This morning I encountered a serious test of my patience.
I think I failed.
ha.
But actually...acknowledging that I may not have been as patient in this stressful situation as I could have been is a win in itself. I think it takes mistakes and poor reactions to help us all to see how not to act during moments we are tested.
My story began with a situation I like to call "I have nothing to wear." Clearly, this is not true because I have a lot of beautiful clothes...but on this chilly Thursday morning I couldn't find anything I wanted to wear. After trying on a few different dresses (weather report said it would be 60 today) I settled on a black stretch satin Phoebe dress with elbow length sleeves. This way I didn't have to wear a cardigan...I thought the sleeves would suffice. I also didn't think I needed to wear tights (hmmmm...bad decision). When I left my apartment (about 10 minutes later than I wanted to) I realized that it was a little brisk outside. Weird that I didn't know this prior to stepping out the front door for work, considering Andy and I went for a 3 mile run this morning. But I can acknowledge that sometimes my judgement of the temperature is a little off based upon how I feel when I run. Obviously I am warm at the end of my run, and I think that warmth usually leads me to think the temperature is warmer than it is.
Anyways...
So I'm walking to the train station, and 2 trains fly by. One I can see on my way there, and another right before I get to the platform.
Dang.
So I wait about 7 minutes, as the platform fills up with other train hopefuls (ha), and one comes. I get on the train, and am still going to be nice and early for work (even though I got a later start than I wanted to). Train is running, I'm listening to music - life is good. 2 stops later a bunch of people get off the crammed train and I even get a nice, cozy, seat on the end. Those are the best because you aren't smooshed between two people. I love the end seat. So it's me, end seat, good music. The train is still waiting around and I'm not thinking anything of it, but then the conductor announces that there is a stalled train a few stops away and that we are going to have to wait at the station for a few. No big deal. Normally I would be a little stressed, but I'm still early - and I'm working on my patience. I tell myself "self, you hang in there. just listen to your music, and relax." I pull out my blackberry and tune in to the Times - I'm reading an article about 45 year old unemployed men who live in an affluent Westchester town. The article talks about how they are able to spend more time with their children and be more involved with their families. All in all - a very great article.
Still waiting...
and waiting...
and waiting...
So now I'm starting to get a little stressed. I have been waiting for about 15 minutes, and still nothing. I give myself a 5 minute rule, as I see person after person exiting the train. 5 more minutes of waiting, and if the train is still stuck I am outta here. I have to admit that for the last 5 minutes I waited on this train, that I was not so patient. I was fidgety, and unfocused, and anxious. Finally I see a woman leave the train who had just called her office and calmly said that she would be late. I figured that if she was leaving the train - well she must know something I don't know. haha. Next time I will follow my own intuition.
But anyways...I decided my time of waiting was up. I didn't know when this train would move - it could be HOURS. Rrrright. Gotta love the dramatics when you're in a stressful situation. Of course it wouldn't be hours, but it may still be 10,15,20 more minutes.
So I exited the train and walked down many many many stairs to the street level. I then crossed the street and tried to catch the bus. I missed 2 of them. While I was waiting for the 3rd, which was slowly approaching - I looked up and saw my train moving. MY TRAIN WAS MOVING. Grrrr. I'm sure you can imagine my frustration. What do I do now?? I was going to ride the bus to another station, but that train takes longer to get to my stop. Instead I decide to run back up to my train platform and try to get the next one.
I miss it. It zooms by just as I'm sprinting up the 1000 stairs to get there.
I have to say, that at this moment, I probably muttered some words I can't repeat. haha. It was very frustrating. I was cold. I was anxious. I was irritated. But none of those things could help make the train come more quickly.
The train did come eventually, and I did get to work. I wasn't even late, just later than I like to be. It all worked out just fine, and I was even welcomed to my office with a donut from my boss.
I want to share with you all the moral of my story.
Wherever you are going, you will get there eventually. Maybe not exactly when you want to, but you will arrive. It's not worth the anxiety to get stressed out about it. You just need to take a deep breath and relax, and know that you will get where you are going when you are meant to get there.
An even more important moral.
Be patient, and stay on the train!!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Being the best I can be (ie. a better blogger)
I have made the decision to become a better blogger. ha. I like the alliteration here.
