The Piper Times

its too damn early

2010-03-24T06:13:00.003-06:00

Maybe because its 614am... maybe its because I've been up for far too long and energy drinks don't settle well in my tummy... maybe its because yesterday felt like some sort of distorted dream... whatever the reason, in this early hour, I've been thinking a lot about the choices we make in our lives and where those choices have taken us. For me, the choices I have made in the last six years also leaving me wondering if I made the right choice, the last six months have been even more intense. One thing led to another and now I feel like a blob of self doubt. Not a day goes by that I don't wonder about something or regret something or wish that I could change something. Maybe I just need to take a step back and live a more simple existence, one in which I only work ONE job and I have enough time to do the things I enjoy. Maybe that is the key... or maybe I just need to leave Utah. :)

Thanks for letting me wine!

Piper out

My Three Jobs

2010-03-21T21:38:00.010-06:00

It is common knowledge that I work 3 jobs, It has been one crazy winter of dashing from place to place, 80 hour work weeks and minimal sleep and zero free time. Now that one of my jobs is coming to an end, I would like to share my experiences of them with you.

The Canyons

I work 16 hours a week at The Canyons as a ski instructor.

I begin my days by parking, riding the Cabriolet (which is mighty cold might I add!), walking to the locker room, getting on my layers of Canyons branded gear, talking nonsense with my co-workers and then heading back outside.

Then the real fun begins...

Most of the winter I was assigned to what is called "Cats". These are 4-6 year olds and the 'reds' is what I tend to get, are the "never-evers". I get to dress them in color coded bibs and strap a harness to them. (Which quickly became my favorite aid as it made picking up crying children off the snow much, much easier.) Then I would pile their skies on a torn about $3 sled and march on to the gondola.

After trying to make small talk with the children for 15 min, we find ourselves at the top and then I get to drag the sled on to the "Magic Carpet" and pray that my kids follow me and don't get run over in the process.

Teaching skiing to young kids is rather interesting... they don't really listen and they are not coordinated enough to perform the edging and balancing needed to ski. Most of them squat, reach forward, lean back, fall on purpose, cry, push out both skis causing a fall, run into the fence, get stuck on the ice or all of the above. Again, thank god for the harness in which to pull them up!

My favorite is the kids who cry, mostly because they don't know why they are crying and they try to utter, "I don't want to ski!!" I think I like this some much because it usually isn't my kid, but one of my co-workers so I can mock them.

Have you ever tried dressing 4 year olds to ski? The attention span makes it the hardest mostly because, well, they have none! Its kinda like dressing a doll, sometimes its easy, and sometimes it doesn't really work. Bathroom breaks are awesome, especially when the child needs 'help'. But honestly the staff is the best part, because we all are here for the same reason, free season pass... and of course, teaching skiing to rich peoples kids.

The Waldorf Astoria's Dakota Mountain Lodge

I work here 40 hours a week at the Front Desk

Rich people and really pretty things. (It makes we wonder about this so called 'recession' that we are in). Luckily we usually run a rather low occupancy that it doesn't get to crazy, be we do get ridiculous requests... and hookers, lots of hookers. I see them probably once a week and boy do they stand out. You can always pick them out in their puffy hair and black leggings with ridiculous shoes.

Rich people are funny... and surprisingly cheap.

Black Diamond Gymnastics

I work 25 hours a week, Coaching the Compulsory Team

I love this job. I get to work with the same kids everyday and they know exactly what to expect from me. Admittedly I have to yell quite a bit because Park City kids don't really like to listen... some are rather disciplined and others are not. My favorite part is when a kid says that they can't do something, I make them do 10 push ups. Gymnastics is a very mental sport and self doubt is toxic. One of the best parts is getting to utilize the equipment and pretend I'm a gymnast again!

A down side about this job is that I spot a lot and thus have gotten kicked in the face, legs, arms and between the legs. I've been punched twice by my team girls, one of which was running full force at me when her fist met my eye. Its fun though, and I love those kids!!

That is all for tonight!

Piper Out

Life's a Beach

2010-02-11T13:14:00.005-07:00

Today I was listening to music that I haven't listened to since High School (Linkin Park's Meteroa). It got me thinking about how I use to think back then (a whoopin' 6 years ago). Back in the day, the main issues I had were; drill, boys, work, boys, school, boys and of course, rebelling against the parents and any authority figure. If only things where that simple now... and yet apparently they get worse as life goes on!

Now that I am faced with adult issues such as career, love, money, lack of money, wanting to find a way to earn lots of money, I am envious of my High School days and of those young kids and their petty issues...

So what is a gal to do.

snow!!

2009-10-29T12:00:00.003-06:00

We had our first couple of actual snow storms! PCMR (Park City Mountain Resort) is now blowing the snow machines and hopefully this cold and snow will keep up so that the resorts can open on time this year! (Last year was far to warm so the resorts opened 2 weeks late!) This year I am making an attempt at being a ski instructor at either PCMR or the Canyons. I really want a free pass this year since I'm super poor. Plus it would give me the chance to be outside more than last winter... after all I did move here to be outside. Wish me luck!

Looks like a poem...

2009-10-13T01:46:00.003-06:00

It is easier to type than write.

It is easier to judge that actually live the life you are judging.

It is easy for me to look and you and want exactly what you have.

Some days it is hard to look into the mirror and like the face gazing back at you.

Some days you wonder why you ever feel sad, why every moment can't fee like this.

Sometimes I hate you.

Every now and again I get lost in a song.

Once in a while a laugh until it hurts.

More often than I'd like to admit, I cry until it burns.

Sometimes I'm numb.

Most of the time I go through the motions and enjoy doing so.

It is easier to miss you than deal with the fact that you are gone.

Too often I think that a new town will fix everything.

Every time I have found to be wrong.

Life isn't the way any of us planned.

It leaves us confused, hurt, and with more questions than answers.

But it is uniquely ours.

Like it or not.

Fall

2009-10-05T21:54:00.006-06:00

Is that the name of the season or what happens to you during the time before winter and after summer has gone? My life has been a whirl wind the last month with a new coaching job, my last day at the Marriott and dealing with things I never wanted to. There is something amazing about the changing of the leaves, especially on such a perfect day as featured above.

