Nothing Is As It Seems

I am currently writing this from
my reading nook under my loft bed in my apartment on the Upper West Side in
Manhattan, New York. It feels so surreal finally being able to say that. For
most of my adolescent years I wanted to live here and have always felt more at
home in this city than anywhere else.

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In the past 5 months my three
biggest goals came true: graduate college, land a kick ass job in the city and move
to the Upper West Side. I did all of these, but it was not easy. Immediately
after graduating I sent out endless applications for social media jobs until I
was hired by a movie subscription startup company. But even then, for two
months I had to commute to work from Jersey, two hours each way. I often wanted
to see my friends or go to a movie after work so I wasn’t getting home until
nearly midnight each night only to wake up at six again the next day.

Finally, I found a great studio apartment
on Broadway in the Upper West Side but the previous tenant refused to move out
until three weeks after I was
supposed to move in. And so I was put in a temporary apartment in the same
building but it was not renovated nor did it have the new appliances or wood
flooring like the apartment I had signed for. I slept on an air mattress and
lived out of suitcases for three weeks in a room with dirty tile floors,
stained walls and shitty overhead lighting. I had not realized how poor
lighting and dirty floors could make one so miserable. I was homesick and felt
very misplaced.

In the last month I also started
to not enjoy my dream job anymore. The work I was doing was fun but
unfulfilling and I had major problems with the way I was being treated. So this
past week, I left. I won’t go into detail, but I will say that I refuse to let
myself be treated like an idiotic child. I am young enough that I do not have to stay at job that does not
make me happy. I have enough money saved up to pay rent and I have a few new job
opportunities in the works, but this time I will be way more selective with who
I decide to work with.

I know it was a very risky
decision, but my gut told me that (for numerous reasons) I was better off
leaving. I was having trouble sleeping and breaking out in hives from the
unnecessary anxiety. It kind of felt like an early life crisis. I thought about
it for a good month before leaving, and now I have never felt better or more
relaxed.

I will use this wonderful time to
my full advantage. I want to take care of myself again because the stress of
the past 5 months did a number on me. I want to walk or run every morning (like
I did today), and I am going to write. I have a novella I have been meaning to
finish for a while now and I plan on doing so in the next few weeks. Above all
else, I am going to be happy.

This week alone I have chatted
with Liam Neeson about his new movie Taken 2, and Frank Oz (known for voicing
and providing the puppeteer work for Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, and of course Yoda)
and Alan Menken (composer for most Disney movies including Beauty and the
Beast, The Little Mermaid, and Tangled) about the newly released Little Shop of
Horrors Director’s Cut. Frank wanted my cheesecake and gave me a hug. Alan sang
snippets of Disney songs many times next to me and I nearly passed out
from the shear awesomeness of it all. I know that my life will turn out just
fine.

I have never learned so much in
my life as I have since May, about myself and about other people. I tried being
friends or making certain friendships works, but people turn out to be
distrustful, rude, and backhanded. There are people who desire above all else
to be well known and surrounded by people who adore them for all the wrong reasons.
Less eloquently, attention whores. 
I don’t need people like that in my life.

This fall my life will be going
through some exciting adventures and I can’t wait to find out what’s in store
for me. Once again my life will continue changing drastically, even this blog
will get a new layout! So once again I thank you guys for being there for me on
Twitter. I promise to try my best to keep you updated on my future endeavors.
Until then, drop me a line anytime. =)

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Once Upon A Time In New York City, Part II

Hi guys-

I am currently writing this on my iPhone on the floor of my new (and actual) apartment. As most of you know I moved into a temporary apartment a few weeks ago because the previous owner refused to move out on time. I was given a crappy place to stay in the same building with shitty tile floors and a door that was just three pieces of wood nailed together. My hallway smelled like meat cookIng and cigarettes: my two most hated smells.  (#vegetarian #fanofcleanlungs) These reasons made it very hard for me to feel not only comfortable but also safe.

However yesterday I was given the keys to my real apartment with with it’s beautiful flooring, stainless steel appliances and door that is all one piece. It is cozy, adorable, and feels very much like home. I even found an awesome lamp I’ll tweet a picture of later this week.

