I remember it vividly: I was sitting alone at the Times, watching the ball drop on my little TV at my desk. There was no one around me. I counted down the seconds to myself in complete depression. "Not next year," I thought. "Next year I'll be in New York at some chic party, yelling down the seconds with everyone around me. Next year I'll be in New York."
And with that, I made a resolution to be a New Yorker by New Year's Eve this year. It's the only resolution I've ever kept.
Happy New Year's, everyone.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Hooray! Fun plans for New Year's!
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I now have a night full of fun things planned for tomorrow and I'm super excited, thanks to wonderful Meredith!
After work, she and I are having dinner at this awesome Mexican place right by the office, which is also right by where the party we're going to. She's a big foodie and says this place has great food, so I'm sure it's delish. I figure since I'm not having to pay cover or pay for drinks all night, I can afford to have a decent dinner. Plus, it's always a good idea to eat before drinking.
Then, we're going to a party at her friend David's place. She had to pull some strings to get me in since his place is really small, and I'm so thankful she did! So that will be where I ring in the New Year. I'm so looking forward to meeting more fun people!
Hooray!
After work, she and I are having dinner at this awesome Mexican place right by the office, which is also right by where the party we're going to. She's a big foodie and says this place has great food, so I'm sure it's delish. I figure since I'm not having to pay cover or pay for drinks all night, I can afford to have a decent dinner. Plus, it's always a good idea to eat before drinking.
Then, we're going to a party at her friend David's place. She had to pull some strings to get me in since his place is really small, and I'm so thankful she did! So that will be where I ring in the New Year. I'm so looking forward to meeting more fun people!
Hooray!
Monday, December 29, 2008
A white Christmas, among other things
3 comments
Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I've been lazy. Christmas in Connecticut was great. Mandy's family and my family are eerily similar, so I got to practice the same traditions but with different faces.
The plan was that I was going to leave for Grand Central after I got off work on Wednesday and be in CT around 9:45 p.m. Well, my office closed at 2:30, so I rushed over to the Terminal and made it there by 5. Before I got to Grand Central, I was really worried about finding where I was supposed to be and all that. My only experience with Grand Central was when my mom and I came to NY to tour colleges, and I remembered this vast sprawling underground city with countless trains. But when I got there, it was extremely easy and I bought my ticket and found my terminal right away. There was even a cool light show to watch:
I was really happy to be able to get to CT early because that meant I got to meet pretty much all of Mandy's extended family and participate in a gift exchange. I forgot what it's called, but it's where you all get a gift and go around in a circle and you can either pick from the pile or take someone else's gift. It was fun, and I scored a sweet fleece blanket. It was also Mandy's grandma's 78th birthday. Apparently they never really celebrate it because it's on Christmas Eve, but this year they did, so it was cool to be a part of that.
We all got up around 9:30 on Christmas, and it was really exactly how it would've been in Florida. Everyone took their turns opening gifts, we had a big breakfast afterward and then family came over for a big turkey dinner. The Easters were overly generous with their gifts for me, and gave me a pretty warm sweater, cashmere scarf, candle, umbrella and some other cool things. Mandy's mom even knitted me a stocking and stuffed it with candy. After everyone left after dinner, we all played Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader and Scrabble into the night.
The day after Christmas, Mandy showed me around town. It's a very small, picturesque place and the 11 inches of snow they received a few days before made it even more beautiful. We met Mrs. Easter for lunch and then went to the mall to take advantage of the after-Christmas sales. I got a few pairs of black stockings that I really needed, and then two turtle neck sweaters that were only $10 each from New York and Co.
Mandy's mom is a hairdresser, so on Saturday she cut and colored my hair, which saved me about $300 (at least). My hair is a lighter red now, which I really like. Then, it was time to go. Mandy's brother had to pick his girlfriend up at Newark Airport, so they drove me back to my apartment since it was pretty much on the way. It was great not to have to lug my suitcase on the subway, and they got to see where I live. I really can't explain how grateful I am for all the kind things they've done for me.
On Saturday afternoon, my friend Britney came to stay with me. Originally, she planed to come up to NY for New Year's Eve with her friend and they would stay at her friend's boyfriend's place. However, after she booked her ticket, the boyfriend decided he didn't want Britney to stay with him, which is really shitty. So she didn't have a place to stay. So she stayed with me on Saturday night and we went bar hopping in the Village. We had a great time and met some interesting people along the way.
On Sunday, her friend's boyfriend changed his mind and decided it was okay for Britney to stay with them, so she packed up and we headed to the Financial District where he lives. He greeted her with a big hug and said how happy he was to see her, which disgusted me. How could you call someone a friend and then literally leave them out in the cold in a huge unfamiliar city? What if I hadn't been there? Where would she have stayed? Gross. I don't have any patience for fake people.
I had a quiet night last night, which was fine by me. I watched some TV, talked to my parents on their new Webcam, got groceries delivered and went to bed early. New Year's Eve is Wednesday, and I still have no idea what I'll end up doing. I have no desire to go anywhere near Times Square, and I don't feel like going to an uppity club and spending an obscene amount of money to get in. What's more disappointing is that Revival is hosting a private party, so I can't go there, which really sucks. We'll see what happens.
The plan was that I was going to leave for Grand Central after I got off work on Wednesday and be in CT around 9:45 p.m. Well, my office closed at 2:30, so I rushed over to the Terminal and made it there by 5. Before I got to Grand Central, I was really worried about finding where I was supposed to be and all that. My only experience with Grand Central was when my mom and I came to NY to tour colleges, and I remembered this vast sprawling underground city with countless trains. But when I got there, it was extremely easy and I bought my ticket and found my terminal right away. There was even a cool light show to watch:
I was really happy to be able to get to CT early because that meant I got to meet pretty much all of Mandy's extended family and participate in a gift exchange. I forgot what it's called, but it's where you all get a gift and go around in a circle and you can either pick from the pile or take someone else's gift. It was fun, and I scored a sweet fleece blanket. It was also Mandy's grandma's 78th birthday. Apparently they never really celebrate it because it's on Christmas Eve, but this year they did, so it was cool to be a part of that.
We all got up around 9:30 on Christmas, and it was really exactly how it would've been in Florida. Everyone took their turns opening gifts, we had a big breakfast afterward and then family came over for a big turkey dinner. The Easters were overly generous with their gifts for me, and gave me a pretty warm sweater, cashmere scarf, candle, umbrella and some other cool things. Mandy's mom even knitted me a stocking and stuffed it with candy. After everyone left after dinner, we all played Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader and Scrabble into the night.
The day after Christmas, Mandy showed me around town. It's a very small, picturesque place and the 11 inches of snow they received a few days before made it even more beautiful. We met Mrs. Easter for lunch and then went to the mall to take advantage of the after-Christmas sales. I got a few pairs of black stockings that I really needed, and then two turtle neck sweaters that were only $10 each from New York and Co.
Mandy's mom is a hairdresser, so on Saturday she cut and colored my hair, which saved me about $300 (at least). My hair is a lighter red now, which I really like. Then, it was time to go. Mandy's brother had to pick his girlfriend up at Newark Airport, so they drove me back to my apartment since it was pretty much on the way. It was great not to have to lug my suitcase on the subway, and they got to see where I live. I really can't explain how grateful I am for all the kind things they've done for me.
On Saturday afternoon, my friend Britney came to stay with me. Originally, she planed to come up to NY for New Year's Eve with her friend and they would stay at her friend's boyfriend's place. However, after she booked her ticket, the boyfriend decided he didn't want Britney to stay with him, which is really shitty. So she didn't have a place to stay. So she stayed with me on Saturday night and we went bar hopping in the Village. We had a great time and met some interesting people along the way.
