Through These Green Eyes

People that I love (because they're awesome)

2011-06-01T12:38:00.006-04:00

Mom

Of course I love my mommy! She just came to New York for a week to watch me graduate. I feel like such a big boy now. I felt mixed emotions; hesitation, anticipation, excitement, and some other things all jumbled up and churning my stomach before walking... in fact, the day of I asked my mom if she'd care if I just didn't go. She shot me a look like "I did not come all this way to watch you wimp out... stop being a bitch and get dressed". But she said pleasantly, "Do what you want hunny". So I got dressed and we ran to the train because my nerves and my legs were being pushed to the limit... it was wonderful! (except when I thought I was going to pass out with all my dress clothes under that hot gown and trying to get my fellow students in a line two-by-two is apparently rocket science) I am so happy to have graduated and I'm so happy my mom was there to cheer me on! (And Jill from afar). I will be posting more pictures of her trip later...

I took her to this coffee place that I love! ... and I've mentioned before. Something about their coffee is just sublime and served with the coolest Italian dishes. We actually found a place that I think is better and we went every chance we could take! If you can make it there, go!

We had this brioche bun with this sugary stuff on top... let's just say

...we did not save very much.

We also had a few of these. It just screams summertime. This is a sangria/prickly pear margarita mix.

Amen

***

Oh yeah, wasn't I writing about people that I love (because they're awesome)?

Lauren and Heidi

They rock and I got to sit next to them while I graduated! Thank god it wasn't alphabetical.

Lexi

This is Lexi on her twenty-first birthday! Woot woot! She is one of the most beautiful people in the universe. I really hope I can visit her this summer as much as possible.

<3 you!

Courtney and Helen

Then there are these hooligans.

The besties.

I will be smooched between them hardcore in about a week and a half and I cannot wait!

I'm so happy that I get to go to Courtney's graduation and I am excited for us to all decompress and unwind years of schooling and reconnect with the world... without stressing about a paper to write or finals. The last time I saw Courtney we could only play for one day because she had to write a stupid paper. Lame.

I love you all! If I included a picture of all the awesome people in my life this blog would be way too long.

Here is to a wonderful and great year ahead!

Cheers

Rainy day

2011-05-04T14:24:00.003-04:00

Peace be with you!

I want to get some things off my chest and this is my way of doing so...

1) Holy shit balls I am finishing my senior thesis today/tomorrow and graduate two weeks from this sunday!

2) I need (want) to take a vacation

3) I want to go to California and see my friends and family and party with Jill

4) I'm SO excited for Mom to get here and see me get my diploma!

5) In July I will be starting a new job and cannot wait...

(especially to get out of this place I'm working now... dear lord, mercy me!)

6) Lastly, I'm sick of this rain... for real... enough already!

A Random Smattering

2011-04-18T12:20:00.011-04:00

The first signs of Spring have begun to bloom and my mood is already elevating to a much more relaxed state. Given that I am graduating so soon I am a baffled that I am able to relax for even a few minutes of the day, but hey, I am not complaining! My family (hopefully) understands why I am a nut-ball even more-so now than usual. I will share some of the pictures I've been snapping from my Samsung Vibrant... love... and my new favorite combination : Take pictures with the "vignette" application and edit them with "little photo". Snazzy names... snazzy pics.

A lamp surrounded by COLOR in city hall park. My first though when I saw that there was some alien blossoms popping up around me... HOLY F*&^ BALLS!

This is a tree right outside my work that I get to look at now with envy instead of pity. What a difference a month makes. "Oh poor flowerless tree getting snowed on while I'm inside warm-ish watching your sadness" has since morphed into a jealous fit, "F'in tree... flowers suckling from the teats of its awesomeness basking in the warmth spilling from the sun and kissing this tree while I watch, feet away, inside a glass hell..."

This is a beautiful flower I passed in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn while walking in the rain with my friend Lauren. We were both cursing the rain but mostly the fact that the temperature dropped to 39. I mean, seriously... can you say mother nature is a tease? Gorgeous weather with random days of gloom. I guess it's kind of like life... you need death to appreciate the own mediocrity of your own life. It's the little things.

Honestly, I am impressed that my phone can take pictures of this quality. Makes me wonder why I spent so much on my new one... wait a minute... not really.

Have I already shared this? I don't care actually because it is a badass picture. I took this while walking around with one of my besties, Helen, before she left for Europe for two months! Forget that freaking piece of shit tree... I am jealous of Helen!