I wanted to give you an update because I recieved an overwhelming amount of response from my last blog post. Strangers, old friends, former teachers, and family all reached out to me praising my courage and wishing me luck. Even telling me I inspire them to go after what they want in life. I did not expect this at all, but it brings me great comfortable that something small that I do can positively effect another. I have always been surrounded by people who go after the big dreams: my parents and my closets friends. This applies to everything: your job, relationship, and living situation. Why waste your life with people who you don’t passionately love or doing a job you hate? Big things happen to those who go after them.

Anyway, enough of my late night sentiment. I’ll post pictures of my tiny adorable apartment soon, once everything is put on its place. But life is good. I spent hours running around Central Park with Pietro and the new puppy Robin, went food shopping and bought that awesome lamp. Tomorrow I get to go to the Taken 2 press event and talk to Liam Neeson.

I know that I am a very lucky person. I am constantly finding myself in great circumstances quite by accident, but I do work very hard to be the best person I can be. This usually means not surrounding myself with people I can’t trust and holds close to the ones that make your life better.

And write. Oh how I will write.

Once Upon a Time In New York City

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For years all I talked about was finally getting the hell out of college, landing a kick ass job in the city and moving to Manhattan. I had very specific goals for 2012: land a job I LOVED no matter that many people told me that I did not have nearly enough experience or that I was too young. I also did not want to live anywhere but Manhattan, specifically the Upper West Side. Most people my age flock to Broklyn because it’s cheap and hipsterish. Whenever I would say I wanted to live in Manhattan, I was scoffed at. When people heard I was determined to live on the UWS (home to characters such as Will & Grace, and the crew of How I Met Your Mother) I was considered downright absurd. I would never make it.

Well I did. I have a job at a company in a loft down in NoHo with a rock wall, pool table and ping pong competitions. I live on the UWS (the real UWS mind you, not Harlem nor Morningside Heights) in an apartment with a 24 doorman for only $750 including all utilities. I hit the New Yorker jackpot.

And yet, things were not quite as I thought they would be. The girl who lived in my apartment before me refused to move out until two weeks after she was supposed to, leaving me in the ditch. So my building gave me a different apartment for those two weeks, rent free. It sounds like a good deal, but this temporary room is not nearly as nice as my actual apartment. It is not renovated, does not include the stainless steel appliances, and is lacking a stove top and microwave. It’s a place to stay, so I should not feel so sad about this, but I have been. 

This less than stellar apartment only made my sudden homesickness all the more impactful. I have never been homesick in my life, but never had a good reason to. I never went to sleep away camp or even away to college. I went on trips with friends, and had many sleepovers, but I had never spent considerable time away from home before. I was so eager to move out to be on my own that the suddenly shock of being away from my family in a scary apartment really took a toll on me.

I admit that I probably cried every night the first week. And well, every day this week too. But not just because I was homesick: My third night living in the city I had a horrible 24 hour stomach flu bug (throwing up 20 minutes all night is not a pleasant scenario no matter where you are).

Last weekend I did go home for a couple of days, and it felt amazing to be near my family again. I quickly returned to the city (covered in sunburn from the beach) for another crazy week. I cannot go more into details for the sake of others, but this has also has not been a good week. Part because I’m sick again with a head cold but mainly because of other people.

I am not one that enjoys having friends because people, for the most part, cannot be trusted. I am a terribly friendly person that cares deeply for the ones I know. However, I am fully aware that no one is perfect and anyone can treat you poorly at the drop of a hat. And this week, many people have treated me as such. Things don’t turn out the way you expect them to, for good or bad.

And so many life changes are continually happening. I wouldn’t have gotten through these last two weeks without many phone calls from my mom, often very long ones. And I certainly would not have made it anywhere without Pietro, who installed my air conditioner in the middle of the night (in the rain because I probably would have dropped it out the window and onto Broadway) and has looked out for me in this great vast city.

I wanted to give you all an honest update, because the bloggers I respect the most are the ones who give pieces of themselves for other to find comfort in. I had all my big dreams come true, and somehow I have still been disheartened. Nothing worth having ever came easy. 

