How I met two presidents in one week, part deux

One September day, I found out that Serbian President Boris Tadic will open one of the seven days of UN’s General Assembly’s Debate. And I have a pass.
I was stopped about six times even before I entered the UN building on 46th street and 1st Avenue of New York City. The surrounding streets were barricaded, with police officers and security guards on every corner. I had to show my badge about 10 times before I actually got to the General Assembly's amphitheater. Every door, every elevator had security. They even stopped me once on the 3rd floor, for not having my badge on display.
Just as I walked in, and decided on a seat behind the Bulgarian desk and media, and with a great view of the Serbian desk, there he was. President Tadic walking to the designated Serbian desk, with Vuk Jeremic, Serbian minister of foreign affairs, and the entourage. I didn’t know that the President of a small country needs so many people in his entourage to speak at the UN. But, New York City IS a popular tourist destination…
It’s about 3:05pm. Tadic gets up from his chair, tall and handsome, and walks toward the podium. Then goes around it. Then emerges again from behind it. There are still hundreds of seats empty in the huge hall, while people from all parts of the world are constantly coming in. There’s constant motion on the floor.
I realize that with all these people walking every which way, I can get on the delegate’s floor too, and follow Tadic after his speech. A light bulb... A smile...
Tadic spoke for about 15 minutes, mostly English but some French as well. He spoke about climate change and global consequences, as well as Serbia’s role in addressing the global warming. Then he spoke about Southern Serbian province of Kosovo and how its independence is a violation of international law. We applauded.
After the speech, he went through a special speaker’s door. I rushed between the desks, and followed the rest of the Serbian entourage, consisted of three young women, two blondes and one brunette, and several other men besides Mr. Jeremic. They looked familiar but I couldn't place the names with the faces. On my way behind the stage, I bumped into charming Ms. Kori Udovicki, who is an Assistant Administrator and Director for Europe with the UNDP. We exchanged cards and went to greet Mr. Tadic. Behind the podium was already a short line of foreign dignitaries, wanting to talk to Tadic. I patiently stood in line, waited for only several minutes and introduced myself to Tadic, offering my hand. “…Congratulations on the great speech…” among “It’s a pleasure to meet you." And my name of course. He said HVALA couple of times and smiled. And then he said to Mr. Jeremic and the rest waiting there, that he has to go.
On my way out of there, feeling lucky and full of myself, I bumped into Srgjan Kerim, an extremely nice Macedonian Diplomat and former President of the United Nations Assembly. I hand in my card again. And walk out, to the streets of my beloved New York City, happy and optimistic.

How I met two presidents in one week

Monday. September 2009. I got invited to a reception featuring American President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.S.Ambassador to UN Susan Rice. No, it wasn't a dream. It happened in famed Waldorf Astoria hotel in midtown Manhattan. I don't think I have to describe how excited I was. I mean, I have loved Obama since the famous speech during the Democratic Convention in 2006. "Skinny kid with a funny name" one. I volunteered some of my time to his camping's offices in 2007, even tried to persuade potential voters in Clinton's New York City that Obama is the right choice. "But she is a woman, and my Momma is a woman, " one Hispanic gentleman tried to persuade me that a woman should be the head of the country, which I agree with completely, in general. So you could imagine how hard it was for me to shoot this one down. "I agree," I said, "but not this woman."
Back to Waldorf Astoria, where I also met Bush two years ago, and bumped into Angelina Jolie with two of her....how many kids now? I lost count.
I arrived two hours and 15 minutes before the reception is suppose to start. The line is already long to enter the ballroom, where Obama, Clinton and Rice were to speak before they shake hands with some of us and have pictures taken.
So after standing in line for two hours, and sitting in a chair with my back in pain from standing for two hours, in a gorgeous ballroom, with balcony sittings in a circular construction, featuring gold as it's primary color, and crystal chandeliers, for another half an hour, the three musketeers finally appeared, enveloped by rivers of bodyguards. There was no way for me to actually get to the President, who was protected from the chosen mob by a cordon, and bodyguards, of course, with mean looks on their faces. Who can blame them. It's a serious job.
So first Ms. Rice spoke, who I also met couple of months ago during a basketball game with her employees, and who is a super woman who I immensely admire. She introduced the guests. Then Clinton spoke. Then Obama. Honestly, I think they are both smart and accomplished people I should listen to, obviously, and I did as much as I could, but my mind was set on how to actually get to the President, actually meet him, tell him something, shake his hand. The speech was, from what I recall, about thanking U.S. UN for its important and hard work, and the current economic crises.
Anyway, I would have been very disappointed if I didn't actually meet Obama, so my husband, knowing this, came to me amongst the mob. "Come over here," he said, pulling me out of the crowd and I just left my spot trusting him. "Go here," he said pointing to the small area of the room much less crowded and reserved for --children! And their parents. There was no time to waste, so even being a little uncomfortable and looking around to see if someone is going to ask for my child's birth certificate and kick me out of there, I excepted the opportunity as an intelligent gift, waited for the President to be right in front of me and extended my hand. "It's an honor to meet you Mr.President..."
He shook my hand, and the rest is a blur.
I know there were cameras snapping all around me. And that I was happy. I even got my picture taken with the children and the President. I'm waiting for those patiently. Shame on me.
Tomorrow? How I met another President. Stay tuned...