Fall didn't last long and I can say that considering that it is now snowing. It was beautiful while it did last! We even got a visit from Candice & Keith & Remi! Those pictures coming soon!!

Injuries

2009-05-27T22:15:00.003-06:00

This has not been my year... I have gotten hurt so much in the past 5 months that you would think I am accident prone or Bella Swan (sigh, no Edward).

In March I learned how to snowboard, I'm already an fantastic skier so i decided to do something humbling... and humbling it was! I was on my ass most of the time and as a result, I broke (or extremely bruised) my coccyx. I could sit for weeks and it still hurts if i sit too long.

Now May has been rather tramatic for my body...

After I got back from Houston, I was wearing my new shoes to work and it caused a small cut in the back of my right foot. Nothing new, nothing major, happens all the time with new shoes. Two nights later I woke up in an extreme amount of pain for a little cut. Over the next couple of days my foot puffed up so big that I couldn't bend my foot. Turns out I had gotten a serious infection, had to get a shot in the hip (holy hell that hurt!!) and put on serious antibiotics that made my very ill (lost 5 pounds in 5 days).

Then the antibiotics gave my an inchy rash all over my body. I couldn't even wear normal clothes.

Between that, I took a fall running at full speed because I told my body to jump and it didn't and I brused both my knees... My left one is still a little off.

Today I decided to go trail running. It was quite a beautiful trail and uphill. On the way back I was flying (do to the fact that I was running down hill) and I hit a edge just so and sprained my ankle. I was a mile in the woods and had to gimp out with a stick as my crutch.

I just can't win.

spending freeze

2009-05-17T14:17:00.003-06:00

I've put myself on a spending freeze... however, I am not doing a very good job. I keep finding things that I "need" or that would be a pity if I didn't purchase ($30 for normally $100 biking shorts!!) Someone please, ANYONE please, give me advice that I can actually use!!!

Mixed Emotions

2009-05-09T17:28:00.003-06:00

I have to be honest... I have mixed emotions about keeping a blog. Just doesn't seem like I have that much exciting going on that is worth documenting on a public source. However, I have gotten a surprising amount of grief for not keeping up-to-date on the blog... guess it wouldn't hurt to start it back up.

The whole winter went by in kind of a blur. I worked about 70 hours a week, skied once a week, saw my family very little and my friends even less. Now that it is warming up outside and the greenery is starting to emerge, I find myself getting anxious to do all the things that the winter forbid. Hiking and biking are at the top of my list along with hanging out with the people that mean the most to me in whatever little time I have. I have a sneaking suspicion it'll be a good time.

Parkite

2009-01-31T22:08:00.004-07:00

I'm finally starting to feel like I live here and realizing what it means to be a Parkite. For starters, there is always something to do. Whether it be skiing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling or other various seasonal sports, shopping or just walking up and down Main Street with no purpose in mind, dining dance and whatever else you can imagine... Sundance was quite the experience, parking was impossible which made the whole experience just annoying. But where else can you see so many celebrities in such a confinded area roaming the streets like anyone else??

Here is a list of ten things I've learned about this town:

1. 23 degree's is warm
2. This town is full of drunks

3. The majority of people that vacation here are pretentious and have a false sense of entitlement

4. The cops like it when you stop at stop signs...

5. -23 is grounds for turning on the heat

6. Mountain people are the nicest types

7. Four wheel drive is as necessary as toliet paper

8. Roadkill is a frequest sighting

9. The air is thin and crisp and clean (no inversion)
10. I love it here.

Christmas, My birthday, a new year and cold, cold, cold.

2009-01-10T19:27:00.004-07:00

I still suck at this. But lets give a brief overview of what has happened in the mountain town of Park City

Christmas was uneventful. I worked Christmas eve night at Ciseros, Christmas morning at the Marriott, Christmas night at Ciseros. You get it. That was my Christmas. Below is a picture of my hotel... pretty isn't it?

My birthday I went skiing at the Canyons, and had sushi with Teeny and Rocky at Ahh Sushi (half price sushi rocks!!) This is the resort that I have my season pass at. It's very big so its easy to find runs where I am the only one there! Talk about solitude!

The new year I worked. are we surprised??

Sundance begins this week and its gonna be great and exhausting between the two jobs. I'll take some cool pictures of that too!!

Oh and its been freezing, I mean like -6 during the day and it got to be about -23 at my house two nights in a row... Brrrr!!!!

Crazy busy!

2008-12-07T19:29:00.002-07:00

So in all honesty... I completely forgot about this thing they call "blogging." Maybe because my life just isn't that interesting and I do not feel compelled to share the monotony of it all with the world. But working in the industry that I do... hospitality and food service (Hotel and restuarant/bar) I have a feeling I will have many-a-tale to tell.

Just to give you a heads up, I work 40+ hours at the Marriott, and another 20-30 at Cisero's in Park City... that is alot of people contact throughout the day/night and man oh man... are people stupid! keep an eye out for the interesting tales that I will have as the winter progresses... especailly during Sundance!!

Piper out.

Utah Man I'm I!

2008-11-13T20:40:00.002-07:00

I've officially been back in Utah for 3 weeks and it is a little weird. Its weird driving. Its weird not hearing constant traffic outside my window. Its weird seeing mountains. Its weird not taking an hour commute for an 8 mile trip. But it is all weird in a good way. I'm getting settled nicely into my Park City home and I absolutely love it. Its spacious and much nicer than my Brooklyn home and sooo much cheaper. I'll post some pictures soon. (these are for you Candice and Keith!!! This is where you should be spending your holidays!!)

Goodbye New York

2008-10-29T08:43:00.003-06:00

The past two days it has been raining, and raining hard. New York must be sad to see me leaving. I am sad to see me leaving too. But I am ready to go. I was thinking last night what memories will stick out in my mind when I think back to the time that I spent here, and I think that riding my bike around the city will stick out. Nothing was more fun and I got to see so much more of New York from my bike verses just walking. It was excellent.

