America

I need to stop reading books about American History. I am on my second in a row and with the addition of the elections... I might move to some tropical place and cook other people food for the rest of my life, while doing their laundry on the side and whatever else to live comfortably and be tan.


Very good book, kind of exciting actually at parts with the battle descriptions. But what I have more then realized is that it once again glamorized history. It is always more gruesome.

Now I am on to this much loved and equaled hated novel:

This one is trying to cover all the gruesome details! I know that America is not the only country built by people with a desire to rule at any life's expense, must countries were built this way, but it still makes it hard to be proud.

P.S.

I am still sick and headed for the doctor again tomorrow. Yes a different doctor then the last one. I developed a sinus infection for sure over the last few days, so I am thinking I will call the last doctor and yell into the phone, "Asthma my ass!!" I want my money back.

On a lighter note I backed oatmeal raisin cookies for my roommate, after being her for over five years she has yet to master american baking... but I am more then happy to make the treats for her. While I was at it I made a vegetable soup from scratch with no recipe! Its tastes great!

Good night.

Daily Oatmeal with Dark Brown Sugar

Routines are setting in as the one month mark approaches. I am at that point where somethings are becoming very normal but other things still remain foreign and confusing.

I am really enjoying my apartment. My roommates are both from Istanbul and very sweet people. We were blessed with the positive side of craigslist. Thanks goodness. Its big place and well worth what I pay especially since usually not only is your room small but so is the rest of your place. I have a smaller room but not that small and the rest of the place is very nice and open.

(There is a hallway to the right of this image that leads to the front door and stairs to the bedrooms.)

I have discovered my new coffee shop. I am not totally convinced it is the most convenient for on the way to work, its a few stops past the subway, but it is so far the best americano and biscotte combination I have come across in this city. It is a little place called El Beit. Very cute little place with bar seating at the front that opens to the street and a courtyard in the back with plenty of space. I must admit there is a coffee shop across the street from my place I have yet to try (it more of a cafe) because it is not open when I leave for work and by the time I get home it is so packed with boys that stare and try and make eye contact I am afraid to go in!

(Image taken form someone elses blog... everytime I have been in it has been to crowded. Also I must compliment the wide angle used. It makes the place look way larger then it is.)

Williamsburg is turning out to be more then I could have asked for. Especially the location that I live. I was so sick when I looked at places I did not realize everything I was getting! Also it is so close to the subway to Manhattan I can easily head there for the favorite I found while living in the East Village. Everyone know I am a lover of food and that my day usually relies upon pampering my tummy. There are so many places to go here it is crazy, I have yet to discover some things I will really love I think, until then here are the top:

1. El Beit
2. Wild Ginger (Vegan Pan-Asian)
3. Potato Cafe (This plac is out of this world great!)
4. Gellato (this is Japanese I swear! I could not find it online but it was great!)
5. Baci & Abbracci (Inexpensive wood fired pizza, yeah! Even the good pizza is inexpensive here!)
6. Crooked Tree (I want to eat here every day.)
7. Penny Licks (my oh my sweets galore)

Ok thats all for now! I shall continue my search on freewilliamsburg.com for more lovely eats.

jessicasoga.com

YES! So jessicasoga.com officially no longer says "coming someday". Its here! There is not much on it at the moment have a few things that are not internet ready yet but will make it soon, but it is a great start.

Thank you, thank you Alex for all your help!

Note: If you have tired to look at it before and when it loads it still say "coming someday" hit the refresh button, cookies get in the way.

