Fun times in New Hampshire! July 20, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Family, Lifestyle, Travel.2 comments
Friday was an eventful day! Brenda, Cody and I strolled to downtown Concord for “Market Days.” Basically, Main St. is converted into a street market full of food, retail and activity booths. We decided to make a pit stop in an Italian bistro for some fruit salad. Afterwards, we roamed a couple of stores and I was happily surprised to find some really good metaphysical, hippie spots. New Hampshire definitely has its own California vibe for sure!
Concord’s “Market Days”
Concord’s capitol building
We found a baby snow hat and decked the little man out. He’s such a good, happy baby! What a ham!
After strolling Main St., we dropped off Cody with his grandmother and decided to meet Mike, Brenda’s husband, for drinks downtown. On the way back home, we were invited to a house party, so grandma agreed to take the kid for the night! We made a pit-stop at her house to fill her up on food and diapers. While we were there, Mike let the dogs out and a skunk decided to spray them (more like soak them) with its funk! When they came running back into the house, the smell was so intense, I had to leave and sit in the car.
Mama finally gets a night out for fun!
NettyD cruisin’!
A rare moment of rest for a working daddy.
A career-path or a just a hobby? July 18, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Health and Well-Being, Lifestyle, Millennials, Theories and Thoughts.4 comments
Growing up American, I’ve definitely felt the pressures to live “the dream.” From the age of about 19, however, I realized that this “dream” really is a crock of shiz. I began to notice early on that the people who worked ridiculously long hours, sacrificed their family ties, and who started to rack up clothes in their closets they didn’t even realize they had, not only seemed unhappy, but also really c-r-a-z-y!
And now, eight years later, my opinion about this hasn’t changed at all. And I’m glad.
Having said this, though, I am encountering hurdles when it comes to deciding exactly what I want to do as my contribution to the world. I have read many new-age books that stress the importance of the laws of attraction, and that life and its purpose will be revealed to me. Basically, I shouldn’t try to control my destiny. I believe all of this to a point, and feel that it explains why people who do try to control their destiny are so unhappy. But there are still parts about the concept I struggle with.
So far, what has been revealed to me in this life is that I’m very good at one thing: dancing. I’ve also discovered that I have a passion for writing and expressing myself. For me, these two activities have always been more about escape and release. But, if the universe has given me these skills does that mean I’ve been given an assignment of some sort?
My dilemma is that I’m afraid that if I turn my hobbies into my career, I will start to dislike them. By not doing what I’m good at, though, am I throwing away what I’m really supposed to contribute to the world?
Hmmmm.
I want to be a baby again. July 17, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Lifestyle, Theories and Thoughts.4 comments
CODY ALEXANDER TUCKER
Hanging out with a six month old has been really interesting and fun. I find myself watching him constantly, trying to figure out what he’s thinking. I’m interested in what excites him and what catches his attention. I’m jealous of the time he gets to sleep and how many times a day he eats. I’m also jealous of the things he doesn’t know because he doesn’t have any responsibility.
I don’t want the responsibility of figuring out my life right now. I’m still stumbling through the idea of reconciling the cynic and the optimist and how knowledge affects both. Today, I want a mind devoid of knowledge. I want to be a baby again. Hmmph!
New York Pics: Days Two and Three July 16, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Arts & Entertainment, Lifestyle, Millennials, Travel.2 comments
Alright folks, it’s time to see loads of pictures from my weekend in NYC. (Scroll down for Day One pics). First off, I just want to thank my home skillets Joy and Jeff for hosting me and showing me a good time. Never a dull moment in the city that never sleeps…
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DAY TWO
Joy works in the advertising industry and it just so happened that Latina Magazine invited her to an event at the Westin Hotel in Times Square while I was visiting. It was a free day of beauty services open to the public and hosted by the magazine and other sponsors. Because of Joy’s hook-ups, we were able to cut in front of HUNDREDS of crazy latina women and be one of the first to get our pretty on! On our way out, we were given a bag of swag. Yeah, I know, I’m cool.
Publicity, Publicity, Publicity!!
The nail technicians were only allowed 10 minutes to do each woman’s nails!! Yikes!
The contents of the swag bag! I love that the hair products were all about “anti-frizz.” Ha!
After the Latina Magazine event, we hopped on the subway uptown to the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art). The top floor was a Dali exhibit, but they didn’t allow pictures, so I just took a picture of the entrance. After that, we worked our way down the six floors of years of art. This was the only thing I wanted to do while I was in NYC. I had the time of my life.
Dali and his ’stache – now that’s art people!
