a new beginning

Hey guys....Yeah, it's been a while...actually I could have sworn it's been a year or so since I last blogged but actually logged into this thing and found that my last entry was in March of this year! So though I come back with my tail between my legs, it feels good to know that it hasn't been that long. I think one of the reasons I haven't written in so long is because I didn't really know what I was writing about...a purpose so to speak. And I know that it seems obvious, even by Urban Strawberry's tagline, but I just didn't get it. A summer full of fun, and (in the latter part) some introspection, have made things a lot clearer to me.

Recently, in various conversations with new friends, I have realized that my life in New York is about my search for a sense of community. So, I come to you in this blog with my view of New York. The people I meet, the things I do...and how I share and feel that sense of connectedness with it all. I hope those of you who actually read this enjoy what I've written so far, and I hope I can make it even better for the future.

The other night, I went to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs concert at Radio City Music Hall. I was filled with anticipation because I had seen them at All Points West and I knew what charisma Karen O emotes on stage. They didn't disappoint. I think every woman and man in Radio City has some sort of school girl crush on Miss Karen, and rightfully so. But what I found most impressive wasn't her singing ability. It wasn't her cool avant-garde style, and it wasn't her rockstar stage presence.....It was her humility. I enclosed a link below to a performance from the encore that night. An acoustic version of "Maps," that embodies this humility and my own feelings about New York City.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs video - "Maps"

Fall Weather is scattering my brain

It's true....maybe it's the wind...or maybe it's the newish feel of cool weather every morning when I leave my house....Whatever it is, I find that I cannot think straight this morning. I find myself wanting to comment about ticketmaster's new promotional thing where you get a coupon to redeem for one free song for each ticket you buy from them...not bad, right ? Although, I rarely want to buy just one song so we'll see how this works out....

Other things on my mind....I am always late for work....Do I really want to curl my hair today ?....those poor people losing jobs in the financial world !...speaking of jobs, how did i stoop so low as to have an 8 am appt every morning ?...if i had just woken up to work out in the morning these past two weeks, i would not have scheduled these 8 am appts !....I am so excited about my rooftop happy hour tonight !

Crazy, right ? Damn you Fall for scattering my brain !

apple picking

I have to say it wasn't easy waking up this morning. I've had an eventful weekend..which is generally how I like them. CMJ festival started last Wednesday and I was able to take in a couple of shows. On Thursday, I went to see Mute Math at Irving Plaza with my friend Suzzy. I love this band for several reasons: 1) I saw there first show ever, 2) they are based out of New Orleans, and 3) there is no way to say this without being cliche but THEY ROCK. I have seen them a total of 3 times this year alone. Suzzy was a newbie to their music and I think I have converted yet another fan...at least, I hope so !

On Friday, I went to Union Hall with my friend Joani to see Ola Podrida. This time I was the novice. I had never seen any of the bands before, but I love the experience of hearing something new. This night was no exception, and I was able to discover cultivate interest in a new band. Joani and I also went to Roseland Ballroom on Saturday night to see Spoon. We didn't have any tickets and were looking to scalp; however, through a series of very fortunate events...we got in for free ! I don't know why but I have a ton of luck when it comes to getting into shows at Roseland.

To round out the weekend, I went apple picking upstate with my friends Jamie and Michelle. I had never been before and it was nice to just get out of the city. It took a while to get there since our chauffeur had other ideas in mind for his own entertainment (bike riding....get your minds out of the gutter!). The minute we got there, though, I knew it was going to be a good time. We went to Warwick Winery and Distillery:

http://www.wvwinery.com/

It was a lot of fun to climb in the trees for apple...ok, I couldn't actually climb the tree but Jamie and Michelle had a grand time doing that. We took a lot of great pics....check out my flickr link below....there were people spread across the whole orchard who were picnicing, drinking wine and listening to a live band. Definitely worth the trip.