Selling My Comic Books To Move To NYC!

Alrighty guys, I’m cleaning out my comic book collection (save for my ultimate favorites) in order to fund my move to New York City. If everything goes right, I’m signing a lease this week which means I’m trying to sell my stuff ASAP.

Many people have been known to sell their beloved comic collections to make their big dreams come true, and anyone who knows me is very well aware that New York has been my dream for as long as I can remember, and now I am SO close, but not without your help.

Below is a list of all the comics I’m selling. Make an offer on the books you want and if you buy a bunch I’ll give you a break. Please don’t try to be too cheap okay? I’m selling this stuff for a reason and it’s breaking my heart.

If you want any of these, email me at zgulliksen@gmail.com  page with the ones you want and an offer price. If you have ANY questions about anything dont hesitate to ask or tweet me (@bookishbelle). All books are in good condition but I can give you more details when you inquire about them. I also have other books signed by the authors made them out to my name that I haven’t listed. If you don’t care about that, let me know and I’ll tell you which books I have. Will ship to Canada/UK as long as you pay for the shipping!

You don’t need a paypal account! Each transaction will be paid through WePay, a much better company =) Unless you live in New York City and you can pick them up in person. Each book will come your way with a personal thank you note and something extra if you spend a lot.

Until then-> happy shopping!

BOOKS

-The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: The Absolute Edition Volume One: $150
         -Two huge hard covers, perfect condition except the box slipcase corner is a little squished. 

-The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Volume II: First Printing hardcover

-Scott Pilgrim Vs. The Universe Book 5 Foil Cover (RARE)

– The Walking Dead Volumes 1 &2 TPB 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

– Justice League New 52 Volume One Origin: Signed by Geoff Johns and Jim Lee! $50 (with COA)

-The Amazing Spider-Man Brand New Day Volume 3 hardcover (signed by Dan Slott) $25

– Star Wars Manga: A New Hope (4 books) and Empire Strikes Back (4 books) (In English from Dark Horse)

-Cable and Deadpool TPB Volumes 1 thru 7: $70

-The DC Comics Action Figure Archive Table Top HardCover

MY FAVORITES
My Black Canary comics mean the most to me: she was the first super hero I fell in love with and the first one I cosplayed as. I would not be a comic book fan if it wasn’t for her.

-Black Canary Archives Volume One Hardcover
-Green Arrow/Black Canary TPB
      1.) Road to the Alter
      2.) Family Business
      3.) A League of Their Own
      4.) Enemies List

Teen Titans was my other favorite comics. These were the guys that got me into comics and I originally did not want to sell them but alas, I’m doing what I gotta do.

Showcase Presents: Teen Titans
Teen Titans: Ravager Fresh Hell
Teen Titans Spotlight: Wonder Girl
Teen Titans Deathtrap
Titans: Lockdown
Teen Titans: Year One

Teen Titans (2005)
   1.) A Kid’s Game
   2.) Family Lost
   3.) Beast Boys & Girls
   4.) The Future Is Now

OTHERS

-Sandman by Neil Gaiman Volumes 1, 2, 6, 10
-Kick Ass by Mark Millar hardcover (my name signed on first page)
– Northlanders by Brian Wood Book Two and Four
– Watchmen
– The Strange Adventures of H.P. Lovecraft
– Lost At Sea by Bryan Lee O’Malley
– Mercury by Hope Larson (Bryan Lee O’Malley’s wife)