But in all seriousness - I am going to try to update this blog more. I think I spend more time apologizing for not updating it than I actually spend doing so...I'm putting an end to that now.
My yoga teacher, Faramarz, said this morning - don't complain about the rain today. Rain is beautiful, and great for the earth, for us - for your skin, our hair, our health. I have decided to keep that mantra with me throughout this day...and hopefully these words will resound in my mind on every rainy day. Because really - what is the point in hating the rain. I'm embracing it, loving it (well, unless it ruins my new Tory Burch shoes). ha.
In fact, I need to commend my counterpart of embracing the rain. Yesterday Andy was shuffled off the 7 train at the Hunter's Point stop because of a track fire between that stop and the next one. He then walked all the way to Queensboro Plaza (probably about a mile) in the rain, so that he could get on a bus and come home. And all this, mind you, was after he had worked a 12 hour day. But he didn't complain. He laughed. He had a big, warm smile on his face. And that warmth that eminated from his grin replaced any coldness he felt physically. That warmth inspired me. Andrew always inspires me with his positivity. No matter the physical barriers or trials, he always has a smile on his face. I want to join him in this - that is a new goal of mine.
Another goal of mine is to start updating the blog with photographs and descriptions of wedding projects that Andy and myself are working on.
Right now things are still a little slow moving. We have two weddings to attend in the next few weeks, so after that we will be full steam ahead on wedding projects. Still, I have dabbled with some crafts here and there.
Recently, I started brainstorming some ideas and doing some illustrations for our wedding inviations. I also started playing around with shapes and forms for the fabric boutinniers. I have also been thinking through ideas of what do to with the little tins I am using as candle holders. Once I peel the Dean & Deluca labels off of them, I think I may try to use some sort of copper varnish to give them an antique look. I found some really great paper that looks like mesh, but fuzzier - it comes in different metallics. I am thinking of getting some of that in copper and then covering the sides of the tins with it. All a work in progress (in my mind). haha. I am very excited to get started on these projects though! It is going to be a busy end of April and a busy May, but the projects will be fun! Andy and I are actually doing some more volunteer projects in May, which we are both excited about. The first one we are doing on May 2nd - we are volunteering at a no kill animal shelter in Brooklyn. We will be playing with the cats and helping clean up after them. Then on May 16th we will be helping to "beautify" Prospect Park. Very exciting since this is the place we are getting married!! We will be helping to clear paths in the park. Hopefully this day will be beautiful. But like I said above - I am embracing all weather including rain. So rain will bea beautiful just as well.
Okay - work time. Hope everyone is have a wonderful Tuesday!!
But in all seriousness - I am going to try to update this blog more. I think I spend more time apologizing for not updating it than I actually spend doing so...I'm putting an end to that now.
My yoga teacher, Faramarz, said this morning - don't complain about the rain today. Rain is beautiful, and great for the earth, for us - for your skin, our hair, our health. I have decided to keep that mantra with me throughout this day...and hopefully these words will resound in my mind on every rainy day. Because really - what is the point in hating the rain. I'm embracing it, loving it (well, unless it ruins my new Tory Burch shoes). ha.
In fact, I need to commend my counterpart of embracing the rain. Yesterday Andy was shuffled off the 7 train at the Hunter's Point stop because of a track fire between that stop and the next one. He then walked all the way to Queensboro Plaza (probably about a mile) in the rain, so that he could get on a bus and come home. And all this, mind you, was after he had worked a 12 hour day. But he didn't complain. He laughed. He had a big, warm smile on his face. And that warmth that eminated from his grin replaced any coldness he felt physically. That warmth inspired me. Andrew always inspires me with his positivity. No matter the physical barriers or trials, he always has a smile on his face. I want to join him in this - that is a new goal of mine.
Another goal of mine is to start updating the blog with photographs and descriptions of wedding projects that Andy and myself are working on.
Right now things are still a little slow moving. We have two weddings to attend in the next few weeks, so after that we will be full steam ahead on wedding projects. Still, I have dabbled with some crafts here and there.
