Not the real estate company....but only the greatest department store in the entire city! If you know me at all, you understand how much I like bargain shopping. It's almost like when a guy (or girl) hunts deer. You spend hours looking for the right ones, and the satisfaction is unmatched when you find exactly what you are looking for after hunting all day. Today, I might as well have killed a fourteen point buck.
I've obviously been doing my fair share of walking since I got here. It reminds me of Europe. And you would THINK that someone would lose weight because of it. Oh no...I have done the opposite, just like in college. When everyone else was gaining the freshman 15, I was losing it. Only here, I can't stop eating all of this wonderful food. While checking out at the grocery today, I realized that I had two boxes of cookies, three boxes of candy, and other random junk food (only because they were on sale-bargain shopping at its best). The person next to me was purchasing nothing but fresh fruits and vegetables. At least I'll be fat and happy.
Walking is an art form here. I would most closely compare it to driving through downtown Atlanta on I-75. If you are passing someone, you go to the left. If you are walking slowly, it it courteous to take the right side of the sidewalk. And then there are weavers, like myself. Thankfully I haven't been flipped off yet, nor had anyone scream expletives at me. It has been raining for days here, and walking with an umbrella is a tedious task. Everyone has one, and they are all big enough to shade at least a small family of four. So what do you do with an umbrella when the sidewalk is packed, and it is pouring down rain, you ask? You hold it up as high over your head as you can, until you pass. It is so awkward when someone is passing you, and you both go up at the same time. I still haven't mastered the etiquette on that one.
Dating in New York is yet another daunting process that is somewhat different than what I am used to, but am picking up on quickly. It is similar to the subway system. Both are fast paced, and you better know where you want to go quickly before you board, otherwise you end up in a place you don't want to be. Some "trains" look and smell more appealing than others. But the greatest similarity is that if you miss one...don't worry! There's another one just around the corner, that is probably better anyway. So my approach has been to just make friends, plain and simple. Drama-free is better for me!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
My day with Tina Fey
Today was my first 30 Rock shoot, and it was an unforgettable experience. I was a patron in a bar/restaurant, along with about 70 other people. I didn't get a speaking part, but then again only two people did (one being Ms. Fey). They did ask me to walk across the room a few times, which was actually a pretty big deal! I also got to stand right next to Tina in the beginning of the scene, and we got to speak in between takes. I was curious to see if she would be as witty in person, and she did not disappoint. It should air either the first or second Thursday in November. I will definitely update when I know.
The job interview this morning went extremely well, and I have a second appointment with them tomorrow. It's a business development position with a company called K Force, and it is a block from Wall Street. I was impressed with the sales manager, hiring manager, and their corporate culture. This may be my meal ticket!
The job interview this morning went extremely well, and I have a second appointment with them tomorrow. It's a business development position with a company called K Force, and it is a block from Wall Street. I was impressed with the sales manager, hiring manager, and their corporate culture. This may be my meal ticket!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Retreat to Long Island
I was privileged to be able to visit the Timothy Hill Children's Ranch this weekend, in Riverhead, New York (Long Island-near East Hampton). Jerry and Fern Hill run this home for boys, and are amazing Christian people. We have several mutual friends, so they invited me to spend the weekend there. They cooked wonderful meals for me, showed me around the ranch, went shopping in their thrift store (which was AWESOME), and just provided some very much needed hospitality and kindness. One of my favorite parts was the view of the Long Island Sound, which is a short drive from their home.
On my way home, I needed to change trains at Ronkonkoma. As I stepped out of my seating area into the aisle on this double decker vessel, I didn't see the step down and fell flat on my face. It was a very hard fall, and this man came running from the front to help me up. My pride was hurt worse than my body, but it still was pretty painful.
After making it to Penn Station, I was walking down the street towards my apartment, and saw about 100 people behind police barricades taking pictures of a car. Since I wasn't part of the pack, and was actually about ten feet from the car and about thirty feet closer than them, I started taking pictures as well. I still have never heard of these people, but apparently it was Kofi Kingston and CM Punk from the WWE Smackdown Tour. CM and I were standing right next to each other, as he was photographing some groupie with his name across her chest.
Last night I went to dinner and a movie with some new friends here. I had the best bar-b-que sandwich and sweet potato fries that I have ever eaten. The company was never better, the movie was entertaining, and it was my first fun girls night out! After church this morning, I went to the Plaza Hotel to get my hair cut by this amazing girl named Leah. She did a fabulous job, and I absolutely loved the atmosphere.
