Griffins And The City

Noh8 Photo Shoot

2010-04-23T17:13:00.005-04:00

One day I was sitting in the Nugent Lounge when a friend asked me if I would like to get my photo taken by a professional, and I LOVE getting photographed so agreed. He then told me that it would cost 40 dollars. I quickly worried as a college student how would/ could I justify this purchase. I then inquired what the photo was for and decided that I needed to do this. I went around the school to staff members and expressed the importance of this photo and in no time acquired the funds and was on my way downtown. The atmosphere was unbelievable. Everyone there gay, straight, bisexual and everything in between was there to show support for same sex marriage.
On November 4, 2008 Proposition 8 passed in California, amending the state Constitution to ban same-sex marriage. The defeat provoked a groundswell of initiative within the GLBT community at a grassroots level, with many new political and protest organizations being formed in response. The NOH8 Campaign is a photographic silent protest created by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska (http://www.bouska.net/) and partner Jeff Parshley in direct response to the passage of Proposition 8. Photos feature subjects with duct tape over their mouths, symbolizing their voices being silenced by Prop 8 and similar legislation around the world, with "NOH8" painted on one cheek in protest.Nearly one year since its inception, the NOH8 Campaign has grown to over 2,000 faces and continues to grow at an exponential rate. The campaign began with portraits of everyday Californians from all walks of life and soon rose to include politicians, military personnel, newlyweds, law enforcement, artists, celebrities, and many more. The NOH8 Campaign has received overwhelming support from around the world, appearing on various local and national news programs and publications. The images are currently being used on various social networking sites to spread the message of equality, predominantly Facebook and Twitter. Eventually the images are expected to be compiled for a large-scale media campaign.
Funds raised by the NOH8 Campaign will be used to continue promoting and raising awareness for Marriage Equality and anti-discrimination on a global level through an educational and interactive media campaign.

April Update

2010-04-14T10:12:00.005-04:00

Hullo therr! Sorry it’s been so long. Spring break was delightfulish. I bussed off to Virginia to get ready for my summer job dancing at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Got an apartment on hold, a sublet for my NYC apartment, signed on, orientated, and drug tested so I’m ready to start the day after classes end. Ha! I hung out with my best friend Casey, who took my spot at CNU when I transferred- literally. My roommate became hers and my bed became hers! Funny how it worked out. Then my family and I drove down to North Carolina to visit my aunt’s family for a night before heading to Florida to visit grandparents. Luckily, we’ve taken super long car rides before- ie, driving from our home in California to our relatives in Vermont. In case you didn’t know that’s a four day trip; needless to say we all learned to hold it, stop infrequently, and just get there. This ten hour trip wasn’t bad. I even brought study materials for my midterm in Dance and Culture. Yah…I’ll admit I didn’t study over spring break at all. But I crammed for that midterm Monday and Tuesday and I think I did well on it on Wednesday. I hope so anyway! Florida was good- a bit hectic. My grandparents are the type of people who are constantly worrying about something, which is the complete opposite of my personality. But I dealt with it and hung out with my cousin, who’s around my age and just had a super cute little boy name Caden about a month ago. He’s adorable. We also went to the beach, which I can’t complain about. Then I jetted back Monday morning around 7, so I got to watch the space shuttle launch from the Orlando airport! I started back to classes at 4pm that night. It was a tiring day but a nice break from school and all that jazz. I’m getting back into the swing of things- kicking it into high gear to welcome the spring and the pollen and the sunshine! I’ve decided to regulate my workout schedule because I’ve determined that I’m a binge worker-outer. I do like three days of REALLY INTENSE workout and then am sore for forever and don’t do anything. So yesterday, I just ran three miles and let my body pace itself. I didn’t check time and it was a great workout! I feel really good today, although tired. Two friends from Virginia are in town and they got lost somehow driving around the Upper West Side. I told them to just drive east and keep driving east. Note to car travelers- do NOT follow GPS directions if you are staying in Queens. It rarely works. Four out of four times Bessie, Betty, Hilda and whatever else you call your GPS will fail you. (: Yesterday I felt very artsy, as well. I read John Guare on a rock in Central Park and was inspired, walked barefoot for TOMS (look it up! A very worthwhile cause), talked to my studio art advisor and some students which made me feel like buying clay and ceramic and making something. After my gym time I went to the restaurant that I work at and had dinner with my roommate and came back to write my art history midterm paper! A very fulfilling day, if I do say so meself. I can’t wait for springtime in the city! It is so beautiful outside- I love going up on the roof and looking at the Manhattan skyline and just soaking up the sun and breeze. It’s perfect here, I do declare. I’m lovin’ life! (:

Caught in a sunshower...

