Today I had two good conversations with two good friends about my future here. As I mentioned, I feel torn about whether or not to stay here or go back to Hilton Head. I know if I were to find employment here I would stay but Lana made a good point today at lunch. She thinks that while I am looking hard for jobs here in the city, I could be looking harder and that part of the reason I am not is to have an excuse to go back to Hilton Head. I have to agree with her but I think it was on a subconscious level. I have never thought, "Maybe I shouldn't get a job so I can go back". She told me about her moving to the city and how she was depressed for three months when she first moved here but she is so grateful that she stuck it out. I think in my situation though, I have to the option to go back before the end of May but I don't have the funds to stay past May if I still don't have a job. After lunch I talked to Jen about it and she had some good points to. Overall, she just wants me to be happy with whatever I choose to do in life, which I have always known. She thinks I want to go back to Hilton Head because my life there is secure but that I want to stay here because it is a challenge. She hit the nail on the head with that one too. She also made a good point that I have been thinking all along, that if I go back to Hilton Head I can always hang out, work, and try again when the economy is better. The city isn't going anywhere and I am still young. I can still try again in the future if need be. Maybe it is just the wrong time for me to be here (AND I DON'T WANT TO HEAR 'I TOLD YOU' SO FROM ANYONE! I'm serious!)
On a far more less than serious note, after getting off the phone with Jen, I made my way over to the Abercrombie and Fitch flagship store on 5th Avenue. I have never really been a huge fan of their store seeing as how their clothing is super over priced and their stores are dark and loud. This store was like all others times a billion. I don't know where to begin, with the real kicker or just the mildly funny things.
First off, the only dressing room to my knowledge (more about this later) is on the bottom floor of this 3 or 4 floor establishment and even then kind of hard to find. You could ask an associate, if you can find one. It is SUPER dark in there, like being in a club with the music pumping. If you find an associate, you basically have to do cartwheels to get their attention even though they are honestly just standing there dancing. Not straightening or folding... but standing there being pretty and dancing. Not with each other, but by themselves. I'M NOT EVEN KIDDING! They dance! No like hardcore pop and lock it style, but like standing-in-a-club-waiting-on-the-line-for-the-bathroom kind of dance. I approached one, who I assumed to be an associate, to point me in the direction of the nearest fitting room and she seriously turned around and started talking to another model/dancer. I could not believe it! I quickly found another one who was more than eager to tell me it was on the bottom floor, not show me the way, or where on the bottom floor, but just that it was there. Horrible customer service! Not only is the store confusing and easy to loose your orientation in, but like I said, it is dark! Under those circumstances, she should have led me there and then given me a discount for risking my life to try on a polo and jeans.
OH! JEANS! I forgot that part! They have a 'denim bar', if you will, where they have all of their styles of jeans in a case and you point to the one you want, tell the denim-tender what size, and they find it and hand it over to you. What if you were self-conscious about your size? You wouldn't want to approach Mr./Ms. Perfect Body behind the 'denim bar' to make the selection for you. Which brings me to another point regarding customer service. You have someone to remove a pair of jeans from the shelf for you but no one to show you the way to the fitting room because everyone else is too busy dancing in place. What the heck is that about?! I ended up just purchasing a polo because the jeans I had 'ordered' from the 'denim-tender' were too big and I was not about to make my way back up the stairs, find the 'denim bar', get a new style/size, trek back through the darkness weaving between the dancing models just to try on another pair of pants. Besides, the shirt alone was $60 which I charged to my credit card and have every intention of returning after my interview on Friday. Also I would have preferred to wear khaki pants rather than denim since it is an interview, but their stupid company apparently doesn't carry khakis in their spring line. If they do I missed it due to the darkness and/or dancing models standing in the way.
OH!!! I forgot ANOTHER part of my experience! They have shirtless male Abercrombie models throughout the store. They don't do ANYTHING, not even dance like the others. They just stand there wearing only blue jeans and flip flops but they have a person with them, like the characters at Disney World. I can understand if Pluto has kids fucking with his tail, the poor Disney intern in that costume has little defense and therefor needs a chaperone, but these are well built, muscular men. I think they could hold their own.
I made my way out the door and set out to enjoy a beautiful, sunny day in Manhattan. Whenever I get discouraged and ready to pack up my shit and leave, going on a walk in a different Manhattan neighborhood always reminds me why I am here. Today I headed down to Washington Square Park situated beside NYU. It was a beautiful park full of life and culture. They even have a dog run! I stood there and watched the dogs play for a few minutes then walked along the main thoroughfare where there were people eating, playing musical instruments, studying, chatting, and just enjoying being outside on such a nice day. I snapped a few pictures of the park's signature arch, highlighted in the movie August Rush, and made my way down towards China Town, passing through the Bowery on the way.
I didn't realize how far of a walk it was and by the time I got there I was about ready to leave, but then I remembered that China Town turns into Little Italy, so I walked around a little bit there and got some strawberry gelato. I was totally lost and the sun was beginning to set so I decided I should make my way back to familiar ground. I walked and walked and have no idea where I was. I did see some interesting buildings and stumbled across another park where this group of guys were playing a game that resembled polo, but on bikes! It was so neat and I am pretty sure I would be really bad at it. I took a video with my camera and will post it soon. Finally I found 2nd Avenue so I kind of got my bearings and walked up to Astor Place, beside the East Village to catch the train up to Lana's apartment for a couple hours of mindless TV and relaxation. Now that it is well after midnight, I will embark on the job hunt that got pushed aside today due to the irresistibly nice weather today.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Trader Joes is Awesome!
And it is kind of close to my house! I went there this evening and bought groceries that are healthier and at a better price than I would have paid at the other grocery stores in the area. I am so glad I know it is there! That is where I will be doing my grocery shopping from now on.
There was one unfortunate difference between their stores in NY and those everywhere else. The wine selection. As I may have mentioned before, it is illegal to sell wine in a grocery store in the state of New York. This meant no Two Buck Chuck. I hear they are pushing to change that law... so there is still hope.
I also did laundry today and applied to a few job postings. Oh yea! I got an interview with Hollister for a Manager in Training position for their flagship store opening in Manhattan. The interview is on Friday and while I dread corporate retail for some reason, it definitely has its perks. One of these perks is that they require you to wear flip flops! Anyone who knows me knows that I wear my Rainbows every single day when it is warm enough out. This made me very happy. Oh yea, they also offer benefits and all that good stuff. While it is not my ideal job, it is a job and with a company that I can move up in. Who knows, we will see what happens on Friday.
I have been having the hardest time getting to sleep lately and it is getting really annoying. There is really nothing to do at 3 am except watch TV and since we don't have cable, or a TV for that matter, I have to watch shows online. Its a pain in the ass.
The perks of moving back South just keep adding up, but the weather is getting gradually nicer here as Spring approaches. I still plan of giving New York a chance because I do like it here and it has a lot to offer. I just wonder if maybe the timing is wrong with not only the job market but where I am in my life. When I was moving up here, the thought of possibly having to move back was depressing and awful. Now I think I would be a little bummed things did not work out, but it would not be all that bad. I would still leave with a feeling of accomplishment even if I do not get a job. I will know that I can do it and that I can always try again when the economy stabilizes. It would be different if I knew I was having to move back to North Carolina, especially Pittsboro. That would be depressing. The key to preventing that problem is to make sure I save enough money for first month's rent and a deposit on an apartment in Hilton Head. Looking at my funds as of right now, I can definitely make it through April and possibly all of May. I need to get back on my budget as I have been spending a little too freely lately and I CANNOT end up back in Pittsboro, broke and without a job.
There was one unfortunate difference between their stores in NY and those everywhere else. The wine selection. As I may have mentioned before, it is illegal to sell wine in a grocery store in the state of New York. This meant no Two Buck Chuck. I hear they are pushing to change that law... so there is still hope.
I also did laundry today and applied to a few job postings. Oh yea! I got an interview with Hollister for a Manager in Training position for their flagship store opening in Manhattan. The interview is on Friday and while I dread corporate retail for some reason, it definitely has its perks. One of these perks is that they require you to wear flip flops! Anyone who knows me knows that I wear my Rainbows every single day when it is warm enough out. This made me very happy. Oh yea, they also offer benefits and all that good stuff. While it is not my ideal job, it is a job and with a company that I can move up in. Who knows, we will see what happens on Friday.
I have been having the hardest time getting to sleep lately and it is getting really annoying. There is really nothing to do at 3 am except watch TV and since we don't have cable, or a TV for that matter, I have to watch shows online. Its a pain in the ass.
The perks of moving back South just keep adding up, but the weather is getting gradually nicer here as Spring approaches. I still plan of giving New York a chance because I do like it here and it has a lot to offer. I just wonder if maybe the timing is wrong with not only the job market but where I am in my life. When I was moving up here, the thought of possibly having to move back was depressing and awful. Now I think I would be a little bummed things did not work out, but it would not be all that bad. I would still leave with a feeling of accomplishment even if I do not get a job. I will know that I can do it and that I can always try again when the economy stabilizes. It would be different if I knew I was having to move back to North Carolina, especially Pittsboro. That would be depressing. The key to preventing that problem is to make sure I save enough money for first month's rent and a deposit on an apartment in Hilton Head. Looking at my funds as of right now, I can definitely make it through April and possibly all of May. I need to get back on my budget as I have been spending a little too freely lately and I CANNOT end up back in Pittsboro, broke and without a job.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
The speed limit in NYC was 8 mph in 1895.
That was the fun fact on my Snapple lid this evening on my grueling commute back to my apartment after a wild night out on the town last night.
I met up with Lana at her apartment and we took a cab over to the Upper West Side which involved going through Central Park! That's another awesome thing about New York, you never know when you're going to wind up somewhere really cool, if only for a minute. We met up with Claire and her friend, Ehryn, at the Amsterdam Ale House for a drink before heading to their other friend, Chuckie's party a few blocks away. We made our way to the party and after a little bit of sober/awkward time passed, drinks were being poured and we met some really cool people. It was by no means a huge party, but a lot of fun! There were two models there that each stood about a foot taller than myself. When you're a girl and you are that tall, I guess modeling or basketball are the only things that make sense.
