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September 28, 2008

Moving around (again)!

Filed under: Life — Erika @ 10:13 pm

I’m moving again!! I know! 3 apartments in 4 months!! I lived in a furnished studio in May, rented a room in a 3-bedroom Gramercy Park apartment all through the summer (I signed a year-long lease but I didn’t expect to leave so soon), and now I’m moving to an apartment TWO BLOCKS FROM WORK! I can go home to poop if I want!!

I’m moving this Wednesday.. oh man, it’s going to be a lot tougher this time around now that I have more stuff and a dog. AND I think it’ll be raining! Ugh!

More updates to come once I’m settled.

<3

E

September 20, 2008

Finally, a real update!

Filed under: Life, Photos — Erika @ 1:34 pm

There is one thing I absolutely do not like about New York–being outside between 3 am and sunrise. And I don’t mean being out at a bar or a club or a friend’s place, I mean literally being OUTSIDE during those hours. Not only is sketchy and dark, it’s COLD too!! Well, NOW it is. I didn’t mind being outside during the summer, I guess. But oh, seasons–I do love that you change. :)

So, I’m sure you can tell from my lack of weekly updates that life has been very, very busy as of late. My social life has been fairly nonexistent (save for Beer Wednesdays with my company–by far my FAVORITE day of the week, and with good reason!). I suppose I didn’t really have time to care about it because I’ve been so busy with work. Speaking of, I have a new workspace at work!! I went from a cubicle to this:

I know, I know. I have it good. A desk AND a couch? Bossman, where’s my ottoman! Haha, just kidding! I asked for the couch because I’ve been cursed with being short and the desks aren’t fitting ergonomically with me, even with the chair set at its maximum height. I told my boss that I didn’t need a desk but he insisted.. and I do use it time to time (as you can see in the picture), but I sit on the couch more often. Work’s been good, though. Busybusybusy but good nonetheless. I recently joked with my boss that I only think about two things: work and hot men, to which he responded, “GOOD! I’m glad you think about work so much.. and.. hot men.. but GOOD!” Hahaha. I definitely have my priorities straight!

SO SO much has happened lately and I’ve been promising photos for sooooo long so ONTO THE PHOTOS! (They’re all from my facebook, by the way.. nothing you haven’t seen before, fbook friends!)

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Sometimes I like to walk around during my lunch break to clear my head or soak up as much sun as possible. It was particularly beautiful this day. This was in Battery Park. I was among all the tourists waiting in line to take a boat to the Statue of Liberty. FYI for tourists — going INTO the Statue of Liberty has been restricted for yeeeeears, so if you do decide to take the ferry, you will get a chance to be photographed with her feet once you’re on the island. But the ferry ride gives you absolutely stunning views of Lady liberty on your way to the island, so it may not be a bad thing after all!

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This is Stone Street. Bars and restaurants line the cobblestoned street while patrons enjoy their food and/or beverages outdoors. After my interview with my company, they took me here for drinks and ahh, it just felt SO New York! It’s a really cute area.

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I had a dinner party with Tim, Cindy and Kim a while back and I cooked! The first course was a Mexican grilled corn salad with grilled scallops. The main entree was a baked stuffed lobster with broiled zucchini & potatoes. For dessert, we had a fresh fruit tart with vanilla ice cream. Everything was SOOOO good! We had really, really good rose and chardonnay to accompany everything as well. Aw, I LOVE dinner parties!


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Late last month, Tim invited Cindy and I to accompany him to the Barclay’s Golf tournament in New Jersey. OH MY GOD, it was SOOOO hot that day. Golf is such an active spectator sport. So much walking is involved! Most of these were taken from the 5th hole, right next to the green. From left to right: (1) a caddy, Jesper Parnevik and Phil Mickelson; (2) Jason Day, a caddy and Sergio Garcia; (3) Mike Weir and his caddy; (4) caddy, Kevin Streelman, Vijay Singh and another caddy.

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The Empire State building. So pretty!

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Assorted tomatoes at the Union Square farmer’s market.

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Coney Island from the docks. They’re auctioning all the rides so if you have $15k lying around and can’t figure out what to do with your backyard..

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Bossmen and coworkers on Beer Wednesday.

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9/11

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A view of the sunset from the North Cove Marina.

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Peanut waiting anxiously to be served!

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I don’t know WHY he’s licking the wall.