This is a shot I got while walking around with Irina at the Seaport. I would love to tell you that I am a master at post-processing and I'm some genius with photography (at which point you smile politely and nod hysterically in approval so I don't cut you) however, this application on my phone captured these colors better than I could have imagined.

Other notable architecture includes:

The Beekman Tower, or whatever they are calling it this week, which was a parking lot when I first came to Pace. Nothing iconicity juxtaposes a symbolic and metaphysical experience like getting a degree like a building being built and completed at the exact same time!

And the Empire State Building...

What? This old thing?

The next picture was taken outside of Roberta's in Brooklyn where my, I'm going to say cousin for lack of a more accurate description, works.

It was a beautiful day and I though the contrasting colors looked pretty swell.

A little DD to make everyone jealous. Just making sure you're paying attention...

And what's this?

Hipster/ Model Christian?

Lookout!

And just because I can and this post is already a random smattering of photos... a deliciously scrumdidliumptious wine I had the other day. $10 at Trader Joe's, yeah I swear. Tribunal... worth every penny!

The next make a little more sense grouped together as they all include an aspect of photography. The first is none other than me adding "creamer" to my cup o' Joe at a place I love in Brooklyn Heights.

The following is one of my favorite pictures that I have ever taken. I have no clue why and I wish that I could articulate it but I just love that it is a picture of what I love doing most from my vantage point... well I guess that pretty much sums it up doesn't it?

(I didn't even take the picture you see on the screen)

This was something I found on a subway platform while waiting for the train. Everyone probably though I was crazy trying to take this picture on all fours but I had to capture this moment. There were three smoked cigarettes and three 24oz beer cans all lined up artistically. Probably by either an artist or a serial killer...

Heidi's shoe! God, those purple shoes rock my socks...

Posing with her film camera.

Next was an awesome picture of my hanging half my body out of a cab to get. I just though this perspective was perfect and even though the cab driver was half nervous-laughing half grabbing my belt loops to pull my back in, I think he secretly knew it would work out.

I am always happy to share my views of the world around me.

With this change of season comes a change in my life. I am graduating from College and moving forward and in-so-doing am grappling with the unwanted changes that are occurring at the same time.

I have come terms with some difficulties in life that some friends, family, and lovers will not be in my life forever. I guess I could have learned that from my biological father's absence in my life or the myriad friends that have gone from my life almost as quickly as they came.

I have more recently learned this from a few friends that without warning or provocation have decided they want to move forward with their own lives...

or from my Aunt's decision to not speak to me because of a misunderstanding.

I am still learning from these difficult losses but life goes on and seasons continue to change and minutes continue to pass.

All I can do is smile and nod in agreement to the world and keep my eyes open to the wisdom tangled in these situations and thank the Heavens for those incredibly special people in my life that I do have faith with be stuck with my crazy ass forever.

A few events deduced (because it's Monday)

2011-03-28T12:11:00.008-04:00

I just thought I'd open your eyes to what Christian was like as a four-year-old little tot. (Yes I just spoke in the third person, I mean Christian did). What is remarkably crazy is that my mom still looks like this minus the hair and the tan (lack thereof). Actually I still look like this... bowl haircut and rockin' awesome long sleeve purple and turquoise shirt! Weird!

Sorry, moving right along I have about ten different sets of photos I want to share and they have absolutely nothing to do with one another, except that I took pictures at said events :) Buckle up and I will take you on a roller coaster of hodgepodge craziness known as my life.

This was taken when I was out with Irina and I really wanted a cup of coffee so I whipped out my handy dandy phone to find the nearest coffee place and I saw a place I think is called La Colombe. Thank goodness! We got these niffty cups to serve our delicious coffee on a super cold day. By the way, sidebar, why the F%$# is it 19 degrees outside?

You go Glen Coco!!! I have no idea who this badass is rockin' the razor scooter. I'm not even being remotely facetious when I say that because as ridiculous as I think it is for someone over seven to use a razor he was jumping off the F'in courthouse steps! This is roughly a five foot jump... kid's got some brass balls. You go Mr. Coco!

The next random photo is one I took while I was out with Karin and Rochelle... after we went to the zoo (photos below). I have never seen the moon look as big as it did when we walked to the end of the pier, margaritas in tow. This picture obviously does not capture exactly what it looked like but trust me... HUGE! Wow, that doesn't sound quite right... or does it? Anywho, my mom and I have this "thing" about the moon because I live so far away and only get to see her every once in a blue... while, we always say that we see the same moon where ever we may be in our respective lives. So when it is particularly massive it makes me wish I were having a glass of wine with her in California.