In an attempt to avoid laughing at a comment about a guy in church looking like John Malkovich in Of Mice and Men, I started reading around in Matthew. I found the story of Jesus walking on water in chapter 14, and read it differently than I ever have before. I love it when that happens...when something you could basically recite by memory, takes on a whole new meaning and application because of the situation you are in at the moment. Jesus tells us to trust him, and that he will take care of us. The second we start to fear elements of the world, and think we are self sufficient, is the second when we start to drown. It's not until we trust in his leadership and direction that we are picked back up again. Remembering that during this job search has been a challenge, but I know that he will provide. As he always has...
On my way home, I needed to change trains at Ronkonkoma. As I stepped out of my seating area into the aisle on this double decker vessel, I didn't see the step down and fell flat on my face. It was a very hard fall, and this man came running from the front to help me up. My pride was hurt worse than my body, but it still was pretty painful.
After making it to Penn Station, I was walking down the street towards my apartment, and saw about 100 people behind police barricades taking pictures of a car. Since I wasn't part of the pack, and was actually about ten feet from the car and about thirty feet closer than them, I started taking pictures as well. I still have never heard of these people, but apparently it was Kofi Kingston and CM Punk from the WWE Smackdown Tour. CM and I were standing right next to each other, as he was photographing some groupie with his name across her chest.
Last night I went to dinner and a movie with some new friends here. I had the best bar-b-que sandwich and sweet potato fries that I have ever eaten. The company was never better, the movie was entertaining, and it was my first fun girls night out! After church this morning, I went to the Plaza Hotel to get my hair cut by this amazing girl named Leah. She did a fabulous job, and I absolutely loved the atmosphere.
In an attempt to avoid laughing at a comment about a guy in church looking like John Malkovich in Of Mice and Men, I started reading around in Matthew. I found the story of Jesus walking on water in chapter 14, and read it differently than I ever have before. I love it when that happens...when something you could basically recite by memory, takes on a whole new meaning and application because of the situation you are in at the moment. Jesus tells us to trust him, and that he will take care of us. The second we start to fear elements of the world, and think we are self sufficient, is the second when we start to drown. It's not until we trust in his leadership and direction that we are picked back up again. Remembering that during this job search has been a challenge, but I know that he will provide. As he always has...
Thursday, September 23, 2010
My neighbor, Barak Obama
What a week! I think of things every day that I want to write about, but am having trouble finding the time to do it. Hopefully, I can capture it all in this entry by going day by day.
Last Friday night I had the privilege of attending the private, in-home concert of pianist Elaine Kwon in the upper west side. Elaine will be performing at a benefit for Best Buddies at Carnegie Hall in a few weeks. For those of you who don't know, I was on the board for BB in Nashville, and am now an active participant in the NYC chapter. Needless to say, she was absolutely amazing and I got to meet some wonderful people there.
Saturday was spent cleaning the apartment, preparing for Jennifer's arrival. I also found the time to visit the Guggenheim during the "pay what you can" period which starts at 5:45. Of course, my favorite pieces were those of Van Gogh and Monet. On the way home, I made a stop at Dylan's candy bar, which is three floors of any candy you could ever hope to find. I saw one kid almost pass out with pleasure.
Jennifer and I had a wonderful time together over the weekend. We had great food and did some serious shopping. Sunday was Central Park, brunch at this fabulous Mexican restaurant with friends, Chinatown, and a broadway show! The Chinatown adventure was classic. We got to experience two different methods of purchasing illegal bags. The first started when a woman whispered Prada in my ear. We expressed interest, she phoned someone, who then came and took us across the street to someone else. They instructed us to wait under a red awning, and when the coast was clear, we were led downstairs into a basement filled with knock-offs. The second salesman decided to show us pictures of their product on the street, and retrieved them from goodness knows where once we had selected our choices. I also thought a woman was screaming Armani at me, which actually turned out to be "massages!", which we got for $5 each. Later that evening, we got to see Next to Normal which was an intensely emotional show. I loved every minute of it!
Monday was spent shopping, visiting a rooftop in Times Square (AMAZING!), lunch at the Boathouse in Central Park (EXPENSIVE!), and a Yankees game (THEY WON!). We definitely packed a lot in, but had a blast.
