i remember...

when a metro card cost $76

when my nanny yelled at me for picking up cigarette butts on my way home from school (i was trying to clean the world)

when my computer screen was black and green and it had one game

cutting my hair down to the scalp in one spot

throwing salt over my shoulder hoping it would help me fly

cleaning the pool with vegetable strainers

letting my ferrets run wild in my room when i went to school

sledding down The Res

everything with Lisa

when bills were something my parents dealt with...

rent is due tomorrow

happy june 1

it's so HOTTTT!

wow.  it is really hot in NYC right now.  we do not have a/c anymore, so we are just flying by the seats of our pants.  we need to buy some fans.... man oh man, it is sweaty over here!

i took basic tap class today which was awesome! the teacher was lovely and it was finally slow enough that i could figure out what was happening.  shuffle, fa-lap, ball change! that was great.  she was very encouraging and kept saying "i am so proud of you"

tacos for dinner. delicious.  so easy and so good! especially if you warm up the tortillas first!  i have trouble keeping the juice from running all over my hands. 

Thought:  "taco juice" means meat is a fruit?  i should ask Dr. Clark. 

in NYC there are 2 types of bikes.  Happy bikes, and sad bikes.  I would describe the above bike as sad.  it must feel so immobile with no "legs".  it must also feel a bit worthless and no good at it's job.

i don't have anything inspirational for today.... i will talk about what today was.  today was full of friends.  well, actually it started with an audition for red heads that want to be in a music video.  that was interesting.  It is a band called Faren and the French Fries music video.  they seemed cool today when we met, and it was a unique experience to dance for them.  Also unique to be in a room full of red heads.  I did not feel as special as I usually do because of my hair.

Then I went to a bbq in queens with 4 friends.  and then another bbq in brooklyn with many friends.  it was a lovely day.  I also made cous cous and homemade lemonade.

happy memorial day everyone!

"I'm a"

 i found this paper on the street.  this photo really demonstrates where i am in my life. 
i'm a  _______________.
somedays i feel great and i have a clear path.  other days, i feel like a mad lib and i want someone else to fill in the blank for me.  today i would have said "i'm a friend." 

 this is my Astoria corner.  this where i get on and off the train several times most days.

this was my brunch with my amazing friends today.  we ate so well! we had french toast with ginger maple syrup, homemade chocolate chip scones, melon wrapped in prosciutto, berries, frittata, bacon, carrot and cucumber salad, yum yum yum in my face!  and we had many great conversations.  we talked about art, life, injuries, free falling, bathtubs that can double as tables, how heavy marble is, and great apartments.





ps. i got the job with the czech marionette company, and i have an interview on tuesday for another job... lets see how much i can handle... also i am done capitalizing things in this blog.

my inner dinosaur

What an exhausting day! Running around literally, and in my mind.
Kicked it off with ballet class with Cedar Lake.  So nice to dance with friends, I always love that.
Tea with a friend, a good catch up as well as inspiring.
A trip to The Joyce theater, an impromptu meeting with the technical director titled: inspiration for young baby choreographers... Aka moi.
Then off to the Apple Store for some audition hunting via my super amazing Uncle Interwebs.
Creative lunch time at the Chelsea Market, great spot to sit at eat the lunch you packed from home because you are on a budget.
Off to my own reh, today was fantastic and it went really fast.  My friends are such gorgeous dancers! Then pizza on a bench.
And then....drumroll... My call back for czech marionette theater!  I think it went well.  We improvised with marionettes, I rule at improv.  BIG WIN.

Thesis statement of the day:  I stopped by a book store today and thought about my inner dinosaur. What does it mean to live life so fully each day?  It means: to embrace your inner dinosaur.  Eat, sleep, attack with a zesty fire in your soul, care for the ones around you in your pack... Probably poop.  I mean let's keep it real.  I am a tiny dinosaur, with surprising capabilities.  One who you never even notice, until it bites your foot and changes your life forever.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry (seriously wrote this on the N train home because it has been such a long day!)

Czech Marionette Theater

Today I went to another audition.  It was for a production of Golem with the Czech Marionette Theater (my sister-in-law would be so proud!)  I got to dance with the marionettes and it was really cool.  It was totally different than anything else I have ever done and that was exciting to me.  Let's see if I get a call back...

COMPOST

Baby Ballet was fun! They were very cute and made me laugh.  I said if they had any questions they should ask me.  Every hand in the room flew into the air.  "Oh boy" I thought to myself.  I picked one tiny baby, she said, "when my dad drives his car he goes like that."  Not sure that was a question but ok.  Next.  "I helped my mom do the laundry!"  Oh boy, now I have done it, note to self never ask the three years old if they have questions in the beginning of class.... they don't.  They just think they do.  We had a good time pretending to be animals, balancing, and doing head shoulders knees and toes.

