Silly things....

Fashion...

I have recently become obsessed with the streetwear fashion blogs Jak & Jil and The Sartorialist.  And Jcrew Men's collection. I had to create a new inspiration folder to accommodate hundreds (literally) of photos just from the past day.  I was so into what call  I "research" that hours went by without my notice. I swore it was 11:30 am on Saturday and the next time I looked up it was 12:45 am Sunday. I made myself go to sleep only because my left eye was twitching. haha. I am happy to report that I don't appear to have any lasting side-effects from my internet fashion binge. My eye is now back to it's normal green non-twitchy self.  I tend to get REALLY involved in things when I'm interested- to the point where I have now viewed every picture and read every article on Jak & Jil dating back to 2007.... maybe this falls more under the category of obsession.

Anyway I've decide to break down my not-so-little collection of photos into subgroups to post over time. Otherwise this post would might take up 12 pages. I'll probably end up posting too many photos anyway because I'm so excited about all of them. It's like choosing between your children.....sigh

 So, on to Menswear's! To me, there is nothing more impressive or attractive than a well-dressed man. The simple and classic look that appear so effortless. Paired with sunglasses, hat, scarf, scruff, a blackberry, or the newspaper- I just can't get enough. :) Especially nice watches on guys. I have this weird things about watches- when it's done right it's amazing.  I think I'm indulging myself with this post but I'm ok with that. 

CLICK BELOW IF YOU JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH!

T.G.I.F.

THE PERFECT TRAIN RIDE HOME. 

THANK YOU ITUNES SHUFFLE!!!

My shuffle playlist:

ITunes freaks me out sometimes. The first song it played this morning when I got to work was this song that I loved last year and forgot about called "Lauren & I". 

CREEPY.

Ok now gather up your jackets and move to the exits. I hope you have found a friend. 

 I know who I want to take me home :)

Have a good weekend internet friends

Silly things....

Theater Junkie...

I just got back from "The Subject was Roses" and it was wonderful! I am feeling very spoiled by my Theater class. I get to experience all this amazing and some not so amazing (*see below) art on my parent's dime (they don't realize it yet). I love love love  all of the musicals, Broadway,  Off- Broadway, and professional theater shows we have seen so far.  These plays are my mid-week treat which is only heightened by the knowledge that  I have theater discussion class the following Monday.


Honestly, I think this class was one of the best ideas I've had.  My class- which is only 20 people (crazy small if you go to my school)- has become more like an awesome group of friends that see shows together and then gathers at the nearest bar for drinks afterwards. Most of the class are Theater majors and therefore are eloquent, thoughtful, insightful and HILARIOUS. Strangely, I fit right in.  My professor is amazing and is the director for the Garden State Theater and The Crossroads Theater. His wife is an actress on Broadway so he is full of interesting and funny stories. Imagine a classy, well dressed, middle-age black man....who has an earring, can curse like a pirate with a voice like James Earl Jones, and tells some of the best dirty jokes I've heard inside or outside of a classroom. HE EXISTS! Haha- he's that awesome :)


EXCITING NEWS: We found out on Monday that we are now seeing:
 "Avenue Q" -Im estatic. I didn't think i'd get to see it again!
 "How to Succeed"- with Daniel Radcliffe  and Neil Patrick Harris (NPH)- Harry Potter and Barney Stinson up close and personal. I might die.   
and "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo" with Robin Williams !!! 


Is this what good luck is like?!?! I'm on a show high right now :) Total self-admited theater Junkie. And I couldn't be happier.


*I love all of the plays and musicals so far -except for "A Thousand Clowns" that is. Imagine the most annoying and painful thing you have ever experienced. Now imagine having to  work all day and them sit 2 hours and 45 mins (yes, really) in the dark being forced to endure that annoying painful experience. The only bright side was that my professor fell asleep and then bitched about how he wasted 3 hours of his life on garbage the entire hour-long car ride home. (Yes, I drove to the play with my professor.  Alone. It was as deliciously awkward as you can imagine. Especially when he walked me to my door.... oh my life). I recently found out (from my extensive TV viewing hobby) that the main character in this shitfest, Murray, also plays the role of Mucus in the Advil Congestion Relief commercials. I realized that  I enjoyed him and found him more suited in the role of Mucus than that of Murray. Yeah, I went there.....

Mind-Blasting

Perhaps it's the effects of my "Education in Modern China" grad class, but I've become very intrigued by the Eastern world. I have always had an interest in Thailand and India but I am only recently "discovering" China.  The culture, ancient traditions, policies, political ideologies, powers struggles, and the various dialects were not anywhere near my vast bank of knowledge. I know, surprising.
Anyways, I  just found this really interesting video about a Chinese photographer/painter who uses his work to make political and social commentaries about the industrialization of  China. He hides himself within his images- earning him the name of "The Invisible Man".  It's really amazing!

