A New York State of Mind

While it still hasn't hit me that I will really be leaving NY in a few short days, I have begun reflecting on all the things I will miss about this incredible city. As many of you know (and some probably share) I have an un-dying love hate relationship with this city. Having been born and spent the early years of my life here, until my parents selfishly dragged me to the suburbs (though I suppose my amazing little sister was a fair trade-off), no city will ever compare! As any of you who have ever lived in another city with me know, there are countless things this city offers that nothing else does. Without further ado, what I'll miss most about New York!

Accessibility- No city in the world has as much to offer, and its all so easy to get to. There are about 10 sushi places within a two block radius, and I don't even really live in a residential area! Ditto for movie theaters, bars and pretty much everything else!
Movies- This city gets them first, and has more places to see them! The downside of course being that its 12 dollars a ticket! More movies to see, less money to see them!
Bagels- Anyone whose ever lived anywhere else with me knows I refuse to eat a bagel anywhere else! Its just bound to be a disappointment!
NY Accents- Ok, that is not really accurate. Its not so much that I will miss the sound of NY accents, in that my seems to blend in much better when there are others around. My mis-pronunciation of words like "forgot" and "call" seem to be much more susceptible to others mockery in other cities.
Food- I'm not even a foodie, but I will miss all the top dining options (at least during restaurant week), and eclectic cuisines from all over the world. The upshot is, in a week I'll be eating Khao Soy, Mohinga, La Pe do and all my other favorite Thai and Burmese foods!
Central Park- Some of the greatest people watching in the world (or dog watching as me and Ja prefer), the best place to go running (if you an avoid the bikers) and as cliche as it is, the best picnic spot in NY!
Yoga- Yes, I know I can practice in Thailand, and I am sure I'll find a studio in Baltimore (if anyone has any suggestions please give a shout out), but I can't imagine any place being as welcoming and loving as Laughing Lotus! I will miss all the great teachers and amazing friends I have there, as well as the great vibe I feel whenever I walk in the door!
Bookstores- Everywhere! While a decline in the number of nearby bookstores will be good on my wallet, I will miss the ability to wonder the city and come across a non- corporate book shop!
Coffee and tea shops!- Same as above, plus free wi-fi!
Walking- There are a few other cities in the world that have the same amazing public transportation that NYC offers. Sadly, this means in a few short months, I will probably be back behind the wheel of a car....watch out! (sorry environment)
Lost- Yes, I know I will be able to find it online, and probably buy the whole season on dvd in about 3 weeks, but I made a promise to save the last 2 episodes for a bit longer, and I'm only as good as my word! Losties that are reading this....NO SPOILERS!!!
My Apartment- I am sitting on my balcony as I write this, taking in the end of a beautiful sunset. Yes, I would be able to see more if it weren't for the post office, and yes, there's not much else here, but I really will miss this place! I'm near almost every subway line, I had a 7 minute walk to work, and the most AMAZING roommate!!!
Music- I realize there is music in other places, but I also know some of what I am missing this summer, most notably PHISH (at Jones Beach!!!) and Eddie Vedder! I'm sure there is more, but I don't want to know, so don't tell me!
Features in TV and Movies- I know it is silly, but I still get excited when I recognize a place in any of the countless movies and TV shows featured in NY. I guess I'll have the wire next year, but somehow I don't think that will be the same.........
Culture- Ok, so this isn't really true. I am one of those horrible people who never takes advantage of all the museums, theatre, etc this city has to offer, unless a friend from out of town drags me. That being said, I felt like I had to add that, because, hell, it is NY!!
The Daily Show- I'll miss my regular news update during the next 3 months! Plus, there's something nice about knowing Jon Stewart is in the same city as me!
My Family- Yes, I complain (especially about Long Island) but I have loved that they are this close. And its nice knowing no matter what else is going on, I get unconditional love from Tigger!