Sleepless, healthless

No wonder married men live longer than single, and married women less than the "less" fortunate ones. I know this from my own example, since my husband is trying to shorten my life every night--with air conditioning!
I woke up, again, with a headache bigger than my head, and runny nose. There's no other reason for it than the noisy air conditioning he can't sleep without. And I can't sleep. Period.
This is the second time within a week that I woke up feeling stuffy, and not my best. And I am sure it's because it's too cold in our room all night long, plus the quality of sleep is deprived. There's your recipe for sickness.
And I have an important audition today. And another one. And my class.
I can barely keep my head on top of my shoulders.
I can see how the earlier generations may have been wise when I thought they were conservative--by sleeping in separate rooms.

ABC's unique gifts

I took my mother to ABC yesterday, at the beloved Union Square. ABC is an extremely large, six level furniture, and everything else you could think of, store. It is glossy, and flashy, in a good way and shiny and extremely expensive for the most part. It is also connected to the hand-made chocolate cafe, as well as one of the best tapas restaurants Pipa and her sister Lucy.
I usually don't buy much jewelry for myself. I think that I have too many as it is, since it's M's favorite gift as well as a Serbian one. But there they were! Beautiful, hand made designer earrings with Swarovski crystals, but not gold not silver. Copper and nickel, I believe. The salesgirl told me and mother something of a sort.
When I realized that they go from $18 to $180, I decided to treat myself. I wanted to get one little ones for my Mom as well, but she wouldn't hear of it.
So I found this adorable blue-turquoise pair of hanging roses, with two clear crystals. They go so well with my face and they made me happy for a couple of hours. Not that I generally am not happy. I am.
I would definitely recommend this spot for you if you are anywhere close to the Union Square, and whether you need a unique gift for a woman, or a chocolate kick.
I think the jewelry designer's name is M. Negrin.

Gray, rainy, productive

What an awful New York Day. It was barely a day, barely any light around. It was raining all day long. How do you stay happy on a day like this? Wherever you were, I hope you were not in N.Y.C. proper. It was not a pretty site, especially not in Midtown, where they ripped some streets around the Third Avenue, so on top of the dust and mud today, they add to the grayness. And depressivness.
I was trying to be productive. Indoors. I was planning on writing but that didn't pan out. Instead, I did a lot of necessary straightening up, since I'm a bit on a messy side. So is M. Perfect combination.
I also spent half of the day submitting myself back and forth for the auditions. I practically have the whole next week booked, with mostly auditions, and one recording.
Thighs are moving along:)
I'm actually performing tomorrow. I'm just a tad nervous, which will, of course increase when I hit the stage. I just need to make sure that I know the lines standing on top of my head and while tortured, so I wouldn't forget them under stress. Thank God I took improvisation! It's a life savior!

