An Unfortunate Commuter's End-of-Year Recap: New Years Resolution!

Oh this is just great isn't it?

You know my favorite part of looking back? Looking forward. (Pretty deep, eh?) So to conclude my year end wrap up, I look to the future. Here are some resolutions for 2011:

Visit more museums

-The Museum of Natural History is my neighbor. There is no excuse for me to be uninfomed about dinosaurs any longer.

Visit neighboring neighborhoods

-Ever heard of Inwood? Probably not. But I have! And it's only one stop up on the A Train. Why not?

Learn to ride the bus

-Face it: the 1 Train is abysmal. And unfortunately for us UWS'ers, its the main form of subterranean transportation. But the bus, ah the bus! A whole new world. I'll check it out.

Shop locally

-Maybe next time I want a bag of chips at 2 a.m., maybe I should go to the local deli owner who has worked his whole life to create a business rather than the 24 hour Duane Reade (ok, off my soapbox now.)

Find the fortunate in the unfortunate

***** PLEASE NOTE THAT I WAS GOING TO PUT A FUNNY PICTURE OF A SMILE UP WITH A FUNNY CAPTION AND FOR SOME REASON IT IS NOT WORKING. BUT TRUST ME, IT WAS FUNNY. I SWEAR. THIS WHOLE ORDEAL HAS ME RETHINKING THIS RESOLUTION.

-Sure, I can find the unfortunate in any situation, but maybe I'll try the opposite. A brighter outlook on life never killed anyone, has it? (No really, has it?) So for every icy sidewalk, slow-walking tourist, Shake Shack line, and pushy subway rider, I will find the upside. Though I'm not making any promises.


Signing off. To a wonderful 2010, and to an even better 2011. Cheers!

An Unfortunate Commuter's End-of-Year Recap: Best Meals on the UWS

As is well documented, I, Anndrew Vacca, am a food-a-holic. I love eating; take out, going out, whatever, I love eating. Here are the best meals I have found on the Upper West Side all year:

Breakfast- Buttercup Bake Shop- 141 W. 72nd Street, between Broadway and Columbus

Quick and easy, just like breakfast is meant to be. And cheap, too! A coffee and muffin for under 3 dollars. How can you beat that? It's not a sit down bacon-and-eggs kind of place, but if you're looking for a morning snack to go with your morning brew, look no further. The muffins are amazing.

Lunch- Shake Shack- 366 Columbus Avenue @ 77th Street

Warning: this line is typical. Plan accordingly.

Let's all be honest with ourselves here and admit this guilty pleasure. It's kind of pricey, it's kind of greasy, and it's REALLY gluttonous, but it's one of the simplest and best meals on the UWS. Shack burger, cheese fries, and a shake are one hell of a meal, and at Shake Shack, it's perfect. And why lunch, you ask? You get to skip the dinner crowds.

Dinner- Patsy's Pizza- 61 West 74th Street at Columbus Avenue

Best. Pizza. Ever. Period. And the décor isn't bad either: with a huge fireplace and traditional, homestyle seating, this place really reminds you of home. And then you get the pizza, which is better than your mother's. Trust me. And the rest of the menu is delicious, too!

Snack- Levain Bakery- 167 West 74th Street, between Amsterdam and Columbus

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention my favorite place on the Upper West Side: Levain Bakery. The place is the size of a hallway, and there's maybe two chairs at the most. But who cares? They have cookies the size of your head, that are at any given time of any day hot and gooey. A true culinary (and life) experience, words do not do these cookies justice. Go, fork down the 4 dollars, and inhale the best 1,000 calories you'll ever eat in your life. I'm not kidding.

An Unfortunate Commuter's End-of-Year Recap: My Top 10 Lessons Learned from Living Alone

And here, what must have been made on Microsoft Paint in 1996, a visual tribute to
the end of 2010, and the beginning of 2011. 

In just half a year of living alone, I have learned more about independent life than even I imagined. Here are the top 10 lessons I've taken away from my very own first apartment. (In no particular order)

1. Enjoy the silence

- Don't hide from the silence. You talk and listen all day. When you come home, even if for only 5 minutes, sit down in the silence, alone. You'll learn a little something about yourself every time.