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Oh, I cut my hair!

I cut it MYSELF. What do you think?

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Andi and I at Cain last night. Clubbing is a lot of work!

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And because I promised her, here is a photo of my mother. I promised to put up a picture for her birthday and when she showed me this, I was like.. that’s it, that’s the one! This one will show everybody where I get my crazies from!

Of course my mom’s the only one in the photo with an entire bottle of champagne. Hahahahahahahhhaha.

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And this is her saying “Oh yes she did!” to her colleague.

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And finally, my beautiful mother with a friend!

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That’s it for now. I think Peanut’s due for a walk. Hope everyone has a good weekend!

<3

E

September 19, 2008

Happy Anniversary!

Filed under: Life — Erika @ 12:06 pm

To my spectacular parents, the best and most supportive pair of parents anyone could ever ask for,

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!

September 14, 2008

DISASTROUS!

Filed under: Life — Tags: — Erika @ 2:34 am

Disclaimer: This post is definitely not suited for anyone sensitive to crude language. Also, it is rated R–Nicole, Taylor & Kirky, do not read this (even though I know you probably will anyway, despite this warning, you silly children). I apologize in advance for all the cursing. Children, don’t follow in my footsteps!!

I went on a blind date. YES, ERIKA WENT ON A BLIND DATE.

His name is Mike. He said that he found me appealing because I am “fairly nerdy and that’s a huge plus!” HE EVEN ENDED THAT SENTENCE WITH AN EMOTICON. I’m sorry but I only have a max of FOUR smiley faces I use online and they are: :) :( ;) :\ (and i’ll substitute = for : sometimes). Anything beyond that.. well, if you’re not a friend and your geekiness is not already apparent to me, then I don’t know what to say.. it’s probably nothing good, though. That was STRIKE #1. And anyway, I know software engineers get a bad rap for being so nerdy but, I mean, come on.. since when have I been praised for being NERDY?? I know I have some nerd-like tendencies but for the most part, I’m a pretty cool person if I do say so myself. Regardless, STRIKE #1.5.

Mike mentioned that he was hesitant about sending me a photo because he is a “semi well known person” and he’d explain this if I were to agree to meet with him but assured me he is “above average in attraciveness.” Okay, if you know me, you know that I am a celebrity FANATIC. My first thought was “HOLY SHIT, MAYBE HE WAS ON SURVIVOR?!?!?!!!” I was very intrigued so I told him sure, let’s meet! (I normally don’t go around meeting people I don’t know so parents, don’t get worried!)

We were supposed to meet on the Tuesday after Labor Day but at work, I started to feel a bit uneasy about everything so I planned on canceling last minute (I know, so considerate). I expected his call around 6 pm and I texted him a few minutes before, “Hey, I can’t make it tonight. Maybe I’ll contact you later this week.” KEYWORD: MAYBE! Anyway, it all failed (obviously) because he called me (I ignored it) and left me a voicemail, in which I found his phone voice to be very.. attractive. I know, weird, whatever. So then I texted him and asked to reschedule for later during the week but we both had prior commitments on every other day of the week except for Tuesday, so our original plan to meet was still in effect.

Unfortunately, I had made the mistake of accidentally using my emergency excuse on the phone while making plans. Also, while on the phone, he asked me why I couldn’t meet at 8 pm (STRIKE #2).. um, Mike, I know you’re VIP and all but it’s certainly none of your business. He also told me was in between jobs right now (STRIKE #3). Who says that kind of thing to a blind date BEFORE YOU EVEN MEET?!?!!! WHY SAY IT AT ALL?!

We planned to meet in front of the subway station nearby. When I first saw him.. oh. my. god. I wanted to turn around. Okay, so he did send me a picture and I didn’t find him attractive then but I was hoping that, you know, he just doesn’t photograph well. HAHA, I was so disillusioned. Yea, I’m shallow.. at least I’ll admit it. Whatever. Moving on.

Greetings went a little like this:
E: *puts out hand to shake* Hey, I’m Erika. Nice to meet you.
M: Hi I’m Mike. *ignores the hand and proceeds to give me an awkward hug*
E: Uh.. oh.. okay? *THIS WAS SAID DURING THE HUG, BY THE WAY*
M: So, what do you want to do?

WHAT THE HELL? YOU planned the date. I agreed to see you. YOU DIDN’T PLAN ANYTHING? STRIKE #4!!! He could’ve researched the area a bit, you know, yelp places nearby. What an IDIOT.

