Yum Yum!

So we've been in our apartment for almost a month. We've almost finished the decorating...
Turquoise wall painted (check!)
Picture hung (check!)
Stove broken in (check!)

Yes...we decided to cook Sunday dinner! If I have to say myself...we did a good job!! The menu? Oven fried fish, green beans, and rice...and a little rice krispy/ice cream combo. We did a good job...but everything wasn't perfect. Lol.

Cheap bowls...cheap chocolate morsels...and a microwave...bad combination!

Look! We did it!

Finished product (don't mind the paper plate! Lol)

Our improvision with a yummy dessert recipe went wrong...and resulted in rock hard chocolate!

We're still alive...don't worry!

Hey Kiddies!

I know we haven't written about our adventures in a long long time...and I'm pretty tired right now, so I'll give you the super short low down.

-We made our 1/2 cross country tour with no accidents or injuries...we were pretty beasty with the moving truck
-We have an apartment...BROOKLYN STAND UP! Lol. Very funny story here....this will prob be its own post! Lol.
-I started school and am loving it so far...except for the hundreds of dollars being spent on art and metalsmithing supplies (Feel free to throw $1 in the mail. Lol).
-We went to Philly over Labor Day weekend
-We went to the West Indian Parade in Brooklyn...
-Etc Etc Etc

I PROMISE I'll get to a real blog post this weekend!! Don't worry!
Until then...here's our place

I know...I know...

It's been a long time...

I know...I haven't written anything in a few days...but honestly you haven't missed much. The past few days can be summed up with the following statement: "APARTMENT SEARCHING IN NEW YORK CITY IS A B-E-A-T-D-O-W-N!!!!!" Believe me...this has been such a draining experience...hence my lapse in blog posts. Everytime we think the search is coming to an end, we are rudely reminded that life can never be easy. Lol.

To overcome the stress of apt hunting, me and Jamee decided to go out! We went to a place called "Taj" in the Meatpacking district.

Our 1st night out in NY goes a little like this...

An awkward train ride....
$1M...
2 swollen feet...
But definitely a fun night!

We decided to take the train (bc that's all we've known so far)...probably never again. We felt soooo weird being dressed up on the train. Lol. From now on...you'll def hear me yelling "TAXXXXXXI!". When we got there, we were a little taken aback by the "lames" in the line...and yes, I know that sounds mean. Lol. But hey! What else can I say?!? But since 2 people had recommended the place, we decided to see what it was about. After paying an arm and a leg...and signing over the deed to my future house, we were able to get in. I was instantly disappointed when we got in. Don't ask me why. The crowd just seemed a little....blah! But it was only 12:30ish...and according to our sources people don't really come out until 12:30-1:00...you know...since places close at 4:00. Since we had already endured so much to get there...and had a stressful week...we pinky swore we would have a good time regardless!! #Dontjudge.

And that we did! It turned out to be super fun! Think....
*Lots of Reggae and East coast music
*A sliver of down south music (my guilty pleasure)
*Crazy encounters with guys who wanted to dance...including a crazy African dude who desperately wanted to dance with both of us.
*A few meetings with Mr. Ciroc. Lol.
*A fight with my aching feet

There's sooo much fun to be had here. And I can't wait to see what we get into next week when we get back to NY! I start orientation for school tomm and then we go back to Dallas on Wednesday to start our 1/2 country marathon back to NY! (Yes, we're driving cross country in a moving truck) I'm sure that will come with a crazy story to tell. Anywho....continue to stay turned :)

Pop Quiz: Train A or Train B

Pop Quiz: If the door of Train A is closing at 65 mph as girl #1 exits and girl #2 attempts to not be crushed in the door...how long do you think it will take for girl #2 to get home without directions or a cell phone?

Answer: sruoh 2/1 1 tuoba

If you couldn't read that backwards, it said "about 1 1/2 hours"...

*insert rewind noise here*

Sunday, Jamee and I endured another rough day of apartment searching (in the rain might I add) and simply wanted to get back to our friend's place for a little relaxation. Of course, with all of the google-mapping, talking, and texting that went on throughout the day on my iphone, that horrid red bar appeared...which means "your phone will die even if someone even thinks about using it." We walked down to the train station...and of course my phone died. So, as we boarded the train, we realized we (or let's say Bambi and Heidi) were on the wrong train (surprise surprise)! As, the train was about to take off, Jamee looked at me and said "Should we get off?!?" My quick reply was "Yes!" As Jamee JUMPS off the train...the door immediately closes behind her. Really I'm surprised it didn't catch her shirt! Anywho, she then turns around to look for me. Instead she sees me, helplessly smiling at her from the CLOSED train door, her mouth drops. The only thing we could do was wave goodbye.