2. Your rules, make them good
- You're on your own, so live it up! But not too much. Sure, you don't have to sneak around when taking a puff. But don't overdue the new found freedom. Everything in moderation, my friends.

3. Be friendly to your neighbors
- You probably think they are noisy, boring, and gross, but get this: they think the same thing about you. A simple smile or a wave when entering or exiting your apartment will really stand out.

4. Demand respect from your guests
- Your own place= your own party. Enjoy the freedom! But make sure guests, whether they be for dinner or for a kegger, respect your house. Inside voices, please!

5. Demand respect from yourself
-Sure, it's easy to let the dishes pile up now that no one is screaming at you to clean them. But clean them. A clean house is a happy house!

6. Be welcoming
-Sure, your friends might eat all of your food and mess up your apartment, but always been the first to offer your home for a gathering. Why spend all that money on rent if no one can enjoy it?

7. Don't be wasteful
-Just because no one is here to remind you to turn off the TV when you leave the room or to take a less than two hour shower, do it. Utility bills are reason enough to be conservative.

8. Pay your bills on time
-Whether it be the 30 dollar electricity bill or the amount-that-shall-remain-unspoken for rent, pay your bills on time. It avoids any possible stress, and it teaches you that deadlines are a real thing.

9. Get out!
-Remember, it's not just your own apartment, but its also your own neighborhood, as well. Eat local, shop local, and have fun, local! Get to know your neighborhood, it's yours' now.

10. Phone home
-You don't live with your parents anymore. That doesn't mean that they don't exist. Call and check in on them. Just because you're not living under their roof anymore doesn't mean you shouldn't care.

Unfortunate Fact #9- The Christmastree peddlers

Ahhhh... Christmastime on the Upper West Side! ....not much different than the rest of the city, I suppose, but still great! Trees lit up with white and blue lights, decorations on the streetlights, and a general feeling of happiness and warmth. It really is the most wonderful time of the year.

Except for one thing: the damn Christmas trees. Don't get me wrong, I love a good Christmas tree. But I HATE when they are forced in my face at every turn. With the Yuletide season comes a new kind of panhandler in New York City: the Christmas tree vendor. These seasonal creeps come out after Thanksgiving and bombard the streets with imported Christmas trees. Sure, that's great and all, until Christmas starts approaching. By about two weeks out, these vendors turn desperate: faced with the possibility of having a surplus of goods by Christmas day, these vendors will do anything in their power to sell you a tree. 

An example of the evils lurking on every corner this holiday season.

So much so, in fact, that I am now officially a Duane Reade guy, unable to visit my local CVS due to the tree farm on the sidewalk outside. I went to buy some gum and almost left with a 10 foot Douglas Fur. These guys do not take no for an answer. Words of warning: NEVER MAKE EYE CONTACT!

So remember a few things when you're buying your tree: find a vendor that isn't a psychopath, and wait til the last minute, since most of them will be willing to pay YOU to take a tree. 

But seriously, everyone, from the guy who can find the unfortunate in anything (yes, even Christmas “cheer”,) Happy Holidays!

Unfortunate Fact #8- Forgetting to vote

If you've left the rock you've been living under any time in the past few weeks you have probably heard of some major legislation debate within our government. Since the midterm elections in November, there has been a lot of attention paid to the happenings within Congress. Most recently, the Senate voted to repeal the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy, just a week after Repubs and Dems came to an agreement on tax cuts, which will extend the Bush era cuts for the wealthy.

As a college senior, the last thing I am concerned with is tax cuts, since god knows I'm a good century away from making enough money for it to matter. But all the recent activity in Congress has made me consider how important it is to vote, something I failed to do in the latest election. 

Moving to your first own apartment or house can be daunting, and the last thing on your mind may be signing up to vote in your new locality. Fear not: by following the next few steps, you'll be voting in no time, making the debates over legislation dominating CNN these days much more engaging to watch.

1. Register

- As soon as you move to your new home, Google your state's registration process. For most states, it's as easy as filling out an online form and sending some proof of residence (lease, utility bill, etc.)