On Sunday, her friend's boyfriend changed his mind and decided it was okay for Britney to stay with them, so she packed up and we headed to the Financial District where he lives. He greeted her with a big hug and said how happy he was to see her, which disgusted me. How could you call someone a friend and then literally leave them out in the cold in a huge unfamiliar city? What if I hadn't been there? Where would she have stayed? Gross. I don't have any patience for fake people.
I had a quiet night last night, which was fine by me. I watched some TV, talked to my parents on their new Webcam, got groceries delivered and went to bed early. New Year's Eve is Wednesday, and I still have no idea what I'll end up doing. I have no desire to go anywhere near Times Square, and I don't feel like going to an uppity club and spending an obscene amount of money to get in. What's more disappointing is that Revival is hosting a private party, so I can't go there, which really sucks. We'll see what happens.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams
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Merry Christmas Eve, everyone. I hope all of your Christmases (or Hanukkahs, or Kwanzaas) are filled with love, family and friends.
When I think of Christmas, I think of my brother waking everyone up as soon as the clock struck 6. By that time, he had already assessed the presents under the tree and grouped everyone's together. In later years, the time of awakening got to be an hour or two later, but his enthusiasm never diminished. We would all go through our stockings first, see what little travel items or other small treasures my mother (aka: Santa. Sorry, kids.) had picked out for us.
Then we'd move to the Christmas tree room, which was our Bible study room. We'd each take turns opening a present, reading who it was from and showing the room what it was. We'd go around the circle one by one until every present was opened. By that time, the tree room had grown a mountain of wrapping paper in the middle of it. After cleaning it up, Mom and/or Dad would start making a breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast and sometimes cinnamon rolls while Scotty and I would start getting ready to go to Grandma's. We'd all sit down and eat together when it was ready.
After everyone was washed up, we'd venture across town to either my grandmother or aunt's house to see extended family and open more gifts. There was always a huge meal waiting, and lots of family to share it with. We'd visit into the evening, and leave when we were all sufficiently exhausted.
This is the first year in my life I will not share in that tradition. I won't be woken up at dawn by my brother, I won't sit down to breakfast with my family and I won't get to run around with my cousins. I am, however, very thankful that another family has taken me in. My former roommate and college friend Mandy and her family live in Connecticut, so after work today I am taking the train to spend Christmas with them. They're a loving family and I know them well. Thanks to them, I won't have to bare the thought of waking up in an empty apartment on a cold Christmas morning.
But I will greatly miss my family, and I know they miss me too. Unfortunately, reaching my dream has taken me away from them. I know I did not adequately appreciate my time with them during all those Christmases. So those of you who are spending the holidays with family, give everyone an extra hug and take a second to look around and appreciate the loving people around you, because you never know where you could be next year.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
When I think of Christmas, I think of my brother waking everyone up as soon as the clock struck 6. By that time, he had already assessed the presents under the tree and grouped everyone's together. In later years, the time of awakening got to be an hour or two later, but his enthusiasm never diminished. We would all go through our stockings first, see what little travel items or other small treasures my mother (aka: Santa. Sorry, kids.) had picked out for us.
Then we'd move to the Christmas tree room, which was our Bible study room. We'd each take turns opening a present, reading who it was from and showing the room what it was. We'd go around the circle one by one until every present was opened. By that time, the tree room had grown a mountain of wrapping paper in the middle of it. After cleaning it up, Mom and/or Dad would start making a breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast and sometimes cinnamon rolls while Scotty and I would start getting ready to go to Grandma's. We'd all sit down and eat together when it was ready.
After everyone was washed up, we'd venture across town to either my grandmother or aunt's house to see extended family and open more gifts. There was always a huge meal waiting, and lots of family to share it with. We'd visit into the evening, and leave when we were all sufficiently exhausted.
This is the first year in my life I will not share in that tradition. I won't be woken up at dawn by my brother, I won't sit down to breakfast with my family and I won't get to run around with my cousins. I am, however, very thankful that another family has taken me in. My former roommate and college friend Mandy and her family live in Connecticut, so after work today I am taking the train to spend Christmas with them. They're a loving family and I know them well. Thanks to them, I won't have to bare the thought of waking up in an empty apartment on a cold Christmas morning.
But I will greatly miss my family, and I know they miss me too. Unfortunately, reaching my dream has taken me away from them. I know I did not adequately appreciate my time with them during all those Christmases. So those of you who are spending the holidays with family, give everyone an extra hug and take a second to look around and appreciate the loving people around you, because you never know where you could be next year.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
New friends make for a fun weekend
1 comments
I had a really great weekend. It was fun, relaxing and just right.
Saturday night I met Meredith for drinks at a wine bar in Harlem. She and I had been talking for a few months online but this was the first time I met her. We started talking because I saw her ad on Craigslist saying she wanted to find a fun roommate, so I e-mailed her telling her I was coming to New York. I'm obviously not her roommate, but we kept talking and finally met up. We had a really good time. We have a lot in common and got along great, and I am really thankful to have another girl friend in the city. The wine bar was really cool, too. It was pretty small and had a really good atmosphere about it. The people were easy to talk to, too.
Today I went sledding in Central Park with Leighann and her boyfriend Josh, which was awesome. It was quite a voyage to get there. They're on the east side, so I had to take four trains to get to our meeting spot. But once I got off the train, I realized that I was in the heart of the Upper East Side. Dogs had Burberry coats on, children were wearing Chanel, every building had a doorman, women were wearing extravagant furs, and I swear I saw a real-life version of Chuck Bass (from Gossip Girl).
They picked up a tube to sled on, so we all shared that. Here are a few shots:
We also made snow angels and had a little snow ball fight. Once we were sufficiently frozen, we went back to their place to hang out and have some hot chocolate.
I'm starting to build my own little circle of friends, and it feels good. I don't feel so alone in a big city anymore. I'm leaving Wednesday to spend Christmas with Mandy and I'm really excited about it. Life's good.
Saturday night I met Meredith for drinks at a wine bar in Harlem. She and I had been talking for a few months online but this was the first time I met her. We started talking because I saw her ad on Craigslist saying she wanted to find a fun roommate, so I e-mailed her telling her I was coming to New York. I'm obviously not her roommate, but we kept talking and finally met up. We had a really good time. We have a lot in common and got along great, and I am really thankful to have another girl friend in the city. The wine bar was really cool, too. It was pretty small and had a really good atmosphere about it. The people were easy to talk to, too.
Today I went sledding in Central Park with Leighann and her boyfriend Josh, which was awesome. It was quite a voyage to get there. They're on the east side, so I had to take four trains to get to our meeting spot. But once I got off the train, I realized that I was in the heart of the Upper East Side. Dogs had Burberry coats on, children were wearing Chanel, every building had a doorman, women were wearing extravagant furs, and I swear I saw a real-life version of Chuck Bass (from Gossip Girl).
They picked up a tube to sled on, so we all shared that. Here are a few shots:
We also made snow angels and had a little snow ball fight. Once we were sufficiently frozen, we went back to their place to hang out and have some hot chocolate.