O-M-G...this was my 1st time on a train in NYC by myself....which wouldn't have been too bad...IF I had a phone. You see...I rely on my phone for everything. To wake up in the morning. To call my friends and family (I have NO numbers memorized since the invention of the cell phone). I even have a reminder in my phone to change my contacts and take my vitamins!! *iPhone withdrawal*.  Not to mention, I had our entire apartment deposit in my purse...and I usually hardly have no more than $10 in my pocket *debit card addict* (I know, all 3 are bad). Anywho, I get off at the next stop hoping to immediately get back on to meet up with my long lost friend...#FAIL. The next train heading back did not come for another 15-20 minutes. So I stood there, waiting...ipod going...purse under Obama Secret Service-like security. I'm thinking "I can't owe these chicks money." Lol.

Finally, when I get back to our original stop...I realize something completely horrible...utterly wretched.......................................................we were on the right train in the 1st place. *insert red pissed face here* Lol. Let me share my learning: If your desired stop is not within the next 10 stops, it will rotate between stops 11-30 something.

Eventually, I make it back to Roosevelt Island (where our friend stays) and head back to the apt (after spending $16 on peanut butter, jelly, and rice. lol). I finally get up to the apt (after waiting 2 minutes downstairs in the rain for someone to open the outside door)...and am greeted by a worried mother hen...not my real mama...but Jamee J. Lol. She tells me how worried she was bc she knew I didn't have a phone....I mean...could she have been that worried?!? This chick was at home chillin on the couch...NOT in the rain!!! She didn't even call the police!!!! LOL...naw...I'm just kidding! *Hugs*

But I DID IT! I made it home in one piece! All by myself! I'm a big girl now!! :P #Dontjudgeme

Sincerely,
All in one piece in NYC (Dani)

#EpicFail...The Series

The series of events you are about to read about took place in New York City. Some of the names have been changed to protect the innocent...Lol. Naw...just kidding...but some of our actions this weekend have been utterly embarassing. We've deemed Friday as the day of #EpicFails (and yes, that's Twitter speak). The good and the bad...but it was def a fun/frustrating/interesting day to say the least.

Walking the bridge for cheesecake...Diddy Style....

I started off my day doing absolutely NOTHING! I mean nothing...and it felt amazing! I didn't leave the house until around 4:30 pm. We hopped the train to Brooklyn....and walked the entire Brooklyn Bridge *crosses off list*!! We didn't really walk the bridge for cheesecake at Junior's, but I thought I'd throw that in there for fun. But, there were a lot of tourists and some bike crazies. It was a fun experience! I almost forgot to mention that I gave my 1st directions in NY that day to some ppl from the UK...it was funny to hear them ask where to catch "The Tube"! But seriously! You would have been proud of me! Since we were invited to a birthday celebration in Soho...we were kinda in a rush. Who would have known this would have been the beginning of the end. Lol.

Brooklyn Bridge

Let's call them Bambi and Heidi....

After leaving the Brooklyn Bridge, it would be an understatement to say "we were running late"! We had to get something to eat because we hadn't really ate all day...we had to navigate public transportation...and make it back to our friend's place to get dressed. It took waaaaay longer to get dressed than we had planned...mainly bc I have no clothes. Lol. Happy hour started at 7:00...we were leaving the apt at 8:30 *insert blank stare*. We rush down  to get on our regular F train and get off to transfer to the 1 train. Here's the turning point of the night....I guess since I gave my little directions earlier in the day, I thought I was a pro. My silly self led us to the right train...BUT GOT ON THE WRONG SIDE....once again!!! I know you're asking how hard can it be to go the right way on the train. I DON'T KNOW!! I seriously consider myself to be a smart person...but I just don't get it *hangs head*. I swear...everytime we get lost, we'll start blaming it on the airhead girls inside of us...let's call them Bambi and Heidi!!! Lol. Once Bambi and Heidi realized what happened, they got off the train and went upstairs (no service in the train station) to call the friend who had invited them. Lol...ok I quit with the "third person" speak. Anywho, at this point, it was about 9:15, and she suggested we not come since they were leaving soon. We (or at least I) were soooo sad to be missing our 1st social event. WE WANT FRIENDS!! Lol. Welp...she told us about a club that should be poppin' later, so we planned on going. But until then...what to do? What to do?

