The Need to Slow Down

Not Studying at a Coffee Shop with an old friend

2009-09-17T06:53:00.001-07:00

There is something so appealing about meeting a friend at a coffee shop and studying together for your respective looming exams…
I met Yugo last night after work at a cute little place on UES walking distance from home. I got coffee and food, chatted for a bit, then chatted some more and once we were done chatting 2.5 hours later, we moved over to my place to hang out a bit more… Yugo left around midnight. I had a blast… and studied for all of 7 minutes total. That won’t really help me, I need to buckle down at some point here…

FRM here I come, or not….

Bike day - Sunday September 13

2009-09-14T16:01:00.001-07:00

Put on a helmet, spandex, clipped myself in and biked 113 miles on a lovely Sunday through Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Roosevelt island & Bronx… 5 of us biked 100 miles as part of TA Century ride. I loved it (minus the potholes and bike-chain issues).

Thank you Neal, Lisa, Josh & Tom for biking with me. Aldo – thank you for support and Gatorade (it gave me much needed energy to brave Bronx, miles 85 through 105)

Now need to stretch ;-)
Over and out!

The memory will live on

2009-09-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

Do not get me wrong, what happened on 9/11 2001 is tragic, it shocked us all and the memory of this terrible event will stay with us for generation and it has to, to prevent future tragedies. At the same time, I think it’s a shame that 8 years later we are still staring at a gaping hole of wound where twin towers used to be. We need to build a memorial to the fallen both in the towers, on the planes and elsewhere (ones who risked and lost their lives in wars, rescuing others, etc…) – we need to build. By showing our ability to continue living we are NOT moving on but moving forward paying our dues to the fallen citizens and solidifying their memory.

Statistically speaking, NYC Financial District is less likely to be hit twice in one place. I hope there will be no more tragedies of this magnitude or smaller anywhere, but better safe than sorry, right? Still we shouldn’t waste city’s money on police lines that check your work IDs a block away from WTC site while most of us can walk around a block and be at work in just 10 minutes… Ridiculously hyped up police presence here downtown is *not* helping anything, it’s diverting resources from where they need to be.

I understand there is illogical fear – I myself walked down 44 floors of 1 Chase Manhattan a little less than a year ago when Air Force One and a fighter jet were taken out for a spin of lover Manhattan for a “photo op.” Collectively, we are not the nation we used to be, our “innocence” so to speak was taken away from us, we got a wakeup call – now, we need to incorporate this dose of reality into our lives, make improvements and keep on living – better, more alert and aware of our surroundings… “Voodoo” of number 9/11 should not paralyze us but spring us into action.

Not the best way to slow down

2009-09-10T12:19:00.000-07:00

I have been dealing with some sort of strange and severe allergic reaction for the duration of the summer. It hasn't been pleasant - I wear only my glasses, for a while (before I started taking oral steroids) I looked sickly & scary at the same time, I am taking allergy medicine galore and am hoping recent blood work will tell my doctor what's wrong and how to fix it. The reason I mention all this is recent pictures of me. Let me explain... I always thought I didn't look like either of my parents - I took certain features from both sides of the family and the combination wasn't hideous (it could have been better but I shouldn't complain). As I started wearing glasses on a regular basis and lost tiny bit of weight (I mean just couple of ponds), my facial features became sharper, bigger and more pronounced. I notice now how my smile and even appearance reminds me of my father's look - people, I am in trouble! My mom is the good looking one in our family... My dad is the sarcastic, energetic guy to make any party exciting - he is in no way George Clooney. Man, this is not great - now I only have personality to fall back onto (man, I hope I have personality!).

And my consciousness tells me I should spend my evenings studying for the upcoming exam and not partying...

Did I mention that my most pronounced character flow - laziness - is all my own? That one I didn't inherit from either of my parents.

Labor Day Weekend Extravaganza...

2009-09-08T13:09:00.001-07:00

I had a bit of a crazy weekend even by Yulia standards. Yeah, I know… buckle up people! ;-)

First of all, I think I might have lost my mind (what else is new?), on top of work being busy (and a bit stressful), I decided to add a bit a challenge, i.e. I registered for FRM exam (a risk manager CFA of sorts – FRM stands for Financial Risk Management exam). I received materials a few days ago – two folders and a book, although, it’s a bit difficult to call those monsters folders, I’ve never seen a folder of over 1,000 pages before. Did I mention I have about 9 weeks to study for this 5 hours exam with part pass rate of approximately 40%? Well, this past weekend, I didn’t find time to study. This week will be tough as well as it filling up with other extracurricular activities and I am still reluctant to give up social life and biking.

Back to this past weekend, no BBQ invitations, but guests in town, lots of biking, lots of going out and of course jumping out a plane from 13.5K feet. Yay!

