Mountaintop Water Drop

I'm going to change up the blogging a little today.  Today I'm going to be analyzing something that has been bothering me for a while.  It is a "documentary" that is coming out September 10.  Yes.  I'm going there.  It's entitled I'm Still Here: The Lost Years of Joaquin Phoenix.  It is basically the last 'year' of Joaquin's life following his transition from movies to music.  And not Walk the Line Johnny Cash music that he was incredible at.  Instead, this two-time Oscar nominee is taking a shot at Hip/Hop.  Yup, I said it.  Hip/Hop.

It's Casey Affleck (Joaquin's brother-in-law, married to his sis Summer, brother to Ben) following him around with a camera and crew.  The past year has been fueled with rumors - is it a documentary or a Christopher Guest-like mockumentary?  And recently there have been two sexual-based lawsuits against Casey Affleck by two women involved in the 'movie'.  All of which I will interpret.  The trailer came out recently so watch it for yourself first.  Then we will discuss.  Intensely.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1742407193/

It opens with a philosophical monologue of some sort that goes a little something like this:

That's you.

Drops of water and you're on top of the mountain of success.

But one day you start sliding down the mountain and think - wait a minute - I'm a mountaintop water drop.

I don't belong in this valley, this river, this little dark ocean with all these drops of water.  

But then one day, it gets hot and you slowly evaporate into air, way up higher than any mountaintop - all the way to the heavens.

Then you understand that it was at your lowest that you were closest to God.

Life's a journey that goes round and round and the end is closest to the beginning.  

So it's change you need, relish the journey.

This can be interpreted in many different ways but I think most of us are intelligent enough to get the gist.  Joaquin's the water drop.  And the mountain is fame.  Boom.

So lets do a play-by-play of the trailer:

1. Joaquin being surrounded by paparazzi at the Late Show with David Letterman preceding his infamous Farrah Fawcett-like interview with Dave.  Which believe me, we'll be going over as well.  It is just too juicy not to.

2. His first stage show in which the crowd was half laughing/half jamming because he was so terrible.

3. The limo ride after his first show during which his head is being covered by the same sweater I'm assuming he was wearing at the 'concert'.  Too embarrassed to show his face.  He should be.

4. This part is what I like to call the 'crazy hair suit fitting smoking cig' scene.

5. Another paparazzi shot of his Two Lovers premiere which was his last movie.

6. A shot of him walking around with his crazy hair in a room.  I'm guessing this is post-Dave interview.

7. A shot of his back side on a DJ booth/sound stage.

8. Next is a fun shot of him eagle running down a corridor.  Cause he is as free as a bird?

9. Now is an intense brother-to-brother hug between Joaquin & P-Diddy Puffy Puff Daddy Sean Combs himself.  Who is rumored to be his music manager.  Which just pushes the whole belief that it is all just a hoax to a new level.

10. Then there is a horrifying shot of Joaquin without a shirt on.  Which flashes me back to anyone I've ever dated.  It also is just disturbing because he looks homeless.  It also tries to put forward some kind of sympathy from the viewers as he looks longingly at the ground in wonderment.  Is he at a low point?  Or is he farting?

11. Then there are some anger shots.  There is a shot that looks like he is crowd surfing at one of his 'concerts'.  But after some research, it turns out to be Joaquin attacking a heckler in the crowd.  Then him getting escorted out by some 'bouncers'.  

12. Now there is a weird shot of Joaquin and some one fighting in what looks like a hotel room.  With some more research on my part, this scene illustrates the aftermath of something incredibly disturbing.  Stay tuned to learn what that is.

12. Fist pumping in a driveway.

13. Flowing with a local.

14. Hanging out with his homies.

15. Then a couple shots of him in a church.  The first in a pew in which Joaquin's hand is covering his heart.  Which only leads me to believe that he is doing the Pledge of Allegiance in a church.  Or he is trying to pray and is failing?  Then he is hugging what looks to be a priest/preacher/teacher of God.  With the craziest of hair shots to date.

16. Finally, the closing scene is of Joaquin in a room as the door closes and the scene darkens.  Dramatic.  Nice job Casey.

17. And in conclusion, Joaquin with his shades as the crowd chants 'Joaquin'.  Which I'm sure was done a couple of weeks ago in a sound studio by a couple of NYU college students that were promised beer afterwards.

