The Longest Day

Ten years ago today I woke up with a bad cold. I remember getting dressed that day, sniffling and coughing, determined to go to school. I had an amazing story to tell my best friend that just couldn’t wait. I was a senior in high school. The most important things in my life at that moment was trying to loose weight before Prom in May,  my essay’s for my college applications and whether or not that call from Marcus meant he liked me or not. *Sigh*, high school.

I ended up turning around and going right back home before my 1^st period class even started. I thought, maybe I could take the morning off and go to my afternoon classes. Like I always did when I was sick, I climbed the stairs to my mother’s room and crawled in bed beside her. My mother always made me feel better, like magic. She was up, her back resting on the headboard watching the news. She shook her head and told me “I hadn’t graduated yet and I should be in school”. I pouted, the move that an only child has perfected by the age of 3 and settled in beside her. My mother knew I wouldn’t just skive off school so, she sighed and let it go. Just as I was falling into a nice sleep, I heard my mother gasp. “Mick! Look and the TV! A plane just hit the World Trade Center!” I turned to see Good Morning America showing live footage from NYC. I asked my mom “How can a plane smash into a building like that? Don’t they have radar or something?” My mother shushed me and we continued to watch. She flipped channels to other stations reporting the same news. Out of nowhere, on live TV, my mother and I watched as the second plane hit the south tower. My world started to shatter. I remember feeling myself shake and my eyes wide enough to cause a headache. The News reporters on TV were screaming and crying. My mothers muffled sounds of “Oh My God” where barely audible to me. This was deliberate. America was being attacked.

I sat with my mother all morning watching the coverage. Next thing we hear, a plane crashed into the Pentagon. More chaos. There were reports on another plane that was taken. People were sure the plane was headed for DC.  I couldn’t believe it. It looked like some crazy disaster movie. I was waiting for Will Smith to utter some one-liner any second now. But this was real.

The main coverage stayed on the two towers. I remember the horrifying drop in my stomach watching people jump from the buildings. It scared me. “Why won’t someone help them?” I asked. My mom grabbed my hand and told me that she knew God took their souls out of their bodies before they hit the ground. “But why?” I remember asking this a lot. My mom said the only thing she could “I don’t know”.

When the South tower collapsed, my mother screamed. She started crying. I remember our phones ringing off the hook. Watching that tower fall took my breath away. Hearing the screams and seeing people running for their lives and knowing that whoever was around and in that tower… they were gone…. That feeling will never leave me. When the North tower fell, I was numb. Everything that I knew about this world fell with them. Yes, I knew there was war and that not everything was peaches and roses but, I had no idea that there was so much hatred. Enough hatred to cause something like this to happen. In school we learned about past wars in past times. I don’t know, a part of me never imagined that this could happen now. That a place as wonderful and beautiful as NYC could be harmed. That America could be a war zone. I didn’t cry that morning. I don’t think I cried at all that day.

I got in my car and drove to my afternoon class. As soon as I walked in we heard that classes were cancelled. People were crying and hugging each other. I remember a friend telling me “Isn’t it weird that it happened on 9/11? Our emergency number is 911.” Another drop in my stomach. How long had this been planned? My best friend found me outside the school and jumped in my car. She burst into tears as soon as the door closed. People were in the parking lot holding hands and comforting each other. Across the lot, a fight broke out. I don’t remember who or why and at the time I didn’t care. I just couldn’t believe that on a day like today there could be a fight. I wanted to shout at them for fighting. I wanted to tell off the people egging them on. Don’t they realize what’s going on right now? My best friend came back home with me. We sat on my floor and watched coverage for the rest of the day. I remember falling asleep and having nightmares of falling. I woke up to replays of the towers, people holding hands as they jumped to their deaths… The Pentagon and the plane crashing in Pennsylvania… the one heading to DC. I couldn’t take my eyes away. I didn’t eat dinner that night. Couldn’t. I don’t know what happened the next day. I don’t remember if we had school or the next day reactions on the news. But, I do remember every second of 9/11. I never got to tell my best friend that story. I’ve forgotten what it was about.

