Only in Manhattan can you go to the grocery store and pay $12 for 1 lb of Velveeta, and proceed to the flower market across the street and pay the exact same amount for two dozen gorgeous roses. I just don't get it. I find myself frequently surprised by the cost of things, whether it be pricey or cheap. I wonder what I could get for Shanes barbque up here. Or better yet, open a Waffle House. In the last two days, I have heard three different people say that the restaurant they miss the most from home is good ole WH. I would give my left arm for an Allstar right about now.
I am excited for February in the city! I've been told it is the most challenging month to live here, because it feels as if winter is never going to end. So in an effort to prevent hibernation and zero social contact, I have planned something for every weekend in the month.
This weekend I volunteered at KEEN through New York Cares. The purpose of the program is to work with special needs children through various activities to enhance social and functional skill sets. I was partnered up with the cutest eight year old girl who wiped the floor with me in puppet design. I beat her down in bowling though, so no harm done. I enjoyed the entire afternoon, and met a lot of really great people (also my new place for meeting men-I mean, if you are going to spend your entire Saturday afternoon playing with children voluntarily, I think you may be worth me putting on make up and not wearing my fat pants).
Next weekend is FASHION WEEK! Thanks to my friend Rich, I am working two different shifts on Friday and Saturday, and will have the chance to be around some of the most beautiful people and clothes in the world. I do plan to come prepared with bags of candy and large quantities of baked goods, because models are people too. They need to eat. And I need them to gain weight.
The following weekend I have my first legitimate audition for an actual play that has toured previously, and been made into a DVD. I have already had an audio audition, and got a call back, so the accent must not be an issue! I also am planning to submit for a role in Snow White, which will be an off Broadway production in the spring.
I'm hoping the end of February will bring a road trip to Vermont. I have always wanted to see the state in the winter, and am working on getting a group together. I do miss my road trips. I get a little stir crazy if I have to stay in the same place for weeks on end (no matter where it is). I think I will always have the nomadic gene, because the thought of settling down somewhere for the rest of my life really gives me a panic attack. No clue why. I guess I am a peacock, and you've got to let me fly!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Sunday Sappiness
When you’re 28 and single, you being to think that everyone else around you has it made. They’re buying houses, getting MBA’s, and marriage is old news….they’re already starting a family by this point. You begin to look at your life and wonder what you have to show for it. But a wise woman once told me that you can't compare yourself to other people. Your story is your own. The truth is, the grass can be greener quite often. Unless of course, you realize how many blessings you truly do have in your current situation. I like to think of myself as one of the luckiest people I know. I always have a story to tell. Whether it’s stumbling upon an undercover NYPD cop who gives you seven free Louis Vitton knock off bags from the store owner he just busted, or meeting that celebrity you’ve been fixated on forever while en route to the port-a-john, I would say that my life has been full of lucky moments. Mostly while traveling. You just never know what possibilities are there unless you seize the opportunity to search them out. But the three things that make me one of the luckiest ladies in the world are my friends who aren't afraid to tell me the truth about things I need to change, a family who loves me for better or for worse, and a Lord that overwhelms my heart with a joy that no human could ever match. It just doesn't get any better than that.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Brooklyn Bingo
Today was my first experience as a volunteer with New York Cares, which is an organization responsible for multiple community outreach programs and services. I chose to participate in a game day at the Brooklyn United Methodist Church nursing home. Ever since I left Nashville, I have really missed visitation with the senior citizens at the Manor. This was just what I was looking for, and it was everything I'd hoped it would be!
Our options were bingo and dominoes, and I was shuffled over to the bingo table to assist three people with seeing their cards. I sat next to a woman named Naomi Campbell (I kid you not), and found out that she was from Harlem, GEORGIA. She had moved to New York with her husband in 1952, and had stayed against her better judgment (her words). Apparently her husband left her for another woman after 35 years of marriage. And not just any woman...her niece! Despite that incredibly heavy baggage, she was such a pleasant and entertaining lady.
Naomi started singing "You are so beautiful to me" halfway through the game, and continued until the end. She had a beautiful voice, and was apparently a back up singer for Luther Vandross. She also sang with the Temptations, and knew both Ray Charles and Elvis (who made her laugh all the time with his dancing). I'm not exactly sure if everything she was telling me was factual, but she seemed sharp to me, and I thought it was a fabulous story.
Our options were bingo and dominoes, and I was shuffled over to the bingo table to assist three people with seeing their cards. I sat next to a woman named Naomi Campbell (I kid you not), and found out that she was from Harlem, GEORGIA. She had moved to New York with her husband in 1952, and had stayed against her better judgment (her words). Apparently her husband left her for another woman after 35 years of marriage. And not just any woman...her niece! Despite that incredibly heavy baggage, she was such a pleasant and entertaining lady.