Around 2:15 am, we decided to leave so Lana could meet up with her friend Nikkah downtown. Claire, Lana, Lana's friend Corinne, and myself piled in a cab and headed to 2 by 4 in the East Village. Claire chose to do the smart thing to do and go on home, while the three of us weren't going to let the fact that it was nearing 3 am slow us down. We met up with Nikkah and found that the bar was dead so we headed to Fish Bar a few blocks down. We were there until almost 5 am. New York really never sleeps. By the time we left, we had definitely had our fill of booze and went to crash at Nikkah's place with it being closest. We arrived at this nice doorman building on the Upper East Side and took the elevator to his 29th floor sweet apartment. It had a huge balcony with an awesome view of the city! There is no telling how much he pays in rent. I am sure it is absurd and worth every penny as you can see...
Around 10 am Lana woke me up from my peaceful drunken slumber and we headed back up to her apartment in Spaha. The walk to the subway was the walk from hell. I guarantee we were both still drunk, reeking of alcohol, and feeling like shit. It was miserable. We finally made it to the subway... finally... and that began phase two of our journey. The rocking motion combined with the clanking noises on the subway are very unpleasant when you are hungover. FINALLY we made it up to 103rd street and I crashed as soon as we went inside and slept for a good 3 or 4 more hours.
Lana, Claire, and myself continued to sit around in the living room being miserable and hungover until around 7:45 when I decided I finally had the strength to go home. I popped in a Hot and Crusty for a ham and cheese quiche because I was absolutely starving after only eating a grilled cheese sandwich all day. Then the headache began. It was horrible, almost to the point of making me nauseous. I also developed a strong craving for bacon and eggs. After I got off the subway I made a b line for the grocery store WHICH WAS CLOSED! AT 9 PM ON A SATURDAY! So no bacon for me. I do not understand how in the city that never sleeps, the fucking grocery store closes at 9. That's earlier than in Pittsboro! It was so sad. Instead I made hard boiled eggs and smashed them down with a Kiwi Strawberry Snapple. After my shower preceded by two Advil, my headache was gone! It was magical.
On another happy note, I discovered that there is a Bojangles in Brooklyn! I immediately checked out directions which pointed out that it would take over an hour to get to via subway and/or bus but only 15 minutes or so via car. I am not above taking a cab to Brooklyn for Bojangles. It may have to happen. I miss Bojangles so much.
I met up with Lana at her apartment and we took a cab over to the Upper West Side which involved going through Central Park! That's another awesome thing about New York, you never know when you're going to wind up somewhere really cool, if only for a minute. We met up with Claire and her friend, Ehryn, at the Amsterdam Ale House for a drink before heading to their other friend, Chuckie's party a few blocks away. We made our way to the party and after a little bit of sober/awkward time passed, drinks were being poured and we met some really cool people. It was by no means a huge party, but a lot of fun! There were two models there that each stood about a foot taller than myself. When you're a girl and you are that tall, I guess modeling or basketball are the only things that make sense.
Around 2:15 am, we decided to leave so Lana could meet up with her friend Nikkah downtown. Claire, Lana, Lana's friend Corinne, and myself piled in a cab and headed to 2 by 4 in the East Village. Claire chose to do the smart thing to do and go on home, while the three of us weren't going to let the fact that it was nearing 3 am slow us down. We met up with Nikkah and found that the bar was dead so we headed to Fish Bar a few blocks down. We were there until almost 5 am. New York really never sleeps. By the time we left, we had definitely had our fill of booze and went to crash at Nikkah's place with it being closest. We arrived at this nice doorman building on the Upper East Side and took the elevator to his 29th floor sweet apartment. It had a huge balcony with an awesome view of the city! There is no telling how much he pays in rent. I am sure it is absurd and worth every penny as you can see...
Around 10 am Lana woke me up from my peaceful drunken slumber and we headed back up to her apartment in Spaha. The walk to the subway was the walk from hell. I guarantee we were both still drunk, reeking of alcohol, and feeling like shit. It was miserable. We finally made it to the subway... finally... and that began phase two of our journey. The rocking motion combined with the clanking noises on the subway are very unpleasant when you are hungover. FINALLY we made it up to 103rd street and I crashed as soon as we went inside and slept for a good 3 or 4 more hours.
Lana, Claire, and myself continued to sit around in the living room being miserable and hungover until around 7:45 when I decided I finally had the strength to go home. I popped in a Hot and Crusty for a ham and cheese quiche because I was absolutely starving after only eating a grilled cheese sandwich all day. Then the headache began. It was horrible, almost to the point of making me nauseous. I also developed a strong craving for bacon and eggs. After I got off the subway I made a b line for the grocery store WHICH WAS CLOSED! AT 9 PM ON A SATURDAY! So no bacon for me. I do not understand how in the city that never sleeps, the fucking grocery store closes at 9. That's earlier than in Pittsboro! It was so sad. Instead I made hard boiled eggs and smashed them down with a Kiwi Strawberry Snapple. After my shower preceded by two Advil, my headache was gone! It was magical.
On another happy note, I discovered that there is a Bojangles in Brooklyn! I immediately checked out directions which pointed out that it would take over an hour to get to via subway and/or bus but only 15 minutes or so via car. I am not above taking a cab to Brooklyn for Bojangles. It may have to happen. I miss Bojangles so much.
Friday, March 27, 2009
UCLA
I just found out that Chatham County, where I am from, apparantly has area names like NYC. SoHo, NoHo, TriBeCa, and other areas describe a neighborhood by the location. There is now an area, in the middle of nowhere NC known by locals as UCLA which stands for Upper Chatham Lower Alamance. I think that is hilarious. I also think its strange that I learned this fact at 7:30 am on a Friday morning.
It's A Small World Afterall...
Clearly the lyricist of that song must have lived in New York. Last night I ran into a good friend of mine's ex-boyfriend at a bar in Greenwich Village. We struck up conversation somehow and he said he was from Richmond but lived in Philadelphia now. After he said his name, I texted my friend and sure enough, it was exactly who I thought it was. Unfortunately, I couldn't find him again to inform him of that random connection.
I checked out a few other bars yesterday evening as well that friends had told me about lately. The magical thing about Happy Hour is that you can preview the bars you may want to go to at night without trekking all over town in a drunken stupor AND you can pretend you're able to afford going out drinking in Manhattan when you're unemployed. Its a beautiful thing.
As far as the job hunt goes, yesterday brought about a tiny glimpse of hope! I heard back from two places! One job was an administrative assistant position that pays really well and is only Monday - Thursday! The other is a manager in training position through Hollister (if anyone has any connections with them, put in a good word!). For the Admin. Asst. job they want me to take some kind of assessment test so I submitted a request to take it and they are to respond with the details. Keep your fingers crossed!
For some reason I am awake. I don't know why. I was asleep in bed by 1 am, which is kind of early, but at 6:15 I woke up and was wide awake. Lately I have been sleeping until 12 or 1 in the afternoon so I do not know what all of this early morning business is about. I can't figure out if I am supposed to stay awake or try to go back to sleep. Now that I have been awake for over an hour I feel that maybe I should just stay awake and maybe take an afternoon nap or something later. My sleep schedule is all messed up. Actually, my schedule for everything is all messed up. Just another reason I am going to go crazy without a job. I like to have some stability in my life as far as knowing that I need to be somewhere on a semi-regular basis during a certain time frame. This sounds strange, but you go a month without a job and tell me you can't relate. It is weird!
I checked out a few other bars yesterday evening as well that friends had told me about lately. The magical thing about Happy Hour is that you can preview the bars you may want to go to at night without trekking all over town in a drunken stupor AND you can pretend you're able to afford going out drinking in Manhattan when you're unemployed. Its a beautiful thing.
As far as the job hunt goes, yesterday brought about a tiny glimpse of hope! I heard back from two places! One job was an administrative assistant position that pays really well and is only Monday - Thursday! The other is a manager in training position through Hollister (if anyone has any connections with them, put in a good word!). For the Admin. Asst. job they want me to take some kind of assessment test so I submitted a request to take it and they are to respond with the details. Keep your fingers crossed!
For some reason I am awake. I don't know why. I was asleep in bed by 1 am, which is kind of early, but at 6:15 I woke up and was wide awake. Lately I have been sleeping until 12 or 1 in the afternoon so I do not know what all of this early morning business is about. I can't figure out if I am supposed to stay awake or try to go back to sleep. Now that I have been awake for over an hour I feel that maybe I should just stay awake and maybe take an afternoon nap or something later. My sleep schedule is all messed up. Actually, my schedule for everything is all messed up. Just another reason I am going to go crazy without a job. I like to have some stability in my life as far as knowing that I need to be somewhere on a semi-regular basis during a certain time frame. This sounds strange, but you go a month without a job and tell me you can't relate. It is weird!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Bottom of the Barrel
I hit an all time low going to the Queens Center Mall and went in several different retail stores looking for a job. Out of the five or so stores I felt I could work in and MAYBE enjoy, only one actually took my application and even they said they were just accepting applications. Gap said they would be hiring in April and to fill out an application online. I really do not want to get into corporate retail, or retail at all for that matter but that is where my experience lies. Unfortunately, if I were to get an offer from a retailer, it would most likely be as a sales associate and I am better than that. I can do better and I've worked to hard in the past to just be a sales associate.
After wasting hours of my life at the mall, I headed down the street to Target: Home of the shopping cart escalator I have raved so much about. Once I got there I completely blanked on what it was I needed to buy. I got a text from Lana saying to come hang out and it wasn't until I was in line at Starbucks ordering my White Chocolate Mocha that I remembered it was envelopes and super glue I needed to buy. Oh well, I will save it for tomorrow.
I hung out with Lana and Otis at her apartment in SpaHa and watched Milk, since she had never seen it. She really, really liked it too. See, it is not just me!
Tomorrow will be a better day, a hopeful day.
