in reflection...

i thought i would reflect on my friend sean's post from last week, expressing his love for new york and how nice new yorkers actually are. since i read this article, i really have been noticing how polite people are here in the city. in fact, this week i encountered numerous individuals who were so courteous and thoughtful. i don't know if these people are just in a good mood on that particular day or what, but it really can make ones day. here's a few instances:

- when i got in the subway one morning, there were no seats. so whatever, this is usually the case during rushhour in the morning. i don't mind standing for a half an hour. so i pull out my book, and from the corner of my eye i notice an older gentleman get up from his seat and motion me to sit down. shocked, i took him up on his offer and thanked him.
- i was in line for lunch the other day at guy and gallards, the usually place i grab a bite on the corner of 7th and 29th, and this woman in front of me let me go in front of her. for no apparent reason.
- i picked up a few things from target on wednesday and when i was checking out, the lady in front of me dropped one of her glasses and it shaddered everywhere. seeing i was standing right behind her in sandals, a little piece of glass must have nicked my toe because i started to bleed. just a little bit keep in my mind, but this one target employee acted as if it cut my whole toe off. granted this is their job and their responsibility, but i've some of these target employees aimlessly lurk around the store with no intention of helping people (sorry will). in case you're wondering, my toe is fine thanks to the band-aids, gauze, medication and ice this man kindly provided for me.
- after picking up a few things at target, i was sitting on a bench in the alantic ave terminal waiting for the Q train. i could tell the girl next to me was staring at me, and she kindly complimented me on my shirt. well, this led to quit a long conversation. we talked until the train came 10 or 15 minutes later. she's a teacher in brooklyn and just got her masters in special education. although we were separated on the crowded subway, i still made the effort to wave good bye and wish her a good day as i got off. i hope i see her again...

alright. so all this to say what, right? here's what i think it comes down to. the good ol' *golden rule* right? treat others the way you would want to be treated. easy? no. rewarding? yes. thinking of others more than yourself anywhere is going to lead to good things, including people treating you with respect. that's what i've found anyway. so yes, new york city is filled with some very nice people, but obviously some pretty nasty ones too. it's really up to the individual to make the effort to show kindness and respect. in the end, you'll only be rewarded. on that note - have a great holiday weekend everyone! be safe and....be nice:)

it's h-o-t in the citay.

so i think i've finally found out what i don't like about new york city. the heat. the heat in the city that is. there is absolutely no air flow whatsoever. it's not your normal type of sticky humidity, but a people sweating car exhaust hot subway tunnel nasty body smell sticky.

let me paint you a picture:

on monday i was walking down the stairs to the Q on 28th street, my usual stop after work, only to encounter a mighty gust of wind coming up from the tunnel. this usually happens when a train is leaving or coming, but it wasn't a cool breeze like usual, or fresh wind...but more like a heat tunnel you are walking through as your pores separate to release massive amounts of sweat in all parts of your body you didn't know existed. thankfully the train was there (which is a good thing because usually the stations smell as it is), so i quickly swipe my metrocard and run in. it's rush hour keep in mind, so there are plenty of tired people anxious to get home. seeing there are no seats i go to grab one of the pulls and my hand literally slides off because it was so slippery. no joke. so i thought...that is nasty, my hand just collected 10's and millions of germs and is now very wet with other peoples sweat. i never try to make a scene when something like this happens because i do feel rather rude...so i nonchalantly get my purel from my bag and smear it all over my hands. now, i never did get purel and if it actually works...but it seems to make one feel better about it. needless to say, the subway cars do not usually smell like roses either...which is understandable seeing that it carries millions of people everyday.

so it's not too bad. right? i mean i AM in new york and do love it here. but i just don't know if this city was made for a population of 8.1 million people*. i am one of them however. and i obviously don't plan on leaving because of it. so here's to new york in the summer, it's only the beginning...



*Statistic taken from wikipedia.org, updated June 2006.

a sight to remember.

i guess i was just picturing this and thought it would be quite funny. but then i stopped picturing it. i would expect to have seen these nude cyclists throughout the city, but did not have the privilege. however, i do think they have a positive point...there just might be a better way of going about it.

because you're beautiful.

so beautiful. i will own you someday soon. my little book might have to be given up for you...you're just that much better! ok so for all you mac fanatics out there...excited yet? i almost peed my pants when i got my hands on one of these things at work today. the new macbook with 2GHz (!!!) and a new sleek glossy screen. ok i know i sound like a commercial...but it really is a wonderful thing. apple just never seizes to amaze me. heard about the new ipod+nike hookup? they really know how to bring in the money i guess. now you just can't have the ipod....you need the shoes too. so is it a little too much? a little carried away perhaps? naw. everything they do is just so smart and...well beautiful. still interested? continue reading about the macbook and you'll want one too. they're just so good at that...and beautiful.