  Felt good being true to myself.

The first in-class assignment was mentally stimulating, and I just completed my first homework writing assignment of 150 words.  It may not be the best, but I had just fun brainstorming, drafting it, and finally snipping it here and there and making it a concise 150 words.  Can't wait to share it in class, and hear what the others come up with.

The best part about this class is that this appears to be all about creative writing.

The instructor asked us to start observing people and places in every-day life, and jot them down.  I thought it appropriate to start-off with an entry below:

Today while waiting in line at Starbucks, a 30-something year old blond-pony-tailed mom was in front of me with her 5-year old high energetic son.  He took in the baked goods display, and selected a cake pop.  His mom asked him which he wanted - he said the chocolate with the white sprinkles.  However, when mom placed the order (and at this time the son was busy talking with another kid about something), she asked for the caramel one instead.  Then the mom noticed that if you buy two, you get them cheaper.  I held my breath, hoping she would get the chocolate-covered one for her son, but no, the cashier took the strawberry one.  Oh well.  I guess there will be a debate or a tantrum outside.

A Song that has driven me to forget.....

Sometimes you come across a song that just envelops you so intensely, so fiercely, that it sticks with you even when you are not listening to it, and as you go through the daily motions of life.

When you're working on a completely mindless task, this song helps you through.  It makes time pass more easily.  When commuting by bus or train and being stuck in slow-moving traffic, this song offers an escape.  And yes, I have this song's settings at REPEAT 1 on my iPod.  Over and over again.

Yup, this specific song, which now shows a count of 964 in my iTunes account as of this AM, is so AMAZING and DEEP, it's like getting a heavy dose of euphoria.  You forget your problems or at least you get transported into another imaginative world, so that your problems are pushed to the utmost back-end corner of your mind.

At this point you're probably rolling your eyes and wondering what is the the name of the song.....ha, ha....wouldn't you like to know?

When I close my eyes, I feel the song in my veins and my blood stream.  And then this sudden chill.  I start to shiver, even with the heater currently on and the room temperature at around 75 degrees. 

I don't believe in dragging the suspense any longer.  I will tell you the name of the song.  It's called "This is Not A Love Song," performed by Katie Cruel.  What an AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING song.

Good night.

Bonne Année 2015

I meant to write my first blog of 2015 on 1/1/15, but somehow time just flew, and it is now past midnight on 1/2/15.  I am not tired at all....I guess it has something to do with that tall latte I started drinking at around 4pm.

Anyway, as at every start of the New Year, I make myself a list of New Year Resolutions.  Yes, the usual losing a few pounds, eating healthier, exercising, and blah, blah, blah make my list EVERY year without fail, but this year, I am adding one additional item that I seriously want to improve on.....and that is learning to speak French.

Where do I begin with this language that is just not sticking to my brain?  I have studied it for the past 2 years or so (many long breaks during the hot summer months), and previously taken it in high school, but for some reason, I get tongue-tied each time I want to say more than a simple sentence.  If a native speaker tried to speak to me, I know EXACTLY what to say in a witty/sarcastic way in English, but for some reason, by the time my brain processes and translates what I want to say in French, the moment is gone and/or the person looks at me with a raised eyebrow or is already talking to me about another topic, but this time in English.  Hmm...

So this year, I have decided to step it up a notch:

#1 - I have invested in a Berlitz compact French-English dictionary (you may roll your eyes and state, duh, isn't that the first thing you get? Mind you, I've used Google Translate and/or Yahoo! Answers in the past).

#2 - I will read at least one modern fiction novel in French this year (not more than 200 pages), and force myself to look up each word that I don't recognize, so that my vocabulary increases and/or the ones that I had previously learned but failed to remember, will be reintroduced to me.

#3 - I will listen to more French music and try to understand the lyrics. 

#4 - When watching my favorite US TV shows on DVD, if there is an option to turn on the French subtitles, I will do so.

#5 - I will continue to watch French movies (but will leave the English subtitles on just in case).  Will stick to comedies, because I have dozed off one time too many for the ones dealing with hidden meanings.

#6 - I will listen to French podcasts.

#7 - I will attempt to speak more French with fellow learners and perhaps if I have the nerve, with native speakers.

And that's that.  I hope that my French will improve, and I can one day visit France (or Canada....the French-speaking part), and speak in français.  Bonsoir.