NYC Update

1. I have been really sick since I got here.
2. I have somehow through this found a room to rent in an awesome loft in an awesome location in Williamsburg. I move in tomorrow.
3. I had an awesome interview for some freelance work today. Looks very promising.
4. Been doing a bit of babysitting to keep busy while I make solid connections. Baby chocked a bit today and I realized I forgot how to do baby CPR, homework time.
5. Got seriously lost in scary Brooklyn a few days in and cried.
6. Have grown up and figured out my way around, no longer feel lost, will no longer cry.
7. Discovered awesome $6 manicures.
8. Miss everyone so so much but must be honest, and do not be jealous I have made some friends.
9. Got to see Chris play at an awesome venue, seriously cool.
10. Found amazing vintage shopping. Seattle has some good stuff but this place... WOW! (Thanks Chris)
11. Cant for the life of me figure out what to be for Halloween.... help? But Ashley will be here and that will be amazing.
12. Scotty comes to visit in November!!!!
13. I am most likely coming home for a few days around Christmas!
14. Did I say I miss everyone so much?

Love
Jessica

oh wait:
15. I have yet to have a good cup of coffee... there are lots of places but they are not good. New goal to find one within a few blocks of my new place for easy on the way to work pickup when it is freezing in February.


Oh wait this also!!
16. New haircut.

New Life, Missing Bits of The Old

I am sad to say I have been totally horrible about keeping up on this blog. But to my defense when lots of great things are happening I just do not think to blog, although there is lots to blog about.

I have made the move to NYC about a week and a half ago. Heather wrote a bit about my going away party and posted some pictures. Thank you so much to everyone that came to say good bye to me. It was an extremely fun night and much appreciated!

I had a wonderful last job in Seattle, although it was actually in San Diego. Lots of fun... little bits of work. I will miss the Cutter & Buck crew and my rap buddy buddy sing-a-longs.

I have finally begun to adjust to this immensely large city. Does not help that I appear to have some sort of respiratory sickness (bronchitis?) and have spent much of my time passed out sick in bed! But I did manage to somehow find myself an apartment in an amazing loft with some complete strangers who seem quite nice! All very exciting.

I made my way up to the Guggenheim Museum today to see the Louise Bourgeois exhibit, which was very inspiring and beautiful. I love going to art exhibits for the main reason that when you go you usually see something that you do not like. I am not sure why but there is something inspiring about art that I visually dislike being displayed at the Guggenheim. Maybe you will like her though, check it out: Catherine Opie I could not find an official website for her but most of those images were on display. However I really did like her freeway series but they were completely different then the rest of the exhibit.

Guggenheim Favorites of the day: (Images not from the actual exhibit)

Louise Bourgeois

Louise Bourgeois


Louise Bourgeois

Louise Bourgeois

Catherine Opie: freeways series

Woman Ironing, Picasso
(From the Guggenheim's personal collection)

I am adjusting but missing Seattle. I got to live with Scotty before I left and I cant express how great our time together was. Looking forward to people visiting but trying to focus on adjusting completely here. Oh yes and having no car is awesome!

August over?

Almost and I do not know what happen to it.  I promised myself months ago that I would not work this month.  I would spend time with friends, relax and pack my apartment for the move.  However, like it the past when time has been taken off it only lasts so long.  I worked all month however Friday did mark the last day till September.  I have learned about myself that I need work, like it, feel crazy without it.  So on that note it leaves me one week to pack up my life and ship out!  Well not totally.  Ill be homeless though but still around till the 16th of September.

Today is my birthday and I am feeling awesome about what the next year holds for me.  I know it help that it is always nice out on my birthday and that it is a Saturday.  But I am honestly so pumped for what 23 has in store for me, whatever that may be.

So I do not think that people should celebrate their birth"day" all week.  But this year I broke my rule.  Scotty and I went to dinner at my parents last Sunday and out came the cards, gifts, and cake.  All very yummy (thanks to the bbq my parents have inherited from me due to my move!).  Then Tuesday Scotty took me to an amazing restaurant across the street from my apartment called Harvest Vine.  It was the best date I have ever been on, I adore him and he amazes me more everyday.  

Last night was Widower show and a little bit of dancing.  One was mellow on was intense... sensory overload and almost to much to drink.  But it was an entertaining way to ring in 23!  On my way out the door for dinner with the girls (well most of them) then mod disco night with all.  I am so excited for this evening and this year!