5th Avenue...Majestic, Commerical, & Holy??

From 12/28/09
I figured I had a good amount of momentum going on the Avenues so I decided that I would try out 5th Ave. I've been on 5th Ave many times before, but I swear I was really seeing it for the first time tonight.





The obvious blaring commercialism jumped out at me immediately. Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Kenneth Cole, Pucci, Fendi, Versace, just to name a few. I couldn't bring myself to step inside any of these stores. Something about those stores make me a little nauseous. I just can't imagine living that sort of life. Dropping $4,000 on a pant suit or shoulder bag, wow! I know, I know...people who are not rich always say the same thing, "If I had it, I wouldn't spend it like that!" But the truth is, we don't know what we would do until we actually have it. I would've been on the defensive right away if I had gone into those stores. "Why are they looking at me like I can't afford anything in here?" Melodie...cause you CAN'T afford anything in there and you LOOK like you CAN'T. Hahaha! I don't really care, that kind of stuff has never interested me. Sure, who doesn't want nice things (that's why I play the lotto), but I just don't think I'm the type of person who would obsess over designers and name brands. What kind of jeans are you wearing girl? Uh...blue jeans. Where'd you get those shoes? Can't remember...had em' so long. That's me!

It wasn't long before I ran into my second favorite bookstore. Barnes & Noble. It's my second favorite because they make a big fuss if they see you copying something out of a book. Shoot, at Borders, I copy entire recipes from cookbooks right there in the open. But Barnes & Noble has that addictive old library smell, kinda like talcum powder and wood varnish. I made a mental note to come back to find a really good map of NYC. Guess what I saw the Statue of Liberty today...it's smaller than you think...tee hee hee!


As I continued on, I decided that I wanted to top my last record walk of 58 blocks. I was stoked about the challenge and stopped at a Starbucks to refuel (still plenty of money on my gift card...yes!) With my Skinny Vanilla Latte in tow, I looked up and right there in front of me was the Empire State Building. Not from a distance, right smack dead in front of me! I felt like a little kid. Whoa!! I chose to confront my stalker and go inside. This was my first time in the Empire State Building and I felt like a tourist for sure. The thought of going up 86 floors on the observation deck was exciting. That was until I found out there was 2 hour wait. Uh...never mind. I'll come back another time, preferably with my friends (seems like it would be a fun thing to do on a Sunday). Stay tuned for that blog...

I squinted as I looked ahead and saw a building that looked like an old medieval castle. ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL!! I've only seen this place from the outside a few times, but it was simply beautiful at night. I saw people going in, so I followed the crowd. Then, I thought about it, I had seen the inside of this church on television. But being there was an experience in itself. As soon as I walked in, I saw the candles and decided to light one and say a prayer (I went to catholic school briefly in elementary) so I had just a "little" knowledge about what I was doing, but not really. I grew up African Methodist Episcopal Zion. WE PRAY LOUD!! WE FALL OUT WITH JOY!! WE SHOUT OUR PRAISES!! Nothing like the hushed and reserved mood of the Catholic Church. I hate to say it, but even though St. Patrick's Cathedral was soooo beautiful, I didn't feel God's presence. Yes, even with all the statues and painting, and saints staring at me, I didn't feel it. But I told myself "God is Everywhere". It might've been all the camera's flashing, the tour groups, and parent's telling their children to hush it up (okay...well maybe that last part did feel like church) but it was too touristy.




As I said my prayer, I couldn't really focus so I thought it might help if I knelt in a pew. Still...nothing. I past about 5churches while walking on 5th Ave. None as grand as St. Patrick's though. Oh well, I'll pray tonight like I always do beside my bed like a 5 year old child.



Did you know the Holiday magic isn't dead yet in NYC? That was such a relief! I had roasted chestnuts for the first time. I sang the song in my head...CHESTNUTS ROASTING ON AN OPEN FIREEEEE! JACK FROST NIPPING AT YOUR NOSEEEEE!




And they were delicious. Shoot, they better had been at $4 for a little bag. Oh and by the way, let me just say that the holiday windows at Lord & Taylor and Saks 5th Ave are 10 times better than Macy's. I couldn't stop taking pictures. The store window at Saks had a cute story about the journey of a snowflake. It was a little trippy looking (like someone had dropped a little acid) but it was definitely creative. The first window read "WHERE EVER YOU WIND UP, YOU WERE MEANT TO BE." Hmm...don't know if I agree with that. It more like "WHERE EVER I WAS MEANT TO BE, I WILL EVENTUALLY WIND UP." Yes, there's a difference, think about it.