2010-03-24T14:30:00.002-04:00

Hello, it has been ages and ages since I last blogged but today was such a glorious New York day that I had to impart a bit of it to you all, my cyber-friends. (: This week has been amazing! My friend from high school, Josh, is in town from Chicago. He goes to DePaul University and he’s staying until Monday—so I get to play tourist for awhile! It’s been great! Let’s see, he even helped me study for my art history midterm Friday. Thursday night around 10 o’clock I thought, “CRAP! I have a midterm tomorrow!” So I studied, studied, studied four FOUR HOURS. Then I looked at my syllabus. My midterm is next Friday. Yay. So, I know a lot about art! Instead of having a midterm we went on a field trip to a printmaking studio near Times Square! It was SA-WEET! We, the class, collectively made a lithograph; I looooove lithography and I think I would love to do it forever. (: Good news. Also, today Josh and I went to Grand Central and checked out the New York Public Library. It’s BEAUTIFUL. Go! Both of them are amazingly gorgeous old, ornate, detailed, sculpted buildings from a time when people spent time getting things they wanted. After that we went to Jamba Juice and I got an orange juice (12 legit-ly juiced oranges), which I don’t typically like but it was delish, and took the Madison Ave bus to Central Park. It was so great. (: I can’t even explain it. We walked in and there’s people everywhere, but everyone is just relaxing and enjoying the 65 weather. There’s a clown guy juggling Beanie Babies and bowling balls and doing handstands, and people selling balloons and cotton candy. Little kids were playing everywhere and it was literally like a breath of fresh air. I just love seeing the humanity that you don’t really see when people are pushing past you on the sidewalks or squashing you in the subways. So we layed on a huge rock and listened to two little girls berate another one for stepping in CROCODILE RIVER! Haha. Cuties. After that we parted ways on account of Josh is going to hang out with his friend Emily and staying there tonight. I came back home and visited Jamie at work. I love how here, all of the restaurants have those glass sliding doors and can open up into a huge open-air restaurant. (: After visiting I came to the apartment and went running which was awesome—it was my first outside run of the year. Rah! I ran…[I’m calculating]…SEVENTY-TWO BLOCKS and FIFTEEN AVENUES! Wowzers, I a little bit amazing. :P Then I visited some more with Jamie at Pomme Cafe where she works and came home and stretched on my roof while watching the sunset over the skyline. Gah. It’s a beautiful life. I hope you guys have an awesome weekend! I’m going to meet Jamie for dessert tonight and then singing at church tomorrow. I hope the weather continues to delight me! Byby all!

Academy Awards

2010-03-09T10:33:00.003-05:00

Sooo…hi erryone! Guess what I just realised!? I’ve been a musical theatre major for a year and a half and I didn’t know that the Academy Awards were synonomous with the Oscars! (: Awesome. Anywayzz, I’m watching them now, and I’m crushin’ on some major Zac Efron and imagining meeting Meryl Streep. I’d fall over. I’d just…fall over. OMG I just realised that I’ve been to the Kodak Theatre! I’ve been on the stage! Ah…can’t wait to be back! Haha. Okay, well I’m sure you don’t care for an update. TiVo it or something. Also, that was the best invention ever. My roommate and I TiVo everything. Especially White Collar, Grey’s Anatomy, and Project Runway. We watch marathons of those things.
So, I feel so productive lately! In Art History, which got snowed out last Friday, we have a research paper outline due next Friday [you follow?] and I’ve ALREADY started on researching!!! This is unheard of. I am the Queen of the Procrastination Nation. But hey check me out! I wanted to do the artist Ron Mueck, check him out his stuff’s amazing, but he’s so recent that my professor [YES I even talked to him about before it was due!] thought it was too recent to find book sources on him. However, he told me that Ron Mueck was showing in a gallery in the city curated by Shaquiell O’Neal. Um, whatnow? Haha. I’m gonna need to go see that. Also, I want to go see Alice in Wonderland! [I always type Alice and Wonderland and always have to erase it- aka backspace] And then I also want to see my old Spanish teacher’s apartment in the city. I want to tag her in the picture on Facebook. She’s gonna be so surprised. (:
I think it’s funny that I’m becoming really good friends with my professors and the old people in my classes. Haha, I hope that I start making more friends. Maybe once I audition for theatre I’ll meet some people at auditions or something. I really hope I get in! I signed out a rehearsal space the other day and rehearsed my monologues a bit…it was a good rehearsal! Discovered some stuff and I really connect with the piece so I think that will be good. I really need to find an accompanist sometime soon though…so I can practice my song.
Anyway, I keep getting distracted by these dang Academy Awards/Oscars. Did you know my dog is named Oscar? (: PS—I found an apartment for this summer when I go back to work at Busch Gardens! Yayyyy. Now to find someone to sublet. I think my roommate has a couple of people interested. Obviously we’d rather have someone who she knows…
Oky byby lovelies! Come visit the cityyy! (:

Internship Time!

2010-03-09T10:29:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone,
Sorry I’ve been MIA for a while. I got an internship at the end of the fall semester, so I’ve been extremely busy. I’m interning at Theater Ten Ten as the assistant stage manager. It’s an equity theater, so everyone that works there is very professional. I’ve made some amazing connections, friends, and had a ton of good experiences.