2. Find your polling place
- As election day approaches, information will become available on your city's website about local polling places. Here in New York, you simply have to put in your address to find where you are registered to vote. This polling place will also be given to you when you receive confirmation of your registration. 

3. VOTE!

- Show up and VOTE! It takes approximately 2.5 minutes, and is one of the most satisfying things you will ever do. (Unless you vote for the loser. That kinda sucks.) Though remember to bring a government-issued photo ID with you, as it may be required.

Arranging all of your eggs in your basket when you first move can be really tough, but voting is such an important part of our society that it should be high on your priority list. Have a say in the legislation process, it's a truly rewarding action. You'll finally be able to chime in with your “uppity” friends when they start talking about Healthcare reform!

Unfortunate Fact #7: The noisy neighbors

This week's news of increased tensions and dangerously bad blood between North and South Korea made me think of how we live with neighbors. For the past few months I have had the joy of living next to an extremely loud woman who plays her TV loud and speaks even louder. The more and more I watch CNN the more I think "well, I guess it's a universal thing. If I can't deal with a loud TV, I guess maybe North Korea can't deal with its loud neighbor?"

So how can we all get along? How can we expect two large world superpowers to get along if we, humble New York apartment dwellers, can't do the same? Here are some simple rules for living graciously with neighbors:

-TV should never be higher than its volume's half-capacity. Past 12 a.m., it should never be higher than 1/4 capacity. Deal with it.

- Stereos are a thing of the past. Introduce yourself to headphones. If you MUST resist, the TV rules apply. Also, turn down the damn bass.

- Parties are fine on WEEKENDS ONLY! And when they will rage past 12 a.m., you must first clear it with your nextdoor neighbor. And maybe think about bringing them a baked good.

- Close your mouth in the hallway. Period.

- When walking up the stairs, try a little something called grace. You don't have to hop around like you're on an acid trip.

- When fighting with significant other, learn the silent and deadly trick: instead of raising your voice, let your anger show through your eyes. This will prevent anger from your neighbors, and it might also save your relationship, too.

-Last, but not least, learn that small talk is the devil's tool: a quick smile and acknowledgement with your neighbors is all that is necessary.

So next time you feel like you want to send a cruise missile next door, North Korea style, remember these tips to spare yourself high blood pressure (and possible U.N. sanctions.)

An Unfortunate Commuter's Favorite Things

Inspired by Friday's documented insanity of Oprah's "Favorite Things" episode (watch it here, and remember, those reactions are 100% real), I have for you here a list of an Unfortunate Commuter's Favorite Things. These are some things that I can't live without, and I don't think anyone who ever commutes, whether it be to school or work, can live without either. I do hope I can elicit some of the excitement that Oprah does, and if things get out of control, please make sure to document it.

1- Fossil Watch

Knowing the time is always important, but it's borderline critical when you are rushing on foot or by train to work or school. Miscalculating public transporation by a matter of seconds can be devastating. This watch looks amazing, so not only will you never be late again, but you'll be the best accessorized commuter in town! ($135, fossil.com)

2- Wool Peacoat- Gap

During the winter, it is essential for every commuter to stay as warm as humanly possible. Nothing slows down a good sprint to work in a late frenzy than cold appendages. That's why every commuter needs an awesome winter jacket. When you're bundled up tight, you, dare I say? might not even mind trudging through the snow.

This classic wool peacoat is as warm as it gets (without looking idiotic in one of those plastic puffy coats). ($135- gap.com)

3- Chuck Taylors- Converse

Whether you're racing to your next class or to a morning meeting, nothing sucks more than when your feet hurt. I always have a good pair of Chuck Taylors in my closet for those days when all that matters is comfort. ($65- converse.com)

4- Emerson Alarm Clock- Sears

Most of the world's problems would be solved if we all had a reliable alarm clock. Luckily for us, here it is. This Emerson alarm clock is eye catching enough that you won't be able to get into bed without being reminded to set it. Plus, with its projection technology, you'll never have to turn over in bed to see how much longer you have to snooze! ($29.99- sears.com)

As Oprah would say, YOU GET A COAT! AND YOU GET COAT! AND YOU GET A COAT! But I'm not Oprah, so buy these things yourselves. 