This week has been the General Assembly of the United Nations, which is only a few blocks away from where I live. It has all been a bit chaotic, especially since Barak Obama stayed at the Waldorf Astoria (also just a few blocks away). Bill Clinton was also staying two blocks from here. Streets have been blocked off, police have been everywhere, and all 192 members have definitely spent their free time touring our neighborhood. I ran into the president and prime minister from Rwanda in the customer service line at Best Buy. If I would've known that was going to happen, I would've dressed up a bit more.
Clothing is a huge deal here. I saw a guy recently who was wearing capri pants, and pulling them off better than I ever could. I am aware that I am not the most fashionable person, but have always thought I looked decent. When I walk down the street here, I feel like a train wreck. I found the most amazing store yesterday, which sells designer clothing at discount prices. I spent about two hours just taking it all in, and ending getting a few necessary items. It was magical!
This afternoon I was working out at my gym, doing ab exercises, when Jason Hoppy walked by. For those of you who don't know, he is the new husband of Bethenny Frankel (formerly on real housewives of NY). I LOVE LOVE LOVE Bethenny's Getting Married, so I definitely recognized him. We did abs side by side, and I picked up some good tips!
Last Friday night I had the privilege of attending the private, in-home concert of pianist Elaine Kwon in the upper west side. Elaine will be performing at a benefit for Best Buddies at Carnegie Hall in a few weeks. For those of you who don't know, I was on the board for BB in Nashville, and am now an active participant in the NYC chapter. Needless to say, she was absolutely amazing and I got to meet some wonderful people there.
Saturday was spent cleaning the apartment, preparing for Jennifer's arrival. I also found the time to visit the Guggenheim during the "pay what you can" period which starts at 5:45. Of course, my favorite pieces were those of Van Gogh and Monet. On the way home, I made a stop at Dylan's candy bar, which is three floors of any candy you could ever hope to find. I saw one kid almost pass out with pleasure.
Jennifer and I had a wonderful time together over the weekend. We had great food and did some serious shopping. Sunday was Central Park, brunch at this fabulous Mexican restaurant with friends, Chinatown, and a broadway show! The Chinatown adventure was classic. We got to experience two different methods of purchasing illegal bags. The first started when a woman whispered Prada in my ear. We expressed interest, she phoned someone, who then came and took us across the street to someone else. They instructed us to wait under a red awning, and when the coast was clear, we were led downstairs into a basement filled with knock-offs. The second salesman decided to show us pictures of their product on the street, and retrieved them from goodness knows where once we had selected our choices. I also thought a woman was screaming Armani at me, which actually turned out to be "massages!", which we got for $5 each. Later that evening, we got to see Next to Normal which was an intensely emotional show. I loved every minute of it!
Monday was spent shopping, visiting a rooftop in Times Square (AMAZING!), lunch at the Boathouse in Central Park (EXPENSIVE!), and a Yankees game (THEY WON!). We definitely packed a lot in, but had a blast.
This week has been the General Assembly of the United Nations, which is only a few blocks away from where I live. It has all been a bit chaotic, especially since Barak Obama stayed at the Waldorf Astoria (also just a few blocks away). Bill Clinton was also staying two blocks from here. Streets have been blocked off, police have been everywhere, and all 192 members have definitely spent their free time touring our neighborhood. I ran into the president and prime minister from Rwanda in the customer service line at Best Buy. If I would've known that was going to happen, I would've dressed up a bit more.
Clothing is a huge deal here. I saw a guy recently who was wearing capri pants, and pulling them off better than I ever could. I am aware that I am not the most fashionable person, but have always thought I looked decent. When I walk down the street here, I feel like a train wreck. I found the most amazing store yesterday, which sells designer clothing at discount prices. I spent about two hours just taking it all in, and ending getting a few necessary items. It was magical!
This afternoon I was working out at my gym, doing ab exercises, when Jason Hoppy walked by. For those of you who don't know, he is the new husband of Bethenny Frankel (formerly on real housewives of NY). I LOVE LOVE LOVE Bethenny's Getting Married, so I definitely recognized him. We did abs side by side, and I picked up some good tips!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Rats and Dead Cats
No one told me that they had tornadoes here! Actually, I was taking a nap when the inclement weather was occurring in Brooklyn and Queens. Slept right through it. Best nap of my life.