Recently, I started brainstorming some ideas and doing some illustrations for our wedding inviations. I also started playing around with shapes and forms for the fabric boutinniers. I have also been thinking through ideas of what do to with the little tins I am using as candle holders. Once I peel the Dean & Deluca labels off of them, I think I may try to use some sort of copper varnish to give them an antique look. I found some really great paper that looks like mesh, but fuzzier - it comes in different metallics. I am thinking of getting some of that in copper and then covering the sides of the tins with it. All a work in progress (in my mind). haha. I am very excited to get started on these projects though! It is going to be a busy end of April and a busy May, but the projects will be fun! Andy and I are actually doing some more volunteer projects in May, which we are both excited about. The first one we are doing on May 2nd - we are volunteering at a no kill animal shelter in Brooklyn. We will be playing with the cats and helping clean up after them. Then on May 16th we will be helping to "beautify" Prospect Park. Very exciting since this is the place we are getting married!! We will be helping to clear paths in the park. Hopefully this day will be beautiful. But like I said above - I am embracing all weather including rain. So rain will bea beautiful just as well.
Okay - work time. Hope everyone is have a wonderful Tuesday!!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Bike Riding!
After much effort to actually acquire bikes and all the necessary equipment, Andy and I were able to spend a large part of yesterday outside, in the sunshine, riding them. We planned on going for a ride to Brooklyn, but ended up staying Queens and finding a lot of really cool spots that we never knew about. It was perfection.
Andy and I decided to bike to Astoria Park first because we didn't want to be on very busy roads at the onset of us riding our bikes. We needed a little brushing up on riding, if you will. Astoria Park is about 3 miles from our apartment, and it was hopping! People were there wandering along the pathway by the East River, running, biking, playing sports and games..it really felt like spring. We stopped and took some pictures, enjoyed the sun, enjoyed being with each other. It was fantastic! Then we decided to bike along the river's edge (well as close as we could get on a path or road). Upon doing so we stumbled upon the most amazing park - called Socrates Sculpture Park. This park is literally a park of sculptures and modern art. It actually looks a little gritty, but is just really interesting and unique. There are sculptures and art pieces dispersed throughout the park...and the pieces sort of fit organically with their environment. Actually, here is a description from the parks' site, which is much more informative than my own:
Socrates Sculpture Park was an abandoned riverside landfill and illegal dumpsite until 1986 when a coalition of artists and community members, under the leadership of artist Mark di Suvero, transformed it into an open studio and exhibition space for artists and a neighborhood park for local residents. Today it is an internationally renowned outdoor museum and artist residency program that also serves as a vital New York City park offering a wide variety of public services.
Socrates Sculpture Park is the only site in the New York Metropolitan area specifically dedicated to providing artists with opportunities to create and exhibit large-scale work in a unique environment that encourages strong interaction between artists, artworks and the public. The Park's existence is based on the belief that reclamation, revitalization and creative expression are essential to the survival, humanity and improvement of oururban environment.
Needless to say, it was an amazing find - a treasure really. I can't wait to picnic here with Andy once it gets a little warmer.
We also found a few more treasures. One being the Cotsco, which happens to be next door to Socrates. We both had no idea there was a Cotsco so close to us. The other great find (my own personal favorite) was a park with a rock climbing wall. I definitely hopped off my bike and scaled the wall!
All in all, riding my bike with Andy was everything I imagined it would be. It was athletic and fun, exciting, and exploratory. I can't wait to do it again! Although I think my bruised butt might like a break. Until next time.
A.
Andy and I decided to bike to Astoria Park first because we didn't want to be on very busy roads at the onset of us riding our bikes. We needed a little brushing up on riding, if you will. Astoria Park is about 3 miles from our apartment, and it was hopping! People were there wandering along the pathway by the East River, running, biking, playing sports and games..it really felt like spring. We stopped and took some pictures, enjoyed the sun, enjoyed being with each other. It was fantastic! Then we decided to bike along the river's edge (well as close as we could get on a path or road). Upon doing so we stumbled upon the most amazing park - called Socrates Sculpture Park. This park is literally a park of sculptures and modern art. It actually looks a little gritty, but is just really interesting and unique. There are sculptures and art pieces dispersed throughout the park...and the pieces sort of fit organically with their environment. Actually, here is a description from the parks' site, which is much more informative than my own:
Socrates Sculpture Park was an abandoned riverside landfill and illegal dumpsite until 1986 when a coalition of artists and community members, under the leadership of artist Mark di Suvero, transformed it into an open studio and exhibition space for artists and a neighborhood park for local residents. Today it is an internationally renowned outdoor museum and artist residency program that also serves as a vital New York City park offering a wide variety of public services.
