I Speak; Therefore, I Write in a Similar Fashion

I've been told by a few people that they can literally "hear" my voice when they read my writing. I like to think of my writing style as a combination of wholesome, snarky, sarcastic and (hopefully) concise.

Well now there's a website that tells me what famous author I write like!

I write like
David Foster Wallace

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

I have actually never read any of this famed author and essayist's pieces. If anyone has, 1) Is it any good? 2) Do I really write like him?

Granted, a website that "analyzes" a part of my blog, and then a second later tells me I sound like this guy, probably isn't all that accurate. But if I ever had dreams of becoming a famous author, maybe this is a hint about what style of writing I should try.

Wow Sam, this is a random blog post. I know.

My Google homepage keeps popping up in German. I'm not the only one in my office with that problem. Has anyone else had foreign issues with Google?

My brother completed the New York City Triathlon this weekend. He currently holds the title of "Superman" to me right now. Especially surviving the 90+ degree heat. He also competed in the 1.7 mile Underwear Run the Friday before, but for the sake of his dignity, I won't post those photos online.

While he was burning hundreds of calories competing, I sampled 12 different kinds of ice cream at the New Jersey Ice Cream Festival. Sad to say, the festival was insanely crowded and most of the ice cream (minus the key lime pie flavor) was just so-so. I think beside the Key Lime, this random flavor of vanilla that wasn't even entered in the contest was my favorite.

I'm counting down until the start of Season 4 of Mad Men. I blame my Dad for sucking me into it, but it's AMAZING! And look here, the secretary who I'm convinced has crazy eyes had decided to take her baby blues to Playboy.

I'm also counting down the days until my friend Lauren and her boyfriend,Tad, move to NYC. Lauren got an amazing job in the city and I'm super stoked to have a UMD friend in the neighborhood. I think Steve; however, is more excited for the twice-baked potatoes she makes.

Super busy the next few weeks at work and weekends with family and friends. This is shaping up to be quite a lovely Summer in the city!

Pilates in the Park

It's a good thing I watch the news and read newspapers. How would I know that it's freakin' hot outside without them?

It's day two of Hotmagaddon (it's like Snowpocalypse, only hotter) and I haven't completely melted yet. My subway car had no air conditioning this morning (awful!), but besides that, I'll keep praying to the A/C Gods that my little window A/C that could keeps pumping that sweet, sweet cold air.

Even with the temperature rising, I thought an 100 degree day was the perfect time to take a free outdoors pilates class. I'm serious.

The recently renovated Brooklyn Bridge Park is offering free pilates classes every Tuesday until Labor Day, and I would be a fool to pass up free gym classes. So I brought my mat to work and sprinted out of the office to make it to class on time.

I was sweaty by the time I got to class (not good); however, I hydrated all day at work (very good), so I was ready to face the heat. I hadn't been to the park before, but I had heard that it was very pretty and had great views of the bridge and downtown Manhattan, and it did not disappoint.

Pretty decent quality for a 2-year-old Sprint Flip Phone. Take that IPhone! And look how many people showed up! I'm not the only crazy one!

I made sure to get a spot next to the river so I could really feel the breeze from the water. Granted, it wasn't much cooler than the air temperature, but I'll take what I can get. I almost completely forgot how hot it was as soon as the class picked up the pace. Then I saw how sweaty I was when I got home, and I remembered.

Anyway, the class kicked my butt (well more like kicked my abs, arms and back) into shape and I left feeling absurdly sweaty, but really proud of myself for facing the heat and getting in a really interesting workout.

I plan on going as much as I can. Anyone in NYC looking for an exercise buddy?

Maine: The Way Life Should Be

We passed the "Welcome to Maine" sign, and that slogan greeted us as we cruised up I-95. I thought at first, "Wow super northern state, is life really that fantastic up here? Is this really how life should be?"

Summertime answer: Yes, yes it should.