Well, what do we think?  Will we go see it?  Probably not.  Instead I'll just wait and listen to what the critics write/say.  Here is how some reviews have gone so far:

1. The Los Angeles Times reported that the film featured "more male frontal nudity than you'd find in some gay porn films and a stomach-turning sequence in which someone feuding with Phoenix defecates on the actor while he's asleep".  Yup.  That just happened.  There is a scene in which a reported 'rival musician' poops on Joaquin's face.  Revert to number 12 above for further explanation.  Or just take a minute to soak that in.

2. There is also a reported scene in which Joaquin is receiving oral sex by a publicist.  Uh, sure.

3. Is this the true final cut that Affleck will send to Magnolia Pictures who is the company who bought I'm Still Here for distribution?  I guess someone had to buy it.  I guess number 1 & 2 are enough to not go see it.  Ever.  Number 1 and 2.  Haha, I'm funny.

So lets talk about his David Letterman appearance.  Watch: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuO75_hJgCQ

Joaquin was there to promote his new and 'final' film Two Lovers.  The interview is in a few words: bizarre, awkward, funny, sad and painful.  It is filled with Dave doing his best to compliment Joaquin's new film and his career as an actor.  It has been three years since Joaquin's last appearance and will probably be forever until his next.  Unless he is looking for somewhere to perform is Hip/Hop.  In that case, Dave will be first on his list of concert dates.  Dave of course could not ignore his physical appearance.  His crazy hair and beard but he is surprisingly still dressed nice.  Even though you get the sense that he has been in that suit for a couple weeks.  Sleeping in cupboards and cardboard boxes.  The audience is continuously laughing uncontrollably at the hilariousness of Joaquin.  Is it a joke?  Or is he serious?  Then Dave asks him how his days were with the Unibomber.  Which lets face it, is fucking funny.  Dave then asks him why he is leaving acting and for him to reconsider.  However, Joaquin is confused and responds by stating that he does not know why he is leaving acting.  Um, ok.  Joaquin then says that he is working on his Hip/Hop as the crowd laughs.  In which Joaquin responds in asking Dave what his crowd is on.  Nitrous?  Warm Pepsi?  The real question is, what kind of drugs is Joaquin on?  I'm thinking a cocktail of different pills mixed with a dash of heroin and rimmed with some cocaine.  Then Dave asks Joaquin to set-up the clip from Two Lovers.  Joaquin responds in silence in which is my favorite part of the show - Paul Shaffer jackass laughs.  Who's to blame him?  That shits funny.  Joaquin responds with "are you fucking serious" about his "maniacal laughter".   Joaquin starts to get pissed as Dave says "I'll come to your house and chew gum".  So Joaquin naturally puts his gum underneath Dave's desk.  Dave moves on to the clip again.  Right before the clip starts to play - Joaquin takes his gum back.  Naturally.  After the clip, Dave says "Joaquin, sorry you couldn't be here tonight".  Uh, agreed.  Dave concludes with an apology to Farrah Fawcett and congrats Joaquin on his new career.  Joaquin is already trying to leave when Dave tries to go to a break.   Suffice to say - that interview was visibly awkward.  I think Dave would welcome Joaquin back with open arms.  Those type of ratings would be stupid to pass up.  Especially if Tone Loc, MC Hammer & P Diddy joined Joaquin on stage with a rendition of "Imagine".

With all this controversy and wonderment comes really bad press for the movie.  A couple of weeks ago a producer of the film, Amanda White, filed a $2 million lawsuit against Casey Affleck.  In a 19 page complaint, White claims that Affleck acted inappropriately with "uninvited and unwelcome sexual advances in the workplace".  Her list of damages include sexual harassment, breach of oral contract and intentional infliction of emotional distress.  She also claims that Affleck owes her money for her services as a producer.  Affleck quickly shot back threatening to counter-sue if White did not back down.  Affleck claims that White is just pissed because she got terminated from the production over a year ago.  So things looked ok for Casey - someone looking for a pay off it looks like.

Then a $2.25 million lawsuit was filed against Affleck by Magdalena Gorka who was the cinematographer for the 'documentary'.   Gorka claims that Affleck engaged in a pattern of harassing behavior and refused to pay or credit her when he forced her to leave the project.  

With what is happening in the film, it is hard not to believe these two women.  I mean there is a scene in which Joaquin gets orally pleased by a member of the staff.  It seems that the only thing Affleck has going for him is that he is being defended by female friends over the sexual harassment claims.  It is going to be interesting to see how this all plays out.  Especially after the film is released.  