I'm starting to build my own little circle of friends, and it feels good. I don't feel so alone in a big city anymore. I'm leaving Wednesday to spend Christmas with Mandy and I'm really excited about it. Life's good.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
A white Friday
2 comments
It definitely snowed a lot yesterday, but nothing like the blizzard-ly conditions everyone was talking about. Here are a few pictures:
Walking home was a bit of a challenge. Stepping off curbs was especially hard. The slush that was on the sidewalks gathered and you could never tell how deep it was, so there were a few times I stepped into an ankle-deep puddle. Thankfully I bought some cheap flat knee-high boots on my lunch break so my feet were covered. It was pretty funny seeing these usually super cool New Yorkers being so careful of where they stepped, every once and a while slipping a little bit. I know, I'm mean.
Friday night was pretty mundane. I wasn't really in the mood to go out, so I just stayed home and watched Mamma Mia, which my parents shipped me. We'll see what I do for the rest of the weekend. Leighann and I might go sledding in Central Park today, which would be fun. There's plenty of snow still on the ground. I'm not sure what we'd sled on, though. I suggested a cardboard box and she suggested a cafeteria tray, so if you see a cardboard box/cafeteria tray hijacking on the news tonight you'll know the story.
Chris left this morning to spend the holidays in Florida for two weeks. Thankfully, we got cable this morning so I have something to occupy myself with while I'm home. I'm spending Christmas in Connecticut with my old roommate Mandy and her family. Of course I'd rather be home, but I'm thankful to have her family to spend it with. Being alone in the apartment on Christmas would be really depressing. And I'm excited to see her home town.
Well, it's my first weekend alone in the City. Hopefully I don't get lost and end up in Jersey.
Walking home was a bit of a challenge. Stepping off curbs was especially hard. The slush that was on the sidewalks gathered and you could never tell how deep it was, so there were a few times I stepped into an ankle-deep puddle. Thankfully I bought some cheap flat knee-high boots on my lunch break so my feet were covered. It was pretty funny seeing these usually super cool New Yorkers being so careful of where they stepped, every once and a while slipping a little bit. I know, I'm mean.
Friday night was pretty mundane. I wasn't really in the mood to go out, so I just stayed home and watched Mamma Mia, which my parents shipped me. We'll see what I do for the rest of the weekend. Leighann and I might go sledding in Central Park today, which would be fun. There's plenty of snow still on the ground. I'm not sure what we'd sled on, though. I suggested a cardboard box and she suggested a cafeteria tray, so if you see a cardboard box/cafeteria tray hijacking on the news tonight you'll know the story.
Chris left this morning to spend the holidays in Florida for two weeks. Thankfully, we got cable this morning so I have something to occupy myself with while I'm home. I'm spending Christmas in Connecticut with my old roommate Mandy and her family. Of course I'd rather be home, but I'm thankful to have her family to spend it with. Being alone in the apartment on Christmas would be really depressing. And I'm excited to see her home town.
Well, it's my first weekend alone in the City. Hopefully I don't get lost and end up in Jersey.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Change of plans
4 comments
Well, there's been a change of plans for the weekend. Thanks to forecasts of heavy snow, sleet and rain, my dad's meeting was canceled in Jersey so he's not coming up. I know, bummer.
I got this from Chris today:
"THU DEC 18 2008
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WATCH...WHICH IS IN
EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR ESSEX-HUDSON-UNION-NEW
YORK (MANHATTAN)-BRONX- RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND)-KINGS (BROOKLYN)-QUEENS-NASSAU-
NORTHWESTERN SUFFOLK-NORTHEASTERN SUFFOLK-SOUTHWESTERN SUFFOLK- SOUTHEASTERN
SUFFOLK
SNOW IS EXPECTED TO OVERSPREAD THE REGION FRIDAY MORNING...AND COULD BECOME
HEAVY AT TIMES IN THE AFTERNOON.
THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 6 OR MORE INCHES.
A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS."
Sounds fun, huh? Looks like I might just have a relaxing stay-in weekend. Thank GOD we're getting cable on Saturday. Well, we better still be, hopefully the weather doesn't mess it up. Chris is flying to Florida for the holidays on Saturday for two weeks, so I'll be all by my lonesome. It was beautiful today and yesterday. Today there were no clouds and it was really sunny.
Last night I met up with a former coworker's sister for dinner and drinks. I think we really hit it off, she's a really fun girl. We ate dinner at that Irish place I went to before, and of course wandered next door to Revival afterward. We brought in "Rocky Horror Picture Show" to play at the bar, but the TV they have there didn't play sound so it was confusing to say the least. I'll have to watch it again with sound, but I hear there really isn't much of a plot. Still, it was an interesting twist to the night.
I went to lunch with the ladies in the office today, which was really nice. The four of us went to a little upscale restaurant named Punch which is right next to the Flatiron building. I had a delicious crab cake sandwich with sweet potato fries, and we all split their homemade dark chocolate pudding for dessert. It was really my first somewhat gourmet meal in the City. I was looking forward to having some good meals with my dad this weekend, but I guess that will have to wait till later.
My plans for Saturday night might be put on hold for now too. The high is 28 that day with more heavy snow forecasted, so that's not really prime going-out weather. We'll see.
Well, that's all for now. Hopefully I don't get blown away tomorrow.
I got this from Chris today:
"THU DEC 18 2008
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WATCH...WHICH IS IN
EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR ESSEX-HUDSON-UNION-NEW
YORK (MANHATTAN)-BRONX- RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND)-KINGS (BROOKLYN)-QUEENS-NASSAU-
NORTHWESTERN SUFFOLK-NORTHEASTERN SUFFOLK-SOUTHWESTERN SUFFOLK- SOUTHEASTERN
SUFFOLK
SNOW IS EXPECTED TO OVERSPREAD THE REGION FRIDAY MORNING...AND COULD BECOME
HEAVY AT TIMES IN THE AFTERNOON.
THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 6 OR MORE INCHES.
A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS."
Sounds fun, huh? Looks like I might just have a relaxing stay-in weekend. Thank GOD we're getting cable on Saturday. Well, we better still be, hopefully the weather doesn't mess it up. Chris is flying to Florida for the holidays on Saturday for two weeks, so I'll be all by my lonesome. It was beautiful today and yesterday. Today there were no clouds and it was really sunny.
Last night I met up with a former coworker's sister for dinner and drinks. I think we really hit it off, she's a really fun girl. We ate dinner at that Irish place I went to before, and of course wandered next door to Revival afterward. We brought in "Rocky Horror Picture Show" to play at the bar, but the TV they have there didn't play sound so it was confusing to say the least. I'll have to watch it again with sound, but I hear there really isn't much of a plot. Still, it was an interesting twist to the night.
I went to lunch with the ladies in the office today, which was really nice. The four of us went to a little upscale restaurant named Punch which is right next to the Flatiron building. I had a delicious crab cake sandwich with sweet potato fries, and we all split their homemade dark chocolate pudding for dessert. It was really my first somewhat gourmet meal in the City. I was looking forward to having some good meals with my dad this weekend, but I guess that will have to wait till later.
My plans for Saturday night might be put on hold for now too. The high is 28 that day with more heavy snow forecasted, so that's not really prime going-out weather. We'll see.
Well, that's all for now. Hopefully I don't get blown away tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
SNOW!!!
1 comments
Update, 10 p.m.: Okay, forget what I said before about it not sticking. It's been snowing all night and everything's white! It's so pretty!!! It's still snowing now, so I can't wait to see what it'll look like in the morning!
The front of my building.
Chris trying to make a snowball.
So pretty!!!
-----------
It's snowing!!! The flakes are pretty large, but they're not really sticking. Hopefully it doesn't turn into ice later. But I wanna go play in it!