I'm not going to campaign that this is the way we should live all year round. Granted, the water stays a constant 55 degrees around Bar Harbor all year, leaving it cooler in the summer and slightly less cold than the rest of the state in the winter. But still. Who wants to be in Maine in January? A New York winter is enough for me!

But enough of that. Our vacation was beyond fantastic. And here is a list of reasons why:

1. Clean air. I did not realize just how smelly NYC was until I left it...smelt fresh air...and then came back.
2. The Inn at Bay Ledge. We stayed here our first two nights. Delicious breakfast in the morning. Afternoon tea at 4pm. The most comfortable bed...ever. Friendly staff (that brought their dogs to play in the morning!) And steps away from these views:

This is the view from the porch while we were eating breakfast

From the stairs down to the pebble shore

The perfect place to look for clear, brown, green and blue sea glass.

3. Lobster lobster and more lobster. Those crustaceans tasted like they walked from the water, cooked themselves and then sat happily on my plate. By far the best place was a lobster pound on the side of the road. Yes, lobster on the side of the road. Better than any 5-star restaurant.

Doesn't it look like it's saying, "Eat me please?" Don't mind if I do.

4. Acadia National Park. Beautiful scenery, fantastic hiking/biking trails. The campsites were quite crowded (thumbs down), but besides that, our overnight provide me with the perfect combination of sweat, dirt and smoke on many of my clothes.
5. Ice Cream! We ate some much. So tasty.
6. Downtown Bar Harbor. Such a cute town with tons of restaurants, shops and bars. We went into one bar to avoid some rain and ended up staying for 2+ hours talking with the bartender and getting fed free drinks. That's the way service should be.



7. Portland. We weren't expecting much in this "city", but ended up seeing some beautiful lighthouses and hanging out with another friendly bartender in the city's downtown pub. Guinness on tap and part of the $3 happy hour special?! Steve was in heaven.

It even had a shamrock in the foam!

Lobsters do love Guinness.

I could continue the list, but I figure you get the idea. Will I go back to Maine? Yes, hopefully sooner rather than later. Now is the perfect time of year to pack the car and head north. It was sunny every day and didn't get above 75 degrees. You really can't go in the water (unless you have a super warm wet suit), but I'm more than happy to sacrifice that for all the beautiful nature.

If New York City ever becomes too dirty, crowded and smelly (even for me), I'm heading up there. Maybe I'll become one of those friendly bartenders. Or Steve and I will open a bed and breakfast. Vacation atmosphere everyday? Count me in.

Peace Out Big City!

By this time tomorrow I will have traveled the entire east coast. Top to bottom. That's because Steve and I are packing up his car and heading north...

to Bar Harbor, Maine!!

And Acadia National Park!

Five days of mountains, the ocean, fresh air, lighthouses and lobster. Delicious, delicious lobster. Cross your fingers for poor blackberry reception.

Business Trip to the beach? Should I wear a bathing suit?

In 24 hours, I'll be here.




Exciting, right? Well not exactly. I'm heading on a business trip to Miami tomorrow morning. And while maybe I'll get to spend a few minutes near a beach, I'll mostly be running around softball fields and GM dealerships. (Yes, in this instance baseball and cars work together)




I'm praying for good weather, decent interviews and that the other people involved were half as OCD as me. Seriously, you should see the time line/contact list I wrote.

Adios!

Sweet and Sour Awesomeness

New York will never cease to amaze me. After a successful (and slightly overwhelming) trip to Fairway in Red Hook, Brooklyn with Steve (really great supermarket, TONS of free samples),we stumbled into this just a few blocks away.

A key lime pie stand, in Brooklyn? Did we discover a hole in the time space continuum and end up in Key West?

My love for Key Lime began, where else, in college as a recipe taster for my roommate, Amy. She made a delicious frozen lime pie that made me fall in love with all things lime. And then there were the key lime cupcakes; I was pretty much sold after that.

