Old Is New Again

Old Co-worker, New Friend For Life: Last night, a woman who has grown to be my mentor, friend and confidante came to New York. She was my producer on a crime series before I left Washington D.C. We spent 4 weeks on the road in Florida, accompanied by our exceptionally talented, German cameraman. Its a funny thing being on the road, filming a show about murders. We learned a lot on those shoots and had some of the most memorable times (which I've only come to appreciate in retrospect). She applauded me on my successes in New York so far and as always, encouraged me to push my limits. As one of my biggest supporters, she has invited me to work on a shoot with some of the world's top wedding designers! Thank you Lynn!

Old Friend, New Inspiration: Later, I met a friend who I haven't seen in years. She spent two years in Guyana doing Peace Corps. It was as if no time had gone by. Still the same, beautiful, passionate, driven and intelligent girl I knew years ago -- with a few moderations (Gentleman, snatch her up while you can!). I'm sure adjusting to the American way of life will take time but I know she will make her mark in this world as she is a true philanthropist. She's already landed herself a teaching position and is on her way to grad school. Congrats Anita!

Old Music, New Vibe: My music library is so plentiful and diverse that at times I forget what I have! The other day I rediscovered my love for Maxwell and Res. Maxwell, the sexy, 'make-you-wanna-hop-in-bed' artist who put neo-soul on the map. When I first heard "Ascension," I was in love. I didn't know who with, but I knew I wanted to be in love after I heard that. And how can you not feel sexy after hearing "Sumthin-Sumthin"?? Lately I've been listening to the "Now" album, which has gotten less acclaim than his previous work. But if you ask me I think it's just as good. "Changed" and "Lifetime" are two of my favorites from his discography. Any man who can hit the high octave and still seem masculine is top shelf at my bar :-)

Res, a lesser known, and in my opinion, underappreciated musician, created a genre all her own. There is no way to really categorize her, except under good-original-music. But if I tried, I'd say she'd fall under the new-soul-hop-rock category (I just made that up). She has only one, phenomenal album released in 2001 and is probably better known for her songs "They Say (Vision)" and her "Ice King" remix with Nas. The first track on the album, "Golden Boy" is a classy bust on the wannabes of the music industry, with a triad of break-beats and downtempo. She sings with attitude and sex appeal, never wavering from originality. Please, do yourself a favor and check her out (even if it is 5 years old).

The Last Piece of Evidence

When we choose not to discuss a particular issue (or in this case write about a particular issue) we also choose not to think about it. I believe that once you discuss/write something it makes it more real, thus you are forced to think about it, possibly revisiting a painful time. Avoidance is the quick solution to forgetting the past. 'Out of sight, out of mind' as they say.

Re: #19 of New Lease Resolutions: Forget those who deserve to be forgotten.

First I did it, then he did it. I quickly learned that a relationship that has ended in true misery is never that cut and dry, at least not for me. Six months ago I threw away every possible piece of evidence of our relationship: pictures, letters, ticket stubs, dried flowers, cards, emails, even songs, so as not to trigger unsettling emotions at any given time. The materials were gone and I locked away unwanted thoughts. For a while things were calm, quiet, and images faded. Then, on one arbitrary day, I began picking at the lock of the box hidden away in the darkness of my mind, collecting dust. I opened it, but this time, as I rummaged through, I felt a fondness. Memories no longer brought me to tears, but now smiles. Could this be? Only a few months ago was I afflicted, questioning to exhaustion the very essence of these "loving" events. Deceit, bitterness, anguish, none of these feelings were present. It was true. Time did in fact heal my wounds, though I did not realize it at that moment of nostalgia, time also diminishes the truth. Time softens the hard reality. The phase of fond remembering soon passed as did the previous feelings of anger and sadness, leaving behind apathetic notions.