The front of my building.
Chris trying to make a snowball.
So pretty!!!-----------
It's snowing!!! The flakes are pretty large, but they're not really sticking. Hopefully it doesn't turn into ice later. But I wanna go play in it!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Holy climate change, Batman!
5 comments
Today was unseasonably warm. And when I say unseasonably warm, I mean that anyone who wasn't convinced of global warming before should be now. The high was 67. 67! The high yesterday was 45 and the high tomorrow is 41 with a lovely mixture of snow and rain coming our way. Not that I'm complaining about the warmth. I took the opportunity to wear my Bebe wide-leg capris and heels for possibly the last time for months to come. I wore a scarf and jacket today out of habit, and ended up taking them off after I started to sweat on my walk to work. Weird.
I took a different route to work today. Instead of the 1, I took the A express train and transferred to the D at 54th St and got off at 34th instead of 23rd. It took about 10 minutes off my commute and there's a lot more to look at on the walk to work, plus I don't have to deal with the tunnel and hopefully running into those punks. I didn't take it before because I don't have to transfer when I take the 1, but it's worth it.
Plus, on the ride home, I had three random acts of kindness happen to me. First, a woman saw me standing and purposely saved her seat for me when she got off. Then, three French tourists, who didn't speak any English, understood what she was trying to do and slid over to make it easier for me to go through the crowd and sit down. Finally, a guy held the door open for me at the end of the station. I got off feeling touched and had the peace of mind knowing that I was on a nice train.
This week is full of fun events. Tomorrow at work, a guy is bringing in breakfast for the whole office, which is nice. I'm really excited for Wednesday. I'm going to lunch with the gang from work, including the EIC, and then I'm going to meet my friend's sister for dinner and drinks at Revival. Not only for dinner and drinks, but we're also going to bring in Rocky Horror Picture show to watch at the bar, which everyone is excited about. I've never seen it (I know, shocker) but everyone we tell instantly starts singing the songs. So it'll be a fun night and a great way to meet someone new.
Then Friday my dad is coming to town. I'm still not totally sure what we're doing, but it'll be fun. And Saturday after we have dinner and he flies back I'm meeting a girl who've I've been talking to online who lives here to go dancing. Hopefully I hit it off with her and her friends so I can have some girl friends in the city, of which I have none of yet. So hopefully after meeting my friend's sister and her group I'll start building my own group good friends.
=)
I took a different route to work today. Instead of the 1, I took the A express train and transferred to the D at 54th St and got off at 34th instead of 23rd. It took about 10 minutes off my commute and there's a lot more to look at on the walk to work, plus I don't have to deal with the tunnel and hopefully running into those punks. I didn't take it before because I don't have to transfer when I take the 1, but it's worth it.
Plus, on the ride home, I had three random acts of kindness happen to me. First, a woman saw me standing and purposely saved her seat for me when she got off. Then, three French tourists, who didn't speak any English, understood what she was trying to do and slid over to make it easier for me to go through the crowd and sit down. Finally, a guy held the door open for me at the end of the station. I got off feeling touched and had the peace of mind knowing that I was on a nice train.
This week is full of fun events. Tomorrow at work, a guy is bringing in breakfast for the whole office, which is nice. I'm really excited for Wednesday. I'm going to lunch with the gang from work, including the EIC, and then I'm going to meet my friend's sister for dinner and drinks at Revival. Not only for dinner and drinks, but we're also going to bring in Rocky Horror Picture show to watch at the bar, which everyone is excited about. I've never seen it (I know, shocker) but everyone we tell instantly starts singing the songs. So it'll be a fun night and a great way to meet someone new.
Then Friday my dad is coming to town. I'm still not totally sure what we're doing, but it'll be fun. And Saturday after we have dinner and he flies back I'm meeting a girl who've I've been talking to online who lives here to go dancing. Hopefully I hit it off with her and her friends so I can have some girl friends in the city, of which I have none of yet. So hopefully after meeting my friend's sister and her group I'll start building my own group good friends.
=)
Sunday, December 14, 2008
The apartment
2 comments
I've been scolded from various people about not posting pictures of my apartment yet, so here they are:
The living room.
View from the door.
The bar. That's not even all of it.
The roommate, Chris. He's making brownies. Awesome.
The bathroom.
My little closet. Hey, at least I have one.
I was going to clean up, but that would take away from the authenticity of the blog, right? Or I'm just lazy.
My new dresser thing and stuff I still need to hang up.
The living room.
View from the door.
The bar. That's not even all of it.
The roommate, Chris. He's making brownies. Awesome.
The bathroom.
My little closet. Hey, at least I have one.
I was going to clean up, but that would take away from the authenticity of the blog, right? Or I'm just lazy.
My new dresser thing and stuff I still need to hang up.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Rockefeller Center: A photo essay
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Chris and I braved the crowds tonight to get a glimpse of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. Here are a few shots (if you click on them you can see a bigger version):
It's Christmas time in the City!
It's Christmas time in the City!
Cover story + first Friday = fun times
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Well, the first work week is officially over.
Friday was a much better day than Thursday all around. The rain stopped and it turned out to be a beautiful day. I started the day by playing Christmas music at my desk while I wrote a cover story for the latest issue. Yep, when Hairdo Ideas comes out in January you'll turn to page 3 and see a 3-page spread I wrote about eight celebrity hairstyles. There wasn't a whole lot of writing involved really, just short blurbs about each picture, but it's excited that it's a big spread.
After work I met Chris and his intern at a dive bar near the Financial District. It was the kind of place that played a mixture of country and classic rock on the juke box while the all-female bartending staff walked around in super-short skirts and lacey tops. The main bartender's shtick was that she would show her very large fake breasts and light her nipples on fire if it was someone's birthday. Yeah, classy. But it had really really cheap beer and food.
After a beer Chris and I went to his favorite dumpling place in China Town for dinner. They offer five dumplings for $1. Can't beat that. Then we hopped on the L and headed to Union Square to go to the Revival. Yes I know, we go there a lot, but it's a really fun place. I'm sure I'll branch out and go exploring soon enough.
We got to the Revival around 7:30 or so. At around 10 a good crowd started to form and I ended up talking all night to the bartender I met the first time I was there. He mentioned that his building was having a party in Brooklyn and I was welcome to crash at his place if I wanted to go. So I said what the heck and went. A good time was had by all.
I left Brooklyn around 2:30 today and headed home. On the ride back, a group of five young boys delighted the train by break dancing. It was actually really amazing. The youngest one couldn't have been more than 5 and he is well on his way to becoming a pro. They restored my view of youth in the city and I delightedly gave them $1.
I haven't done much else today. It's the first day in about two months that I've been able to really relax and do nothing, so that's what I'm doing. I'm sure I'm going to do something tonight. We'll see what shenanigans I get in to.
Friday was a much better day than Thursday all around. The rain stopped and it turned out to be a beautiful day. I started the day by playing Christmas music at my desk while I wrote a cover story for the latest issue. Yep, when Hairdo Ideas comes out in January you'll turn to page 3 and see a 3-page spread I wrote about eight celebrity hairstyles. There wasn't a whole lot of writing involved really, just short blurbs about each picture, but it's excited that it's a big spread.
After work I met Chris and his intern at a dive bar near the Financial District. It was the kind of place that played a mixture of country and classic rock on the juke box while the all-female bartending staff walked around in super-short skirts and lacey tops. The main bartender's shtick was that she would show her very large fake breasts and light her nipples on fire if it was someone's birthday. Yeah, classy. But it had really really cheap beer and food.