One fine day

Yesterday afternoon, I went to the Serbian Consulate in New York City, to vote. The weather has improved, much, so I decided to walk. I'm not working out much lately anyway. Due to my laziness.
I had a scheduled "rehearsal" for the Happy Hour right afterwords. I put "rehearsal" because I was only supposed to watch since I've missed a lot of them, being in D.C.
After I voted for the pro-Western Democrats, of course, one of the people I know from the Consulate introduced me to a young Serbian journalist working for the Frankfurt Vesti or News. She wanted to talk to me, or interview me. Well, I like that. I enjoyed it, even though it was short since the same man brought another lady for the same reason. This lady turned out to be an actress working in N.Y.C. Oh,my God! I was so excited. I introduced myself as an actress as well, and told her that I would love to meet her Serbian actor-friends and maybe work with them some time.
She gave me her phone number, and when I mentioned that I briefly worked for the VOA, she said she's heard of me. Oh, my, I'm getting famous;-)
So after the journalist took my picture, asked me why I voted and we chatted a bit, I went to the rehearsal. After about an hour and a half, the director asked me to come next Saturday at 5p.m. and to perform at 10p.m.
I told him I was ready for my two scenes. And I am.
So all and all, a great day! I walked back home, contently. Very.

When in New York, or Rome

A lot going on lately. I got a background part in the feature film When in Rome. I'll be working in the Guggenheim museum, and a night shift. I know, it's not ideal but it's an opportunity I don't want to miss. I've never worked on an actual film before, never been to Guggenheim and never really worked the night shift. For better or worse. Also, I'm off to D.C. on Friday for maybe a whole week, so this is in a way the last little background effort before the hiatus.
As far as my play, the next rehearsal in Friday 9 a.m. I have no idea how I'll be able to pull out a good rehearsal after an all nightie. I'm hoping, the shoot won't last the whole night, but maybe until 3 a.m., so I can still get four or five hours of sleep? Wishful thinking.
I also had my last class at my studio, with the current teacher of the Scene Study. I am seriously thinking about taking a Shakespeare class, since I need to work on my accent but I hate voice classes. They are extremely boring. Also, there will be a Shakespeare play in the near future cast in my theatre, so I'm hoping this course might give me an edge.
A lot of things on my mind. On top of all that, I've taken my family today to the Staten Island Ferry. Great ride. Wonderful view of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. All that after we refused to wait in line for an hour and a half to see the same statue, up close and personal. Thank God!

TurboTax sucks, so does Verizon and Toshiba

I've spent an hour and a half with a tech support guy from Toshiba this morning. I swear, my ear was numb. We never planned on being on the phone for that long so we never bought an "earless" phone. That would be o.k. if they would have been able to help, but alas...
M. spent at least two hours last night on the phone with Turbo Tax and Verizon people, due to the fact that he can't e-file our tax returns. You already know where I'm going with this, right?
Turbo Tax support said call Verizon. Verizon said call Toshiba. And Toshiba? Guess!
You're right, Toshiba said call Turbo Tax.
Idiots!
So I had to yell a bit at the Toshiba guy. And he caved in. Yelling usually works with tech people. I guess it scares them off. With M. it's just the opposite. So I would try not to use that technique on husbands.
Apparently, we have a problem with sending and receiving large files. I can't upload a video to my blog or You Tube. Or e-file taxes.
So we can call them again. Round and round we go. I bet they will keep transferring the responsibility to each other. Until one of them is lucky enough to figure out the problem. Yes, it's nuclear physics. Or whatever you guys say...