This morning I had an appointment with another staffing agency. While I was waiting in the lobby for my recruiter to call me back, I eavesdropped on a conversation between another recruiter and his recruit. Actually, they were talking very loudly, so I pretty much just sat there and took it all in. Apparently, this man had broken some dishes and taken some food at a job they had assigned him to, and was being reprimanded for it. I felt really sorry for him, because he seemed so nice. Goodness knows I've done both of those things while catering.
The ensuing topic was cat related. Apparently, this recruiter has a dear friend who had a cat of 25 years that recently passed away. When he went to console her, there he found her dead cat, on a pillow, in the middle of the living room. Now, normally this would be a bit shocking. But I have known some people to host feline funerals in the past, so I was unaffected. The woman next to me, however, thought it was hilarious, because she proceeded to laugh out loud. AWKWARD!
Next, I headed to an audition for a new Denzel Washington movie. I thought I did very well, and apparently so did the agent, because he asked me to send him additional head shots. The only criticism he had was my accent. At his suggestion, I will be signing up for voice and diction lessons.
On my way home, I saw my first rat in the subway. No, make that two rats. They were definitely over a foot long each, and carrying their daily meals away before the next train arrived. I wanted to vomit.
About to head to a private concert on the upper west side, at the home of a reputable pianist. Excited!
This morning I had an appointment with another staffing agency. While I was waiting in the lobby for my recruiter to call me back, I eavesdropped on a conversation between another recruiter and his recruit. Actually, they were talking very loudly, so I pretty much just sat there and took it all in. Apparently, this man had broken some dishes and taken some food at a job they had assigned him to, and was being reprimanded for it. I felt really sorry for him, because he seemed so nice. Goodness knows I've done both of those things while catering.
The ensuing topic was cat related. Apparently, this recruiter has a dear friend who had a cat of 25 years that recently passed away. When he went to console her, there he found her dead cat, on a pillow, in the middle of the living room. Now, normally this would be a bit shocking. But I have known some people to host feline funerals in the past, so I was unaffected. The woman next to me, however, thought it was hilarious, because she proceeded to laugh out loud. AWKWARD!
Next, I headed to an audition for a new Denzel Washington movie. I thought I did very well, and apparently so did the agent, because he asked me to send him additional head shots. The only criticism he had was my accent. At his suggestion, I will be signing up for voice and diction lessons.
On my way home, I saw my first rat in the subway. No, make that two rats. They were definitely over a foot long each, and carrying their daily meals away before the next train arrived. I wanted to vomit.
About to head to a private concert on the upper west side, at the home of a reputable pianist. Excited!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
God Bless America and the Chick-fil-A Cow
Today was a gorgeous day in New York City! The summer to fall transition is becoming apparent, and I needed a coat for the first time tonight. I've been venturing out a lot more this week, and am becoming increasingly comfortable traveling independently. Although, I am excited that Jennifer will be here soon, so I can share some of these moments with a dear friend!
This morning was pretty much my standard routine. The two most exciting parts of my day took place late this afternoon and evening. I was invited to be an audience member of a television show (which I cannot reveal the name of), that had a fabulous host (whom I cannot reveal the name of), and a highly entertaining dialogue (which of course I cannot speak of). But I did get paid to participate, and met some really cool people during the process. One guy was from Atlanta, and went to school in Murfreesboro. Such a small world!
After the taping, I decided I was in desperate need of some down home, finger lickin', heartburn inducin', SOUTHERN fried food. And I had HEARD that there was a Chick-fil-a somewhere on the NYU campus. Since I was not far from that area, I went on my search. Low and behold, they do have a very limited version of one in the food court, and I was so happy that I almost kissed the woman handing me my Polynesian sauce. The best part was that a sandwich, fries and drink only cost me $6.30, which is what it cost in Franklin! Praise the Lord, I have found my official Wednesday night dining selection!
This morning was pretty much my standard routine. The two most exciting parts of my day took place late this afternoon and evening. I was invited to be an audience member of a television show (which I cannot reveal the name of), that had a fabulous host (whom I cannot reveal the name of), and a highly entertaining dialogue (which of course I cannot speak of). But I did get paid to participate, and met some really cool people during the process. One guy was from Atlanta, and went to school in Murfreesboro. Such a small world!