Yesterday, as I began packing to prepare for my move, I was throwing away stacks of papers. Mixed between a short story by Stuart Dybeck and an old credit card bill, I found an envelop with "Rakhee" written across it. I pulled out a light blue card with a picture of two clinking champagne glasses on the front. I opened the card and it read, "To My Dearest Rakhee, Happy Anniversary. You are everything I thought you would be twelve months ago...and more. I love you. Yours Always,..." I gasped. I was caught off guard. I thought I had efficiently evacuated my room of any remnants. I tossed it over to the trash pile and out it went. But before doing so I read it over several times. It was a foreign object to me. I read it but it held no meaning to me any longer. It was nothing more than a thin piece of folded cardboard. It held no weight. This was the final piece of evidence in my possession (I hope) that he and I existed together. Now, I will tell you, I am not naive, not anymore. I don't expect that my past will never revisit me, but I do not intend on diluting it with materials that hold no relevance today. But if I ever do question my past relationship, I will remember a conversation I recently had with a friend in Brooklyn:

Friend: "You know what the best feeling is?"
Me: "What?
Friend: "When the person you broke up with continues to reaffirm why you broke up with them."
Me: "[I smile] You're so right."

A smile slowly came across my face as I realized how truly appropriate this statement was, "you're so right" I repeated.

Thank You for continuing to confirm my decision.

New-Lease Resolutions

I didn't realize it until last week, after coming home from an exhausting day of apartment hunting, but I finally feel at home in this city. Soon, I will begin the second phase of my life here in New York. They say it takes a year to be considered a "real" New Yorker. If that's the case my graduation will be coming up in 2 and a half months. Its hard to believe I've lived here almost a year. It seems like only a month ago that I moved into my tiny, un-airconditioned apartment, with little to no furniture. It has surely been an adventure to say the least. My life has taken some very unexpected turns in the past year, with career, love, family, friends and ultimately my own identity (forgive the dramatics). I can say with certainty that I have learned more about myself and human beings in general since I've been here. And I know that's just the tip of the iceberg...

July 1, 2006 I will move into my new crib. After hundreds of phone calls, frantic searching, some tears, debating between Eastside or West, uptown or downtown, my roommate and I wound up exactly where we started. One street south of my current residence, wedged between the Hudson River and Lincoln Center, is where my new home will be. My address will still have the same zipcode but the new place is a little bit bigger and a little bit nicer, with a fire escape that I can actually sit out on (unlike my last dilapidated excuse for a fire escape). I've looked all over this city the last 2 weeks and I can honestly say I love the upper west side! With that said, I've created a little list that I would like to call "New-Lease Resolutions." Screw New Years resolutions. They're overrated and I never stick to them anyway -- too much pressure. Why wait til January 1?? Besides, New Years Eve is my birthday and I feel that turning a year older is enough change on its own.

New-Lease Resolutions (in no particular order):
1. Paint my new apartment (Either brick red, a mute yellow or moss green??).
2. Be more open and accepting to the idea of "dating."
3. Get back to my normal weight.
4. Read a book that will top Kite Runner.
5. Work on a film (independent or feature).
6. Edit a short video on Final Cut Pro.
7. Color my hair dark auburn.
8. Start a piece of short fiction that I would seriously consider submitting to be published.
9. Meet Leonardo Dicaprio.
10. Be less judgemental of others.
11. Find an excellent Burmese restaurant in the city, equivalent to Burma Superstar in San Francisco.
12. Find the perfect dress.
13. Take more pictures!
14. Answer and return phone calls.
15. Shop less (spend less).
16. Do another open mic.
17. Bike around the city more often.
18. Travel overseas (London, India and Thailand).
19. Forget those that deserve to be forgotten.
20. (It's a secret).

Is this unrealistic for a year? I think I can do it. Give me a little credit, I'm stating this for anyone to read. You can even follow up with me in a year and see how far I've gotten. If I haven't accomplished more than half of what I listed above, then feel free to publicly ridicule me.

So, cheers to New York, New Leases and New Beginnings!

Apple On 5th Ave

I've been pod-less for 3 weeks now. For those of you who don't know me, let me tell you, this is a crisis. My i-Pod is my sidekick, I never leave home without it. A few Saturdays ago I came home after a typical night of drinking and dancing. I promised friends that we would finish the night off with some good tunes. I brought my docking station out into the living room, already preparing the playlist in my head...and then, nothing. Zip. Blank. I didn't freak out at first. A friend of mine attempted the 'hold-down-menu-and-select-for-twenty-seconds' technique, but still, nothing. Then I started to freak out.