This semester so far is a lot tougher than last semester. Not only do I have four classes, but I have to figure out how to juggle all of my school work with my internship. It’s really tough since I’m at the theater almost every evening. I like being busy though. It totally beats just sitting around bored. I do miss hanging out with my friends and going to Broadway shows like I did last semester. I do get to hang out with my friends about once a week though which isn’t great, but it’s ok. It will all work out in the long run though since I’m actually benefiting my future career with this internship.

I’m sorry that this is short and not very coherent. It’s really late and I’m exhausted from a full day of classes plus doing a show tonight.

I’ll write more later.

xoxo

Ow

2010-02-24T12:35:00.003-05:00

23 February 2010 [Tuesdays have always been my least favorite day...today was ok! I also rarely spell it right. I think it should be 'Teusday' like 'neutron' and 'neurology.' But it's not.]

Well, sir, hello again. Sorry its been awhile. I've been busy and such like as. Tonight I am sitting here, in pain, watching a show I've never seen before, Psych, after a show that I watch religiously, White Collar. Both are on USA, which represents America, which is GREAT! Go America! (: Why am I in pain, you may ask? Well, as a matter of fact, I just finished taking a yoga class at Sonic Yoga (51st and 9th Ave) for an hour with my roomie, and then I went to cardio kickboxing at my gym here in Queens (Synergy Fitness at Broadway and like Crescent?)--which happened to be THE most intense one I've taken to date, then I thought it would be a good idea to top it all off with the cherry of yogilates, also at Synergy. Oh good grief, my body is writhing in pain. Im practically on the floor right now. An inventory of what hurts, not that anyone cares, but because it will make me feel better: NeckCalvesInner thighsSHOULDERS/armsQuadsHamsBack.
I think that's it. Foof, glad I got that off my chest. (:

Anyway, so this week has been pretty good! I went on Craigslist a couple of days ago and got three or four responses for jobs...I fashioned myself a whole new resume and everything, since my only other resume is all theatre-, music-, and dance-based. I haven't had that many non-theatrical jobs before, so I decided to write my job experience and what I've learned from each job. Skills and interesting qualities that I've taken from each job that could help me in future jobs. Seems to have been pretty popular with the employers! I even had one person tell me 'Great resume.' (: Score for me! I got an interview with a tutoring place called Champion Learning Center. It was supposed to be today, but I got lost in the Lower East Side and had to reschedule. :/ Ah well, it was rainy today anyway. I love the city in the rain though. It's so interesting to me...everyone is so preoccupied with themselves and so enclosed inside of their own little umbrella cocoons. I sometimes find myself staring at a particularly spectacular piece of architecture or an amazing view and people walk right past it! I also love the pavement in NYC...at night, look at it. It sparkles! It shines and twinkles and the light just bounces around all over it. There's probably some really scientific explanation about rock particles and mica or something, but I like to think it represents the gem that the city is. I really love it.

On the same subject, I went to find the New York Public Library last week and ended up exploring that area of the city. For reference, it's on 49th and 5th I do believe. Anyway, ohemgee, if you ever get to, visit. I walked all the way down United Nations Way and saw the embassies of places like Moldova and walked to 1st Avenue, [cause I was lost and going the wrong way, but who cares cause when you're lost in the city you're not really lost.] where I could look across the water [which I later discovered was the river-thingy separating Queens from Manhattan]...it was so pretty. I took pictures like a tourist. It was a fun 'me' day. I also saw a delightful Michael Jackson tribute dance quartet perform outside the Library. Helpful note: if you want a library pass, bring ID and something with a NY address on it, ie a bill, letter, etc. I missed that. Well, golly.

I just love the city so much...I'm learning the subway system like a pro...today I wedged myself in a PACKED 6 Uptown train to get to class ontime. You would not believe the lengths people go to to make the train...literally. I didn't have to hold onto anything to be held straight upright, I was that tightly secured by others' bodies. It was a little ridic-a-lous.

More good news! I'm starting to make more friends. (: I felt like such a typical student the other day. Lemme just tell you...my Public Speaking partner and I hit it off really well, so we're totes friends now, and we decided to go down to the lounge between practicing our speeches and classtime. While down there I saw a gal who is in a lot of my classes and we just started talking! It was awesome! Turns out she's a Harry Potter/Daniel Radcliffe/acting fanatic too! What're the odds? [rhetorical question, this is def an arts school, haha!] Anywayzz. I also last weekend, took the bus back to VA to visit for the long President's Day Weekend [?]. I took gotobus.com's bus. It was alright...not much to say on it. Took about 7ish hours. Cheap, only $60 round trip, which is significantly cheaper than airfare. Uhh...let's see. My best friend, in VA, is in love. (: That makes me happy. We had a lovely get-together at our apartment the other night with my roomie's friends from college--also the college I transferred from. It was like a college reunion! Haha. She's auditioning for Peter Pan tomorrow! Break a leg, doll! Oh, wow, I just tried to move. Bad idea. Well...tomorrow I have to be up doing homework. Wish me luck as I try to get out of my loft bed tomorrow...on second thought, perhaps I should just keep my homework up there, so I won't have to move til tomorrow evening when I HAVE to get up for class...now there's a novel idea! :P I hope you are all having a lovely week, and continue to do so.