On Friday night, my friend Kelly celebrated her 30th birthday at Texas BBQ – those margaritas were huge! Fun was had by all and I refrained from drinking complimentary shots of some crazy alcoholic tequila which came with the monster drink I had.

I left the party right as they were moving to the second venue to get some rest before biking on
Saturday morning (6 am wake up, 7 am – on the road). We biked from my place to Nyack and back averaging 15.5 mph (which included first 10 garbage city miles). I put on about 55 miles on my bike that morning. Afternoon was drunk, as I met my friends for brunch and free unlimited sangrias are Calle Ochos, love that place! My SF guests enjoyed it too, which made me feel good. NYC has so much to offer and it’s nice to be able to show visiting a slice of the city they might not have found on their own. We continued festivities by going down to Madison Square park and 230 5th (a rooftop bar with nice seating and great views right by flat iron building). A quick trip home to change and we were off to girly dinner on Lower East side, couple of places later at around midnight we ended up at Pravda, good drinks, fun ambiance, slightly Russian flavor.

On Saturday night, I was in bed by 2 am and up by 6 to bike another 25 miles in NJ – heavy legs, choppy but good ride. Afternoon was to be devoted to studying but I ended up taking a few hour long nap (I don’t take naps) but this one felt good. Few more errands on Sunday evening followed by Kristi and Scott’s housewarming party in Hell’s Kitchen that was fun, fun, fun… I was in bed by 2 am again.

Labor day Monday alarm went off at 5:45 am, a quick shower, and a bagel later, 5 of us were packed in a cute WV bug on our way to jump out of a plane at Skydive the Ranch in upstate NYC – we were there by 8 am, on the plane by 8:15 am and off we were from 13.5k feet bright and early before 9 am. I landed on my butt promptly at 9:01 am that morning. My instructor – tall quiet Hungarian guy didn’t really speak English, which took me a while to figure out. His responses to all my questions were “yes” and “I don’t know” – really not reassuring given the fact I was about to hang my life into his hands (uhmm, I mean harness). Out of 20 people in the plane we were second to last tandem – my instructor took me out of the plane, flipped me over to show the belly of the airplane, and we started spinning in free fall – not as serene of an experience as my first jump 4 weeks ago but lots of fun. This was a much quicker jump than Skydive NJ on August 6th. While it was exhilarating, the adrenaline rush wasn’t the same as the first time around. I shall do it again.
Monday afternoon I accomplished very little yet felt satisfied – hang out with a friends, did a few upper body strength exercises, made late brunch and went out with Ira (my SF guest) to dinner and Comedy Cellar (we were joined by 6 others) and had a BLAST! I love Comedy Cellar – yesterday’s line up was hilarious – yay!

Monday night in bed by 1:30, up by 6:30 – I took my bike for a quick 12 mile spin around Central Park twice… Ugh, I have Larry’s bike shop – after their tune up my breaks are not working and the front breaks rubbing against the wheel non-stop. I have to take it back but there is no time… I love my bike, don’t make it suffer, people…
The worst thing about Larry’s bike shop at 87th and 2nd is the fact that they treated me like an idiot and provided abysmal customer service, yet, I need a lot of things including new tires I will not buy at their place. I want top of the line and willing to pay for it, but I was to feel respected (plus, what kind of tune up makes my bike disintegrate 3 days later?) really people?

Other than lack of sleep, this was a great weekend. If only I can have another one to relax…
Need to study…

"The Happy Sad"

2009-07-21T23:28:00.000-07:00

I have been a faithful patron of SPF NYC’s summer offerings consistently for the last 4-5 years and either my ability to pick a play is getting better or the quality of work has been steadily improving. I say it’s the latter. Yesterday’s “Happy Sad” was a fun, thought provoking and somewhat idealistic play about love, lust, relationships & general confusion of young adults living in a playground that is New York, trying to figure it all out, stumbling along the way and of course enjoying “the ride.” Energetic, sexually charged with naked scenes (Amen!) and some singing it kept audience entertained and engaged for the duration.

There is just a week left – if it’s not sold out, go see it – it is definitely worth $13 we paid for it.
Did I mention you *will* recognize some of the actors from the Blockbuster hits you enjoyed few years back?

I feel elated but I think healthy 7 hours of sleep I got last night might be responsible. ;-)

Official website: http://www.spfnyc.com/
For another review, please see http://www.nytheatre.com/nytheatre/showpage.php?t=brea6407

Next on the list is “We Declare You a Terrorist” also at SPF NYC next week – hope it’s as good or better – YAY!