So real or fake?  Joaquin has done nothing since Two Lovers and has nothing in the works according to imdb.com.  Personally, I'm leaning towards the real.  On a serious note, I think Joaquin is a very tortured soul.  I mean we don't hang on weekends and shoot hoops so I've never actually met him.  But then again, celebrities are my friends and I am entitled to my opinions.  On October 31, 1993, outside The Viper Room in LA, Joaquin witnessed as his very talented brother River overdosed and died in his arms.  Joaquin called 911 himself which was later rebroadcast on radio and TV the world over, repeatedly.  That event could alter any one's personality or behavior continuously through out their life. In April 2005, Joaquin went to rehab for alcoholism.  In January 2006, he was in a car accident that could of taken his life but he managed to walk away without any major injuries.  The accident was reported to be caused by brake failure.  Just like anyone, Joaquin has had his ups and downs throughout his life.  However, with everything that has happened in his life, I think he has hit a breaking point.  Thus, the hair.  And the Hip/Hop.  October 2008, he announced his retirement from acting.  

I'll let you come up with your own opinion on I'm Still Here.  If it does turn out to be fake, my tortured-soul bit is going to look idiotic but those are the risks I enthrall myself into.  In conclusion, Joaquin looks like one crazy bastard throughout the film.  And life.  He's a mountaintop water drop.

"What do you think you are, for Chrissake, crazy or somethin'?  Well you're not!  You're not!  You're no crazier than the average asshole out walkin' around on the streets and that's it."

-R.P. McMurphy played by Jack Nicholson in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

A Day in the Life of

If you are reading and aren't a 'follower' yet, please do so!  It lets me know that you are reading and therefore allows me judge you for various reasons.

So with this new post comes a lot of pressure.  I have been overwhelmed with all the great comments, text messages & phone calls I have received in response to this blog or 'bog' as some of you have come to know it with my e-mails.  Note to self: check spelling.  But more than anything, I am enormously flattered. Never in my wildest dreams would I think anyone would be interested in anything I have to say/write.  People actually enjoying my writing and wanting more is exceptionally more than I could ever ask for.  So for that, I thank you.  Without my family and friends I would be nowhere.  Especially in Philadelphia.  I'd be applying for management at McDonalds in Haltom City (Fort Worth).  Or Gotham City as Bari referred to it for the entire year I lived there.  Yes.  She thought I lived with Batman.  Literally.

Well these last couple of days have been interesting to say the least because let's face it - it's another day in the life of Lauren.  Wednesday I went in for my orientation with the Fox.  Yes I have worked there before but still have to do the training all over again.  Oh joy.  My transportation downtown sucks.  There is a parking garage right above the Fox which actually owns the Fox.  So I get to park there for $10 a day.  The train would be a lot cheaper but it doesn't run out where I live past midnight.  Which bums me out not only because of the financial reasons but can you imagine the stories I would have from a 3-4 am train ride??  Holy homeless people and freak shows and me.  Perrrrfeccctttt.  "Can I have a dollar?  Or a 40 of King Cobra & a rock of crack?"

The orientation is supposed to be 2 hours of course but we wrapped it up in less than 45 minutes including the 'tour'.  We basically filled out the necessary paperwork - tax info and such.  Then we had to go over the handbook.  For me, the second time.  Skipping over such things as attitude, attendance,
Going over things such as getting fired for being drunk on the job, serving a minor, theft.  But he did say that they gamble occasionally and everyone that works there does drugs.  Just don't do drugs at work or come to work high.  I took copious notes.  We got to the part where it said that "All servers much pass the 'server' test," in which he responded by saying that we would get the test and a menu to cheat off of.  You can take breaks whenever you want if you aren't busy: smoking, eating, playing on your phone and watching tv on your laptop are all acceptable.  The uniform is pretty basic.  Black shoes and the standard Fox shirt.  You have a choice of black pants or skirt.  You can wear shorts but they have to be finger-tip length short.  Which I thought was interesting since the only size shirts they order are smalls and that they order them from Baby Gap.  So boob exposure is ok but don't show too much leg.  Check, check.

There is zero tolerance for fraternization between managers and servers/bartenders.  But lets be serious, does that ever happen?  My last GM is now married to one of his former servers.  He did warn us that they are really serious about it because no one would put their job in jeopardy.  And that there is no screwing in the office because there is a camera.  I believe it's mainly to make sure no one steals.  But also to keep in check appropriate behavior.  Legit.