After wasting hours of my life at the mall, I headed down the street to Target: Home of the shopping cart escalator I have raved so much about. Once I got there I completely blanked on what it was I needed to buy. I got a text from Lana saying to come hang out and it wasn't until I was in line at Starbucks ordering my White Chocolate Mocha that I remembered it was envelopes and super glue I needed to buy. Oh well, I will save it for tomorrow.
I hung out with Lana and Otis at her apartment in SpaHa and watched Milk, since she had never seen it. She really, really liked it too. See, it is not just me!
Tomorrow will be a better day, a hopeful day.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Getting Over It
I miss Hilton Head and my friends there a lot! I miss my friends in NC a lot too but I am used to being away from them. I think getting over a place you love and friends you love is a lot like getting over someone after a relationship. While I am in NYC and I have a lot to distract me, there are still a lot of things that make me miss what I had. Just like a relationship. I have always heard that the city can be a very lonely place and it is. Even though I live with a friend and have friends in the city, I do not have the bond I had with the people in Hilton Head. I shared a similar bond with my NC friends in different parts of my life, but like I said, HHI is what I am used to and this is a huge change.
Sean and I went on an exploration of Queens today. We went to Astoria, Little Egypt, and Sunnyside. The platform for the 7 train in Sunnyside had a magnificent view of Manhattan. I can't wait to have the funds to move there. That is where the action is and it is convenient to everything NYC has to offer. I have applied to countless jobs and have posted my resume to many staffing agencies, it is discouraging to not have any solid leads yet.
I am still optimistic that I will find something. I guess you could say I am a victim of the times given the current economic state of our country. I am impatient and tired of waiting. Hopefully things will take a turn for the better soon.
Sean and I went on an exploration of Queens today. We went to Astoria, Little Egypt, and Sunnyside. The platform for the 7 train in Sunnyside had a magnificent view of Manhattan. I can't wait to have the funds to move there. That is where the action is and it is convenient to everything NYC has to offer. I have applied to countless jobs and have posted my resume to many staffing agencies, it is discouraging to not have any solid leads yet.
I am still optimistic that I will find something. I guess you could say I am a victim of the times given the current economic state of our country. I am impatient and tired of waiting. Hopefully things will take a turn for the better soon.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Tennis: Getting Back in the Game
After a day of searching for jobs, once again. I finally decided to take on another task, that of finding a tennis league to join. With a Google search, a few clicks of the mouse, and a $25 fee I was registered to my new found tennis group. I decided to join a local one and not USTA since I still hold a grudge against them from my experience in Hilton Head at Chaplin Park. This will give me the opportunity to get outside, back into the sport, and get some exercise. It will also give me a chance to meet people with a common interest and maybe do a little networking. It is kind of awkward because you arrange to hit with people via online message boards or you can email people of your skill level in your area. I don't know how often members who already have partners and friends check the message boards though. They also arrange events and tournaments in New York City which may be how I have to go about seeking people to play with. Hopefully something will come of it.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Thank You, Government!
Today, I took off into the city to buy some new threads. I went to H&M aiming specifically for some more pants to increase the time between trips to the laundry mat. I walked out with a pair of jeans and a shirt.
I saw these unique kicks and thought to myself, "These are the brightest, most shiny shoes I have ever seen. Who would buy these?!" Less than five minutes later I walked past a gentleman waiting in line to make a purchase with these shoes in hand. I knew then and there I had to go back and take a picture. I cant help but ask myself how I made it through the majority of my life without owning/taking full advantage of a camera phone?!
It was such a nice day in New York! The sky was blue and it was a little warmer than it has been lately. I thought about taking a stroll through Battery Park or maybe Washington Square Park, but since I didn't have my camera I decided to head back to Queens to check out Target and the mall. Thanks to a tip from Aaron, I discovered Milk was out on DVD and they had it at Target to I graciously purchased a copy.
The Target in Queens is in an indoor shopping center and is multi-level with access to higher levels via escalator. You may be asking yourself, "How would I ever get a shopping cart up the escalator?"
Target has your answer! They have an escalator for shopping carts! Never before have I been so amazed! You push the shopping card through a gate, little teeth catch the wheels and it climbs to the second floor right beside you! It was kind of hard to capture this amazing technological breakthrough discreetly without looking like a tourist but as you can see, the people to the right are going down the escalator as the shopping cart to the left has been through the gate and has begun its descent. I will try to get a better shot next time. I was amazed and will continue to be amazed for quite some time. (I.E.- If you come to NYC to visit, we WILL be going to Target so I can show you this amazing feat of technology!)
On my way back to the subway, I came upon a White Castle! I had never been to one and it was dinner time so of course I stopped in to see what all of the fuss is about. It was outstanding! The french fries leave much to be desired but the little cheeseburgers were delicious! You can purchase 20 little burgers and 4 orders of fries for $20! Where was this when I was at ASU? Now I know how Herald and Kumar got into their predicament.
I know I've gone a little overboard with my spending this weekend but at least it is tax refund money and I have every intention of going back to my budget starting tomorrow.
Adrienne said last night she may be able to get me a job with her company working security at events at a center in Midtown. The pay is decent but I would have to get a black suit and they take out like $200 or something from your first check for your security licensing, even though they apparently give you very, very little training. It is a job and it would only be until I found a job geared more towards what I want to do... but I don't know.
OH! OUR TOILET IS FIXED! Woohoo!
I saw these unique kicks and thought to myself, "These are the brightest, most shiny shoes I have ever seen. Who would buy these?!" Less than five minutes later I walked past a gentleman waiting in line to make a purchase with these shoes in hand. I knew then and there I had to go back and take a picture. I cant help but ask myself how I made it through the majority of my life without owning/taking full advantage of a camera phone?!
It was such a nice day in New York! The sky was blue and it was a little warmer than it has been lately. I thought about taking a stroll through Battery Park or maybe Washington Square Park, but since I didn't have my camera I decided to head back to Queens to check out Target and the mall. Thanks to a tip from Aaron, I discovered Milk was out on DVD and they had it at Target to I graciously purchased a copy.
The Target in Queens is in an indoor shopping center and is multi-level with access to higher levels via escalator. You may be asking yourself, "How would I ever get a shopping cart up the escalator?"
Target has your answer! They have an escalator for shopping carts! Never before have I been so amazed! You push the shopping card through a gate, little teeth catch the wheels and it climbs to the second floor right beside you! It was kind of hard to capture this amazing technological breakthrough discreetly without looking like a tourist but as you can see, the people to the right are going down the escalator as the shopping cart to the left has been through the gate and has begun its descent. I will try to get a better shot next time. I was amazed and will continue to be amazed for quite some time. (I.E.- If you come to NYC to visit, we WILL be going to Target so I can show you this amazing feat of technology!)
On my way back to the subway, I came upon a White Castle! I had never been to one and it was dinner time so of course I stopped in to see what all of the fuss is about. It was outstanding! The french fries leave much to be desired but the little cheeseburgers were delicious! You can purchase 20 little burgers and 4 orders of fries for $20! Where was this when I was at ASU? Now I know how Herald and Kumar got into their predicament.
I know I've gone a little overboard with my spending this weekend but at least it is tax refund money and I have every intention of going back to my budget starting tomorrow.
Adrienne said last night she may be able to get me a job with her company working security at events at a center in Midtown. The pay is decent but I would have to get a black suit and they take out like $200 or something from your first check for your security licensing, even though they apparently give you very, very little training. It is a job and it would only be until I found a job geared more towards what I want to do... but I don't know.
OH! OUR TOILET IS FIXED! Woohoo!
Boonies Reunited!
Yesterday I went on a shopping trip so I could finally make some real food! I made chicken burritos and they turned out pretty good. They would have been a lot better if I had the seasoning to make magic burritos that I unfortunately left at my parent's house. I also made guacamole from scratch for the first time and it turned out pretty darn good. On my trip to the grocery store I came upon this...
It is hard to see because I was trying to be sealthy with my camera phone, but the stick on letters on the bumper say Dog Training. I feel pretty confident that he has no formal education in the field. Perhaps he should step up his marketing a little.
I also saw an unattended brush fire in someones front yard. It was raised and I had to move over on the sidewalk to keep from catching on fire myself.
Last night I met up with a couple old friends from Boone, Adrienne and Trevor. They moved up here a couple of years ago and to be honest, we haven't really talked since. They're super nice and fun people. Lana and John were also there, as well as one of Adrienne's friends whose name escapes me. It was crazy that all of us, except Adrienne's friend, had lived in Boone at the same time and used to hang out. We started at Crime Scene Bar, which was way expensive and we had to be on this make believe list to get in. We said we were there for the birthday party, flashed our ID's, and we were in. I think this "list" was bull shit. Luckily, everyone else hated it to so we left and went down to this place called The Pinch down towards Greenwich Village. We had a couple beers but Adrienne was tired and not really wanting to really throw down. I was relieved because a) I didn't want to spend too much money and b) I was tired. It turns out Adrienne and Trevor live one block from the Steinway Station which is on my line! We were able to catch a train together towards our respective destinations and parted ways at their stop. The mile walk home from the subway is definitely beginning to suck... really, really bad. Just when you are relieved to be home and step off the train, you remember you still have about 15 minutes to go.
It is hard to see because I was trying to be sealthy with my camera phone, but the stick on letters on the bumper say Dog Training. I feel pretty confident that he has no formal education in the field. Perhaps he should step up his marketing a little.
I also saw an unattended brush fire in someones front yard. It was raised and I had to move over on the sidewalk to keep from catching on fire myself.
Last night I met up with a couple old friends from Boone, Adrienne and Trevor. They moved up here a couple of years ago and to be honest, we haven't really talked since. They're super nice and fun people. Lana and John were also there, as well as one of Adrienne's friends whose name escapes me. It was crazy that all of us, except Adrienne's friend, had lived in Boone at the same time and used to hang out. We started at Crime Scene Bar, which was way expensive and we had to be on this make believe list to get in. We said we were there for the birthday party, flashed our ID's, and we were in. I think this "list" was bull shit. Luckily, everyone else hated it to so we left and went down to this place called The Pinch down towards Greenwich Village. We had a couple beers but Adrienne was tired and not really wanting to really throw down. I was relieved because a) I didn't want to spend too much money and b) I was tired. It turns out Adrienne and Trevor live one block from the Steinway Station which is on my line! We were able to catch a train together towards our respective destinations and parted ways at their stop. The mile walk home from the subway is definitely beginning to suck... really, really bad. Just when you are relieved to be home and step off the train, you remember you still have about 15 minutes to go.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Fun.. in Queens? YES!
