This and That: The Value of a Dollar

There are many things unique to New York City - food trucks on every corner, daily events celebrating things as random as guacamole, and a variety of museums.  There's one other thing that I didn't know about - beggars in the subway trains.  For those of you unfamiliar with this concept, this is how it works...every now and then someone will pass between cars while the train is in motion and will begin addressing the people in it.  Usually they have a rehearsed little speech about being homeless and hungry and asking for money and food.

Over time, you become familiar with these individuals and know that begging is their profession.  For example, I've heard one guy named Henry at least 5-6 different times and I remember him because he tells us how long it's been since he last ate (a number that isn't consistent from one day to the next) and when asking for help he says the word 'please' about 14-15 times...believe me it stands out.  So when Henry comes on the train, I don't feel too compelled to give him money.

Every now and then, however, you get someone on the train asking for help that make you do a double take.  The other day, a man come on the train and announced that he, his wife, and his 2 daughters recently lost everything they owned in a fire.  He said he could provide proof if needed and asked for assistance.  He said that he was even willing to pick up clothing donations.

As he made his way through my subway car, I stood there debating if I believed him or not.  If he was lying and I gave him money, I would just be enabling something I didn't believe in - taking the easy way out to make a buck.  As you know, I am in between jobs right now, so I understand the challenges involved in getting a job and I don't think it's okay to just make money off of other people's emotions.  On the other hand, if his story true, then giving him a dollar would be helping out someone who was down and facing a very difficult time...very different situation, right?

It all really came down to if I believed this man or not.  Would I be okay with not helping him out if he really was telling the truth?  Sometimes we all just need a helping hand, so should I take part in helping him? But what if this was a scam playing on my emotions? I don't want to be taken for a ride. While I debated back and forth, I missed my chance to make a decision because he had already left. 

Afterwords, I couldn't help but think about this change in me.  A year ago, if I met someone who told me that he lost everything in a fire, I would've believed him and offered him support...even if it was in the form of a dollar.  Has being in New York made me cynical of everyone and everything around me?  Is this how I really want to be?

On the way home that same day, guess who happened to be on my train - that same man.  This time I took it as a sign...a way for me to ease my conscience...and I gave him a dollar.  He humbly thanked me and moved on.  Yes, I realize that the fire story may have been his thing, but selfishly, what mattered more to me was my need to believe him and my ability to help him.  In a city where having your guard up is a daily necessity, that dollar allowed this Texas girl to hold on to a couple of values...the importance of believing people and believing that I can help. That day I learned the value of a dollar can be a lot more than what I previously thought...

NYC Masti: Let's get crafty!

I have a confession: I am addicted to online group deals! Doesn't matter if it's Groupon, Living Social, Buy With Me, or Lifebooker...I just can't help it! The deals are so creative and great savings.  Back in December a bunch of girlfriends and I bought a group deal for pottery painting at a cute little place called Baked in Brooklyn.  After months of trying, we finally were able to coordinate a time to go and get crafty!

I've lived in the city for about a year now, but I've never really ventured far from my home in downtown Manhattan, so I wasn't sure what to expect in this area of Brooklyn.  I have to say I was very impressed.  I believe the area was called the waterfront (I think) and it reminded me a lot of the South Congress area in Austin, Texas...cute little restaurants each with it's own theme and feel along with fun boutiques and shops...many a bit on the pricey side, but fun nonetheless.

In Baked in Brooklyn, we were presented with a store full of things to choose from to paint into our masterpieces.  While it was great to have so many options - from dog bowls to water jugs and martini glasses to salad bowls - it really stopped me in my tracks!  I kid you not when I say it took me like 30 minutes to decide what I wanted to paint...it actually took me less time to figure out what design to paint.  So finally, after much going back and forth, I decided on...drum roll please...a plate!!! I know, how original, right? Well, I already have plates this same size and shape at home so I figured I could paint an accent serving plate for the set...too bad we haven't really entertained much since our apartment is the size of a closet, but that's besides the point.


We all started with a very blank canvas and were limited only by our imagination and patience.  I found this great Japanese cherry blossom inspired design (yes, they even provided us with designs and stencils!) that I really liked. Since it wasn't a stencil, I had to use a different technique to use it.  Using a pencil, I traced the design then I set it pencil-side to the plate and traced the design again.  This allowed the pencil design to transfer onto the plate - genius, right? Yeah, I didn't come up with it, but I was able to do it...that counts, doesn't it? And it tuns out that after they fire the piece in the kiln (the pottery oven) all pencil marks disappear...woo hoo!

Then finally onto the painting - keep in mind that by this point the friends that I went with were almost done with their projects!  Since the plate set that we have at home is green, I chose the make this one red with green accents.  After painting the design, I went back with a pen-like paint tool to trace everything in black to really make it pop...keep in mind, this was now the 3rd time that I traced the same design!

