Author Archives: Shanella

They see me riding, my Citibike …

Posted in My New York by

chartAfter a year of admiring the shiny (and not so shiny) bikes at a distance, I finally gave in and got a Citibike key. It took me about two weeks after getting my key to psych myself out enough so that I actually got ON one of the bikes1, but I did it and I like it.

I started in August and I saw a significant lift in my biking that month, am definitely looking forward to September.

Being Citibike user I’ve learnt a few things, and so I will now share my observations with you.

  1. It’s actually quite easy to use Citibikes – well, after you’ve read the instructions.2
  2. It’s also very easy to return the bikes, as long as the location has power.3
  3. The actual riding of the bike in the city isn’t as bad as I thought it might be. Though I do feel safer when riding on a protected path and would go out of my way to use one.
  4. Sometimes riding on the other types of bike path opens you up to cat-calls from people in their car.
  5. It’s always good to have hand sanitizer handy. ALWAYS.
  6. If you’re going to be taking a bike from, right after someone else returns it, you will most likely not like the experience of that person’s sweaty palm imprints on the handle bars.
  7. Hold the silver metal part when you are trying to loosen or tighten the seatpost clamp.

Now that I’ve ridden Manhattan, I’ve finally used all its major forms of transportation – I feel like a local. Happy riding.

1. It’s scary riding a bike in the city!
2. How did I miss the whole, remove bike by lifting seat instruction?
3. There was one time when three stations were not accepting bikes and my time was running out. It was a race to find an open kiosk! What an adventure (no, not really).

If/Then – You will enjoy it!

Posted in Broadway, Cultured, My New York by

IfThen

I really love living in New York.
I really love working in New York City.
I especially love when Broadway Week rolls around!

I had the privilege of seeing Idina Menzel in the new broadway musical If/Then; it was excellent. It’s the story of native New Yorker and urban planner, Elizabeth, who returns to the city from NYC from Phoenix after divorcing her college sweetheart turned husband.

Elizabeth always thinks about the what ifs – what if she hadn’t moved? What if she made a different decision, would this decision have changed her life? Would her life be better or worse for it? Essentially the story branches out from one moment in the park after her return form Phoenix.

For the two paths she has two nicknames, the path where she stays with her new neighbour, Kate, in the park – the Liz path – and the path where she goes with Lucas to his protest – the Beth path. There were many quick changes in between to differentiate between Liz and Beth but if you think you’ll get easily confused trying to follow the action, listen to the music and keep track of the storyline, I would suggest reading a quick synopsis about the show before venturing to watch. This way you’ll be less confused and be able to enjoy the show. However, I found that it was really easy to follow which story you’re watching and didn’t have a problem keeping them separated in my head.

The soundtrack was good and sometimes funny. I really enjoy listening to Idina Menzel sing, and since she has such a powerful voice I was a little worried that she might stick out from the rest of the cast and it might become “Idina and the rest of them”; but LaChanze (Kate), Jenn Colella (Anne) had such powerful voices themselves and James Snyder (Josh) was a wonderful singer, that I had no reason for concern.

The set was minimalistic yet functional with bits and pieces of fresh elements – LED subway map and the home set were really great!

Overall I absolutely enjoyed it, definitely worth it if you have the time. As an added bonus, here is an article I found – Jason Tam Reveals 10 Things Fans May Not Know About If/Then.

~*~

[image from If/Then site]

Dear Ceci Cela

Posted in Plateful by

We have a problem.

You see, since I came off of the Daniel Fast I’ve tried to avoid consuming too much diary, particularly milk. So I’ve been staying away from my daily Skinny Caramel Macchiato and when I find myself in the mood for a hot frothy drink I try to use almond milk. And therein lies the problem.

I started out drinking Chai Tea Lattes with soy milk even though I am not a fan of soy milk, but Starbucks offered no alternative. Then, one fated lunch, when I sat in your cafe with a friend and saw Chai Latte on the menu and asked if you had diary alternatives and heard you had almond milk. I decided to try. From the moment the mixture touched my lips I was hooked. And that’s the problem.

I want more than anything to commit to you long-term, the only other place I’ve tasted such great Chai Latte was at Mud but, long distance relationships aren’t really my cup of tea and you, you are right there, just two blocks away, always ready when I drop by. But I can’t commit right now. I’m not in a place where I can call you my own. I’m not ready, I’m just getting over the soy milk at Starbucks. The thought of a serious commitment makes me break out in hives. The timing isn’t right, and you know what they say, even a good thing at the wrong time is a bad thing … or something like that.

So, I’m sorry. It was a wonderful time but we must part ways. At least for now, maybe down the road we’ll see each other again. Maybe then I’ll be ready. Maybe you’ll still be waiting there for me.

Lots of love,
Me.

 

P.S. you’ll still supply my Chai Latte from time to time, right?

 

Hello Spring…

Posted in Religious Musings, Thoughts by

And Spring’s gown whispers around her ankles as she tiptoes into Winter’s hall. 

This post isn’t about spring, it’s about being anxious. Well, really it’s about these verses that have been on my mind in recent times.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Phil 4:4-7

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. ~ Proverbs 3: 5,6

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ~ Matthew 6: 28-34

Things I’m Loving

Posted in Bookish, Fashionista, Media, Social Media by

Lately there have been a few things that I was introduced to that I’ve been loving, so I thought I’d share!

modcloth lace hoodie

First, I was YouTube binging and came across a Lauren Fairweather video where she talked about her Etsy shop branding and a giveaway featuring this lovely hoodie. I hopped on to Mod Cloth right away, found it and ordered it. I absolutely love this hoodie! I wish there was a way I could incorporate it into every outfit. I’m seriously considering getting the grey and berry versions of it as well.

During the YouTube bing I found Carrie Hope Fletcher whose videos are both hilarious and thoughtful. Carrie also plays Eponine on West End’s Les Miserables and in a lot of her videos she says things that I’ve been thinking about/saying for a very long time.

After watching Carrie’s videos I saw one with her and her brother Tom, which lead me to his channel and to this video, which is a cover done by him and his wife of Love Is On The Radio a song from Tom’s band McFly – who is now joining with Busted to form a new superband. Busted sang Year 3000, which was covered by The Jonas Brothers and I believed featured in a cartoon movie.

So, basically I’ve been listening to McFly songs, the above included. I love their style, and am definitely curious to see how the McBusted style plays out.

I absolutely loved reading this book. One of my faves of the year so far. I reviewed it over on my book blog so I won’t go into the details but I’d highly recommend it if you want a strong story about life after war and how it affects family. Also Laurie is a great fiction writer.

Well, that’s it for now, my January faves. 🙂

~*~