For the most part, seems like it is going to be a casual place to work.  I hope to meet some great people and make tons of money.  Pray for me.

On my way home I decided to treat myself to a meal.  I went to Chili's because they brought my favorite thing back on the menu.  I can't seem to quit that place.  I went to the Chili's closest to my house which is about 3-5 miles away.  I was already going the right direction - the SAFE direction.  However, I was unsure of the location of the Chili's so I let my GPS direct me....  Does anyone else wish that when you calculate your route on your GPS, there is a GET ME THE HELL OUT OF THE GHETTO ROUTE button?  The first few times I went downtown, I had to plug it into my GPS and all times it took me through the worst parts of Philadelphia.  Then I decided to CALCULATE ALTERNATIVE route on my GPS and it took me to a DIFFERENT ghetto.  WTF?  Does my GPS have a secret death wish for me?  What did I ever do to it?  What's a white red head young girl in a black new Altima with Texas plates and a Texas A&M Alumni sticker on her back windshield going to do in an area that has multiple stabbings a day when her tire blows?  No one needs to know where I'm getting my facts from.  Just know that it's true.  I mean, there is a zero percent survival rate for me on this road and my GPS keeps taking me there even though I'm on the complete opposite side of town and its an hour out of my way.  Oh no.  Must go through Ghetto.  I've got to know this road system quick before my GPS has its way.  Bitch GPS.  Murdering bitch GPS.

With all that stress, I finally made it home with my nachos & queso to find myself with a terrible headache.  I tried to get rid of it but it just got worse.  So I got my first migraine in PA.  Granted it was a stage 1 migraine but Katy still had to help me do stuff.  It's so embarrassing having someone take care of you.  I am really thankful to live with people that are willing to take care of me.

Today was my first day of training.  I am supposed to be there at 5 so leave Glenside at 3:30 just to be on the safe side.  However, I get up late and don't even shower.  I make the best first impressions...  I also forgot to do my Learn2Serve thing online.  It's like TX TABC certification.   So here I am.  On my first day of training.  Without my shit together.  Classic.

I get to the parking garage around 4ish.  Hour early.  Nice.  I decide to play on my iPod touch.  I make my way down the parking garage to the bar.  Get there and there's a couple people in there, me included.  I find what looks like a manager sitting at a table.  I introduce myself and have a seat.  Seems like a nice guy but somewhat resembles Mr. Clean.  My trainer isn't here yet so I'm chilling.  She finally gets there and the first thing I notice is tits.  She wears her Baby Gap tee the appropriate way which I wish I had the balls to wear it like that.  I have tried to wear my tee like that but it seems to ride itself back up my neckline like its rejecting my boobs.  She's really sweet and gives me a menu to look over.  I tell her my past experience and ask her a few questions.  I think she gets the gist that I know what I'm doing.  I think it's going to be an easy shift.  We finally get a table and she takes it.  I watch like a creeper.  Everything goes great and she gets a $13 tip on $37 tab.  Things are looking good.  Three hours later and we haven't had another table.  Things not so good.  She says it's never like this and I respond with: "My luck sucks."  She's trying to get me out of there which I appreciate.  We get another table of 2 girls and I greet them.  My trainer says they look familiar and realizes that she waited on one of the girls a couple of weeks ago.  She remembers her because this girl threw up in the booth then left her exact change.  What the fuck is wrong with people?  We go back over to the table of girls and they are organizing some kind of treasure hunt.  They are making people do things like walk a stranger's dog or take a cab, etc.  They asked us for creative ideas.  I couldn't think of anything and walked off.  I later realize that the appropriate response to that question is "Throw up in a bar.  And then stiff your server."

So there are 2 guy servers there.  One of which looks like a chubbier Matt Damon in The Departed - Boston accent and all.  I get really excited because:
A. He's Chubby.  And lets face it, I like that.
And B.  the accent does magical things to me.
But then my life falls apart when I hear about his anniversary with his girlfriend coming up.  Poop.  Lost another chubby Matt Damon look-alike.  Chubby-chaser Lauren fails again.

So other than it being dead, the first follow went good.  There are a lot of interesting people that work there and I'm excited to learn more about them.  So I can let you all get-to-know them as well.  I think I will have some good stories because lets just say that my manager wasn't making up the whole everyone that works there does drugs scenario...

