'tis the season

My parents came to the city last week for a long weekend. Despite the chilly temps we had a nice time experiencing "New York City at Christmas." We saw the Radio City Rockettes, ate a few exotic meals (Japanese Ramen was a big hit), did a little shopping, and walked many many miles.

Radio City Musical Hall

Korean BBQ (I think we had more fun taking pictures of the little side dishes than actually eating the food)

Ahop, R, M, & D

The Tree at Rockefeller Center 

Connecticut Visit

Last month I took the train to Fairfield, CT to visit an old friend from high school. This was my first time ever traveling north of New York City.  

Fairfield Beach

The Marina at Fairfield Beach

Me and Christina! We took an afternoon trip to a winery outside of New Haven. 

Vineyards at the winery. 

2010 NYC Marathon!

No, we didn't participate but we did see some super fast runners. 

Professional men- the winner ran the race in about 2 hours. 

Chilean Miner- Edison Pena (to the right of the guy in the black and bright green jersey). 

Runners coming off the Queensboro Bridge heading north. 

impromptu model shoot

Isn't he handsome? 

new view

My new office is in Midtown on the 43rd floor of the building. Our office is on the south west side of the building looking down Broadway at Times Square and over the Hudson River towards New Jersey. 

Feliz Cumpleaños Ahop!

Ahop celebrated his 24th  last Saturday, October 9th. We didn't plan anything because of his chaotic work schedule. He ended up having a fairly free weekend so we decided to stay in and cook dinner for his birthday Saturday night. It was really nice because we rarely get to eat at home together.

Ahop had a great 23rd year. If he could change one thing about his 24th year it would probably be to get more than 4 hours of sleep each night.

Happy Birthday! 

my 23rd year

Today is my 24th birthday. Last year I celebrated my birthday in Hawaii while interning in Volcanoes National Park. This year I'm celebrating in New York City. The year has been one of change, excitement, ups, downs, and well everything in between. In my 24th year I hope for a bit of stability and to perhaps be living in the same city and working at the same job a year from now.

In my 23rd year I traveled to Hawaii- for 14weeks!, Colombia, Indiana, and moved to New York City. I worked as an intern, got my first "real job," quit my first real job for a new job I wasn't legally allowed to take, and was offered a new position last week with a financial firm to be an assistant with the company. I will start the job on October 4!

mr and mrs pulfer!

            
Congratulations Chelsea and Josh. September 18, 2010.

the search that doesn't end

I thought of this old song today...it reminds me of my job search.



Things aren't so bad though. I should have good news soon! Thank you to everyone for all your support and thoughts!

Fashion's Night Out

Friday night, September 10, was the kick off for fall fashion week in New York. The week started with a city wide retail event-  Fashion's Night Out.  Though I am no where near a fashionista I still found it fun to participate in the event, NYC is one of the fashion capitals of the world after all or is it THE fashion capital of the world?

Last night was the second annual Fashion's Night Out. Many of the stores in the city gave out incentives for shoppers to come in and browse new fall collections- champagne, cupcakes, candy,celeb appearances, discounts. We saw Victoria Beckham at Bergdorf Goodman. She was scheduled to show up in the store where her dress collection is showcased at 8:30, after waiting in a crowd with 200 people for 45 minutes she finally showed up, never really smiled, did a little celeb pose and left. 

The night left me exhausted! 

my bff

My longtime childhood bff is getting married in 10 days. She made one final trip as Miss. Yoder over labor day weekend to the city.

Over the past five years we haven't had the opportunity to spend too much time together as we've some how turned into "grown-ups." Each time we do get together though I realize how lucky I am to have such a beautiful friend inside and out.

R. Federer hits the Tweener again!

Let's talk about it

Summer hasn't exactly gone as I had planned. In June I received a great job offer to work as an assistant for a financial company. I was sought out by the company and knew all the people in the firm because they were leasing office space from the company I had been working for. I happily accepted the offer and put in my two weeks notice at the real estate company. 