After the taping, I decided I was in desperate need of some down home, finger lickin', heartburn inducin', SOUTHERN fried food. And I had HEARD that there was a Chick-fil-a somewhere on the NYU campus. Since I was not far from that area, I went on my search. Low and behold, they do have a very limited version of one in the food court, and I was so happy that I almost kissed the woman handing me my Polynesian sauce. The best part was that a sandwich, fries and drink only cost me $6.30, which is what it cost in Franklin! Praise the Lord, I have found my official Wednesday night dining selection!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Observations
Although there are over seven million people living in this city, I have actually seen someone twice! He was an elderly man that resembled Bilbo Baggins, and was absolutely precious. He was sitting across from me on the train back from Coney Island, sleeping, and I was able to snap his picture. While walking home from the Shake Shack later that evening, there he was again. Just the sight of him brightened my heart.
People watching could be considered an Olympic sport here. You get it all. And I find that to be one of my favorite parts. No one looks or sounds the same, but I think they all know I'm not from around here. Maybe it's the fact that I actually smile, or make eye contact them when passing on the street. If you live here, what is there to be mad about? While in a board meeting today for a non-profit I was involved in while in Nashville (and am now involved in here), a gentleman commented on how much he liked my accent. I said "thank you", and was thinking "what accent!" Heaven forbid he ever meet someone from Sante Fe, TN.
I felt exhausted for the first time today, just listening to everyone talk. I usually can keep up with anything fast pace, but I do need a break once in a while. From the time I was able to speak, words were flying out of my mouth at the speed of light. And when you have a speech impediment, that isn't pretty. But everything about life here is at mach speed. Whether you are walking down the street, in conversation with someone, or even trying to eat a quick bite, it's GO-GO-GO-GO: STOP: and then repeat. I've had three cups of coffee today: THREE. This city is not going to help my addiction, and I cannot even THINK of detoxing myself ever again.
The subway was another interesting experience today. On my way to meet a friend for coffee, I was sitting across from a young man with Turrets who appeared to be listening to Eminem on his Ipod. I was just waiting for an expletive to fly out of his mouth from any one of the song choices, but alas, he kept them to himself. Then, a young girl decided to position herself right in front of my seat, while grasping the bar above my head. I would have been fine with this, except she must have forgotten to shave for a while, because I'm pretty sure I measured 3 inches of hair dangling above me. Finally, when exiting, or attempting to exit rather, I was fondly reminded of a scene from Crocodile Dundee where Sue finds Mick in the sub station. The same crowd was there today, only no one was yelling out personal information and feelings from one end to the other. However, that is how I have officially decided I would like to be proposed to someday.
People watching could be considered an Olympic sport here. You get it all. And I find that to be one of my favorite parts. No one looks or sounds the same, but I think they all know I'm not from around here. Maybe it's the fact that I actually smile, or make eye contact them when passing on the street. If you live here, what is there to be mad about? While in a board meeting today for a non-profit I was involved in while in Nashville (and am now involved in here), a gentleman commented on how much he liked my accent. I said "thank you", and was thinking "what accent!" Heaven forbid he ever meet someone from Sante Fe, TN.
I felt exhausted for the first time today, just listening to everyone talk. I usually can keep up with anything fast pace, but I do need a break once in a while. From the time I was able to speak, words were flying out of my mouth at the speed of light. And when you have a speech impediment, that isn't pretty. But everything about life here is at mach speed. Whether you are walking down the street, in conversation with someone, or even trying to eat a quick bite, it's GO-GO-GO-GO: STOP: and then repeat. I've had three cups of coffee today: THREE. This city is not going to help my addiction, and I cannot even THINK of detoxing myself ever again.
The subway was another interesting experience today. On my way to meet a friend for coffee, I was sitting across from a young man with Turrets who appeared to be listening to Eminem on his Ipod. I was just waiting for an expletive to fly out of his mouth from any one of the song choices, but alas, he kept them to himself. Then, a young girl decided to position herself right in front of my seat, while grasping the bar above my head. I would have been fine with this, except she must have forgotten to shave for a while, because I'm pretty sure I measured 3 inches of hair dangling above me. Finally, when exiting, or attempting to exit rather, I was fondly reminded of a scene from Crocodile Dundee where Sue finds Mick in the sub station. The same crowd was there today, only no one was yelling out personal information and feelings from one end to the other. However, that is how I have officially decided I would like to be proposed to someday.
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