As I got close to the end of my walk (destination was 72nd street) I ended up in the residential area. Every apartment building had a doorman dressed to the nines in a stiff hat, jacket, and gloves. I could really smell the money every time a door opened, LOL! A horse drawn carriage passed me and it was about this time when my legs began to ache and I just wanted to go home (I secretly wished that the guy driving the carriage would give me a ride to my destination). As I turned on 72nd and reached Lexington Ave, it hit me that there was no train on 72st on the Eastside!! So I hopped on the bus to the Westside to my beloved #2 train. Yes tonight was truly MAJESTIC!
>


More Pics For this Entry Coming Soon!!


Streets Walked
5th Ave. (14th-72nd Street)
72nd St. (5th Ave-Lexington Ave.)
61 Blocks! I topped my record!

It's The Simple Things...

From 12/24/09
I decided I officially have restless leg syndrome. I had an extra hustle from 10pm to 8am and needed to get some rest before I headed off to make my million bucks. So when I left my day job (yep, we were hard at work on Christmas Eve) I planned to get at least 5 hours of sleep at my friends house in Alphabet City so I wouldn't have a crazy commute to and from the Bronx. I swear the Bronx can seem so far away and sometimes I wish for teleporters ....beam me up Scottie! Well I only ended up getting 2 hours of sleep due to a bad dream. I honestly think I was going through "walking withdrawal" I didn't walk on Wednesday because the Macy's monster attacked me. I was mentally drained and didn't have the energy. My restless sleep must've been my body's way of telling me to WALK. True restless leg syndrome LOL! So I left out early and decided to walk to my overnight job.

As soon as my feet hit the pavement, an immediate cloud of mellow came over me. I took my first sip of apple vanilla spice tea (thanks Rosie) from my travel mug and put on some Glenn Lewis and he definitely agreed that this was a mellow and chill evening. As Glenn serenaded me through the streets of Alphabet city aka The Lower Eastside, I realized that I needed to take a different route. This is starting to get complicated. Trying not to walk the same streets. I need to get a good map to track my progress. I decided I hadn't covered Ave. D. I knew I had made a good choice because art seemed to be EVERYWHERE. Store gates and building bricks apparently make the perfect canvas. So much talent! I think I'll start painting again really soon (dabbled a little in college).


The project developments were so festive with Christmas lights and decorations. See people, you don't need a house to get totally into Christmas decorations. The projects looked so inviting and warm which is a total contrast from how they look during the day. I've lived in the projects and festive is not usually the first thought that comes to mind (Rosedale projects is now a faint memory). But tonight it was a magical and perfect place. But of course I didn't walk through the development! Pictures were taken from across the street! I'm adventurous but not stupid.

As I got closer to the Union Square area, I began to notice how desolate the sidewalks were. I expected people to be out doing last minute holiday shopping. I guess they actually decided to get home to their families. That's a wonderful thing.

My stalker reared its head again. Surprise surprise. Darn empire state building just won't leave me alone. But I must admit. It looked beautiful lit up in red and green. I was feeling so happy and full of life tonight. I almost bounced as I walked. Just loving life and loving my freedom. I know I am blessed despite my struggles. I was looking forward to being around family on Christmas day. I mouthed the words "Thank You God". Dag. Eyes are tearing up as I write this....okay get it together. Whew!

I realized I was way too deep in thought as I looked BOTH WAYS on a ONE WAY street(kinda how I live my life). And I laughed at myself for my absent-mindedness. But I was delirious with joy as I made it to my destination. LIFE IS GOOD. I AM LIVING. Hey Glenn Lewis, tell em' how I'm feelin' while I sip on my tea. Ummm...vanilla.

"SIMPLE THINGS"
Living life, early morning love
Summer days and getting paid
Friends from around the way
Rain done gone away
Favorite songs, knowing where you belong
No place like home
Whatever your vice that got you nice at any price

And it feels so good, so good the simple things The way it should be
(simple things)
Cant take it for granted, the way it feels
Ahh...now that I understand
So good to me (simple things)
It's the simple things that life is made of
Make me feel, so real, real, yeah (real good) Simple as love inside of
me
And its alright, said its alright, pure simplicity

Family, shade from a tree, special memories about the way it used to be
Hanging on the corner, doing what you wanna
So happy
Out at the movies wit cha love,feeling high above Any troubles you've
had, just being glad to be alive
And its alright

A warm smile from a child, taking in the game
The scent of spring rain, a day to relax, a sensation of climax
Its the simple things.

