I smiled alot this weekend

Thursday
1) Being grateful for the things that I have and am so fortunate to have. Such as a warm apartment to go home to with a bed for me to sleep in.
2) New neighbors. I finally found one nice/friendly person in my whole building. We are thinking about planning a holiday party together. Although he says he’s lived there for 5 years and the people are just not friendly, I’m determined to change that. Smiles for my new friend!
3) People who are crazy dancers and just don’t care what anyone thinks. This guy was in the bar tearing up the dance floor by himself. He gave me his “business card” which he had clearly had made up specially and it said his name and under it…”Party Animal.” Apparently some people take things a little too far. It sure was making me smile though. Hilarious.

Friday
1) My uncles: Jeff and Mark greeted me at the airport when I got off the plane. It was so nice to see them and so nice of them to go out of their way to pick me up from the airport!
2) For some family history, my dad and his three brothers and one sister all grew up in a little house in Firebaugh, California. Most people haven’t heard of it, and the people that have would reply: why would you want to go there. I love it. It completely represents what people are capable of. My grandpa was a cotton farmer and my dad and uncles all grew up driving the cotton pickers. The town still hasn’t changed much, the only fast food place it has ever tried having was a Taco Bell and it promptly went out of business. I guess I love it so much because it’s such a big piece of me. There aren’t very many places that haven’t changed drastically in 50 years.
3) Little “just thinking” of you presents that my uncles, sister and mom gave me. It’s nice to know I’m loved and missed =)

Saturday
1) Being Italian! Our family name (my grandma’s maiden name) is Cardella and everyone is so proud. The family is from Lucca and going to an Italian restaurant is like all of us being at home.
2) So on the way home my sister and I decided that everyone needed to try “beer floats.” I had read about them on 43things and decided it would be fun to try. We didn’t have Guiness, so we used Budweiser and they turned out pretty good.
3) Trying new foods. As we’ve grown up, my sister and I are really picky eaters. Typically if she likes something – I don’t care for it, and vice versa. We tried escargot and I have to say I really liked it, granted it’s mostly the sauce they cook it in that makes it taste so good, but regardless, I was pleased.

Sunday
1) My uncles once again made me smile. They took me back to the airport and then since my flight was delayed they stayed and hung out with me for a while. I can’t tell you the last time that someone actually dropped me off and picked me up from the airport and didn’t just wait by the curb. Actually it was when I came back from Japan after 3 months of being gone. It’s always nice to have someone walk you all the way to security =) smiles for that because people should do that more often.
2) I like the dynamic of airports. There were all kinds of delays going on Sunday when I was trying to take my red-eye flight back to be home in time for work at 7am Monday morning. There were people sitting on the ground, people that you could tell had been up for a really long time, people really excited to be getting to wherever they were going. I like the fact that airports make everyone on the same level—except for the whole first class thing, we all wait for the same airplanes, we all have to deal with the same delays, we all depend on the same pilots to get us to where we are going. There is something cool about airports.
3) Beer. Lets just say I would have slept even less if it weren’t for beer.

jack-o-fun

1) Carving pumpkins and all the other fun stuff that we do when we are kids. I was thinking that half the reason that I want to go into teaching elementary kids is because we get to do so many crafts when we are little. As I was carving my pumpkin last night it was so fun to be able to have a creative outlet in such a ultimately useless but still fun way. Ahh the joys of being a kid.

2) Adventures...even drunken ones. Haha last night was halarious. The reason I go out is for nights like that. I had such a good time being dumb, meeting people, having cops give us rides to the "pizza place", asking guys if they are firemen so I can ride down the fire house pole, and going on deliveries with random delivery guys at 5 in the morning. It's important to know---i live in a big city and I take full advantage of the fact this city never sleeps.

3) Rainboots!! I know its very material and not at all insightful but the rainboots that I ordered came and they are: oh so cute! They made me smile!

Totally Alive

1) My own motivation, to be a healthier, well rounded, better person. It makes me happy that I have the ability to set goals and make steps to attaining them in an attempt to get closer to becoming the person that I want to be.