After a beer Chris and I went to his favorite dumpling place in China Town for dinner. They offer five dumplings for $1. Can't beat that. Then we hopped on the L and headed to Union Square to go to the Revival. Yes I know, we go there a lot, but it's a really fun place. I'm sure I'll branch out and go exploring soon enough.
We got to the Revival around 7:30 or so. At around 10 a good crowd started to form and I ended up talking all night to the bartender I met the first time I was there. He mentioned that his building was having a party in Brooklyn and I was welcome to crash at his place if I wanted to go. So I said what the heck and went. A good time was had by all.
I left Brooklyn around 2:30 today and headed home. On the ride back, a group of five young boys delighted the train by break dancing. It was actually really amazing. The youngest one couldn't have been more than 5 and he is well on his way to becoming a pro. They restored my view of youth in the city and I delightedly gave them $1.
I haven't done much else today. It's the first day in about two months that I've been able to really relax and do nothing, so that's what I'm doing. I'm sure I'm going to do something tonight. We'll see what shenanigans I get in to.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Welcome to the city
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Well, this was going to be a post about me organizing my room and how it rained all day but the city is still beautiful ... until my walk home from the train.
There's a long tunnel that leads to and from the 1 train, which is great for when it's raining or snowing. But it has crossed my mind about it being kind of scary at night. And when it gets pitch dark around 5 p.m., it's pretty much always night.
Well today I was walking home and there was a group of about 12 or so young boys walking toward me, spanning the width of the tunnel. The oldest of them couldn't have been more than 15, but some of them were still bigger than me, and collectively they could definitely take me if they wanted to. I had to brush against one of them to pass, and he then slapped my ass. Surprised, I turned around and said, "Excuse me." That seemed to delight them, and they presumed to call me a variety of derogatory names. I kept walking, thinking it would be worthless to do anything, and I was surprised again by a slap on the back of my head.
It was a wake-up call, to say the least. The thought that even a group of young boys could potentially be dangerous makes me worried about men my age or older. I'm buying mace tomorrow.
In better news, I unpacked the three boxes that came last night, and my room is finally starting to feel like my own. The last box came today and was left with the leasing office, but they close at 6 which is before I get home and aren't always open on the weekends, so I'm not sure when I'll be able to get it.
It rained all day today. I spent a part of my day arguing with my doctor and Duane Read to transfer my prescriptions to New York, and I ended up having to walk to the closest CVS after work. So I walked about eight avenue blocks in the pouring rain. At first it wasn't that great, but after a while of trying to hustle with the crowd, I decided to take my time and enjoy the walk.
I think I passed by a sample sale in action. Yves Saint Laurent was a frenzy inside and there were guards by the doors, which is how I've heard sample sales described. There's no way that many people could afford YSL unless it was 70 percent off.
Well, I'm gonna call it an early night. I don't really have any plans this weekend, but I'm sure I'll have some fun.
There's a long tunnel that leads to and from the 1 train, which is great for when it's raining or snowing. But it has crossed my mind about it being kind of scary at night. And when it gets pitch dark around 5 p.m., it's pretty much always night.
Well today I was walking home and there was a group of about 12 or so young boys walking toward me, spanning the width of the tunnel. The oldest of them couldn't have been more than 15, but some of them were still bigger than me, and collectively they could definitely take me if they wanted to. I had to brush against one of them to pass, and he then slapped my ass. Surprised, I turned around and said, "Excuse me." That seemed to delight them, and they presumed to call me a variety of derogatory names. I kept walking, thinking it would be worthless to do anything, and I was surprised again by a slap on the back of my head.
It was a wake-up call, to say the least. The thought that even a group of young boys could potentially be dangerous makes me worried about men my age or older. I'm buying mace tomorrow.
In better news, I unpacked the three boxes that came last night, and my room is finally starting to feel like my own. The last box came today and was left with the leasing office, but they close at 6 which is before I get home and aren't always open on the weekends, so I'm not sure when I'll be able to get it.
It rained all day today. I spent a part of my day arguing with my doctor and Duane Read to transfer my prescriptions to New York, and I ended up having to walk to the closest CVS after work. So I walked about eight avenue blocks in the pouring rain. At first it wasn't that great, but after a while of trying to hustle with the crowd, I decided to take my time and enjoy the walk.
I think I passed by a sample sale in action. Yves Saint Laurent was a frenzy inside and there were guards by the doors, which is how I've heard sample sales described. There's no way that many people could afford YSL unless it was 70 percent off.
Well, I'm gonna call it an early night. I don't really have any plans this weekend, but I'm sure I'll have some fun.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Work rocks, roommate rocks ... New York rocks
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So I really like my job. Like a lot. I like that there's always something to do. I like the people. My editor-in-chief is the nicest woman on Earth, and people NEVER say that about editors-in-chief. I like that I'm doing everything: writing, editing, downloading pictures, calling for products, etc. Even when I'm editing pages and pages of credits and it gets a little mind-numbing, I like that I'm doing something that's important, and I like that I can listen to music while doing it.
I knew that I was going to be able to sleep in a little bit this morning since I was taking a half day because my packages were coming from Florida, so I did the responsible thing and went drinking with Chris last night after work. We went to the Revival again, which was much more subdued than last week. But the bartender was cool and we had a good time. After a few hours we wandered over to another bar, don't ask me what it was called or where it was. We only stayed for one drink there, since it was getting late and the bartender was a jerk.
Then we got on the wrong train and ended up in Brooklyn. Yep, Brooklyn. Thankfully, Chris was drunk enough to offer to pay for the cab ride home. Needless to say, I wasn't feeling the best this morning, and I have no idea how he got to work on time.
My stuff came today. Well, most of it. Three of the four boxes came. I still have yet to unpack. In fact, I'm using this blog to procrastinate. I really do want to get things unpacked and organized, but the actual unpacking part is keeping me from doing it.
I came home from work today and Chris was making some pasta with chicken and cream of mushroom sauce. I could get used to that. We had a lot of fun last night and are getting to know each other better. I'm sure we'll have many more stories to tell in the future.
My dad is coming to visit next weekend, which I'm really excited about. It took all of three days for him to find a reason to come up here, haha. He has a meeting in New Jersey on Friday and is coming to meet me afterwards, then is staying at my place Friday night. We're gonna do some sightseeing on Saturday before he goes up. I need to look around for some cool places to try when he's here.
I can't believe it's only Wednesday. It really started to hit me last night that I live here. Hopefully when I get things put away it'll really feel like it. Okay, okay I'll start unpacking.
I knew that I was going to be able to sleep in a little bit this morning since I was taking a half day because my packages were coming from Florida, so I did the responsible thing and went drinking with Chris last night after work. We went to the Revival again, which was much more subdued than last week. But the bartender was cool and we had a good time. After a few hours we wandered over to another bar, don't ask me what it was called or where it was. We only stayed for one drink there, since it was getting late and the bartender was a jerk.
Then we got on the wrong train and ended up in Brooklyn. Yep, Brooklyn. Thankfully, Chris was drunk enough to offer to pay for the cab ride home. Needless to say, I wasn't feeling the best this morning, and I have no idea how he got to work on time.
My stuff came today. Well, most of it. Three of the four boxes came. I still have yet to unpack. In fact, I'm using this blog to procrastinate. I really do want to get things unpacked and organized, but the actual unpacking part is keeping me from doing it.
