In the Jungle, the Mighty Jungle - a Boa is Worn Tonight.

I have been finding one thing I love about NYC every week. I don't always post about it but this week I am inspired by the philanthropic heartbeat of this city. Volunteering is actually a "cool" thing to do and people are so generous with their time and other resources. It's really something special.

Tonight I attended a benefit for God's Love We Deliver, a non-profit organization focused on delivering meals to those who are fraught with illness and their loved ones.

The party-goers were 75% gay, 24% elderly, and 1% Krause - my kind of party! I was particularly taken with a woman who must be in her 80's. At one point, she wheeled herself to the middle of the dance floor and -steadied by her walker- shook it in the style of Soul Train through a crowd of awed onlookers. I can't even.

I just adore Matt and James...and of course my gorgeous little sis (all pictured below). Thanks for the cheer up party, friends. I needed to wear a boa and dance my ass off to Whitney tonight.

Coming of Age: The Wonders of Being Ten in New York

I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art with my parents and sister a few weeks ago and I am proud to say this is probably my fifth visit since living here! Still, in all of those five visits, I have not witnessed anything like this and it made me chuckle for the rest of the day.

The Met carries art spanning ancient history to modern day Pollock - and everything in between. I usually find myself gravitating towards the European Paintings, The Annenberg Collection in particular, which houses so many of the French Masters: Manet, Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Picasso. On this visit, I also stumbled into the Wolfe Collection, or as I now refer to it: The Nineteenth Century Playboy Collection.

Look, I am as mature as they come have no qualms about nudity and often fault Americans for being particularly prudish in their disdain for all things sex. Perhaps this is why I was so taken with what I am about to describe.

Picture a room full of these paintings:

Now picture you are ten. A ten year old boy. With your father. You are visiting the Met and seeing a few cool things (swords from the War of 1812!) and some less cool things (an Inkan tunic). This museum is huge and you are kind of over it. 

All of the sudden you see boobs! And butts! Naked ladies! Your father eyes this collection seconds before you do and realizes there is no turning back. At once, together you are staring at an orgy (although your mind lacks a word for this at your tender age) of four girls and one guy! Nevermind they are technically nymphs bathing as a satyr interrupts them. Your father's eye widen and he knows he is in trouble for not referencing the scouting report of off-limits areas your mom has carefully created for you to shield you from such obscenity. Alas, the damage is done and you cannot unsee these butts.

Collectively, you and your father begin giggling and clap your hands over your mouths to stifle the laughter in this sacred, hushed place. Your father is immediately transported thirty years back. You are equals and - as such - both equally embarrassed and intrigued at this forbidden site. Finally, after a few moments of stolen ogling, your father winks at you and takes you by the hand (and you still let him do this because you are ten), ushering you away to safer images of dancing ballerinas who are appropriately covered. You can't wait to tell your friends who will beg their parents for a Met trip, their parents thrilled at the unexpected opportunity for cultural exposure. Your friends, however, will be disappointed because your mom anticipated this and texted her scouting report to your friend's mothers. Your friends' only hope of such sights are the exposed boobs on a twentieth century Burkina mask.

I sat there and took this all in. I, too, was having a hard time containing my laughter. In some ways, the whole thing could have been taped and placed in modern art. I just kept thinking to myself: "This is totally how I want my children to learn about the birds and the bees."

So Many Celebrations!

I am just picking up where I left off in..wait, when did I blog last? Oops. Get busy livin', or get busy dyin', right? Right. Pardon the horrible formatting, by the way. I am looking into other blog client.

To begin, I started working at a non-profit organization called New York Needs You. I create and deliver career development curriculum for high-achieving first-generation college students. I've met some amazing, inspiring people, visited some cool places, and can't wait to see what adventures await. Here are some pics from the New Jersey Needs You benefit. The NYNY benefit is in April!

Then Ashley and Phillip turned 30 (30???!?!) and we celebrated for at least 7 consecutive days with their dear friends.