Throughout my time here, I have learned a lot about myself and what it is that really matters to me and what I want out of my life. For years I thought that I wanted to live and die in New York, it was always so glorious to me. Once I moved out here, I realized that all the hype about this city, while indeed intriguing and at times exciting; was just that, hype. Maybe not for other people who are trying to get onto Broadway or take over the financial world (oh and good luck with that one!) but for me, New York was a very eye opening experience. I never felt intimidated by the city or out of place, in all reality, I fit right in. As good and wonderful that feels, it doesn't hold water to how good and wonderful it feels to be surrounded by the people you love. and that is what Utah has then New York doesn't (let us not forget the mountains!!!)

I will always look back at my time living here as a real growing up experience, because in the past 7 months, I have grown up a lot and learned a lot about myself... I really cannot emphasize that enough. Some people can't wait for summer, others can't wait for a change. As for me, I just can't wait.

Things I'll miss the most

2008-10-25T20:41:00.003-06:00

Well its down to the final days of me living in Brooklyn. And like it was in coming here, it is also bittersweet in leaving. Here are a list of some of the things I will really miss about New York.

~The sunsets. I can't explain it, but the sun sets differently on the east than it does in the west
~Prospect Park. An Oasis even in this overcrowded city.
~Not having to worry about a car. A luxury I'm sure I will never have again.
~The cornucopia of people. Even the crazies provided great amusement.
~The food. So much to chose from, at all hours.
~Black and White Cookies. Yum!
~Chinatown.
~Bike rides along the shoreline.
~Express trains.
~The attitude that everyone has, "I own this city!"
~Coney Island
~The opportunity to always do and see something new.

Only 4 more days in NYC... how do I feel? I don't really know...

Whilst the parentals visited...

2008-10-20T19:39:00.003-06:00

Me and mum in on the boat on our way to Ellis Island
View from the top of the Empire State Building... we waited in several different lines before actually getting up but it was well worth the wait!

On the Brooklyn Bridge
View of lower Manhattan from the Brooklyn Bridge
Me and Mum on a rock at Central Park!
Me and Dave at Times Square
On the Brooklyn Bridge with Midtown in the background
Still on the boat...
(we all had a good laugh at the above sign)
Doesn't it look like it was fun!? This is just a sampling of the pictures taken and some of my favorite. Enjoy

The Phantom of the Opera

2008-10-17T20:57:00.004-06:00

All dressed up for Phantom!

Last night I treated my mother and step-father to "The Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway. It was spectacular! I have never been to a Broadway show before and neither had my mum or Dave. We had amazing seats, just 10 rows back from the orchestra pit. All the performers did an incredible job, particularly the man who played "the phantom." There were several parts during the performance where I got chills just from the shear grandness of it all. I encourage everyone to go to a live performance and look all spiffy doing so. Even if you can't go to one on Broadway, just go and enjoy!!

Squatter

2008-10-09T08:46:00.003-06:00

I feel like I'm squatting in my own home. I have sold most of my furniture, my table/desk. my dresser and nightstand left today, and my bed box left yesterday. So now the only thing in my room is my mattress and rug and a lamp. Its crazy! and I still have three weeks before I leave!! Guess I'll be packing and shipping a lot very soon just to get it out of my way!! Moving across the country is fun!!.....

Here kitty, kitty, kitty!

2008-10-05T11:25:00.004-06:00

Kitty Bath!!! Oh how the cat hates it! and after, she looks like a drowned rat! Thought I would post these because it is funny!!

Teetering on insanity

2008-09-26T20:34:00.002-06:00

The other night I rode my bike to Chelsea Piers for gymnastics. I only intended on doing my normal class of just the floor, but then I stayed and did the apparatus class. It felt so damn good to be back on the bars and beam! I even caused a rip in my hand (were the skin literally rips), but I was able to do some old tricks and am excited to keep going and doing more!! After my 3 hours of gymnastics, I rode my bike home... an hour ride. Normally I don't think it would have taken me so long, but about 1/2 way across the Brooklyn Bridge, my legs refused to work. Its as if they said, "we're done Piper. Later." but my pride wouldn't let me get off and walk my bike, oh no. So I continued to pedal at speeds that even an injured turtle would laugh at, but I eventually made it up and over and safely home... I mean really, who does that!? Exercises for 5 hours while getting over walking pneumonia?? I do, that is who. So maybe I am teetering on the edge of insanity, but this much I know, I enjoyed every minute of it!!

Piper out.

Friends! Friends! oh the glorious friends!!!

2008-09-22T19:04:00.004-06:00

So for one whole week I had visitors in my lovely Brooklyn apartment!! Teeny, Emily and Chanda came and we painted the town!! Well just shy of it at least! It was very humid for a couple of days but overall nice weather. (Except for the fact that it POURED friday... plus I had to go to the dentist... ) but it was great!! We did so much and saw so much including, Empire State building (I missed that, due at the dentist, but my teeth are nice and clean!) Shopping like you wouldn't believe, Central Park, Boat Cruses, Elis island and eating like you wouldn't believe!! Delicious steaks! Amazing chocolate fudge! Great Italian!! On of my favorite things was in Chinatown searching for a bag for Chanda and getting lead a couple blocks by this tiny Asian woman, down a corridor, locked behind a gate, up pitch-black stairs (yes there was a point where I thought for sure I would die...) and buying knock off purses!! such a good time!!

Emily and Chanda

Little Italy
The Girls outside of Tiffany & co.
Statue in Central Park
Sept 11 remembrance lights
Teeny striking a pose (unintentionally) at the Central Library
Sign from the Brooklyn Bridge
This is one of few pictures of me... and I'm eating an apple...
Elis Island

A return

2008-09-21T16:44:00.002-06:00

After two nights of no sleep due to thinking, (and coughing) I've decided that the things that really matter to me are being around the people I love the most, being my friends and family. I left Utah in search of something, and in that, I believe it is time to return home to find it. I love New York and will always look upon this time in my life as a time of learning and discovering things about myself. Coming here was something that I always wanted to do because I thought it was where I belonged. I've made a life here, I life that I could call my own, I worked for my money and made my way around on my own. Everyones journey is a different one, full of joy and sorrow, although mine has just begun, I have found that I need not travel alone, because to experience the loneliness of the soul, is the hardest thing in the world. So why continue on this way. I'm glad I left Utah, because now I will never wonder, "what if" because I know, not to say that I can never leave again, because chances are good that I will, but at this point in my life, all I need is right where I left it.

