Tag: New York City

city stuff: strangers swooping in for the pickup, then swiftly aborting mission.

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[ Starbucks, Union Square, 3pm ]

I’m sitting drinking coffee and tinkering with my iPad at a table alone. Enter man in late 30’s dressed in uniform: checkered pants, crisp white top, kitchen clogs.

Man: Excuse me, can I sit here? (Points to seat next to me.)

JC: Sure. (The place is crowded, and this was not the first time I’d been asked to share my table)

Man: My name is Danny, I am a chef! (I turn to look at Danny as he introduces himself. He puts out his hand to shake mine. I shake his hand. It has recently had lots of lotion on it. It is soft and smells like my mother’s lotion, So Pink, from The GAP. Danny does not want to let go of my hand.) OH! My. You look just like my sister!

JC: Really. (Trying to pull away my hand.)

Danny: Yes! Where you from?

JC: North Dakota.

Danny: No, where you FROM!

JC: I suppose I’m Scandinavian…

Danny: You married?

JC: (I quickly scan my mind for a way out of this, but am wearing not a single ring to even attempt faking it.) No.

Danny: You have boyfriend?

JC: Yes.

Danny: Is he AMERICAN?

JC: Yes, he is American!

Danny: OK! (Pauses) Nice to meet you! (Grabs my hand once again, comments on how soft it is, then begins to bring my hand up to his cheek, so as to nuzzle it, and kiss it goodbye.)

JC: (Pulling hand away) OKAY DANNY! OKAY! BYE!

JC: (Hands smell of Danny’s lotion…)

thanksyorking

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This is the first time in — as long as I can remember (come to think of it, EVER) that I’ve spent Thanksgiving away from my family. I had an opportunity to go with friends to Connecticut for a few days, but I decided that since this is my first Thanksgiving in New York, I’d like to spend it in New York City. 

New York has really come alive, particularly over the past week, with holiday glow. I can only imagine how spectacular the holiday season in the city will be (first time for that, too), and I’m so excited to see the city transform with lights, ornaments and decorations. This city’s energy is magnificent and it’s amazing to be a part of it.
Here was my today —
1 + 2  / Morning walk to Barclays Center and coffee
3 + 4  /  Through sunshine and brownstones
5  /  Dressing rooms
6  / Evening at Strand, with miles and miles of books
7  / Commute home via Canal Street Station
8  / Making grandma’s/mom’s “Supreme Salad” — a holiday staple — for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow
• • • • •
Enjoy the day with your families (I sure miss mine)!
j

no sleep till barclays

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For the first time since construction was completed in late September, I took a stroll past Barclays Center. It’s about a 15 minute walk from my apartment, the new home of the Brooklyn Nets, frequent performances by Jay-Z, and a monstrosity of a stadium. There’s been much anticipation — and even more controversy — about Barclays Center (this documentary will tell you all about it), and I’m interested to see if locals will take a liking to it anytime soon.