After I transferred the design onto the plate

Needless to say, with all of the tracing and steps, I wasn't able to finish the plate in one sitting so I had to go back to finish up.  The way the process works is after you finish painting, they have to fire and glaze the piece and it's usually ready to pick up in about a week...they even email you to let you know when your piece is done. So I ended up having to make the trek out to Brooklyn 3 times in this whole process...but in the end of it all, I am proud to report that I am now the 'mayor' of Baked in Brooklyn on foursquare! Yes, I realize this is probably because most people only go there 2 times, but why focus on the half full? I tried to document each step so you can be part of the fun! I am happy with the final product.  You can tell it's homemade and not professional, but I think that's part of the fun...Enjoy!

Branches done...on to the green accent buds

In come the red blossoms

What it looked like after I was done painting before it got fired and glossed

The finished product...all glossy and ready to party!

This and That: Things that make you go "Hmmm..."

Let's start with Facebook, shall we...so I recently learned about a site that compiled data about relationship statuses - when people break up, in particular.  Take a look...this graph is of peak break up times according to facebook (http://flowingdata.com/2010/11/04/when-people-break-up-according-to-facebook-updates/).  Note some of the most common break up times: Valentines Day, spring break, and 2 weeks before Christmas...Seeing the target age of the people on Facebook, spring break makes sense for those who want to go wild, but Valentine's and Christmas...really?!?! I mean I know it's stressful trying to figure out what present to get someone you're dating...I get that you want to make sure you spend enough money while not spending too much, etc. but to break up so you don't have to deal with it? Really?!?   Also, I wonder how many of the April Fool's Day status changes were a joke and how many were real...makes you go, "Hmmm..."


Moving along, this past week was my one year anniversary of moving to New York City...and in that year, I've tried many different things but the one thing I kept shying away from was grocery delivery.  I've had many things delivered to me - wine, shoes, and even tons of things from soap.com, but never perishable goods.  I don't know what it is but it always just felt weird not picking out my own fruits and veggies...it's what I am used to, you know.  So, what made me cave in...the weather, of course!  We were all out of food and I was in no mood to brave the harsh cold for bananas and milk and a good friend had just used FreshDirect and wanted me to try it too...so I did.  I have to say, I was very impressed...while they didn't have all of the stuff I needed, they had most.  The prices were a tad on the high side, but I didn't have to leave my apartment and lug that stuff home so I was okay with paying a bit more.  For my delivery time I chose 8am - 10am this morning and the dude was here at 7:45am! And the food was very fresh. Now, that's service! So while I don't think this makes me a "New Yorker" it's a step towards it.  This is the first time I've admitted that I am turning into something other than a Texan...makes you go, "Hmmm..."

NYC Masti: Girls just wanna have fun!

I'm not sure if Shecky's Girl's Night Out is a new thing or if it's just new to me, but ever since I found out about it, I've wanted to go.  The only problem was I never had anyone to go with...and for this event, I really felt that having a buddy would just make it an even better experience.  So when I found out the next NYC Shecky's dates I started working on getting people interested in going...I'm talking weeks in advance!

It was great! Our group had 5 girls and yes, we did indeed have fun! The event consisted of a mix of brands promoting their products and small business owners selling their stuffs.  We had access to makeovers, massages, and so much more.  My girlfriends and I took a mixology class where we learned how to make a Cointreau margarita...it kinda reminded me of one of my all time favorite drinks - the Trudy's Mexican Martini...all of you Longhorns know what I am talking about! ;)

There was also one other pull for us...the Goodie Bag! I have to say, this is a great marketing tool for all that contributed to it b/c there is so much hype about what's in it...yay for free stuff!  Everything from air fresheners and energy drinks to dental floss sticks and lotions..the bag had it all...take a look at all of my loot!  AND now I have a great hot pink reusable bag for when I go grocery shopping...can't you just imagine how much fun it'll be to carry home my veggies in this?

The best part of the night was really hanging out with the girls.  Being in a new city - especially in a city where everyone is always busy - I really cherish the time I get to spend with friends.  So, anyone wanna go with me to the next NYC Shecky's in June??? :)

This and That: Blame Olivia Munn

I just finished reading a very random book called Suck it, Wonder Woman! by Olivia Munn and found it 'interesting' and inspiring all at the same time.  One of the reasons that I really like this whole blogging thing is because I can write how I talk...no need to be super formal and I can make up terms as I go (see 'mashable' in my previous post) and this keeps things fun.  Oliva Munn writes the same way - difference being that she's famous and has a book...but still...  The book is random in that it intertwines true stories from her childhood and personal experiences with totally random things like a chapter called What To Do When Robots Invade and another one about Princess Leia Tweets Star Wars...uh..yeah.

Anyway, the inspiration for this post was her chapter called The Ten Major Points of Olivia Munn's 2024 Presidential Campaign Platform...got me thinking...what would my platform be? I mean, I've said for years that things would be so much better if I ruled the world, but I guess I should provide details for why. While this isn't exactly a political platform, I would suggest it's even more serious.  So here we have it...

Why The World Would Be A Better Place If Shilpa Hegde Was In Charge (in no particular order):

* Everyone would be required to take a beach-bound vacation every other year. This allows for a relaxed and healthy workforce and helps support beach front economies....you're welcome.