One week later I learned from the real estate company that I couldn't work for the financial firm because of a no compete clause in the lease between the real estate company and firm that hired me. So in short I was out of a job because I had already quit my job and decided to take a position I wasn't legally allowed to have but no one ever told me I wasn't allowed to take the job and the real estate company wouldn't allow me to have my old position back.

The next month I did a lot of waiting hoping the two companies would be able to work something out or simply overlook the clause. It seemed strange to have a no compete clause for an entry level  employee . The financial firm stayed in contact with me and assured me that my job was still available whenever I was legally allowed to take it. 

I decided I would go back to Indiana for a couple weeks at the end of July to get my mind off things. The whole situation has been really stressful. I can't help but think about how many different ways the situation could've been handled. I worked really hard for the real estate company and they did nothing to inform me of the clause and wouldn't allow any exceptions to the rule? 

While in Indiana I decided I really needed to leave the entire situation behind and look for new opportunities. I came back to the city with intention of finding a new job and not looking back. I was able to get in touch with a couple great recruiting firms that have helped me get into interviews with great companies. 

I know the process isn't over yet but I'm feeling a lot more hope than I was a few weeks ago. Hopefully I land in the right position eventually. 

the clocktower

The Berne Clocktower is finally a reality. I've been in my hometown for a few days and had the chance to attend the clocktower dedication on Saturday night. The tower project has been in the works for the past 8 years. 

Summer Vacation 2010- My first Staycation

...we visited our friends office overlooking Times Square..

..witnessed a Yankees game -Alex may have maxed out his memory card on his camera...

...sampled the melon gelato at Chelsea Market...

...had Asian fusion food at Spice Market and Tao...

...snuck in a Broadway show- Next to Normal- and even met an actor...

....and even had time to visit Colombia- actually just Little Colombia in Jackson Heights, Queens! 

Paul the Octopus picks Spain over Netherlands to win World Cup

A Family Affair

Ahop's family has come and gone. We had a grand time and it was a good chance for me to get to know his family better. His mom, dad, and sister stayed in our 500 square foot apartment with us for a little over a week so it was cozy but fun. Ahop spent the majority of the visit working but I was able to do a lot of the touristy things with the family.

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is the oldest suspension bridge in the world and was the first structure built connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Taking approximately 13 years to build the bridge was completed in May of 1883. A must for visitors and popular for residents a like is walking from Brooklyn to Manhattan to take in the city skyline.   

We decided to walk the bridge last week- maybe we picked a day that was too hot or maybe my Colombian counterparts are more acclimated to hot weather?

We started in Brooklyn (we took the train to the Borough Hall Station) and ended in Manhattan (the bridge ends at Brooklyn Bridge Station). First we explored Brooklyn Heights and then strolled the Promenade. The Promenade provided great views of the city and bridge too!

conquering central park in one day

Central Park is full of hidden gems and stretches from 59th St to 110th St in  Harlem. Exploring the park can be a daunting task- especially on foot. This week we rented bikes for 3 hours in the afternoon giving us ample time to explore a few things within the park. Jen and I did the entire loop from 59th St up the East side to Harlem and back down the West side. Whehhewww we were tired! It took us a bit over an hour- including the time we took to stop and look at a few things a long the way. 

Rosa Mexicano

I've been hearing about Rosa Mexicano for the past 6 months- or should I say Rosas' Guacomole. Little did I know their flagship location was 4 blocks from our apartment. Sitting on the corner of 58th Street and 1st Avenue Rosa Mexicano is a perfect combination of Dos Caminos meets family restaurant.

The Guacamole en Molcajete was better than expected. How could you not love guacamole that is mixed table side with all fresh ingredients?

Make your own Guacamole en Molcajete!