" I think development is very important for China, but in the process there are some issues. My work is often a reflection of social problems caused by development"

Side-note:  I'm feeling a little passionate. Ok on the subject of the "Cultural" Revolution in China.  I put quotation mark on cultural because the actual effects and ideology behind this era of "enlightenment" ( there I go again) is so absurd and backwards. No, Mao Zedong, what  the people really need is  to NOT  be shipped to rural villages and peasant farms to learn "real" lessons.  Although this later helped the children of these peasants gain access coeducation, more harm was done to the educated youth.  This period was not one of peace and tranquility, it  involved major changes being made to the political, economic and social nature of China, often through violent means.

The interesting thing about China is that it might be the only example of a nation that has actually tried to overturn the processes of social reproduction. In most societies the people in the privileged classes have an inherent advantage in the education system and therefore the education system becomes a means of transmitting privilege from one generation to the next. During the "Cultural" Revolution intellectuals and children from intellectual families were persecuted and sent to learn from the peasants and the workers.  Educators found themselves arrested and out on trial for "crimes" like owning a piano. Sad but true story.   

Luckily, the Opening and Reform Era professed that teachers and intellectuals be respected again and the focus was on academic excellence and training the most talented individuals to help rebuild the country. Thus during this time the initial sources of inequality ( based on financial means and geographic location) returned and were actually valued again as a means to ensuring that science and technology and material advancement could thrive once again.

Ok, end of rant.... ( I totally rocked my exam on this)

‎"By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest." --Confucius

LOVE

LOVE is sometimes such a funny thing. The simplest of things can utterly break your heart while strengthening your resolve. LOVE can bring a pain that is swifter and mightier than any other problem you've had in the past. Problems that you now realize are minuscule in comparison to the heartache that you are newly capable of. You can laugh in the face of those problems. Problems that had solutions- simply walk away and save yourself. But if we can't walk away and save ourselves? What if  we don't have even the slightest ounce of control?

And yet, I still choose this love. 

I love you.

David 

I love you mom. Your one of the strongest women I know. Don't ever give up. I'm doin everything I can to make you proud.

15 hours ago via Text Message ·  · 

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  You, Mike M, Mary, Bre, Drew, Chris and 19 others like this.
• • 
    

    Kathleen: I love you too David. I never have and never will give up on you. I am so very proud to have you as my son. You have so much potential - the world at your fingertips. I've never stopped believing in you - don't want you to stop. As long as I am on this earth, I will always be here for you. I refuse to give up in my battle - you can't give up on yours. I see us both at the Wilkes graduation in 2014!!! WE CAN DO IT!!! LOVE YOU!!
    

    11 hours ago ·  ·  4 people

Love Love Love....

I've been playing this on repeat all day at work....that and Mumford and Sons. Happy day!!

Happy Anna Howard Shaw Day!!!

(a.k.a- Valentine's Day)

Things I love about today:
-The weather! Jeez, it's beautiful!! I opened all of the windows in our apartment and have been lighting  candles like I'm preparing for a seance :D
- Surprise well wishes and greetings from friends you haven't heard from in awhile.
- My morning coffee(s). duh
- NY Theater Experience class tonight. I've never had so much fun or laughed so hard in a class before :)
- Trivia night at the bar tonight! We're gonna win this week, I just know it.
- Subsequent bought drinks from handsome strangers...
-My apartment that I spent all weekend cleaning and re-decorating is looking and smelling so fresh and so clean!

Grammys :)

John Legend and gf SI model Chrissy Teigen.

My favorite couple ever. He's a god and she is my sarcastic, witty, beautiful idol!! Follow her on twitter asap!

