I realized that now is probably the worst possible time to get a cat. Our apartment is small and I barely have enough money for myself let alone a cat. I figured the most responsible decision would be to volunteer with cats. It'd be a good way for me to help out and get the interaction without having to take on the responsibility and expense. A few weekends ago, Antonio and I saw a table for Kitty Kind, a cat adoption center located inside Petco near Union Square.
Today was my first day volunteering at Kitty Kind. I met the adoption reps - all older ladies and one older gay guy. Perfect! My target demographic! I'll fit in perfectly. I met Scott, who trains all the new volunteers. He was pretty friendly and did a good job showing me what I needed to do. There's a fairly detailed procedure for cleaning and feeding each cat / kitten. I watched him do one cage and then got a fresh pair of gloves to do my first cage solo.
I opened the cage and started to wipe out the hair and litter when the cat hissed and bit me. FML! I did my best. I petted him and used a soothing voice. I came to the conclusion that this cat was just an asshole. The rest of the cages got better and the time went by pretty quickly.
One thing they stressed was not talking with the people interested in adopting. They really want the adoption reps to answer and all questions. Since the store was open when I was training, there were people coming by to look at the cats constantly. I saw of the people that wanted to adopt...scary. One guy was wearing a black, mesh shirt. My thought, "Um. No. You can go now." And then some girl with bleached, blonde hair and way too much makeup caked on her face walked by. Again, my thought, "bitch, these aren't accessories."
I think this is going to be a good fit for me. The people were all very friendly and welcoming. It'll be a welcome escape from my hectic life. I'll get a little temporary feline companionship and I'll have a sense of giving back to the community.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
Notary Public
I am the king of procrastination. I took a course to learn the procedures and duties of a notary public back in May. I knew I had to arrange a time to take the exam, but I kept putting it off. First, I had Grand Rounds to use as an excuse because both rounds and the exam were on Wednesday morning. Then Grand Rounds ended for the summer and I was left without a justification for not taking the test. It got to a point where it was so long after the course that I didn't say anything for fear of getting in trouble for waiting. It's a vicious cycle! Plus, I had forgotten everything I'd learned in the course, so I'd have to re-teach myself everything.
But, I finally made the decision to take the exam last Wednesday. I emailed my boss and let him know. Surprisingly, he just told me to take my time and that he'd see me later. I spent about three hours the night before trying to cram 140 review questions into my brain. I felt like I was in college again. I may miss Radford, but I don't miss studying.
I got up extra early the morning of the exam because the test site was all the way near Wall Street. It's the furthest south I've ever been in Manhattan. I thought I'd be able to find my way around pretty easily. Nope. Once I got off at Fulton Street, I was completely lost. I feel like it's good to have false confidence, so I just picked a direction and went with it. Wrong way. Eventually, I asked someone and they told me to go back where I started and then go straight instead of turning. Oh well. I made it to the site with plenty of time to spare.
I went into a huge white room with rows and rows of white desks - very sterile. The proctors were so obviously over their job. It may not pay well, but I think it'd be fun to proctor exams all day. You read some instructions, hand out pencils and then read a book until the time is up. How bad can that be? I realized that I forgot to bring a check. At this point, mortification set in. But I was relieved to learn that I could pay with my credit card.
We were a diverse bunch. There were some old ladies, young girls in skirts, old Jewish men, Hispanic people, one guy that looked like he just rolled out of bed, etc. I texted Antonio and he said that it reminded him of when Carrie had jury duty and the guy sitting next to her pulled a coconut out of his briefcase. So true - that's exactly how it felt!
The exam itself was okay. I definitely knew a few, guessed on a few and then completely blanked on a couple. But, since it's multiple choice I've got a 1/4 chance of getting it right. We'll see - I should get the results in two weeks. I'm nervous because I don't really want to take the exam again.
At the very least, I got to take the morning off, go down to the Financial district, and explore a new part of New York. And if I didn't get 28 out of 40 questions correct, I'll have even more time to explore lower Manhattan.
But, I finally made the decision to take the exam last Wednesday. I emailed my boss and let him know. Surprisingly, he just told me to take my time and that he'd see me later. I spent about three hours the night before trying to cram 140 review questions into my brain. I felt like I was in college again. I may miss Radford, but I don't miss studying.