what to do, what to do

2008-09-19T14:53:00.002-06:00

So here I am, at another crossroads... truth be told it isn't really a crossroads at all but more a a bunch of squiggles all smudged upon an uneven canvas and I am suppose to unscramble the mess and figure out what to do with it. I've lived in NYC for just shy of 7 months and had my first visitors come last week. It was absolutely wonderful. I got to play a host and tourist of this fantastic city. but at the same time, I realized how much I miss my cozy city of SLC nestled nicely in the Wastach mountains. When my friends left, I thought it would be nice to get back into my routine, but I found myself sobbing once I sent them on their way in a shiny black sedan. I wanted to chase them down and tell them to take me with them. At that, I don't know what to do... is Utah really so bad? What about Houston? But I want the mountains. I haven't heard from Vail yet... but i could stay in NYC??? Alone?? What should I do? I have plenty of job offers in Utah that I could take, but wouldn't that be taking a step backwards? Or would I be moving forward because I realized that there is no place like home?? what to do, what to do....

gymnast once again!

2008-09-10T21:26:00.002-06:00

so i started taking gymnastics classes again tonight... every muscle in my body is SCREAMING. But it was wonderful! after 4 years of not tumbling, I was still able to pull out a few tumbling passes and really feel alive again! I had no idea they had gymnastic classes for adults and wish I would have known about this sooner! Oh well, better late than never to get back into my game. Hey, if a 32 year old German could win her first medal (silver) in the vault, that I can get back into and even improve some old moves!! wish me luck!!

Thirsty Kitty

2008-08-29T12:05:00.002-06:00

This is my adorable kitty. She likes drinking out of cups and glasses.

How can you not love her!?

favorites

2008-08-24T12:29:00.002-06:00

Here are a few of my favorite things:

Favorite food: sushi

Favorite color: red (crimson red)

Favorite shape: star

Favorite holiday: July

Favorite pass-time: stretching

Favorite season: Fall

Favorite place: the mountains

Favorite drink: milk

Favorite song: Trouble by Dave Matthews and All I Need by Radiohead

Favorite feature of mine: my hair

Now leave me your favorites as a comment!!

RIP LeRoi Moore

2008-08-21T22:11:00.005-06:00

This amazing sax player for the Dave Matthews Band, (my favorite band which everyone I come in contact quickly learns) passed away Tuesday, August 19. He was forty six. Makes you really appreciate when someone so young passes so unexpectedly, your life and all you have. I am very sad for this loss even though I never knew him. The music he helped create is an inspiration to me and so many other people. My good friend Robyn told me that now he can play the sax for God and that he must be very happy doing so. I agree with you Rob!! May God enjoy one amazing sax player. See ya in Heaven LeRoi!

Things that must go

2008-08-15T21:28:00.004-06:00

One of my favorite radio stations X96, has a feature on the Radio from Hell morning show entitled things that must go... Here are some of mine for the week.

-people who saunter and take up the entire sidewalk (tourists.)
-loud cars outside my window
-people who talk on their cell phones in libraries.
-the cab that hit me the other day on my bike
-the math portion of the GRE
-the french
-people saying "hey baby, looking good" as I walk down the street, do they really thing that I'm going to turn around and give them the time of day? COME ON!!

Piper out.

Central Park

2008-08-11T13:02:00.005-06:00

I spent the an entire day last week at Central Park, just wandering around, watching people, and laying in the grass. It was a perfect day. The weather was great, not too humid and not too hot. I took several pictures so enjoy!

I like the architecture of this building.
The main "lake" in the park, people boating and stuff.

View from in the park to the city outside of it.

yours truly, sitting on a rock... like a lizard.

I thought this tree was freak'n sweet!

Busy, busy, busy

2008-08-09T19:51:00.002-06:00

well I've been working a ton which is a good think because where I work is going to be laying most of the wait stay because of the slow winter season... not good. Hopefully I won't be involved in the cut but ya never know. I have also started applying to new grad schools because I am changing my course of study from social work to hospitality management... I am also preparing to take the GRE at the end of September which is a fact that I am terrified for, I HATE standardized tests. It is really ridiculous how much those people make who created the test; I mean, $140 to just take the test and I just spent another $50 on study materials!!! OUTRAGEOUS!

anyone with any life advice please pass it my way... for I am confused.

Things I miss

2008-07-31T10:36:00.002-06:00

Here is a list of things I miss in general... not listed in any particular order...
Mountains. Stars. Being in love. Grass, good grass. My SLC crew and B-town boys. Dancing. Gymnastics. Not having financial obligations. Different friends from my many different jobs. A grid for a city... it just makes so much sense. My mum. My whole family for that matter: Papa, Dani, Emy, Buddy, Callie, Candice, Dave, Catherine, Caleigh, Ryan, Frudder, Remington, Keith, Roger, Mulder, Mai Jai, Niles, Baxter, Oscar and Odi. Red Sands. driving a stick shift. The U...

ok this is getting depressing, off to the park!!

Cats and Dogs

2008-07-29T10:47:00.002-06:00

Why does it have to be one or the other? People always ask, "are you a dog person or a cat person?" I'm both. so beat that. I grew up with cats and dogs... and birds and fish and hamsters. but cats and dogs have always been at the top of my list for favorite pets. Cats are independent and graceful and studies have shown that cat owners have healthier hearts, something about the calming effect a cat has. And well dogs, dogs are man's best friend! They are loyal and comforting. I would love to have a dog right now but its like having a kid, so a cat will do for now. But for the record, I will not be pegged as "a cat person" or whatever.

I want to believe

2008-07-25T14:27:00.003-06:00

and I still do... I saw the X-Files movie today. It was like an episode. I liked it, but I'm biased because I LOVE the show. I've read reviews that it was terrible but I thought is was good.

The Dark Knight

2008-07-25T00:04:00.002-06:00

This is not a blog reviewing a movie because no one out there cares about my opinion on the matter nor should you... go out there and see it for yourself!!! I mean it!! why are you still reading this really? There is a great Batman movie to be seen.