Okay now there will be a little more cohesion. This is event one. I went to the Central Park Zoo for the first time with my friends Karin and Rochelle. It was so much fun! Let me spell it out more clearly. The night before I was a little tipsy for St. Patrick's day... that is a euphemism but h-e-l-l-o it was the right thing to do given the circumstances. So I rolled out of bed bright and early at 1pm the next day and I had a text from Rochelle that she was in the city and at the zoo. I threw clothes on and tried to get myself together (just notice how there aren't any pictures of me and you'll get it) and the next thing I know I'm running into the entrance with my camera knocking children over left and right screaming wildly, "I freakin' love the zoo!". Let me just say though that the central park zoo has approximately six animals. The best part is clearly the "tropical" attraction where you go into a tent like building with birds squawking and buzzing around. Normally I hate birds but on the occasion I was really into it. Here are the following pictures:

The crane striking a pose courtesy of The Karate Kid

This reminds me for some reason of a mob boss and his lackey. Yeah, I am like that.

Bird with a come-over and a Scarlet Ibis. Another sidebar, I read a short story in the ninth grade titled The Scarlet Ibis and it made me cry. True story.

Blackbeard's bitch

Red Panda. So cute but questionable position.

Obviously there are more pictures but you get the point... cute animals and fun day at the zoo :)

Next vignette is meeting up with my great aunt and her husband and son and his girlfriend.

Here are the three of them all happy and fun to be with. I had so much fun seeing them because the last time was in Rhode Island three years ago and before that was at my Aunt's wedding a few years before that... I guess we're on a three year rotation?

Having a blast! Normally I would have a thousand pictures of the brunch but we ate it up so quickly I didn't even register that I had my camera with me! It was at Chris' work, Roberta's in Brooklyn about twenty minutes from my house. And now Chris lives in BK too so we will for sure have to meet up again soon.

See, look how cool they look! ...and trust me they are.

Okay, random picture interjection... I saw this wall outside Roberta's with barbed wire and I saw this and it totally looks like it says "I Lost"! Right? ....Right?

And on to the next one...

Last event for this post that has been more all over the place than a housecleaner at the Sober Valley Lodge.

To the Bronx with Irina for an orchid show at the Bronx Botanical Garden. This was the first time I've been to the Bronx and it was quite a trek up there. But so much fun! I got to put my new camera to good use. LOTS of macro shots. It took every fiber of my body, and there are lots of fibers, to keep from posting all four-hundred pictures of flowers I have... Instead I will post a few:

This was a cool Japanese Cherry Blossom with a rainbow in the background (so what if the "rainbow" is my lens reacting to the sun?)

And a random shot of this colorful ball... but come on, who doesn't love a glass ball?

Flower #1

#2a and 2b

What the hell color is this? I did not know they made flowers in this color! Chartreuse?

This one reminds me of a beehive...

This reminds me of VanGough...

This one reminds me of a tiger... oh flower #... idk 754?

Drum roll!!! My favorite... I love these three.

January and February phone photos -- my life

2011-02-28T14:29:00.005-05:00

Where the bad people go in Southampton... circa 1780 something.

The most delicious day ever! I treated myself to a salmon sandwich and a ginger martini followed by flour-less chocolate cake and a irish coffee + Baileys :) So necessary sometimes.

I am not even sure how I managed to take a picture of myself with my touchscreen phone but what do you know? I did it! I woke up the next day after a pretty hefty amount of Tito's and said, "what skill I must possess!".... then I tripped and all was right in the world... balance.

I love this shot of Lexi... she is so photogenic it is unreal sometimes.

This totally captures the essence of that morning! And for a phone photo not too shabby. Nothin' like a cup o'joe and a pile of cigarettes to realize what your life has come to.

Waiting on the tracks to head back into the city on a ridiculously cold morning.

I took this when my amazing friend Natalie came to town with her mom and sister. She called me up, "We have Tattinger Champagne and chocolate dipped Godiva strawberries at the Waldorf-Astoria... want to co---- what's that? You're at the door?".

When I started school at Pace this was a parking lot across the street from the school/dorms and I had the pleasure of listening to the construction when it was under ten stories... look at it now!

This is a picture of the Woolworth building on my way to night class. I love how it looks so dark and mysterious. Spooooky.

It pains me to look at this because this Winter has sucked major balls. Just look at this and imagine seeing this for months on end. I miss you California!

Sums up the beauty of the snow... which is very rare.

I love this shot of this bike on my front porch which was completely invisible for a few months due to the piles of snow that dumped all over Brooklyn. Thank God it is almost over... (what's that weatherman? Snow tonight and tomorrow? But it's almost APRIL are you sure? ... you are... well F**K you too!)