MARVEL
-The Amazing Spider-Man Brand New Day Volume 2 Hardcover
– Ultimate Spider-Man Ultimate Collection Volume 1
– The Amazing Spider-Man Red Headed Stranger Hardcover
-The Amazing Spider-Man Ultimate Collection Volume 1
-The Amazing Spider-Man Return of the Black Cat
-The Amazing Spider-Man Flying Blind Hardcover
– Deadpool volume one Secret Invasion
– Deadpool Dark Reign Hardcover
– Deadpool Dark Reign Thunderbolts
–  Deadpool Vs The Marvel Universe
–  Deadpool X Marks the Spot Hardcover
–  Deadpool Suicide Kings Hardcover
–  Wolverine Origins: Volume 5: Deadpool
–  X-Men First Class: The Wonder Years
–  X-Men First Class: Band of Brothers
–  Uncanny X-Men The Extremists
–  X-Men Deadly Genesis
–  The Vision
–  Captain America: Hail Hydra
–  Drax The Destroyer Earthfall
–  X-Men Origins
– The Incredible Hulk Prelude to Planet Hulk
– The Incredible Hulk Tempest Fugit
– Ultimate Marvel Team-Up Volume 2
–  Ultimate Fantastic Four Volume 1

DC
– The Death of Superman (first printing)
– Justice League of America The Tornado’s Path Hardcover
–  Green Lantern: Wanted: Hal Jordan Hardcover
– Birds of Prey Brightest Day End Run Hardcover
– All Star Superman Volume One Hardcover
– All Star Superman Volume One and Two (SOLD)
– Green Lantern Revenge of the Green Lanterns
– Green Lantern No Fear
–  Green Lantern The Sinestro Coprs War Volumes One and Two
–  Green Lantern The Road Back
–  Green Lantern Tales of the Sinestro Corps
– Green Lantern Rebirth
– Young Justice A League of Their Own
– Young Justice: Sins of Youth
– Justice League: Midsummer’s Nightmare
– The New Teen Titans Terra Incognito
– Teen Titans Spotlight: Cyborg 

STATUES
All are in great condition and come in original boxes

-Captain Britain Bowen 80s Bust (764/1600) $50

Diamond Select Storm Comic-Con Exclusive Bust (artists proof #8 / 500) $50

Moon Knight Bowen Designs (2357/5000) $40

Mysterio Bowen Bust (3613/4000) $40

However, if you don’t see anything you want but would like to still help out a little, here’s a link!

Donate

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On How I Didn’t Find 50 Shades of Grey All That Bad (So Sue Me)

Alright, let’s get a few things out of the way first: ’50 Shades of Grey’ by E.L. James as well as it’s two sequels ’50 Shades Darker’ and ’50 Shades Freed’, are not good books. They are written just as awfully as everyone has been telling you. And yes, they are blatant Twilight fan fiction rip offs. The main character Ana, is a 21 year old mousey college student who has never kissed a guy before. Her low self esteem rivals Bella Swan’s. Christian Grey is just as over protective and obsessively controlling as Edward Cullen. The locations are also the same (Washington State and Texas), the Grey family is much like The Cullen’s and the friends surrounding the romantic pair are quite similar as well.

For crying out loud, this book was originally called “Master of the Universe” published online where James used the pseudonym “Snow Queen’s Ice-dragon”. Just so we are clear: these are not good books and I would never recommend them to anyone at all.

That being said, I willingly read all three books. (Stop reading now if you do not want spoilers) I started the first one after seeing women EVERYWHERE read it. In a single subway car I once saw three women reading the book. On the airport in San Diego a woman was desperately engrossed in it. And so, I downloaded my first eBook onto my iPad. I am against eBooks, but I would not be caught dead reading ’50 Shades of Grey’ in public.

The book started out exceptionally awful, and it took a good 40 pages into the book for me to get used to the poor writing. But once I  did, I admit that I became increasingly engrossed  with Christian Grey and Ana Steele. Christian is the adopted son of friendly socialites, himself a multi millionaire in his mid twenties. Ana is quiet, yet surprisingly resistant to Christian’s over protective ways.

And yes, there is sex. God there is so much sex, but none of it was as kinky or graphic as I thought it was going to be. This book has become known for its BDSM relationship, when actually it isn’t about that at all. Christian Grey was tortured as a child, and so he is too psychologically fucked up to show affection for a woman any other way. However, Ana does not give into the masochists relationship, instead putting her foot down on most kinky actions save for bondage, and the occasional rough sex. The more graphic actions are a hard limit for Ana and it doesn’t get too bad at all. Christian never manages to truly coax Ana into the Dom/Sub lifestyle he was used to, instead creating a relatively normal relationship.