This pie shop, or pie garage is what it looked more like, only sells one thing: pies. And lots of them. Steve and I decided to split a mini-pie. Fairly reasonable at just $4.



It was like taking small bites of sweet, sour and delicious heaven. No artificial colors, flavors or additives. Just key limes, pie crust and awesomeness.

And what added to the "gem-like" status of this place, was the beautiful garden that surrounds the slightly dilapidated parking lot, as well as the view of the New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty in the distance. (Wish I had a picture, sorry! I'll just have to go back! And next time, I'm getting this.)

Happy National "Insert Favorite Food" Day!

I'm sad to say I did not get the chance yesterday to truly celebrate National Donut Day. I kept telling myself I should stop by Dunkin' Donuts for a free donut with drink purchase, but I never got around to it.

I mean look at it. So delicious and tasty. I feel like Homer Simpson.
Mmm pink frosting.

It got me thinking about the other national food holidays that may be over looked ever year. I had the delicious chance to celebrate National Chocolate Cupcake Day, thanks to Hostess, when I was producing at Newschannel 8. (Just a reminder, it's on October 18th, in case you want to mark your calendars)

Here's how that phone conversation went:
Me: "Hello this is Samantha with Newschannel 8"
Awesome Hostess Lady (AHL): "Hi there, we would like to help you celebrate National Chocolate Cupcake Day, do you mind if we send you some Hostess Cupcakes?"
Me: "Really?! Do I have to do anything?"
AHL: "No, if you want to mention that it's National Chocolate Cupcake Day on October 18th, you can."
Me: "Score! Send them my way!"

A week later I got four boxes of Hostess Cupcakes to share with my friends at work (and sneakily hide one for myself later) And most of you know just how much I love my Hostess Cupcakes, see Tart Reform, and you'll understand (Thanks Amy!)

Anyway, those are not the only food holidays. Did you know today is National Gingerbread Day? Me neither! Or just wait until June 7th for National Chocolate Ice Cream day! Or if seafood is your thing, June 15th is National Lobster Day!
To check out the food holidays, click here.
Oh and of course I looked up my birthday. March 4th is National Pound Cake Day.
Mmmm pound cake. Mmmm food holidays. Mmmm do I have anything to eat in my kitchen?

I Got Links! Now You Got Links!

Who actually works at work? Apparently, I do. It's been so busy I haven't had time to (opps!) write a blog post during work hours. However, I have had time to scroll through my usual daily readings, and I came across some fun stuff.

More proof that little girls are more than just sugar and spice and everything nice.

Friend of mine at work sent me this song. If you can get past the creepy makeup and avaunt-guard costumes, the music is pretty good.



I just discovered M&Ms Pretzel. Quite tasty and colorful! Guess I'm not listening to Urban Outfitters' advice.

I tell Steve all the time that I don't fit in my neighborhood because I don't have a dog, or a baby. Seriously, it's either a baby, a dog, a baby dog, or a dog baby (a baby with the misfortune of bad genes.) I guess I'm not the only one who is notices that.

Where are my Peanuts and Cracker Jacks?

My elementary school gym teacher, Mr. Fitz, taught me the correct way to throw a baseball.

Sideways, step and throw.

My Dad taught me everything else.

I remember playing catch with him in the front yard in my softball days. He'd always remind me to snap my wrist to make sure the ball actually travels straight. He even taught me "windmill" style when I became my team's pitcher back in 5th grade.

Well finally, I got to see Dear Ol' Dad in action.

My Dad has played on his company's softball team for a long as I can remember. But I think only recently since he's become the resident "older guy" on the team that he really enjoys it. And now that I live back in New York, and my apartment is in Brooklyn near where they play, AND my roommate works/plays for the rival company team, I knew it would only be a matter of time before I'd be behind that chain-linked fence watching him play.

