roosevelt island.

A couple Fridays ago, I got off work early and met up with Jordan for the afternoon. The weather was beautiful so we decided to check out Roosevelt Island, a tiny island between Manhattan and Brooklyn, accessible by tram (!) There are really beautiful views of the city as you ride the tram and walk around the perimeter of the island. It's kind of a miniature city with lots of new housing, but perhaps a little spooky? It's so empty and quiet compared to the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Which is funny, because a year ago, I would have much preferred the peace and quiet. Who would have ever thought this Midwest hill-billy would have ever turned into such a city girl?  ;)

published.

Last night we went out to celebrate Jordan's first published illustration. Jordan's been keeping it hush-hush and suprised his mom by gifting her the magazine last night, weeks after he had completed the piece. I have no such patience and broke the news to my mom about 5 minutes after the magazine's art director contacted him. I'm so proud of him sometimes my heart feels like it will burst and the only way to survive is just to tell everyone about how my husband has been published in a magazine. You know? So don't mind me over here, being all proud and stuff. It really can't be helped.

See the illustration here and order the magazine here.

currently.

 via

 

Eating

Considerably less sugar. I've been only having sugary treats on the weekends, but I'm trying to pump myself up to cutting out sugar completely. Um, it's hard. Sugar really is my most guilty of all pleasures. Can I just go off it completely? Oh boy.

 

Wearing

Dresses without tights! Hallelujah, these white legs are finally getting some sun again. I just bought the cutest  red swimsuit because heading to California this summer seemed like a good enough reason to (I mean really though, does anyone need an excuse to buy a swimsuit?). Now I just need to find ways to wear it the rest of the summer...

 

Feeling

Confused about not having a summer break for the first time in my life. This whole having a real job thing and having to work year round is definitely an adjustment, but thankfully we have plenty of fun things planned all summer to mix things up. Jordan's been out of school a week now so I'll just live vicariously through him until then ;)

 

Needing

Sugar

 

Enjoying

Reading before bed with Jordan. He just started Catch 22 again, and I'm splitting my time between Unbroken and An Everlasting Meal. I know everyone and their dog has read Unbroken by now, but wow. Such an incredible (and true!) story and is totally satisfying my hunger for a good historical book.

bits of color.

Lately, I've been appreciating all of the bits of color that pop so vividly against the misty, grey background of the city: beautiful flowers being sold outside every market, outfits comprised of springy colors, green shrubbery running down Broadway. Even the yellow taxis look cheerful (except, perhaps, when they're running me over). Have I mentioned lately just how much I love New York in the spring time?

harlem on a sunday in spring.

union square evening.

I ran a few errands for Jordan after work yesterday and was happy for the excuse to head down to Union Square for a change (in the sunshine!). It hit me only just recently that I spend the majority of my time commuting between Harlem and Midtown. Mornings in Harlem, Midtown during the day, Harlem again at night. Doesn't leave much time for exploring the rest of the city, so I relish any opportunity to break the routine. Midtown is full of suits, Harlem is full of... hoodrats? But Union Square is full of young people. For someone who spent the past five years on a college campus, it's like a breath of fresh air. NYU is in the vicinity and there's a different energy than when strolling through Rockefeller. Students are seated on rugs beating away on drums. Another group is circled around a couple of break-dancers. And the chess players... I could watch them for days. All I know is, this city has a whole lot more to show me. Looks like we'll have to stick around a little while... :)

flips and flicks.

how to flip crepes in just 3 easy steps:

shove, flip, catch

Today is Tuesday. But it feels like a Wednesday. Which makes sense, because yesterday felt like a Tuesday. It's one of those weeks I think. We returned a couple movies to the library yesterday night. Our latest method for watching movies involves putting whatever's out in theatres on hold at the library (I'm currently #164 in line for Life of Pi!), then slowly but surely working our way down the list, until finally feeling like we have the golden ticket when it's time to pick up! This weekend was a double-header: Pitch Perfect and Taken 2. Jordan gave them a C and B+, respectively. At least we can say we've seen them? On hold for this weekend is the most recent Nicholas Sparks flick, The Lucky One, which I fully anticipate watching alone, or coming up with a good form of bribery... :) (More banana pudding perhaps?)