Magritte’s “The Menaced Assasin”
Jasper Johns’ “Target with Four Faces”
Monet! I couldn’t get the whole thing in the shot. It was divided into three panels and extended over an entire wall. AMAZING!
Joy and Picasso’s “Woman’s Head”
(Notice the “security guard” in the background. Is he working or people watching? You decide.)
More Picasso! I love how the teenage boy got in the shot. Art within art, no?
Yes, that’s Picasso’s “Three Musicians” LOVE IT!
What’s up, Warhol?
This piece was titled, “Little Girl.” It’s hanging on a barbed wire from the ceiling. Anyone care to interpret?
A piece by the feminist, Ree Morton.
A general view of one of the strangest rooms in the media gallery. Notice the mannequin standing in the left corner. That piece was titled, “Stand in the corner and be ashamed of yourself.” It doesn’t get more American than that folks!
I like big butts and I cannot lie…
This piece was titled, “Wrist Corsage.” It’s hard to see, but there is a picture of a little girl in the top left corner. It’s a juxtaposition between innocence and sexuality. This was my favorite piece. Many critical thoughts about my role as a woman came up while looking at this.
After getting all nerdy on art, we decided to meet Joy’s cousin Viviene and their friend Patrick for dinner and drinks at the “Boat Basin Cafe.” On the way there, we happened upon Bhangra dancing in Central Park!! The redhead in the green shorts and white top was waaaaaaay into it. I couldn’t believe she was barefoot in the Park. I hope she got a good foot scrubbing after this!
“The Boast Basin Cafe” is an outdoor restaurant located at the very end of 79th street with a view of the Hudson. The wait to be seated by the water was over an hour and a half! Because we were tired, and were in need of ice cold pina coladas, we decided to settle for the more interior seating. Everyone there was in the 25-35 age group. I observed the scene heavily and began to think about what it must be like as a wealthy, young urbanite. I won’t bore you here with my thoughts on the matter. Maybe another day.
NettyD and Joy oi oi !
Joy and her cousin Viviene, who is a dentist.
And now, DAY THREE
I woke up Sunday morning and after a quick chit-chat with Joy and her BF Jeff, I took the subway from Brooklyn to Times Square – again. This time I was meeting my aunt and my two cousins. It was great to catch up after so many years. They didn’t let me take pictures, so that’s all I have to say about that.
On my return to Brooklyn, Joy, Jeff, his cousin and I made it to the Brooklyn Museum of Art to see the last day of the Murakami exhibit. Murakami is an amazing Japanese artist. Some of his stuff impressed me more than exhibits at the MOMA the day before. Check out the madness!
This craziness greeted us in the lobby while we waited about a half hour to get tickets.
These two sculptures were facing each other. On the opposite walls were large pink and blue canvases with white splatter all over them. The room was titled, “Milk.”
The beauty of Murakami…
Jeff, Joy and Murakami
I stole these next three from Joy. (Thanks for that oi oi !)
Outside of the museum there was a really cool urban lawn. Sundays in New York 
We headed back to Brooklyn Heights after that, and decided to enjoy the festivities of Bastille Day! Technically this French holiday is celebrated on the 14th (which was the day after), but I guess Sunday worked better for everyone since they didn’t have to work! Smith St. was turned into an outdoor festival full of French food stands and merchandise. A piece of the street was even sectioned off and covered in sand so that attendees could play petanque (sort of like Bocce Ball). Culture, Culture, Culture!
We happened upon a skateboarding competition. Really exciting!
Playing petanque!
Roof deck party overlooking the madness on the street!
Happy Bastille Day!
One last shot of the Brooklyn Bridge. (oh, and Joy looking very tired and hungry). I love New York. I can’t believe it took me so long to go back, but now I plan on spending many weekends up there over the next year or so. Happiness!
I made it to New Hampshire! July 15, 2008
Posted by NettyD in From the blogger.2 comments
I finally made it to New Hampshire and am hanging out with my God-son, CODY!!! YAY! Oh yeah, and my best friend Brenda too It was a crazy weekend in NYC, so I have lots to post. Right now, however, I’m borrowing a PC to write this brief message. Once I configure the internet onto my MAC, I’ll be able to download all the pics from the NYC extravaganza!!
So far New Hampshire is great! A stark contrast to the city, for sure. The topography reminds me of California. Bren and the gang live pretty far out of Concord. I hardly have phone service, and there is no Wi-Fi! Something tells me, though, that it’s probably a good thing for me to “disconnect.” Now that I’m going to be here for a month, I can feel myself dropping my shoulders and phasing into a more reflective, spiritual phase. I’m sure I’ll have lots of philosophical ideas to write about.
I love everyone!!!