2) The world in general makes me smile. The fact that we have so many places we can explore including states like Alabama. What’s in Alabama anyway? Hopefully I’ll have the chance to find out.

3) Limitless knowledge, there is no way we could ever know everything. But I have made it one of my goals to never stop learning. I am so fortunate that I have the ability to access so much information; I am going to make a point that I never take that for granted.

Things that made me smile Monday

1) That I’m getting in better shape. I thought Sunday was a good run, but Monday was amazing! Ah, I love that I am getting my goals done and I feel so much healthier.
2) My mom, I had a conversation with her and it felt like old times. Makes me happy to know that she cares.
3) Giving. Part of my conversation with my mom led me to understand that I think the reason I am here on earth is to help other people and to give of myself. I’m really excited about this and it makes me a happier person inside to not just think about myself all the time but to consciously make decisions in my life that benefit me towards becoming the person that I ultimately want to be. …..deep

Weekend 20-22

Friday:

1. Bagels with tuna. They are so good in New York for some reason I am seriously addicted (thanks to Tracy).
2. Coupling – The British show like Friends. It is very entertaining and although it took up way too much of my time. I can’t complain, it’s very witty.
3. The boy. He’s kind of cute, especially when he sends clever text messages.

Saturday:

1) Not having to get up for work—or not having to get up at all for that matter.

2) A movie with popcorn, in bed. Talk about lazy, but nice. Boat Trip—the movie is “stupid comedy” but I have to say Cuba Gooding Jr is pretty sexy…so he made me smile too.

3) Cleaning. As much as I hate it, it’s so much nicer for me to have my place clean then all messy. I love when everything is organized, all the clothes are hung up, and its not dusty…it’s just clean. I seriously love it.

Sunday:

1. Duane Reade. I was a little disappointed when my closest Duane Reade was closed on Sunday, the lovely thing about New York is I only had to walk a block more and there was another one. Ahhh so nice to live in the city.
2. When running is easy. It seems like there are some days where running a mile makes me want to die and some days I could run and run and run for miles. I love those days where I can just keep going.
3. When you really don’t want to go out with someone but you know that you are going to have to if they call. And they don’t call. I know that is probably a little masochistic, but sometimes I want to hang around by myself—all weekend and not be bothered. I guess that shouldn’t be too much to ask.

Maybe more than 3 this time

1) 7th Heaven, it’s a really good show and I look forward to coming home every day and watching it.

2) The fact that people travel and want to see what the world has to offer. I met some blokes from London and they were both courteous and witty. Very charming men and they made me smile.

3) String cheese. I’m obsessed with it and I can’t help it.

4) And an extra one —cab drivers who play music because it’s so much more entertaining.

5) Baseball! Even though the mets lost, good old american baseball. I love the game, I know people say it's boring and sometimes it is. But there is something about being at a stadium or in a crowded bar rooting for your team--I like it. And I guess it doesn't hurt that I grew up watching it.

Things that made me smile Wednesday

1) I resisted the temptation to be lazy and not go to the gym. It would have been the third day not going and so I kicked my own ass into gear and went. The workout felt great and not being lazy when all you want to do is be lazy, felt even better.

2) The fact that I have a friend who cares enough to sit and listen to me bitch about how horrible my mom is, when really she’s not horrible at all, I’m just frustrated. Knowing that I have someone who will have a drink and let me vent makes me smile.

3) Sharing a private moment with a complete stranger. (Conversation about opening ceremony of Torino Olympics).

A fall, pb, umbrella

1) nice people in nyc. So as I’m leaving grand central about to walk the 4 blocks in the rain home I take a step off the curb to cross the street and instead go sliding off the curb, my foot comes almost completely out of my shoe and I am 2 seconds from falling flat on my face. I say “oh shit” regain my balance and try to continue on. The man next to me just looks over and keeps walking, the rest of the people crossing the street probably didn’t even notice, but one nice woman replied from behind me “Are you okay?” And I reply “Yah thank you.” And she says “are you sure you’re okay?” Thank God for nice people in this world, and especially in this city.