More pictures coming very, very, soon!

Sir Francis Bacon Peanut Brittle

2011-02-19T09:18:00.000-05:00

Sir Francis Bacon Peanut Brittle

OH. Dear. LORD!

Tea Wisdom Wednesday- redux!

2011-02-09T11:01:00.006-05:00

Life --

Has been a bit crazy to say the very least. So hopefully this somewhat explains my extended absence... The last time I wrote I was busy borrowing Splenda from Starbucks. My how things have changed! I felt inclined to write a tea wisdom wednesday for a while now but the last few weeks my life has seemingly spilled over the brim of manageability and I needed some guidance.

For whatever reason, let's just ignore the obvious, I take my tea sayings very seriously. It is like a little mini beacon of hope or divine intervention softly nudging me in the best direction. Really this is all inside of me the whole time but reading those simple words while sipping chamomile makes everything come together quite nicely.

This particular day it is apparent I needed TWO intensely calming teas and you bet your bottom I let them brew for a solid twenty minutes. This stuff is better than valium I tell ya!

This is the first one that I paid any attention to. "If you don't love where you come from, you can't love where you are going". How true! Everyone hates something about their past or wishes it were possible to change just a few things that would seemingly drastically alter their present day person. The thing is we are who we are like it or not. Nothing is going to or can change that. I thought about this and must say I can appreciate just about all of my past but do I love my past?

I must because I truly love where I am going! I know the future holds great things for me and I have known this since I was a little chubby freckle-faced kid. "I'm going to be famous one day!" I'm sure my family heard this more times than they could count... (sorry family). I don't want to be famous anymore but I do want to love where I am going and love those few trustworthy people around me. I also have random spouts of wisdom... if only I could live by my own rules!

This is the second TWW I noticed. "For every loss there's an equal gain, for every gain there's an equal loss". I love this quote! Some always focus on what they don't have or how much they do have compared to others but the truth is... it's all pretty much even. For every heartbreak there is another lover hiding right behind the pain. For every bill that can't be paid there is an opportunity to learn and grow. Thinking this way makes life a little more manageable for me.

Think about it.

... and a random picture of the moon for my mama! :)

Splenda Follies

2010-10-16T20:52:00.000-04:00

Hi,

My name is Christian and I have an addiction.

I am addicted to Splenda.

I first realized that I had an addiction when I went into a local Starbucks (yes, local Starbucks in Manhattan means looking around in a one-block radius and choosing the closest one) and looked around with a maniacal grin running across my face as I did a mini-lookout while choosing what I wanted to get. More on that in a moment...

I came home from an afternoon shopping and plopped my bags down and when I came back later and dumped them on the ground this happened.

My embarrassing bounty spewed across the floor rearing its ugly face. Yes the above picture really happened. Why do I have random Splenda in my bag you ask? Good Question.

Every time that I visit a coffee shop I normally just get a regular coffee (but this season I'm obsessed with adding pumpkin spice flavors with a little cinnamon, but I digress) and add one or two fake sugars... but sometimes I see people that put roughly 17lbs of the stuff in their coffees. After scratching my brain as to how you could drink something so sweet I think... if they get all those sugars why don't I? Just because I don't use them all at the same time doesn't mean I don't deserve as many as those people... right? I must admit that this thought process has been instilled in my brain from one family member in particular. I wont name names, but we all know who she is, think of her as my Obi Wan Kenobi of devious ways.

After careful planning I shove the ten I forgot to put in my coffee in whatever bag I'm carrying just in case I need one, or two, or ten for the road. Yes, this has made for some uncomfortable conversations but in the long run we're all dead. And I am in college and just don't have the dough to spend on sugar for my morning coffee and without which I would be most unpleasant. So, when it comes down to it, every Splenda I take is an act of public service. Ah, I can sleep tonight. On a lighter note,

Are you kidding? Is this a joke? I'm sorry but if you are monitoring the nutritional facts on the packet of Splenda you have a psychological issue that needs to be addressed. Please seek medical attention if you have been dissuaded from partaking in the evil ways of sugar-wannabes due to their nutrition facts. Another day in the life.

City views

2010-10-05T15:48:00.003-04:00

In love with my camera that is on my phone... it actually takes some fairly decent pictures!

Of course I will be sharing those very pictures right here!

Central Park's Great Lawn... such a gorgeous day!

Walking down the famous path in Central Park...

Columbus Circle

Washington Sq...

... and Washington Sq Park. Very lovely!

Can't wait to share more!