Ok so you are still reading, I feel the love. Speaking of love, I loved this movie. Superb acting (and yes, Heath Ledger is amazing, may he rest in peace.) I was a very dark film and I do not mean in terms of lighting, but in terms of the story line. There is no hope for Gotham. That is my review.

The End.

Piper out!

Brookyn Bridge

2008-07-16T15:31:00.005-06:00

Ah the Brooklyn Bride (bridge rather...). An architectural marvel and the longest bridge at its time of construction. There is something incredible about that bridge and about being on that bridge... except for the pedestrians. You see, it is actually quite simple that I find myself giggling at the un-complex nature of it all. There is a large white line painted the length of the entire bridge, one side for pedestrians, one side for cyclists; and on each side of the white line, probably every twenty feet, is either a picture of a walking man or a guy on a bike depending on the lane you are in!... Maybe this is a magical line? Maybe this white line is only visible to cyclists? Because NO ONE on foot seems to respect the cyclists (and believe you me there are plenty of us on this bridge) who are parading at/toward these careless pedestrians at anywhere from 10-20 miles an hour!! Now I understand if you are walking and would like to past the slow movers in front of you, that is fine, or if you move when you see a bike flying towards you. What gets me, is when a pedestrian (usually tourists or teenage punks; and believe me, you can tell) sees you coming, and does nothing about it... why?

Well other than the stupid people on foot, the bridge was a very nice experience. It provided nice views into both Manhattan and Brooklyn and there was a nice cool breeze in the midday summer heat. And it is less steep than the Manhattan Bridge. I think I shall ride across it more often.

Featured below is my version of the Sex and the City intro bit, and behind the arches is Manhattan. Pretty cool huh? (oh and... see the white line??)

Another view into lower Manhattan via the Brooklyn Bridge.
Don't mess with us in Brooklyn.

My B-Town Boys

2008-07-11T10:36:00.006-06:00

When I was 15 I got my first job working at Gat y 8 Cin (Gateway 8 Cinemas with the lights that were constantly burned out). This theater was always (and I sure still is) corrupt in management, dirty, smelly, and all around ghetto. But I think I can honestly say that I had some of the best times there or because of that hell hole. It is this at theater, that I met the loves of my life, my Bountiful Boys. Dallen, Ryan, Robyn, Jeremy and Chad.

Dallen has always been someone that I consider my best friend. Someone who has always been there for me no matter what. Love you man!

Ryan is just an all around great guy; funny, caring, and always a blast to hang out with.

Rob is someone who I can talk with about literally anything.

Jeremy is just Jeremy, those who know him will know exactly what I'm talking about. (picture not featured, sorry jer) and Chad is the work hard play hard kind of guy.

For the past 7 years, they have been a constant in my life and now, Ryan is getting married!!! Guess I'll be in Salt Lake in December for his wedding!! I'm so happy for him and just baffled at the whole thing, this isn't the first time one of the boys married, but that isn't worth talking about.

We have all been there through thick and thin for each other and people have come and gone into our lives, but we have always been there for each other. I love My Boys!!!

Sick

2008-07-07T20:30:00.004-06:00

What is worse than being sick? Nothing when you are sick. I felt it coming on last night; took some airborne hoping to alleviate the problem only to find myself getting progressively worse as today went on. I blame the humidity. Turns out I blame the humidity for all my current problems. It is a good scape-goat.

Here is my week in review of my ever increasing dull life... leave me comments people.

Here is my dinner "pre" from earlier this week. It is chicken marinated in yogurt, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, pepper and lemon juice.

Here is the "post" pictures... and boy was it yummy!! (check out my lovely Ikea plate...)
here is my bike in the park... i thought it was quite a photo opportunity.
This is one of the many fields in Prospect Park. I spent 3 hours there the other day completely engulfed in my book, Eclipse... can't wait for the 4th book to come out this August!!! (I heart Vampires)

The most important room is done...

2008-07-03T21:17:00.007-06:00

So it is taking me longer than I originally thought to get my place exactly to my liking, but I feel as though me room is about there... missing a few pictures on the wall, but I'm enjoying it! and yeah, I love my red walls, painted it myself... along with the rest of the friggin' apt.

My dream catchers featured below...

Isn't the exposed brick just lovely?
The below picture kinda allows you to see into the apt. It is railroad style, meaning you have to walk through one room to get to the next. On either side of the french doors out of the room, are two closets. I don't have enough closet space... I was spoiled in my last two apts, but luckily I have a storage space in the basement for all the things I don't need now!! Hurray!

And of course, one of the cat.

More pictures of the rest of the apt to come in the near future, stay tuned!

A rare capture

2008-07-01T21:18:00.003-06:00

So I was looking through photo's on my computer and found a few that I had forgotten about, and I stumbled upon this...It is my step-father Dave, smiling... showing his teeth.

Now this man is know for his simple, none-teeth showing smile, but I was able to capture Dave in a teeth smiling moment!! HAHA!! and I think he looks nice, so don't be afraid to show off those pearly whites Papa Dave!!

oh and I just threw this one in for fun... its cute...
Precious.

Home

2008-06-27T07:15:00.003-06:00

A couple weeks ago, I was having a bite to eat with a friend who moved to New York just shy of a year ago. I asked him if he ever got home sick and his reply was, "For my parents house? No I moved out when I was 18." I was shocked that for him, home was his parents house rather than a city or people. He told me that maybe I miss a certain time, like college... first off, I did not have the "typical" college experience because I had this thing called responsibility that many college students my age, just don't have to deal with. All in all, our conversation got me thinking about what it is people consider home. For me, I never wish I lived with my parents again, that isn't what I mean when I say that I am homesick. Home for me, is where all the people I love are. Where I feel like I can get around just by knowing the destination. Where it feels safe. I feel pretty safe here in Brooklyn, but its not the same without the people who make up your life around you. Its easy to miss the place you are from when you have incredible bonds and ties there. I guess I'll just have to make more bonds and ties here, make it so when I leave New York that I can't wait to come back. Make this my home.

Coney Island

2008-06-17T21:50:00.005-06:00

My feet felt the Atlantic Ocean for the first time today. Didn't feel much different from any other body of water that I've felt. But there is something absolutely lovely about the ocean.

