very simple

I never actually buy anything at these mazes of shops that they put up at union square and columbus circle for the holidays, but I always enjoy wandering around looking at the crafts and other pretty things.

It’s that wonderful time of year when we lose half of our sidewalk space on the upper west side to vendors attempting to sell giant christmas trees to jews living in tiny apartments. (and yes, I’m jewish).

Today was the first snow of the season.  A little unexpected given the unseasonably warm weather up until now, but for us new yorkers, we’re just excited that we have new stuff to complain about!

I was walking past madison square earlier today, and was kind of surprised at how many people were still waiting on line and eating outside at the shake shack, given the fact that it was (a) 4:45 in the afternoon and (b) about 45 degrees outside.

While I hate the fact that it gets dark at, like, 4:30 in the afternoon these days, one of my favorite things about the holiday season is the way almost all of the trees get covered in lights. I rarely get to see it as a work in progress though.

one of the multitude of tom otterness statues that are scattered around the union square subway station.

Usually, I don’t understand the “modern art” piece consisting of metal slats attached to the side of the building that houses my gym and local post office. But today, I think I finally got it.

I know it’s only a matter of time before this building (and gray’s papaya next door) get turned into a giant glassy condo, but until then…for all your dancing needs

and…the apple store is open (a few days early). The place was totally packed with people, and it seemed a bit more rationally dispersed upstairs, but downstairs there appeared to be two apple employees for every customer. as an added bonus, I got to annoy lots of people by stopping halfway down the spiral staircase to take this picture.

yet another home away from home on the upper west side. this one is my dad’s favorite, and we meet here 2-3 times a week.