#8. Take me out to the ballgame...

For the record - I have not defected or deserted my hometown. My brother, B, will be upset with me for this picture and will never be able to understand my thought process. Yes, friends - I have decided that while living here in NYC, and not having cable provide me with Phillies games - I am going to root for the Mets and the Yankees. True, the Mets and Phils are rivals - but I am going to mediate tensions between them.

On the night J and I went - the Mets lost to the Braves 5-2 but it was great to be in the new Mets stadium, eating good stadium food ($4 COTTON CANDY - yummy!), and spending one of the last summer nights in the warm weather.


A few days after we went to the Mets game - J got tickets through work for a Yankees's game that coming Sunday - and what a game it was! We had great seats for the last game in the lineup against the Boston Red Sox. The Yankees ended up winning 4-2 - clinching the American League East title! I so love baseball. Good food, good drinks, the obnoxious sound clips to introduce every player - love. it.

Awesome.

Even though it doesn't look like it - we were a little moist after spitting rain all day. Luckily, I had my trusty red poncho to wear. Or maybe I just wanted to represent the Phillies - that's a tough call.

UPDATES

After a busy few weekends in NYC, a trip to Chicago complete with family wedding, and various visits from friends and family - it's time to update on items "in progress".

#30. Learn to knit and make a scarf.

My wonderful co-worker Loretta taught me how to knit. I am in the process of completing my first project - a warm, sky blue scarf for myself.

#35. Learn to make my own laundry detergent.

I found a website with 10 different recipes for homemade laundry detergent. I started amassing the supplies for one of the basic recipes. I need a few more things and a free saturday afternoon to figure this one out.

#49. Organize iTunes account.

Renaming all weird file names. This will take a long time...

#57. Transfer all information from old laptop and desktop to My Mac.

I transfered my information from my laptop - but it needs to be organized.

#75. Make a recipe binder.

I created a template for the recipes. I will consider this one completed when I have 15-20 recipes in each of the 7 dividers. (side dishes, appetizers, main dishes...)

# 77. Go on a date with J once a month. (September 09)

Today J and I had our monthly "Date"day. We decided to see the new planetarium show at the Museum of Natural History. Before we went inside, we had a picnic on the steps of the museum and ate some of the best gyros I have had from a street cart. I think the cart vendors are vastly underrated. I, for one, LOVE hotdogs from street vendors - and the gyros are just as awesome.

The planetarium show was great - I love all the science and learning in this museum. Such a vast majority of different interests. It very much reminds me of my favorite Cold Spring Elementary field trips to the best place ever - The Franklin Institute.

Of course - I also took this opportunity to showcase my dream job - baby dinosaur handler. :)

After the museum, we walked around Central Park. The best part about this outdoor arena is - of course - the people watching. If you can imagine someone doing any activity in a park - chances are you will find that someone in Central Park.

Also - since we didn't get to ride the Ferris Wheel in Chicago a few weeks ago - J and I spontaneously decided to ride the Central Park Carousel. I'm sure glad we were strapped in - that thing can move.

# 14. I'm on a boat! (well...ferry)

On August 30th, J and I set out for a day of soaking up our city from a far. We walked around Battery Park for a bit and then set our sights on completing my #14 - to ride the Staten Island Ferry.

I remember when I first heard about the Staten Island Ferry a few months ago. A FREE boat ride in the middle of bureaucratic New York. How had little economical me not heard of this on day one when I arrived in this metropolis? Apparently - I need to get my sources in line - but alas I digress...

I have learned 3 things from the Staten Island Ferry:

1. Load the boat on the right side when you leave the city, and go to the top of the boat - you will have awesome unobstructed views of Lady Liberty.

2. Pigeons ride the S.I.F. I kid you not. Stay away from the enclosed areas in the bottom of the ferry- they might fly into you on their way for a great view. I learned this the hard way. Pidgeon to the head = super awkward.

3. On the way back - make your way to the front of the ferry on the 1st or second level - great views of the approaching the city. (and Jersey City!)

Overall - very worth the hour long round trip, and you get to go to Staten Island - it's like different air there you're so far removed from the city. :)