PS--Awesome church service last Sunday. I sing in the praise team at Astoria Community Church, and we finally got a drummer. It was AMAZING! Check us out!
Peace, love, and whatever else you believe is good!

Retrot... It's A Word Because I Wrote It

2010-02-17T12:45:00.002-05:00

February 10, 2010

SO tralala, I’m sitting in the library. I just did a whoooole project and I’m feeling very productive. Today has been a good day. Adventurous too. I got up at 7:09— 9 minutes later than I was supposed to. And that’s a big deal on Tuesdays and Thursdays, in case you didn’t know, since I have a class at 8:30, meaning I have to leave at 7:30, and I refuse to wake up at 6:anything. So I really only had 21 minutes to get ready. I did it! And I don’t look half bad, if I do say so m’self. I like my makeup today. Then I got to class and it was funny. I even got to get a bagel in the lounge and eat it BEFORE class. Then, in Environmental Science, I got my quiz back from last time—BAM 10 out of 10. I’m amazing. So…then afterwards, I retrot? (past tense of retreat-GO!) to the lounge to do homework and watch Maury and Jerry Springer—also a Tuesday/Thursday ritual. Surprisingly, I’ve noticed a few regulars and we’re all getting along swimmingly. Also, CUTE BOY ALERT. He may or may not have been gay, but that’s not the point. I saw him and he talked to me. We laughed over the girl’s phonetic spelling of her name: Key Key. It was magical. After that, I tore myself away before I could get engrossed in Steve Wilkos and went to the Lower East Side to try to find the owners and return the key they gave me to get into my apartment when I locked myself out yesterday. It was GLORIOUS outside…sunny and not too cold. I listened to the radio and sat on the bus for 20 extra minutes because a wheelchair person had to get on. But it was ok! I got there, wandered around the wrong building for about ten minutes, called, found the right building, wandered around the wrong floor, found the right floor and finally found the apartment. :) THen I gave him the keys, told that cute little man to rest up, and left. I saw a dog with the teeniest booties ever. Then I asked a Rite Aid man to direct me to the nearest Subway and he said, “What number are you looking for?” and I thought he was stupid until I realized he meant train station and I meant food. We had a good chuckle. Then I ate at Subway and it was delicious. Then I came back and got directly to work on a project for Dance Culture on “the Shakespeare of ballet,” JEAN GEORGES NOVERRE. I even added a fancy border on my word document—yeah, I’m SO technologically savvy. And now Im biding my time until 5:50 when I get to visit Public Speaking. Joy. But I did my homework so RAHH, I’ll know what I’m doing. And I’m kinda happy cause both projects that I have to do this semester were assigned to me in the second week of classes, so it’s out of the way! Tradida, it’s a lovely day. Have you had a lovely day? Thank God for it…He loves you. :) Also, SNOW TONIGHT! Ostensibly, anyway…

February 11, 2010
Yesterday was, in fact, a blizzard. I watched Pride and Prejudice with my roommate, and was inspired to make a snowman with a Mr. Darcy flavor. So I went on my roof and made Mr. George. He turned out to be less like Mr. Darcy and more like a 1920s banker with a bowler hat and a mustache. But I liked him anyway. :) I also am declaring my major--as a double major in Art History and Studio Art. Rah!

A Star Is Born!

2010-02-17T12:44:00.002-05:00

This winter break was a very special for me. I was encouraged by friends to audition for the Musical Theatre Association's presentation of My Son Pinocchio.
I went to the auditions in early December and was casted! This meant that I had to stay in NYC for the month of January and go to rehearsals everyday. It was my first ever theatre performance and one I will never forget!