 Last night I went out on the roof of my Brooklyn Apt and stared at the Manhattan skyline. It was beautiful. Clear and sparkling with lights. Over on the left I saw two extraordinary beams of light. Those lights are the tribute lights for the two towers that fell. The shot up into the sky...up, up and away as if shining into space. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. That’s where the towers would have been in my view. If they were still here. I sat on my roof and stared at them. Ten years later, I finally cried. I watched those lights and the skyline for two hours. Then, they just disappeared. Nothing.

No matter what your politics are or your opinion when it comes to how others are running this country, I know you all were affected by what happened 10 years ago. If I have learned anything from that day it’s to live life to your fullest, and love completely. Little things, they will always matter because we’re human and we can’t help it. But, don’t let it take over your life. Live. Live as much as you can without regret. Do something today. Anything that makes you feel alive. I’m going to hang with the people I love. Even though police are everywhere in NYC and people are especially nervous and suspicious, I am going to get on that subway, go hang with my friends and Live. I cannot be afraid. And you should not be afraid to live either. Until next time… kisses, hugs, and high fives.

XOXO,

  The girl who thanks God everyday for the people in her life.

 

Ehhhhh.... How 'Bout Those Mets?

Hello all! Its been a while since my last blog and so much has happened! NYC is rolling into fall… I couldn’t be more excited! It’s actually nice to walk around the city without layers of sweat resting on me. You are a liar Britney Spears’ “Slave 4U” video. Sweating is not sexy. It’s not sexy when I have to go to work and have 7 to 10 minutes of cool down time. And, it’s not sexy when an equally sweaty person on the subway ends up smushed onto you. So, I welcome fall and its many adventures with open arms. I can’t believe it’s September. This time last year I was stuck in rut trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I still don’t quite have an answer but, I know I am much closer to that discovery. Hmmmm… what have I been doing since my last post?

Well, as many of you may know, I have become a major Mets fan. Seriously, I think I love those guys. I’ve been to two games now and the more I learn about the players and the game, the more I adore it. All that I really knew about the game of baseball came from “Rookie of the Year” and “The Sandlot”. Ahhh my first crush… Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez.

                                  Wasn’t he a Sweet Potato?

My first game was Mets vs. The Atlanta Braves. I was pumped! Mets hat….check. Poncho… check. Equally as excited companion… check. Experience…priceless. The Mets clobbered the Braves that night. We got to experience several home runs and sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” while actually eating peanuts and cracker jacks. Do you know that during the 7^th inning stretch, everyone actually stands up to stretch… BANGERANG!

                        Me, my roomy and my awesome Mets cap

                            Citi Field.: Where the magic happens

I started falling for all of the players. Angel Pagan, David Wright, Josh Thole (or as my roomy like to call him, Thole, Tholi, Tholy), Justin Turner, Jose Reyes…. My new homies. Football season’s here. Its time for me to say nighty night to the Mets and stake my claim for the Jets or Giants. I’m kinda leaning toward the Jets because of “West Side Story”. That first Jets song is pretty much snap worthy. I don’t really have another reason :/. I just need to see which team throws me the best vibe.  Hmmmm…. We shall see.

  Angel Pagan. What I imagine Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez grew up to be

My roomy and I went to a very last minute show at the Brooklyn Bowl to see the Naked And Famous. Wow, it was amazing! I had so much fun just jumping around and getting to know new music. I’ve only heard one song from them, “Young Blood”. Now, I have their whole album and I love it. It’s always great to see a band live and then have a new obsession for a while. If you guys haven’t listened to The Naked and Famous… trust me, they are worth it.

