Is this the end?

December 31, 2012 - Pic #366

Wow. Bitter Sweet... this is the last one. Like we all must, as I say goodbye to 2012, I look forward to 2013. Happy New Year's eve!

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December 30, 2012 - Pic #366

A rare sight! 2008 NYC Reunion: Becca, Sesi and Meghan were all visiting from their respective new cities at the same time. We went to Cilantros, a favorite of Meghan's that I've somehow never been to before. Good friends and good fun!

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December 29, 2012 - Pic #364

While home, I do love baking/cooking with the parents. I finally gathered the courage to try making Arancini (Italian rice balls) from a recipe in a cookbook I got in Sicily five years ago. From start to finish the whole operation took a little over four hours, but it was worth it! Hard to tell here, but they are the size of baseballs. Delicious. 

Weekend with the Bestie

December 16, 2012 - Pic #351

While roaming around waiting for Jess's train to arrive, we decided that Christmas has puked all over Penn Station. Lights and presents and decorations everywhere, pretty much just like the rest of the city. 

This Santa and reindeer lure folks into to a jolly-good time at a commuter's bar and restaurant. Santa may look content now, but I'm pretty sure he's not going to be able to fly his sleigh after he chugs that beer. 

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December 15, 2012 - Pic #350

It's official, holiday craft markets are where EVERYONE goes on Saturdays in December. Trying to walk through the aisles at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market was pretty much the worst thing ever (except for walking around Rockefeller Plaza at night which was actually the worst thing ever). But, at least there were pretty and cute things to look at! I always love the puppet stands because my mom got me a puppet when I was a kid (Princess Roslyn). These folks look like they could be singing Christmas carols, except for the dude directly behind the chef, who may have had one too many eggnogs. 

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December 14, 2012 - Pic #349

Yay... Jess came to visit! It's been way too long - since December 2010, in fact. We did our usual... lots of meal dates, flea markets, and movies, of course. Here we are on our way to see Silver Linings Playbook, which turned out to be fantastic. Nothing like a little dysfunctional love story to warm your heart at Christmas time. 

12:12:12 on the 12/12th/12

December 12, 2012 - Pic #347

This day definitely deserves a larger post, which is will get. For now I will say that 12-12-12 was an amazing, wonderful, spectacular day filled with laughs and love and friends and family. I am so so so blessed to have so many amazing people that put up with all my crazy. And, just so we can all take a deep breath, I do know I'm crazy :). 

This picture was definitely a process. I was out to lunch with the family at Dopo Teatro, and knew I needed my 12:12 on the 12th picture. I took some advice from a friend, and decided to start recording myself exactly at 12:12:00 and then take a still from 12 seconds in... 12:12:12! So Dad was the lucky one sitting across from who got to do the recording. He did an awesome job. So here I am, 12:12:12 on 12/12/12! 

More to come later, but if you'd like to see all the pictures today, check out the album I posted on Facebook.

Say Cheese!

December 7, 2012 - Pic #342

Tonight was the eChalk Holiday party! We on the Events Committee helped set up, and added a few early friends to our pre-party photo. It was a good time, especially since we really haven't seen much of each other since Sandy hit and put our office out of commission. We should be back in action the week of December 17th, if all goes well. 

November Nothings

November. November. November.

A strange month in the life of LB. Working from home, saying goodbye to Franny Pants, welcoming four more years, eating a whole lot of pie... and spending a ridiculous amount of money.