I came home from work today and Chris was making some pasta with chicken and cream of mushroom sauce. I could get used to that. We had a lot of fun last night and are getting to know each other better. I'm sure we'll have many more stories to tell in the future.
My dad is coming to visit next weekend, which I'm really excited about. It took all of three days for him to find a reason to come up here, haha. He has a meeting in New Jersey on Friday and is coming to meet me afterwards, then is staying at my place Friday night. We're gonna do some sightseeing on Saturday before he goes up. I need to look around for some cool places to try when he's here.
I can't believe it's only Wednesday. It really started to hit me last night that I live here. Hopefully when I get things put away it'll really feel like it. Okay, okay I'll start unpacking.
Monday, December 8, 2008
The first day
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Today was really fun all around. The morning started with me signing all the forms so I can get paid and all that fun stuff. I got an employee handbook which answered a lot of questions I had about the company.
The magazines give away a lot of free stuff for people who write in to the giveaways, so the rest of my day was pretty much spent sorting through mail since they were really far behind. I sorted mail, picked the people who won, typed up labels of the winners' addresses and sorted the products. It sounds monotonous, and it was for a while, but the products were really cool and it was fun to think about what the people's faces would look like when they won.
I also got all set up with an e-mail address (jessica.hartman@harris-pub.com), phone and got on the network. Because Harris publishes two really huge R&B magazines (XXL and King), everyone in the office is really musical. So when I clicked on my iTunes, I got to listen to everyone's shared music files at my desk, which helped keep me awake.
Mary and Mackenzee showed me around the office and introduced me to a bunch of people. Mackenzee also showed me the sought-after product drawer, full of all the leftover products. I'm sure I'll raid that by the end of the week.
One of the women I met told me about a Bed Bath & Beyond that wasn't far from the office, so I headed there after work. I desperately needed some kind of drawers for clothes and a mirror. I asked a woman who worked there how I should get them home, and sure enough, they delivered. So between 10 and 1 a.m. tonight, I should get two sets of cloth drawers, a mirror, trash can and some other organizing stuff. Hooray!
After Bed Bath & Beyond, I stopped at the Old Navy right across the street. I got a couple long sleeved shirts that were on sale for $5 and a really cute gray jacket. Then I stopped by H&M and got a really beautiful cream jacket that was on sale for $60 and a couple hats. I'd say it was a successful shopping day. I still need more pants and warmer shoes, but that can wait till I get paid.
It was about 7:00 by then, so I got on the 1 train and headed home. I made some fettuccine alfredo for dinner and now am watching the Goonies with Chris. I really hope my drawers come closer to 10 than to 1, I'm already getting tired.
Can't wait till tomorrow!
The magazines give away a lot of free stuff for people who write in to the giveaways, so the rest of my day was pretty much spent sorting through mail since they were really far behind. I sorted mail, picked the people who won, typed up labels of the winners' addresses and sorted the products. It sounds monotonous, and it was for a while, but the products were really cool and it was fun to think about what the people's faces would look like when they won.
I also got all set up with an e-mail address (jessica.hartman@harris-pub.com), phone and got on the network. Because Harris publishes two really huge R&B magazines (XXL and King), everyone in the office is really musical. So when I clicked on my iTunes, I got to listen to everyone's shared music files at my desk, which helped keep me awake.
Mary and Mackenzee showed me around the office and introduced me to a bunch of people. Mackenzee also showed me the sought-after product drawer, full of all the leftover products. I'm sure I'll raid that by the end of the week.
One of the women I met told me about a Bed Bath & Beyond that wasn't far from the office, so I headed there after work. I desperately needed some kind of drawers for clothes and a mirror. I asked a woman who worked there how I should get them home, and sure enough, they delivered. So between 10 and 1 a.m. tonight, I should get two sets of cloth drawers, a mirror, trash can and some other organizing stuff. Hooray!
After Bed Bath & Beyond, I stopped at the Old Navy right across the street. I got a couple long sleeved shirts that were on sale for $5 and a really cute gray jacket. Then I stopped by H&M and got a really beautiful cream jacket that was on sale for $60 and a couple hats. I'd say it was a successful shopping day. I still need more pants and warmer shoes, but that can wait till I get paid.
It was about 7:00 by then, so I got on the 1 train and headed home. I made some fettuccine alfredo for dinner and now am watching the Goonies with Chris. I really hope my drawers come closer to 10 than to 1, I'm already getting tired.
Can't wait till tomorrow!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Here at last
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Well, today hasn't exactly been the smoothest, but when you're dealing with airlines these days, it never is.
First of all, AirTran lied to me. They said I was on a non-stop flight, and that just wasn't true. It had a stop in Virginia, but I wasn't supposed to have to get off the plane. Upon arriving in Virginia, I find out that there is a two-hour delay thanks to wind in New York, so I de-planed.
After arriving in New York over two hours late, I thought I would be frugal and take a bus to Penn Station and catch a cab from there. The bus ticket guy said it would be here in about 20 minutes, so I paid the $12 and took a seat. Over 45 minutes later, the bus finally arrived, and I was regretting my decision.
I bought groceries online yesterday and picked a delivery time between 8-10 p.m., two hours after my original departure time, thinking that would be safe. By now it was 8:45 and they had called twice asking where I was.
The bus dropped me off at Grand Central Station (not Penn Station) and I caught a cab. Granted, the fare was cheaper, but it took a grand total of an hour and a half after I landed before I got to the apartment. Not worth it. Thankfully Fresh Direct waited for me and I had food when I arrived.
It's now 11:05 and I still haven't started unpacking. I'm thinking I'm just going to set out an outfit and leave that fun step for tomorrow. The four boxes I shipped are supposed to arrive sometime Wednesday.
Well it's time for bed. I need to get up at 7:30 for my first day of work tomorrow. Oh, by the way, it's COLD!!! The high is 30 tomorrow with a wind chill in the teens. It was 70 and sunny when I left Florida. Sigh.
First of all, AirTran lied to me. They said I was on a non-stop flight, and that just wasn't true. It had a stop in Virginia, but I wasn't supposed to have to get off the plane. Upon arriving in Virginia, I find out that there is a two-hour delay thanks to wind in New York, so I de-planed.
After arriving in New York over two hours late, I thought I would be frugal and take a bus to Penn Station and catch a cab from there. The bus ticket guy said it would be here in about 20 minutes, so I paid the $12 and took a seat. Over 45 minutes later, the bus finally arrived, and I was regretting my decision.
I bought groceries online yesterday and picked a delivery time between 8-10 p.m., two hours after my original departure time, thinking that would be safe. By now it was 8:45 and they had called twice asking where I was.
The bus dropped me off at Grand Central Station (not Penn Station) and I caught a cab. Granted, the fare was cheaper, but it took a grand total of an hour and a half after I landed before I got to the apartment. Not worth it. Thankfully Fresh Direct waited for me and I had food when I arrived.
It's now 11:05 and I still haven't started unpacking. I'm thinking I'm just going to set out an outfit and leave that fun step for tomorrow. The four boxes I shipped are supposed to arrive sometime Wednesday.
Well it's time for bed. I need to get up at 7:30 for my first day of work tomorrow. Oh, by the way, it's COLD!!! The high is 30 tomorrow with a wind chill in the teens. It was 70 and sunny when I left Florida. Sigh.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Saying goodbye is never easy
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I packed up my life today. In the span of a few hours, my apartment went from messy and unorganized to vacant (thanks mostly to my parents).
