Tuesday I started my new job as a receptionist at a salon (gotta get myself through college, somehow!) Today I worked a 10 hour shift. It was not as bad as I expected it to be, though. As soon as I got home I was invited to come out bowling. Pete came over and him and my parents ordered food. Then Pete and I played an intense game of Rock Band II (I got through 76% of Iron Maiden on expert bass). Then, with our forearms in pain, we met up with Lauren, Nick, Kev, Zizzo, Hodge, Chris, and Natalie at the Garden City bowling alley. We divided ourselves into two teams (Chris and Natalie played as one person): The Hot Dogs and the Gutter Rats. I was a Hot Dog, and we lost twice because Lauren is a really bad bowler. I didn't do so bad for once! We played two games and went out separate ways. Tomorrow Pete, Diana, Sean, and myself are going to see West Side Story on Broadway! I'm beyond excited. After that we will spend the night at Broadway Bar for some fun times. Sunday I am probably going to go to Atlantic City with the folks and meet up with Dr. Acula on Monday. Hopefully Josh comes through with the ride back to NY, otherwise I'm pretty much screwed. Oh well, I guess we'll see what happens.

Pretty gnarly quality, but basically proof that Lauren should never become a profession bowler.

Yes! My hair is finally getting longer! I mean, I did get a trim yesterday, but I think that helped a little! Now I just need a little black hair dye and I'm good to go. I wish I could be a blonde, but I don't think that will be happening anytime soon...

My sister bought me a new Polaroid camera for my birthday. It's a lovely limited edition one from Urban Outfitters. Too bad the film costs an arm and a leg and is scarce these days. I want to take as many as possible before the film disappears. I've contemplated taking it on the road with me, but it's a little too big to carry around with me. I think I'll just stick to my point & shoot digital camera.

I've been so broke. I really can't wait to start my new job so I can have some money! I've reduced my price for photography to $50 until I leave for the open road. So far Isaac responded for a photo shoot. Hopefully I can get at least one more before September 27th. I've been so broke that I can't even afford much food. I have been eating left over spaghetti that I polished off earlier tonight. It's rather sad.

So, my mom told me the other day that NCC offers jobs people with a BA in psychology (or any major, really) if they are continuing onto their Masters. This is insane! I'm hoping she heard right, because if so then I will apply and apply until I can be called Professor Bean!

I need to start cooking more often. I get really lazy and end up eating whatever is laying around the house. I wish I had a vegan or vegetarian roommate that would enjoy cooking and baking with me. I think this week I will try out this recipe:

Lemon pasta with pine nuts
About 6 to 8 servings

1 pound angel hair pasta, whole wheat or regular
1/3 cup plus 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, divided
1/2 cup pine nuts (pignolis), lightly toasted
3 large cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
2 Tablespoons lemon zest (yellow part only), grated or minced
1 cup flat-leaf (Italian) parsley, chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cook the pasta according to directions to al dente tenderness. Drain well, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water, and return to the pot you cooked it in; stir in the 1 Tablespoon oil and the cooking water, stir, cover and set aside. If the pine nuts are not toasted, spread them on a baking sheet in a preheated 350 deg F toaster oven or oven for about five minutes -- the aroma should tell you when they're done. Remove, crush lightly with a sturdy fork or the back of a wooden spoon, then place in a mixing bowl. (If the nuts are already toasted, just crush and place in the bowl.) Heat the 1/3 cup oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté, stirring constantly, for one or two minutes, just until softened and aromatic (do not allow it to burn). Mix in the lemon juice, zest, and parsley; season to taste. Let rest for about five or ten minutes to marry the flavours, then add the mixture to the pasta and toss lightly with wooden spoon and fork. Serve immediately in soup plates or pasta bowls.

I have always been fond of this photograph of Joanna and I. It was taken in August at Natasha and Punit's wedding. Whenever Joanna and I take a photograph together, one of us ends up shouting "DELETE THAT NOW!" But this photograph makes me want to print multiple copies and frame them throughout my house...As lame as that may sound.

Tonight my plans fell through, of course. After work I was supposed to go out to Ronkonkoma to meet up with Bill...But he went to Lou's. I was then invited to Lou's, but by the time I had gotten in touch with them it was already 11:30pm and they were heading back to Bill's. So my other option was to go to Broadway for some Karaoke and to see my friends. Instead, I opted for a night of boredom. I actually don't mind, since I'm low on cash and need to save for my trip. Plus I had a very hectic week and need a good nights rest.

Tomorrow (well, really today) it's back into the library to finish my research paper. My professor gave us an extension, which was a huge relief. After class, Pete and I are going to watch Ghost in honor of Patrick Swayze. RIP.

This is a photograph I took of Dr. Acula back in March. It's my favorite of the group shots. The individual shots, however, came out amazing, and I'll be sure to post them eventually.

Okay, so it seems that I haven't updated this little blog in quite some time that I have decided to start from scratch. I randomly stumbled back upon it and figured I'd give a quick update. Perhaps I'll even try to keep up and update more often.
I've been back in school at Old Westbury for Psychology. So far it's been alright. I'm doing a lot better than I did last semester, which is good. However, I'll be taking a week off at the end of the month/beginning of October for a week tour with Dr. Acula. As long as I bring my books I'll be fine.

I bought a new studio kit for my photography, so once I start making more money at the new job (I start next week at a salon!) I will update with tons of pictures. I'm hoping to rent a space because the backdrop is way too big for my house.

That's all I really have to say for now. I'll update with random photographs every now and then.

xo,
Bean

[photo to the right: This is Hell]