Since the bars in New York are open until 4 am, it is hard to pry yourself away when you are having a good time and meeting new people. I met up with Claire and John and some of their friends for pool in Queens, not too far from my apartment. Some of Claire's friends were there and they were all really cool. After a while some of the group decided to go to the club next door and some decided to go home, since we werent looking to do either, we headed to this Irish Pub right beside my subway stop. It was practically empty, quiet, and had a jukebox. We were set. After a little while, I realized it was after 3 am so I decided to make my way home. I grabbed a chicken shiskabob from a street vendor ($5 for two DELICIOUS kabobs and two pieces of bread) and caught the E train home.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Yo Maggie
I went running today! Just over a mile... but the first time since Christmas Eve. I just remembered I forgot to mention that earlier and I know Maggie likes to stalk me via blog. I am going to start running again I think. It felt good and was a good way to explore the neighborhood a little more. I found out there is a Rite Aide, Papa Johns, a veterinarians office, and a huge cemetery right down the street. Keep a look out for me on Nike+... I meant to send in my results to add to my track record but I just totally deleted everything on my Nano including today's distance and time.
Sesame Chicken and Data Entry
I got a call from Mom today saying my SC Tax Refund came in the mail. Hell yea! To celebrate I went down to Queens Blvd and had some delicious, cheap sesame chicken. It was probably the best sesame chicken I have ever consumed in one of the dirtiest eating establishments I have ever stepped foot in. There were napkins and paper plates all over the floor and the tables and chairs were in a state of complete disarray. So worth the sketchiness! It didnt make me feel sick *knock on wood* and the portion size was huge! The price and quality blows Yummy House in HHI out of the water!
Afterwards I went and bought eggs so I can boil them or make egg salad and I bought Shout, laundry detergent, and Febreeze for my upcoming exciting trip to the laundry mat tomorrow.
I returned home to a reply from a temporary position I applied to yesterday doing data entry in the financial district. It is only a two week position and the pay is only $8/hr but they allow a flexible schedule allowing me to take time to interview for full time positions as well. This will give me a little more experience in the office setting and potentially open up the possibility of a full time position with their company even. If nothing else, at least I will make some money for a couple of weeks.
Afterwards I went and bought eggs so I can boil them or make egg salad and I bought Shout, laundry detergent, and Febreeze for my upcoming exciting trip to the laundry mat tomorrow.
I returned home to a reply from a temporary position I applied to yesterday doing data entry in the financial district. It is only a two week position and the pay is only $8/hr but they allow a flexible schedule allowing me to take time to interview for full time positions as well. This will give me a little more experience in the office setting and potentially open up the possibility of a full time position with their company even. If nothing else, at least I will make some money for a couple of weeks.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Sweet Tea
The most productive thing I have did today was making sweet tea. It isnt the same color it normally is, but it is good and reminds me of the South.
Interview #1 & St Pattys
First Interview.
Macys.
Awful.
Long story short... waited in this room with about 10 other applicants, interviewed in another room with five or so desks where others were conducting interviews, $8/hr with full time hours not guaranteed, invited for second interview but fled the scene.
It was so weird sitting in the waiting room with others, who like myself, must be on the verge of being desperate for a job. You would not believe how many people didn't even bring a resume with them. In that respect, I feel I am ahead in the job hunt. What was really awkward was going back to the waiting room after my first interview and having only two other people in there. I knew I did not want the job but I was going back and forth as to whether or not I should take it until something better came along or to reject it and hope for something else soon. When I compared my pay at Salty Dog to the pay Macys was offering, I quickly made up my mind. Not wanting to be rude, I sat there for a while waiting for my name to be called for a second interview, where I would politely thank them for their time and be on my way. After a while I decided just to get up and make a run for it. I will probably never get a job with Macys in the future and I am fine with that.
Sean and I made our way into the city to drink a couple beers in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. The plan was to meet up with John at Banshee Pub on the Upper East Side. We got there, hung out for a while, no John so we left ($7 for a bud light-- yes.. it is Manhattan, but really.. on St. Patrick's Day?!). We made our way down to the East Village to this bar, Grassroots, that Maggie's friend, Kat, told me about. It was a dive, but they had really cheap beer, SC prices! Sean met some guys who were heading to Ace Bar in Alphabet City to throw darts and we decided we would meet up with them in a little bit. We left Grassroots in search of Ace Bar when we stumbled upon a group of friendly Brits hanging out outside this bar, Sidewalk. We asked for directions and while they didn't have a clue where we were trying to get to, they did invite us in for a green beer.
And then it began. They were a group of childhood friends on vacation and living it up in NYC. Nicest people in the world. They didn't realize North and South Carolina were two different states. After way too many green beers, we headed down the street to The Library where their other friends had ventured off to. You guessed it... more beer. It was kind of a dive, but a lot of fun. I found that the key to drinking in NYC is to stay in the East Village. Cheap brews, good people, and great fun. Finally, a little after 4 am, the bar closed and we decided to call it a night while our new friends were out to find a 24 hour bar. It was a great St. Patty's Day in NYC.. that is for sure.
Macys.
Awful.
Long story short... waited in this room with about 10 other applicants, interviewed in another room with five or so desks where others were conducting interviews, $8/hr with full time hours not guaranteed, invited for second interview but fled the scene.
It was so weird sitting in the waiting room with others, who like myself, must be on the verge of being desperate for a job. You would not believe how many people didn't even bring a resume with them. In that respect, I feel I am ahead in the job hunt. What was really awkward was going back to the waiting room after my first interview and having only two other people in there. I knew I did not want the job but I was going back and forth as to whether or not I should take it until something better came along or to reject it and hope for something else soon. When I compared my pay at Salty Dog to the pay Macys was offering, I quickly made up my mind. Not wanting to be rude, I sat there for a while waiting for my name to be called for a second interview, where I would politely thank them for their time and be on my way. After a while I decided just to get up and make a run for it. I will probably never get a job with Macys in the future and I am fine with that.
Sean and I made our way into the city to drink a couple beers in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. The plan was to meet up with John at Banshee Pub on the Upper East Side. We got there, hung out for a while, no John so we left ($7 for a bud light-- yes.. it is Manhattan, but really.. on St. Patrick's Day?!). We made our way down to the East Village to this bar, Grassroots, that Maggie's friend, Kat, told me about. It was a dive, but they had really cheap beer, SC prices! Sean met some guys who were heading to Ace Bar in Alphabet City to throw darts and we decided we would meet up with them in a little bit. We left Grassroots in search of Ace Bar when we stumbled upon a group of friendly Brits hanging out outside this bar, Sidewalk. We asked for directions and while they didn't have a clue where we were trying to get to, they did invite us in for a green beer.
And then it began. They were a group of childhood friends on vacation and living it up in NYC. Nicest people in the world. They didn't realize North and South Carolina were two different states. After way too many green beers, we headed down the street to The Library where their other friends had ventured off to. You guessed it... more beer. It was kind of a dive, but a lot of fun. I found that the key to drinking in NYC is to stay in the East Village. Cheap brews, good people, and great fun. Finally, a little after 4 am, the bar closed and we decided to call it a night while our new friends were out to find a 24 hour bar. It was a great St. Patty's Day in NYC.. that is for sure.
Monday, March 16, 2009
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Photos: Random
I am intrigued... anyone know anything about this?
I thought I left the Hawaiian shirt wearing tourist behind in HHI?!I GOT AN INTERVIEW!
Ok, don't get too excited... it is just for a Sales Associate position at Macy's in Herald Square. Shitty job and it is far from my apartment... but at least it is with a company that will allow me to grow from within. The problem is I am well over qualified for it and there is another position available that would better suit my experience. I don't know if it is a big interview fauxpaux to ask about another position during the interview, but I am going to anyway. Hell, they know from my 200+ question survey that I am looking for advancement within the company if hired. If not, I may have to sell prints in Battery Park which is sounding better and better... I could set my own hours and make cash. The only problem is I don't know how to get them printed and matted efficiently... or the legality of selling shit on the street. I think tourist would like my stuff though. I will post them as soon as I can figure out how to put a watermark on them... there are too many people who will steal pictures and make profit on them.
Here is an update on the past few days:
Sunday, March 15, 2009
No snow! Woohoo! Earlier in the week they had been reporting a chance of snow today, but luckily, that didn’t happen. It was actually not too bad out. I went grocery shopping and purchased another load of bread, top ramen (with an exciting new flavor, Roasted Chicken), tea bags and sugar (I miss sweet tea), and to spice things up, spaghetti noodles and sauce!
After shopping I headed into the city to hang out at Lana, Claire, and John’s apartment. We watched Rock of Love Bus and I really think Lana should be cast on the next season. Her love for rocker guys, especially Brett Michaels, in unmatched by many. However, if it was Axl’s love at stake, none of those other girls would stand a chance, Lana would make sure of it. Haha. I finished my questionnaire to be a sales associate at Macy’s (shoot me) and then we took Otis for a walk around Central Park. I can’t wait to see Central Park in the Spring, especially the conservatory on the North end of the park.
Kat, a friend of Sean’s (daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Yen), was in town for the night en route to Atlantic City for Spring Break with her friend John. We hung out in our un-heated “living room”/storage room and shot the shit over a couple beers. We caught up and reminisced over good times in Hilton Head last summer.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Always looking to see something new, I headed down to South Seaport this afternoon in downtown Manhattan. As I emerged from the underground, I realized I was right in front of the pedestrian walkway across the Brooklyn Bridge. I decided to seize the opportunity and take a walk across, well, halfway across anyway. It was really cold and windy, but the views of Brooklyn, downtown Manhattan, the East River, Midtown, and even the Statue of Liberty were great! Somehow I had not really thought about seeing the Statue of Liberty even though it is one of the most well known landmarks in the city! Weird. Off in the New York harbor, there she stood, welcoming ships into the city. The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States and another famous New York City landmark. The bridge was a primary route of evacuation for thousands and thousands of New Yorkers on September 11th due to its close proximity to the Financial District. In fact, a tourist couple stopped me, asking for directions to Ground Zero. I pointed West and told them, “Over there somewhere”. My directions suck.