Darkness in the city

Could New York City be any darker, any more miserable looking than today? Don't get me wrong, I love this city. I usually walk around with my heart pounding with excitement, and thinking of how lucky I am to have a chance to live here. The open space, the beautiful buildings, old and new, the parks, long streets, surprises around every corner(good and bad), an amazing variety of people and things to do!
It is as alive as it can be. And so fast. It's definitely a city for young people. I don't know if I would like to live in Manhattan when I'm old or with kids. Well, knowing me, probably yes.
But today, it's like I want to be anywhere but here. It's raining, and there not even a flicker of sun. Barely enough light to see in front of your nose. It's a perfect museum day. Or a movie day. Or a writing day....Well, I don't know about that:)

Those Park Avenue Dentists...Again?

Why do mini-medical emergencies always happen on a weekend? To me? Murphy's law?
One of my fillings came out couple of weeks ago, on a Saturday. Or was it Sunday?
I don't have a dentist in N.Y.C. and I love the one in D.C. I also trust him. He's not ripping me off and he understands my absolute "NO PAIN" philosophy of life.
So M. found me a dentist close to home, who accepts our insurance and has good reviews.
I walk into his office and he is an extremely young Asian man. A question mark lights up in my head. I tell him what the problem is and that I had everything done to my teeth only in December, including the X-ray. He still wants to do it, just to be sure.
"Won't the frequent X-rays fry my brain or something,?" I'm trying to be funny in the middle of a jam. "No, no, of course not," he says. Well, it's not his head.
But I let him do it. What was I suppose to do. "No, just do it with your eyes closed, you went to the medical school didn't you?" No, I didn't say that. Tricked you, ha?
So after he fries my brain a bit, he says that my tooth needs a fancy porcelain inlay filling. M. often says I'm spoiled but I never thought my teeth were too.
"I don't think my insurance will pay for that. It sounds expensive," I said, doubting him even more. He does have an office just off Park Avenue. Somebody has to pay for that.
"Well, sometimes you shouldn't think about the insurance, sometimes your tooth really needs something," he replied. I swear, that's what he said! O.K., that question mark is the size of my head now.
"I really need to know how much that would cost before you start doing it," says I.
"I can't check on that here, you have to go to the front desk and they'll tell you."
At least, he closed my gap temporarily. He knew I didn't buy it.
So the front desk assistant gives me the estimate. Guess how much?
Almost $900! For one fancy-shmency filling? Outrageous. Well, maybe the Wall Street people and Trumpists don't care about being ripped off by this just-out-of-school Asian Park Avenue dentist. But I do.
So I take my X-ray, pay for it and the exam, and leave. Happily.
p.s.Did I write about his before? I have to lay off those X-rays...

A morning stint

I've received a call this morning from Language Connections. This guy, Josh, said he has my resume on file and if I could proofread two documents--one English, one Croatian, and send them back to him and this Russian guy within two hours.
He said that I've sent them my resume. I remember sending my resume to several foreign language schools when I moved to N.Y.C., so I said--fine.
I took the job. I wasn't sure what to charge, but I looked at the Web and asked the language company I've been working for years now, as a telephonic interpreter, and came up with a modest price, that still seemed worth my while.
The documents were long and boring. It was basically a contract, written in lawyers' language, in two languages. It took me longer to check it out than I expected. And it gave me a headache. Boring things give me a headache.
But I already made my bed. And I don't go back on my word. Unless I have a very good reason. And you don't turn down a job, unless you have a better one.
So I found some discrepancies. I wrote a short report. And an invoice, a bit later in the afternoon. I did my job. I did it well.
Hopefully, I'll get paid for it within 30 days.

Oh, such a good Wednesday

Today was a good day, even though it was raining for the most of it, and my casual tiredness hit me and never left me, until my acting class at 6:30 p.m.
There's something yoga-like to acting--it always snaps me out of everything.
I got a call from Berlitz for a one time gig, as a tester for NYPD's knowledge of Croatian, plus I got an e-mail back from an agency who wants me to register with them!
Now, I don't' know where these will lead, but they are good news.
And mine, and my partner's improv went so well, that the whole class laughed its a__ off many, many times. It was so hard for me to keep my face straight. Ever seen Seinfeld? Look at Jerry;s face when George says or does something hilarious.