I got up extra early the morning of the exam because the test site was all the way near Wall Street. It's the furthest south I've ever been in Manhattan. I thought I'd be able to find my way around pretty easily. Nope. Once I got off at Fulton Street, I was completely lost. I feel like it's good to have false confidence, so I just picked a direction and went with it. Wrong way. Eventually, I asked someone and they told me to go back where I started and then go straight instead of turning. Oh well. I made it to the site with plenty of time to spare.
I went into a huge white room with rows and rows of white desks - very sterile. The proctors were so obviously over their job. It may not pay well, but I think it'd be fun to proctor exams all day. You read some instructions, hand out pencils and then read a book until the time is up. How bad can that be? I realized that I forgot to bring a check. At this point, mortification set in. But I was relieved to learn that I could pay with my credit card.
We were a diverse bunch. There were some old ladies, young girls in skirts, old Jewish men, Hispanic people, one guy that looked like he just rolled out of bed, etc. I texted Antonio and he said that it reminded him of when Carrie had jury duty and the guy sitting next to her pulled a coconut out of his briefcase. So true - that's exactly how it felt!
The exam itself was okay. I definitely knew a few, guessed on a few and then completely blanked on a couple. But, since it's multiple choice I've got a 1/4 chance of getting it right. We'll see - I should get the results in two weeks. I'm nervous because I don't really want to take the exam again.
At the very least, I got to take the morning off, go down to the Financial district, and explore a new part of New York. And if I didn't get 28 out of 40 questions correct, I'll have even more time to explore lower Manhattan.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Red Carpet
Last Saturday, Antonio, Suzanna, Juan and I went to the closing night of the New York International Latino Film Festival. Antonio and I were expecting it to be a very casual night at the movies. No! When we got the theatre we see, flash bulbs and a red carpet. FML. I'm wearing shorts and a polo. I would be fine for a nice, gay, Sunday brunch, but not the red carpet. Ah well, we head to the back of the "regular people" line and wait with Suzanna. THEN, I noticed that a bird pooped on my shoulder. FML again! It wasn't a huge stain, but it was enough to make me pout. Once we got it in, I got free samples of eye energizer (makes your eyes less puffy, removes dark circles) in the men's room. Yay.
The movie started late because the executives from HBO make speeches, the director of the movie got up to say a few words and then they gave away two tickets to Brazil. Once the movie finally did start, I had trouble understanding what was going on. The movie was in Portuguese with English subtitles. Of course, a tall guy sat in front of me. I had to move from side to side to see the entire sentence. It got better as the night went on. The movie, Sonhos Roubados (Stolen Dreams), was okay. It was about three teenage prostitutes in Brazil. It showed their struggles for normal lives and everyday pleasures. I think, at times, it made it seem like their lives weren't that bad. I expected rape scenes, abuse, drugs, etc. There were rough parts of the film, but it seemed to have an optimistic tone. The more I think about it, maybe that is more realistic than my expectations.
After the movie, we went to Better Burger for dinner. Best dinner ever! The food was okay, but the conversation had me in stitches. I love that I can hold my own with Antonio's friends. I loved talking with Suzanna and making her laugh. It was small burger joint, but we were there for at least an hour after we finished because we were having such a great time talking. Then we went to the after party for the movie at the Highland Ballroom. We got in free because we had tickets from the movie. It was really cool, but totally not my scene. The music was Brazilian and there was lots of women shaking and gyrating.
Around midnight we went to Pinkberry and got dessert because Juan and Suzanna went back to New Jersey. It was such a great time. It was funny because I had bird poop on my shirt and then Antonio got a blister from his new shoes and he got the hiccups. We laughed the whole way home because we were such a mess. It reminded me of when Charlotte and Harry went to that expensive restaurant and then got food poisoning. We were all busted up. We'd try kissing and then he'd hiccup and I'd die laughing. I love that he makes me laugh so much.