2)It made me smile today knowing that I saved $6-10 by bringing my lunch instead of buying it. And I don’t mind peanut butter sandwiches at all.

3)My $1 umbrella from Target stood up against the wind. I was worried for a second that it wouldn’t make it, but it held on and even if it didn’t it was only $1

Progress, Living Alone, The Game

I decided that I wanted to get a second job. Something part time that would give me some extra cash so that I can pay off these crazy credit card bills. Well, I had an interview--we'll see.

My favorite thing is knowing I can go home, throw my stuff down and do whatever I want. I can lounge around watch tv, clean--or not clean, wear whatever I want--or don't want to wear. The freedom of living by yourself is amazing--I love it. Ahhh....no roomates.

I am not difficult but I am extremely complicated, I am intrigued more by a guy that isn't interested in me then by someone who falls immediately in love. It doesn't matter who might be the better match...i like the game. So, my third thing i'm happy about is the fact he hasn't called which means he either has more going on or just isn't that interested. Which for me--is good.

Weekend 13th-15th

Friday:
There is something very satisfying about Finishing a book, maybe it's knowing that you get to start a new one. Whatever it is, I finished Into the Wild and I have to say I really liked it. I added a book of Jack London's stories to my reading list because of this book.

Fun co workers make the day go by some much faster and make it so much more entertaining. I'm excited, that and we're planning a trip to atlantic city =)

I love it when I go to the gym on a Friday during happy hour and I'm the only person there. i can sweat and not care, I can have my pick of the machines, I don't have be courteous and I can watch whatever I want. Oh, and if the episode is funny I can laugh really loud!

Saturday:

I went out Saturday night and drank way too much, I have to say one of my favorite parts of going out is all the interesting people that you meet. Everyone is so different and entertaining, I love it. Oh and dancing--isn't so bad either.

NY library. It's beautiful and I got my very own NY library card.

Checking things off of your 2-do list, although I hate errands, there is something nice about knowing the thing that you've been "supposed to be doing" is finally done. Even when it's small stuff like sending a package at the post office. "check, it's off my list"

Sunday:

Moms. Sometimes they are a pain in the ass, but you have to love them cause as much as they drive you crazy, they are wonderful.

Warm Chocolate chip cookies from the bakery on the Upper West Side--almost as good as hummingbird cake from buttercup...almost.

I like first dates. As much as it's an interview, it's also very new- very exciting and you really can't have expectations. I had a good first date and he's real cute which doesn't hurt either.

Elmer, bartenders, cars

1. Elmer is the 9 year old that I sponsored from World Vision. Yeah for kids and for charities for trying to help the people in the world that are less fortunate.

2. There is something so satisfying when you get a bar tender who isn't bitchy, actually wants to get you drunk (duh you're going to buy more if you are drunk) and who smiles...hell is customer service that hard?? They are few and far between in nyc and so high five for the ones who know how to be nice and serve a strong drink (or pitcher of a drink for that matter).

3. I have to say I love public transportation but having Carlo (the rental car we've had all week) has been so nice. To not have to walk to the subway, hail a cab, or just plain walk when it's starting to get cold out is so nice. I love the fact that this city is accessible without a car, but sometimes I miss my car that is sitting at home in the driveway collecting dust.

Internet, Sleep, and Old Friends

I don't know how people worked for 8 hours a day before the internet was created. Taking a break to check my mail or check out my 43things is what gets me through the day. The message from my boss yesterday stating that we need to "cut down on personal internet usage" was disheartening. But, it also made me appreciate this wonderful thing we have: technology!

I slept for 12 hours yesterday...ahh catching up on my zzz's feels so good sometimes as does neglecting all the things on my to-do list.

I got an email from an old friend that is living in NYC as well. Nothing like a big city feeling smaller when you get to go to happy hour with your friend from pre-school.