A programming note July 13, 2008
Posted by NettyD in From the blogger.add a comment
Just wanted to let everyone know that I am having a blast in NYC! Yesterday I had an amazingly fun day and have LOTS of pictures to post. I don’t really have a moment to write and share about it, but as soon as I can I will.
This morning I’m meeting my aunt and cousins in Manhattan for brunch. Haven’t seen them in like 5 or 6 years. So excited!
Stay tuned!
I love New York! July 12, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Lifestyle, Millennials, Travel.2 comments
Hello all! I just woke up from my first night in Brooklyn, and I feel so excited. There is truly nothing like NYC. Nothing.
Yesterday I took an early train out of D.C. and landed at Penn Station around 10:45a.m. Then I jumped on the express train to Brooklyn, and met my dear friend Joy. She was waiting in line for an iPhone and by the time I reached her, they had all sold out. She had been waiting in line for four hours!! But even though the people around her in line were pissed off, and the sun was blazing hot, Joy took it in stride with a gentle shrug of the shoulders, and an “okay, let’s get out of here.” This is what I’ve always loved about my friend.
I’ve known Joy since we were freshmen in high school. We’ve been together through lots of things, good and bad. We were senior editors together on our high school yearbook and raised hell when we decided to change the Senior Superlative categories. We were tired of the boring ones like, “Best Looking” and opted for titles more like, “Most Likely to be in the Cast of Seinfeld.” We didn’t end up having it our way. All of the snobby popular kids would have been left out of the new categories and so they protested wildly.
Joy and I also traveled together to Europe the summer after high school graduation. We learned a lot about each other on that trip, including the fact that we both were unafraid of roaming big cities by ourselves and that we each had a talent for reading subway maps. One night while having dinner in Paris, Joy and our other friends couldn’t finish their red wine. So of course I drank all the glasses for them. Afterward, I remember floating down the streets of Paris drunk off my ass for the first time in my life. I can’t believe that was almost 10 years ago.
After graduation, Joy was accepted into NYU and she’s been living in the city ever since. Now that she’s older and more established, she’s living in the most expensive neighborhood in Brooklyn: Brooklyn Heights. Arriving into these parts yesterday, I was instantly reminded of The Cosby Show. There REALLY are rows of brownstones that house doctor’s offices below, and their living quarters above. So beautiful! Joy explained to me that Manhattan has become a bit too gentrified for most of the artists and young people of the city, so Brooklyn has become the new hip place to be.
After dropping my stuff off at her apartment, we headed for lunch at a yummy Thai restaurant and then walked around her part of the neighborhood. She lives three blocks away from the river and there is an amazing view of lower Manhattan from the park that resides there.
After a brief nap, we got dressed and headed to a sushi dinner. Then it was on to the old industrial neighborhood of DUMBO. On the way there, we passed through the Brooklyn Bridge Park. What amazing views of the bridge and the new man-made waterfalls they’ve created!!
Once in DUMBO, we hit up a bar and got a few drinks. This guy at the bar started asking us a million questions about where we were from, etc. I ended up talking a lot about California. It’s always hard for me to explain to someone where I’m from. Yes, I was raised in Virginia Beach, but since my life has taken so many routes since then, I never feel like it’s a suffice answer. Anyway, this guy was really drunk and I doubt he was even listening to what I was saying. So I guess my verbal vomit was more for my sake than anyone else.
After DUMBO, we headed back into Brooklyn Heights and stopped by the bar, KAMP. The theme of the bar is “The Great Outdoors,” and all the tables and chairs were situated as if you were sitting around a campfire. I ordered an espresso martini (with vanilla vodka) and Joy and I split a “S’mores for Two.” A waiter brought a platter of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers to our table. Fire and all! We ate like pigs over girly chit-chat and such. It was great.
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Brooklyn Bridge at sunset
Lower Manhattan at sunset
Blurry, but cool view of the Brooklyn Bridge and one of the man-made falls
My camera wasn’t cooperating, but still a cool view.
Joy, intently roasting the ‘mallow.
On Cable July 10, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Arts & Entertainment, Lifestyle, Sociology.2 comments
(photo courtesy of wykc.com)
So, I’ve spent the better part of my last four days in a state of hyper-mediation. That is, my eyes have been stuck in one position – straight on the boob-tube.
I haven’t had cable in the last five years, and now I’ve come to realize how surprisingly inept I’ve been with regard to cable technology. Terms like DVR, TIVO, and HD were never part of my vocabulary, but now I find them rolling off my tongue so easily. HELP ME!!
Even though I know it’s supposed to ease the channel-surfing tendency, the “Guide” button causes me more stress than I think it should. Within 30 seconds I can see a complete list of movies and programs that all sound good to me! So now I’ve started memorizing channel numbers (not just 100 numbers either, more like 500!), and then I utilize the “Last” button during commercial breaks.