After that, Jason and I celebrated our anniversary with a trip to the last fishing town left in Connecticut: Stonington. I am finding beauty in seasonal differences. We went on a hike, ate delicious seafood, and visited an industrial winery.

Check out a few pics:

Sunset!

Our Bed and Breakfast - The Stonington Inn

Pink noses

When we returned to NY, a week later we celebrated Jason's birthday. This is celebration #1!

Jason's birthday cupcake

Jason's Bacon Brunch Birthday

For the Future

When we get married, this is happening. Check out this form thank you note I found on Reddit about a bread maker! My mom made me something like this for a twelfth birthday party. It was a great idea at the time, but my stubborn self wouldn't even check off the boxes and sign my name. I have since learned about manners, humor, and efficiency.

Okay, I have read this five times and it's still cracking me up. I think that means it's bedtime.

The Art of HibernEATing

I woke up at 1:00. PM! This is getting out of hand. I started to feel bad about it until I decided to celebrate it. Thanks, Silver Linings Playbook! (If you haven't seen this yet, please do. It could change your life in a small to moderately significant way.)

It appears I've discovered a hidden talent, which is fun to do in your thirties. Also, it is not that surprising I didn't know about said talent before because I've never faced a "real" winter. So, it turns out I am AMAZING at hibernating. Like, supercalifragilistic awesome.

The caveat, as my friend in wit Lauren Blondeau reminded me, is that there is not a whole lotta eating going on when animals hibernate. That is why I'm not exactly hibernating. I am hiberneating. It is a much better version of hibernating because you enter full sloth mode - here's some inspiration for the lifestyle. It's really pretty glorious and I recommend everyone to give it a whirl. It's amazing how quickly one can transition from productive, effective person to sloth. I am going to check Guiness on this but I might be a strong candidate for top five productive-to-panda people in the world.

I hope this attitude sticks for 2013 - identify something that is mildly disappointing about myself and then turn it upside down to a celebratory blog post.

I will leave you with some recent self-shots.

NY, Today You Are An 8!

When I first moved to Brooklyn, I had a series of terrible, horrible, no good days I would rate (at best) a 4. Since those dark August and September days, things have  s l o w l y  been getting better. Improvement at a snail's pace? I'll take it.

Today was a solid 8. AN 8! That is nothing short of a miracle - just ask my better half. If today's events unfold the way I hope they will, I suspect I may have days up in the ranks of the Women's US Olympic Gymnastic Team (sans the one with the scowl)! That's right. 15.066 days might be in my future! 15 out of 10? Anything is possible in the city that never sleeps or smiles at strangers.

Today...

A New Year

Hello blog followers.

I hope the past 5 days of this new year have been your best ever! During the new year, people are on their extra good behavior so it is likely you've had an easier time of it, as well. I know it's been nice for me. I am not a New Year's resolution-maker by trade, although I always think opportunities to reflect on your life should be embraced. Gaining/losing weight, curbing bad habits...those things will happen because you want them to and not because the calendar has shifted. I think reinventions of self, re-subscriptions to lost values and passions...these things can occur at any time. So, on January 5, 2013, I am hoping to practice being more grateful. I think we (read: I) spend a lot of time focusing on what is missing, what could be better. When this perspective is taken, it is often hard to see what's so incredible right in front of you. I appreciate those I consider role models for being grateful, even though you may not even be aware I hold you in such high esteem. :)

Until then, may this day and the rest of your days be filled with nothing but gratitude and awesome.

XOXO,
Jaimie

I loved this NYE celebration, by the way. I got to spend it with some of the best people I know - my amazing and gorgeous sister, our equally lovely good friend Deirdre whom Ash met through nursing in the City, and my loving and dashing fiance. Cheers, friends!

Pretty City College

As I was leaving campus one day, I decided to take a few pics with my phone of the gorgeous CCNY campus. I can't get over the beauty of the architecture there. I can get over my crappy cell phone camera, however.