Company softball is a lot more competitive than I ever realized. Maybe it was because they were playing their "arch rivals", but these guys were really into it. The team's coach doesn't go by the "everyone should get a chance to play, it's just company softball" motto, so I had to bite my tongue so as to not yell at him to let my Dad play with the younger, slightly faster guys.

Glee + HIMYM = Dreaming the Impossible Dream?

Instead of making NPH "Towns person #1" in the Lima, OH production of Les Miserables on "Glee" last night, couldn't they have just made him Javert?

Clearly, he already knows the part.



I had a very difficult time keeping my laughter contained while I watched this at work. And Glee should tap Jason Segel next. Or better yet, let's just have one amazing episode where the Glee kids sing all the songs created for HIMYM so far. Awesome!

Going Up...Or Not

"Love in an elevator, livin' it up while we're going down" - Aerosmith

That wasn't my elevator experience this morning. You know your day is pretty much going downhill when you can't go down, or up, in your elevator.

The box full of metal and winding parts started its journey up fine. It opened and closed on levels four and six, but somehow made the decision that, "You know, the 6Th floor is high enough for me today. I think I'll just stay there and trap the one lonely passenger inside."

The doors shut on the 6Th floor, and nothing happens. I thought for a second I was imaging it and I was moving at hyper speed. But that wasn't the case. I tried knocking on the door to see if the person who just got off the elevator was still there, but no answer. I fumble for my phone, but instead I look to the buttons for an answer.

I hit the alarm button:
Voice from inside elevator: "What seems to be the trouble, ma'am?"
Me: "Well, umm, the elevator doors closed and it doesn't seem to be moving."
Voice from inside elevator: "Oh alrighty."
(Doors magically open)

I awkwardly get out of the elevator, while the lady at the front desk on the 6Th floor stares blankly at me. I couldn't get to stairs from that lobby, so I had to wait for another elevator to take me up the last two flights.

I've had nightmares about being stuck in an elevator alone. But usually the lights are out, it's storming and suddenly there is no oxygen left.

But maybe it was the good night sleep I got or the delicious oatmeal I had for breakfast, but I did not panic when the elevator hung in-between floors. I knew I had cell phone service because I've made plenty of calls in there, and I thought it would be a good excuse why I was running late to work.

This little misadventure was the only few moments I had to myself this morning. And it gave me a story to tell before I discovered the insanity that awaited me at work today.

Blogger Fail

I'm a poor excuse for a blogger. See the date of the last post? Opps. Apparently life/work insanity/business trip to Atlanta just got in the way.

Do I have topics in the pipeline? Yes, sort of.
Will I become a consistent blogger? Hopefully, but I can't confirm.

So instead of trying to make something up when I simply don't have anything too excited to write about, I'll leave you with this. (With hopes that it will put the Mets back in first place)

Shuffling Around The Newsroom

I've dealt with a lot of interesting characters during my short time in the working world. Being in a newsroom will give you that opportunity. One person whom I didn't actually work with, but had the chance be "in the presence of" was Politico reporter, Mike Allen.
There is this fantastic article about the illusive, eccentric reporter in the New York Times magazine. Preview here.

The few times I ever interacted with him were:
1. Producing for "Newstalk". He was a frequent guest (it's easy when it's 10 steps from his desk) and would always came up with the best talking points, and he was one of the few guests I would actively pay attention to when I produced the show. Most times, it was a struggle to stay awake.
2. Awkwardly bumping into him in the newsroom. Literally.
3. Walking by his desk and wondering how anyone could get work done (or even fit in it) when there were so many papers, wrappers and other mementos surrounding him. But he always had an open box of some kind of cookie that was free for public eating.
4. (My favorite) Actually talking to him during my weekend shift. I was always curious to know why someone would willingly be in the newsroom at 5 o'clock in the morning on a Sunday. He would shuffle in and out of desks and then would suddenly disappear, like a fart in the wind. He did one time come up to me and said:

Mike: "You shouldn't be here by yourself this early."
Me: "Darryl (in charge of the assignment desk) is here."
Mike: "Oh" (shuffles away)
Me: "Thank you?"