Lemme get that guac!!

So we decided to just find a bar to chill at until it was time to go to the club. We found a place called Harrington's near my future school. I don't think I've mentioned on here how I had been craving a glass of wine. So I ordered a glass of wine...after awhile, we decided to order some chips and Guacamole (because wine and guacamole goes together. Lol). OMG! That guac was the best I personally had ever had...who would have thought...NY?!? But yes. Jamee and I were sitting there talking...and 2 guys who had been sitting next to us the entire time randomly got up and started talking to us. It was sooo random! But def not a bad thing. What made it random was the fact that it was 2 white guys (to our white friends reading this...its random bc white guys usually don't talk to black girls...I have this theory that they're scared). Lol. They were asking us what we were getting into that night and asked where we were from. Turns out..both of the guys went to OHIO STATE!!! *Go Bucks*. What makes this story even more funny was the fact that 1 of the guys pulled a Sports Illustrated with Ohio State Football players on the front out of his bookbag!!! Where does that happen? Lol. Anywho, they recommended some drinks and then invited us to Mercer Bar downtown. We did'nt plan on going because we wanted to hit up the club *Hmmm...let's try a South Dallas voice here*.

Reenacting West Side Story in the streets...literally.

We caught the BUS on our way to the club...it really pains me to say that. Lol. I'm so used to driving everywhere. But good thing our friend Chi Chi warned us to take flats anytime we go out...or else we'll be committed podiatric suicide. Sooo...we're on the bus on the way to the club...and get off waaaaay too early!! While waiting for the bus to come back...I had the sudden urge to sing and dance (again)! I made up a little tune that went something like this: *Broadway show tune voice* "One daaaaaaaaaay! One daaaaaaaaaay! We'll make it somewheeeeeeeerrrrre on tiiiiimmmmmmeeeeee"...this little diddly was accompanied by snapping and quick stepping. Imagine a girl in Midtown loudly singing and dancing at the bus stop...so of course a man stopped and asked "Why are you so happy?" LOL. I simply replied "Bc we're always late, so I have to make some fun out of the situation"...that's all you can do, right?!? Right. Needless to say, we didn't make it to the club that night. Wanna know why? Sure you do...bc the bus NEVER came back! Smh. #PTFail (Public Transportation Fail).

With a pocket full of determination, we decided to head to Mercer bar instead to meet up with our newfound friends. As we walk there, we decide to change back into our heels...so we stop in a stairwell which happened to have a homeless person's "house" in it. So we stepped into his "home" to change out of the sight of the people on the street. Lol. We finally get to Mercer bar and immediately felt out of place. Lol. Everyone was with their groups of friends, chatting, and enjoying their various drinks. Our "friends" hadn't made it there yet. We're not used to that kind of bar scene, so we awkwardly walked out with a feeling of defeat!! We missed trains...buses...and social engagements all in one night. #EpicFail.

Homeless Home in Soho...prob $1750 per month. Lol

I like to think of our mishaps in NY as being a 5 year old riding a bike with training wheels...you ride with the training wheels at 1st with hopes of getting to big girl status and taking them off bc you don't want to look like a baby anymore! And once you take them off...you might fall sometimes. But when real big girls fall, they get up....apply a lil cocoa butter (bc we we're too pretty for scars)...and keep it moving! Lol. So, I'm looking forward to the progression of the coming week. Oh yeah...I forgot to mention this is our 1 week annivesary! Yay for us!

It's 2:01 am...my usual time for writing my blog posts. Lol. So Goodnight! Until tomorrow.

~Dani

Southern Hospitality = DEAD and GONE

Lets rewind back to Wednesday.......

*insert rewind noise here*

Booth R2453. <----If you're ever in the city and come across this booth number with the above train attendant don’t bother asking for help. As you know, Dani and I have talked several times about our train debacle's and how we are constanly getting lost on the train, so its no surprise that we walk to the wrong side of the subway entrance 5 out of 10 times a day.(Can someone please help in indentifying which side to go to without having to play eeny, meeny, miny, moe?!?!) Side note: I don’t know about you, but this is what I call PROGRESS!! At least we are at the CORRECT stop just the wrong side. Now before I go on, there are some things you must know: Once you swipe your metro pass you cant re-swipe it until 18mins later (this prevents people from sharing a pass). So if you go on the wrong side its inevitable that you will have to re-swipe your card. Most times when we go on the wrong side we go the attendant on the correct side and explain the situation, and it goes something like this:

Me: "Hello kind sir, we swiped our card on the other side but realized it was the wrong train would you be so kind and buzz us in on this side?"