I really needed a nap after those 3 classes.  But instead I walked over to the community garden in Queens to drop off my kitchen scraps in the compost.  That was fun, and made me feel like I was contributing to something worthwhile.  It will be fun to have my own compost and garden someday.

Then we went over to the Astoria Beer Garden and it started to pour as soon as we got there.  But we still enjoyed great Czech beer and had fun!  Today was a kick ass day! YES!!

Baby Ballet

Tomorrow I head out to Riverbank State Park to teach my very first ballet class. Well, actually 3! I can't tell you how nervous and excited I am.  I need to get some rest so I can teach some moves!  This blog is a short one, I will write about how it goes later! good night world...

DON'T HOLD BACK

There are times that I think about things in my head.  And I only say them out loud to my husband who never judges me.  Well, I have decided not to hold back in this blog and really say how I feel, and tell you all the things I think about.  That is the gooey stuff.  Life Juice....hmmm

Sometimes when I am cutting food with an extremely sharp knife, I imagine that I forgot that the knife is sharp and I lick the food off of the knife.  In my vision, I cut my tongue almost in half.  Scary, I know.

I imagine falling down the stairs any time I have to take stairs.

I imagine getting mugged and thinking about how I would defend myself.  I am always so amazingly strong and quick and clever in those daydreams... I usually dominate my attacker in a superhuman way.  I can fly, then I wrap my legs around their head and twist them to the floor without using my hands.  Then I politely ask for my wallet back.  Maybe I have seen too many movies.

Sometimes, I think about doing socially unacceptable things on the train just to see if anyone cares. Like dance really crazy in a corner by myself.  Or walk around touching everyone's heads.  That would be so awkward... and awesome?

On Monday, I stood in front of Starbucks and I danced.  A weird dance, like aerobics but better.  And I talked to people as they came and left the shop.  I tried to get them to give me elbow-slams.  It was a fun day.  I also jumped in a lot of puddles.

Here is a picture to inspire your next act of randomness...  

Joe with his guitar in Brooklyn

 

Scientific Look at Fruits and Juice

A fruit is defined by something that can create juice when squished. 
Juice is defined as liquid that moves. 
Therefore:
Coal is a fruit that produces the juice oil.
Ice is the fruit that produces the juice commonly known as water: Ice juice.
Bananas and Avocados are not fruits as they produce mush.  No one cares about them.  Not fruits.
Carrots= fruits.
Tomatoes= fruits.
Glass=fruit? questionable... still being researched.

this information was brought to you by Dr. Clark and Dr. Cutlet, Prof Mead, Master Rinderknecht, and student unpaid intern Sheaff.

Also, I found the man who sleeps painted gold, and good news.... I got his picture!

 

LADY GAGA

It was a Friday afternoon.  I was on my way to my own creative play time in SoHo.  I am usually on time if not early, on this Friday I was 45 minutes early so I went window shopping.  I walked a mere 1/2 block and heard people whispering "gaga... prada.... she's in there!"  Eventually I understood that Lady Gaga was in Prada.  It took me a minute to get up the nerve to enter Prada.  I pretended to be shopping, looking at outrageous glasses and shirts.  And then I saw her.  It was awesome, Lady Gaga WAS in Prada.  She is very short.  She was wearing heels and could not have been taller than 5'3".  She was wearing fishnet tights and what looked like red underwear.  She had on some kind of crazy bra shirt thingy... and a loose jacket.  She looked totally crazy! I mean, if you did not know she was famous you could mistake her for a crack addict.  But it really made my day to see such a pop icon.  Wow.  I was star struck.  Thank you NYC.

And, I realize that I have already failed at writing every day.  Last night I was too tired and forgot! I will try not to let that happen again.  I apologize to my totally radical 6 readers!

BIRD MERDE

Something with Blogger went wild yesterday, they seemed to have lost my post about NYC Nap time, and my link to the WNYC interview.  oh well! I will try to fix that for my readers.

Today I am thinking I need to make lemonade out of lemons.  I was feeling pretty bad about the dance class I took this morning because I have lost a lot of my technique over the past 4 years.  I also got pooped on by a bird.  So.  Instead of complaining about it (which no one really likes to read) I am going to take it as a sign of good luck.  I got pooped on by a bird, awesome! That means that tomorrow when I go to my audition I might be the luckiest gal there!

This week I have done three auditions, and received 3 rejections.  It is a tough world, but I have already had an amazing career with Pilobolus so I can not worry too much!  Pilobolus in itself was a blessing for me, and if that was the highlight of my dancing life, that is ok! On to the next! Wish me Merde!  or even bird merde!