We may not have made it onto the red carpet at the film festival, but walking down the street while holding with a guy I really like feels like walking a red carpet to me :-)
The movie started late because the executives from HBO make speeches, the director of the movie got up to say a few words and then they gave away two tickets to Brazil. Once the movie finally did start, I had trouble understanding what was going on. The movie was in Portuguese with English subtitles. Of course, a tall guy sat in front of me. I had to move from side to side to see the entire sentence. It got better as the night went on. The movie, Sonhos Roubados (Stolen Dreams), was okay. It was about three teenage prostitutes in Brazil. It showed their struggles for normal lives and everyday pleasures. I think, at times, it made it seem like their lives weren't that bad. I expected rape scenes, abuse, drugs, etc. There were rough parts of the film, but it seemed to have an optimistic tone. The more I think about it, maybe that is more realistic than my expectations.
After the movie, we went to Better Burger for dinner. Best dinner ever! The food was okay, but the conversation had me in stitches. I love that I can hold my own with Antonio's friends. I loved talking with Suzanna and making her laugh. It was small burger joint, but we were there for at least an hour after we finished because we were having such a great time talking. Then we went to the after party for the movie at the Highland Ballroom. We got in free because we had tickets from the movie. It was really cool, but totally not my scene. The music was Brazilian and there was lots of women shaking and gyrating.
Around midnight we went to Pinkberry and got dessert because Juan and Suzanna went back to New Jersey. It was such a great time. It was funny because I had bird poop on my shirt and then Antonio got a blister from his new shoes and he got the hiccups. We laughed the whole way home because we were such a mess. It reminded me of when Charlotte and Harry went to that expensive restaurant and then got food poisoning. We were all busted up. We'd try kissing and then he'd hiccup and I'd die laughing. I love that he makes me laugh so much.
We may not have made it onto the red carpet at the film festival, but walking down the street while holding with a guy I really like feels like walking a red carpet to me :-)
Friday, July 30, 2010
Teenage Dream
When you look at me
Just one touch
Now baby I believe
This is real"
That's my favorite part from Katy Perry's new single, Teenage Dream. It's the perfect expression of how I feel about Antonio. I instantly fell in love with this song when I first heard it last week. Now, it's almost in my top 10 played songs in my iTunes library.
There are so many times when I just sigh and realize how happy he makes me. When we're laying in bed and he puts his arm around me and kiss my shoulder, it's perfection. I love how I can make him laugh and I love just talking with him. I like how he holds my hand when we're walking down the street. I like how he makes me feel sexy and comfortable. When he holds me, I just want to be there in his arms forever.
We finally had the boyfriend conversation yesterday. We'd talked about it a little in the past, but we finally made it official yesterday. It's funny because I've been calling him my boyfriend for the past few weeks, just not to his face.
I'm still not going to make a big deal out of everything because our relationship is still new. But, he's amazing and makes me so happy. I don't see him going anywhere anytime soon :-)
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Coming Out...For the Last Time
Yesterday was my Mom's 53rd birthday, so I made the trek down to New Jersey to talk, have cake, open presents and just enjoy some family time. I was really surprised how mature Renee is getting. She's no longer that little girl that I used to bicker with and tease. She's becoming an adult.
We did all the obligatory birthday rituals and followed them with badminton. Michele had to leave for the airport for a business trip around 2:00, so Kasey and I entertained for about another hour until Mom, Sam and Renee got ready to go home.
Renee came up to me and asked if we could talk. I was expecting something regarding boy trouble or puberty questions, both of which would be equally mortifying. But, I told her she could come to me if she ever needed to talk. She told me that I seemed different and happier. Could it be that obvious that Antonio has been such a positive change in my life? Is my little sister that perceptive? I played it off and said I didn't know what she was talking about. And that was it.
Then right before they were getting ready to leave, she came up to me again. This time was nervous. She was beating around the bush and saying she didn't know to ask me what wanted to ask me. I smirked because I figured what she wanted to ask. I was like, "just ask me." She finally asked me if I was gay.
I was like, "Yeah. I am. Is that cool with?" I had never really considered telling her. She figured that I was ever since she saw the shirtless Zac Efron pic by my bed. We then had our first adult conversation. It was no longer big brother / little sister. It was just two adults talking. I explained how she was too young when I came out to the rest of the family four years ago. I never really thought about telling. She was a little upset that I never told her, but she was fine. She got a little emotional, which really perplexed me. I still haven't figured that one out. I think it just turned her world upside down a little. She mentioned how she thought I had a lot of girlfriends in high school. I corrected that they were friends that were girls, not girlfriends.