*Note: Also see new post titled "Rise N Shine NYC!"

Streets Walked
Ave D. (3rd-10th St.)
10th st (Ave D-Ave A)
Ave A (10th-14th St.)
14th St. (Ave A-1st ave)
1st Ave (14th-15th St.)
15th St. (1st Ave-Union Square East)
15th st. (Union Square West- 8th Ave)
8th Ave. (15th-16th St.)
Note: Also see post titled "Rise N Shine NYC" was also posted today

Rise N Shine New York City!!

From 12/26/09
Yes! I finished another overnight shift for extra cash. I haven't slept in two days trying to fit in family time and go to work. You would think that I would be on the train heading to the Bronx and getting some much needed rest. Nope! The city streets were calling me first. Plus,I had a friend to meet up with to get my favorite DVD back.












Armed with a travel mug of Maxwell House brewed with a little cinnamon, I decided to walk uptown on 9th Ave. As I walked, I realized that past 16th street, this was fairly new territory for me. 9th Ave. is like the bowels of Manhattan, a block away is the Hudson River. The Avuenue seemed to look older than the rest of the city. I don't know, it could've been the rain and lack of sunshine that set the tone. Warehouses, old buildings, parking garages and endless construction seemed to be the theme. Despite the gloomy, sleepy appearance of the city, I was happy that the rain was washing away the last bits of dirty slush and ice. The city needed a good cleansing.


At 8:30 am, the day after Christmas, the city was still asleep. I had the city all to myself! It was just as well because I'm sure I looked like death, lol! I passed by a cute little store and they had Julia Child's cookbook "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" in the window. I'm sure sales have skyrocketed since the movie Julie & Julia. I don't know how I feel about Meryl Streep strategically placed on an extra
sleeve around Julia's book. That's JULIA'S BOOK! Sigh...marketing. The book caught my attention in the first place cause several people have made the same comment to me. "Oh, you are doing something like what Julie did with Julia Child's cookbook! I loved the movie Julie & Julia, but, Uh...the only thing we have in common are that we are blogging. Not a great comparison peoples! Come on! Forgive me I am justifiably cranky.

To lift my spirits I decided to play the lotto. The sign on the door of this convenience store was very effective I must say. They've had multiple winners at this store?! I'm so buying a scratch off and two tickets.

As I fantisized about what I would do with the winnings, I began to feel a little sad, Christmas was over, now what? Decorations were being taken down, no more christmas music playing in the stores, the streets were no longer filled with shoppers. But then, I had to remember that the city had just woken up. I looked around and Manhattan definitely had some crust in its eyes, a snotty nose and stinky breath. Ewww!!


As I got closer to 34th street, I was amazed that the place was a complete ghost town. HELLO HELLO HELLO! (echoing) I wanted to yell. I mean this area was totally creepy and depressing. The only glimpse of a sense of humor was the big neon sign at Gray's Payaya advertising "Recession Friendly Prices" for hot dogs. Well...I guess that's not funny either huh? But I still chuckled. "Hey, want a recession hot dog?" I searched through my music for a pick me up. Jazmine Sullivan bought me out of my funk with her song "Switch". It's a cute little tune about a woman who meets a nice guy, and goes on a double date and falls for his best friend. HEY BOY! I THINK I LIKE YOUR BEST FRIEND, WOULD YOU MIND IF I DINED WITH YOUR BEST FRIEND? SWITCH!! That woman was bold!

As I turned on 37th Street close to where I was supposed to meet my friend, I realized that I was really early so I stopped at a Starbucks. (The heavens opened up and the angels sang...ahhhhhh) Starbucks!! Starbucks!! Remember, I hadn't slept in two days. I had a gift card so the world was my oyster, or shall I say a Grande Skinny Vanilla Latte and a yogurt parfait.
And just when I didn't think things could get any better, I scored a free New York Times and New York Observer. As I sat down in a cozy corner (they were playing funk & soul...they get many cool points for that) I remembered my scratch off ticket and tried my luck. Dag, I lost!! Oh well... next time.