Makes 4 servings

Chile Paste Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped white onion
• 1 firmly packed tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped jalapeño, or more to taste
• 1 teaspoon salt, or as needed

Additional Ingredients

• 3 medium ripe but firm Hass avocados (about 8 ounces each)
• 3 tablespoons diced tomato
• 2 firmly packed tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped white onion
• Salt if necessary
• Tortilla chips and/or fresh corn tortillas

Make the chile paste: Grind the onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and salt together in a molcajete until all the ingredients are very finely ground. Alternatively, use a fork to mash all the ingredients to a paste in a wide hardwood bowl.

Cut each avocado in half, working the knife blade around the pit. Twist the halves to separate them and flick out the pit with the tip of the knife. Fold a kitchen towel in quarters and hold it in the palm of your “non-knife” hand. Rest an avocado half cut side up in your palm and make 3 or 4 evenly spaced lengthwise cuts through the avocado flesh down to the skin, without cutting through it. Make 4 crosswise cuts in the same way. Scoop the diced avocado flesh into the molcajete. Repeat with the remaining avocado halves.

New Kicks

AHOP's parents and sister are visiting this week from Cali, Colombia. His mom brought us each a pair of "native shoes" as she calls them. Alvaro thinks they are "tribal shoes" and that they are very stylish and the in thing. He even wore them to the office yesterday- don't fear it was Saturday.

No Reservation Required

Last Friday AHOP and I headed to Anthony Bourdains (hosts the Show No Reservations on the Travel Channel)  Brasserie Les Halles on Park Avenue between 28th and 29th Streets. 

If you're looking for a great dinner with ambiance this is quite the place! The food was tasty and affordable as well. We were able to walk  in without a reservation but we were only 2 people . I would probably recommend calling ahead for a table. 

The Two Escobars

Tonight I watched the TV premier of The Two Escobars on ESPN. The film is part of an ESPN documentary series. I saw another one of the films in the series at the Tribeca Film Fest (this one is much better)!

The film highlights the connection between soccer and  the Colombian drug lords- specifically Pablo Escobar during the early 90's. The Colombian National soccer team made a quick rise to fame partly in due to dirty money that funded the team but the players in return had to remain loyal to the drug lords. The story really is fascinating.

Espn Classic is airing the film again on Saturday the 26th at 10pm.

Give this guy a Travel Show!

Cafe Habana Puts a Spicy Twist on Corn on the Cob

Last night DPM and I tried out Cafe Habana in SoHo. The Latin style eatery is famous for its Mexican Style Corn.

DPM is from Iowa and I'm from Indiana so we were both anxious to see how great this grilled corn was- hadn't we both tried every recipe in the books?

The corn was delicious and very different. It definitely had a kick to it because of the cayenne pepper. For anyone out there seeking a new way to eat those ears of corn come August I recommend you try this!

         Mexican Corn
Corn on the Cob, husked
Slather:
1 part mayo
1 part sour cream or crema fresca
Garnish:
Cotija Cheese, grated
Cayenne Pepper, Chili Powder
Lime, cut into wedges

 
Husk the corn and char the ears on a grill.
Mix the sour cream/crema fresca with the mayonnaise.
While the corn is still hot, slather it with the cream mixture.
Roll the corn in grated cotija cheese.
Give it a healthy sprinkling of cayenne pepper and chili powder.
Serve with lime wedges.

World Cup 2010 is here!

the graduate and a bit of nostalgia

I made a quick trip to Indiana this past weekend for Alex's high school graduation. This was my first trip back "home" since my big move to the city in January. Graduation weekend in general is a chance to celebrate the past and look ahead at the future- the combination of being back in Berne, recalling old memories with friends on such a big weekend, and being around many special people made me quite nostalgic. Growing up isn't easy.

We celebrated the occasion with a Chinese themed party (complete with Alex's favorite Chinese take-out for everyone) in his honor on Saturday night- over 200 guests came by the house to help celebrate Alex's accomplishments.


