ramblings

So, I was at the grocery store today. My roommate and I wrote out a list of all the things we needed. She was tired so I decided to go on my own. I went through the store and got all of the items on the list and made my way to the check out line. After she rang up all the items, I still hadn't found my wallet. So, I rushed back to my apartment, hoping I left my wallet in another coat pocket or purse somewhere. Unfortunately, I still haven't found it. I checked online to see if my debit card had been used, and it hasn't, so I'm hoping that I left it at my friend's apartment last night. I have no idea where else it could be. The funny thing is that last night, while we were out and about, my roommate lost her metro card. She just bought a new one last week. So we ransacked our purses and our friend's sofa cushions hoping it had slipped out of her purse or pocket, but no luck. Is there some sort of epidemic right now that is causing us to lose everything, I wonder? My roommate had to fork over $70 for another metro card (the price soon to go up) and I am crossing my fingers that my wallet is at my friend's apartment. If it's not, I don't know what I'll do. I can notify my bank and credit cards, but that will take a while. My bank is on the west coast, and I am on the east coast. Plus, I have a west coast drivers license and I don't know if it's possible to renew without going there in person. Oh well, I won't worry about that until I know for sure it is lost. Until then, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed and fight this crazy epidemic to the best of my abilities.

Christo

I'm really excited about the gates in Central Park and Christo being here. I was an art major in school and I don't know how many times we talked about Christo's work (surrounding islands, buildings, etc.). I'm so excited that I get to be here and see his work in the flesh rather than through photographs. It's different from other art -- especially photographs but paintings and sculptures as well. I love paintings and sculpture when it's right in front of you and you can see how the artist moved the paint with his brush or see how smooth the marble is, but with Christo's work, you only have a small window of opportunity to see it in the flesh and then you have to resort to photos.

Sure, some doubt the project, saying it costs too much (not mentioning the jobs created by it) or that it's ugly and not art (everybody's a critic), but as much as people talk, there is still a beautiful and unifying thing about the whole process -- the way it takes hundreds of people just to install and the way all eyes go to the "saffron" gates and stare with awe at how many it takes to cover our beautiful park.

Apartments

So, I've been apartment hunting. Despite unpopular belief, it's not fun. My roommate and I have been running around the city checking out mostly hideous and dirty apartments for unheard of prices. I'm going crazy, especially as I found a great apartment yesterday but its not in the best of 'hoods, so my roommate had a fit. And now I think she wants to pass on the biggest, cleanest, nicest apartment we've found because people don't look like her. I'm really frustrated. It's equal distance from the 2 subway lines we need, a half block from Central Park, the street is clean and the broker isn't sleazy. He's actually honest, which is a rarity in NY. But, I'll stop now and quit complaining.