After a day of running errands and buying misc items, I decided to ride my bike the 8 miles to Coney Island to sit in the sand and stare into the ocean. The ride was nice and easy, not too many hills here in Brooklyn. And I got to see various neighborhoods that I haven't seen before... and lets just say I'm glad to live where I do. I got to Coney Island (not really an island actually, just a peninsula) around 7pm just as the sun had begun its decent down. I rode my bike out to the end of a pier and took some pictures (I forgot my camera so my phone had to do)

The above ride no longer is in operation because it had to many restrictions so basically no one could ride it.

A crappy view with my pieces of (fill in the blank) camera phone of the actual theme park from the pier.

The railing of the dock looking into the Atlantic Ocean.

I sat on the sand for probably only fifteen minuets before I realized that the sun was gone and I still needed to ride 8 miles home. I didn't get to stay to long but I got to walk in the ocean and sit on the beach. What is better on a Tuesday evening??

Coney Island probably isn't a very desirable place for many people. It is in a pretty dodgey area and lacks quality workmanship on the rides, which I guess is half the fun of the actual amusement park, the threat of sure death from daring to ride on the rides that probably couldn't pass inspection anymore. but a sunset on the ocean amazing, and for me, I don't need a fancy beach crawling with wealthy people and plastic surgery outcomes that make them look like a Spitzers choice. A beach with random people from random wakes of life and a full moon. Now that is a great beach for me.

Water World?

2008-06-14T17:08:00.002-06:00

So it rained today... wait no, rain is an extreme understatement. It was a wall of water. In the less than 1 block that I walked from work to the subway, I was completely soaked as in, I had just gotten out of a pool. As I pretty much slid my way into the subway, the people coming up, looked horrified to see how completely drenched I and several others were. In talking to my boss, she was saying how global warming is suppose to put Manhattan under water in the next 20 years? my reaction to that: well New Orleans should have been underwater historically speaking but we somehow managed to keep it above water even after mother nature ripped it apart. So I guess we will see... Is is possible that someday in the very near future that this will all be a water world? As long as I grow gills, I won't mind.

Why can't I just have AC??

2008-06-08T20:42:00.004-06:00

I didn't recognize the woman glaring back at me as I glanced at my reflection in a antique shop window. It was hot, 90's plus and deathly humid. My frustration outweighed any desire to do much out but continuing my now 3 hour commute home and this particularly lovely Sunday. How did I get to this point in my day anyway?

The day had started innocently enough at approximately 5:15 AM when I rolled out of bed and stumbled through my oven like apartment to get ready for work, I could believe incredibly hot it was at such an early hour, it never really cooled down that night. Even as I waited for the "F" train in my usual standing spot, I was stunned by how humid and damp 5:45 AM could really be. I fumbled with my iPod to listen to The Killers version of "Romeo and Juliet." I think I like their version better than the Dire Striats one. I thought of Candice and Keith and their love for The Killers, taking a deep breath, desperately wishing that I too could be taking a trip home and visiting the family. It saddens me everything to think how those kids are going and I don't get to see them like I use to. I shrugged off the thought as I knew that it would do me no good and breezed into the welcoming car of an air conditioned train...

Work was humid. Just like everything else in this city. So humid in fact, it felt like my soul was trying to leave my body behind for something dry and cool; as far as I can tell, my soul hasn't completely left me yet. The day went like any other Sunday Brunch at La Bottega; couples, friends and family members sipping martini's and mimosas in the shade of the umbrellas while I darted inside to stand under an air vent and guzzle water at any chance that I could possibly get. There is something obnoxious about brunch people, or maybe it is just jealously; wishing that I could be enjoying the company of friends and family, whom of which I missed desperately. But I ignored the thought as soon dreams of air conditioners filled my mind. I decided that after work, I would go to Target and buy a nice air conditioner so I could sleep tonight. That is the thought that got me through the 10 hour, humid, and steady stream of brunch eaters.

I left work at roughly 4:30 PM and sunk underground to a tomb of humidity and strange New York smells. waiting for the train is the worst, luckily I had my most recent read and the pleasant thought of how good the train car would feel. The train car did feel wonderful. I transfered to the "5" train at Union Square which would take me right to Atlantic Avenue... at least on any other given time.

At the last stop in Manhattan, the train conductor announced that no "4" or "5" trains where going into Brooklyn because of a power issue at Atlantic Avenue; just where I wanted to go. So I took the "A" with the intention of transferring to the "F" and then back to the "R" to get to my next destination of Target/air conditioner heaven. Wrong again. The Borough Hall stop did not have any "F" trains. Apparently there was more of a problem then originally thought; some sort of train fire. Police officers were giving directions to tourists trying to get to Coney Island and confused travelers just trying to get out of the damp subway. I made my way to the street, knowing that I had several miles walk ahead of me just to get to Atlantic Avenue. Well this is when i realized that it was after six, it had taken me about 2 hours to make a normal 30 min trip and I was still miles away from where I wanted to be. I took a deep breath and continued my journey, filling my mind with how wonderful the cold air would feel tonight as I feel asleep. That is when my unfamiliar glare caught my eye, almost livid that I willing put myself through such torture... as if at this juncture it were avoidable.

I finally arrived at Target. Hot, incredibly sweating, thirsty and tired. I made my way to the 2nd floor where I would find my heaven. As I rounded the corner, I was struck with panic. To my horror, the air conditioning shelf was completely empty. Nothing. I felt like this had to be a nightmare after all the pain it took me to get there. I closed my eyes and shook my head quickly and opened my eyes to see that the shelves were still empty. I wanted to throw myself to the ground and just give up there and then. Scream at every passing stranger and demand their air conditioning unit. How could this be happening???

Disgruntled, I made my way to the "R" platform and paced almost violently on the platforms' edge, trying desperately to cool off. Both literally and metaphorically. My frustration was to the extreme. I'm not a violent person but I was convinced that if someone got within a 10 foot radius of me, their fate would be much worse than that of my muggy sleepless night I was sure to encounter. All I had to look forward to that night was a hot, humid apt and and shedding cat. The train came, and the cool car welcomed me with open arms.