A series of short ones

2010-09-28T15:31:00.005-04:00

Life as been a bit insane lately... actually that is putting it quite mildly. I've been waiting on pins and needles for some information but I'm thinking it's time a take matters into my own hands. I had an AMAZING time this summer visiting family and going on my world tour. (Yeah, I call it my world tour but it was more like a voyage of the Grisswalds from northern to southern California and a brief stint in Oklahoma City). None-the-less I am back in full school mode and pondering how I'm going to pay rent... oh the trails and tribulations of being... how old am I again?

But SOMEONE, who shall remain nameless, seems to think I have time to blog about such adventures... so I propose this, a series of short stories to tell the too-long-to-tell-tale of my summer vacation.

First, about how I set my Aunt's hair on fire.

It was an accident, you see. I was a little... out of sorts. I thought it would be a good idea to start a fire that would make even Smokey blush. My Aunt was all too encouraging, "Hey, grab that wooden bench, oh don't forget that wooden angel, oh and that wood there too!" All of this to go in a fire pit the size of a beach ball.... next thing you know I'm relaxing and put my feet on the fire pit and WOOSH! Like a thousand hailstones of fire emulating a Roman conquering on an enemy city in the still of the night, these little embers shower down all over my dear, sweet, frightened, sober Aunt.

This is the picture of the aftermath...

Actually I just left the lens open too long and there was light behind her... BUT that story did happen... well, that is actually about three stories in one.

Needless to say we are all doing just fine now that the PTSD has been put behind us.

Interviews/ Schmenterschmoos

2010-07-27T21:55:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow I have two interviews....

I am feeling quite the opposite...

However I must abide by the wisdom of the tea!

Tea Wisdom Wednesday

2010-07-21T21:23:00.001-04:00

IMG_3516
Originally uploaded by cspearinca

Happiness comes from within.
Be happy as long as breath is within you
for that is all the time you have.

Can't get enough!

2010-07-11T21:09:00.003-04:00

I like it!

What I really mean is... I LOVE IT!

I'm debating now whether or not I could pull off Enrique's hair style... thoughts?

... I'm also debating whether I can have a little Enrique for myself... thoughts?

Happiness

2010-07-06T20:50:00.005-04:00

This is the last sixth months of some of my happiest moments, friends, family, and all around good memories. Let yourself smile... it feels so good. Enjoy the shenanigans!

Wantons... always... make me happy! Always!

Laguna Beach makes me happy. This view makes me happy.

Sissy. TJ. Hunny. Baby Sister. Taylor Jessie. TayTay... makes me very happy!

Auntie Diva Jill a.k.a. the straight woman version of me... makes me super duper happy!

My mommy makes me gleeful. Love her.

Jill breaking shit with me... very happy!

Jilly Sue at Starbucks = happy Christian.

Cowgirl Jill makes me happy.

When my sister busts her ass from falling off a tire-swing... elation!

When my little bro doesn't get the irony in my acting like a gangsta but loves me anyway... total happiness!

When Trav steals a kiss from Natalie, makes me swoon.

Proud mama makes me smile.

Proud papa makes me cozy.

Antique flapper Christian makes me oh-so-so-happy!

These hellions make me happy (sometimes)

When Taylor says "just a little more butttttaaaaaaa" impossible not to smile.

This cheeseball can be pretty funny sometimes.

A big smile from Natalie makes me joyful!

Speechless. LOVE HER!

Sarah... my oldest friend. I love her.

A mother's love is pure.

Love her too!

Jokes with uncle Mark make me happy in such a unique way... often I am riveted that his thought process is so similar to that of a 20-year-old college student.

Bob makes me happy in ways no one else can :)

When LoRida laughs... I laugh.

Papi makes me feel so comfortable and he's my buddy. I love him.

I have not seen enough of this woman lately... but that will soon change. She makes me beyond happy. No one can tug my heart like she can.

Susie-homebaker... I mean... JustJill, incredible.

You don't know why we were laughing our tits off... and that makes this even more awesome!

Lady Helen makes me feel... complete.

See above

Talking into retro phones makes me happy!

She hasn't ever taken a bad photo... that makes me jealous... and.... that's it.

I love this boy. He's a great guy and a good friend. I'll keep him around for awhile I suppose.

That smile... infectious!

Being sexy makes me happy!

Ro's smile... makes my babies... I mean, makes me smile!

When my great friend's head is unceremoniously chopped off... just gotta laugh it off.

Happy mother with glass of wine... this is how I see myself in case you were wondering.

Chocolate still makes me happy (and clearly Ryan too!).

