Random thoughts of the week

Friendly train conductor: I've been meaning to mention this for a while now. Usually subway conductors are anything but friendly or memorable. Most of them yell out stops and even yell at people who get in the way of the car doors. But every morning as I get on the A train around 8:35, my conductor greets me with, "Good morning! Welcome to the downtown A experience (yes, experience, not train). This is 190 St., next stop will be 181. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride." 

I remember the first time I heard him. It was Christmas eve and he wished everyone on the train "Happy holidays." At popular stops, he tells everyone getting off the train to have a "wonderful day" or weekend. Just goes to show that no matter what job you have, you should take pride in it and do it to the best of your ability (I say this as I'm blogging at work). It really helps to have a cherry voice greet me as I'm still struggling to wake up, and it makes me smile every day. 

New haircut: Add a free haircut to the list of perks my job comes with. I interviewed stylist Brian Meehan, owner of the Wayne Thomas Salon, on Tuesday. I've interviewed him before and he always gives me great quotes. As I was leaving, I glanced at his prices and asked him about them. "Oh honey I'll do you for free," he responded. Score! I've wanted to get my hair done for so long. The last time I went to a professional stylist was back in September before Fashion Week, and since then I've gone to beauty schools, which leave much to be desired. 

So yesterday I took him up on his offer. I brought in a picture of Paris Hilton's new bob for an example of what I wanted (I know, I shouldn't be using her for fashion guidance, but her hair is cute). He only took a couple inches off the length, but what he really did is take out a lot of the bulk, which is what I really needed. Now my hair is a little above my shoulders and is perfectly shaped for my face. Pictures to come soon.

The second job hunt: I've been applying at a variety of places without any success. The problem with restaurants is that I get off too late to work the dinner shift and no one will hire me just for the weekend, because those are "prime" shifts that they give their best servers. Plus, I don't have "New York experience." Retail stores won't hire me because I haven't worked in retail since 2004, because, oh I don't know, I was working in my actual field. It's not like I've forgotten how to use a cash register or fold clothes, come on. I've applied for a few freelance jobs with no response. I made a profile on this babysitter site with no response. Sigh.

Last night I met this guy Geoffrey at Revival who is the front of the house manager at Bar Brenton. I've seen him at Revival a couple of times before that. He said they were way understaffed and if I came by he'd hook me up with a job. It's right by my office and I've actually been there once before without even realizing it. So today after work I'm going to go by and give him my resume. Hopefully he lives up to his word. 

Also, my job has incredible opportunities for freelancing. Because we do so many magazines a year, they freelance out some of the books. So basically I'd do a whole magazine by myself for a substantial bonus. My boss is having me work with Mackenzie on the book she's doing to get the feel of it, and hopefully in the next month or so I can do one on my own. Fingers crossed.

Weekend shenanigans: Once again, Meredith has come to the rescue for my weekend. Her friend is having a house party out in Long Island tomorrow and she invited me to go. It's kind of a long hike to get there, but I'm going to meet her at her place first and she'll drive me, and I can stay over at her place if I need to. It's a good way to meet more people and I haven't been to a good house party in a long time. Plus, house parties = free. Chris has gone to LA for a conference, so I have the apartment to myself for a week.

That's all for now. This is way longer than I expected it to be. Hasta luego! 

P.S. It got up to 45 degrees today! Whoa heat wave!

Where were you?

Yesterday marked the most historic moment of my adult life thus far. The first black man was elected president.

I was beyond inspired listening to his inaugural speech. He spoke to the two million people who braved the cold to see him in Washington, he spoke to our enemies and allies, he spoke to the young and old, and he spoke to me.

"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real, they are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this America: They will be met."

"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord."

"Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."

"Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions, who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short, for they have forgotten what this country has already done, what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose and necessity to courage."

"We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth.

And because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace."

"Our challenges may be new, the instruments with which we meet them may be new, but those values upon which our success depends, honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old."

"... And why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath."

These quotes and many more left me in awe of my new president. It was the first time I have ever heard a president's speech and was left inspired, hopeful and excited. It was more than his words, it was his genuine earnest and love and patriotism that came along with them.

As I sat in a restaurant with my new boss and coworkers, surrounded by TVs and other hopeful Americans, I felt more patriotic than I have since Sept. 11. I know he won't solve all our problems. I know it won't happen overnight. But I believe the ball has started rolling. Things will get better. Even if you didn't vote for him, even if you don't believe in everything he stands for, even if you think he's too inexperienced, I hope you respect him and know he's a great man. He is our President.

Where were you on this historic moment?

If it's free, it's for me

So yesterday was pretty awesome. I was having a normal day at work when representatives from David Babaii (an all-natural, organic product line with Kate Hudson as their spokesperson) came by to meet with us and talk about their new products (without Kate). They gave us all great swag bags with lots of great, well, swag. We got these sweet ceramic hairdryers that retail for over $120, an organic notebook, volumizer and a $25 gift card to Starbucks. They said they might send over their flat irons for us too, which would be beyond awesome because mine's about to die. I know, I know, it's not "ethical" to take gifts, but I don't work for a newspaper anymore and magazines have different rules. And I really needed a new hairdryer. 

Then Leighanne and I went to a free movie screening of Cherie. It was one of those way-in-advance screenings to get audience feedback and make final changes. It starred Michelle Pfeiffer, Kathy Bates and an unknown leading man, Rupert something. It was set in France at the turn of the 19th century (I think) and followed two retired prostitutes (Michelle and Kathy). Michelle falls in love with Rupert, Kathy's much younger son, and trouble arises when Kathy sets him up in an arranged marriage. It was an okay movie, more like a longer Lifetime movie. The only really good thing about it was Rupert (he was really hot) and the costumes. But hey, it was free and it was the first movie I've ever seen in New York. Oh, and we got free popcorn because we came in the cold. Who said New York was expensive? 