WNYC

WNYC Rockette article
see Lights, Camera, NYC for more info

NYC is sleepy

I was thinking today that there should be nap-time for all New Yorkers.  From 3-4 everyday, you have to take a nap.  Nothing is open and everyone has to lie down and go to sleep.  Just like preschool!  It's crazy how many people sleep on the subway. Yesterday, on the train, a man was falling asleep so hard he was practically sleeping on my shoulder.  And there was a woman bent in half over her book, out like a light! I also saw a man painted entirely gold.... asleep! That was hilarious and awesome.  It was as if he was in the middle of his subway routine but got so tired he needed a nap.  I wanted to take pictures of all these people, but I felt awkward. It is too bad that the only time in your life that you really don't want to take a nap, is the only time when someone actually says, "ok everyone to their cots, it is naptime."

LIGHTS, CAMERA, NYC!!!!

Today was insane.  I was possessed by the urge to go and audition for the Rockettes.  That's right.  The same Rockettes that perform at Radio City Music Hall and kick their legs to Christmas music.  I was there, and so were 500 other women from all over America.  My number was 395, I got to dance a 16 count combo and get cut right away.  This, was totally crazy... but actually fun! I made a few friends, did an interview with NPR while waiting in line, and thought this audition was very professional. However...

Right after I got cut, I jumped on the subway to go hang out with my friends who dance for a company called Gallim.  Gallim Friends  They were working on a piece about herd mentality and I could not stop myself from comparing all the women at The Rockette audition to a type of herd.  The type of herd that is trained from the beginning of their dancing life to act and think a certain way.  Wear heels, get your fake lashes on, not a stray hair on your head, be perfect.  If you're not perfect, well, goodbye.  Maybe that is harsh, maybe I am too judgmental.  Maybe some of those girls just really love Christmas and live camels onstage.  Or maybe they are aliens.  yeah, aliens that have been born with nude tights and leotards on.  Maybe they are going to take over the world with the can-can.  To me, it was a little sad that girls were crying on the sidewalk because they got cut.  Literally bundled up in a tight ball crying on the corner of 50th street and 6th Ave.  I wanted to take them aside and tell them "don't worry, you are better off not being a drone that looks exactly like the girl next to you.  Go home, dye your hair pink, take off your heels, color with crayons, jump rope, scream really loud... do ANYTHING! Most importantly, think for yourself." But I would never say that to a 17 year old girl who drove from Boston with her mom, maybe it is her dream to be in this show.  Why would I crush that dream?  That would just be mean.

EXPLODING BAG!!

The chaos of a bag.  When I got home my bag exploded. 
~2 pairs of dance shoes
~keys cellphone wallet is my chant as I run out the door... wait, I was without my cellphone because I lent it to a friend and forgot to get it back!
~Vita Coco, got to stay hydrated and coconut water is really great for that
~ipod, can't choreograph without it
~Klean Kanteen: totally awesome purple thanks to AC
~day planner
~hippo folder, holds my resumes and head shots to help remind me that nothing is that serious! even an audition!
~Dean and Deluca half eaten pear muffin
~dance clothes
~crazy undies for L-O-V-E (my duet not my personal life!)

what is the point of this blog? i dunno! maybe to endorse goods... so check out moleskin for your day planner: Day Planner, Klean Kanteen for drinking: Klean Kanteen, lululemon for your workout needs: Lemon Heads, Dean and Deluca for pastries: Dean and Deluca YUM YUM, and MAC for expensive things you can only get once every 4 years! APPLE

Colors

COLORS COLORS COLORS! You have to eat colorful food! It is more fun!  This looks so delicious I could eat it again.  This is dinner from a few nights ago, which was very easy.  I used what I had in the fridge to create the salad: lettuce, tomatoes, the lentil dish, and avocado.  Boiled some carrots in the same pot with the small potatoes (to save on washing dishes).  And cooked up a piece of salmon only seasoned with butter, salt, and pepper.  I am only mildly obsessed with food, but this picture was so great I had to use it.  I love the steam coming off the food.  yum!

Today was a nice day, minus the fact that I woke up with a sore throat and headache.  I had brunch with my 2 favorite women at Cafe Gitand in NoLita. We shared some delicious treats, including avocado toast, a yogurt cucumber hummus concoction, and focaccia with olives and warm feta... plus a waffle!
Cafe Gitand

We worked on L-O-V-E, a duet I am presenting at The Queens Fringe Festival this week.  The rehearsal somehow made me feel a little better.
For tickets visit: Queens Fringe Festival

And then I went to an audition for a great company.
Company XIV

too tired and sicky for laundry... so I dropped it off for wash and fold.  Shhh don't tell!