Ashley's calm spirit and the way her personality wraps around me and hugs me from just the way she looks at me makes me so happy. I feel nothing but love around her.

A.Flo makes me smile because she never stops laughing! (and snorting... no, not drugs)

Ryan makes me happy for hundreds of reason... I'll choose his care-free attitude for this.

This picture completes my soul. One sip changed my life... then this happened. Bliss.

Rochelle happy makes me happy x230984085. When she is in a good mood, mine is amplified by infinity.

Skateboarding with Rochelle replays in my head...

Jessie... how can I even describe how she makes me feel... joyous, playful, and young.

Samantha makes me so so happy by just being herself and not letting anyone change that.

This is what pure elation looks like... what I look like when I think of you.

Lauren making an entrance makes me happy.

Me making Ryan smile, makes me mega happy! ... and I feel so accomplished.

Putting random flowers in our hair... couldn't make a better day.

Those days make me happy.

Being yourself, original, black and white, full of passion... she makes me... think.

She makes me coo... even snarling at me... I love her.

Reflective shades make me vain ...and very happy! Look, I'm included!

Debbie shows me how to be an adult. She's the reason I believe I can be friends with someone from my past, be mature and fun at the same time. She shows me what responsibility and dedication, passion, possession and love are. I love Debbie. She makes me happy.

Ryan eating ribs for breakfast makes me... sick. But happy because he's happy.

Being drunk with Helen and Courtney (unfortunately not in my life the last sixths months so no photographs... but that will be changing very soon!)

I must say that all of my friends and family keep my heart beating. There has been an equal amount of darkness and disgust in the last sixth months. However, due to these moments... I'm still here. So I say, let's get on with the show!

I love you

Hope you're feeling... happy :)

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-04T09:55:00.003-04:00

Have a lovely day! Enjoy the BBQs, watermelon, beer, hotdogs, friends, fireworks, and laughter.

Tea Wisdom Wednesday

2010-06-30T20:31:00.004-04:00

I've been so incredibly busy that I'm surprised I'm able to even look at a computer screen right now.

I do think that I need to remember to take those precious moments at the end of the day to look within.

The last couple of weeks my soul's pupils were fully dilated, letting in all external factors to examen and interpret.

My present holds the key to my future and often times distinguishing the two becomes difficult.

I find myself asking, "How did you get to where you are today?", "What does success mean to you"?, and "Do you feel there is room for growth?", to those working around me.

This reminds me of how analytical I normally am in any environment.

I often ask others "What does happiness mean to you?"

This is my favorite questions and I implore that you think of how you would answer that question.

One of my favorites comes from my friend's grandfather.

Happiness is total satisfaction.

I could not agree more if the words had slide through my own lips and onto the ears of a wide-eyed twenty-year-old.

This Tea Wisdom Wednesday think of what happiness means to you, and I hope you find it at some point every day.

Happiness is served...

Drink up!

50th post. Rochelle, naturally.

2010-06-29T21:19:00.006-04:00

I am going to try and summarize awesomeness in it's purist form, Rochelle.

Holy balls,

Basket Balls.

We went to the seaport... (how many times do I visit the seaport in this blog?) and relaxed a bit...

Okay, if you know me at all you can interpret that. We relaxed a lot! So much so that the thought of even dribbling a basket ball seemed imaginary.

Well it just so happens that I am best friends with a Harlem Globe Trotter.

Ladies and Gentleman...

Rochelle the international basketball superstar decided (with very little persuasion from Debbie and myself) that she would like to partake in this intense obstacle course.

First step... Lay-up.

Easy as 1.

SINKS IT!

Seriously we are totally buzzed and Rochelle out of nowhere just sinks the first lay-up.

This hoop is way the hell up there. How she jumped so high I do not know.

My only guess ...

Human Growth Hormone.

Next step, dribbling in and out of little fake men and doing a "pass bouncy shot thingy" into a hoop (those are the technical terms, of course).

Then a free throw.

Easy as 1.

SINKS IT AGAIN! FIRST F'IN SHOT @$%^!!!!

Then she goes to do another pass thingy where she just throws the ball with a fury of 1,000 angry Madeas into a horizontal hoop (very technical) and dribbles through more of these fake men and does another lay-up!

Not only did she surprise everyone, she kicked 90% of the competitors' asses!

I was so proud.

And a little flush in the cheeks.

Rochelle, how in tarnation ...after tequila slushies with a dash of lime did you do this?

"Ain't no thing..."

God, she is so smooth.