As I made my way of the subway to the open Brooklyn streets, I thought of how much worse it could be. I could be without a fan. Which is what saved me when I got home. I collapsed on the floor in front of the fan and was soon greeted by a black and white cat named Gizmo who slept with me on my hard wood floors until my discomfort awoke me. Sweating and startled by thunder, I awoke to find several hours had past. The worst is over. Tomorrow I'll try again. But I'm not going to Target.

My love-hate relationship with New York

2008-05-29T11:19:00.002-06:00

Things I love:

1-So much to do
2-Interesting people everywhere
3-Tall buildings
4-Big parks that make you feel like you're in the woods
5-Riding bikes is the quickest way to get anywhere
6-Public transportation is splendid
7-All the fun shops and restaurants

Things I'd classify more as "hate"

1-Native New Yorkers who think there is nothing else besides NY
2-It takes FOREVER to get anywhere
3-Humidity (I'm from the desert people!!)
4-Tourists
5-Everything is so damn expensive.
6-Its dirty, VERY dirty.

I hate the DMV.

2008-05-23T10:14:00.002-06:00

I spent 2+ hours at the DMV this morning, listening to people complain about how long this was taking and one woman screaming at one of the employees because she was in the wrong line. The thing that gets me, is that everyone KNOWS that the DMV takes forever so if you have limited time, don't except others to have any sympathy for you!! I don't know of anyone who enjoys the DMV let alone expects it to go by quickly. ITS A STATE OPERATED FACILITY!! of course it is gonna take hours uopn hours to do an actual 15 min worth of productive activity. So if you go to the DVM in good spirits, don't expect to leave that way. and if you go to the DMV grumpy, I assure you, you're gonna piss a lot of people off just by your presence... Enjoy your Friday!!!

Things are happening!!

2008-05-22T18:43:00.010-06:00

What a fabulous week thus far!! Yesterday I hung out with Ricky E., pal from SLC, had delicious food at an Italian restaurant and 12th and 9th in the East Village. Pictured below is our lovely dessert: chocolate moose and a lemon tart. Yum!!

Afterwards we went to Continuum Cycles, determined to pick out a bike. One of the bikes on the floor was a beautiful bike from 1980 that had been sitting in someones garage in Pennsilvania for the past thirty year and was in mint condition. and its red. I took it for a test drive, and when I returned, I bought it!! Of course they had to do a thorough a tune up so I picked it up today and rode it from Union Square in Manhattan back to Brooklyn; about 6 miles. Since I'm so use to mountain bikes, the light weight of this bike allowed me to FLY through New York!!

One my ride home, I rode across the Manhattan Bridge, since it was sunset, it was absolutely breathtaking. I'm getting really excited about living here and all the fun stuff that I get to do!! and now that I have my bike, it makes commuting sooo much faster!!

Mummy dearest

2008-05-21T18:04:00.003-06:00

I was thinking the other day all of the practical things I've learned from my mother, here is a list of some of the highlights. Love you MUM!!

a woman's work is NEVER done.
vacuuming is good for the soul
pick your battles
chocolate brings out the best in people
having an animal (s) to love is very rewarding
Josh Groban is the best. period.
how to properly make a bed/fold sheets
the value of a ridiculously clean home
your sisters are your best friends
walk fast
graze
shop at costco and thrift shops
counting to "two" is just as good as counting to three
whistle

and that is only naming a few...

something a little more depressing...

2008-05-18T19:52:00.002-06:00

I wanted to share this thought with whoever wanted to read it, I wrote this at the airport the day I left for New York. kinda illustrates the bittersweet of it all.

"There is something undeniably depressing about the airport, the way people are dashing from one destination to another. The way we are all leaving something behind to purse something else. Business? Pleasure? Doesn't really matter, its all just white noise.

I keep just waiting to go home. Back to my little place in Covewood Village. Back to Teeny and Gizmo and Bear. Back to what I feel is home. Safe. I keep thinking that things aren’t changing, or maybe its just that I wish things weren’t. Between the lines of all the excitement of it all, there is pain and fear. Fear that I am leaving what I know so well and love with all my heart behind to purse something I only know in my dreams. Are all dreams worth chasing? Or are some just suppose to be dreamt while we keep living our comfortable lives. I don’t know what the future holds for me, hell I don’t even know what I want anymore. I thought I had it all figured out and now that my life is happening the way I always wanted it to, I’m realizing that my life has been happening, and in such a moving way. Despite the heartbreak and hardships of the last four years, I feel like it was my transitional time between being a youth, and a woman. For the first time I really feel like I know myself and now I’m leaving all I know behind."

A Visitor

2008-05-17T20:27:00.002-06:00

Gizmo has a friend... well, at least an animal to stare at safely from the kitchen window. There is a black cat that has claimed my backyard as its own. I'm not sure if the cat is a stray or not. Its a beautiful black cat with bright green eyes. It has a tiny meow like a kitten but is bigger than Gizmo so I'm assuming its a couple years old. It doesn't look ragged or starved so I figure it gets along fine, which is find with me, keeping rats out of my yard is just great with me! (oh and there is no doors to my backyard... you have to climb out the window... which I guess makes it so I don't have to worry about anyone getting in because of the cement walls that surround it.) Piper out.

Prospect Park Part I

2008-05-17T20:04:00.002-06:00

Thursday was a beautiful day here in New York City, and it so happened that it was my day off from work. So I decided to walk the 5 long blocks (the blocks in NYC are rectangles... not squares.) up to Prospect Park, the Central Park of Brooklyn. This is an absolutely huge chunk of land, all grass and trees with several playgrounds and baseball fields. Having now been to both Central Park and Prospect Park, I decided that I like Prospect Park much, much more. There was less people, (there where actually moments where I didn't come in contact with anyone and could enjoy the faux nature all to myself,) lots of trees and birds and squirrels. It is the closest thing to a forest and the great outdoors that I'll get without driving three hours. Kundo's Prospect Park!!