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November 1, 2012 - Pic #306

I LOVE Pumpkin Spice Cookie season :).  
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November 2, 2012 - Pic #307

Cousin Chuck got married today :). Centerpiece was a castle, so obviously, I snatched it. Dad, however, is guilty of stealing the table marker for table #12... he knows me well :).  
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November 3, 2012 - Pic #308

Hard day today. Mom told me the Vet said Franny would not make it, so I made an unexpected trek to Albany to be with her.  
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November 4, 2012 - Pic #309

This was my view all day as I hung out with Franny, getting some QT. I'm glad I had this time with her, but it wasn't easy.  
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November 5, 2012 - Pic #310

RIP Franny Pants. Only 2 years old, yet so filled with life. When I rescued you from the foster home with your sister Zooey, you were but a tiny, scared, emaciated kitten. You hid under the couch your entire first night and wouldn't come out even for food. But that didn't last long :). Before no time you owned the place. You owned me. Eating my cheese danish, sleeping on my chest, whining every time I locked you out of the bathroom. I miss you Franny, more than you could ever know. I'm so glad you were my kitty. 
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November 6, 2012 - Pic #311

Election Day! It's 2012 - why are the ballots still paper? By the way... phew.  
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November 7, 2012 - Pic #312

Winter made it to November this year, but only for a short while.  
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November 8, 2012 - Pic #313

This is what 7 pounds of fudge looks like, made by Tara's mom. I'm pretty sure I'd gain a lot more than 7 pounds, though, if I ate all of this.  
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November 9, 2012 - Pic #314

Hard to believe, but this was my first time below 116th street since Sandy! Frequented Merrion Square with Mike, Manny and Carrie. 
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November 10, 2012 - Pic #315

While walking around The Strand browsing random books, I found this inserted in a mystery novel about a Spanish Ice Skater. Turns out it's part of a photo project by an artist named Fred Cray. He hides unique photos all over the world. They are unique because he destroys the digital copy after he prints the photo. This is number 5736. Read about him here: http://fredcray.com/images_unique_01.html
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November 11, 2012 - Pic #316

First of all, happy birthday Leonardo DiCaprio! I have known your birthday and your age since I was 12 (you turned 38 today... ouch!). It's easy to remember because you were born on 11/11/74, 11 years before I was born on 12/12. Ah... numerically meant to be.  

Also, had a movie date with Zack to see Wreck it Ralph. It was adorable and hilarious. Found this awesome photo op on our way out of the theater. 
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November 12, 2012 - Pic #317

This kitten is my work buddy. Everytime I get up, she takes my seat. She looks cuter in it than I do, anyway.  
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November 13, 2012 - Pic #318

Tonight I went to the Hayden Planetarium for a lecture on "exo planets", planets that orbit stars like the Earth orbits the sun. I truly love the Planetarium. Sometimes I wish I continued a career in science... I suppose it's not too late. For now, going to the museum will have to do :).  
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November 14, 2012 - Pic #319

SpaHa, our Spanish Harlem neighborhood coffee joint, thinks very highly (hotly?) of themselves.  
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November 15, 2012 - Pic #320

So, when did they start remaking furbies? I'm pretty sure mine would still be scaring the crap out of me if I didn't remove the batteries. No toy should have a mind of its own.  
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November 16, 2012 - Pic #321

When Tara's mom visited, she asked us what we need for the apartment. We really don't need anything, but she kept asking. I thought of a toaster, which is something I've wanted every since Meghan moved out and took hers with her. Tara was very much against the idea, though, and so we did not get one. However, it blurted out of my mouth, and Mom Brite would not look back! She got me this toaster for my birthday :). It's adorable, isn't it?  
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November 17, 2012 - Pic #322

Friend Thanksgiving, 2012! Laura and Annie made an awesome turkey. It was a wonderful time :). And Tali came all the way from Philly!  
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November 18, 2012 - Pic #323

Been sick with a sore throat and the sniffles. Luckily I have a comfy couch and lots of ring pops.  
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November 19, 2012 - Pic #324

Still sick... and looking for things around the house to take a pic of. More adorable stationery... this one's for Sesi :).  
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November 20, 2012 - Pic #325

D got these for me a long time ago and I completely forgot about them! Found them today and put them in their rightful place on the fridge. Cuteness party.  
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November 21, 2012 - Pic #326

Arrived home for Thanksgiving today, and Dad had already made the pies. This huge apple crumble pie was delicious!  
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November 22, 2012 - Pic #327