2009-07-17T23:32:00.000-07:00

Manhattan City Lights Cruise on 1920s-Style Yacht with Classic Harbor Lines on a misty, foggy Friday was a blast… First of all, all 7 of us who boarded the Yacht disembarked exactly an hour and a half later in one piece and no worse for the wear. The view off the yacht was a bit eerie – Statue of Liberty lit up and at the same time barely visible because of fog, lower Manhattan skyline enveloped in dark clouds and bright lights of Jersey shore mixed up with raindrops and wind helped create atmosphere of excitement and anticipation at least among our group. Alcohol helped (first drink was on the house), sodas were free period. The crew consisting of 3 guys was nice and courteous. We enjoyed ourselves immensely – I only wish we could go for a different music selection – cheesy 90ies were not doing it for me.

Top Ten Most Annoying Alarm Clocks

2009-01-23T06:15:00.001-08:00

Nuff said - enjoy:
http://www.uberreview.com/2006/03/top-ten-most-annoying-alarm-clocks.htm

Unorganized but lucky

2009-01-15T06:57:00.000-08:00

With long weekend fast approaching, I am braving east coast ski scene and going skiing up in Vermont, Killington Mountain. I am hoping for snow, lots of it, as I never skied on the east coast before.

Four days ago, I discovered my helmet and goggles were not in New York with me. A quick phone call and we discovered that my parents had them. Crises were averted by my dad who packaged and shipped the goodies next morning. I have my gear now, well almost… Two days ago I discovered that my skiing jacket was MIA – it was alas, you guessed it, in Chicago.

Events of that evening/ next morning and afternoon unfolded as follows:

(a) I came home to discover jacket is about 850 miles away and I have to leave in 3 days. (b) Asked my roommate if he know anyone flying from Chi-town here. His response was: “Yes, J. is flying tomorrow morning” (Really? WOW). (c) About an hour later, roommie talked to J., my mom had J.’s phone number and within 8 hours had it on the train with her going to work. (d) At noon the following day J. picked up my jacket from mom and flew to NYC. (e) At 9 pm yesterday all 3 of us were having drinks are Death and Co – love that bar!

It looks like I will have my jacket to ski in – yuppie!
Verdict? Unorganized but lucky! :-)

Artists of the Russian Jewish Theater

2009-01-11T23:17:00.000-08:00

Chagall and the Artists of the Russian Jewish Theater, 1919-1949 at the Jewish Museum

"...a fascinating tale of two vanguard theater companies…" - The New York Times

The Jewish Museum organized the first exhibition devoted to the extraordinary artwork created for Russian Jewish theater productions in the 1920s and 1930s. The exhibition brings to light a remarkable period in the early years of the Soviet Union when innovative visual artists, including Marc Chagall, Natan Altman, and Robert Falk joined forces with avant-garde playwrights, actors, and theatrical producers to create a theater experience with extraordinary mass appeal. Through paintings, costume and set designs, posters, photographs, film clips and theater ephemera - many of which have never been exhibited before- Chagall and the Artists of the Russian Jewish Theater, 1919-1949 captured an exhilarating but fleeting moment in the cultural history of the Soviet Union.

The two most important Jewish theater companies in post revolutionary Moscow—the Hebrew-speaking Habima and the Yiddish-language Moscow State Yiddish Theater (GOSET)—galvanized a growing community of Jewish artists, actors, and composers. At first, the Bolseheviks believed Habima and GOSET were an effective means for conveying the goals of the Revolution. Later, even as Stalin instituted increasingly repressive measures against creative expression, the two theater troupes were the most prominent manifestation of Jewish identity and culture in the Soviet Union.

Habima was founded by a former Hebrew teacher, Naum Tsemakh (1887–1939), in Bialystok in 1912, and then reestablished in Moscow in 1918. By performing solely in Hebrew, the company stressed the continuous relationship between the heroic past of the Bible and the present. The use of a language unfamiliar to the majority of Russian Jews and primarily associated with prayer ultimately alienated those it wished to attract. The company was forced to leave the Soviet Union for good in 1926. It eventually settled in Palestine, and today is the national theater of Israel.

GOSET - from its beginning in 1918 until it was disbanded in 1949 was a dynamic expression of Jewish culture. Founded by Aleksei Granovsky in Petrograd, GOSET performed in Yiddish, the Russian Jewish vernacular. In 1920 the troupe relocated to Moscow, and the following year the theater received the patronage of the government and was renamed State Yiddish Chamber Theater. That same year Marc Chagall was invited to design the sets and costumes for An Evening of Sholem Aleichem, the troupe’s inaugural production in Moscow. Chagall had a tremendous influence on the company with his innovative stage, costume, and makeup designs. He also played a key role in conceiving the extreme stylization of the actors’ gestures for which GOSET became known (read more at: http://www.thejewishmuseum.org/exhibitions/JewishTheaterUSSR).