My loins were a'blaze when my 'have my children now, please!' hormones released upon this picture. Wait, that didn't sound right.

Basically everyone there came up to her after to tell her how amazing she is... and to have her sign their Nike High Tops and Air Jordans.

I would also like you to notice that she did this in boots and a mini-skirt!!!

Like a true fashion icon; never lets style impede on being a badass.

and that is how it's done.

I just melted.

Tea Wisdom Wednesday

2010-06-16T21:23:00.002-04:00

Eat a cupcake and love yourself!

L Trap does the city

2010-06-13T21:40:00.006-04:00

This weekend I had the great pleasure of getting to see my friend Lauren. It is so incredible how there is this force that pushes the right people in your life (and also filters the wrong ones out). Well I am so incredibly thankful for that invisible hand!

Lauren contains a light that unveils itself anytime I am around her. She just brightens my day and makes me feel so jovial. It's as though her aura in itself is a time machine to a better place and time.

Come on! Just look at that face... the tension in my face is fleeting at this very moments just imagining how hard we would be laughing if we were together right now.

I am so blessed to have her in my life and we enjoyed each other's company to the fullest on Saturday.

She is very lucky that I started working this summer at a job that has me up early otherwise I may not have seen her until much later in the day!

I managed to wake up at a reasonable time and fly to 34th just in time to meet her for coffee and do a little shopping.

This didn't look as good on me so I'll just show you the picture of her... I thought it looked stunning but I think we agreed she needs something a little more accommodative... up top...

The search is on, actively, that we find our Vegas outfits! I'm thinking just a speedo for me would suffice... or what Lauren helped me pick out =P

I'll give you a hint :

Kid in a candy store!

Off to lunch.

My idea... sushi and cocktails!

How could one go wrong when two of my favorite things are on the menu?

I will spare you those photos (until a later date I'm sure)

Let's just say... Lychee.

With that being said we strutted our sexy selves to a random bar in Union Sq. to watch the USA v. UK match.

Lauren made friends and I had a quick and lovely time before we whisked away to meet our friend Rob.

... at this point I'm feeling all is right in the world. Two of the most positive people I know in my life and a MadDog specialty.

And I guess I wanted Lauren to look at my lip?

I do have one question though...

where did the fat bruise on my hip come from?

Anyone...

anyone?

Back to the cool kids.

They even matched. I can't summarize the awesomeness that is this duo. They have both touched my life in such amazing ways. I will try not to get sappy but they show me what it means to be alive and not just exist. I love you guys!

Hagen Daaz

Dear Lauren,

I'm sorry for trying to make you make bad decisions... forgive me.

Now laugh.

Okay all good.

"Can I get one more scoop... okay, one more. Okay, one more"

Thank you for that!

After all of the gallivanting we had earlier something in me told me I should partake in a little summer fun at the pier. Also known as the devil's juice... It taste oh- oh, so good....

At least one of us looked cool. I must say there was this adorable little kid with a bubble blowing machine and I might have yelled at him after Lauren tried to talk with him "Stranger Danger!" I guess I wanted him to be as guarded as the adults in the world however, Lauren is far too friendly and he saw the real threat in her. I guess you had to be there.

Lauren: "hey, are you a mets fan?"

*I turn briskly as he is about to retort to a complete stranger so as to save the day*

Me: (to bubble boy) "STRANGER DANGER!"

Then I went back to the devil's juice and we later meandered to a pretty view and Lauren showed me how to model... whilst burning your shoulder I might add.

Lovely over the shoulder look Lauren.

Oh yes! Give me perplexed and excitement and elation. Perfect... she takes direction so well!

So, did you have as good a time as I did?

I'll take that as a D-U-H!

Until next time...

Thank you,

I miss you already,

New York misses you!

MWAH!

Tea Wisdom Wednesday (again)

2010-06-09T19:54:00.003-04:00

So I'm a little sad that my last post was a tea wisdom wednesday.... but I'm over it.

I started my new job... that I love! ...and needless to say, however I will say it, I've been quite busy.

My boss is so hysterical it takes a lot of energy for me to not laugh the entire time I'm with him... and his boss is funny, and his boss is funny... you get the point. Not to mention my co-workers are, for the most part, very cordial.

It doesn't take much to get me motivated early in the morning because I know that work will be fun (don't quote me on this... it's only day 5).

Starting this new chapter of my life it's been hard to know how to get my footing.

Then I get this gem of advice. Listening is the key to learning. Instead of me masking my fears and ignorance with stubbornness and acting like I know what I'm doing, I simply listen and take note.