Driving home I felt a sense of accomplishment.  I also was observing my drive home and being moved by these various buildings and landscapes that I get to pass by almost everyday.  It made me feel really lucky and happy.  I drive down 16th street to Ben Franklin Parkway:

I drive on a roundabout around the Swann Fountain.

Night shot of the Fountain.

Then to my left there is the Franklin Institute of Science.  Right now they are having a Cleopatra exhibit that I want to visit.

Franklin Institute

Cleopatra

Benjamin Franklin Parkway is lined with flags of the United States.  It also leads to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and what are known as the 'Rocky Steps'.

This is when they had the Dali exhibit.  Right now there is a Late Renoir exhibit but ends September 4th.  I'm going to try to go next Week.

This is obviously Christmas time which I haven't experienced yet.  But this picture gives you a sense driving-wise what I experience almost everyday.  Isn't it unreal?

This is the Rocky statue.  It was at the top of the steps I was told but has been since moved to the bottom.  Doesn't really look like Sylvester but who am I to judge?

After this I merge onto Kelly Drive but go through Boathouse Row first and parts of Fairmount Park.  It is along the Schuylkill River.  I'll let that name settle with you for a moment.

Ok, moment has passed.  It's a row of 15 boathouses and they are frats & racing clubs.  

Kelly Drive runs right behind these houses.

I've been debating on putting on my best outfit and heals.  Then hittin' the strip.  Hard.

Just to see what happens.

View on what I drive next to.  Gorgeous.  But I've been told to not go in the river.  Gorgeous but with heavily contagious diseases.  By America.

A cool cave I drive under.  Pretty sweet.

I'll try to eventually get my own photos on here.  But for now I'll keep busy with stealing them from the internet.  My drive is so surreal and it reminds me everyday how lucky I am to be living here.  I cannot wait to explore the city more.  First conquer Philly, then NYC.  I'm really excited to start the Improv class in the Spring.  I have also been really thinking about sketch writing but we'll see.  

Does anyone know if there is a Rosetta Stone for accents?  If I'm going to be a better impersonator, I need to brush up on my accents.  I'm really tired of my Arnold Schwarzenegger sounding like a drunk  Austrian stripper from East Texas.  I need to look into it.  GET TO THE CHOPPERRRRRR.

"Ah come on, Adrian, it's true.  I was nobody.  But that don't matter either, you know? 'Cause I was thinkin', it really don't matter if I lose this fight.  It really don't matter if this guy opens my head, either.  'Cause all I wanna do is go the distance.  Nobody's ever gone the distance with Creed, and if I can go that distance, you see, and that bell rings and I'm still standin', I'm gonna know for the first time in my life, see, that I weren't just another bum from the neighborhood."

-Rocky Balboa played by Sylvester Stallone in Rocky

New Job

It happened!  I finally got a new job!!  YAYYY!!  I'm working at the Fox & Hound again in downtown Philadelphia.  It's in a great location near the Kimmel Center.  I went in there to fill out an application last week around 6PM and they were extremely busy.  And since football season is approaching, I hope to be making more money than my fat neighbor Joe who tends to walk outside at dawn and stare at his plants.

Here are a few pics of the inside:

I am dreading theme nights again.  I never thought dressing up as a slutty secretary for Secretary's Day was in my job description but it is again.  Other than that, I hope to work with cool people and meet some interesting Philadelphians/travelers.  I interviewed with my GM Jason today and he cursed in the first sentence he said to me.  Professional?  No.  Makes me feel like I'm at home?  Yes.  And he's sexy with his spikey hair and accent so at least it'll be something fun for me to stare at.  I told him I was a funny jackass and he seemed to like that so points for me.  Hopefully I won't scare the staff too much since I've done it at every job I've ever had.  But people tend to keep there distance from me until they know its safe to approach.  I cannot wait to start earning some money so I can be less stressed.  

These last couple weeks of doing nothing has really allowed me to catch up on my shows that I've missed.  I'm fully caught up on True Blood, Entourage, The Pacific, Glee, Modern Family and now about to finish up Grey's Anatomy.  Lost interest after the 3rd season but am enjoying it again.  It has also inspired me to become an organ donor.  I also signed up to be a bone marrow donor as well.  I urge everyone to do it if you have not already.  We could really save many lives.  My liver should go to someone special.  

Love everyone so much!  Please keep e-mailing me so I can be up to date on everyone!

"I can't believe what a bunch of nerds we are.  We're looking up "money laundering" in a dictionary."