I headed back off the bridge and down to South Seaport. I have always heard of this area, but had never visited. It was really cool! There were lots and lots of people celebrating St. Patty’s Day by wearing green, sporting shamrock paraphernalia, and drinking beer. Cheap beer! $3/draft! SC prices! It looked like a lot of fun! There was also an outdoor ice skating rink! Lots of shops and restaurants, and a good view of the Brooklyn Bridge. There were even some unique ships docked that looked like pirate ships and looked really out of place with skyscrapers in the background. After a while, I started getting hungry and the food was smelling better and better so I headed back to the subway and made my way home for yet another peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a couple leftover raviolis, and some chips in my freezing cold apartment. Blah.
I had planned to meet up with Kat, one of Maggie’s good friends that lives in Brooklyn, but she and her roommate apparently got trashed last night and were taking it easy tonight. I can’t wait to get a job and eat real food again. I’ve gone through an entire loaf of bread’s worth of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Anne gave me a gift card for Papa John’s before I left and there is apparently one near me, but I am saving that until I REALLY can’t eat another sandwich… in the not so distant future.
Friday Night Flying Solo
I decided to go check out this bar in Greenwich Village that I visited when I was in NYC in 2007 (infamous night of the $200+ bar tab). I was super nervous about finding my way there, which turned into me walking in circles forever before FINALLY someone pointed me in the right direction, but I did see the Empire State Building from Manhattan for the first time since moving here (I had only seen it from the train on my way into the city and from Brooklyn the other night). It was Friday night and this place was hoppin’! The entertainment was hilarious and kind of creepy but the people and the bartenders were nice. After staying for three Coronas (@ $6 a pop I exceeded my budget by $7 after tip) I decided to begin my journey home. I called Liz in NC and got her to Hopstop directions home. The directions the website provided said take the F train (which I couldn’t find to save my life, but finally asked for directions). I found it and hopped on. After examining the map on the car, I realized the F doesn’t run to Rego Park but that the R did and that I could catch that on 57th and Lex. I got off at 63rd and Lex and walked the few blocks down. I got to the station and the sign said late night, take the E. By this point I was tired, confused, and kind of scared, so I made my way back up to street level and hopped in a cab to play it safe, thus increasing my credit card balance.
Here is an update on the past few days:
Sunday, March 15, 2009
No snow! Woohoo! Earlier in the week they had been reporting a chance of snow today, but luckily, that didn’t happen. It was actually not too bad out. I went grocery shopping and purchased another load of bread, top ramen (with an exciting new flavor, Roasted Chicken), tea bags and sugar (I miss sweet tea), and to spice things up, spaghetti noodles and sauce!
After shopping I headed into the city to hang out at Lana, Claire, and John’s apartment. We watched Rock of Love Bus and I really think Lana should be cast on the next season. Her love for rocker guys, especially Brett Michaels, in unmatched by many. However, if it was Axl’s love at stake, none of those other girls would stand a chance, Lana would make sure of it. Haha. I finished my questionnaire to be a sales associate at Macy’s (shoot me) and then we took Otis for a walk around Central Park. I can’t wait to see Central Park in the Spring, especially the conservatory on the North end of the park.
Kat, a friend of Sean’s (daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Yen), was in town for the night en route to Atlantic City for Spring Break with her friend John. We hung out in our un-heated “living room”/storage room and shot the shit over a couple beers. We caught up and reminisced over good times in Hilton Head last summer.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Always looking to see something new, I headed down to South Seaport this afternoon in downtown Manhattan. As I emerged from the underground, I realized I was right in front of the pedestrian walkway across the Brooklyn Bridge. I decided to seize the opportunity and take a walk across, well, halfway across anyway. It was really cold and windy, but the views of Brooklyn, downtown Manhattan, the East River, Midtown, and even the Statue of Liberty were great! Somehow I had not really thought about seeing the Statue of Liberty even though it is one of the most well known landmarks in the city! Weird. Off in the New York harbor, there she stood, welcoming ships into the city. The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States and another famous New York City landmark. The bridge was a primary route of evacuation for thousands and thousands of New Yorkers on September 11th due to its close proximity to the Financial District. In fact, a tourist couple stopped me, asking for directions to Ground Zero. I pointed West and told them, “Over there somewhere”. My directions suck.
I headed back off the bridge and down to South Seaport. I have always heard of this area, but had never visited. It was really cool! There were lots and lots of people celebrating St. Patty’s Day by wearing green, sporting shamrock paraphernalia, and drinking beer. Cheap beer! $3/draft! SC prices! It looked like a lot of fun! There was also an outdoor ice skating rink! Lots of shops and restaurants, and a good view of the Brooklyn Bridge. There were even some unique ships docked that looked like pirate ships and looked really out of place with skyscrapers in the background. After a while, I started getting hungry and the food was smelling better and better so I headed back to the subway and made my way home for yet another peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a couple leftover raviolis, and some chips in my freezing cold apartment. Blah.
I had planned to meet up with Kat, one of Maggie’s good friends that lives in Brooklyn, but she and her roommate apparently got trashed last night and were taking it easy tonight. I can’t wait to get a job and eat real food again. I’ve gone through an entire loaf of bread’s worth of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Anne gave me a gift card for Papa John’s before I left and there is apparently one near me, but I am saving that until I REALLY can’t eat another sandwich… in the not so distant future.
Friday Night Flying Solo
I decided to go check out this bar in Greenwich Village that I visited when I was in NYC in 2007 (infamous night of the $200+ bar tab). I was super nervous about finding my way there, which turned into me walking in circles forever before FINALLY someone pointed me in the right direction, but I did see the Empire State Building from Manhattan for the first time since moving here (I had only seen it from the train on my way into the city and from Brooklyn the other night). It was Friday night and this place was hoppin’! The entertainment was hilarious and kind of creepy but the people and the bartenders were nice. After staying for three Coronas (@ $6 a pop I exceeded my budget by $7 after tip) I decided to begin my journey home. I called Liz in NC and got her to Hopstop directions home. The directions the website provided said take the F train (which I couldn’t find to save my life, but finally asked for directions). I found it and hopped on. After examining the map on the car, I realized the F doesn’t run to Rego Park but that the R did and that I could catch that on 57th and Lex. I got off at 63rd and Lex and walked the few blocks down. I got to the station and the sign said late night, take the E. By this point I was tired, confused, and kind of scared, so I made my way back up to street level and hopped in a cab to play it safe, thus increasing my credit card balance.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Queens Library
Sean and I ventured out on a 20 minute walk to the Forest Hills branch of Queens Library to take advantage of their free internet. I fired up the computer at my little cubbie and it was asking for my library card number and PIN. When I tried obtaining a library card, I was informed that would not be possible without a photo ID and proof of residency. Not possible right now. So I caught the V train into the city and now im at the NYPL again using their free-non-Nazi-restrictioned internet to find things to do this weekend for little or no cost... even though I should be looking for jobs.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Catching up!
TODAY!
Yesterday, at my first Crunch stop while delivering resumes, I spoke with the Membership Director and he asked me to email a copy of my resume, so I did! He said I could use him as a reference! Woohoo! We will see! Ahh! The library is closing! Gotta run!
I finished this post at home last night... in order to let you know the library is closing, they turn off the lights promptly at 5:45 and tell you to leave. Ahh New York.
Today is Brandon’s birthday! Happy Birthday Brandon! He is serving our country flying helicopters in Afghanistan. I wish him the best of luck and wish he could be in the states celebrating with his friends and family.
Favorite parts of living in New York:
The diversity and a place for everyone
Never knowing what you will stumble across
Landmarks around every corner
Least favorite parts of living in New York:
It is cold, lack of heat in the apartment
Not having money to eat all of the delicious food the city has to offer
One mile walk to the subway
Things I miss about Hilton Head:
A good, secure job
Warm weather
The people
Things I don’t miss about Hilton Head:
Dealing with tourist every day
Lack of things to do
Bicyclist in Sea Pines
I have applied to what feels like two hundred jobs. I hate being impatient. I know there are other applicants and that it takes employers time to weed through applicants. I was working on a budget for myself today. Basically for the remainder of March I will be sticking to a $100/week (approx $14.25/day) budget. In April, unless I receive my tax refund check, I will be privileged to $125/week. I am really hoping there weren’t any expenses I forgot to factor in and I hope no additional expenses arise. In Hilton Head I almost always made enough money to get by and have fun. Not having a job decreases those discretionary funds by A LOT. There is so much to see and do and experience here, not having a steady income (or income at all for that matter) makes the city one big tease. There is a lot to see here and with my unlimited subway pass I can get pretty much anywhere and I am sure there is a lot of free things to do but without having the internet at home yet and living away from all of the action, it is hard to find out about such activities. For now I just have to be optimistic that something pulls through.
Sean and I watched Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil tonight and it made me miss Savannah so much! The squares, the pride, the architecture, the people, the history, the fun, the culture, I could go on and on.
This whole living inside an icebox deal is getting really old, really fast. Its like camping minus the nature. I hate to be so negative now that I am finally living in the city I have always dreamed of living in, but this is ridiculous.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Applied for more jobs online at the NYPL. Met Lana during her lunch break and messed around the city for a bit. Then I began my crazy adventure to deliver resumes to three Crunch locations spread out across the city. I started on 59th and 2nd, headed down to 32nd and 2nd, then over to 38th and Broadway. 2.5 miles of power walking through the streets of Manhattan, after walking around with Lana, and before walking up to Times Square then over to Grand Central. Exhausting!
Sean and I met my uncle and one of his work colleagues at Lombardi's in Little Italy for dinner. It was delicious! We had a clam pizza that I really did not expect to like, but it was delicious!
