My big break

Yep, I got my big break today. Watch out, because I'm probably gonna be nominated for an Emmy.

I was on reality TV.

What did I do? Eat bugs? Disgrace my family by acting a fool, getting drunk and sleeping with someone? Well ... not quite.

My coworker was nominated for a makeover show and they needed people to be in the background for the big reveal. But some agent is totally gonna see me and make me a star, I know it. 

The show is called "Closet Cases" on the Fine Living Channel. Never heard of it? Me either. The show doesn't premier till April and I think we're the third episode, so watch out for it. But it was a fun experience, and further proves my theory that everyone will be on a reality show at some point.  

FYI: In case there was any doubt, reality TV isn't real in the slightest. Everyone there was supposed to be at a reunion in Ohio for the class of '88. Considering I was 2 that year, that's obviously fake. And New York is probably the opposite of Ohio. We all even had fake names. I was Charolette (yes, it was spelled wrong. Not my fault). 

 

Fashion Week is relocating

This just in - Fashion week is moving from the famed Bryant Park to Lincoln Center starting in 2010.

"Although the fashion shows, now operating as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to reflect a corporate sponsorship, were welcomed in Bryant Park in 1993, there were frequent clashes with the management company that controls its maintenance and security.

The dispute intensified in 2006, when the Bryant Park Corporation announced it would no longer allow the shows to happen in the park, because they were interfering with plans to operate a skating rink in the winter and public use of the main lawn in the late summer. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg was then asked by designers, as well as Anna Wintour, the editor of Vogue, to intercede on their behalf, leading to an arrangement for Fashion Week to remain there, at least temporarily," according to an article in the New York Times today.

For as long as I can remember, I dreamt of seeing a show at Bryant Park. Thankfully, that dream came true in September, because that may be my one and only shot.

Epiphany

Ok folks, brace yourself ...

McDonald's DELIVERS!!!

I'm not sure why this is so surprising to me, everyone delivers: groceries, Chinese, pizza, etc. But freaking McDonald's delivers!

It's so weird, my friend Niki and I were just talking about how we wished McDonald's delivered. Then today, out of the blue, my new cube-mate at work Cynthia mentioned that they delivered on the lower east side. What?! I was then on a quest to find out if they delivered near me, and sure enough, they do!

I know, I'm way more excited about this than I should be, but come on ya'll! McDonald's delivers!!

Overheard

So I was passing the time at work and wandered over to a blog I hadn't read in a long time, "Overheard in New York." Basically people submit real, hilarious things they hear on the street, on the bus, on the subway, etc. Here are a few gems I came across today:

Young boy, pointing out the subway window at the Gowanus Canal: Look, mom, a lake!
Mom: That ain't no lake! That's where the dookie comes out!
--F Train

Random guy on street: You have a great day, beautiful lady.
Girl: Thank you.
Random guy on street: No, not you. Her! (points to the girl behind her)
--Waverly Place & 6th Ave

Tourist looking at a subway map, drawing a line with his finger: Where does this train go?
New Yorker: Exactly where you just pointed.
--B Train

20-something grunge girl #1: So I plan on getting really trashed tonight, do you think I can crash there tonight?
20-something grunge girl #2: I wouldn't recommend it. Last time I crashed there I ended up with scabies.
--L Train

Old man: Are you guys tourists or something?
Couple: Yes.
Old man: Is that why you're walking so fucking slow?!
--8th St Station

Tourist trying to get through the turnstile with a credit card: Didn't this work last time?
Tourist friend: Try my Visa, maybe yours is expired.
--Bryant Park Station

Middle Eastern man surrounded by bags of rice: Would you like to buy some rice?
Young woman: No, thanks.
Middle Eastern man: But it's good rice. Good strong rice.
Young woman: Oh, I've got plenty of rice at home.
Middle Eastern man: But your rice no good. This rice much better.
Woman (offended, screaming): You don't know what kind of rice I eat!
(long pause)
Middle Eastern man, sheepishly: Only $20.
--F Train