* All treadmills/elliptical machines, workout contraptions will come equipped with individual TVs to help with the distraction some people need to make working out fun and to allow for multi-tasking - catching up on shows and working out!

* Mothers would never get seriously sick.  They have too much to do and it's just too stressful for the kids when moms are sick...so this just makes sense to ensure a productive and efficient society.

* There would be a maximum of 2 snow storms in any given winter season with snow accumulation not exceed a total of 9 inches. Live in New York/Northeast and you'll understand where this is coming from!

* Dental problems would always be minor and painless. Also, dental issues would never exceed $10/year - no exceptions.


* Strawberries, raspberries, watermelon, cherries, and mangoes would always be in season...what can I say, I love fruit!


* Libraries would have enough copies of popular books to meet demand...I am currently the number 389 of 400 on wait lists for many books where there are only 3 books in circulation!  Not a way to encourage people to read more, people!

* Men would not lose weight faster than women.  We have enough unfair disparities between the sexes so I feel this additional difference is really unnecessary...let the boys feel the frustration of trying to lose weight too!

* Speeding tickets would not be allowed on toll roads...I mean, you're already paying to drive there.  Of course, this means speeding withing limits...if you're going like 50 miles over then all bets are off.

Kitchen Konquest: Paalak Chicken

Yes, it's a silly segment name, but that's what I feel when I attempt a new recipe - it's a conquest...so to shilpa-fy it, I made it a Kitchen Konquest! Okay, enough about the name, here we go...!

I find myself cooking more and more these days, but since I was vegetarian for about 8 years of my life, I never really cooked meat that much and therefore am not comfortable with it.  Being married to a man that loves home cooked food (especially of the non-veg variety) makes me want to change this fact...so I took baby steps, and decided to try out a recipe that my mom made for us when we were really young...paalak chicken - healthy and non-veg...perfect! After posting pix of this dish on facebook, friends wanted the recipe so I figured what better way to share that then on the blog!  And since I got the recipe from my mom, it's written in Hinglish...but I included translations.  So, here it is...

Ingredients:
6-7 cloves of garlic - grated
1 med onion - chopped
1 spoon* garam masala
2 spoons* salt
1/2 spoon* lal mirchi (red chili powder)
1/2 spoon* haldi (turmeric)
4 roma tomatoes - chopped
6 chicken drumsticks (this is what i used, but you can have more or you can even use other cuts of chicken)
2 hari mirchi (Serrano peppers) - chopped
a hand full of hara dhaniya (cilantro) - chopped
chopped spinach - I used fresh spinach, but you can use frozen too...if frozen the 2 small boxes...if fresh then a big bunch...a note about fresh spinach, you have to wash it like 2-3 times b/c it take a bit of time getting the dirt off...

*by spoon i mean the masala dani (container) spoon...not a regular spoon...but if you only have a reg spoon...then I guess it's1/3 reg spoon = 1 shilpa's masala dani spoon

Making the food:
Saute the garlic, onion, and hari mirchi in oil - I used olive oil, but you can use veg oil too - like 4 regular spoons or so

Add the spices, tomatoes, and hara dhaniya and cover

Leave for 5-7 min on med heat...or until the tomatoes are mashable (yeah, I said mashable...it could be a term)

Mash the tomatoes and everything so that it forms a kind of a gravy

Add the spinach and mix it all together

Clean the chicken and cut some slits in it so that it marinates well

Add the chicken and 1/4 cup water (or less) and mix all together

Cover and let it cook on low heat for 45 min - 1 hr...mixing occasionally
...the picture is what it will look like right after this step...note the not-so-fun brown color...this is normal...and just means that there is some water present and just needs to boil off so the entire thing thickens a bit...so increase the heat to about med-low...just eyeball it.

Then, most important of all, enjoy! I served it with rice, but you can eat it by itself or with rotis (tortillas).

And thus we conclude our first Kitchen Konquest! Woo hoo!

NYC Masti: Martha Stewart

Before moving to New York, I never had the chance to be a 'member' of a studio audience so imagine my excitement when I got tickets to Martha Stewart! I got the tickets for me and my friend, Shilpa Jadhav (to avoid confusion, I call her Jadhav), for the week before Thanksgiving but then things didn't work out and we had to miss the show.  Vowing to make it to the show to appease our 'crafty' side, Jadhav and I applied and got tickets for the show again...and this time we did go. 

 Of course the day of the taping was the one day this entire week with temperatures in the 30s...I thought Jadhav was going to kill me for making her into a human popsicle!  After what seemed like days, we were let in to thaw out and for the fun to begin. During the taping we attended we saw Martha learn how to make a tote out of an old leather jacket, fix up a bathroom, and make a pasta dish...all in a hour! And the super fun part, aside from hanging out with our pal Martha of course, is that we got free stuffs! Finally, when someone was talking about 'members of our studio audience,' they meant me...and everyone else in the room...but still! Granted, what we got wasn't life altering...but you never know...Jadhav and I could very well start our own leather tote company with these tools. ;)

So it's safe to say, I have the show audience bug...anyone want to go the View with me??? :)