Grammys thoughts:
-Nicole Kidman is so much friendlier and approachable than she seems
- Selena Gomez, I want to be you
- No one loves Ryan Seacrest as much as Ryan Seacrest
- Opening act was AMAZING! gosh
- John Legend, I'd be horned to have your babies
- Aretha Franklin is withering away and looks like she speaking to us from heaven....is she ok???
- MUMFORD AND SONS IS HERE?!?!?! SWEEEEEET :D
- Uh I'm a big fan of the monocle. So glad to see it making a comeback.
-If it were possible, I'd buy stock in Bruno Mars
- I might have a slight case of  Bieber Fever... down there. Haha. quick someone help me. Call a doctor
-Usher and Bieber are so cute, I think im crying WTF 
-I'm really liking this Justin Bieber/Usher after school special.
- He's so cute...there's not really a thought police right?....
-If my children aren't as talented as the Smith kids I'll send them back. no question
- I love Paramore
- haha Muse. " I'd like to thank my pregnant girlfriend" Oh you mean oscar nominated actress Kate Hudson?? niccccee
- wtf is on lady gaga's butt
- Woah totally thought that john mayer was johnny deep. I don't know how I feel about that
-David Letterman, If I thought you were funny I'd be watching your show instead of the Grammys. Get off my TV....
- MUMFORD AND SONS ANNNND THE AVETT BROTHERS!!!!!?? Awesome-sauce
- I heard the awards show is dry but Justin makes me...not that way.TMI?
-Bob Dylan sounds horrible....and I feel horrible for saying that. Mutual discomfort
-What? I'm sorry but the NFL theme song has no place in the Grammys. I thought I changed the channel by accident. weird. 
 - Oh god Lady Antebellum not this song!! it makes me cry. every. time.  "I just need you nowwww"
-AHHH Gwyneth Paltrow and Cee Lo Green BEST OUTFITS EVER!!
-Can't. Stop. Staring. It's a glorious bedazzled car wreck.
-Cee-Lo laid the egg that Lady Gaga came out of.
-This performance needs 100% fewer Gwyneth Paltrow's.
- LOVE NPH! hahaha " I had sex with her just last week....oh my show...as Barney"
-Katy Perry's  wedding footage=tear jerker
-I still feel like Katy Perry is what Hugh Hefner would do if he got his hands on Zooey Deschanel.
- NORAH JONES,  JOHN MAYER, and Keith Urban FANTASTIC!!!
- "Will Justin Bieber Overcome his elders??" HAHA
-I LOVE Rihanna and Eminem together
- I want this on my ipod pronto- so so good
- Good lord I pay big bucks to have John Legend read me to sleep every night. sigh
- MICK JAGGER!!!
THE END

Amazing...

SO incredible! The implications of this technology... mind-blasting

Musical Mood

Can't sleep. Music is nice. 

iTunes Shuffle:

1

2

3

4

5

6

Pretty Cool...

Thinking...and for the last time

I have always marveled yet understood the fact that the world never ceases to  consistently fascinate and surprise me.  I am aware that change is coming and that it will throw me for a loop, I just don’t know when, where, how, or who.  I find solace in the ever-changing ebb and flow of life. Sometimes it’s refreshingly exciting-pulling me in with hints of love, justice, humanity, humor, and happiness. Other times it, frankly, kicks the shit out of me- grabbing me by the ear and throwing me into a world of confusion, hurt, sorrow, and helplessness. I’m strangely comforted by the knowledge that I’d better hang on with everything I’ve got because life is going to take me for a wild ride. These things I understand, I expect, I have come to appreciate for what they bring and take away.  

I have always understood that the world will surprise me; but for the first time,  I am surprised by myself. I am staggered by this.

I have discovered more resiliency and strength in myself that I ever thought I was capable of. I clung to these traits as I began to strip away the layers of decay to discover who I really am.  To attempt to fill the holes and burns and scrapes. To ignite the parts that had been neglected for far too long. I  finally managed to stop feeling numb.
So I’m shocked that what I have worked so hard on rebuilding, restoring, and rehabbing these past years can coexist with the parts of my past that I swore off. That I deemed poisonous and detrimental to my emotional and mental health. Shocking that my well-being has not just come about because of my careful avoidance of know pain, that it seems rooted in real change and growth. Shocked that I don’t have to give any important parts of myself away for this to happen. Shocked that I don’t have to compromise who I am.

I am staggered that conversation can flow without mind games, or without desperately holding myself back from emotionally engaging in exchange. That the once ever-present gut wrenching pain that comes from God-knows-where but rips you to pieces is no longer there. Pain that was always compounded by the knowledge that these broken little pieces of myself were never deserved, acknowledged, understood, considered, or mutual in another. So I’m shocked that I no longer need to battle down the hatches and keep the wounded little parts of myself secure and hidden behind hatred, anger, and nastiness. I’m shocked that I don’t need hatred or anger to keep myself in check. Shocked that now these defensive emotions are the ones that feel forced and less than sincere. Perhaps it is more that they no longer hold a significant place in my heart or in my head.  And  long-awaited acknowledgement and  a secretly desired  heartfelt apology can do wonders. Anger and heartlessness  no longer exist to guard and mask to the pain. All is certainly not forgotten but I am cautiously aware of the fact that I have changed- perhaps even fixed myself. And that my initial avoidance is not the only reason why. This has been carefully tested in the field. What I think I may have here, folks, is real and tangible change.  And I feel so much lighter. Stupid tears fell with the release of my pieces, as the locks and chains and deadbolts slowly slide away.