So why did I not just stop after the first book? Why was I compelled to buy both sequels? Mainly because the story turned out not quite I had judged it to be. I quickly grew attached to these characters, and the drama was just as plentiful as the sex scenes: murder, arson, politics, romance and suspense. I wanted to know what happened, if the villains won, and if Christain Grey would be able to hold onto his beloved Ana.

These are by no means, good books. But there is a certain allure to them that women cannot get enough of: a man who is wholeheartedly devoted to them. It’s the same Twilight effect found in nearly every supermarket trashy romance novel. As a woman, the idea that a strong attractive, over possessive intellectual man could need you as much as you need him… why that feeling is addictive.

The Edward Cullens and the Christian Greys of the fictional world are appealing to women because these fictional men are so devoted to their women that they would never, ever cheat on them. Christian Grey is terrified of losing the first woman he has ever truly cared for, and so he is obsessive and controlling. Yes it’s frustrating and annoying, but bottom line you know that he would do anything to protect her.  That sense of security and devotion  is perhaps anti feminist, but I am not a feminist. I am not ashamed to admit that I connected with these books because underneath a hard headed woman who does not like giving into relationships or needing ANYONE at all, I crave that sense of security that comes with knowing a man would never leave you for someone else. That is not a feeling easily found in real life.

Once again I MUST repeat, these are not good books. They started out on a fan fiction website for god’s sake and every complaint about the book is accurate. The sex became SO repetitive and so often that even *I* was skipping the dirty scenes just to see if the characters would live to see another day. They are the reality tv of books: awful characters with awful dramatized plots.

But at the end of the day when you want something to read on your commute home, or sick in bed with very little cognitive abilities, these books will suit your needs. However, I am NOT recommending that you spend your money on these books. They are not worth the $10 a piece from the Apple store. However, if you borrow them from a friend, I will not judge you. If you are too arrogant to succumb to the lowest levels of fiction, well then go read ‘Tale of Two Cities’ next time you’re sick and I hope it helps your headache.

Although, in the future if I’m craving smutty fiction, I’ll look no further than Galeen Foley’s collection of novels. They are well written beautiful tales of pirates, princesses, politics, and of course: sex. If these sound like books you might be interested in, I suggest you start with “Pirate Prince”. That book is my favorite and the perfect introduction into that author’s world.

Overall, I did not hate the 50 Shades of Grey books, so sue me. They are supermarket trashy romance novels that leaped to success because of the Twilight origins. A girl is allowed her guilty pleasures. Now excuse me while I go find myself a grey tie 😉

Ps- why should my opinion matter? I have a degree in Creative Writing and I pride myself on my fantastic opinion on books. I am also not a book snob, I recognize books for what they are: entertainment.

Life Updates and Things

Hello guys!

Considering how busy I have been lately, it looks like I will be posting only on Sundays for now. But if  you would like more frequent updates, check Twitter (@Bookishbelle) or my Tumblr (zgulliksen.tumblr.com) for pictures about everything and nothing at all.

My work coffee mug & desk things

My new job at MoviePass is pretty amazing actually. I’m the Social Media & Events Director where I get to talk about movies all day long. I can’t explain what we do JUST yet but you should be VERY excited. We launch in August but until then you should follow our Twitter (@MoviePass) and blog (blog.moviepass.com) both of which I am currently taking over. I will also be at SDCC this year to talk about it, so add me to your list of people to say hi to!

I also tried fondue for the first time with Spider writer Dan Slott. (@DanSlott) It all started because I told him that I had a dream that we went out for fondue and so we made it happen. It was quite ironic because we had it on the hottest day of the year so far, but nevertheless it was delicious. I mean, how can you say no to bread and cheese? We felt like Peggy Carter and Howard Stark =P

Currently:

Reading: Peter and the Starcatcher Annotated Script of the Broadway Play, Strangers in Paradise vol 5 by Terry Moore, and One Fifth Ave by Candice Bushnell. Okay so that last one is 100% a guilty pleasure. I need something to read on a train ride home and picked up this chick fiction at a train station bookstore that did not require a lot of thought process to get through. So far it has way too many characters that are fighting over a 20 million dollar apartment. I wish I had $20 million to fight with.