                                   The Naked and Famous

In Labor Day weekend news, my wonderful Wilmington, NC friends came to visit and conquer NYC. We had an amazing time!! My first guest, the great Valarie Robinson, arrived on Thursday and we got this party started with a little Booooooowwwwwwl Train. For those who have no idea what I’m talking about, Bowl Train is held every Thursday night at the Brooklyn Bowl. Basically, they show old episodes of Soul Train on giant screens while DJ Quest Love (yes, that’s right… Quest Love) spins phenomenal jams for us to dance to. Mixing “I’ve had the Time of My Life” and Marvin Gaye is pretty much genius.  On Saturday, the lovely Leigh Wiley and Karen Gardner joined the party and our first order of business was “The Lion King” on Broadway.  Wow, I don’t have enough time to give you the play by play on how amazing this show is. Imagine that feeling you had the first time you saw “The Lion King”. The music, the emotions connected with the story. Now, amplify that by 100. Costumes… wonderful. Set… spectacular. Voices…. Haunting. If you haven’t seen “The Lion King” , DO IT NOW!!!!  

The weekend went by in a blur and before I knew it, the time came to say TTFN. They brought a little slice of home to me if only for a minute. Love those girls. Here’s a picture of us having Sangria’s and good times. Isn’t that just a table full of fabulous?

Everything on the normal side of life has been great. I adore my job and I’m pretty proud of the film I’m working on. It’s only been over 2 months since I became an official resident and I already notice how happy I am. With the fall coming, I am confident that I will have new and exciting revelations to share. Stay tunned.

        5 Things That I Am Digging On

1). Natural Hair

      I recently decided to let my hair grow out naturally. Its going to be a long, hard road but I am excited about trying something new. For those who want a glimpse of the natural look here are a couple of pictures. My hair may not look like that but, it gives you an idea.

2). Emma Stone

Love her.

3). Fall

     I can't wait to experience Fall in the city. I've been told it will be magical.

Central Park in the Fall

4). Don't Breathe A Word by Jennifer McMahon

             This is the book i'm reading right now. Its super creepy. I had to sleep with a light on for a night ( or two) after reading the prologue. I can't wait to see what happens in this story.

How creepy does this girl look?

 

5). Fashion Week

        Ahhh yes. The time has come. Fashion Week will begin on Sept. 8, 2011. I have been hearing about the mythical creature known as Fashion Week since I was a youngin’. I can’t wait to stalk the tents. Anyone hove bail… ya know, if I’m arrested?

Love Always,
        The girl who refuses to watch "A League of Their Own" past the locker room scene with Betty Spaghetti.(You know which part... soooo depressing. )

The Soapbox

Love is blind. What does that mean exactly? Some would say that it means love blinds us to the truth in situations and personality. Others would say that true love allows us to see and accept the person we love, flaws and all. I believe that both are true and I also believe that it simply means we can’t help who we fall in love with.

                                                    

This is Phyllis Siegel, 77, and Connie Kopelov, 85. These two have been together for 23 years. On July 24, 2011, they were finally able to marry legally in the state of NYC. The Marriage Equality Act passed here in NY on June 24, 2011. NYC was one big celebration. It was incredible being here during such a wonderful moment in history. The Empire State Building proudly glowed with the colors of the rainbow. I was so happy. This very image of Phyllis and Connie explains my happiness and I’m sure the happiness of many more.  I wasn’t going to use this blog to talk about anything religious or political. Its always a touchy subject. But, after talking to a wonderful friend of mine the other day I thought to myself, “why not?” I am not ashamed of my opinion and sometime its best to speak out about certain things. Silence changes nothing.

I (as you can probably tell) completely 100% support Marriage Equality. There is so much negativity in this world. I just don’t understand how anyone can stand in the way of a person’s right to love. It’s a right… a human, civil right. Those two women should have been able to get married a long time ago without fear of prejudice over their heads. There are people that I care about very much who deserve to walk down the street, hold hands, kiss, get married, be a couple, be in love with their partners and they deserve to do it without some idiot telling them it’s wrong.  

If I were born a few decades earlier, my rights would have been boosh. I wouldn’t be able to be friends with the best people I know. And say goodbye to having a beer and laughs at Barbary Coast.  I tell ya, if someone were to tell me right now that I can’t marry Bon Iver because I’m black and I can’t  vote because I’m a woman, I would give them a bottled water and say “Here ya go. You’re going to need this when you go to hell.”

