So, my days - in reverse chronological order - have contained some neat experiences. It is almost too much to process completely, and I am barely scratching the surface when I give you my quick recant:
Sunday - I spent a wonderful day catching up with one of my closest friends as she visits in New York.
Saturday - I toured Philadelphia with two wonderful College friends! We saw the Magic Gardens of Isaiah Zagar, which were fantastical and deserve their own post, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Ben Franklin's grave (which also deserve their own posts), and then walked around and discovered Philadelphia.
Friday - I went with my sister and two friends to a production of Romeo and Juliet by the Royal Shakespeare Company at Lincoln Center. It was the best Romeo and Juliet I have ever seen; truly, world-class poetry performed by world-class actors.
Thursday - I saw Metropolis, a 1927 silent German film, with two performers orchestrating the music, with yet another wonderful College friend in Brooklyn.
Wednesday - I tried to go to a Mets game with a friend from high school. We had some pretty superb tickets, but were rained out.
Tuesday and Monday - I either did nothing, or I can't remember that far back.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Elevator Etiquette
In any large city with high rise buildings, you are bound to use elevators frequently. Some of them are the size of dumb waiters and can uncomfortably squeeze in two, while others are the size of cattle corrals and can hold twenty people.
I haven't been in a high rise city for very long, but I have come to a few conclusions about what constitute polite behaviour in the elevating area.
Talking: Take this on a case-by-case basis. I'm pretty shy, so my modus operandi is not to engage strangers at work - or even in my building - in conversation. It is acceptable to talk in the elevator to a friend in the elevator, if you do so quietly.
Other people's dogs or babies makes things easier. You can comment on how cute their child is, or ask to pet their dog. What could be an awkward 45-second ride has suddenly turned into painless pandering that's over before it's done!
Looking at people: It's kind of awkward. There are usually mirrors, so look at yourself, or if you're into taking risks, check out the hot guy in the elevator next to you. It's always a safe bet to look at the floor numbers.
Oh goodness, this is a recipe for making people boring. Don't do this stuff, don't do any of it. Talk to people in the elevator! Engage them in conversation! It doesn't matter, even if you live in the same building, because you'll either never see them or see them so rarely it won't matter.
Holding the doors: Obviously, hold them if someone is in your direct line of sight, of if they call out to hold the elevator.
It becomes tricky when you keep holding the elevator for someone who is slow, or you jump into the elevator in the nick of time and in turn hold the door for someone else - essentially, you've doubled the waiting time for the other elevatees. Be nice anyway, and ignore any prickly feelings on your neck inspired by their glowers.
Crowded elevators: I haven't mastered this one yet, but squeezing in if there's a small gap is permissible. If there is a moving company stacking things in the elevator, though, it's easier to take the stairs.
Pushing the button: If someone is getting out, don't push the "Close doors" button until they have completely exited from the elevator. Hovering over the button with your thumb as the doors are opening is poor behavior.
Avoiding all of these elevator woes: You can take the stairs! Though, depending on how your wide your stairs are, a whole new set of etiquette may be required.
I haven't been in a high rise city for very long, but I have come to a few conclusions about what constitute polite behaviour in the elevating area.
Talking: Take this on a case-by-case basis. I'm pretty shy, so my modus operandi is not to engage strangers at work - or even in my building - in conversation. It is acceptable to talk in the elevator to a friend in the elevator, if you do so quietly.
Other people's dogs or babies makes things easier. You can comment on how cute their child is, or ask to pet their dog. What could be an awkward 45-second ride has suddenly turned into painless pandering that's over before it's done!
Looking at people: It's kind of awkward. There are usually mirrors, so look at yourself, or if you're into taking risks, check out the hot guy in the elevator next to you. It's always a safe bet to look at the floor numbers.
Oh goodness, this is a recipe for making people boring. Don't do this stuff, don't do any of it. Talk to people in the elevator! Engage them in conversation! It doesn't matter, even if you live in the same building, because you'll either never see them or see them so rarely it won't matter.
Holding the doors: Obviously, hold them if someone is in your direct line of sight, of if they call out to hold the elevator.