Things I won't miss:
Time Square- I hope I don't need to explain this!
Pigeons- I hate all birds, but these "rats with wings" are the worst!
Cost of Living- I've spent more during certain weekends than my current living stipend! I look forward to 20 baht dinners (aprox 50 cents) and 200 baht movies (about 5 dollars). Judging by the lovely apartment I put a deposit down on in Baltimore, that won't be to bad either!
Murray Hill- If you don't get this one, go to YouTube and search "Murray Hill" No offense to those of you who live there , but I'm sticking by this one!

One more thing........
The most important thing of all! I will miss all my family and friends who live here!!!! :) Please, please, please stay in touch!

What its all about

Those of you that followed my journey last time around know I was working with an amazing Burmese Women's group, teaching women's empowerment, human rights, democracy building, health and of course, the dreaded English classes! I had an absolutely amazing trip, filled with incredible people and countless new experiences. I also became deeply involved in the Burmese democracy movement, a cause that I stay attached to after I moved back to NY.
I'll thought I'd take this time to explain a bit about what its all about.............
Burma is a country is South East Asia, that was once known as the "Rice Bowl of Asia" do to its wealth of natural resources and diverse cultures. The country was part of British India until gaining independence in 1948. While unified as one country, Burma is made up of 9 separate ethnic states, which were promised independence in 20 years. This promise was never granted, as in 1962 the democratic government was toppled by a military coup, installing a military dictatorship led by General Ne Win. He ruled until 1988, and under his "Burmese Way to Socialism" Burma went from Asia's "Rice Bowl" to one of the poorest, and sickest countries in the world.
In 1988 unrest over political corruption and economic mismanagement led to a country wide protests, began by students. The protests, which began on August 8th, 1988, are known as the 8888 revolutions. Thousands were killed and the protests eventually stopped, but the government did promise free elections for the first time in 30 years. In 1990, despite the military's attempt to fix the polls, the National League For Democracy, a pro-democracy party, won 392 out of 489 seats. Unfortunately the military government refused to acknowledge this, and stayed in power. Many of you might remember that another nation wide protest was held in fall of 2007, led by thousands of Buddhist monks, the country's most revered people. The military government once again crushed the people's protests, killing hundreds in the process.
Besides the continued suppression of democracy, the government also continues to persecute Burma's ethnic hill tribe groups. These groups, which maintain different cultures from those in mainland Burma, face continued threats from the military government. The military forces people off their land, uses women and children to test for landmines, recruits children soldiers and utilizes rape as a weapon of war. Since 1988 thousands of refugees have fled to neighboring countries, especially Thailand and Malaysia.
That (extremely short) summary brings us up to date. Stay tuned to learn about what I am doing to take part in the democracy movement and human rights struggle for the people of Burma

Getting Ready

Welcome to the superior "summer of" blog!

I am about to embark on another jaunt to Northern Thailand. As most of you reading this already know, I am going to be spending 3 months working with a Burmese women's group, helping to anazlyze research and write a report on HIV/AIDS rates along the Burma border. It should be interesting and hopefully meaningful work, and should provide great preparation for School of Public Health which I am begining in the fall! Yes thats right, in the next 9 days I have to prepare for a 3 month trip to the other side of the world while completely pack up my apartment to ship things to Baltimore, where I will be pursuing my masters at Johns Hopkins. Of course I also am taking the time to see as many good friends in NY (who I will greatly miss) and foolishly try to get my life in order!

I want to give a big thank you to everyone who came out last night to party and donate to my cause and an even BIGGER shout out to all of you reading this (both near and far) who have stuck by me over the past, very turbulent, year! I couldn't be at this great place in my life if it wasn't for all of you!
Looking forward to hearing from everyone!


On a totally seperate note, to avoid the comments of my last blog, I freely acknowledge that I can't spell and I have little to no grasp of proper English grammar. If there is spell check where I am writing from, I promise to use it! Otherwise get off my back! You know who I'm talking too...