Socrates Sculpture Park is the only site in the New York Metropolitan area specifically dedicated to providing artists with opportunities to create and exhibit large-scale work in a unique environment that encourages strong interaction between artists, artworks and the public. The Park's existence is based on the belief that reclamation, revitalization and creative expression are essential to the survival, humanity and improvement of oururban environment.
Needless to say, it was an amazing find - a treasure really. I can't wait to picnic here with Andy once it gets a little warmer.
We also found a few more treasures. One being the Cotsco, which happens to be next door to Socrates. We both had no idea there was a Cotsco so close to us. The other great find (my own personal favorite) was a park with a rock climbing wall. I definitely hopped off my bike and scaled the wall!
All in all, riding my bike with Andy was everything I imagined it would be. It was athletic and fun, exciting, and exploratory. I can't wait to do it again! Although I think my bruised butt might like a break. Until next time.
A.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Truth, Justice, and 9th Grade.
Every single day Amanda and I witness a couple. Well, I guess they are a couple. They are more like sworn enemies who pretty much live together. They are perhaps the most vile two individuals who I have ever heard. The guy, a dumb sounding version of Ben Affleck, yells at his woman who sounds like Rumplestiltskin from Faerie Tale Theater. They fight about every single thing, every single day. Whether it be how many eggs she used in something, to whether the Yankees are winning or losing…every little thing. In fact, he once told her his life was miserable because of her. They fought over the UPS delivery guy a couple of days ago.
They both sound like they hate their own lives. Tonight, they were arguing about cigarettes. Then they were arguing about something else. I don’t know what.
Amanda and I had 1 drink each and now we are pretty much done with our bottle of wine. We are trying to have a nice Friday evening, but these two imbeciles are screaming at each other. I couldn’t take it. I want to tell them to shut up, but I tried to think of another way how to send a message…
This guy is not a real man. No man, no matter how “awful” his woman is, should yell at another female like that. This guy is a little boy. I’d venture to call him a loser. Everyone who reads this knows how I respect and love Amanda. I have never yelled at her. Ever. I would never raise my voice to this guy’s level. Ever. It is despicable. And tonight I had enough.
I decided what any 25 year old who wants to pretend that they are 17 years old does. I egged his door. One egg. One door. SPLAT. It was hilarious. So Amanda decided it was a good idea as well and wanted to be the Robin to my Batman. Well, we throw out our trash and then I decide to toss the egg. We figured out what door was his, and I threw it. So I run up the stairs and back to our apartment…but she runs the other way! I almost died of laughter. But anyway, we made it back. They yelled for a little bit more, and now they are quiet. I hope it teaches them to be quiet once one of them finds it and cleans it.
I know it was juvenile. I definitely know. But the thing is, I want them to know that they are very loud and disturbing. I want him to know that no woman should be treated like that. Will he learn? I don’t know. I hope so.
They both sound like they hate their own lives. Tonight, they were arguing about cigarettes. Then they were arguing about something else. I don’t know what.
Amanda and I had 1 drink each and now we are pretty much done with our bottle of wine. We are trying to have a nice Friday evening, but these two imbeciles are screaming at each other. I couldn’t take it. I want to tell them to shut up, but I tried to think of another way how to send a message…
This guy is not a real man. No man, no matter how “awful” his woman is, should yell at another female like that. This guy is a little boy. I’d venture to call him a loser. Everyone who reads this knows how I respect and love Amanda. I have never yelled at her. Ever. I would never raise my voice to this guy’s level. Ever. It is despicable. And tonight I had enough.
I decided what any 25 year old who wants to pretend that they are 17 years old does. I egged his door. One egg. One door. SPLAT. It was hilarious. So Amanda decided it was a good idea as well and wanted to be the Robin to my Batman. Well, we throw out our trash and then I decide to toss the egg. We figured out what door was his, and I threw it. So I run up the stairs and back to our apartment…but she runs the other way! I almost died of laughter. But anyway, we made it back. They yelled for a little bit more, and now they are quiet. I hope it teaches them to be quiet once one of them finds it and cleans it.
I know it was juvenile. I definitely know. But the thing is, I want them to know that they are very loud and disturbing. I want him to know that no woman should be treated like that. Will he learn? I don’t know. I hope so.
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