This weekend I finally had the time to take care of business. I made an appointment before leaving home at Apple's Genius Bar, to assure expeditious service. Later, I walked myself on over to the eastside where the new Apple store is on 59th St and 5th Ave. As geeky as it might sound, if you have nothing else better to do, its actually fun to just go and play around in the new store. The other Apple store in SoHo can get annoyingly crowded, preventing you from not only receiving the proper service but also from being able to look around with ease. Another cool thing about the new location is that its open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It's like freakin' 7-11! And on Friday nights they have notable DJ's spinning music. Apple has done a good job with the new location because it's not just a store it's a tourist attraction! When I got there for my appointment at 5:50pm there were small groups of people outside waiting to go in, apparently they were giving tours! The large glass box entry way is quite striking and stands out, like a futuristic pillar, amongst the elegant Central Park East hotels and boutiques.


Eventually I made my way up to the Genius Bar where all the Mac geeks standby to help you with your tech troubles. There was never a time when people were not standing in line, which made me very relieved that I made the appointment in advance. Finally, I handed my iPod over to an adorable "genius" named Matt -- "Please resuscitate my iPod!" I begged him. He checked for a pulse, pressed a few buttons...nothing. Things were looking bleak. He then hooked it up to a Mac and we waited. 10 long minutes go by, "Well, Miss, I think we've fixed your iPod." I was overjoyed! Not only was it fixed, but that sweetheart Mathew put a whole new music library on my iPod, for free! On my way back to the westside I was pleased to hear some new music that was actually to my liking. Here are some new songs playing on my iPod, all with the "Rakhee Stamp Of Approval", courtesy of Apple (Thanks Matt!):

"Stiff Jazz" by Dzihan & Kamien
"Dreaming of..." by Earlimart
"Delerium" by Euphoria
"Madame Hollywood" by Felix Da Housecat
"Do Your Realize??" by The Flaming Lips
"I Love Music" by Flunk
"Summer Sun" by Koop
"Backfired" by Masters At Work
"Candy Man Blues" by Mississippi John Hurt
"The Sea" by Morcheeba
"Bossa Per Due" by Nicola Conte
"Don't Know Why" by Pat Metheny
"Backbone" by Projections
"Samba de Orpheus" by Vince Guaraldi Trio/Colin Bailey/Monty
"Destiny" by Zero7

767 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY 10153
(212) 336-1440
http://www.apple.com/retail/fifthavenue/week/20060618.html

Right On!

I am not an absolute believer in astrology. Quite often however, I find that my horoscope can be eerily accurate. Perhaps it is my own subconscious justifying the cosmic words. In any case, today, I had my horoscope sent to me and it could not have been more on point...Seriously, almost word for word of what I've been experiencing and thinking recently.

CAPRICORN
Your attention may be fixed firmly on your aspirations today. As a result, you may be working in a more disciplined manner than usual. You may find that your powers of concentration are heightened and that you suffer less from lifeÂ’s little distractions. Productivity is likely your watchword so this can be an affirmative time to examine your daily routine and determine whether it is helping or hindering you in your quest to reach your goals. You can make the most of the discipline you feel by devoting the whole of your mental energy to each task you undertake. Others will likely notice your dedication and respond positively to your efforts. Consider asking for a promotion at your workplace today or taking on more responsibility in your home or a volunteer position.


Cultivating your mental discipline can help you avoid distractions and stay on course as you pursue your goals. The modern world we inhabit is awash with distractions that have the potential to keep us from fulfilling our full potential. Discipline empowers you to retain your focus when diversions, both pleasurable and not, threaten to derail your forward momentum. You'll have the ability to recover quickly from interruptions and push distractions out of your mind. As you move forward in your quest for success, you can adapt to changing situations and use your current circumstances to your advantage. Your attention will stay firmly fixed on your aims. The focused discipline you feel today will help streamline your progress toward the life of your dreams.
---

The above was from http://www.dailyom.com/ A wonderful and enlightening website, though it tends to get a little too cheesey. But you can filter through and find the inspiration where you will.

Also, www.washingtonpost.com is my favorite newspaper and the horoscopes section is one of the best. Try reading your horoscope from the previous day, see how accurate it is.

Sixth Annual IAAC Film Festival November 1-5, 2006

When I moved to New York last August I had this dreamy idea of what life would be like. I was excited to be among my peers: artists, writers, filmmakers. I imagined how things would take off in different directions, pushing me to learn more and more, in turn, defining my own talents. I expected to be submersed in the bohemian culture that is born and bred in this city. Soon after the move I found myself nearly stunted before a plethora of choices. I began taking writing workshops, dance classes, going to art exhibits, catching live shows, trying to keep up with guitar -- I found myself in a ball of inconsistancy. I was doing everything and still, doing nothing. After some minor agonizing I realized I had to make a choice and stick to it. I have decided upon three things (for now) that I will follow through with, one of them being the Indo-American Arts Council.