I haven't "come out" to anyone in such a long time. I figure at this point it's just something that people can figure out for themselves. I don't even see it as a thing I need to explain. It's a characteristic - just like being tall, short, fat or thin. It's just another genetic trait. But I am glad that Renee and I got this out of the way. I think she'll open up to me and she and I'll get a lot closer. I really want to be her fabulous, gay brother who takes her to Broadway and to go shopping on 5th Avenue. I think this was a big step forward in our relationship.
We did all the obligatory birthday rituals and followed them with badminton. Michele had to leave for the airport for a business trip around 2:00, so Kasey and I entertained for about another hour until Mom, Sam and Renee got ready to go home.
Renee came up to me and asked if we could talk. I was expecting something regarding boy trouble or puberty questions, both of which would be equally mortifying. But, I told her she could come to me if she ever needed to talk. She told me that I seemed different and happier. Could it be that obvious that Antonio has been such a positive change in my life? Is my little sister that perceptive? I played it off and said I didn't know what she was talking about. And that was it.
Then right before they were getting ready to leave, she came up to me again. This time was nervous. She was beating around the bush and saying she didn't know to ask me what wanted to ask me. I smirked because I figured what she wanted to ask. I was like, "just ask me." She finally asked me if I was gay.
I was like, "Yeah. I am. Is that cool with?" I had never really considered telling her. She figured that I was ever since she saw the shirtless Zac Efron pic by my bed. We then had our first adult conversation. It was no longer big brother / little sister. It was just two adults talking. I explained how she was too young when I came out to the rest of the family four years ago. I never really thought about telling. She was a little upset that I never told her, but she was fine. She got a little emotional, which really perplexed me. I still haven't figured that one out. I think it just turned her world upside down a little. She mentioned how she thought I had a lot of girlfriends in high school. I corrected that they were friends that were girls, not girlfriends.
I haven't "come out" to anyone in such a long time. I figure at this point it's just something that people can figure out for themselves. I don't even see it as a thing I need to explain. It's a characteristic - just like being tall, short, fat or thin. It's just another genetic trait. But I am glad that Renee and I got this out of the way. I think she'll open up to me and she and I'll get a lot closer. I really want to be her fabulous, gay brother who takes her to Broadway and to go shopping on 5th Avenue. I think this was a big step forward in our relationship.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Human Guinea Pig
Earlier, I posted about being a little strapped for cash. I've cut back my spending and it's helping. But, I want a couch and a bed so I've got to do more. But how? Experimental medical testing. Yes, that's right! I'm signing up to do any and every medical experiment that Sinai has to offer. Of course it's not as dangerous as the title makes it out to be. It's a great way to make extra money. Oh yeah, and helping science cure diseases - blah blah blah.
I completed the first part of my first test this afternoon. It's a lung function study. They're exploring the correlation (if any) between allergies, body weight and asthma. Or something like that. They could pretty much do whatever they wanted to me after I read that I got $50.
They started by doing an allergy test. They drew two rows of 5 Xs on my arm and exposed me to various allergens. I only reacted to the grass, which is unusual because I don't have allergic symptoms when I'm outside. That's something worth exploring further, if they'll pay me another $50. Once I was cleared for the next step, we walked over to the Pulmonary Lab in the basement of the hospital. The technician sat me in this little booth with a breathing tube. I had to practice evenly breathing and then she'd have me take a deep breath in and then blast it out. I had to exhale until I literally had nothing left in my lungs AND then I had to push more. We did that a few times. Then she closed the door on this booth and I got a little freaked. I was always expecting something to happen - something like what happens to astronauts. I'm a drama queen, what can I say? Then we went into another room and I had to practice breathing regularly again so they could monitor on the computer.