A Fortunate Finding

Every once in a while I take a break from my whining to share with you what I like to call a "fortunate finding". These gems are what I've found while exploring the Upper West Side and are what I believe worth your time.

Last night I stumbled across a truly delicious meal, which automatically I have to share with everyone I know. The culprit? Blondies' Wings, located on 79th street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue.

A massive sports bar, I stopped by Blondies' on my way out for a quick beer with a friend. Never able to refuse food, I took a look at the menu when the waitress offered it to me. Being a bit of a buffalo wing snob, I didn't have high expectations but decided to give them a try anyways. What I found was one of the most delicious orders of wings I have ever eaten. Perfectly crispy, ample but not excessive meat, and a spicy yet flavorful sauce, these wings were definitely worth writing home about. The waffle fries (I split them, I swear) were equally delicious, perfectly golden and when paired with the buffalo sauce, a real surprise.

The only real downside here ( and it's a bit of a big one) is the price-- at just shy of $10 for 10 wings, this place isn't offering any bargains. But the fact that I am recommending this place despite the high prices should speak volumes about the quality of the meal: I, a cheap college student, would gladly drop another $10 for these wings again. Trust me, they're worth it.

With wings this good,  I'd be hard pressed not to deem Blondies' a Fortunate Find.

Unfortunate Fact #5.5- STILL THE DAMN PRICES!!

Went out with a friend last night who also moved into his first "real apartment" this year and got to talking about saving some money. He agreed with my sentiments and admitted that once bills are paid, there isn't too much spending money to go around. (Hence the dive bar we were sitting at, drinking the cheapest beer on tap.)

I asked him how he saves a few dollars and he gave me some tips. So, without further ado, I give you some guest tips on how to save some serious cash.

1- Buy an Unlimited Metrocard.

My friend rides the train to school three days per week and quickly realized that the unlimited Metrocard is the way to go. "It pays for itself after a few weeks. I was refilling my Metrocard twice per week before I realized how much money I was wasting. Even if you only ride the train 3 or 4 days a week, it's well worth it."

2- Generics, generics, generics

For as long as I've known my friend, he has always been a faithful Duane Reade worshiper. So, it was no surprise when he told me that he tries to buy strictly Duane Reade brand essentials. "There are always store brand items that are at least $2-$3 cheaper than the name brand. From dental floss to paper towels, Duane Reade has all the essentials in their own brand. Stick to them, and any store brand items you come across, and you'll easily shave 15 dollars off your total bill."

3- Forget cable

This one might be a stretch for some readers, but my friend swears (and I agree) that there are ways to stay entertained without cable television. "Netflix is only $9 per month. Compare it to over $70 per month for cable, it's worth it."

My two cents: catch your favorite shows on the internet. Look hard enough, and most of them are there!


Glad to know I'm not the only one trying to pinch some pennies!

Unfortunate Fact #5- THE DAMN PRICES!!

Before I start ranting, let me first say that I am NOT one of those New Yorkers who are always complaining about how expensive this city is. However, I do appreciate saving a few dollars-- who doesn't?

Living on your own brings with it a whole host of new expenses. Rent, electricity, cable, and internet can break the bank, leaving not much "spending money." There are ways, however, to save a few dollars without feeling so miserly. You'll thank me when you have some cash to blow at the bar on Friday night.

Here are 5 ways to save $50 a week:

1- Brew your own coffee
If you're a coffee drinker, it is all too tempting to stop at one of the ten billion Starbucks on your way to work/class in the morning and drop four to five dollars. Do the math and you'll realize that every work week you are spending nearly $25 dollars on caffeine.

On the other hand, a container of Folgers coffee lasts nearly two weeks and costs roughly $6. (Check the  CVS weekly circular before you buy- coffee is ALWAYS on sale).

Total savings per week: $22

2- Make your own lunch


My biggest expense of the week is food. As you know I love eating takeout and going to restaurants rather than cooking. But when it comes to lunch, it is so simple to save a ton of money.

An average salad or sandwich costs nearly $8. Eating lunch every day adds up to nearly $40 dollars. A homemade sandwich (meat, cheese, bread and vegetables), can be bought at the beginning of the week for about $20 at Fairway. Take some time in the morning (while you're brewing your own coffee!) to make your day's lunch. It pays off.