Serbian Consulate making the day

I tried to go to three auditions yesterday. Actually, I did make it there. But I didn't audition. The reason? They were Equity, of course. And I'm not. Not even close.
The first two were at the same place. One wouldn't even see Non-Equity people. For the other, the moderator said "Come back after lunch, but I can't say definitely that they'll have time to see you."
At the third one, I waited for about 40 minutes before the moderator said that they wouldn't be able to see anyone below number 28 at the Non-Equity list. I was 45. I should've come earlier. Well, maybe if I've seen the psychic that morning.
But, it was a good day. I went to the Serbian Consulate where I've met several very, very nice people, signed up for some stocks that the state is giving to most of its citizens, and signed the mailing list. Yes, I'm still a citizen of Serbia, but a permanent resident of the United States.
I asked them to invite me if there's a reception or a party. They said yes. Hopefully they will follow through.
They've recognized my name from e-mails I've sent them couple of weeks ago, about Serbian passport people not wanting to extend my mother's passport. They helped.
She got it, after five days of pleading and bringing more documents.
My point being, I liked the people and the atmosphere at the Consulate and I would like to be more a part of it. Hopefully, I will. One day.

How unsafe is this city exactly?

If you follow the U.S. news, you must know that a crane on East 51st Street in New York collapsed yesterday killing at least four people. My mother has been saying, as long as I can remember:" don't walk below those things, you never know when they can fall..."
She is a wise woman. But I already knew that. M. thinks she's overprotective. I sometimes do too. But when she's right, she's right.
I don't know how many times I've passed beside or below a construction site, with an option of crossing the street and totally avoiding it. It's a bit harder in N.Y.C. since there's always construction, everywhere, but it's doable. If one is not too lazy.

Columbia

I went to Columbia University for the first time today. It's on 116Th street, which is a long subway ride for me.
I went to meet a professor of Serbo-Croatian literature and language, who I found by googling, and who was nice enough to invite me to her office after I dropped her an e-mail just a few days ago.
Columbia's campus is amazingly big and beautiful. I used to think American has a nice campus.
When you get in, after you go through an alley with old buildings on left and right, you see an Acropolis looking building, with an Alma Mater statue half way on the long stairs. On the right side are three huge lawns, in front of another library. The buildings are beautifully old and I had a feeling I was in a European museum complex, not an American campus. Not at all.
This professor is a sweet Serbian woman in her 60s, who invited and encouraged me to come to some Serbo-Croatian events and seminars in the city. I believe that Columbia is the only University that teaches Serbo-Croatian in New York.
I was interested in employment. She said that there's no chance for that, not even for their own PhD students. She also suggested I get one. And for a moment, I thought about it. But then she said, it would take at least seven years?! Seven years?
My, that's really long. I don't know if I can commit again, to something like that. I mean, I'm already married.

Naked Cowboy

I tried to go to three auditions yesterday. I write, tried, because on all three sites, there were about 40 people ahead of me, and the moderator told me to come back after lunch. I didn't feel like it since these studios are not that close to where I live, but are close to the Times Square. And don't really like Times Square. Subwaying back and forth, walking and still not being sure I'll be seen, since I'm not Equity...I didn't think so. So I left my headshots(like that would make any difference) and met M. for coffee, in a shape of a cupcake in Union Square.
On my way back from the last audition, I saw the Naked Cowboy. You must have heard about him, if not saw him. It's this guy who plays guitar in Times Square with only his cowboy hat, tidy-whites and cowboy boots on. LOL! People were obsessed with him, flashing pictures...I didn't spend much time there, because I don't like the Square,it's so crowded and flashy, I was on my way somewhere else and, the most importantly, it was cold! It couldn't have been more then 45F or about 7C at the time.Not exactly the underwear weather.
I asked M.: " Why do you think he's doing that? It' cold. I haven't noticed any place to put money..."
"Maybe he just likes the attention, "M.said. He certainly got plenty of that.
Maybe the city pays him?
Anyway, M. said: "Uh huh, what if I've told you I've seen the naked cowgirl..."
Well, let's just put it this way, mildly--I wouldn't be happy.
But, I swear, I wasn't looking, I just saw him...