First Days

2010-02-11T12:04:00.004-05:00

February 4, 2010

So…happy birthday to my mom today, in case anybody was wondering! =)
In fact, today marks day number 4 at Marymount Manhattan College. I am a transfer student from Virginia and I’ve been involved with Marymount basically since I graduated high school…although I chose a college closer to home, for a multitude of reasons, I finally returned to where I really wanted to be, ready and rarin’ ta go on Monday, the first of February.
I had nothing to do until 4, which was a strange (but not unwelcome) break from my typical university schedule. I am so not a morning person. I have been trying to establish a ‘bedtime,’ a desperate attempt to regulate my sleep schedule, and I’d been failing terrifically since, well, about the same time as I’d vowed to determine one for myself. Which was a week. So, I set my alarm to wake up at 11, for no other reason than to prove to myself that I could. Turns out I couldn’t. =) So I woke up at 1 instead. It was a valiant effort though, I think. Anyway, so I thoughtfully picked out my artsy-ist outfit and hopped the subway an hour early. Of course, somehow, this one random time, I got every train as soon as I stepped onto the platform so I was half hour early to my 4:20 class. So, I checked my email, wandered the school, checked out my new home of sorts. Around 4:05 I walk past my room, to ensure that I actually know where it is, and conveniently find a cute, comfy little bench-type thing right outside the door. A class was still in session, or I would have been the nerd who arrives 15 minutes early to class. I have no friends yet. =) I’m new. So I waited…and waited…til around 4:17 when I was like, really? What are they doing in there? I re-check my schedule…again. Whoops, class started at 4. Awesome.
So, I walk in, trying not to look flustered and trying not to show the hatred I felt toward my idiocy, 17 minutes late to my first class, a dance culture class. The German professor didn’t look too happy and I didn’t feel too good about my future in that class.
I admit it, I spent the next hourish doing everything possible to suck up to him…I mean, I didn’t want those seventeen minutes to determine the rest of my college career! Fortunately for me, I was well-versed in the history of theatre, and with it, theatrical dance, so I think he likes me now. =)
Then, I had New Testament. I consider myself a big fan of Jesus. I am a devout follower of Christ and enjoy learning as much as I can about my ever-growing faith. So, I enrolled in the class- it fulfilled a requirement and I could stand to learn some things about the history of my Savior. I’m still not sure if I’m going to like it…it’s taught, obviously, in a very secular manner. Strictly as literature. I’m an open person, so I think I can handle it, but it will definitely be different for me, at the very least. But I’m learning to open myself up here at college…it’s a whole new ballgame in New York City than any other place I’ve been—and I’ve been a few places (my dad’s in the military). So…more developments on that class to come.
I think I went home Monday night…back to my roommate who just graduated from the school that I transferred from in Virginia, and who worked with me when we danced at Busch Gardens together this summer. I probably didn’t make bedtime that night either…I was dreading getting up at 7 for my 8:30 Environmental Science class…number one, I hate science, and number two, I hate mornings. It was bound to be bad. I should have given myself an hour, if not only to wake up, but I refused to get up at any earlier time than 7am. So, I had only a half hour before I had to go. I ran late, as usual, and rushed my bootie all the way from my apartment in Astoria to East 71st. I got there with 15 minutes to spare. I really wanted to introduce myself to everyone that was already in the class, but…well, I have no good explanation. I just didn’t. Perhaps I still wasn’t awake. Anyway, the class ended up being bearable and I think I’ll actually learn a lot. The professor is funny in a doesn’t-know-he’s-funny-and-talks-in-a-monotone type way. I appreciate understated humor. =) After that class, I had a good…um…eight hours til my next class, Public Speaking- a requirement. So, I visited the Nugent Lounge, chilled on the couch, struck up friendly conversation over Maury and Jerry Springer and Steve Wilkos with a couple of nice gals. Then, I went and dropped off some job applications at H&M and Aldo that I’d filled out. In H&M, I saw…GASP…Epperson! From last season’s Project Runway! That is the only show I’ve ever watched religiously. He was standing a good two feet away. I continued to nonchalant-ly ‘shop around’ while simultaneously sending a quick text to my old roommate in Virginia; attached was a horrendously sketch picture of the mannequins in H&M with Epperson in the lower left rifling through a clothes rack. Eventually I came back (oh yes, I left, walked a few blocks gathering courage, and returned for proof) and talked to him. He’s very nice! I got a picture, a Facebook invitation, and bragging rights for First Celebrity Sighting from my Virginia crew in NYC. =) Then I hung out with my best friend at the mall at Columbus Circle, after transferring seventy-two times on the subway and finally arriving. We saw the touch screen wine bar (aka the BAR itself was touch screen) and tried on some designer sunglasses at … some designer sunglass place. Then…
Public Speaking was fun-I like the professor, I don’t mind the class. I think I might actually make friends in there. I love classes where they force you to interact with each other. It’s so much easier. So…yeah, that’s gonna be fun. I like to publicly speak, and I have opinions on important issues, so I should be fine.
This is a long beginning entry. I’m sorry if you read it all, it wasn’t very exciting at all, but I figured I’d give you a taste of what first days can be like! Yay, Marymount! I’m very excited to start this semester. Being on my own in New York City has so much potential…I’ve been more adventurous than I ever have been, and I’m lovin’ it. =)

We're Back!

2010-02-11T11:56:00.005-05:00

Hey there readers, the spring semester has gotten underway, and with the new term comes new entries and even a new blogger! Allow me to introduce Kayley, one of our new transfer students!

Name: Kayley Fullerton

Year: Class of 2012

Hometown: Gloucester, VA

High School: Gloucester High School

Transferred from: Christopher Newport University

Major: Studio Art

Minor: Art History

Favorite things about NYC: There's always something to do, somewhere to visit. Its the capital of the world! You can order Greek food at 3AM!

Why I transferred to MMC: I wanted to use the city as a campus. There is so much opportunity and possibility. Why limit it to a traditional college campus? I want to learn it all!