Yes, I know what the bible says. So, what? I say the F word more than I should.  It is not up to us mere humans to cast judgement. I believe in and love God. I also believe in equality and (c’mon folks say it again… starts with a L, ends with an E) love. Ohh boy, I’m going to get off my high horse right now, put it in the stable and feed it a carrot to keep it quiet. I swear topics like this get my blood movin’. I should probably go have a coke and a smile before I switch to some other subject that ticks me off. (That’s right Mr. Ol’ rape mustache who oversaw the Koran burning… you are safe from my hard typing wrath. For now.)

  I guess I just needed to get that off my heart. Hugs to everyone for reading. Hugs and kisses.

Love,

      The girl who's in for a really uncomfortable phone call from her mother after she reads this blog and knows I say the F word.

What's Up Buttercup?

It’s hot as Ryan Gosling here in NY and I am at work enjoying the wonderful cool air that was missing from this morning’s subway ride. Summer is in full swing around these parts. Everyday I see someone on the subway, heading to Coney Island for sun and amusement. The kids in my neighborhood play in the fire hydrant water spray, looking more like a movie then real life. They also carry around loaded super soakers which makes walking to the laundry mat on a hot day a little dangerous. I really should start packing my own squirt gun. I grew up in the Die Hard era. These kids won’t know what hit’em.

                Let’s see… what’s been happening with me since I last posted. Well, work has been interesting. Our producer lets the office minions watch the dailies. It was pretty much AMAZING to watch Al Pacino work. If the whole movie is as wonderful as the dailies, I believe we might have a hit on our hands. Sadly, our lead actress Bette Midler dropped out of the film. Booooo, I will miss you Bette. You were the wind beneath our wings (sniff, sniff. Tear). The production is currently at a standstill until August. It was crazy watching everyone scramble around for a new lead. They were contacting everyone, Marcia Gay Harden (whoop), Emma Thompson (triple whoop). In the end, we settled on a lovely actress. You may know her.. I guess. Her name is HELEN MIRREN!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHJODA*!$$JD;SOAJIOJ!!!!! I can’t even describe how excited I am about that. We have a Dame on our film (Is she a dame? Cause, she should be a Dame if she isn’t a Dame. I’m calling her a Dame). I hope its ok to share this info : /.

                How was your  4^th of July? Mine was beautiful. I went to the roof of my apartment building and watched the Macy’s fireworks over the Hudson River. I could see everything from there. Fireworks were going off all around me. It was neat watching the whole city celebrate. A little “America the Beautiful” By Ray Charles and a Blue Moon = perfect rooftop fun. That weekend my roommate Haley and I had what I would call a perfect Saturday. We went walking around Fort Greene in Brooklyn. It was so homey and quite there, I almost forgot I was in NY. It kind of reminded me of Wilmington. After getting some ice cream, and a couple of tiny, awesome ceramic owls from a yard sale, we stumbled on the Brooklyn flea market. This is what you would call dangerous for me. I love vintage anything and I love creativity. I racked up on some albums for my record player and a fly vintage bow tie. That night we decided to go to this club called Royal Oak. When we got there, the place kind of looked like someone was throwing a party in their apartment. We saw there was a bouncer so, we figured “legit”. It was the most fun dancing I have had in a long time. The DJ played everything old school. Not your daddy’s old school but my generation jams. “Return of the Mac”, “Creep”, “Poison”, “No Diggity”… you name it, he played it. This place is definitely on the list for fun times in the future.

                That’s it for me so far. I could talk about going to see “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”… but, I figured that deserves a whole post of its own :P. Well, chat with ya later. Next up: The great Capps visit :).

10 Thing I am diggin’ on at the moment

1). Elie Saab.
       I am completely in love with this designer. Everything he does is beautiful, dramatic and romantic. I have fallen in obsession with the website. Just look at Emma Watson in Elie Saab. Love, love, love!  http://www.eliesaab.com/

2). Crazy, Stupid Love.