While we were walking around looking for a restaurant with outdoor seating, he started to tell me about some play he was thinking about writing. I did not at all find it interesting and I knew he could tell. When he asked me what my thoughts were, I politely chuckled and said “Well, if creative writing is your thing, you should do it.” He asked me if I would watch it and I said “Probably not.” Hahahaha. I wasn’t trying to be a bitch, I was just being honest.

We settled on Madison Square Park since 1) it’s a public spot, 2) there was food nearby if he wanted to eat and 3), I could easily run and lose him if I fancied.

And then the fucking interrogation began. A sample of his questions:
- Who would win in a staring–no, SMILING contest? (to which I responded I would lose. When he remarked that I hadn’t laughed in the past 3 minutes, I made a lame attempt at chuckling and announced him as the victor)
- What’s the most offensive thing you’ve said in the past 2 weeks?
- What don’t you like about yourself?
- What do you like about me, besides the fact that I’m so hot? (AND HE’S NOT. STRIKE #5)

He didn’t even ask me why I moved to NY from CA! I’ve never been on a blind date before but, I mean, doesn’t that belong in the STANDARD SET OF QUESTIONS you ask someone when you first meet them??

Oh, about the whole “semi well known” status. I asked him about this right off the bat once we got to Madison Square. He prefaced the story with the following question:

“Are you familiar with magic cards?”

WHAT. THE. MOTHER. FUCK.

For those of you who are not familiar, “Magic: The Gathering” cards are definitively GEEKY. The only people I know who play them with pride on a Friday or Saturday night among fellow geeks are.. oh my god, they’re just all bad. Just google it and trust me when I say it’s a geek thing. (Let it be known I have never in my life even seen a magic card)

I nodded my head slowly but felt like running away. Fuck the number of strikes, I thought, he’s probably never set foot in ANY sports arena ever. Get me out of here!

M: Well, I started an internet rumor about magic cards. *waits for my response*
E: *crickets* *doesn’t even blink*
M: I wrote in some forum that the ink fades after 15 years so the cards are pretty much worthless. *laughs*
E: *more crickets*
M: Yea, it’s a lot of work keeping up with an internet rumor.
E: I’m sure it is.
M: *suddenly delighted* You know this because you’ve started one before, haven’t you!!
E: Um, no, I actually have things to do.
M: I started this other internet rumor too..
E: *stops listening, starts zoning out*

Throughout the entire hour and a half of TREACHEROUS MISERY, he kept saying how I must think he’s really attractive and hot. Dude? You’re a 2 at best. If I was completely WASTED and you were the ONLY guy at a bar, I STILL wouldn’t approach you; I’d probably go home. THAT’S how attractive I find you. Beer goggles don’t even help!!!!

By the fourth or fifth time he mentioned this, I was so tired of his blatant lies that I called him out on it:
E: Do you really think you’re that hot?
M: Do you?
E: *crickets*
M: What makes you think this isn’t a gimmick?
E: Well, is it?
M: What do you think?
E: I don’t know.

Besides being incredibly conceited and arrogant, he talked about his ex-girlfriend the entire time. He also mentioned how he is really cheap. PLEASE, SOMEONE GET THIS DUMBASS A GUIDE TO FIRST DATES.

I decided very early on that I was going to be completely honest in answering his questions.
M: Tell me something about me that you don’t like.
E: You don’t want me to do that..
M: Why not?
E: Um, because I’ll make you cry.
M: No you won’t.
E: *completely serious* Yes. Yes I will.

About 10 minutes later, he revisited this topic and asked me HOW I’d make him cry. He had given me so much material already but if he continued to ask, I probably would’ve talked about his “semi well-known” status and branched off from there. BUT I DIDN’T! I didn’t say anything TOO mean, promise.

M: What 3 things would you say about me? (He had asked me this several times and I was growing tired of it so I finally answered)
E: You’re arrogant, you’re trying REALLY hard to impress me.. and your beard needs a trim.
M: WOW, YOU’RE REALLY HONEST! You know, you’ve impressed me tonight. You’re so tough.. and confident.. and fierce.. and FUNNY! And you look really good.
E: I know.

