Only in New York...

"Only in New York." Sometimes as I walk down the street, ride the train, or go for a walk in the park, I will see something, shake my head, and think this to myself. Does this kind of stuff happen in other big metropolitan cities? Probably. But growing up, this was not behavior I would see in the suburbs of Chicago. Having lived in NYC for about eight years now, I have seen my fair share of nasty/interesting/hilarious things I could have never imagined and yet certain things still seem to make me giggle or even shock me. As the weather gets nicer and I am out and about more and more, I am sure I will start seeing things again that give the charm to this wonderful city that I call home.
I see people anywhere from...

1) People dressed up in Dungeons and Dragons (or World of Warcraft?) or whatever gear to play a live game. I am honestly not sure what these folks are dressed as because this is not something I follow or have any interest in. What I do know is that it always makes me giggle. It also makes me think of the movie Role Models. This usually happens on weekends and these guys walk around the park in their full outfits on their way to and from their games. I have passed one of these games before and they garner quite the crowd. It's not really my scene, but I am sure is a lot of fun. 

Just a Little OCD?

Some people call me rigid. Or joke have a mild case of OCD. So what that my closet is color coordinated? What of it? I like order and I like neatness. And if I want to wear a blue shirt I can go to a certain part of my closet and have all the options right there. So easy. Be jealous. I believe certain things belong in certain places and that there is a right and wrong way to do something. Because of this, sometimes I can get annoyed at little things when I go to other people's houses, go home to my parents house, or even if things tend to get hectic around my place and things start to look disorderly. I can't handle it. I blame my severe Type-A personality. Some things that I am really sensitive about are below. These are totally normal. I promise.

This is just the way it is. Not even a debate.

1) Toilet paper must go over. Not under. I just don't get people when put their TP on the dispenser going under. It makes no sense at all. None. And those people that don't care which way it goes. How do you go through life? Geez. Toilet paper should always go over so it can flow easily from square to square. Obviously. I have even been known to secretly change the rolls of TP at people's houses to make it go the RIGHT way. I am sure they don't even notice but it makes me more comfortable the next time I use the restroom. And with my pea-size bladder and digestive issues, it will probably be sooner than later. (And just for fun, here is another take on the issue.)

My Love/Hate Relationship with Trail Mix

I have a love. This love also happens to be one of my worst enemies. But I just can't stay away. "Why hello there...Trail Mix."  (This of course being said in a Jerry Seinfeld voice like when he sees Neuman.) (Please tell me you get that reference!!) You see, Trail mix and I go way back and it always starts out great, but then we don't agree so much with each other. Since I have such bad stomach issues (Hello Ulcerative Colitis!), I really am supposed to stay away from nuts, seeds, corn and generally anything high fiber. What goes in must come out as the story goes, so this can become a big issue for me. But sometimes there is nothing better than a post trail mix binge poop. Sorry, I had to go there.

My Summer Central Park Plans

As the weather gets nicer, I am sure I will be heading over to Central Park more and more. Man, do I love it there. I usually do three things there: run, lay out in the sun, and read. (And obviously do tons of people watching in between but that's a given so doesn't even count on my list.)  I also occasionally even play softball games there.

People do all kinds of things in the park like play catch, do yoga, eat lunch, etc... I have even seen people fencing. Yes, that sport with the swords. The opportunities are pretty endless in good old Central Park. I sometimes see people doing things I am envious of that I say that I am going to do and actually have every intention of doing for the most part. Then I run out of time or can't find anyone to do it with me. Well, this summer, I want to change that. I want to make these things happen. One of the perks to being having the summer off and having most of my days free to do what I want. And if not the weekdays, it can happen on the weekends. I am not picky, I just want branch out a little more. These are some of the things I want to do in the park this summer...

1) Play Backyard Bocce Ball or Ladder Toss. I have seen more and more people play these games and they look so fun. In the suburbs people play these in their yards all the time along with Bags but its hard in the city to find a place to play such games. I am sure I could easily buy a set and my friends would play. I will def have to look further into this and make it happen. It just looks so damn fun. Throw in some beer along with it, covertly covered up of course, and this could be a grand ole time in CP. Game on.

A Sea of Kleenex

I consider myself to be a very sensitive young lady. And I cry often. I feel like a good cry is so therapeutic and really helps release a lot of negative energy that might have built up. Sometimes I really look forward to a good cry. But sometimes they just creep up on me. Two triggers that I have are old people and obese people. Sometimes I will see these two types of people on the train, in a restaurant, or even just walking down the street, and I will just start to burst into tears. It's a problem. However, if I am home and need a good cry, I have some movies that will do the trick. These aren't my usual sports tear jerkers, but actual tear jerkers that normal people also cry at. If I don't feel like crying and these movies are on, I will usually avoid them at all costs because I don't want to deal with the puffiness and red-eyes that will linger. These are also movies that don't just have my eyes well-up and tears rolling down my cheeks; they are movies that I will literally be heaving, trying to catch my breath and have a sea of snot-filled Kleenex surrounding me. Not a pretty scene. But like I said, sometimes I am not allowed to watch these (self-imposed rule) unless I really need a good cry session. And you know what, sometimes those are just necessary. So when the time comes, these are the movies that I turn to.

1. The Notebook. Duh. What girl has seen this movie and bawled their eyes out? And even some dudes will actually admit to crying during this movie. I don't know what it is exactly that gets me every single time, but it does. I think its the fact that these two people have found love so real and intense that it will not be broken by anything. Not even Alzheimer's. This movie also is one that makes me feel sorry for myself. "Will I ever find a love like this? Who really is so lucky to find a true love this real? Does this happen anymore? I want this. I will never have this." These are the thoughts that go through my head during this movie. Over and over again. Maybe its unhealthy I watch this. Maybe I should stop. But damn, Ryan Gosling, you give me a little hope so I will continue to torture myself and watch this movie over and over again.