       Seriously. Have you seen this preview? This movie is gonna be wonderful. See for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Env-25QO7CY

3). Bon Iver
          I have always loved his music. Lately its been a bit of a stalkerish type situation :)

4). Hot Mess by Chromeo
         What's not to love? This song is pretty much my jam right now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm4JVkH0T-E 

5).  A Beautiful Mess
          Love this blog. It's creative and fun to follow. I only hope I can be as cool as her one day.

http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/

6). These Cheetah print oxford flats.
          Oh boy. I forgot where I saw these. I think Polyvore.

7). Prada Minimal Baroque eyewear collection

         Fun and unique. I really want a pair of these shades.

8). Rockwood Music Hall

       Live music, gotta love it. Everytime I go to this place I see a new artist I love. Going there tonight to see Delta Rae. Can't wait!!

9). Morning dance fever.

         Nothing says "wake up" like a morning dance. This mornings featured selection "Dance Commander" by Electric Six

10). Ridiculous, cheesy, dorky, naively romantic, summer chick books.

                  I love reading chick books in the summer time. It's way to hot to read something that will boggle my mind right now. Give me a sappy beach read and I will give you a happy smile.

Love always,

      The girl who still longs to be a planeteer *sigh*

You say "Subway". I say "Train". Oh, lets just call the whole thing off.

It’s been almost two weeks since my last post. Since then I have been getting into the swing of things.  I just started a new job on a film. Phil Spector, an HBO production starring Al Pacino and Bette Midler.  I haven’t gotten to meet the main actors yet but, I dream of the day where I get to shake their hands and NOT ask Mr. Pacino to “Say hello to my little friend” while giving him a pen to give me an autograph. Or NOT asking Bette to sing “I Put A Spell On You” (If you like “Hocus Pocus” say “ho”). Anyhoo, everyone’s pretty great. I’m meeting a lot of cool people with interesting NYC advice to give.  Monday – Friday I get up, dress and make my way towards the L train for my morning commute. At first it was a little annoying, travelling 40ish minutes to and from work. But now, I kinda love it. It gives me a chance to wake up or wind down.  Plus it allows me to experience one of the more interesting places in this city: The Subway.

The Subway is a magical place where every kind of person you can think of comes together to join in that traditional, New York dance called Mass Transit. Old people, young people, stockbrokers, hookers, hipsters, college students and crack heads are all there for the same reason.  Just trying to get to that next destination in life.  I find myself becoming more and more fascinated with the Train crowd. So many people to observe, it’s like every actors dream.  The fashion alone causes me joy. I may not have gotten a ticket to Fashion Week this year but, that’s ok. I get to see every new trend, every intriguing take on clothes all the time. The platforms are like a runway and man…. I need to shop… Or maybe not. My friend Jean gave me great advice before coming here. She said “If you think you are fashionable, you’re NOT. No one is when they first get here. Fashion is like art here, and must be honed with the skill of a master craftsman.” And baby she ain’t kiddin’.  Sometimes I feel I look busted and that everyone is wondering “where’s your artistic expression?” Then I remember Jeans words to that comment. “Nobody’s looking at you. They’re all looking at that model that just walked in. “Ahhh Jean…my Guru.

What kind of subway person are you? I’ve discovered that I am a reader. I swear I could be on the train for an hour and not notice with a good book in my hand. Sometimes I put down my book and attempt to casually watch my fellow choo-choo readers. They are so enraptured with the story. Foreheads creased, a slack jawed expression on their faces, gasping at surprises, hardly noticing the train bumping this way and that. The “Please don’t talk to me right now” is at about an 8 on the 1-10 scale.  Or, you could be the music lover. I have never seen so many different types of head phones. All colors, sizes and freaky designs, they are like a really great accessory to an outfit.  The music lovers have their own way of blocking out the world. They stare, quietly listening to whatever jam that suits them, bopping their heads.  They rank an overwhelming 10 ½ on the scale. Except, of course, the ones who play their music Spinal Tap high on their smartphone and refuse to wear headphones.  They obviously want you to join in the fun.  Who am I to knock a good jam session? I vote for bopping your heads along with them. You won’t believe how awesome your morning gets.  Let’s see…. You have the awkward staring people (yuck! Sometimes I fall into that category. Can’t you tell?). But, don’t worry; they’re not staring at you (They are looking in your direction with a slight sneer as if you stole their wallet…. But it’s not your fault).  You have the sleepers (how do they not miss their stop?). The models doing their makeup, the chatters trying to start conversation, the people obviously enjoying their cocaine high while making up rap songs about the Holocaust (yes, that actually happened). Seriously, there are too many to categorize.