HAHAHAHAHAH. WHAT THE FUCK, I’M FIERCE??? The ENTIRE time, I was leaning back in my chair and looking at him straight in the eyes. I guess I was pretty confident but I mean.. come on.. next to Mr. Internet Rumor, what else can you be?

Anyway, I was trying to think of an excuse to leave but I figured there’s no better than the truth:
E: Okay Mike, I have to go now.
M: Wait, but I want to ask you one more question! (Yes, that’s all the date consisted of–question after question after question. And they weren’t even interesting!!!)
E: Okay, but I have to go after.
M: Alright. Why haven’t you asked me more questions????
E: That’s seriously your last question?????!
M: Yes!
E: Uh, I asked you how you liked it in Pennsylvania and whether or not you had siblings.
M: Yea, but those are FACTUAL questions.
E: Okay? Well, I gotta go. The subway is that way *I accidentally pointed in the wrong direction*

He walked me to the street light anyway. Whatever. When I said bye, I extended my hand again and GUESS WHAT! Motherfucker HUGGED me. UGH. I don’t even LIKE hugs most of the time. Get the fuck off me! It was one of those long hugs that I (SWEAR TO GOD) tried to get out of but the asshole was, like, sniffing my hair or something. WHAT A FREAK.

M: Keep in touch!
E: BYE!

Hahahahahahahahaha. And that, ladies and gentlemen, was my first blind date. He hasn’t contacted me since, thank goodness, but he is listed in my phone as “Mike DON’T EVER RESPOND.”

Oh, and by the way, he brought A BOARD GAME. WHO THE FUCK BRINGS A BOARD GAME TO A FIRST DATE? OH MY GOD.

September 8, 2008

An epiphany?

Filed under: Life — Erika @ 7:46 pm

I recently realized that everyday in New York City is the same.. but I don’t mean that in a bad way!! NYC life is not monotonous at all. It’s just that all the nightlife activities you’d usually expect on a weekend are available throughout the week.. and probably even more enjoyable. For instance, it’s not entirely taboo to hit up a couple bars on a Monday night or even a club on Tuesday night. In fact, I think it’s actually pretty common. The only day that NYC nightlife takes a breather is Sunday night. This was a little annoying as I have a friend visiting (whom I haven’t seen in a while) and walking around Chelsea past 1 am was not as interesting as I had hoped, save the gay clubs (in which he did not at all seem interested).

The past couple of weeks have been really, REALLY busy for me. What made me realize that Saturday is no different from a Tuesday is the fact that I work on both days! I really don’t mind it and working on a Saturday is infinitely more relaxed than working during the week. I think it also has to do with my career; software developers can work anywhere. On Labor Day, because I (sadly) had nothing better to do, I sat in a coffee shop and worked for a couple hours. And you know what? I really and truly did not have an issue with it.

As you may or may not know, it was a bit stormy in NYC this past weekend. Saturday was RIDICULOUS. It was raining HARD and it would not let up. I came into the office because I didn’t want to be stuck at home and I figured I’m actually doing myself a favor by coming in. Also.. come on.. free bottled water, free AC, fast internet connection AND I can play my music LOUD because no one else would be in. Anyway, I got into the office before it started raining (great timing, seriously!) and I was looking at my reflection in the glass door of our office (I know, so conceited) when all of a sudden, the elevator doors opened and guess who walked out! My boss! Hahahaha. It was a very awkward moment indeed. Neither of us expected anyone to be in the office ESPECIALLY during a storm. Anyway, the weird thing is not the fact that both my boss and I came into the office on Saturday, it’s that I was COMPLETELY comfortable with it. And so the question is.. does this mean I’m growing up?

I suppose the answer came this morning–in human form! Turns out the development team has
a new intern!! My CTO joked with me and asked if I wanted to be introduced as the intern’s boss. Hahahaha. I actually had some things for him to do for me today. You know, like pick up my lunch and take Peanut out for a walk.. hahahah JUST KIDDING. I’d never do anything like that!

So I had another “epiphany”–but this one is (forgivably, I hope?) stupid. I work downtown in the financial district of Manhattan. Ground zero is one block away from my building. I completely forgot that 9/11 is this Thursday and that it will be INSANE in this area. Well, I dunno if it’ll still be REALLY crazy since it’s been a 7 years now. Guess we’ll have to see.

Anyway, I’d like to please everyone and write a more fulfilling blog but I am tapped for time. Time is money and I am still working!

Photos will come soon, I promise!!!

<3

E

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