Home For The Holidays

2010-01-04T11:00:00.002-05:00

Let’s just say last week was quite a rollercoaster. It was the start of finals on Monday the 14th and my life just became of pool of work. My roommate and I pulled multiple all nighters writing, proofing, and studying. Thankfully, all of the hard work paid off and my final papers were submitted on time and my exams were less than painful. On top of that I had to get ready to go back home to New Hampshire. I knew that I was done with school this past Friday, but with all my studies I thought it would be smart leave New York on Sunday. That was great for multiple reasons. First, I got to procrastinate on cleaning and packing! Second, I was able to spend quality free time with my friends without academics interfering. However, on Saturday I received an e-mail that my bus had cancelled their entire schedule on Sunday because of the storm, no biggy! I scheduled a ticket with another company that didn’t seem to have the same problem and went back to my business. That night New York was hit with a snowstorm and everyone fell in love with it. Kids were making snow angels on 55th, making snowmen, having snowball fights, etc. The city was granted a white Christmas! Well, after a night of enjoying the snow I woke up early Sunday morning, checked out of my room in 55th and headed off on my trip. To my surprise the company I was traveling with didn’t e-mail their customers and all busses to Boston were cancelled!!!! Ugh, so unfortunate! Anyway, I called my cousin and asked if I could stay with him downtown until I could get out of the city. Thankfully, I was able to schedule a train for the next day. However, after more traumatic experiences within the next 24 hours I finally made it back to snowy New Hampshire. This semester was truly phenomenal and I cannot wait to go back!! Signing off until February, JoeyG.

A Dance Study Break

2009-12-14T09:20:00.002-05:00

Finals are approaching and it's getting down to the wire so to relive some stress I attended the MMC fall dance repertoire, and it was fabulous. I was very impressed with my peers who performed and those who helped put it together. I would write more but like I said.. it's cruch time!

A Dance Field Trip

2009-12-07T13:44:00.003-05:00

Friday night I had the pleasure of going to see the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance for free through MMC. It was an unforgettable experience. The costumes, lighting, and choreography all came together to created a whole new experience for the audience members. All I had to do was sign up at school by showing my MMC ID and then confirm via e-mail and I was set. My friend and I walked the 5 avenues over to City Center where we met fellow MMC goers , received our tickets, and gathered our seats. I am so grateful for the experience because it enlightened me and saved me a buck!

Halloween, NYC Style

2009-11-06T11:45:00.001-05:00

Halloween in the city! Wow, what an experience. Starting off on Friday night I noticed that New Yorkers had no problem waiting to go from hard workingmen and woman to ghostly ghouls and celebrity look-a-likes. I had certainly never seen anything like it before! Coming from a small town I am extremely used to young trick-or-treaters going from door to door looking for delicious treats. However, New York City seems to be the host for all of those who didn’t leave Halloween costumes to childhood memories, but brought them to adulthood as well. The Big Apple is a phenomenal city to enhance self-expression and that was certainly true of this past October 31st. I remember going down to the subway around 9:00 Saturday night and being overwhelmed with the amount of costume extravagance. I saw everything from a traditional nun to all the Lady GaGa personalities imaginable. I, dressed as a geek, could not help but feel like a kid enjoying the greatest Halloween ever!

Duchess Gabby... I Like It

2009-11-06T11:44:00.003-05:00

I am excited to say that this past weekend we had our yearly homecoming game where I played in our flag football game. It was a ton of fun because it's the Griffins vs. the Griffins, therefore we never loose! This year it was a lot of fun because it rained and we played in the mud. I know it sounds messy and believe me it was! we also declared the winners of our homecoming court. The way it works is that each class has a winner i.e., Freshman: Lady and Lord, Sophomores: Duchess and Duke, Juniors: Princess and Prince and Seniors: King and Queen. I am honored to say that I was given a crown and awarded the title as the Duchess of MMC!

All in all it was a great weekend and I am looking forward to next weekend where I will be celebrating Halloween in the Village!

Study Break Update

2009-10-27T14:03:00.001-04:00

It is 3:30 on a Sunday and I can’t help but think about everything that I will be doing this week. With midterms and presentations you’d think that I would be stressed to the max, but that just isn’t true. This is a very exciting time for Marymount because we are gearing up for our annual Homecoming/Family weekend and I look forward to playing in the flag football game over on Roosevelt Island. But before we can even get to Homecoming there is so much occurring before hand. I have been working with 6Train acapella group for our debut at the MMC Talent show on Friday and we are very excited. On top of that there is going to be a job fair this Tuesday allowing students to meet with representative from NBC Universal, Fox News Network, the Archdiocese of New York, and many more companies. These are all testaments to the benefits that we receive here as Marymount students. Well, I’m off to study! Have a great week everyone!

A Mid-Semester Addition

2009-10-27T13:55:00.006-04:00

Everyone, say hello to the newest member of the blogging family, Joey!