Sunday we had dinner out at the farm. Uncle S showed us the new garden behind the old pig shed (they had to move the first garden because there was a walnut tree too close to the garden plot and walnut trees are toxic to the plants ).

The day ended with the official graduation ceremony for our little buddy. (complete with silly string at end of ceremony)

take me to the beach- jones beach

I've been in the city since January and had yet to leave the 5 boroughs until this past weekend. With the warm weather here I have been itching for some open space and water. On Saturday DPM and I sat out to find just that- some wide open stretches of sand and some cool Atlantic water to splash around in.

Well we found a beach. Just not exactly what we were expecting. By recommendation we headed out of the city on the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) bound for Freeport. Once in Freeport we boarded a city bus for Jones Beach. The entire trip was about 1 1/2 hours.

The beach was huge, packed, and well packed. The beach seemed really really big but maybe my estimation was off because all I could really see were people and umbrellas. We did finally make it to the water after fighting our way through the crowds.

There seemed to be a extra large crowd at the beach on Sunday because of an air show being put on by the army and blue angels. Once the show was over most of the people left and we were able to sit, read, and enjoy the nice warm sand.

jones beach
the air show
enjoying some peace and quiet

my little buddy

Dear buddy,
What a special week this is. You make our family complete!



Happy 12 year adoption anniversary. We love you!

navigating the concrete jungle

My life became a bit busier last week as I decided to take on a new challenge. Per Ahop's advice, and a few others, I enrolled in two continuing/professional studies classes at NYU. Both classes are 10 weeks long and only meet one evening a week for three hours.

I am hoping to find a job in corporate meeting planning so decided on two human resource courses in the business admin section. My BS degree is more of a recreation degree and I don't have much of a business background so I'm hoping this will give my education background and resume more of a business/corporate look.

I'm excited to be in the classes and all the other enrollees seem extremely focused so I am hoping it turns out to be a good experience.

RIP Lucky

One of our two family cats passed away this past week. My dad sent me Lucky's obituary via text-

Lucky died peacefully in his sleep in the shade of a pine tree. He was adopted shortly after birth by the family. He leaves behind Masters Mike, Gwen, Chip, Robyn and Alex. Also special friends Priscilla and Molly. He was interred after a brief private ceremony. He was approximately 11 years old. Memorials to the family for, "Molly's How to be Friendly Schooling."

Tribeca Film Fest

A couple weekends ago we were able to enjoy the poor mans version of the Tribeca Film Festival- sans red carpet, photographers, fancy dresses, etc. The viewing was outside of the world financial center alongside the Hudson making for very picturesque views.


The festival put on a free outdoor premier of a BMX bike riding documentary, "Big Air." The film was interesting and obviously attracted many people interested in the hipsterish sport. At the conclusion of the film the real life star of the film hopped on a bike and showed us some of his tricks on a pipe (not sure if that's the correct terminology!).

an exciting weekend

We had an exciting weekend in the city. Between my mom's visit, the high temps drawing lots of people outside, and the attempted Times Square attack there was a lot of action to take in around the Big Apple.

Saturday my mom arrived and we explored my neighborhood, a local street fair, braved the crowds at Macys and 34th St., wondered up and down 5th Avenue, and finally made a stop at the bank to visit AHOP.


Sunday we found out about the attempted attack in Times Square. We didn't witness any of the hubbub and we were happy we weren't part of the excitement. We started the day off with brunch at Alice's Tea Cup (so cute!) and took a quick walk through Central Park before spending the rest of the day in lower Manhattan- around Canal Street and Bleeker Street. We finished off the evening with Indian food and delicious desserts at Serendipity 3.
We had to try their famous frozen hot chocolate. It was delicious. I definitely recommend it!

Monday my mom met up with an old high school friend during the day. We met up after I was finished working to see Mary Poppins on Broadway. On our way through Times Square we saw Diane Sawyer filming the evening news.


Whew! I'm tired..but I miss my mom. We had a great time.