Total savings per week: $20

3- Always do your own laundry

How tempting is it when you see those signs in the laundromat that say for 99 cents per pound, your laundry can be washed, dried, and folded without lifting a finger? Well, here's a tip: stop being lazy. On average, your weekly laundry adds up to about 15 pounds-- that's 15 dollars every week just to get your clothes clean.

To do your laundry yourself takes about an hour's worth of time but, on average, costs a mere $7 (two washes for $2.50, two dryers for $2). Doesn't seem like much savings, but $8= 8 one-dollar drafts at your favorite happy hour spot.

Total savings per week: $8

Grand total savings per week:  $50


Now nobody can tell me that they wouldn't want an extra $50 per week. And after rent and bills are paid for, you quickly realize that $50 is well worth three small sacrifices.

Unfortunate Fact #4- Killing Time

This week has seen the first of what will be many cold days in New York City. Last year, I never let the cold get me down, as it was easy to avoid. Between classes, residents of McMahon Hall can scurry through the hall from Lowenstein to McMahon without ever facing the brisk weather.

Commuters, on the other hand, don't have that luxury.  I found this one out the hard way. Faced with a 2 hour break between my classes, and 40 degree weather outside, I realized that there was no easy way to hop home for a quick lunch, or even better, a nap. I was forced to find a way to kill time in Lowenstein. What a challenge it was.

FCLC is in large part a commuter campus, but, in my opinion, lacks a lot of amenities for said commuters. Sure there are the three Ls (Lounges, Labs, and the Library), but there isn't really a place to kick back and relax.

The computer labs on the third floor of Lowenstein are often crowded with scurrying students trying to finish last minute homework. For someone looking to kill time, the labs are pretty useless. With an unsaid rule of "do work or get out", I find myself pretty uncomfortable in the computer lab browsing Facebook while others are waiting to finish a last-minute assignment.

Sure, the lounges are nice and airy, but they are often too crowded to even get a seat. The second floor soft-lounge offers comfortable seating and a laid-back atmosphere, but who really wants to sit that close to the financial aid office? You are really taking your life into your own hands, as there are hourly verbal disagreements and often threats of violence between dejected students trying to pay their bill and often clueless financial aid staff. (Maybe I exaggerated about the threats of violence. Maybe that one's just me...)

And don't get me started on the library. For anyone not cramming at 12 a.m. for a final or midterm, this place is the pits. Dark, cold, and totally uninviting, "relaxing" is a non-option.

So, here's my plea. To the people at Fordham who can make things happen: on behalf of all commuters here at FCLC, PLEASE give us somewhere comfortable to relax. We're not asking for much. Some comfortable chairs and a judgement-free zone shouldn't be that hard to provide. Can't we check our Facebooks and drink a cup of coffee in peace? Without braving the elements?

Until then, I guess I will have to suffer in the cafeteria. While it's loud, echoing, and downright uncomfortable, at least I can sit for a few hours without being chased.

Unfortunate Fact #3- Grocery Shopping

I am one of those people that do not mind spending a ton of cash on food. While some people ask why, I say "why not?" Sure, nice clothes are fun to buy, and a new car would be pretty sweet, but instant gratification in the form of an awesome meal can't be beat. In step with this mindset, I am obsessed with takeout. I think nothing of it to come home and order a $20 meal that will be at my door in 30 minutes or less.

That was until, of course, I had bills to pay. Now, $20 dinners are more of a luxury than they were before I had to pay for cable. With my bank account hemorrhaging funds, I am forced to face a grim reality: I am officially a grocery shopper. Yeah yeah yeah, I finally admit it. You DO save money by cooking your own food. But you all mark my words: this is a temporary situation. I WILL return to my takeout ways once I am no longer a poor college student. So watch out.