White in-door day

I woke up to a heavy snow falling upon New York. The news were all about airport delays, and I was counting my blessings for not traveling today. Nina was fascinated by big, chunky show flakes, slamming our big, corner windows overlooking white Manhattan. She was, oh, way too cute to put in words, while trying to get'em.
I decided to have a fruitful day despite the weather. The show storm subsided and turned into some kind of rain. Icy rain, I presume. That's not fun. Melts beautiful, clean snow and makes everything slippery and dangerous. I'm a bit paranoid about falling on the street and first, embarrassing myself, then having to go back home and change, and God forbid, hurt myself.
Staying at home, writing, working out and reading seemed like a good idea, for a day like that.After all, I'll have plenty of time to sled and freeze tomorrow. I have an audition.

Those Park Avenue doctors...

I finally made myself go to a general practitioner. There's really nothing wrong with me. Well, at least not health-wise:). But I've been feeling tired lately, even when I'm not doing much. So, I thought, maybe I am anemic or something. I just wish they found a way to check one's blood without needles. Oh, well...maybe one happy day;)
When I entered this Park Avenue office, it didn't look Park Avenue at all. It looked modest. There was one older woman waiting and a Romanian check-in woman, with a very strong accent.
"I'm here for a check up."
She asked:"What's wrong with you."
"Nothing,I just wanted to have a regular check up. I haven't seen a doctor in a while."
Well, that was really a lie. I did see a dermatologist recently. And my brother-in-law, who's a doctor when I was sick coming back from Serbia. And a Serbian doctor in September...But neither one of them checked my blood. And I feel that if my cholesterol is fine, and the rest of it, I'm fine for another couple of years.
"Let me check with the doctor,"the Romanian woman said.
I guess they don't like "checking" healthy people.
Then another woman came down the stairs. Then another, coughing her lungs out. They all work there. No sign of the doctor though.
I was already regretting my decision when one of them said that I have to pay $350 of a deductible if I want to see this doctor.
I gladly took that queue.

On N.Y.C. subway, from Barack to Denzel

I was on the train number 4, from Barack Obama's headquarters to the Grand Central. It's a straight shot. Then I walk for about 10 minutes home. I prefer that, than transferring.
The train was packed at 5 p.m. I didn't have any reading material so instead I was observing people. A young woman next to me was playing her ipod very loudly, which made me enjoy her music. It was American Pop and Arabic sounding tunes. She was also filing her nails and touching up her makeup. A guy next to her was watching a movie on his miniature laptop. People across were talking to each other, or just sitting, thinking, people watching.
At one point I felt like I was in a movie. And today I actually registered for an extra in the next Denzel Washington movie. "Is there anything more exciting than being in a movie," I recall rhetorically asking myself. This excitement was almost touchable, reachable, realistic. Even if I just start as an extra, being in a blockbuster movie, even for just couple of minutes, would be such a great experience. And where else could I possibly do this, if not in N.Y.C.? How many people do you actually know who were in a movie??? There you go!

20 F New York, or - 5C

It is so cold in N.Y.C. that I haven't left the house all day long. The cabin fever I would normally feel is subsided but the freezing air coming out of the elevator.
I did go to the gym for a half an hour, even though I didn't feel like it. As my dear high school physics' professor said once upon the time, what it is inert, tends to stay inert. Could I agree more!
Have I been missing Aruba today, and the last couple of days. I wish I can go back, now! The beach, 90 degrees outside, wearing just one layer, the Caribbean sea...:(
Oh, well, there's always next year.
So, I spent a lot of time on Internet today, looking through the auditions and job ads. I've also looked up that Russian actress who probably snatched the role from me last week. I couldn't believe what I've seen on her Web site. She is an accomplished actress, with not only theater and movies behind her in Russia, but also Law and Order!
It made me wonder-what was I doing fighting for the same role with her?!Am I biting more than I can chew?