Naomi started singing "You are so beautiful to me" halfway through the game, and continued until the end. She had a beautiful voice, and was apparently a back up singer for Luther Vandross. She also sang with the Temptations, and knew both Ray Charles and Elvis (who made her laugh all the time with his dancing). I'm not exactly sure if everything she was telling me was factual, but she seemed sharp to me, and I thought it was a fabulous story.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Bulls, Bears and Boys
My much anticipated New York Stock Exchange tour was this morning. I now know where all of the men in New York go during the day. I have never in my life been in the presence of so much testosterone at one time. And they all have a real issue with gawking. Thankfully, my tour guide, who was an employee of Euronext (a Euro-American for profit corporation that operates the NYSE) was dressed casually and blamed all of the staring on his inappropriate garb. He said that most everyone there was "old school" and thought that anyone on the floor should be in a suit and tie (aside from the traders, of course).
Apparently a change in dress code isn't the only development there in the last few years. After a fairly recent change in leadership (the new COO is Lawrence Leibowitz, the brother of Jon Stewart of the Daily Show), adjustments were made to culture, technology and standards. They even strategically placed a Starbucks on the floor so that no one had to leave the building to be juiced up. Also, more recently, the cast of the Jersey Shore was selected to ring the bell at the 9:30 ceremony. This caused quite an uproar, because of the lack of dignity in the selection. I actually got to hear the bell, which was rung by a company called Aeroflex. It is customary to start clapping 15 seconds before the bell and about 10 after. I got really tired of it, and stopped after five.
I wasn't allowed to take any photos, and there is certainly not a gift shop, but overall it was an incredibly cool experience that I will never forget!!!
Apparently a change in dress code isn't the only development there in the last few years. After a fairly recent change in leadership (the new COO is Lawrence Leibowitz, the brother of Jon Stewart of the Daily Show), adjustments were made to culture, technology and standards. They even strategically placed a Starbucks on the floor so that no one had to leave the building to be juiced up. Also, more recently, the cast of the Jersey Shore was selected to ring the bell at the 9:30 ceremony. This caused quite an uproar, because of the lack of dignity in the selection. I actually got to hear the bell, which was rung by a company called Aeroflex. It is customary to start clapping 15 seconds before the bell and about 10 after. I got really tired of it, and stopped after five.
I wasn't allowed to take any photos, and there is certainly not a gift shop, but overall it was an incredibly cool experience that I will never forget!!!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Snow City
I love to watch it snow. There is something so peaceful about it, and it makes you incredibly relaxed. You almost feel like you are floating on a cloud, and words like serene and tranquil are appropriate adjectives for this natural wonder. Peaceful, that is, until you hear that snow plow right outside your window, and twice as many taxis as usual honking incessantly.
I am sitting here by my window, watching the beginnings of my first New York blizzard...a projected 16 inches by morning, I believe. And I still have to go to work. I will spend my day calling on accounting and finance managers who are not in the office, but who are rather at home with their families. But the show must go on!
I'm not sure if I've mentioned much about the setup in my room, but I think I will be just fine spending my winter in here. I got a desk for Christmas, and it's a gorgeous mahogany wood with a white (princess) chair to go with it. I have my favorite lamp on it, along with some of my books, Bible verses, a candle, and my "Dream" plaque that I was given when I moved. It has a quote from Walt Disney, which reads "All dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." I also have a book that my sister got me for Christmas called Drita, My Homegirl, which I cannot wait to dig in to. It's the perfect arrangement for me to write, read and reflect. Although, I will not be reflecting much while reading Drita.
I am excited about my agenda for Saturday. I get to spend the afternoon playing board games with a group of seniors at a retirement home in Brooklyn, through New York Cares. I have been brushing up on my canasta skills, for such an occasion.
I am sitting here by my window, watching the beginnings of my first New York blizzard...a projected 16 inches by morning, I believe. And I still have to go to work. I will spend my day calling on accounting and finance managers who are not in the office, but who are rather at home with their families. But the show must go on!
I'm not sure if I've mentioned much about the setup in my room, but I think I will be just fine spending my winter in here. I got a desk for Christmas, and it's a gorgeous mahogany wood with a white (princess) chair to go with it. I have my favorite lamp on it, along with some of my books, Bible verses, a candle, and my "Dream" plaque that I was given when I moved. It has a quote from Walt Disney, which reads "All dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." I also have a book that my sister got me for Christmas called Drita, My Homegirl, which I cannot wait to dig in to. It's the perfect arrangement for me to write, read and reflect. Although, I will not be reflecting much while reading Drita.
I am excited about my agenda for Saturday. I get to spend the afternoon playing board games with a group of seniors at a retirement home in Brooklyn, through New York Cares. I have been brushing up on my canasta skills, for such an occasion.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Cowboys in Chaps and Penthouse Pianos
Friday night I had another New York first. Make that two firsts. I didn't expect that my first time to go to Madison Square Garden would be to see my first bull riding competition, but what a combination that was. Honestly, I wasn't too excited about it initially. I'm not really into the whole country western type crowd, but I can honestly say that has all changed. I was strangely attracted to these crazy cowboys, and the whole process intrigued me. My favorite bull name was Wee Willy. Every time I saw the name, I laughed out loud. My date didn't really share my appreciation. It was also nice to see cowboy hats, boots, and chaps everywhere. I am now an official fan of the rodeo, and was thinking that my next project should be Nascar.