Until then, I suggest to you a way to counteract the horrors of grocery shopping.  Fairway Supermarket located on Broadway and 74th really lives up to its reputation. As much as I wanted to hate it, it really is an experience you have to try at least once in your life. The prices are obscenely cheap,the selection is unmatched, and the place is like a lawless society. People turn into absolutely savages when they walk through the doors. Trying to avoid being run down by a shopping cart (I like to call them "hell on wheels") really spices up having to grocery shop. Plus, I secretly admit that sometimes I cheat and buy the prepared meals. I SWEAR IT'S STILL CHEAPER THAN TAKEOUT!

Check it out. It's truly an adventure. We might as well make the best out of things until we're rich enough to own our own delivery man. Dare I say, it takes the unfortunate out of grocery shopping?

Unfortunate Fact #2: Bedbugs along my commute

It was widely reported this week that the Manhattan Bedbug Epidemic of 2010 has reached Lincoln Center, an unsettling revelation for someone who passes by every day. What is a commuter to do? The natural answer would be "nothing, don't be a hypochondriac." But for me, altering my commute is the only option.

Since the news hit, I have tried to avoid passing by Lincoln Center at all costs, which means that West End and Amsterdam Avenues have become my new routes. Funny thing though: the happy bookstores, restaurants, and cupcake shops that litter Columbus don't translate to this new western route. Instead, West End is scattered with nursing homes and high rise condos in a scene that looks downright apocalyptic. And don't get me started on Amsterdam: the only thing exciting on the whole avenue is the sleeping  (often open-mouthed) security guard at the front desk of the public library.



No thanks. I miss my street food vendors and 30-something yuppies eating Magnolia too damn much to trade it in for the barren wasteland that is "East New Jersey." Do you know they actually have car dealerships on West End? Nope. Not for me. I guess I'll take my chances with the bed bugs. At least they are self-respecting New Yorkers.

Unfortunate Fact #1: The consequences of a fussy alarm clock.

Here's a little nugget I never considered: the mad rush to class when you've overslept your alarm. While living in the dorms, this phenomenon was a regular part of the week. I never batted an eye at running through the halls, in my pajamas, to my 8:30 class. "Just another stupid freshman" was never a title I avoided.


But you know what's unfortunate about living off-campus? The faulty alarm clock (I swear I didn't screw up A.M. and P.M.) is a lot more dangerous now. Found this one out my first week of classes. (Don't start-- I'm a senior.) As I fast walked like some crippled bank robber down West End avenue, I suddenly realized that living off-campus isn't really as cool as it seems. I mean, I had my first doubts when I caught myself talking with my coffee-pot because I was becoming bored with talking to myself, but this was the first real re-consideration that carried with it tangible consequences. 


It wasn't until I got to school that I realized that the gig was up. I was 45 minutes late, and I officially accepted defeat. It was then, at that sad moment, that I admitted to myself that living off-campus comes with the responsibility of being punctual. Guess living on my own requires a reliable alarm clock. 


And that's pretty unfortunate.

An introduction...

As a 22 year old living in Manhattan, a neighborhood that doesn't quite stand out as "exciting" is the Upper West Side. Compared to its trendy cousin to the south, Hell's Kitchen, the UWS is composed mostly of older residents: families and retirees greatly outnumber partiers and college students. With the exception of Columbia's immediate surroundings, much of the UWS is what a lot of people would call "The retirement community of Manhattan."


This past summer I moved to 72nd street. I made a conscious decision to trade in late-night bars and loud streets for a studio within walking distance to both school and work. That didn't mean that I gave up looking for hidden gems in my new neighborhood. Here, I will share what I find. From delicious delivery to cheap drinks, I will share my experiences as a young adult in an old adult's neighborhood.


EDIT:

Let's be real here: living in my first real apartment is pretty cool. But you know what's not cool? Being a "commuter." As a college senior, nothing seemed cooler than living in my own apartment. Sweet parties! No roommate! MY OWN BATHROOM! You know what I never considered? The scarlet letter that is the "commuter" label. God, I miss free utilities. And don't even get me started on laundry.

Here, instead of being upbeat and making the best of it (my initial goal), I'm going to do what I do best: complain. Here you will see what sucks about living off-campus. Sure, I'll be able to find a few positives, but according to my life philosophy, the negatives will be easier to discover.

So, I give you the viewpoint of a single, senior college student, living alone on the Upper West Side. Enjoy?