After dinner, Sean and I explored the East Village, Lower East Side, then decided to go out to Brooklyn. We walked around forever looking for this bar Sean had been to with no avail. We finally made it back home after taking the L to the Q to the E (Sounds like rap lyrics). My feet hurt sooo bad.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009:
Today, I decided to figure out how much time it takes me to get from my apartment to Bryant Park. 55 minutes. It is only like 7 miles! Granted 15 minutes of that is walking, it still seems ridiculous, but I guess it isn’t THAT bad. Lana said it takes her 30 minutes from her apartment in Spaha to get to Midtown.
I made it to NYPL and found a spot on the first floor this time (thank god… those stairs are awful!). Unfortunately, there was nowhere to plug my laptop in to keep it charged so I only had a limited amount of online time. I applied to several administrative assistant jobs and caught up on my facebooking and blogging. When my computer battery died I set off on my quest to find a messenger bag. I hit up H&M, Macys, and Old Navy. H&M didn’t have shit, I visited all 10 stories of Macy’s and didn’t find anything, and found one that would do in Old Navy. The problem is I want a separate compartment for my laptop and this one only offered one compartment. I saw a man on the subway with one from Eddie Bauer, so I may go check them out. On the way home, I swung by the mall thing across 63rd that is home to a Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Circuit City, Old Navy, Marshalls, and something else. I ran in Old Navy to check and see if they had the messenger bag I saw earlier in Manhattan, but they didn’t. Then I went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond and picked up a loofa, toothbrush holder, lint roller, deodorant, and…. A SNUGGIE! I am actually wearing my Snuggie right now as I type. It is royal blue as that was the only color option they had AND it came with the free book light! I was planning on buying another blanket for my bed, but this is cheaper and multifunctional! There is also word out about an upcoming NYC Snuggie bar crawl! I can’t think of anything better than a shit ton of drunk people wandering the streets of NYC in their Snuggies. Count me in!
I arrived home and Sean and I set up an appointment to get our internet installed next Tuesday, woohoo!!! I can’t wait!
I also picked up a bottle of Brownstone Merlot. A funny thing about New York. You can only buy wine at liquor stores! Bizarre, I know! You can buy beer at any convenience store or market, but not wine. According to Sean, that law is supposedly in the mix to get changed so it that wine can be sold at convenience and grocery stores. Speaking of Sean, he just popped his head in to see if I needed anything from the grocery store and saw my Snuggie, he says I look like a monk. I agree. This thing is so warm though! The commercials don’t do it justice.
Yesterday, at my first Crunch stop while delivering resumes, I spoke with the Membership Director and he asked me to email a copy of my resume, so I did! He said I could use him as a reference! Woohoo! We will see! Ahh! The library is closing! Gotta run!
I finished this post at home last night... in order to let you know the library is closing, they turn off the lights promptly at 5:45 and tell you to leave. Ahh New York.
Today is Brandon’s birthday! Happy Birthday Brandon! He is serving our country flying helicopters in Afghanistan. I wish him the best of luck and wish he could be in the states celebrating with his friends and family.
Favorite parts of living in New York:
The diversity and a place for everyone
Never knowing what you will stumble across
Landmarks around every corner
Least favorite parts of living in New York:
It is cold, lack of heat in the apartment
Not having money to eat all of the delicious food the city has to offer
One mile walk to the subway
Things I miss about Hilton Head:
A good, secure job
Warm weather
The people
Things I don’t miss about Hilton Head:
Dealing with tourist every day
Lack of things to do
Bicyclist in Sea Pines
I have applied to what feels like two hundred jobs. I hate being impatient. I know there are other applicants and that it takes employers time to weed through applicants. I was working on a budget for myself today. Basically for the remainder of March I will be sticking to a $100/week (approx $14.25/day) budget. In April, unless I receive my tax refund check, I will be privileged to $125/week. I am really hoping there weren’t any expenses I forgot to factor in and I hope no additional expenses arise. In Hilton Head I almost always made enough money to get by and have fun. Not having a job decreases those discretionary funds by A LOT. There is so much to see and do and experience here, not having a steady income (or income at all for that matter) makes the city one big tease. There is a lot to see here and with my unlimited subway pass I can get pretty much anywhere and I am sure there is a lot of free things to do but without having the internet at home yet and living away from all of the action, it is hard to find out about such activities. For now I just have to be optimistic that something pulls through.
Sean and I watched Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil tonight and it made me miss Savannah so much! The squares, the pride, the architecture, the people, the history, the fun, the culture, I could go on and on.
This whole living inside an icebox deal is getting really old, really fast. Its like camping minus the nature. I hate to be so negative now that I am finally living in the city I have always dreamed of living in, but this is ridiculous.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Applied for more jobs online at the NYPL. Met Lana during her lunch break and messed around the city for a bit. Then I began my crazy adventure to deliver resumes to three Crunch locations spread out across the city. I started on 59th and 2nd, headed down to 32nd and 2nd, then over to 38th and Broadway. 2.5 miles of power walking through the streets of Manhattan, after walking around with Lana, and before walking up to Times Square then over to Grand Central. Exhausting!
Sean and I met my uncle and one of his work colleagues at Lombardi's in Little Italy for dinner. It was delicious! We had a clam pizza that I really did not expect to like, but it was delicious!
After dinner, Sean and I explored the East Village, Lower East Side, then decided to go out to Brooklyn. We walked around forever looking for this bar Sean had been to with no avail. We finally made it back home after taking the L to the Q to the E (Sounds like rap lyrics). My feet hurt sooo bad.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009:
Today, I decided to figure out how much time it takes me to get from my apartment to Bryant Park. 55 minutes. It is only like 7 miles! Granted 15 minutes of that is walking, it still seems ridiculous, but I guess it isn’t THAT bad. Lana said it takes her 30 minutes from her apartment in Spaha to get to Midtown.
I made it to NYPL and found a spot on the first floor this time (thank god… those stairs are awful!). Unfortunately, there was nowhere to plug my laptop in to keep it charged so I only had a limited amount of online time. I applied to several administrative assistant jobs and caught up on my facebooking and blogging. When my computer battery died I set off on my quest to find a messenger bag. I hit up H&M, Macys, and Old Navy. H&M didn’t have shit, I visited all 10 stories of Macy’s and didn’t find anything, and found one that would do in Old Navy. The problem is I want a separate compartment for my laptop and this one only offered one compartment. I saw a man on the subway with one from Eddie Bauer, so I may go check them out. On the way home, I swung by the mall thing across 63rd that is home to a Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Circuit City, Old Navy, Marshalls, and something else. I ran in Old Navy to check and see if they had the messenger bag I saw earlier in Manhattan, but they didn’t. Then I went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond and picked up a loofa, toothbrush holder, lint roller, deodorant, and…. A SNUGGIE! I am actually wearing my Snuggie right now as I type. It is royal blue as that was the only color option they had AND it came with the free book light! I was planning on buying another blanket for my bed, but this is cheaper and multifunctional! There is also word out about an upcoming NYC Snuggie bar crawl! I can’t think of anything better than a shit ton of drunk people wandering the streets of NYC in their Snuggies. Count me in!
I arrived home and Sean and I set up an appointment to get our internet installed next Tuesday, woohoo!!! I can’t wait!
I also picked up a bottle of Brownstone Merlot. A funny thing about New York. You can only buy wine at liquor stores! Bizarre, I know! You can buy beer at any convenience store or market, but not wine. According to Sean, that law is supposedly in the mix to get changed so it that wine can be sold at convenience and grocery stores. Speaking of Sean, he just popped his head in to see if I needed anything from the grocery store and saw my Snuggie, he says I look like a monk. I agree. This thing is so warm though! The commercials don’t do it justice.
Photos: Rego Park to Midtown
My 55 minute commute to Midtown
Walking Along
63rd Drive
My Subway Stop
Dieterle Crescent
Walking Along63rd DriveMy Subway Stop
Midtown
I wish I had a hidden talent such as dressing up like Michael Jackson and dancing on the sidewalk with three backup breakdancers
New York Public Library... Free Wi-Fi!
I wish I had a hidden talent such as dressing up like Michael Jackson and dancing on the sidewalk with three backup breakdancers
New York Public Library... Free Wi-Fi!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
And My First Week Begins...
Not having internet at home really sucks. I can't keep up with my posts! Here is an update from the past few days:
Sunday, March 8, 2009:
Today, after leaving Lana and Claire’s apartment, I decided to venture down to Times Square in Midtown to the tourist information office and pick up a couple city and subway maps. After hopping on the 6 train on 103rd street, I learned my first New York weekend lesson… always keep gum on hand. I had not packed a toothbrush for my overnight stay, or a change of clothes for that matter. My mouth tasted disgusting and I am sure my breath reeked.
Monday, March 09, 2009:
Today I slept in and did a little reading before venturing out into the world. Mr. and Mrs. Yen have allowed us to borrow and read any of the hundreds of books they have in their collection. Not having TV or internet right now, I was ecstatic. They have quite the collection and a wide variety. I was browsing through and found titles such as The Iliad, The Secret Garden, Harry Potter, A Tale of Two Cities, Where the Sidewalk Ends, and so many more. I chose The Five People You Meet in Heaven after remembering hearing great things about the book and the author. Finally I packed my daypack and headed out to find the Queens Library location in Rego Park to make use of their free Wi-Fi and do some job hunting. After having no luck, I hopped on the subway and made my way into Manhattan. I decided the first item on my agenda would be to find a pea coat so I headed downtown to the Financial District to Century 21, a huge department store with huge discounts. After a struggle shopping in the crowds and chaos, I found a dark grey one that was originally $170, but they were selling for $90. I probably shouldn’t be spending money on clothes, but a) to be a New Yorker, I need to look like one and b) I forgot to pack a blazer and I needed something professional looking to wear when I drop off resumes. Overall, good investment.