Today I met my friend Rich in Chelsea to eat at this fabulous little place called Westville. Seriously, some of the best food I've had here yet, and very reasonably priced. I am a big fan of the sweet potato fry, and have found the mother ship for mastering them. After lupper (we ate at 4:00), we went to Chelsea market, located in the old Nabisco cookie factory. They have converted it into clothing, home furnishing and food shops, and it was really neat. Reminded me a lot of the Factory in Franklin. To end our evening, we did some window shopping at a strip of designer stores and walked along the High Line, an elevated park spanning almost two miles. It was lightly snowing, and was the perfect way to wrap up a Saturday.
I have always had such good luck in New York, and tomorrow will only prove that it continues. A friend who I met through Best Buddies New York is a concert pianist. When I asked her if she knew of any places I could practice around the city, she made some calls, and referred me to an artist friend of hers. He manages a hotel, and offered the penthouse baby grand piano to me anytime the suite is not being used. And the best part is, it's less than thirty paces from my apartment, at the Roger Smith hotel on 48th and Lexington! I get to use it for the first time tomorrow. So excited about that!
Today I met my friend Rich in Chelsea to eat at this fabulous little place called Westville. Seriously, some of the best food I've had here yet, and very reasonably priced. I am a big fan of the sweet potato fry, and have found the mother ship for mastering them. After lupper (we ate at 4:00), we went to Chelsea market, located in the old Nabisco cookie factory. They have converted it into clothing, home furnishing and food shops, and it was really neat. Reminded me a lot of the Factory in Franklin. To end our evening, we did some window shopping at a strip of designer stores and walked along the High Line, an elevated park spanning almost two miles. It was lightly snowing, and was the perfect way to wrap up a Saturday.
I have always had such good luck in New York, and tomorrow will only prove that it continues. A friend who I met through Best Buddies New York is a concert pianist. When I asked her if she knew of any places I could practice around the city, she made some calls, and referred me to an artist friend of hers. He manages a hotel, and offered the penthouse baby grand piano to me anytime the suite is not being used. And the best part is, it's less than thirty paces from my apartment, at the Roger Smith hotel on 48th and Lexington! I get to use it for the first time tomorrow. So excited about that!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
2011-HERE WE GO!
Words can't describe how much I enjoyed being home for Christmas. It was so good to see everyone both in Georgia and Tennessee, and it was the perfect amount of time. I was originally only supposed to be there for one week, but it turned into almost two. THANK YOU SNOW STORM!
You’ve got to love those restaurants that can’t decide on a theme. I ate at my first Greek Italian restaurant on Christmas Eve in Atlanta. There were paintings of Santorini spanning the entire wall, right next to a replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa which I think was an ashtray. Keep it classy, Atlanta.
I thought it would be really tough to come back, and it was to an extent. Although I was ready to get back into my routine, and also be in single city once again! Work has gotten off to a great start, with some very productive client meetings that will hopefully result in productive relationships. My boss went on one with me today. I love when he does, because he always shows me random New York spots while we're out that I have no clue about. For instance, apparently my office is right next to the Federal Reserve. I thought that was so cool. He is originally from Long Island, but lived in Atlanta for ten years. We always are discussing restaurants and things to do there , as he lived in the Highlands. When I told him I was from Stockbridge, he said "Collective Soul!" Always a good conversation with him!
I found out today that I will be getting a tour of the New York Stock Exchange next Wednesday. I recently met the vice president of sales for NYSE, and he offered so I accepted. Maybe I will even get to ring the bell! In addition to that little activity, I have a play audition next week. The production is called The Meltdown, and it tours five states I believe. I will be reading for "actress # 4".
This Friday I plan to attend a rodeo at Madison Square Garden with a fireman friend of mine. Never in a million years did I think cowboy boots would come in handy in the big apple, but I get to break mine out. Fingers crossed that they will have sweet tea and the announcer will use terms like "ya'll", "fixin" and maybe even throw in a little "this barbque is so good it makes you want to slap your mama". It will be like I never left home.
So there you have it folks! The first two weeks of my New York City 2011 have gotten off to a great start, and will hopefully be an indication of all of the adventure and excitement that is headed my way this year. I remain incredibly aware of the blessing it has been to live here, and maintain my gratitude for the opportunity. It's definitely not a place I plan to settle long term, but will hopefully be a place where I can learn more about myself. I will end with a thought I heard from one of my friends today, that I instantly fell in love with. "Follow your heart with no doubt. If it's right, you'll succeed. If it's wrong, you'll learn. "
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