Very exciting, I know. But when you talk to the guy who write the articles that top White House officials, Washington big wigs and news junkies read on a daily basis, any interaction with him seems kinda cool.

The article also inspired me to sign up for his daily Politico Playbook e-mails. Not just because Katie Couric is on the mailing list, but as illusive and "weird" as he might be, he sure as hell knows what he's talking about in terms of the inner workings of our political system.

Big Lights, Big Bridges, Beautiful City

There are few things in life that are better than a long stroll with good company. After an amazing Groupon dinner where Steve and I ate our weight in Japanese food, we thought there was no better way to walk off that food than a stroll over the Brooklyn Bridge back to my apartment.

I handed Steve my camera because I'm just too lazy to use all the cool features.

He likes to be all artistic. It's cute.

There are a few things that you don't get to see by just driving over the Brooklyn Bridge:
1. The wooden floorboards that you walk on have small spaces between them, so you can see the lights of the cars breezing under you. Very cool, but also made me start thinking about just how old (and sturdy) this bridge is.
2. The bridge was completed in 1883, one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States.
3. The walkway splits as both a bike path and walkway, and the center of the bridge has become a great place to sit and watch the world go by.


We both look a little like deer in headlights. I blame the building lights, and the random stranger who took the picture.

So perfect. Makes it really hard not to fall in love with the city.
Hey DC friends, wanna visit/move here? Look how pretty it is!!

Happy Tax Day! (Now Give Me My Refund!)

Happy April 15Th to all! Hope everyone filled out their taxes correctly. I apparently owed the Commonwealth of Virginia $17. Why? I have no idea. All I know is I'm never filing in that state again! (Heck, it's not even a state!)

Anyway, if you're strapped for cash and desperately waiting for your refund check, here's a list of free stuff being given away today. Coffee from Starbucks always tastes a little better when free.

And if you're one of those last minute tax filers, enjoy a little income tax propaganda, courtesy of Donald Duck.

"Dear John," More Like "Dear Jose"

Dear Tequila,

We need to talk. Over the years, our relationship has been smooth sailing. We met late in college, after I did my first shot of you with classmates, my dean and other professors at the senior luncheon for my journalism school. A lick of the salt, the sip of the drink and a bite of the lime and I was hooked.

After that, our relationship turned more casual. Shots with friends during a night out. Shots with my family at my cousin's wedding. Shots to celebrate life at journalism happy hours. And even mixing you with lovely fruity drinks to add to the delicious elixir.

But last night, our relationship took a bit of a turn. Those margaritas I shared with my parent's friend Jane at dinner were fantastic, but little did I realize just how much of you was happily sitting in my glass. It wasn't until I stood up to use the restroom that I realized, I was taken advantage of by my beverage! I was being smothered, and the empty glass was laughing at me!

As dizzy as I was starting to feel, it didn't end there. Another drink was ordered (thanks Jane) as well as the request to finish at least half. So I did, knowing I may regret this later.

So tequila, my fine friend, it was both our faults. I shouldn't have let myself be taken advantage of, but what's a girl to do when you're so tasty and delicious?

I think it's best we take a break. Just for a little while. I need to reassess my drinking priorities, see other drinks even, and learn from both our mistakes. I know we'll meet again, but don't provoke me. I'll find you when I'm ready to fall off the wagon again.

Love,
Sam

Who's That Gal?

A random celebrity sighting in front of my office today:

Anyone? Anyone? My first reaction was "Hey, that's the lady judge from Law and Order: SVU." But after a little IMDB search, I realize it's Judith Light from "Who's the Boss?" and "Ugly Betty." She looked a little bit disheveled and had a determined look on her face, like she was late for a meeting, but it was awesome and totally random! We sometimes get celebrities at work for satellite media tours (Clinton Kelly from "What Not To Wear" was here last week), but those don't count. Our studio is a controlled environment. And this sighting doesn't hold a candle to all the random celebrity sightings my brother has had (Jason Priestly, Henry Winkler, Tom Brokaw etc.), but I've only been living in the city a few months, I'll catch up.