Catania, Italy

I was recently in Catania, Italy performing with Pilobolus Dance Theater. 
Pilobolus Dance Theater
It was Easter weekend, and here are some things I learned about Sicily.

1. Nothing is open over Easter weekend, so if you plan a trip to Italy go another time.

2. Italians take a break in the day from about noon until 6pm... if you need to buy anything be sure to do it early.

3. Infacto! OK! You can say so much with your hands... if you are Italian!

4. Men walk arm and arm in the street, old or young

5. If you are a macho man (or in the mafia... it is real) you say "Capucho" instead of "Cappuccino"

6. The men are very fashionable, they take pride in having nice clothes and very slick hair

7. You can not have a cappuccino after 11 am, it is socially unacceptable to have warm milk so late in the day

8. It is possible to get tired of eating pasta, pizza, and gelato (i never thought i would say that!)

9. It usually does not rain in Catania, however while I was there it rained every day... maybe that means do not go to Italy with me?  hmmm

10. Be sure to try the seafood!

INSPIRATION

A.S.T.E.P.

Artists Striving To End Poverty

This is an organization that I have been involved with since 2003.  wow, 2003 feels so long ago! I stopped by their office in Times Square yesterday to say hello to my friends.  They are amazing individuals who come together to create original artistic experiences for young minds.  If you feel like you have been focused on your own stress lately, take a minute to remember that our problems are tiny compared to most.  I know for myself it is easy to get caught up in the little things: the office is a mess, I need an agent, I want to create art... me me me me.....BLAH!  We are warm in our beds, with our stomachs full, and for the most part healthy. 

If you want to give back or be inspired visit http://www.asteponline.org/ ... it is food for the soul!

Home in the Red Zone SA, photo credit Zen Jefferson

The Red Zone, South Africa: photo credit Zen Jefferson

These images are from my trip to Port Elizabeth, South Africa in 2006.  It was an amazing trip, I recommend this type of work to everyone.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.... and a subway ride

start with strawberries

 Sometimes when I wake up I have tons of energy.  I use this energy to wake up my darling husband who loves to sleep.  When he finally gets his bones up and moving, he will usually take a shower and I use that time to surprise him with breakfast.  Today, I made us fruit, yogurt, and again with the weird flax seeds that are probably nutritious. (his coffee mug is the grumpy one)

cut up dried fruit that you like, i used apricots and dates

add almonds and dried cranberries, or whatever you fancy

make sure you share the grumpy mug (everyone has bad mornings)

 We love coffee in our house.  LR (my husband) takes his black with just a little sugar.  Mine on the other hand requires milk that has been frothed, a bit of espresso, and a spoonful and a half of sugar.... fancy fancy

 Our milk frother totally rules.  It is a bodum handheld thingy.

MILK FROTHER THAT RULES

 Mustard Yellow enjoying breakfast!

 For lunch I made a lentil salad.  The recipe is from my friend Belinda.  It has green lentils, olive oil, currants, onions, curry... if anyone wants the recipe I will post it.

 Dinner was leftover rice and Mole sauce, and also a bit of lentil salad over greens with a few shrimp.  I hope I am inspiring some new eating ideas! Fairway it good at that for me! (Fairway is the best grocery store in NYC)

And after a lot of time in the kitchen I scrubbed it down.  Cleaning makes me feel good because when everything else in my life is all over the place... at least I know I can scrub the counters and that will be done.  I can see the progress right away... unlike auditioning and job hunting... nothing immediate about that!







I did not stay at home and cook all day.  I went to a meeting at Career Transitions for Dancers... I have a lot of work to do.      
Career Transitions for Dancers
And then I took a ballet class at STEPS, which was fun and the teacher was hilarious today.
DANCE DANCE DANCE
I also get yelled at by some random man on the subway, which is unfortunately not rare for me.  Something about my aura invites weird people to speak to me.

Mustard Yellow

I have lived in the NYC area for 9 years.  Yesterday I went to Century 21 for the first time ever.  I was happily surprised to find a mustard yellow sweater.  I bought it for $35, and even though it is raining today, the sweater is giving me sunshine everywhere I go. 
Century 21

Today I had a lunch that was very different for me.  I had dried fruit covered in yogurt and flax seeds.  It was actually tasty, and pretty sure it is nutritious too.  I would like to learn more about nutrition in general.

Tonight I am off to Armitage Gone!  I have 2 friends in the show at The Joyce Theater in Chelsea.  If you have time, check it out.  You can also get some rockin' Itame Ramen from Nooch near the theater before or after the show, if you are into that!
The Joyce Theater
Nooch

xo
ani