Name: Joey Goulart III

Year: Class of 2012

Hometown: New London, NH

High School: Proctor Academy

Major: Communication Arts

Involved In: Peer Leader, Treasurer for the Choir, Residence Hall Council, and Yearbook

Favorite Thing About NYC: Ellis Island

Fall In NYC

2009-10-27T13:46:00.001-04:00

Hey guys!
Sorry I haven't written in so long. My life has been a little crazy but in a good way! From what I have seen Marymount tends to keep things that way! Nevertheless, Life is good and thus, the good times are rolling.
Mid-terms are coming up and tests are getting a little out of control by my professors are preparing my classes pretty well for these big tests. Had a psychology test about a week and a half ago and the teacher prepped us so well for it I got a 108! One point shy of a perfect score. My professor, Rachel Brandoff, prepped us really well. Told us every topic she could find that any question was on and told us straight forward the topics she was thinking might be the short-essay questions. It was a really thorough test but from what I heard from my peers alot of people did pretty well. & I'm pretty happy with ym score. Lol. :-D

It's the Fall in New York City and the weather is as awkward as Fall weather here usually is. In my opinion, based on everyone's ensemble's, everyone in NYC looks confused because the weather jumps from cool, to freezing to that very rare slightly warm day--which ends up to really be, at this time, around the high 50's. It's pretty funny--every day I'm bound to see one person with a winter coat on and one person with a little pea coat on. One person with a hat and gloves and another sporting a scarfless neck and bare hands.

The upside to this Fall are the wonderful fall boots everyone's got that make me so incredibly happy. lol. I love that about fall--cuz u can't really wear these boots in the winter and you def. can't wear them in the summer--a Fall Exclusive. Makes ya love being a New Yorker.lolol. Materialistic joy! Spoken like a true city girl.

I can't wait until the end of Nov./beg. of December when the Christmas booths in Bryant Park go up selling all this incredibly unique stuff. Hats, jewelry and up and coming fashion designers with weird designs and clothes u've never seen. Sometimes it can get pretty expensive but it's so fun to be around you can go through it with a smile and not buy a single thing. Plus, there's a little restaurant in the middle and an ice skating rink. All this in the middle of the city! I tell you, it can't get any better than that--and if you think it can, you obviously haven't experienced what New York City is all about.

'Til next time!,

Nina

Rockin' and Rollin'

2009-10-20T20:25:00.002-04:00

On Friday I took my FYM (Fist Year Mentoring) to the Museum of Natural History and boy was I excited!
We arranged to meet in the lobby at the 55th street resident hall at 9:15 and of course that didn’t happen due to my oversleeping. I arose at 9:30 and threw on my Chuck Taylors and some jeans when I heard my phone alert me that I had received a text message (and we all know my texting dependency comes before all) so I checked it and it was from one of the students in the class that said, “ you haven’t left yet… have you!?” I freaked out and ran to the lobby to see five of my students sitting there and they then proceeded to tell me that they could not afford to take a cab and that they would be a little late due to the fact that they were waiting for me!
We all finally arrived to the museum and began walking through when and even though I knew I was surrounded by all of these great artifacts I could not stop thinking, what if I was alone and Night at the Museum was real!
But all in all it was a great day and fun trip to the west side!

A Month In...

2009-10-09T15:46:00.002-04:00

So, now classes have been underway for about a month. One thing I’ve learned, it’s not fun to have an 8:30 class on a Friday. I’ve made a note about that for when I pick my classes next semester. Other than getting up super early, I really like all of my classes. They are all interesting in different ways and the teachers really seem to care about the students.

Now..on to city living. Needless to say I’m past the whole “touristy” stage of living here, although I do still take a picture of the beautiful scenery once in a while. I have already become acquainted with the New York City rats who are about the size of small yorkies. I’m also proud to say that I’ve learned how to get around the city on my own. It was a proud moment for me when I took the subway by myself for the first time. I also love my dorm. I have a private room at de Hirsch and although it’s small, it’s MY space. I can leave the door open if I want, or I can close the door and have time to myself. I also love the fact that once a week we get maid service. It’s wonderful to come home after a long day of classes and find that your messy room now looks beautiful, complete with a new trash can liner and a made bed.

After the month of living here, I am still in love with the city. It really is the most wonderful city ever. It’s so amazing to know that if you’re in the mood to see a show (which is a regular occurrence for me), you can just hop on a subway and rush or lotto a show. I mean, just yesterday I saw Shrek for $25. It doesn’t get more awesome than that. Another awesome thing I did yesterday was I tried gyros from a street vendor for the first time. Those things are delicious..and I bartered to get the price of my juice down and succeeded. The best place in the city though is Crumbs. It’s pretty much heaven on earth. In this little store you can get cupcakes the size of your face in about 30 different flavors.

Well, I would love to go on and on about the amazing things here, but I am a college student and I can hear a few books calling my name! So, I will talk to you all later!