The whole thing is seriously ridiculous. Granted, I don’t really have anything to do, or anyone to answer to, and maybe I should embrace my free time by catching up on every BRAVO marathon there is, but I still can’t help feel my brain slipping. I have three books I want to read, and every time I get the urge to pick one up I find myself saying, “Hmm, maybe a new episode of Shear Genius is on.” AAAHHHH!
Alas, I don’t think I’ll be getting cable once I settle into my own space this Fall. Maybe there are some people out there who can balance cable with reading, exercising and work. I can honestly say that I am not one of them.
Northern VA and Ani DiFranco at the Wolf Trap! July 8, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Arts & Entertainment, Concerts & Events, Environment, Lifestyle, Music.2 comments
I made it to my mom’s house in Northern Virginia – she lives about 20 miles from Washington D.C. The energy here is very different from all of the places I’ve been so far this summer. First off, it’s more urban and that means lots of people, cars, and just overall madness. Everyone here is connected to the government in some way, and there is a refreshing racial diversity among the upper middle-class. Northern Virginia is the part of the Commonwealth that has made it a political swing state in national elections. As a political junkie, I feel so comfortable in this part of the country.
Last night, my mom and step-dad surprised me with tickets to see Ani DiFranco at Wolf Trap. I’d heard so much about this outdoor venue and was excited to finally go. It’s the only National Park dedicated to live performing arts. Park Rangers were among our ushers! A lady by the name of Catherine Shouse founded Wolf Trap through a donation of 100 acres of her Vienna, Virginia farmland to the U.S. Government. She also donated funds for construction of a 6,800-seat indoor/outdoor theater. The gift was accepted by an Act of Congress in 1966. (wolftrap.org)
Coupled with the amazing venue was the live performance of Ms. DiFranco. Needless to say, her blunt political lyrics were a perfect match for the location. I had never seen her live before, and was completely impressed. She didn’t stop for one minute of the 90 she was on stage. She had about four different guitars that she rotated depending on the song she was doing. One of her band members was even a xylophone player! The crowd was full of hippies, lesbians, and a was a general cross-section of people who probably didn’t fit in very well in high school. It was great.
There is something about seeing live music that makes me feel like I’ve just received an injection of an intense spirit. Since last night, I’ve felt creative, free and full of love for the world. I wish I could see live music every day of my life.
Ani DiFranco
Wolf Trap inside and then the view from the lawn seats.
A summary of 4th of July weekend in Virginia Beach July 7, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Uncategorized.2 comments
My apologies to my faithful readers for not updating the blog this past weekend. It was certainly eventful, although low-key. Most of my weekend was spent in deep conversations, usually at a tavern or restaurant, with friends I haven’t seen in a long time.
I arrived on Thursday, after a night of no sleep on the train, and took an hour nap. After a quick shower, I charged right into schmoozing and living it up with friends. I didn’t get to bed until noon the next day!! That means one to two hours of sleep from 10a.m. Wednesday morning thru noon on Friday! By the time I woke up on Friday, it was time for dinner and 4th of July celebrations.
I spent 4th of July in Chicks Beach, which is an area of Virginia Beach where I never really got to know while growing up there. We saw the fireworks while eating outside of a really neat place called the Green Parrot Bar and Grille. As soon as the last firework went off, it began to rain. Actually, it poured! We headed back home, and fell asleep to a DVD.
And then, I slept hard for 12 hours straight!! Gawd, I needed it. When I finally came to, it was time for lunch on Saturday. Again, I met up with old friends over food and drinks.
After lunch I decided to take a solo drive around to the old landmarks of my childhood, including my high school, the house I grew up in and other memory ignitors. It felt strange, but made me feel very reflective. I’m glad I did it by myself.
My final night was also very mellow. I had two GRANDE margaritas at El Azteca Mexican Restaurant (an absolute favorite restaurant of mine), and after stumbling home, pretty much passed out. My body gave out on me, and so I gave in to more sleep. The next morning I had to start my travel day early, so it was probably best that it ended that way
All in all, the weekend was well spent. It’s fun to see how others have changed over the last five years. With each person I reconnected with, I noticed the things about them that will probably never change. There was lots of laughter and reminiscing, and, yes, there were tears. It was everything I had hoped it would be.
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Chicks Beach! An escape from the tourists…
Green Parrot Bar and Grille
My high school : Floyd E. Kellam High
Malibu Mac’s! Having lived in California for so long, it’s really funny to see California theme restaurants on the East Coast. I had a great Ahi Tuna Salad here though