Attendant: "Ok go through those doors."

Simple as that right. Well not at booth R2453. Convo went like this:

Me: "Hello kind sir we swiped our card on the other side but realized it was the wrong train, would you please let us in?" (notice I even said please)

Attendant: "Why did you go on the wrong side, did you not read the signs? (His tone made it sound more like, “Are you dumb can you not read the sign”) NO, Im not letting you in you need to learn how to read the signs and know where your going."

At this point I'm still thinking ok let me just use some of my sweet southern charm to get him to lighten up
Me: (smiling) "Well sir we are new to town, 4 days to be exact and we are still trying to get the hang of this whole public transportation thing. So can you please let us in?"

Attendant: "No, I’m not letting you in, you're just going to have to wait 18min until your card re-activates."

Me: "But sir we are new and made a simple mistake"

Attendant: "Do you know how many people do this a day. So I don’t want to hear it."

Me: (at this point I see he's not budging so I start to turn on my newly found New Yorker persona) "Are you seriously not going to let us in?! I mean this is stupid we made a mistake. Now let us in!" (not in those exact words, but I was no longer the southern bell that I was 5 min ago, I was giving him the 'tude he deserved)

Attendant: "No I’m not letting you in you can stand over there and wait."

REALLY dude?!? Is it that serious. I couldn’t believe he was so rude! After watching countless people go in Dani says, "It feels like we are at recess and we have to watch all the other kids go play because we are in time out. "Guess we're not in Kansas any more Toto....." :)

~Jamee J.

A 48 Hour Blur....

I can only say...I'm tired right now. The past 2 days have been really busy (hence no post last night). But this is only the beginning...in 2 weeks...I'll be throwing school and work into the mix!!! Feel free to send me a care package of 5 hour energy drinks...because I'll soon have my own address! Lol. Speaking of addresses....

BROOKLYN STAND UP!
We've ALMOST secured an apartment...but right now we're in an APARTMENT WAR with another tenant. We still have our fingers crossed....I won't give any details until everything is finalized :)

Interesting events from our 48 hour blur:

-Greeted in Brooklyn by a BOMB SCARE and POLICE BARRICADE...it was actally pretty entertaining.

-We met the "mayor" of Brooklyn...random dude stops us on the street...gets out of his car to give us a party flyer. He says "Yo! What's ya'll name?!? I think I met ya'll before"...when he went to shake my hand, he held it for 5 minutes with a cigarette in the other hand...which was hilarious! He wanted us to give him our phone numbers...because...you see...he's the mayor! Everybody calls him the mayor because he RUNS Brooklyn! And if we ever need help with anything....you know...if anybody is messing with us...we need to let him know because he'll take care of it! "I like to take care of people who do bad things with good people...I got you!" This dude at gold fronts with "diamonds"...gleaming! But then he proceeds to take them out of his mouth and hold them in this hand while talking to us (clearly not holding my hand anymore...ewwww!). He also had silly bands on his wrist...kinda funny...something so soft on a hard dude, right?!? Lol. Apparently silly bands gets you into a secret society *insert blank stare* He ended the convo by saying "word to ya' muhva!" (word to your mother for the folks who don't understand NY slang)...to honest I didn't know NYers still said that. Lol.

-I almost slipped on a DEAD MOUSE...I felt so sad for the little mouse. His life was ended on the streets...what a lonely death. Lol.

-Then I almost stepped on roach on the sidewalk....a completely different area than the dead mouse...but hey...what can I say...it's NY! Lol.

-I LOVE street music! We often see people playing various instruments in the subways...I'll have to record it one day to post!!

-My body is still adjusting to the move. You all know how fragile I am...any kind of physical activity, I'm bound to get hurt at least once. Lol. I'm sooo used to driving that my body has been screaming "WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING TO ME?!? I'M TOO GOOD FOR ALL THIS WALKING AND NONSENSE!!" I definitely need to do some strength training!! But you know what? By next summer, these legs will be strong enough to hold an elevator door open....or pick up a car with a small child underneath. Lol.

Everything is still feeling like one big adventure!! Stay tuned yo!

~Dani