What truly amazes me about the subway is that I encounter incredibly talented individuals every day. Its like a free concert starring the most creative people in the city. You want to discover culture, get out your metro card! World music, Hip Hop, Country, whatever your preference.  It boggles my mind that Rebecca Black is an internet sensation and some of these people are unknowns scraping by. How is that fair? Yesterday I watched a man in a suit (I assume coming from work) walk up to a group of musicians playing on the 14^th street stop and ask them if he could play with them. He whipped out his harmonica and they gave me the best music I’d heard all day. I missed my train because of them.  It was amazing.

Really, why would you take a cab when you have the whole circus below your feet? Well, it’s time for me to wrap this up and catch the train home.  I’m a circus freak too ya know.  Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing  “The Girl who stares at people on the train, when she’s doesn’t have her head in a Nora Roberts book, tearing up over the romantic ending”.

Love Always,

   The girl who’s sneezes sound like angel farts

Hot child in the city

There are few things that are constant in my life. One of them is my fascination with New York City. I mean come on, it’s NEW YORK!! The Big Ol’ Apple…. the city that never sleeps…..  the subject of countless pop culture references and the land where dreams come true. Audrey Hepburn eating breakfast in front of Tiffany’s; The Jets dancin’ off anger in “West Side Story”; The Ghostbusters riding in on Lady Liberty to stop Vigo from destroying the world; Meg Ryan seeing the heart appear on the Empire State Building; 

Carrie Bradshaw strutting down 5^th Avenue in her Manolo Blahniks.  *sigh*

Ol’ Blue Eyes wrote a song about it and so did Ol’….. Ol’ um… whatever color Jay-Z’s eyes are. I assume they’re brown…. Ol’ Brown Eyes.  Anyhoo, “Rent”, “Annie Hall”, “Taxi Driver”, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (best looking pizza ever)”….. Let’s not even play like I can’t go on forever. The point I am trying to make with this little ramble is that New York, with its tall buildings, iconic landmarks and hope filled air is and will always be one of the greatest cities in the world. As of June 13, 2011, I (Makia Janine Martin: Theatre major, optimistic dreamer, proud GryffinPuff and extreme hugger) am an official resident.

New York City reminds me of that really super cool girl in high school that everyone loved. She’s shiny, trendy, smart and interesting. You want to say hello. You want to be a part of her crowd but, she’s just too intimidating.  You’re afraid everything about you is too ridiculous to be in her presence. You’re too fat, your clothes are not fashionable, your personality doesn’t stand out; your humor isn’t really that humorous at all. And well let’s face it… if you try to become a part of the group, you are pretty sure she will be a heinous mega bitch. But then you suck it up. You decide that you are awesome and that she could benefit from know you. You say hello and realize after getting to know her, she’s not a mega bitch at all. She has layers to her just like you. You learn things from her. She forces you to man up and learn about who you actually are. You can hang out when ever and you have no idea why you were so scared of her in the first place. Before you know it, BAM, she’s a bridesmaid at your wedding and a lifelong friend.

This is what my blog is about. I want to document my journey in this new chapter of my life. I want to discover what kind of person I actually am and gain new experiences to build and enrich my personality. From the mundane to the extraordinary, I will document it all. I promise to be completely honest (no matter how naïve the thought). This is more of a promise to me. I won’t let anyone proof read before submitting… even though I probably should. You know what, F it! This is New York through my eyes (bad grammar and all, haha). So, here we go kids! It’s time to open the book and see where this story takes us. As the popular college poster and/or wall décor says “Live, Laugh, and Love”. I will try to do all 3 while hopefully amusing someone else in the process. I mean, I didn’t ride 9 hours all the way to New York on a cramped bus for nothin’ right?

Love always,

The girl who’s too afraid to walk over the subway grates in the sidewalk.