My Research Team

When I was in undergrad, a professor approached me and kicked me into gear. He convinced me I was more than just a jock and I am forever indebted to him. Because of his kindness and the kindness of others in my life, I attempt repay their efforts by subscribing to a "pay it forward' ideology. As such, I am truly thrilled at the opportunity to serve as a mentor for undergrads pursuing graduate studies and research experience at CCNY!

One of the unexpected perks of teaching at City College was the formation of the CCNY Self-Compassion Research Team. I say unexpected because I just casually mentioned some of my research interests one day in class and happened upon an incredible team of sharp and motivated students - all but one are pictured below. I feel really lucky to have assembled such an awesome crew. Our studies should be underway this spring and I'm looking forward to it!

The team minus one

Lucky, Lucky, Lucky

I am reflecting on this holiday season and I have come to the conclusion that I am just plain lucky. I live with two of my favorite people in the world in one of the coolest cities in the world in one of the cutest, coziest little apartments. Even though the adjustment to NYC has not been easy, it has been aided by the holidays. It really is magical in New York this time of year. I don't even mind the tourists right now who don't know about the New York run/ speed walk. I know all about the intensity of NY foot traffic transportation and I pretty much fly through the city now. I haven't mastered the speed walk in heels but it's only a matter of time!
                             
Back to my roommates - we had a delightful little Christmas. We had a Charlie Brown tree (see above) and maybe I forgot that Jason and I have an ornament tradition. :) Oops. Our tree is plus one sock monkey and will be plus one something else when Jason returns.

Anyhow, both of my roommates spoil me rotten with lots of things - attention, patience, love...trust me, I require a lot of that stuff. Let's face it: you have to be a special kind of someone to tolerate my moderate OCD tendencies, among other delightful personality quirks. Yesterday those things by which I was spoiled were gifts.  I seriously made out like a bandit. Disclaimer: the reason for the season (for me) is spending time with and cherishing loved ones. Although the sole focus of the holidays is not gifting, it sure doesn't hurt. :) And, it should also be noted that although I did receive some incredible items, my favorite part of the holidays has been having Jason home. I get to see Ash a lot because nurses don't take work home with them so when she's off work, she almost always mine. :) Jason, however, has been known to log some serious hours at the office. While I admire his work ethic and am inspired by his work, but there's nothing like having him home.

We also got to have Alyssa over, which is always a treat! Speaking of treats, she brought over an amazing lemon tart. Nom, nom, nom! Coupled with Ashley's homemade matzo ball soup, I was in heaven! Alyssa spent Christmas day with us and played the most epic game of Cards Against Humanity (one of Jason's presents). Of course Jason emerged the victor but we all had a blast! I just love being surrounded by those three. All we were missing is Phil and Ale.

While I'm musing on holiday cheer, I loved all of the holidays cards we have received from family and friends. It warms my heart seeing you, your children, and your pets all smiles and gussied up for the occasion. It's wonderful to see everyone so joyful! If you were a lucky recipient of my parents' holiday card...well, go ahead and buy a lottery ticket. That one's for the books. Ha!

Sigh, 2012 is ending with such a bang; here's to hoping for the best new year yet! So much happened in 2012: graduation from UT with my Ph.D., engagement to Jason, move to NYC with Jason and Ash, job at City College, visits from amazing friends... I am really looking forward to what 2013 brings. I suspect it will be even more awesome! Hoping you and yours have an equally wonderful holiday season. Here's to also hoping I can find the twenty seconds it will take to reformat my blog and figure out how to align the pics in a more artful way.

**Appendix**
As I am spreading gratitude, I would also like to thank Pinterest because it is the best elf out there. I posted a few of the gems my roommates bestowed upon me this season below because I really am blown away by their generosity. Let's just say I am going to be the hippest most fashionable chick this side of the Missip. Thanks Jason and Ash! Mom, Dad, and Grammie - thanks for funding my shopping spree! Phil, thanks for the dress! You and Ash have great taste. :) Also, now that I am the proud owner of lulu lemon workout attire, I guess this means I have to actually go running. :)