I got totally absorbed into the New York Times and got some updates on Fort Hood (finally looking into revamping psychiatric treatment for soldiers), someone stole the Auschwitz sign (which was a huge symbol of the Holocaust), China's citizens are steadily losing their freedom of speech, Health Care Reform (republicans still hate it).
But what really caught my attention was what was going on in South Korea. Parents are putting their children through all types of torture to make them grow taller. They are spending fortunes on accupunture, hormone shots, stretching machines, and other hoopla, so that their children may get the chance to be a few inches taller. Why? Because being short is frowned upon. Shorter people aren't successful. Shorter people can't find mates. Tall is beautiful. Short is unattractive. Hello!! South Koreans are naturally short! Wow!! Western Society wins again. So sad.

I totally lost track of time and reluctantly folded up my paper. I headed over to 5th Ave. where my friend was SUPPOSED to be 30 minutes ago. I get a call, SHE NEVER LEFT THE HOUSE!!! I'm sleepy, I'm tired and she hadn't left the house yet! I'm going home to the Bronx! Grrrrrr!

Streets Walked
9th Ave. (16th-37th Street)
37th St. (9th Ave-5th Ave)

It's a Dog Eat Dog World Out There...

Yesterday wasn't really a planned walk. I needed to pick up a few things from Mecca (Trader Joe's) so I chose to take a different route. I began on 13th & 8 Ave. At first it seemed that this would be an uneventful walk. But NY stayed true to it's word and gave me something to laugh or shall I say rant about LOL! If you have no idea how crazy New Yorkers are about their dogs, just walk down 13th street to get an idea.









I saw my first doggy gym! Yep! A doggy gym. At first I thought it was a pet store as I saw two small dogs playing happily by the window sniffing each other like there was no tomorrow. I looked up at the sign "Biscuits and Bath Doggy Gym" and snickered to myself...really. I'm not gonna lie, I would love to get a small dog. But I don't want the responsibility right now. In the city, having a dog is like having a child. So I pondered the necessity of a doggy gym. You are so lazy that your dog can't get exercise walking with you? You have to take it to work out? Maybe your dog is fat because you carry him around in a Louis Vuitton tote or even worse, a doggy stroller. Yes people, they have doggy strollers! Two blocks down was just what the neighborhood needed. Stop the presses everyone... ANOTHER DOGGY GYM! The name was cute though "Wet Nose" gotta give them credit for that at least.










I had dogs when I lived in NC, but they were low maintenance. They pretty much ate what we did. Stayed outside and "walked" themselves. It was unheard of to take Scruffy (yes I know it was a corny name) to the vet. HA! The Vet? Send him over to the field and have him chew on some of that grass and piss weed. He'll be fine. And usually he would be. If your dog got REALLY sick, there were no chemotherapy treatments, doggy dialysis, or expensive operations. They instinctively ran away into the woods to die in peace. If you didn't see your four legged friend for more than a day, you knew what was up. Ahhhh...The Circle of Life. No offense to animal lovers, that's just how it was. We didn't have money to burn on our four legged friends. Dogs on antidepressants? Nah, cut it out! But hey, maybe I'm just jealous that these dogs dress better than me. Yep. That's it...maybe I'm just green with envy.

Once I left doggy city, I began to see the NYC that I actually understood. But I began to feel like something was following me. I walked a little quicker, held onto my bag, and just as I was reaching for my pocket knife....oh it's just the Empire State Building again. Just playin' peoples. Hahahaha! But really, no matter where you are in the city, you can always see a glimpse of the Empire State Building. It's like one of those paintings where the eyes follow you no matter where you are in the room. The Empire State Building is definitely a hardcore stalker.

As I was standing on the crosswalk of 13th st. and University Ave., a huge white stretch limo pulled up in front of me. I wondered who could be in there. My question was answered 5 minutes later as I turned the corner and a massive line of people were waiting outside of Best Buy. I asked a young woman what the line was for. "GIRL...MARY J. BLIGE IS GONNA BE HERE SIGNING AUTOGRAPHS!! YOU DIDN'T KNOW GIRL?" Uh...apparently I didn't. I contemplated getting on the line. Getting a picture with Mary J. Blige WOULD have been the highlight of my day. But I just didn't feel like standing in line for that long. I love you Mary, but not enough to stand outside for hours. Now, if it were Maxwell...that's another story.

Streets Walked
Greenidge Ave (8th-Horatio)
13th Street (8th-4th Ave.)