-Peter Gibbons played by Ron Livingston in Office Space

The Room is Finished!

My new room!

Bed, dresser & Nightstand

Acknowledge photo of sexy dad. Also Poley & Blankey.

Yes, I'm 25.

Desk area with photos of my besties and door handle ornament thanks to Darrelyn.

Huge tv with books and amazing album made my Bari.

Vanity area since there is only one bathroom in the house.

Also laundry hamper and part of my closet area.

Yup, that's my closet.  Please pray for me and my huge array of crap.

"A new life awaits you in the Off-world colonies!  A chance to begin again in a golden land of opportunity and adventure!" 

-Announcer from Blade Runner

Philadelphia

Friday Katy Anne had to work so Bari, Kellen & I did some excursions on our own.  We headed to downtown Philadelphia because they wanted to take me to the dog park to scare me.  However, I ended up getting really lost and we never found our way back to where we had been the day before.  However, we still ended up in really cool part of downtown Philly.  We did a lot of shopping around and ate at this amazing Italian place.

Yup, this side of this abandoned building says: 'Forever Boner'.  The other side was funnier but we were in such shock that we didn't get a chance to take a picture.  The other side said: '4ever Boner'.  

Funny to most.  HILARIOUS to us.

We later got some ice cream and I realized that for the last couple days Bari had been placing her receipts in a pocket of my purse.  She is such a sneaky trinket.  We decided to hit up the bar circuit and scope out some potential jobs for me.  We ended up deciding to hit up the Fox & Hound in downtown Philly to see how it was because I knew I could easily get a job there since I had worked there before.  We got there later in the night and it was dead.  On a Friday night.  However it was really large and had screens everywhere.  There was also a tv in the bathroom which 'had me at hello' if you will.  Katy Anne got off work and we decided to head back to the house.  We played rummicub for a bit then hit the sack.

We got up the next morning and took Kellen to the airport.  After that we headed downtown to the Old City & Historical District.  We went to see the Liberty Bell and Constitution Hall.

We ate at Market Center and later went Betsy Ross' house.  We also went to the oldest street in Philadelphia which is Elfreth's Alley.  We then went to a bar in Old City that had a million different beers.  We went back to the house where Katy & Bari made me watch The Bachelorette.  I tried to not slit my wrists.

The next day we took Bari to the airport.  My last friend was leaving me and I cried for the third time dropping a friend off at the airport.  I am so thankful to have amazing friends that would do anything for me and I, for them.  I love you all so much!

"I say we make a pact.  Here and now.  We're here for each other, always, no matter what happens in life.  If Teeny goes off to Hollywood or I marry a rich doctor, we remember this day and this pact.  Whenever we need a friend, we're here for each other.  We can count on it.  Always.  No matter what."

-Chrissy played by Ashleigh Aston Moore from Now & Then

New York City

We got up at 6 am and got our things together for our drive to New York City.  The drive takes about an hour and a half.  When we got to the Lincoln Tunnel traffic began to pile up as people were heading into the city for work.  There was an American flag on the Lincoln Tunnel as we entered it.  In the tunnel, there is a dividing line on the wall separating the New Jersey/New York state lines which was neat.  We made it to the hotel to get our luggage checked in as we made our way around the city.  Thanks to Katy's brother-in-law who works at the W in Dallas, we got to stay at the W Times Square for a discounted rate.  It was awesome!

The W is all about being Modern.

These chairs are cool but lets face it.  My ass is gonna hurt.

We got our luggage squared away and left for our journey to our first stop: Rockafeller Center.  We passed by Radio City Music Hall and NBC Studios (my future work place - we'll I'll be the janitor maybe).  Rockafeller Center wasn't too busy but still full of people.  

After doing a bit of walking around, we got in line to go up to the Top of the Rock.  The line went pretty fast.  However the poor people that work there have to wear the WORST uniforms.  They all look like gay sailors.  Here are some pics of the amazing view:

View of the City & Central Park

The view was amazing, there are three different levels you can view the city from.  Naturally we were all thinking of something that is very common I'm sure.  We discussed the different ways of how people can launch themselves off the top.  Well, thats why they're my friends.  Because we can talk about these things like it's normal.  Cause it is.  Right?  We saw the Empire State Building, Central Park, our hotel and 5 million other buildings.  I started to get a little dizzy though so we headed off to our next destination.  We decided to stop and get something to eat.  This is when I foresaw something I didn't know about one of my friends.  It was both terrifying and gentle.  Both alarming and calm.  Stephanie is scared shitless of birds:

We made our way to FAO Schwartz so we could see the really expensive stuffed animals and play on the piano.  There was a line at the life-size piano so we waited a bit.  I would put up photos but cannot because some people haven't sent out there photos like THEY PROMISED.  FAO was fun but we did our business and got out.  We walked to Central Park and Katy Anne tried to arrange for us to take a carriage ride around the park.  But there was a catch, she couldn't go because they only allowed 4.  Silly, silly girl.  We got off it immediately so we could hang out together.  We walked around the park to see the various sites and people.  There were people laying out, reading, a homeless person sitting on a hill singing at the top of his lungs, runners & people playing sports.  We walked along until we got to a spot to sit and take a break.  

I was started to get a headache of course...  During our break, we witnessed a child and his mother.  The young toddler was having a tantrum and was literally hitting and beating his mother/nanny? in the face repeatedly.  We watched in shock.  We all wanted to get up and beat the kid to a pulp.  We reflected on our childhoods and how our parents would of never put up with that.  However, my stories were a little different.  I always ran away from my parents if I had done something wrong and they were always too tired to chase after me.  Good times.

After our break, we hailed a cab to the Metropolitan Museum of Art/MY HAVEN!  

We decided to meet up in a couple of hours and go our separate ways so each of us could view what we wanted to.  I have been there once before but you could spend a week there and still not see everything!  I decided to hit up Medieval Art, Assyrian & Greek art.  I had studied Assyrian & Greek heavily in college and was excited to see things in person!  I ended up having extra time to I went into the European paintings wing again.  Saw some of my favs: Caravaggio, Turner, Cezzane, Manet, Monet, Seurat & van Gogh.

Norte-Dame-de-la-Garde (La Bonne-Mere), Marseilles by Paul Signat

van Gogh

They were having a Picasso exhibit which was neat.  I'm not a huge Picasso fan but definitely admire him.  I finished up my MET day at the Egyptian area.  I also did a lot of Egyptian research in college but have been through this exhibit once before.  Met up the rest of the girls at 3PM and we made our way to the exit.  There was a man outside singing so Bari & Stephanie proceeded to stare at him.  Then they gave him their money.  They seemed to keep getting suckered into the constant entertainment that was NYC.  We got in a cab and made our way back to the hotel.  I was not feeling well because of my headache.  We had a while before we had to get ready for dinner/going out so I decided to stay and rest while the rest of the girls went to Forever 21 to shop.  I fell asleep pretty quick.  The girls came back, all with purchases.

Of course I took this light fixture and pretended to be a K-Mart Worker:

"Attention K-Mart shoppers..."

I couldn't figure out how to turn the sink on/off.  Fucking Modernism.

My friend from high school, Heather, lives in New York and was going to swing by after work to see me!  I was super excited so I started to get ready for the night.  We were meeting one of Katy's Roadhouse regulars at 8PM in Chinatown for dinner.  He is a New Yorker and was going to introduce us to Chinatown's best food.  Heather came over and hung out.  It was so great to see her!  She recommended us to some great places to go to after dinner!  We were all really excited but pretty rushed.  We finally got to the subway station to make our way to Chinatown.  After some problems with the machines, we all made our way onto the platform.

Glamour shots at the Subway station?  I think so.

We made it to Chinatown where we waited on Katy's regular to meet up with us.  He finally appeared with... another dude.  We all sensed that we were getting ourselves into an eventful evening.  We chit-chatted as we made our way to the restaurant.  This other guy was awkward.  He would make weird comments like "Everything is bigger in Texas", etc.  We finally got to the restaurant which was extremely busy and TINY.  We waited for a table as we all began to sweat.  The other guy suddenly exits and says he is going to the store for 'cigarettes'.  We all get seated as Katy's regular is being a bossy New Yorker and ordering everything for us.  The other guy comes back sans cigarettes.  He says they were closed as he is twitching and staring into space with huge bug eyes like Jeff Goldblum had in The Fly.  I am shocked and begin to just stare down at my phone as I text away.  Bari makes the comment above a whisper as she is staring at my texting: "How do you know its cocaine?"  I looked at Cokey, then looked at her and said: "I'll tell you later."  Katy & Steph make an exit to the bathroom.  When they come back, Steph texts Kellen and says that we are telling them that we are too tired to go out and are going back to our hotel room after dinner.  The bossy New Yorker orders our food as it takes forever to come out.  