For Meredith: 
Girl's in Queens for the first time: You can order milkshakes and cigarettes from the diner any time of night? This place is a fucking wonderland!
--Queens

And the last one, just for Chris:
Boyfriend, looking at girlfriend's iPhone: Who is this guy Nick that you're talking to?
Ditzy girlfriend: Whatever...you don't have to worry about him. He's from New Jersey, so I would never touch him.
Boyfriend: What's that have to do with anything?
Ditzy girlfriend: Hello! Everyone knows that everyone in New Jersey has STDs!
--7 Train

Happy Friday, everyone.

New widget

If you're a frequent reader of my blog, you probably noticed the new widget on the top right side called "Chris's Cancer Fund." 

One of my best friend's boyfriend, Chris, was diagnosed with cancer recently. Thankfully, they found it in time and he had surgery to remove it. However, he still has a long and costly road ahead of him, including radiation and possible follow-up surgeries. 

I know it's a hard time for everyone right now, so it's totally understandable if you can't donate anything, but please pass the link along to someone who you think might be able to. I wouldn't ask this of you unless it was for a good reason. I met Chris last summer when Lori came to visit Tampa and he's a really positive, great guy. It's such a shame this had to happen to such a good person. His copay alone is $7,000 and his insurance doesn't completely cover things like CT scans, etc., not to mention it costs $20 to park for every doctor visit. Every little bit helps.

Here is the link to his cancer fund: http://chrisriehlmedicalfund.chipin.com/chris-riehls-cancer-fund

This doesn't have anything to do with New York or fashion, but using my blog to help is the least I can do.

Lovely weather this morning

I mentioned to the Facebook world a while ago that no matter how cold the snow was, I still never got tired of it. Let me make one exception: I never get tired of it unless I have to walk to work in it and it's mixed with rain.

Usually walking to and from work while it's snowing is no big deal. It's pretty to look at and as long as you have an umbrella you're fine. Well, not this morning. It snowed pretty heavily last night, but my walk to the subway from my apartment wasn't a problem. It was still fluffy enough to not seep in my shoes and I like the way it crunches. 

But during my commute the snow had turned into rain. Yes, rain. My little weather gadget says "light snow" right now and it's lying. So, the heavily snowed on streets and sidewalks were now mixed with rain which created very wet slush, and a lot of it. It was ankle-deep at every curb.

This morning I made a conscious decision to wear my cute black sneakers instead of boots because they provided better traction and I didn't want a repeat of my spill from a couple weeks ago. Well, that was clearly the wrong choice when my feet were already soaking after only two blocks. Knowing I still had eight blocks to go, I decided to hail a cab. The $4 ride was worth it.

Meanwhile my friends back in Florida are going to the beach. C'est la vie. 

Lending a hand

In this business it's all about who you know. I first met my boss at the Times at a job fair, then she remembered me when a position became available. My teacher put me in touch with Michelle Lee, InTouch Weekly editor, who put me in touch with Patty Adams, Page Six Magazine editor. You get the idea.

Well for the first time I get to help out a friend of mine. My best friend, Kat, is coming to visit for a week in February. I worked with her at the Times and she also has experience at Creative Loafing, the Crow's Nest, etc. She's gonna be here, she might as well work, right? Well I got her an internship with Harris. 

It took a little persuading. The managing editor was fine with it, but then the CFO wasn't so sure. But after some sweet talk and telling him how talented Kat is (which is true), he agreed. She'll pretty much be helping out where ever it's needed and will probably get to work with a variety of magazines, which will be great for her. And she's getting paid! 

I know when I got the experience of working and living in New York during Fashion Week it really opened my eyes to how everyday life was in the City, and I hope this will do the same thing for her. Hopefully this leads to contacts and skills that will help her career move forward in this time where the industry is struggling.

P.S. To all my other journalism friends: Don't think that just because you visit me you get a free internship!