2008-05-10T16:40:00.001-06:00

Tagged

List 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 random surprising facts about yourself. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Joys:
1. My Friends
2. My Family (including Gizmo my kitty)
3. My new city
Fears:
1. Losing Loved Ones
2. Loneliness
3. Cockroaches
Goals:
1. Get my LCSW by the time I'm 27
2. Furnish and decorate apartment
3. Find a job in my field... and quickly
Obsessions:
1. Sudoku
2. Working out
3. Music
Random Facts:
1. I love the mountains... love 'em
2. I was once chased by a bear, no lie.
3. I'm pretty sure I'm slightly ADD
Tag: ...

East New York 'venture

2008-05-07T22:32:00.003-06:00

So I found my self in East New York today, a very industrial part of Brooklyn near JFK airport. I had to go pick up my packages from UPS and I vow never to go to that part of town. As I was waiting on the platform for the "L" train, a guy walks past me, and just hanging out of his pocket was a gun... yeah so I don't think I'm going to wander into those area's again!! Granted he looked like he was just strutting along and was probably just showing off his illegal weapon (making assumptions is not very social workery of me so take that Candice and Keith!) but given the area, I'm sure it was illegal. Oh well I'm safe at home now in my safe neighborhood of Park Slope... I need a weapon of sorts... (oh and stupid UPS broke half of my vintage dishes)

Making my home

2008-04-28T20:55:00.002-06:00

I have been in New York just shy of two weeks but have only been in my apartment 5 days. I absolutely love my apartment in Brooklyn. Since it is in Park Slope, the price is a little higher than I originally wanted to spend on rent, but I certainly do not regret it!! It is a block away from the subway which takes me to work (bachelor's degree and waiting tables), just down the street from Target and Bath and Body works, and a block away from the best restaurants, shops, and bagels Brooklyn has to offer!!

My apartment is about 700 sq feet and is a steal for this size and area of New York. I just completed painting my bedroom and the bathroom and tomorrow I will tackle the living room and kitchen after yoga (yes Candice and Keith, my hippie yoga!! muhahaha!) Pictures of the finished product soon to come! Stay tuned!! Cheers for now!

Yoga to the Piper

2008-04-23T18:17:00.003-06:00

So in my wanderings the other day, I stumbled open a yoga studio that is donation based. It is called "yoga to the people." They offer classes daily and ask $10 per class but since it is donation based, you can give whatever you like!

So I decided to give it a try!! I wandered my way over the the East Village for a 4:30 class, paid my dues, and began New York City yoga!!! Aside from all the strange noises people made when they exhaled (which I eventually get use to,) it was fabulous!! It totally kicked my butt and I left sweating and feeling refreshed! I intend to make this a weekly routine, once at least if not twice. Kudo's to yoga!!

all over da town

2008-04-20T15:07:00.003-06:00

I have spent the last two days covering the entire city of New York and all 5 boroughs. My feet may just be permanently black and Carol has some serious blisters. Rick (and sometimes Y) has been kind enough to be our tour guide, food finder and ninja. I move into my apartment hopefully sometime this week and hopefully begin working sometime this week as well.

In summary, we have been to all 5 boroughs, Staten Island is not a point of interest for those of you who may be wondering... Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Statue of Liberty from a boat, had the best bagels in the world, Chinatown, Canal Street shopping, Park Avenue hotel in which we stayed a night, most of the sections of Manhattan and all over the Lower East Side... twice.

New York, New York

2008-04-18T07:59:00.002-06:00

Well its official, I am now residing in New York. Signed my lease yesterday and will be moving into my new apartment next week!! For now I'm in the Bronx with a good friend and having a fabulous time!! I'll be back in Utah in early May to graduate and get the cat but then I'll be out of Utah for quite some time!! Hope to get a visit from many of you!!

Texas

2008-04-14T15:52:00.003-06:00

I have spent the last 5 days in Texas and will spend the next two here as well. I'm enjoying my new beautiful nephew, Remington and his perfectness, he is such a sweet baby!! Only cries when He needs something and just looks around otherwise. Its been a nice relaxing vacation with Candice, Keith, Remington and of course, Baxter and Niles. Those two pups have been spoiled by their daily, morning, long walks. I got to see John and Vicky and Marshall and Lynn and their kids Alisha and Alex, we had a great time and I always love seeing family here in Texas. Kudos to a good trip and I look forward to my next Houston adventure!!

To Angel Sarah

2008-04-08T16:42:00.002-06:00

Happy wishes to my Angel sister.

Happy Birthday Dani!!

2008-04-04T21:59:00.002-06:00

Happy 12th birthday Danielle!! She spent the past week in Houston, Texas visiting Candice and Keith and Remington & the doggies. In just a few months, she will be in Jr. High at good ole Millcreek Jr. High and in a couple of weeks she'll have her braces!! Much Love Danielle!!!

Skiing

2008-03-23T17:04:00.002-06:00

I have had a fabulous winter skiing in the Wasatch mountains! I have been over 30 times and still have a few more times to hit up the slopes! I have had a lot of interesting spills and have, by the grace of god, have walked away from them all: from running over (yes over) a tree and have my ski detach and come and pound me in the head, to falling off of a 20+ foot cliff. I have also learned new tricks and have become quite the skier thanks to Chetti and Chase pushing me to my max!! I will miss the mountains being at my figure tips more that I even understand at this point! Thanks Utah for the wonderful snow season!!

While the cat stares.

2008-03-20T22:44:00.004-06:00

it seems as thought I cannot do anything at home without the cat intently staring at me and whatever I'm doing just BEGGING for attention. she really is the single most high time requiring cat out there! but she is hilarious and her name, Gizmo fits her perfectly! she really is a gremlin!!

Her favorite past times are purring, she sounds like freak'n motor boat; meowing (more like talking to me, trying to get my attention or tell me about her day); sitting in window ledges; eating her very expensive cat food; chasing feather objects; playing with cheerios and milk caps; sitting on top of any human around; and being chased by Teeny's boxer, Bear

Welcome to my blog

2008-03-20T14:52:00.000-06:00

I, Piper, have decided to start a blog since my move is very soon in the future. I want to be able to keep all my friends and family up to date as well as voice my opinion on whatever it is I feel. My inspiration: my sister Candice and her huddy Keith. I love their blog and look at it daily!! Not to mention its the only way right now that I get to see pictures of my precious baby nephew Remington!! Way to go Candice and Keith!!