I heard about the IAAC last year, while still settling into my new home and job at The History Channel. They hosted a film festival showcasing various genres of South Asian origin. On opening night in November of 2005, Deepa Metha's intensely emotional work, "Water" premiered. I knew then that IAAC would be an organization I truly wanted to be a part of. Though I was too late to volunteer, I was able to catch the tail end of some of the screenings. This year, I was prepared and am excited to be volunteering for the Sixth Annual IAAC Film Festival! And what a festival it will be... I am thrilled to be a part of the IAAC and even more overwhelmed by the array of talent I will be witness to. Many of the attendants are writers and directors whom I deeply admire and continually inspire me to go forth with my career in the arts and media.

---
The Indo-American Arts Council is delighted to announce its Sixth Annual IAAC Film Festival Opening Night Film as Mira Nair’s “The Namesake.” Adapted from Pulitzer prize-winning writer Jhumpa Lahiri’s book of the same name, “The Namesake” is a heartbreaking, funny and universal story of the Ganguli family, spanning 30 years, encompassing the tale of millions of us who have left one home for another. The stars of the film are Kal Penn, Tabu, Irfan Khan, Jacinda Barrett and Zuleikha Robinson. "This film is a "dill ka tukra," a piece of my heart, a seesaw of two great cities of the world - New York and Kolkata," says Mira Nair, Director of “The Namesake.”

Expanding beyond the traditional venue, the opening night will be presented at the legendary Ziegfeld theatre to enable a much wider attendance and celebration of this masterpiece. Scheduled to appear at the opening night are director Mira Nair & writer Jhumpa Lahiri and many members of the cast. “The Namesake” will be released theatrically by Fox Searchlight Pictures on November 3, 2006.

Following IAAC tradition, a Gala Dinner will follow the opening night screening. Gala Chairs for this year are celebrated author Salman Rushdie & model/actress Padma Lakshmi; our Gala Vice-Chairs are Chandrika & Ranjan Tandon and Sandhya & Dhruv Narain. Silent and live auctions will be held during dinner to raise money for the IAAC. Mr. Rushdie states "The IAAC is an important, thriving initiative and I am delighted to support it.”

The rest of the festival screenings for the IAAC Film Festival will be held at various venues around town promoting upcoming talent and their stories. Post-screening discussions, networking events, closing night screening & party as well as awards for excellence in filmmaking complete the celebrations.
---

I cannot express how excited I am for this event! I will keep you posted on any updates. In the meantime please visit www.iaac.us for more info. Hope you can make it.

Homeward Bound

Today I will leave the city for three days. I will leave behind the smog, the 5 mile walks, the crystalline lounges and busy-ness. I will temporarily trade it all in for fresh air, speeding down the beltway, roughhousing with the dog and lazing on my couch. I will catch up with friends, go to the mall, eat my father's chicken curry and sleep next to my mother. I will absorb the pureness of suburbia, for three days. There will be no stress, no meaningless flirting, no drinking, no reprimands, no impressions to make and no deadlines looming...except for my 9pm train on Sunday night, heading back to Penn Station - back to city life.

Ashes and Snow

Please take the time and check out the works of Gregory Colbert. The images in this exhibit are truly some of the most enchanting and soulful photographs I've ever seen. Colbert captures real interactions between people and animals in the wild. They were taken on location in places such as Burma, Tonga, Sri Lanka, India, Namibia and Kenya. Many of the images appear to be artificial or manipulated in some way. But according to various sources they are in fact real (though I am still a bit skeptical).

The one above might be my favorite. I've always felt a sense of peace at the sight of an elephant. Perhaps the stories of Ganesh that my Mother told me as a girl made an impression.

Hope you find one you connect with.
go to http://www.ashesandsnow.org/en/home.php

My Apologies

"You need to step it up" a friend/reader told me over the weekend, referring to my blog. I know! I'm sorry! I apologize for not posting anything new in the last two weeks. I've been quite busy and have not had as much time to devote. Work has been exhausting which leads me to overdo playtime on the weekends :-) I will post new thoughts this week, though. I promise.