Took our traditional walk through the woods post Thanksgiving feast today.  
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November 23, 2012 - Pic #328

After a full night of shopping (10pm - 8am), this was all the damage we did. 90% done with my holiday shopping! Definitely bought way too much for myself, as well.  
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November 24, 2012 - Pic #329

Santa! Is it Christmas already? It's still November! At least he's jolly :).  
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November 25, 2012 - Pic #330

This is Dad's solution to the squirrels eating all the birdseed.  One of the many wonders in our backyard!
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November 26, 2012 - Pic #331

Got into the zipcar after class and immediately turned on the radio. I forgot that at 9pm tonight, the Empire State Building was going to show off its new LED light system with a timed show to Alicia Keys music.  I got to listen to the music on Z100, but missed the show. That's what youtube is for, though!
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November 27, 2012 - Pic #332

I went to a Marketo User Group at Moody's today in 7 World Trade Center. Got a rare view of Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial.  
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November 28, 2012 - Pic #333

At the Union Square Holiday Market with Carrie I found this awesome art stand. Inspiration for new art project!  
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November 29, 2012 - Pic #334

The Urban Garden Center next door changes for every season. I think this is my favorite one :).  
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November 30, 2012 - Pic #335

Made friends with construction workers along the new 2nd ave subway line.  

October Overview

October is up next! Filled with pumpkins, crafts, and hurricanes.

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October 1, 2012 - Pic #275

Ah, October! My favorite month. December would be too easy a choice. There's just something about October... the leaves... the smell of the crisp air (even in NY)... it's the best.  
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October 2, 2012 - Pic #276

Craft night :). I've wanted a headband holder for a long time and finally decided to just make one. I bought one of those plastic containers filled with foam stickers at Michaels on clearance... covered it with fabric from an old shirt, added a little bling, and done! 
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October 3, 2012 - Pic #277

Happy birthday, brother! I had a girls' date with D which included a delicious dinner and a stop in the Paper Store. Motivational stationery is my weakness.  
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October 4, 2012 - Pic #278

There are some days where I really don't feel like sitting on the subway for 45 minutes, and those are the days that unnecessary cab rides home happen. Not going to lie... sometimes it feels nice to be driven home. Just wish I wasn't paying for it! 
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October 5, 2012 - Pic #279

The view from Amtrak! I miss the sunset train rides I use to take for weekends home from college. Such a beautiful scene. 
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October 6, 2012 - Pic #280

2012 has been jam packed with surprise parties... this one for Brother Dearest.  Chris turned 30 this year... I can't believe it! We're getting super old. 
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October 7, 2012 - Pic #281

In San Francisco I fell into a huge candy store trap, and got a lot of Chris's childhood favorites for his 30th. Never too old for pop rocks! 
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October 8, 2012 - Pic #282

I always hate leaving backyard access to nature when I'm heading back to the city.  
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October 9, 2012 - Pic #283

Allie came over for some girl talk and brought a yummy bottle of white. Didn't have a pic of the day yet, so...  
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October 10, 2012 - Pic #284

Punkies! One of the many reasons to love October. I am wondering why some of these come pre-painted... and who does the painting.  
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October 11, 2012 - Pic #285

I looked everywhere today for something that said 10-11-12! Couldn't find anything. Lots of 10/11/2012 and October 10, 2012... ah well. It's a cool date. Not as cool as 12-12-12... but nothing is :).  
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October 12, 2012 - Pic #286

12:12 on the 12th! This was staged, obviously, but you know. Just another day on the job. 
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October 13, 2012 - Pic #287

Today I went to the Public Theater's Open House with Mike, Manny and Carrie. Their sneak peek performances were super sun-kissed and hard to watch. I spent most of the show trying to block the sun by standing behind Mike and staring at the ground. Still fun!  
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October 14, 2012 - Pic #288

Um, jackpot. This is why visiting your childhood bedroom is awesome. I'm so lucky that my parents still live in the house I spent most of my childhood in... and that they haven't turned it into an office or gym. Now I just need to buy a bunch of watch batteries! 
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October 15, 2012 - Pic #289