It was an interesting and curious exhibition mostly because I didn't know much about Jewish theater in Soviet Russia, nor have heard my family talk about it much. I called my grandfather walking out of the exhibit and inhaling cold crisp air of New York winter. He grew up in Soviet Belorussia close to the theater circles of Minsk and knew some of the prominent Jewish theater figures both in Minks and later in Moscow. He however, never heard of Habima, only Goset. Strangely enough, one of Habima's plays featured Tmima Yudelevich in its roster of actors (her last name spelled in Russian exactly the same way mine is - I doubt we are related though).

Israel Solidarity Rally

2009-01-11T18:52:00.000-08:00

Israel Solidarity Rally
42nd St & 2nd Ave (Israeli Consulate)
Sunday, Jan. 11th, 11:00am

In 1967, Israel's resounding victory in the 6-Day War was a tremendous source of strength, hope and unity for Jews living in the Soviet Union. Now, as we are Jews in the free world, Israel needs our support more than ever. Join the greater Jewish community of New York in support of Israel during this critical time of war. Every voice counts - please be there to show that WE STAND WITH ISRAEL!

I was there; I was cold; I felt proud.

Well “Made in America”

2009-01-09T23:47:00.000-08:00

Gran Torino – best Clint Eastwood movie, hands down. Go see it!
It’s NYC Critics Pick: http://movies.nytimes.com/2008/12/12/movies/12tori.html

Melancholia of Eight

2009-01-08T23:20:00.000-08:00

12 shows, 8 days… Performance Space 122 (http://www.ps122.org/) presented its annual winter event, COIL 2009, featuring some of the newest theatre, dance, and music from NYC and around the globe.

I saw “Eight” last night – eight actors, eight short 15 minute snippets presenting their lives, struggles and the darkest deepest secrets to the audience in a concise, very well acted and heartfelt manner. All of the actors, as well as the author are Edinburgh graduates and/or students. They are young, talented and eager. They feel struggles of their characters even if they could not have experienced their lives with surprising self-awareness and style.

Collection of stories started with a monologue of a politically and socially conservative prostitute keeping old values alive –well played, funny in its sincerity and charming all at the same time. A life story of a young girl living in the house with no doors, with a mother who invites in strangers and keeps no secrets only to alienate her daughter, force her to run away and become impregnated by a stranger to become her mother’s prisoner once again. Actress’ powerful performance made this particular bit my favorite one. There was an Iraqi war veteran all of 20 years old working at the morgue, with corps and no one else to confide in; a hugely successful stockbroker walking out of his life; a gallery owner discovering the suicide of his partner hanging by a Hermes scarf to name the few…

Walking out of the theater I felt melancholy come over me, cover me as a warm blanket but not suffocate me. A friend thought Eight was depressing. Go figure.

Tired.

2008-11-13T21:40:00.000-08:00

Just Tired. And it shows.

Tina Fey beware…

2008-11-02T22:22:00.000-08:00

On a train from DC a conductor making his way through the crowd taking people’s tickets stops a few feet away from me and stares at me intently…for a fairly long time. It makes me wonder if something is wrong. I give him my ticket; he reads my name and then re-reads it again. Before returning my stub he asks:

(Conductor) “Do you get mistaken a lot?”
(Me) “Pardon me?”
(Conductor) “Do you get mistaken for her a lot?”
Complete confusion on my part…
(Conductor) “You look like Sarah Palin”
(Me) “Oh gosh… I guess that’s part of the reason I don’t wear my glasses often anymore”

An hour later, while making his rounds, the guy comes up to me again, leans forward and says with a wink:

(Conductor) “Are you ready for your photo op, Ms. Palin?”
(Me) “Dude, if you pay me $150K for a new wardrobe and $4,600 a month to get my hair done. Sign me up for the job!”
(Conductor after a second pause) “Damn, me too…”

Smiles all around, exit stage left.

The Need to Slow Down

2008-10-27T22:25:00.000-07:00

I have noticed that one of my main shortcomings is failure to slow down. I tend to forget to relax, or fail to cherish the moment however insignificant it might seem...

Recently, after making an effort, I realized how much can be said for taking a walk in the city just for the sake of a walk, watching people pass me by, window shopping, stopping at a random coffee shop. I used to run everywhere, overbook, over plan... and I still do - and, to be completely honest, enjoy it thoroughly. At the same time, once in a while, I take pleasure of being a couch potato with a book (and lately my beloved New Yorker) or debating politics with my roommate.

I hope this blog will help me to appreciate a quiet moment (if I choose to share it with you, my cute little laptop) and potentially keep track of more memorable social gatherings, the ones I am able to recall and account for.

Good night.