Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Yes, I watch SYTYCD

You standing here is a sign of victory.
-Lil' C

SYTYCD filmed auditions in New Orleans this year, and the episode aired tonight. As I watched the entire episode, I was pretty much alternating between bouncing out of my chair with excitement for these incredible dancers and sitting, crying in awe of their triumphs. So many of these dancers have never had formal training - dancing is just part of the cultural fabric of this city. Dancer after dancer just brought serious heat, but what else would you expect from NOLA? One kid even introduced the "New Orleans Bounce" which blew everyone away. I mean, seriously, it was some of the fiercest stuff I've ever seen. He was there with his best friend, his mentor, who had taught him to dance when he was a little kid and had woken him up at 3:00 in the morning the day of the audition to make sure he was there on time.

And he's just one example. This city is filled to the brim with passion, talent, and soul. It's everywhere you go, everyone you meet, every song you hear sung on a street corner. Music is the heartbeat of this city, and it seems like everyone, from tiny children to old-timers and everyone in between, carries that heartbeat.

I love this city so much. It sets me on fire, and every day I feel like new things are possible. Each person here has had their heart broken, made sacrifices to come back, and keep going. This city taught me that. It has taught me to be alive, to be honest, to try every day, to be strong. Just like each one of those dancers, and just like this gorgeous city, each of us still standing here is a sign of victory.

Macro. Hmmm.

My friend sent this email to me from across the classroom today:

This is a lot of Y=C+I+G / F(K,L) I (r) MPL * MPK all finished off with a nice WTF.

Exxxxactly.

{am I so busy that I can't get pictures anymore? apparently}

Today has been full of loveliness. The weather is vaguely crisp, it's cooler than it's been in weeks and it almost maybe awesomely makes me think that fall has fallen. I just love fall.

A great something I've been obsessing over for weeks literally fell into my lap today. This is why overthinking and obsessing pays off! Because when the opportunity presented itself, I was able to articulate my ideas and {just maybe} move my personal agenda forward a step. Major hooraying is happening in my head.

Someone that {I thought} had forgotten about me suddenly resurfaced, and another opportunity has come from it.

Someone cut down one of my ideas this afternoon, one that I'm so excited about. She deflated me a bit, but it also reminded me why I am so determined to make it happen.

And of course, someone is getting married in 4 days, and I am just beyond thrilled.

Ok, must go back to reading my econ book. I forgot how long it takes to read textbooks...

Friday, September 25, 2009

My plan for zen appears to have worked

Maybe it was the yoga.

Maybe it was the fun-with-friends.

Maybe it was taking a night off from homework.

I'm going to go with D, all of the above.

I'm feeling refreshed, with renewed calm and positivity.

Happy Friday!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Her Highness, the Queen!


Look at our little snickerdoodle!!!!!!!
Front page of the NewWave.

Win the title for sheer loveability, while unicorns covered in bacon jam frolick around Joel Robuchon's backyard


No, I didn't write that title, but it made me laugh out loud, which was extremely welcome on this {very tired} Thursday.

Things are wild and hairy-scary these day. A lot is happening really, really fast, and it's definitely hard to keep my head above water. Sometimes it's just the tippy tip of my nose that's above water...

I had a final on Tuesday, which I am 98.5% confident I rocked. I know it's not about the grade, but I just can't help my inner Hermione from rearing up inside me with a ferocious desire to be the best.

I'm going to yoga tonight. I am in need of some serious om-ing.

And in case it's another two weeks before I post again:

Jessica: 10 days!!!

Friday, September 11, 2009

I will always heart NY

What I experienced and witnessed on this day 8 years ago made an indelible mark on my heart. I am sad I am not in the city today to leave flowers for firefighters and join together with other New Yorkers to celebrate and remember the ones that were lost. But no matter where I am, this day is a part of me, and I am a part of it. I love my New York. It is the place that makes my heart beat faster, the place that inspires my artistic swoons, the place that I will always, always feel is home. I miss it. I love it. I will always remember this day.