I know that as a person I have changed. Objectively, I can’t see how several personal circumstances occurring alone, let alone simultaneously, wouldn’t change a person. But to know that the little black and broken parts of me that were caused by another may be gone or may be healed is exhilarating. I thought I learned to be content with the fact that I must lug these tiny but 5,000 lb pieces of myself around with me forever. That this was all part of the notion that experience change you. I’m beginning to understand that experience and change can remain without those broken pieces left as a reminder. Honestly, the weight of those pieces was exhausting. I could always  feel the weight of them in my heart, in my mind, in my eyes, in my voice. I couldn’t fully focus on other unfortunate issues that are more pressing and relevant. I feel relieved and lighter and I think happy.

Struggles will certainly continue, life will  throw me a fast ball high and inside and then turn around and lob one right down the middle of the plate. No one asks for the life that they have been given, we just learn to adjust to the bumps in the road and enjoy the ride. 

“How fickle my heart and how woozy my eyes. I struggled to find any truth in your lies. Now my heart  stumbles on things I don’t know. My weakness, I fear, I must finally show. 

Lend me your hand and we’ll conquer them all, lend me your heart and I’m afriad I’ll just let you fall. Lend me your eyes and I’ll change what you see.
 But your soul you must keep totally free. 

In these bodies we live and in these bodies we will die. Where you invest your love, you invest your life. 

Awake my soul, Awake my soul”

Pretty Cool...

Business theory in action! People are more motivated by immediate consequences than by future possibilities.

February 11, 2011, 9:30 AM

A Gym Where It Costs You to Skip a Workout

By FREAKONOMICS

A lot of people who join gyms or health clubs find it very easy to stop going. Gym-Pact, a new program in Boston, aims to change that. “Gym-Pact offers what [co-founder Yifan] Zhang calls motivational fees: customers agree to pay more if they miss their scheduled workouts, literally buying into a financial penalty if they don’t stick to their fitness plans,” explains Susan Johnston of The Boston Globe. “The concept arose from Zhang’s behavioral economics class at Harvard, where professor Sendhil Mullainathan taught that people are more motivated by immediate consequences than by future possibilities.” Gym-Pact launched a small pilot program last fall at Bally Total Fitness in Boston, and expanded its program at two Planet Fitness gyms in Boston in 2011.  Currently, participants are fined $25 if they fail to follow the schedule in any given week, but Gym-Pact’s founders are still refining their model.  ”Zhang and [Geoff] Oberhofer plan to tweak the fee structure to allow it to be customized to a customer’s goals. Future iterations may include a combination of discounted gym memberships and smaller penalties that apply daily rather than weekly.” (HT: Marginal Revolution)

http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/11/a-gym-where-it-costs-you-to-skip-a-workout/

Silly things....

I wish I loved anything as much as these kids love SpongeBob!

Yes Bollywood YES!!!!

THE BEST NINE MINUETS AND 48 SECONDS ON THE INTERNET!!!

I can't wait....

So I've been thinking...

I understand feeling as small and as insignificant as humanly possible, and how it can actually ache in places you didn't know you had inside you, and it doesn't matter how many new haircuts you get, or gyms you join, or how many glasses of chardonnay you drink with your girlfriends... you still go to bed every night going over every detail and wonder what you did wrong, or how you could have misunderstood, and how in the hell for that brief moment you could think that you were that happy. And sometimes you can even convince yourself that he'll see the light and show up at your door. 
And after all that, however long all that may be, you'll go somewhere new, and you'll meet people who make you feel worthwhile again, and little pieces of your soul will finally come back. And all that fuzzy stuff, those years of your life that you wasted on him, that will eventually begin to fade. You can find happy again.

Because it's raining.....

Exhaustion=Genius....

Idea! 

Perhaps it's just the effects of the 3 hours of sleep I got last night and then working in the city today for 11 hours but I've decide that because I finally have a day off tomorrow, I'm going to- wait for it.....buy a couple of Roombas... and make them battle each other on my kitchen floor. Complete with action movie voiceovers and Tranformers-esq sound effects provided by moi. It's going to be epic. 


Good Lord, I need sleep. 
( But I still think it's a great plan....)


Update: Can't sleep. Too excited.

Silly things....

Hello World!

Meet the should I skip class calculator!
The ramifications of this are potentially dangerous...or helpful-depending on my mood :)


"This calculator was designed to help college students decide if skipping class is a smart move. Answer these questions and your decision will be made based on a surefire mathematical formula."


(I'm already convinced because they said "mathematical formula"....haha)


CH-CH-CHeck it out!!
http://skipclasscalculator.com/