Strangers is brilliant as always, and if you haven’t read this series, I suggest giving it a shot. For years I was reluctant to start it because I didn’t quite like the art. Now I’m in love with not only the art but the complicated characters as well. Pick it up.

Peter is the script of the play I loved so dearly, and I was dying to get my hands on this book so I could have a mini speech Molly gives:

“And when I marry, I shall make it very clear to this person-that sentimentality is not on the calendar. He will have to lump it, or leave it. And if he should leave, I’ll stay a spinster and pin my hair back and volunteer weekends as hospital. And I will love words for their own sake, like “hyacinth” and “Piccadilly” and “onyx”. And I’ll have a good old dog, and think what I like, and be part of a different sort of family, with friends, you know? -who understand that things are only worth what you’re willing to give up for them.”

My review of the book is going up on the Daily BLAM soon, so keep an eye for it.

Listening to: I made Barney’s New Year’s Eve Playlist from How I Met Your Mother on Spotify and it’s been on repeat for a while. My favorites include “You Give Love a Bad Name” by Bon Jovi and “Sail Away”by Styx. 

Watching: This week I saw Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and Brave. Although the writing for Abe was just awful, the cinematography was stunning and overall entertaining. Brave I greatly disliked though. The story was shallow and everything felt forced. This week I’m going to see Ted on Tuesday, another screening on Wednesday (which Pietro hasn’t told me what it is yet) and then Spider-Man again on Thursday! I love working in the movie business. ^.^ I also have been having a Digimon: Season 1 marathon with my brother. We are amazed at how good it still is after all these years.

Wanting to: Mhmm. Get back into running shape. Start eating a more balanced diet. I’m a vegetarian, and often I don’t get the nutrients and protein I need and as a result I feel lethargic and sick. So this week my goal is to eat MUCH better. I also want to do really well at my job and prove to them that I am invaluable. 

My goal this week is also to be more understanding with people. This next month will try my patience more than I’d like. In the past, when people become too much for me to handle, I simply stop talking to them. Instead, I am learning to just shut up and bear with it. Just because certain circumstances hurt me, I can’t expect to be happy with everything. It’s just life.

Things I Saw This Week:

Hellboy, Jersey style. As seen upon a train station garbage can

88 cent pregnancy tests, as seen at Wal-mart

That’s all for now! I hope everyone is having a good afternoon, and I’ll see you on Twitter!

Sunday Updates: New Job & Roller Derby Teams

I’ve been up since 6:30 this morning, which is unheard of on a weekend (or any day,  really) for me. However, I am very anxious person and I’m feeling very jittery about my new job tomorrow! I view my anxiety as positive element though, and Pietro (@poni_boy) just reaffirmed this on the phone with me. He said that when I become nervous, especially in a work situation, I don’t mess up- instead I perform even better than usual. So I raise my Calming Tea glass to being anxious. I thought waking up early would make me more productive, but all I did was stalk Tumblr and watch an episode of True Life on MTV. This is time I could have been snoozing.

Now for some Sunday Updates!

Currently:

Reading- This week I read “Promethea” by Alan Moore, courtesy of Kristin (@dramaqueen327). Novel wise I’m reading “False Negative” by Joespeh Koeing, a pulp fiction Hard Case story. I am LOVING it so much, however the “scandalous” cover has convinced my family I am reading “sex stories”.

Listening To- This week I have been playing a Broadway Playlist that I made on Spotify that is probably driving this household bonkers considering I sing along quite loud. I also am tone deaf. Songs include “People Will Say We’re in Love” from Oklahoma, “For the First Time” from Tarzan, and “On The Street Where You Live” from My Fair Lady. However, this morning I’m listening to Britney Spears’ original album. Come on, “Baby More More Time” is a classic.