Sisters, Packages, a little sweat

Sisters have a unique way of knowing you better then any friend could know you. They are protective but not in the overbearing way a mom is. A sister has a unique ability to understand the way that you grew up and can relate in a way that is incomparable to any other relationship. I value my sister cause its days like Tuesday where a 30 minute venting session, on my lunch break, makes a world of difference.

In continuing with the sister theme…she sent me a package. For some reason mail (excluding bills) is so fun to get. You just feel special knowing that someone sent something for you. My sister and I used to love getting mail when we were kids so much that we would write for catalogs and brochures from every single gem company. We addressed everything to E & B Schletz because it sounded more mature or maybe because we just didn’t want to write our names, I’m not really sure. All I know is that the ranch house we own is going to have huge gates in the front and a big "E" and a big "B" on them.

After riding the bike for 9 miles up hills (imaginary ones of course) and a run, I was drenched with sweat but I figure 30 min for 9 miles totals 50 miles in around 3 hours. Granted I won’t be able to cruise for 50 miles at the pace I was going, but it definitely makes it seem feasible. Regardless, I love the feeling of working out, of pushing your body, sweating, etc. There is something invigorating about the end of a really good workout.

Recap: the weekend

Friday, October 6th: Matt, 43things, Sleep

1. I found out my bff from San Diego is coming to visit. He is halarious and I miss him. One conversation for 20 minutes made me smile soooo much. Amazing the effect that good friends have.

2. www.43things.com This website is quite possibly my favorite. It is the ultimate way to stay motivated and non-complacent (my goal for the rest of my life).

3. Sleep . . . I had some big welts on my arm so I took a little nap...ended up sleeping from 7 pm till 9 am. Funny how good it feels to sleep after a crazy week.

Saturday, October 7th

1. I'm not dying! I thought the welts on my arms might be a sign that I had some disease (I am a hypocondriac). Turns out it was a mosquito that was feasting on me. I killed him and he's no longer staying in my apartment. (The windows are no longer letting fresh air in either).

2. Central Park: I love this place! You can be dressed up, dressed down, in running clothes. It's beautiful and it's smack in the middle of the greatest city on earth. Whats not to love--especially when the weather is great.

3. Rollerblades! Whats better than central park? Rollerblading in central park. So much fun and actually quite a workout since I'm so out of shape. . .


Sunday, October 8th: Early Mornings, Road trips, and Chesapeake Bridge and Tunnel

1. First of all, waking up early after a night of drinking always makes me feel better. Especially when it's a nice morning. You walk to Grand Central and make your train on time. I really think I am a morning person.

2. Road trips--I love them, there is something about driving the east coast in fall that is beautiful. Include good music, snacks, laughing and a new destination on the way, I love it.

3. Chesapeake Bridge and Tunnel is spectacular, engineers never cease to amaze me.

Monday, October 9th: columbus and his day, talk radio, my own bed and shower

1. I love Columbus because thanks to him I didn't have to work on Monday =)

2. It's nice to listen to music and I'm not a fan of comercials on the radio but "talk radio" (the dj's) is so entertaining. I admire the fact they can keep me so interested. I can't see them and yet I laugh so hard--I think that means its good comedy. Oh and usually it's seinfield type of subject matter which is the best kind.

3. The other reason I love road trips is because when you get home you get to sleep in your own bed and take a shower in your own shower---so refreshing and it makes you appreciate "home".

Charity, Project, Fall

1. I walked the brooklyn bridge for the light the night walk. Beautiful views of the city..nice.


2. My boss asked me if I wanted to write the newsletter, while normally this would seem annoying, I love this kind of thing: it lets me be creative, it gives me something extra to do, it will give me another reason to impress my boss (and make him look good for choosing me). Project!

3. I realized that I love crisp mornings, there is something amazing about walking to work, feeling the cold on your face so it makes you walk a little faster. It's the beginning of a new day and it just feels new when it's cold in the morning. I love fall.