The same is true for other situations. I find that I relate to others in telling my own stories. I notice that when someone is trying to tell me their story I cut in and start in with my own similar experience. Luckily I have realized that I do this and can prevent it.

Once you start to truly listen, you hear much more than what is being said.

Everyone speaks in their own way. Listen to tone and read between the lines.

For your greatest tool is to listen.

Forever and always,

Tea Wisdom Wednesday

2010-06-02T06:14:00.004-04:00

I begin the journey of wakening up at the crusty eyed, dark-yet hopeful time of six-o'god why me in the morning. So far it does not seem to bother me that much however I blame the endless possibilities that lay before me. Similarly to how the morning sucks one iota less when you have something fun and exciting to look forward to. I found myself having my tea one day with a much needed little piece of advice. I always do try to stay positive in my own life. Even when the chips are down I try not to crumble and let my emotions take the best of me. (please remove last year of life where the antithesis is true). Well I read something that put a little extra pip in my step, or crawl, rather, at this point. Peel your eyes open, gasp for moisture-less air, and creek together with me every morning and remember to...

That way when anyone tries to put you down because you are one supernova of awesomeness you know for a fact it is because they are threatened by your ever-growing supply of positive energy... and that they're jealous. I am about to go to orientation with many intelligent people and jump into, yet another, crazy experience. Though I should be worried about so many things, at this point, I know I simply need to be great.

reflection

2010-06-01T15:00:00.001-04:00

reflection
Originally uploaded by cspearinca

Fire Island is like a world I've never know,
Or a world I've known my whole life
And just discovered.
I love the beach,
I love the sun and sand,
mostly I love my friends

I hate soggy sandwiches.

I am at a loss of words

2010-05-15T08:55:00.004-04:00

This may not mean much to you but I did something worth a little pat on the back.

Okay, screw that! This should mean something to you too, darnit!

As I was sitting looking out of my window for the last time in this room...

something totally crazy started happening.

(Actually not crazy at all. It was forecasted...)

A lightening storm was coming through my neck of the woods.

Alas, and of course, I snatched my camera and tried to take a picture.

Do you know how freaking hard it is to take a picture of lightening???

Well... do you?

I'll save you the trouble of trying to find out. Freakin' hard, man!

But after more than a few failed attempts, I got it.

Let me tell you... totally worth it.

(in a hopefully not failed attempt at over-analyzing life as I tend to do, isn't that like most things in life?

Takes more effort -> has a bigger payoff? Just sayin')

Well I happen to love this reward.

Visit my flikr for much less awesome photos!

Tea Wisdom Wednesday

2010-05-12T11:43:00.001-04:00

Once upon a time my tea told me exactly what I want to mold my life after.
(See above photo for mind-boggling advice)
I harbor the past like no one's business and I have realized that there are some things you need to release to move on. Being as young as I am it seems like what past... right? Well, for starters forgiving anyone that has hurt me. And let's face it... sometimes our feelings get hurt regardless of rationality. I find forgiving others is a piece of cake. The person I have extreme hurdles forgiving is myself.
I have to forgive the mistakes that I have made and realize that it has led to where I am at this exact point in time.
I would like to challenge you to take a look within and think of some things that you have lingering in your aura. Maybe you, too, are punishing yourself for events that you cannot change.
Let go. Remember the importance of your past however, try not to dwell in what economics (Sorry! It's just so tempting to use economics to juxtapose my life) is referred to as a "sunk cost".

Christian out
*drops the mic*

another day, another move

2010-05-11T11:02:00.005-04:00

There lies yet another move in my immediate future. The feelings? Happiness. Nervousness. Excitement. Fear? I feel as though I have moved approximately seven hundred times in the last three years.
Make that seven hundred and one.
However this time is different. Mwahahaha.
No more dorm life.
Wait.
Seriously?
I am so ready to peace-out from Pace housing it is not even funny.
I have had such an adventure living in "the tower" as a freshman AND sophomore. More adventures living in Fulton over the summers. John st. half of this year and Brooklyn Heights for the second half.
Now it is time to move on to bigger and better things.

But for now I will share what I will miss about Brooklyn Heights...
Let's start with the obvious.
Only Kidding! ... or am I?

I will most definitely miss the myriad awe-inspiring views!
1895?
The sunsets...
The energy! (at the same time the easy-going relaxation that is Brooklyn Heights)
Oh the view! The view from my window will be missed very much.
...and I'm going to miss walking this bad boy. Such easy access from home to school. Basically a connection from door-to-door.

With all of this change comes much optimism and excitement and I cannot wait to find things that I will love about this next place.