Coked-out-of-his-mind guy is staring and randomly making bizarre comments while we all try to act like its normal.  All of the sudden, the waiter comes by and drops two plates of huge smelly shrimp in goop sauce right in front of me.  For those of you that know me, you know what my reaction is.  I immediately begin to get nauseous and almost have to leave the table.  But I keep it together as Kellen quickly moves it out of my face.  I keep making comments that I'm sick so we can get out of this nightmare.  Dinner finally ends as most of us don't eat anything.  We manage to get out of hanging out with them after dinner even after Bari makes the comment of wanting ice cream...  She's slow but I love her.   

As we are leaving my huge wedges hit a crack in the sidewalk.  Well, its over folks.  As Bari describes it, my ankle is sideways on the concrete at one moment while I'm still standing then WHACK.  I hit the ground face forward as my purse and phone fly out of my hands.  And I feel like I'm paralyzed.  I cannot move because my knees are in such bad shape.  My girlfriends manage to get me up but then when I get up and can't stay standing up.  Cokey McGee is screaming: "I saw the WHOLE THING" as workers and people from neighboring buildings are coming out to see if I'm ok.  I say that I'm fine and that I just need a little air as coked-out man yells: "GIVE HER SOME AIR."  Officially the weirdest/worst evening ever.  But in my eyes, a regular Lauren night:

I was bleeding from both knees as the girls cleaned me up.  My hands were scraped but not bad.  My ankle (thank goodness) was fine.  Clutzy Lauren strikes again.  However, I think it scared the fellows off.  We parted ways at the subway stop.  We decided our next move was to one of the bars that Heather recommended.  We got in cabs and jetted off from our Chinatown experience.  The bar was laid back and chill.  Liquor was served in expresso/coffee cups and beers in bottled brown bags.  We chilled there for a little bit but decided to get back to the hotel and go somewhere local so we didn't have a hard time getting home at the end of the night.  We decided on a bar right next to the W.  It was a lot of fun.  We played Jenga and danced into the night.  Bari left early but the rest of us headed back to the hotel at 4:30AM.  Yup, thats how we roll - NYC style.  

The morning came and we had reservations at the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island at 11AM.  Steph & Bari still wanted to go but Katy & Kellen were out of commission.  I decided to go with Steph & Bari since I have been before and I can be somewhat of a guide.  We got on the ferry and it was a rocky ride for all of us.  Being on a boat after drinking all night/morning isn't ideal.  We took our pictures and toured around Ellis Island.  We tried to do some ancestry research but didn't have enough information.  We got back on the ferry and called to meet up with the other girls at the World Trade Center.  We walked there from the ferry passing Wall Street.  We got to the WTC where they are currently building the memorial.  I happened to find the current Memorial Center.  Walking through it was really emotional.  They had a wall up filled with posters of missing people.  

Outside there is a wall memorial:

I recommend to everyone to go visit the current memorial.  It is moving and reminds you of courage, bravery and the pride that comes with being an American.  I cannot wait for the planned memorial to be finished.  After that we walked to the nearby church that survived 9/11 that was built in 1779.  It is where George Washington's inauguration was.  A lot of police officers, firefighters & volunteers stayed here during recovery efforts and slept in the pews.  We got in cabs and returned to the hotel to get Katy's car.  We ventured to get some real New York pizza to eat on the drive back.  We headed back to Philadelphia because Stephanie had to make her flight.  That's a whole different blog in itself...  haha, Love you Stephanie!

Dropped Stephanie off at the airport and headed to South Street in downtown Philadelphia.  We did some shopping but most of the stores were beginning to close.  Katy took us to Pat's and Geno's which were notorious for the best cheesesteaks in Philly.  We also encountered this running group that has a couple people running ahead of them leaving flour (literally) directions of how to follow them.  Then when they get to there destination, they drink a Pabst.  Kellen & I indulged.  Well, let me rephrase.  We drank a Pabst but did zero running.  These groups do there run then head to the bar afterwards.  It's my dream group.  Minus the running part.  We later grabbed a beer then headed back to the house.  Time to recuperate!

"I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out.  I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich.  I love that you get a little crinkle about your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts.  I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes.  And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night.  And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve.  I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."

-Harry Burns played by Billy Crystal in When Harry Met Sally