It becomes tricky when you keep holding the elevator for someone who is slow, or you jump into the elevator in the nick of time and in turn hold the door for someone else - essentially, you've doubled the waiting time for the other elevatees. Be nice anyway, and ignore any prickly feelings on your neck inspired by their glowers.
Crowded elevators: I haven't mastered this one yet, but squeezing in if there's a small gap is permissible. If there is a moving company stacking things in the elevator, though, it's easier to take the stairs.
Pushing the button: If someone is getting out, don't push the "Close doors" button until they have completely exited from the elevator. Hovering over the button with your thumb as the doors are opening is poor behavior.
Avoiding all of these elevator woes: You can take the stairs! Though, depending on how your wide your stairs are, a whole new set of etiquette may be required.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Living in New York City: Cockroaches 102
This evening, it happened again. A cockroach infiltrated the apartment.
It was scuttling around the apartment as I was on the phone with a close friend of mine, and she was subjected to my piteous wails as I watched it patter about. After a few good whines, I got out a newspaper, heavy book, and my game face, then went cockroach hunting.
I cornered it in the bathroom, waiting for my opportunity to strike. I got the heebie-jeebies when it almost ran over my toes, but a toss of the newspaper, followed closely by the heavy book, got it.
I tried not to register the crunch when I pirouetted on the heavy book.
Still on the phone with my friend, after the episode I tried going back to my dinner. Whatever was left of the roach was lying under a book - The Fall and Rise of Angelshut - and the Investment section of the Wall Street Journal.
It was scuttling around the apartment as I was on the phone with a close friend of mine, and she was subjected to my piteous wails as I watched it patter about. After a few good whines, I got out a newspaper, heavy book, and my game face, then went cockroach hunting.
I cornered it in the bathroom, waiting for my opportunity to strike. I got the heebie-jeebies when it almost ran over my toes, but a toss of the newspaper, followed closely by the heavy book, got it.
I tried not to register the crunch when I pirouetted on the heavy book.
Still on the phone with my friend, after the episode I tried going back to my dinner. Whatever was left of the roach was lying under a book - The Fall and Rise of Angelshut - and the Investment section of the Wall Street Journal.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Growing One's "Personal Brand"
Here in the city, I've become acquainted with someone who talks about "growing one's personal brand." The personal brand is essentially now-speak for being or doing something which distinguishes you from others. For example, popping out code names for everything and everyone you meet, or priding oneself on wearing interesting garments on the lower half of one's body, helps to establish a personal brand.
To me, the idea of a personal brand isn't very useful. To a certain degree, we market ourselves to other people by choosing what to show of ourselves, but putting mental energy into creating that image just isn't worth it. I am what you see, and more, and my experiences - some of them consciously chosen, others heaped upon me - have shaped this "brand" of mine.
Now, the rest of this post has nothing to do with personal branding.
Instead, it's about professional branding! Let me tout the fact that I've made my BBC debut. Given the circumstances of my summer, it is unsurprising that I've had a short post published by BBC Travel. Check out my article on the Cross Egypt Challenge.
You're getting quality writing here without having to pay a subscription or sit through advertisements. Think about that for a while.
----
Unrelated to anything said above, oof, I'm on the cusp of something. I'm not being mysterious on purpose right now; even I don't know what I'm thinking or what will come out. But something is coming my way, indeed.
To me, the idea of a personal brand isn't very useful. To a certain degree, we market ourselves to other people by choosing what to show of ourselves, but putting mental energy into creating that image just isn't worth it. I am what you see, and more, and my experiences - some of them consciously chosen, others heaped upon me - have shaped this "brand" of mine.
Now, the rest of this post has nothing to do with personal branding.
Instead, it's about professional branding! Let me tout the fact that I've made my BBC debut. Given the circumstances of my summer, it is unsurprising that I've had a short post published by BBC Travel. Check out my article on the Cross Egypt Challenge.
You're getting quality writing here without having to pay a subscription or sit through advertisements. Think about that for a while.
----
Unrelated to anything said above, oof, I'm on the cusp of something. I'm not being mysterious on purpose right now; even I don't know what I'm thinking or what will come out. But something is coming my way, indeed.
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