I have said goodbye to the people who have been the most important to me in the past five years this week. Friends who have been there for me when I was at my lowest. Friends who have been there for me at my best. New friends who have become family. And friends who have made me the woman I am today. I said goodbye to them, and I said goodbye to the city that started me off on my own. It wasn't easy.
I can't imagine what my life would be like without them, and now I have to. Of course we're going to keep in touch, but I won't be able to call them and go to a bar, or go get dinner with them at work.
I became a woman in Tampa. I fell in and out of love. I made life-long friends. I learned more about myself in the five years I lived there than in my first 18 combined. And now I've shut that door to open a new one.
Tomorrow I'm going to say goodbye to my childhood friends and family, and the city I was born in. I'm going to say goodbye to my parents, who have been there for me through all my crazy ideas and dreams. I'm going to say goodbye to my dog. I've already said goodbye to my brother, who is out of town this weekend. That won't be easy either.
I'm saying all these goodbyes, to say hello to a dream I've had since I was a teenager. To say hello to a city that has held my heart since the first time I saw it. To say hello to a future that holds the promise of everything I've ever dreamed.
I will take the people and places I've said goodbye to with me. In saying goodbye, I have not left them forever. I will be back to see them, and hopefully they will come to see me in my new life. It's goodbye for now, not forever. But I will miss them, and will think of them every day, and wish they were there with me.
I have said goodbye to the people who have been the most important to me in the past five years this week. Friends who have been there for me when I was at my lowest. Friends who have been there for me at my best. New friends who have become family. And friends who have made me the woman I am today. I said goodbye to them, and I said goodbye to the city that started me off on my own. It wasn't easy.
I can't imagine what my life would be like without them, and now I have to. Of course we're going to keep in touch, but I won't be able to call them and go to a bar, or go get dinner with them at work.
I became a woman in Tampa. I fell in and out of love. I made life-long friends. I learned more about myself in the five years I lived there than in my first 18 combined. And now I've shut that door to open a new one.
Tomorrow I'm going to say goodbye to my childhood friends and family, and the city I was born in. I'm going to say goodbye to my parents, who have been there for me through all my crazy ideas and dreams. I'm going to say goodbye to my dog. I've already said goodbye to my brother, who is out of town this weekend. That won't be easy either.
I'm saying all these goodbyes, to say hello to a dream I've had since I was a teenager. To say hello to a city that has held my heart since the first time I saw it. To say hello to a future that holds the promise of everything I've ever dreamed.
I will take the people and places I've said goodbye to with me. In saying goodbye, I have not left them forever. I will be back to see them, and hopefully they will come to see me in my new life. It's goodbye for now, not forever. But I will miss them, and will think of them every day, and wish they were there with me.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Day 2: A dream realized
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K folks, I'm gonna have to keep this short. It's after midnight and I have to be on a flight in the morning, but I didn't want to go to bed until I updated you.
So I got into work this morning at 9:30, said goodmorning to Phyllis (editorial director) and she said we would talk later. So of course all day that's all I can think about. Most of the day was spent checking credits on photos, which was a little mindnumbing but I was glad to have something to do to distract myself.
I walked to lunch with Mackenzee, the other assistant editor, and got to pick her brain a little. She started about a month ago, and said that she also didn't tell them that she wasn't living in the city. She said it first, not me. So that made me feel a little better. She said she really liked it and had already been to an event where she got her hair dyed for free. So that's cool.
At the end of the day Mary (EIC) stopped by my desk and reminded me to talk to Phyllis before I left. Like I could forget. So I go by her office and she's not there. She's not there for about 20 minutes, easily the longest 20 minutes of my life. I finally caught her and sat down by her desk. She asked me if I liked it, I said yes, and she said that I did a fine job and they'd like to give me the job. (AAAHHHH!)
I could've stayed and started tomorrow, but I told her that since she had told me that I would start the next week I booked a flight to Florida to pick up my last stuff. She understood and I officially start Monday.
To celebrate, I wanted to go see the Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, but those hopes were quickly dashed when they stopped letting people in and I was caught in a huge crowd of people. I had to jump a barricade to get out. So I met Gordon and Chris for dinner at a diner near Times Square and paid $20 for an omelet.
Gordon had to go home because he was getting groceries delivered, so Chris and I headed over to Union Square to his local bar hangout, the Revival. Let's just say, I'll be back. Everyone in there was awesome.
So I'm flying home tomorrow and coming back Sunday to start Monday. Don't worry, I've had these tickets since last week. It still hasn't sunk in yet. I'm moving to New York. I have a job in magazines ... in New York. I did it. I'm moving.
Whoa.
So I got into work this morning at 9:30, said goodmorning to Phyllis (editorial director) and she said we would talk later. So of course all day that's all I can think about. Most of the day was spent checking credits on photos, which was a little mindnumbing but I was glad to have something to do to distract myself.
I walked to lunch with Mackenzee, the other assistant editor, and got to pick her brain a little. She started about a month ago, and said that she also didn't tell them that she wasn't living in the city. She said it first, not me. So that made me feel a little better. She said she really liked it and had already been to an event where she got her hair dyed for free. So that's cool.
At the end of the day Mary (EIC) stopped by my desk and reminded me to talk to Phyllis before I left. Like I could forget. So I go by her office and she's not there. She's not there for about 20 minutes, easily the longest 20 minutes of my life. I finally caught her and sat down by her desk. She asked me if I liked it, I said yes, and she said that I did a fine job and they'd like to give me the job. (AAAHHHH!)
I could've stayed and started tomorrow, but I told her that since she had told me that I would start the next week I booked a flight to Florida to pick up my last stuff. She understood and I officially start Monday.
To celebrate, I wanted to go see the Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, but those hopes were quickly dashed when they stopped letting people in and I was caught in a huge crowd of people. I had to jump a barricade to get out. So I met Gordon and Chris for dinner at a diner near Times Square and paid $20 for an omelet.
Gordon had to go home because he was getting groceries delivered, so Chris and I headed over to Union Square to his local bar hangout, the Revival. Let's just say, I'll be back. Everyone in there was awesome.
So I'm flying home tomorrow and coming back Sunday to start Monday. Don't worry, I've had these tickets since last week. It still hasn't sunk in yet. I'm moving to New York. I have a job in magazines ... in New York. I did it. I'm moving.
Whoa.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Trial: Day One
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Overall, today went great. But there were a few bumps along the way.
I woke up with a headache, which was not a good start. Anyone who knows me knows that once I get a headache they don't usually go away very easily. I found the train easily and got on right away, but any hope of a relaxing ride was dashed when I saw how crowded it was. Thankfully, after about the third stop I found a seat.
I got to the office about 20 minutes early and they didn't waste any time putting me to work. I worked mainly with Mary, the Editor-in-Chief, and Mackenzee, the other assistant editor. They gave me a writing assignment right away where they asked me to do an advertorial of sorts for 10 products they were featuring. Every time I turned in an assignment, there was another one waiting for me, which I actually really liked. I love that I was working throughout the day instead of sitting there bored. I think in total I wrote three stories, edited two others and found pictures for two more.
My desk is huge. It's kind of tucked away in a corner and it's obvious the desk was made for two people but I have it to myself. Harris also publishes two hip-hop magazines called XXL and King, which my desk is right next to. I wouldn't care really, except for the fact that some of the guys like to play rap music pretty loudly, which doesn't help when you have a headache and are trying to focus on what you're writing.
The office seems like a friendly place. I hear a lot of people talking to each other and laughing. Mary is super nice. She kept saying how much she liked my writing and was very pleased that I was completing my assignments quickly. There are some style things that I need to learn, obviously, since I've never written about hair before, but she was very understanding and said she would give me a style guide tomorrow.