Watching- This week I watched The Black Dahlia  and New Year’s Eve. Both movies are known for being terrible films, however I enjoyed them much more than I expected. The Black Dahlia‘s cinematography is stunning and was nominated for an Academy Award. However, the script was all over the place and unfulfilling. Thank goodness for 1940s culture and Scarlett Johansson. New Year’s Eve was also not as bad as everyone said it was. Sure, The Ashton Kutcher/ Lea Michelle story line made me want to claw my eyes out from boredom/grossed out. But the rest of it was actually surprising and heart felt. I’m also a sucker for sentimental movies that take place in New York City.

Wanting To- Become a Roller Derby Girl. If you have been following my tweets this morning, you have seen that I’m bringing up my ridiculous dream to be a hell on wheels babe in a kick ass outfit. I wouldn’t actually be good on a team though because I’m not aggressive/competitive and I have poor coordination. But I think I would look really good in weird outfit and I would very much enjoy skating around Central Park. I’ve talked to some girls on Twitter and I plan to start a team where we just drink milkshakes and skate on flat terrain. Super hero costumes also will be involved. Interested? Drop me a line.

New Job starts tomorrow, which is pretty surreal every time I think about it. For years and years 2012 was going to be when my whole life changed. I had three goals: graduate from college, land an awesome job in the city, and then finally move to the city. Well 2 out of those 3 have been accomplished and all I have left to do is move out of Jersey at last! Hopefully this time will come sooner than later.

That’s all for now, tootles!

–Zoë 

*wish*

Many people have asked my what the story is behind my *wish* tweets they have seen so often. I’ve given quick responses but I think it’s high time that I write up the full back story, just in time for Father’s Day. 

My dad used to fly airplanes. When he was a kid his neighbor, Mr. Fitzgerald, was a pilot for Pan Am and would take my dad flying. As he grew older, my dad wanted to be a professional pilot, however he couldn’t support a family on the salary so he took a job working in Manhattan wearing a suit and tie. 

Many years ago my dad gave mea book called “The Man Who Ate the 747” and it was signed by the author, Ben Sherwood. This book is a very simple tale about the lengths a man would go to prove his love, and the people who are affected by this devotion. My copy is currently packed away for my impending move this summer, but one of my favorite quotes is found all over the Internet:

“We chase wild dreams and long for all that eludes us, when the greatest joys are within our grasp, if we only recognize them.”

This book made an impact on me, as did my love of flying from my dad. The number 747 represented what I loved most about planes: the adventurous notion of being able to fly anywhere you want. The romance of air ports. The thrill of take off during a flight. Proof in a metal contraption that men can indeed fly. The number 747 went on to mean a lot of things to me, including inspiring my favorite year: 1947. In the beginning this number just represented WWII, a time period and culture that I’m obsessed with. However, that year has gone on to mean so much more.

The DC Comics character Black Canary first appeared in August of 1947. It was also the year of the infamous Black Dahlia crime, when Miracle on 34th Street premiered in theaters, when the Polaroid Camera is introduced in New York City, and Stephen King was born. Many Captain America comics also take place during this year.

The Boeing 747 plane was first introduced by Pan Am in January 1970. All of these things are what drive my love of the number 747, as well as my passion for Pan Am history. Most people wish when they catch 11:11 on the clock, however I will tweet a simple *wish* whenever I catch 7:47. It represents adventure, seemingly impossible dreams, true love, and a desire for something more.

Movies I’ve Seen in 2012 (So Far)

I realized that last year I saw so many movies, and one of my goals for 2012 is to keep track of all movies I watch for the first time. Here is my list so far:

Shame*
What’s Your Number?
The InnKeeper’s
Haywire*
Ocean’s11
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Harold & Kumar Christmas
Casino Royale
Paranormal Activity 3
Just Friends
Transformers Dark of the Moon
Puncture
Tower Heist
Like Crazy
In Time
Armageddon
The Artist*
Young Adult
Footloose (2011)
Bounce
Hunger Games*
SDCC Documentary
Chinatown
The Big Lebowski
Rock of Ages*
The Black Dahlia
The English Patient
The Nanny Diaries
Falling Up
The Amazing Spider-Man*
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World*
Avengers*
If You Only Knew

* saw in theaters

I might be missing a few, but those are the ones I’ve remembered to write down. At the end of the year I’ll do a full list!