I Feel The Need, The Need To Read!

I'm officially a resident of Brooklyn. It's not because I signed a lease nor is it because my pay stub says so.



I now have a Brooklyn Public Library card.

The city is a bit more lax about who they give library cards to. I applied online, it was mailed to my apartment, I activated it. No fuss, no muss.
No more of this "need to show proof of residency with a utility bill" sort of deal. Granted, it's a real card and not one of those mini cards that attach to my key chain, but I'll deal.

There are 65 branches all over Brooklyn, and lucky for me there is one just a quick jog away in Carroll Gardens. I wasn't really sure what to expect when I got there. I've grown up with big, suburban libraries with thousands of books, multiple floors and plenty of room to find a corner and read for a while.

This library was an eighth the size of the libraries in Rockland. When you walk in and can see the entire stock of books and everything else it offers without turning your head, you know it's a small library. I tried looking up books they might have in their online catalog, but most of the ones I looked up where not there or out of stock. So I instead sifted through the shelves, hoping something would catch my eye. I got lucky and found what must be a brand-new copy of The Time Traveler's Wife. It's a perfect paperback copy that nicely fits in my bag for work.

Now I shouldn't completely judge this library. There are 64 other branches I could try. And honestly, my whole county had maybe 20 libraries, so kudos to Brooklyn for using the "more branches, fewer books, more convenience" route. So this isn't exactly the branch that I'd go to and find a quiet space and read for an hour. I'll go in, hopefully find my books, and head out. Like their cards, "no fuss, no muss."

But this library did provide me with something that's been missing for a while. It gave me a sense of community. I'm starting to feel like I fit in (minus the whole "hipster" vibe) in Brooklyn. People walking their dogs/babies down the streets smile as I walk by. My apartment feels like a home. And now with this new library card, I can fill it with some great reading material.

Obamacare...Now What?

I was able to stealthy stream CNN live on my computer today at work to watch President Obama sign out nation's health care bill into law. There is still the hurdle of passing changes in the Senate, but most likely, change is a-commin'.

Even though I don't work in news anymore, I do my best to keep up with the constant 24-hour news cycle, (Even if it means watching NY1 "read the newspaper." I wish I was kidding, it's part of the Saturday morning newscast. Guess that's where "How I Met Your Mother" got the idea) Anyway, one thing I did notice was although the news was giving me "some" idea of what this health care bill means, I didn't feel like I was getting the whole picture; the good, the bad and the "what the heck?"

I'm not going to give my opinion, because honestly, I'm still forming it. There is so much to absorb from the 2,000+ page document. It actually makes me question who sat down and read the whole thing. I'm also trying to find the Cliffsnotes version of it, so if you know where it is, send it my way.

But here is what I've found so far in my research that I find truly helpful:

1. This is a great interactive graphic from the New York Times that lets you know the changes depending on your current insurance status. If you're employed and your company provides insurance, it gives you the positive and negative changes that will come with this bill.

2. Here's a timeline of when each change will take effect from now until 2018. Most of us know the highlights, like being able to stay on your parent's coverage until 26, but what about the provision that will give tax relief for health care professionals with student loans? I didn't know that was in there. That will take effect this year.

3. Take a gander at Politico's series entitled "Health Care Diagnosis." From articles, to video interviews to interactive graphics, they spill it out for you. No wonder Mike Allen was running around the newsroom at 4am on Saturdays and Sundays. There's a lot to cover. (Politico shares a newsroom with Newschannel 8 and WJLA; he was at least a little company on my overnight shift!)

I'm still not done fishing around for answers so please pass along any materials that can help provide a better understanding.