Today I slept in and did a little reading before venturing out into the world. Mr. and Mrs. Yen have allowed us to borrow and read any of the hundreds of books they have in their collection. Not having TV or internet right now, I was ecstatic. They have quite the collection and a wide variety. I was browsing through and found titles such as The Iliad, The Secret Garden, Harry Potter, A Tale of Two Cities, Where the Sidewalk Ends, and so many more. I chose The Five People You Meet in Heaven after remembering hearing great things about the book and the author. Finally I packed my daypack and headed out to find the Queens Library location in Rego Park to make use of their free Wi-Fi and do some job hunting. After having no luck, I hopped on the subway and made my way into Manhattan. I decided the first item on my agenda would be to find a pea coat so I headed downtown to the Financial District to Century 21, a huge department store with huge discounts. After a struggle shopping in the crowds and chaos, I found a dark grey one that was originally $170, but they were selling for $90. I probably shouldn’t be spending money on clothes, but a) to be a New Yorker, I need to look like one and b) I forgot to pack a blazer and I needed something professional looking to wear when I drop off resumes. Overall, good investment.
The store was directly across the street from the World Trade Center site. The fences surround the work zone and you can’t really see what is going down there anymore, however, there is a large building in that area being built, but I do not think it is the Freedom Tower. I will find out though.
I hopped on another train and found my way up to 42nd Street (after an accidental stop at Penn Station where I saw my first city rat since I moved here) to visit the New York Public Library and take advantage of their free Wi-Fi. Walking from 8th Avenue to 5th Avenue, I passed Times Square, Bryant Park, and had a great view of the Chrysler Building. That’s the beauty of New York; you don’t have to go sightseeing to see the sights! I climbed about 500000 stairs before finding a room I felt I would be allowed in and took a seat. I felt totally out of place with my big red Columbia ski jacket and Century 21 bag in hand among people doing real work, but oh well. I applied for a Membership Representative at Crunch, one of the city’s leading fitness clubs. I really want it! It sounds like a good match for me as it requires both office work and work on the floor. (Hey, I am a Gemini, I get bored) I chatted with Lana and got some tips for creating my Administrative Assistant resume. There is an opening at her office and she thinks I would be eligible if I made a few revisions/exaggerations to my resume.
I hopped on another train and found my way up to 42nd Street (after an accidental stop at Penn Station where I saw my first city rat since I moved here) to visit the New York Public Library and take advantage of their free Wi-Fi. Walking from 8th Avenue to 5th Avenue, I passed Times Square, Bryant Park, and had a great view of the Chrysler Building. That’s the beauty of New York; you don’t have to go sightseeing to see the sights! I climbed about 500000 stairs before finding a room I felt I would be allowed in and took a seat. I felt totally out of place with my big red Columbia ski jacket and Century 21 bag in hand among people doing real work, but oh well. I applied for a Membership Representative at Crunch, one of the city’s leading fitness clubs. I really want it! It sounds like a good match for me as it requires both office work and work on the floor. (Hey, I am a Gemini, I get bored) I chatted with Lana and got some tips for creating my Administrative Assistant resume. There is an opening at her office and she thinks I would be eligible if I made a few revisions/exaggerations to my resume.
As dusk was starting to pour across my new city, I decided I better get the heck out of Manhattan and to my apartment in Rego Park. I am afraid of being out after dark, haha! I found out that the V train runs from Bryant Park to my neighborhood with no transfers! Score! Now I can get back to the library, or anywhere in midtown, with ease!
I am not all that convinced we have heat in our apartment or if I am just a very cold natured person. I am always cold down here, it is like a cave! I guess that is one of the sacrifices when having insanely cheap rent. I hate being really cold when I sleep so I have been sleeping in a t-shirt, hoodie, pajama pants and socks under a double folded sheet, double folded cotton blanket, and a double folded microfiber blanket. I think one more blanket and I will be fine. Honestly, I will probably get a Snuggie. It only makes sense! Plus there is a Bed, Bath, and Beyond across Queens Blvd from my subway stop. I can wear it around my freezing cold apartment and use it as just a blanket when I go to bed! Also, I need to meet up with Lana and get their space heater she said I could borrow.
Not having internet sucks. I miss communication with the outside world.
Sunday, March 8, 2009:
Today, after leaving Lana and Claire’s apartment, I decided to venture down to Times Square in Midtown to the tourist information office and pick up a couple city and subway maps. After hopping on the 6 train on 103rd street, I learned my first New York weekend lesson… always keep gum on hand. I had not packed a toothbrush for my overnight stay, or a change of clothes for that matter. My mouth tasted disgusting and I am sure my breath reeked.
I made my way down to Times Square and smiled as I turned the corner and came face to face with the lights of the billboards and flashy signs, the sea of tourist taking pictures of this New York landmark, and the taxi congestion of Broadway. It was electrifying… and terrifying. I have heard that Times Square was notorious for pickpockets due to the high population of tourist. I pulled out my camera for a quick picture, feeling safe enough to look like a tourist, haha. I also captured a picture of a sketchy Elmo, Winnie the Pooh, and Tin Man. Their costumes were worn and dirty and instead of reaching out their hands to hug children (which is scary in itself) they held out black bags with the word, “TIPS”, written on it. So much for being lovable and carefree. Even storybook characters are feeling the impacts of the economy. I couldn’t help myself for thinking what if my livelihood here in New York comes down to purchasing a Big Bird costume and parading down Times Square taking pictures with tourists for tips. If it comes down to that, I am moving back to Hilton Head.
On my journey, away from the tourist, I realized what made me look different from all the other New Yorkers strolling down the street. Color. New Yorkers seem to be scared of color and I don’t know why. Is it somehow safer to wear dark colors to not stand out as a target to a mugger? Is it to hide the dirtiness of the city? To distinguish oneself as a local rather than a tourist? Whatever it is, I need to invest in this urban camouflage as soon as possible. There has to be a method behind the madness. The first, most important items: pea coat (warm and professional) and messenger bag (essential and much needed after I have hit who knows how many people on the street and in the subway with my backpack). I will work on obtaining these items tomorrow.
In less than 48 hours, I feel like I have already crossed paths with 1 of the 8 million people in New York. It is very much a culture shock to be in the middle of such a diverse population. It is entirely possibly to hear over 5 languages in the span of a couple blocks and encounter numerous more ethnicities in the same space. Back in North Carolina, there were basically four ethnicities, Caucasian, Black, Hispanic, and the rarest, Asian. That’s it. In college, I did not feel like there were many more. In Hilton Head I met more people from Latin and South America, and even had a friend from Africa. I thought that was a big deal. That was nothing! I think it is funny that with my complexion, some people may not even know what ethnicity I am. When I think of it like that, I feel much more comfortable. Not that I am prejudice, but I should feel uneasy when passing a group of people from a different culture than my own.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
First Night Out in NYC!
After dinner, which was delicious, Lana, Claire, John, and myself headed down this Irish Pub, O'Flannigans down in the mid-60's. It was fun, I had forgotten how much drinks are in the city ($8 pint of Blue Moon) and then headed to Brooklyn to Lana's favorite bar, Duffs. I was nervous seeing as how it is a metal bar and I was wearing jeans and a light blue button up... clearly out of place... but it was fun and people were nice! I was exhausted from my day and decided to head on back to their apartment, so after swinging by some random street eatery and ordering the "Beefsteak" (it was the only thing on the menu in English that I could figure out what it was composed of) and hailing my first cab all by myself, I was on my way back to Spaha. After tomorrow I have to go back to my strict budget seeing as how I still don't even have a job lead. I know this is the city that never sleeps... but it is 3:30 am and I am now going to sleep! Goodnight New York!
Saturday, March 07, 2009
New York: Day One
Last night, I made it into Penn Station fine, Lana and John met me and helped me get to a cab. Walking out of Penn Station into Manhattan streets with the hustle and bustle and lights and noise was quite an experience, kind of overwhelming. The cabbie was nice and it was only $23 to get to my apartment from the Chelsea area. Luckily, Mr. and Mrs. Yen were home and they graciously let me in the apartment and were extremely nice. It was awkward, but good. I unpacked and fell asleep.
Today started with my apartment adventure of the day: Showering. Let me explain.
The shower is in its own room, off from the kitchen. You enter and there is like a foot and a half space with a bathmat. Beyond that is a 3x3 ft shower stall. It was kind of difficult because the linolim floor was cold so I needed slippers in the shower room, but there was barely any room and I didn't want them to get wet.
After getting dressed I decided to make my way into the city. I got so lost. I somehow ended up on Austin St. in Forest Hills (the neighborhood past Rego Park) after walking in a circle past my apartment. I ducked into a Starbucks and pulled out my laptop. A $4 internet fee later, I found out the Forest Hill subway station was two blocks from where I was sitting. I took this pic walking down Austin Street during my first NYC adventure.
The shower is in its own room, off from the kitchen. You enter and there is like a foot and a half space with a bathmat. Beyond that is a 3x3 ft shower stall. It was kind of difficult because the linolim floor was cold so I needed slippers in the shower room, but there was barely any room and I didn't want them to get wet.
After getting dressed I decided to make my way into the city. I got so lost. I somehow ended up on Austin St. in Forest Hills (the neighborhood past Rego Park) after walking in a circle past my apartment. I ducked into a Starbucks and pulled out my laptop. A $4 internet fee later, I found out the Forest Hill subway station was two blocks from where I was sitting. I took this pic walking down Austin Street during my first NYC adventure.
I was trying to be discreet with my camera phone, but I think the man on the left totally noticed. Had I waited 20 more seconds, I could have captured bag-head lady. My first NYC Crazy. She had apparantly been shopping and stored her belongings in a plastic bag, placed on top of her head while she danced and sang while strolling the streets of Queens. It was awesome.
I discovered that I need to make sure to bring reading material on the subway, it makes for really awkward situations. You sit there not knowing where to look, not wanting to just read the advertisements like a tourist, or stare at anyone.
After arriving in NYC I decided to walk to Grand Central to find a place to eat in Grand Central and grab a couple maps so I dont wind up walking in circles. I found food, but no maps. I walked around some on Lex and 3rd Ave in the East 40s and explored until I met up with Lana and Claire in the Upper East Side. We walked back to their apartment in Spaha and relaxed a little. Lana took a nap while Claire and I went on a short walk exploring Spanish Harlem.
This was me being touristy and taking pictures of the Main Concourse of Grand Central Terminal.