Other thoughts: No, I didn't see the plane crash into the Hudson. It happened around 3:30 while I was at work, and I only heard about it because I was bored and happened to go to NYtimes.com where it was the main story. Chris, however, got an up-close view. He does PR for the Army Corps of Engineers and just happened to be on the Hudson working on another project when the plane crashed. He spent the rest of the day helping with the rescue efforts and didn't get home till around 11:30. His parents are coming in today to visit for the weekend, so I get to meet them.

I don't really have any plans for the weekend, besides going to Sunday brunch with Thierry. I'm sure I'll hang out with Chris and his parents some. I have Monday off because of MLK day. Tuesday, Meredith invited me to Yelp's Inaugural Ball. She's a big foodie and writes a lot of reviews for Yelp.com and they invited her to the ball, and she invited me. It's an evening of free food and drinks and we get to dress up. Exciting! 

Fashion Week Countdown: 25 days

If there's one thing that can cheer me up, it's Fashion Week. I had some down time at work today, so I spent it going through New York Magazine's Pre-Fall 2009 Fashion Week section where they have a sneak peak at what the designers are going to show February 13-20.

From what I can see so far, next fall will be full of the usual muted colors: black, gray, etc., with little pops of color. Black tights with mile-high stiletto ankle boots are on everyone's models. The majority of the pants I saw for women were wide-leg black suit pants, and there's every version of the little black dress imaginable. 

One thing that surprised me was that everyone's collection was surprisingly wearable, except for maybe Chanel's, who's inspiration looked like a combination of the far East and Soviet Russia. My new favorite every-day wear designer is Alberta Ferretti and my favorite evening wear is a three-way tie between Monique Lhuillier, Naeem Khan and Reem Acra.

I can't wait! I hope I get to go to some shows. I know the associate editor, Crystal, usually covers the runway shows, but maybe I can sneak invitations to a couple. I'm sure I'll at least get to experience the inside of the tents again. Three and a half weeks! 

The day from Hell

Well, I finally had a really bad day.

The morning started off with me sleeping in too late. I've had trouble getting to bed at a decent hour lately, so waking up at 7:30 has been a challenge. I rushed to get ready and make the train on time.

When I was coming out of the subway, I made a quick turn and fell right on my ass. I'm not sure what happened, it wasn't snowing or raining, but my legs came out from under me like a cartoon. I tried to recover as gracefully as possible, but while I continued walking I noticed that something was leaking from my purse. My Coke had burst and everything in my purse was soaked, and it was leaking onto my favorite white coat. Not to mention my arm began to hurt, and now I have a nice bruise.

The work day was pretty normal. I interviewed two stylists and wrote three articles. I hoped that my embarrassing spill was the end of my bad luck for the day. So I went home and organized my room, finally hanging pictures and other things. My mood was excited and it made me feel even more at home.

However, my mood instantly turned when I was talking to my parents and my precious Audrey Hepburn clock fell from the wall and shattered, cutting my ankle in the process. That clock was more than a clock to me. It's been with me through four apartments, life changes and it really defines my style. I've hung it with pride and really loved it. Seeing it in pieces on the floor really hurt, and I began to tear up. The events of the day, plus not getting the job I interviewed for, became just too much.

I know my last post and this one haven't been too happy. I don't want anyone to think that I'm at all regretting my decision to come to New York. But the newness has worn off and the honeymoon is over. I still love New York as much as I ever did, but not every day is going to be a good one, and I think I owe it to all of you to be honest. I wouldn't be a responsible blogger if I just wrote about the happy days.

Leighanne and I are going to Revival tomorrow and I'm going to Sunday brunch with Thierry, so I have things to look forward to this week. Temperatures are supposed to get into the single digits this week with wind chills surely below zero. Sigh.

Homesick

I miss the sun.
I miss being warm.
I miss chain restaurants.
I miss grocery stores.
I miss driving.
I miss drive thrus.
I miss the radio.
I miss flip flops.
I miss swim suits.
I miss the ocean.
I miss disposals.
I miss dish washers.
I miss the Independent.
I miss my parents.
I miss you.

Time flies when you're having fun

I can't believe it's already Sunday night. Where did the weekend go?

Friday night was fun. Thierry and I went to an Indian restaurant in Soho. I'm not sure what I had, but it was good. Indian food wouldn't be my first choice, but I'm glad I tried it and wouldn't be against eating it again.

Afterward we wandered around in search of something fun. We came across a bar that had walls covered in license plates, a pool table and $10 all-you-can-drink Bud Light. We had good conversation, and right before we left the bartender did this:



Saturday, Chris and I met up with Meredith at the Opera in midtown. No, not an actual opera, but a club in what used to be the China Club. Meredith's friends got us free VIP and I drank free all night. Hey, if it's free it's for me. It was the first time I had to go through a metal detector and get padded down to get in a club, but once inside the DJ was great.

Today, I had an interview for a brunch serving position at House Restaurant in the West Villiage. The chef/manager was very friendly and said he would call me tomorrow night after he interviewed everyone and made a decision. Cross your fingers for me, because I really need the money.

To be honest, though, I really don't want a second job. This is literally the only time since I started working for Chick-fil-a when I was 15 that I've had weekends off, and every single one has been amazing. Oh well, I guess it's back to reality. And it's a great way to meet more people. Hopefully I have good news tomorrow.