I started working from home on Mondays. Of course, I didn't know that by the end of the month, I'd be working from home EVERY day. Juno and Zooey are great work companions, as you can see. 
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October 16, 2012 - Pic #290

I admit, NY 1's interactive polls make watching the debates that much more fun. "Would you like to be one of the entries in Mitt's binder full of women? A for yes, B for no, C for seriously?"  
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October 17, 2012 - Pic #291

Spotted this pantless groom in the window of a tailor downtown. While trying to snap a photo, the shop owner came out from the back and started to approach me. I ran. I'm not sure what I thought he was going to do... 
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October 18, 2012 - Pic #292

Tara: "Sparkly unicorn temporary tattoo?" Me: "Yes please."  
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October 19, 2012 - Pic #293

Got to revisit Dreamforce today via Cloudforce in NY. Wasn't as cool, but still fun. The Harlem Gospel Choir's rendition of "Oh Happy Day" kicked off the Keynote.  
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October 20, 2012 - Pic #294

Had a gray, frustrating day... and super miss Franny.  
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October 21, 2012 - Pic #295

Painting party at D's! Mine is the purple dotty one.
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October 22, 2012 - Pic #296

After reading The Shining last year, I've wanted to see the movie. I finally DVR'd and watched it. I have to say, I was unimpressed. The book is SO much better than the movie. The film really didn't do justice to the Overlook's evil. Apparently, Stephen King also hated Stanley Kubrick's rendition. So much, in fact, that he worked on another version in 1997. Now I want to see that one! 
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October 23, 2012 - Pic #297

Weekday movies feel like such a treat. Met up with an old college friend to see Argo - what a fantastic film! Everyone should see it. Also now I love Ben Afleck again.  
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October 24, 2012 - Pic #298

One of the perks of being an extra in Mike and Rebekkah Schaubach's "Poop" film was getting a free All Access pass to the Friar Club's Comedy Film Festival. I attended the opening night film "It's a Disaster", starring America Ferrara, David Cross and Julia Styles, among others. It was a great film, and interesting Q&A. It also reminded me that I really don't take advantage of all the city has to offer.  
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October 25, 2012 - Pic #299

New co-worker Meagan scored major points by passing along this free mini frosty from Wendy's. $1 buys a 10-coupon booklet!  
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October 26, 2012 - Pic #300

Date night with Zack turned into a very friendly political meeting.  
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October 27, 2012 - Pic #301

Super helpful message from our management company about the looming storm: "Dear Tenants, As most of you are aware, Hurricane Sandy is forecasted to reach the East Coast as early as Sunday and could stretch past Halloween on Wednesday. NYC will most likely see high powered sinds, heavy rain and possibly snow during this time. There is still a chance we won't be directly hit, but we urge you to take steps not to be prepared." What steps?! What. Steps.  
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October 28, 2012 - Pic #302

Caught! I was trying to take a picture of 'pre-sandy' East Harlem when I noticed this lady on the street pointing her own phone in my direction. So clearly, the subject of my pic-a-day changed. When she dropped her camera, I waved, she waved back, and then it got awkward. 
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October 29, 2012 - Pic #303

This is Tara demonstrating what not to do during a hurricane. We were hearing some pretty loud winds and opened the windows to get a closer look. In retrospect, this might seem a bit disrespectful. However, from our perspective at the time, there was a lot of hype about not a lot of action. It seemed very Irene-like. Little did we know, Sandy was wreaking havoc and taking lives not miles away. Everything changed this day...
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October 30, 2012 - Pic #304

Without subways to take us anywhere, we hunkered down for board game day! I finally understand all the hype about Settlers of Catan. 
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October 31, 2012 - Pic #305

Happy Halloween! Went as a tourist this year, as I had all of the fixins already: Statue of Liberty head gear, I <3 NY shirt, fanny pack, subway map, and autograph book.