Back In The City

2009-09-15T22:06:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone!! So I am in the middle of my second week at Marymount and finally getting into the flow of things. Tomorrow is Apple Fest!--and I am so excited to attend. From what I hear it is going to be one giant block party with food, games and music. But before I continue you should know that I am originally from Astoria, which is in Queens, New York but went to school in Jackson, Mississippi. So I've got both angles. Before I left for school I did not want to stay in the city because I'd been here all my life! When I went away to school, I liked it, but absolutely missed the city and everything about it. Now I'm back in N.Y. and taking advantage of all the free stuff you can do here!! So rest assured all you city and out of state prospective students alike. New York City is definitely always the place to be!

Here's what I discovered and experienced my first week at Marymount and in the city:
-Met a bunch of new people in my classes and realized how easy it was to make friends.
-Discovered the awesome library--that smells really good--(if you like book smell) and has an awesome orange carpet on the stairway. LOL.
- Java City on the first floor in the Nugent Buidling has really good Mayan Hot Chocolate.
-Got a haircut for free at the Bumble&Bumble Hair Salon as a Volunteer Model..and it looks really good!!
-Went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art with a friend for a total of $10..that's not the suggested donation..but this is the recession.. :-P

Let's see how the rest of the week plays out!

Nina C.

Another Blogger Comes on Board!

2009-09-15T22:02:00.005-04:00

We are delighted to have Nina join our blogging team! Here's all the basic info:

Name: Nina Chong

Year: Class of 2011 Transfer

Hometown: Astoria, NY

High School: Evangel Christian High School

Transferred from: Belhaven College

Major: Pre-Dance, Minor in Psychology.

Involved in: Writing for the newspaper and participating in clubs.

Favorite things about NYC: STEPS on Broadway, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Lawn at 42nd St.

My First Week In The City

2009-09-10T10:43:00.002-04:00

Hey readers..I’m Lexy Alvarez, or as my relatives call me, Alexandria Alvarez. I’m a transfer student from Miami, FL. I’m a communication arts major, but I’m thinking of changing it to theatre arts so I can study to be a stage manager. This is actually my first time in the city EVER. So, I’m coming in with a whole new outlook. I’ve only been here for a week and already have so many stories to write home about. I love it here so much. It is the most unique city ever. Where else can you walk around and see a very strange opera being performed in the middle of the park? Or accidentally run into the set of Sex and the City? No day is boring here..it can’t be, there are too many unexpected things happening. For instance, today was my first day of classes. After class I decide to look in the black book in the basement of MMC for a job. I found one, called the lady up and she wanted to interview me..now, at the end of the day, I have a new job. It’s funny how things change so quickly. Well, I’m exhausted and I have a FULL day of classes in the morning..so I will say goodbye for now.

Meet Our Next Blogger

2009-09-10T10:28:00.007-04:00

Another Griffin has signed on to write about her life for your reading pleasure... I present to you Lexy Alvarez!

Name: Lexy Alvarez

Year: Class of 2012 Transfer

Hometown: Miami, FL

High School: Pensacola Christian Academy

Transferred from: Miami Dade College

Major: Communication Arts

Involved in: Humanities Club

Favorite thing about NYC: Walking around with friends and seeing Broadway shows.

Stay tuned for Lexy's first blog entry!

Movin On Back To The East Side

2009-09-08T12:47:00.002-04:00

So, you would think that moving into the same location for the second time would be easier than the first right? NO. I had some how accumulated almost double my wardrobe and shoe collection. I knew that living in the city would open my eyes to shop and update more frequently but then I just have to wonder, where did I get the money to buy all of these items!? and then.. I remembered... The glorious checks that came to me, with my name on it,and the hours I had worked over those long summer days and how I always felt it was necessary to treat myself. I also remembered the days like today where I would sit here looking at the heaping piles of merchandise thinking," that's the money for my lunch and dinner for the next week" and the ever so popular, "my mom was right." In any event I moved everything into my new room, with a gorgeous view of the upper east side when I again had a revelation that I had more than enough apparel but that I had no items for the kitchen. How am I to make ramen without a pot,or a fork!? You see, this is all just a hot mess of a situation I had gotten myself into but luckily for me I have 3 other roommates who brought all of the kitchen items. Moral of the story (or shall we say blog) is to spend money reasonably. There are MANY temptations here in New York, so when you are feeling like that black cardigan sweater will really be great cause then you can get rid of your older one. Think, "if I buy this right now, will I be able to eat next week?" If yes, get it! If no, save the money and budget shopping into your next paycheck. Enjoy!

Gab

Welcome!

2009-09-08T12:36:00.005-04:00

Greetings, thanks so much for coming by the Marymount Manhattan College blog! Here you'll be able to read about the lives, experiences, and random thoughts of the MMC Griffin community living, studying, and working in the city.

Meet Gabby, our first contributor:

Name: Gabby Wright

Year: Class of 2012

Hometown: Havertown, PA

High School: Haverford High School

Major: Business Management with a marketing concentration, Minor in Environmental Studies

Current Internship: New York City Dance Alliance

Favorite thing about New York City: Student rush tickets for Broadway shows.

Be sure to come back often to meet our other bloggers and to see what they and Gabby have to say!