No word about a final decision yet, but I didn't hear anything negative today. I'm sure we'll talk about it tomorrow.
I got off work right at 5 and Chris and I went to get dinner at a cute Irish pub in Union Square, which I found out is walking distance from the office. I walked down 5th Ave. to get there, which might have been a mistake. I learned that there were dozens of great clothing stores walking distance from the office. Pretty much everything you could think of was there. The bartender at the pub was a full-blooded Irishman, and called me little lady and called Chris old chap.
I must have walked a good three miles today, and my feet didn't really start hurting until I got on the train home. But after a hot shower they felt better and my headache finally went away.
It was an eventful day, to say the least, and I hope tomorrow brings great news.
I woke up with a headache, which was not a good start. Anyone who knows me knows that once I get a headache they don't usually go away very easily. I found the train easily and got on right away, but any hope of a relaxing ride was dashed when I saw how crowded it was. Thankfully, after about the third stop I found a seat.
I got to the office about 20 minutes early and they didn't waste any time putting me to work. I worked mainly with Mary, the Editor-in-Chief, and Mackenzee, the other assistant editor. They gave me a writing assignment right away where they asked me to do an advertorial of sorts for 10 products they were featuring. Every time I turned in an assignment, there was another one waiting for me, which I actually really liked. I love that I was working throughout the day instead of sitting there bored. I think in total I wrote three stories, edited two others and found pictures for two more.
My desk is huge. It's kind of tucked away in a corner and it's obvious the desk was made for two people but I have it to myself. Harris also publishes two hip-hop magazines called XXL and King, which my desk is right next to. I wouldn't care really, except for the fact that some of the guys like to play rap music pretty loudly, which doesn't help when you have a headache and are trying to focus on what you're writing.
The office seems like a friendly place. I hear a lot of people talking to each other and laughing. Mary is super nice. She kept saying how much she liked my writing and was very pleased that I was completing my assignments quickly. There are some style things that I need to learn, obviously, since I've never written about hair before, but she was very understanding and said she would give me a style guide tomorrow.
No word about a final decision yet, but I didn't hear anything negative today. I'm sure we'll talk about it tomorrow.
I got off work right at 5 and Chris and I went to get dinner at a cute Irish pub in Union Square, which I found out is walking distance from the office. I walked down 5th Ave. to get there, which might have been a mistake. I learned that there were dozens of great clothing stores walking distance from the office. Pretty much everything you could think of was there. The bartender at the pub was a full-blooded Irishman, and called me little lady and called Chris old chap.
I must have walked a good three miles today, and my feet didn't really start hurting until I got on the train home. But after a hot shower they felt better and my headache finally went away.
It was an eventful day, to say the least, and I hope tomorrow brings great news.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Sealing the deal
2 comments
Update - 10:30 p.m.: Well I got to New York safe and sound. I must say I'm very pleasantly surprised by Chris's apartment. It's huge by New York standards (pictures to come soon). My room is plenty big for me and it has a twin bed and a closet. The only thing I'll really need to get is a mirror and some kind of drawers for clothes. The living room is huge and it has a nice sized kitchen.
When I got in, I dropped my bags off and we went to get some Chinese at one of the local restaurants. I got a nice-sized thing of chicken lo mein for $3.75, can't beat that. On our way, Chris gave me a quick tour of the neighborhood and showed me where my subway stop was, which I'm sure will be very helpful. There's a liquor store right across the street, a couple small groceries, a semi-cute clothing store, a pizza place and some other odds and ends. It looks like a nice place.
The apartment building itself is really nice. It has an elevator, which is a rare thing in the city, and a laundromat on the bottom floor, which is awesome.
Well, I better try to hit the hay. I need to be up by 7:30 if I want to look presentable and get to the office by 10!
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Well here I am, at an airport for the third time in three weeks (well, the eighth time if you count all the transfers and flights back). It'll all be worth it when (not if) I get the job, but I gotta tell ya, I won't be flying for a while after that.
It all started to really become real yesterday. I finally sold my bedset and said goodbye to one of my best friends. This is the first time since graduation that I'm saying goodbye to people that I might never see again. Sure, we all say we'll keep in touch and visit, but in reality you just never know.
Then I started thinking about all of the people I won't get to say goodbye to, and thinking about the last time I saw them. What would I have done differently if I had known that it was the last time I might ever see them? Something to think about.
It's hard to believe that I'll be working for Harris tomorrow. Everyone keeps asking me what I'll be doing, and I really have no idea. During the first interview, she told me that I would be involved with generating story ideas, writing, editing, the whole nine; but I wonder what I'll actually be doing for the next two days.
At the last interview, she said that I was "at the top of the list" and they were only doing this trial run with me, so she made it sound like it was my job to lose. You better believe that I'm going to work harder in the next two days than I have ever worked in my life.
I'm meeting Chris when I get into New York around 6. He suggested that we get dinner before we go back to the apartment, but I'm worried about having my bags with me. I had to pay $90 to check my bag because it was six pounds overweight by the way, which is total B.S. And now my flight is delayed. I looked up the subway route from the apartment to the office last night, and it looks like it's right at about an hour. It sounds long, but there aren't any transfers, so I can just get on and relax.
I'm sure the next four days will bring many surprises and revelations. Stay tuned.
When I got in, I dropped my bags off and we went to get some Chinese at one of the local restaurants. I got a nice-sized thing of chicken lo mein for $3.75, can't beat that. On our way, Chris gave me a quick tour of the neighborhood and showed me where my subway stop was, which I'm sure will be very helpful. There's a liquor store right across the street, a couple small groceries, a semi-cute clothing store, a pizza place and some other odds and ends. It looks like a nice place.
The apartment building itself is really nice. It has an elevator, which is a rare thing in the city, and a laundromat on the bottom floor, which is awesome.
Well, I better try to hit the hay. I need to be up by 7:30 if I want to look presentable and get to the office by 10!
-------------
Well here I am, at an airport for the third time in three weeks (well, the eighth time if you count all the transfers and flights back). It'll all be worth it when (not if) I get the job, but I gotta tell ya, I won't be flying for a while after that.
It all started to really become real yesterday. I finally sold my bedset and said goodbye to one of my best friends. This is the first time since graduation that I'm saying goodbye to people that I might never see again. Sure, we all say we'll keep in touch and visit, but in reality you just never know.
Then I started thinking about all of the people I won't get to say goodbye to, and thinking about the last time I saw them. What would I have done differently if I had known that it was the last time I might ever see them? Something to think about.
It's hard to believe that I'll be working for Harris tomorrow. Everyone keeps asking me what I'll be doing, and I really have no idea. During the first interview, she told me that I would be involved with generating story ideas, writing, editing, the whole nine; but I wonder what I'll actually be doing for the next two days.
At the last interview, she said that I was "at the top of the list" and they were only doing this trial run with me, so she made it sound like it was my job to lose. You better believe that I'm going to work harder in the next two days than I have ever worked in my life.
I'm meeting Chris when I get into New York around 6. He suggested that we get dinner before we go back to the apartment, but I'm worried about having my bags with me. I had to pay $90 to check my bag because it was six pounds overweight by the way, which is total B.S. And now my flight is delayed. I looked up the subway route from the apartment to the office last night, and it looks like it's right at about an hour. It sounds long, but there aren't any transfers, so I can just get on and relax.
I'm sure the next four days will bring many surprises and revelations. Stay tuned.
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