I'm going back next week to finish the study. Now that they have my baseline data, I'm going to be inhaling some drug that mimics asthma symptoms. I guess this is where the waiver comes in. They said I'm such good, normal breathing that they want me to do some other studies. What can I saw? I know how to blow (insert oral sex joke here). This is such a great opportunity - cash and helping science. It's a win win, unless I grow a third arm or turn green and radioactive.
On second thought, maybe I'll get superpowers! Bring on the medical testing! I want to be Spiderman.
I completed the first part of my first test this afternoon. It's a lung function study. They're exploring the correlation (if any) between allergies, body weight and asthma. Or something like that. They could pretty much do whatever they wanted to me after I read that I got $50.
They started by doing an allergy test. They drew two rows of 5 Xs on my arm and exposed me to various allergens. I only reacted to the grass, which is unusual because I don't have allergic symptoms when I'm outside. That's something worth exploring further, if they'll pay me another $50. Once I was cleared for the next step, we walked over to the Pulmonary Lab in the basement of the hospital. The technician sat me in this little booth with a breathing tube. I had to practice evenly breathing and then she'd have me take a deep breath in and then blast it out. I had to exhale until I literally had nothing left in my lungs AND then I had to push more. We did that a few times. Then she closed the door on this booth and I got a little freaked. I was always expecting something to happen - something like what happens to astronauts. I'm a drama queen, what can I say? Then we went into another room and I had to practice breathing regularly again so they could monitor on the computer.
I'm going back next week to finish the study. Now that they have my baseline data, I'm going to be inhaling some drug that mimics asthma symptoms. I guess this is where the waiver comes in. They said I'm such good, normal breathing that they want me to do some other studies. What can I saw? I know how to blow (insert oral sex joke here). This is such a great opportunity - cash and helping science. It's a win win, unless I grow a third arm or turn green and radioactive.
On second thought, maybe I'll get superpowers! Bring on the medical testing! I want to be Spiderman.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Aphrodite
I love albums that leave an impact. I like hearing a song and having a strong reaction. I've been in New York for a year and there have been several albums that I've bought. Mariah's Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel is one of my all-time favorite albums. I also love Rihanna's Rated R. It's gritty and angry and sexy and edgy - it's an amazing album. I've also picked up Christina Aguilera's Bionic, which is still on the fence with me. It's got some great tracks, but I'm not sure about its staying power.
The most recent addition to my list of memorable, NYC, soundtrack to my life albums is Kylie Minogue's Aphrodite. I've been a huge Kylie fan ever since X came out a few years ago. I've been waiting for this album for so long and I've been uber excited for its release since the video premiered for the first single, All the Lovers.
The album is amazing from start to finish - it's quintessential pop perfection. With Stuart Price at the helm, you should expect nothing less than a masterpiece (he also produced Madonna's Confessions on a Dance Floor). Get Outta My Way and Aphrodite are amazing, sassy dance tracks that are perfect for the gym. Closer, Illusion, and Everything is Beautiful are smooth, icy songs with pulsating beats. Then there are those romantic songs, Cupid Boy, Too Much, Can't Beat the Feeling, that make me dance around the apt in my boxer briefs while thinking of Antonio.
It's one of those albums that I think I'll be able to start to in a year and still love. It's been on repeat for the past few weeks. If you haven't bought it, buy it. You won't be disappointed.
The most recent addition to my list of memorable, NYC, soundtrack to my life albums is Kylie Minogue's Aphrodite. I've been a huge Kylie fan ever since X came out a few years ago. I've been waiting for this album for so long and I've been uber excited for its release since the video premiered for the first single, All the Lovers.
The album is amazing from start to finish - it's quintessential pop perfection. With Stuart Price at the helm, you should expect nothing less than a masterpiece (he also produced Madonna's Confessions on a Dance Floor). Get Outta My Way and Aphrodite are amazing, sassy dance tracks that are perfect for the gym. Closer, Illusion, and Everything is Beautiful are smooth, icy songs with pulsating beats. Then there are those romantic songs, Cupid Boy, Too Much, Can't Beat the Feeling, that make me dance around the apt in my boxer briefs while thinking of Antonio.
It's one of those albums that I think I'll be able to start to in a year and still love. It's been on repeat for the past few weeks. If you haven't bought it, buy it. You won't be disappointed.
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