We are going to dinner at Itzocan Bistro (one of my favorite places in New York) and then going out and partying afterwards. I can't wait! I am kind of unsure about getting back to my apartment tonight, I can always take a cab though. I just don't think the subway would be a good idea late at night, not knowing exactly how to get back to my apartment from the Rego Park Station. I know I don't need to spend the money, but its my first weekend in New York!
Photos: The journey to NYC!
Greensboro Amtrak Station
Platform at the Greensboro Station
Onboard the TrainYesterday's Adventure
On the Road Again
Warning: This entry is really long. It was my only method of keeping my sanity on the train ride to NYC.
10:30 AM:
This morning I woke up nauseous I was so nervous. I quickly got ready and packed the couple last minute things I needed, toiletries and such. After a brief stop at my grandma’s house, and a quick stop at the little Diner in Pittsboro for a sausage biscuit, we loaded up the car and headed to Greensboro!
We arrived in Greensboro an hour before my train was scheduled to leave, thinking, “Great! Perfect timing to get everything in order”. As we are unloading bags from the car in a near-empty parking lot, a man came running across the tracks telling us the Amtrak Station was in downtown Greensboro. It turns out Google Maps doesn’t know shit. We jumped in the car heading towards downtown without any idea where to go. Luckily I was able to pull up directions to the street the man said it was on via my phone and we arrived at the Amtrak station at 8:55, 25 minutes prior to my departure. After a brief stop in, and a quick goodbye to my parents, I passed through the doors and headed toward the platform to board my train. After boarding the train and taking my seat, I sat down and exhaled a sigh of relief to finally be on my way to my final destination, New York Penn Station. I found it kind of disturbing no one inspected my checked baggage or carry-on bags. I mean… not even a metal detector. I have to call Jen right now and tell her that, haha!
Then things got interesting. I man and his wife made their way to the back of the train where I was sitting. Across the aisle from my seat was a crusty, obese person (gender unknown) stretched out sleeping with half of their fat ass spilling over into the next seat. The couple had a quick, private conversation and the wife sat beside me and her husband across the aisle sharing a seat with fatty. It was kind of awkward, just like that feeling when you’re flying, sitting on a window seat and a stranger sits down beside you. We greeted one another and got settled. The train started moving and I felt another stint of nausea from my nerves taking over, followed by nausea from the rocking and bumpiness of the train. After a while, my stomach settled and I was good to go. I popped out my laptop to start this blog entry and to watch a DVD (woohoo for outlets in every row!). No sooner did I open MS Word, the car attendant (?) came around asking where everyone was going. When I told Him, “New York”, he said, “New York?! What are you doing all the way back here?” I was like, “Umm, am I supposed to be somewhere else?” and he was like, “Yea, the front car. Now why don’t you trade seats with this gentleman so he can sit with his wife since they are traveling together.” I was pissed! Not only was I in that seat first and all set up with my laptop and other belongings, but I did NOT want to share a seat with half of fatty’s fat ass. I gave him a brief look like, are you f’ing kidding me?! No sooner did the car attendant finish the sentence and the lady beside me jumped right up and was staring at me, waiting for me to get up and move. I grabbed my shit and made my way to the next car back where I now have a seat by myself, no one even across the aisle. Walking between trains was quite an experience carrying a 25 lb duffle bag and bookbag. I was getting banged into the walls and shit. Talk about pissed. I will excuse it still being in the South… I guess… but once I am in the city, no more mister nice guy.
Watching North Carolina pass by out the window is kind of neat. I will be excited to pass through larger cities! I will also get to see three states I have never visited (Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey) with stops in each. We are in Durham now, picking more people up… or maybe dropping people off… I can’t tell. I have my jacket in the seat beside me so it looks like someone is sitting there. Movie time!
3:30 PM:
So… movie time didn’t happen. I decided instead to take a nap. As soon as I started to doze off, I was rudely awaken by Car Nazi (formerly known as car attendant) informing me that when we got in Raleigh I would again have to move to a seat in the car I had just come from because the car I was in was reserved for a group boarding. I angrily packed my stuff up, AGAIN, made my way through the sketchy corridor again, and took an aisle seat beside some girl where the Car Nazi told me to sit. I plopped down and realized I had just sat in an unidentifiable liquid. At that point, I went from pissed to livid. I decided to try to make the most of it and just enjoy this unique journey regardless of the mystery puddle I was sitting in while conjuring up a letter of complaint in my head. A few stops later, an entire row opened up two seats ahead. I quickly jumped at the opportunity to have a row to myself and be by a window where I could plug my laptop into an outlet. Two minutes later, the Car Nazi came by and barked at me for changing seats, AGAIN. I laughed it off, thinking maybe he was being funny. Well, he wasn’t. Granted they are the ones who made me move the two previous times, I felt no guilt, just another paragraph in my letter. I received another seat mate at the next stop, but it has been fine. Except for my journey to the restroom and snack car. I made my way out into the aisle past my neighbor, which is always kind of awkward. I was waiting patiently for the lavatory to open up, while one Car Nazi informed me that there were two, one beside where I was waiting and Car Nazi #2 laughed. Yep, another paragraph in the letter. I continued to the front of the train working my way to the snack car. Where after being informed that the “Fresh Sandwich of the Day” was corned beef, I opted for a cheeseburger and a Pepsi. One minute and $7.50 later, I was taking a seat at a table with my freshly microwaved “cheeseburger” with the chewiest bread I have ever eaten in my life. I was finishing up my can of Pepsi when Car Nazi announced that the snack car was closing and that I needed to return to my seat. I did so and began reading This is New York by E.B. White, an essay written in the 40’s. It reconfirmed all I expect and hope for the city. The diversity, the struggle, the locals, tourist, commuters. The book opens with the following excerpt:
I am willing to be lucky. I feel that anyone moving to New York, whether they are moving for a six-digit salaried job downtown or without a goal or purpose, has to be a realist to some degree, accepting the fact failure is possible. Failure happens every day this city which is home to 8 million people. You gotta have faith, not in a God, or faith that they are entitled to success, but faith in yourself. Maggie sent me a text this morning as I was on my way to the train station in Greensboro, NC that was very encouraging. I feel that by making this life change has made me realize that people believe in me and see my potential, even when I am not sure of myself. I do know this was a good decision. If I were to do it again, I would be on a plane. I have been traveling on this train for seven hours and I am not even in Maryland yet. In fact, we just arrived in Fredricksburg, VA. Unfortunately the two girls directly behind me, who have been doing crossword puzzles together for hours on end, are still onboard.. still talking.. still annoying.
6:20 PM:
It is getting dark and we are just now departing Baltimore, Maryland. Going through DC was awesome! I love that city and entering from the train gave me a whole new perspective. So far it was been the highlight of my trip due to the excitement of being in a familiar place, seeing famous monuments, and a LOT of people disembarked including my seatmate and the annoying girls that were behind me. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a row to myself and it has been awesome. I am surprised there is no Wi-Fi at the various stations. I was expecting there to be something. Baltimore is a cool city; I came really close to moving here just over a year ago. I have only visited once and it was back in middle school, but I remember really enjoying it. Passing through tonight seeing the row houses is pretty cool, it is pretty. The downside is that they have one of the highest violent crime rates in the country and I would probably die. I think the next stop is in Delaware, a state I have never seen before, so that is kind of exciting. I am kind of getting hungry again but weary of leaving my belongings at my seat at night on a less crowded train. On the upside, I haven’t seen my favorite Car Nazi in a while… perhaps they changed shifts in DC.
7:20 PM:
We just pulled up in Wilmington, Delaware! Judging from what I saw looking out the window, it looks like a neat town! I would like to learn more about it and possibly visit sometime! There is a river to the left and everything looks nice and clean. The train station isn’t surrounded by ghetto which has been the case in many of today’s stops.
I had a not so satisfying meal of cheese and crackers for dinner. I couldn’t bear to eat another chewy cheeseburger and wasn’t willing to risk it with the other hot food selections. Luckily, I packed some Girl Scout cookies and peanuts in my carry on. I think I will be digging into that shortly.
I’ve been texting back and forth with Lana off and on all day and she and John are going to be able to meet me at Penn Station when I arrive in NYC! Lana checked online and my train is supposedly running a couple minutes early! I am super stoked! What a relief! The only things I have left to stress about is whether or not the cabbie can get me to the apartment, which shouldn’t be much of an issue considering I even got directions off Google Maps from Penn Station to the apartment. I just hope the Yen’s are there to let me in! I am going to call them when I get to Newark, New Jersey and give them a heads up as to what time I should be arriving. It has been interesting to see all of the different people that have gotten on and off the train throughout the day. I wonder where they came from, where they’re going, and what they’re going to do when they arrive. I wonder if anyone else on my train has been en route to move to a strange new world. I also wonder if there has been anyone I know, or someone who knows someone I know that has been on the train. This week is Spring Break for a lot of schools in NC and there were a lot of college kids using the train as means of transportation to get from their school to their Spring Break destination. I am excited to see the city as we approach! I miss it! The next stop is Philadelphia; I will have to be sure to text Tim when we get there. For now… back to The Breakfast Club.
Sorry about the editing fauxpas MS Word doesnt copy and paste well into Blogger.
Warning: This entry is really long. It was my only method of keeping my sanity on the train ride to NYC.
10:30 AM:
This morning I woke up nauseous I was so nervous. I quickly got ready and packed the couple last minute things I needed, toiletries and such. After a brief stop at my grandma’s house, and a quick stop at the little Diner in Pittsboro for a sausage biscuit, we loaded up the car and headed to Greensboro!
We arrived in Greensboro an hour before my train was scheduled to leave, thinking, “Great! Perfect timing to get everything in order”. As we are unloading bags from the car in a near-empty parking lot, a man came running across the tracks telling us the Amtrak Station was in downtown Greensboro. It turns out Google Maps doesn’t know shit. We jumped in the car heading towards downtown without any idea where to go. Luckily I was able to pull up directions to the street the man said it was on via my phone and we arrived at the Amtrak station at 8:55, 25 minutes prior to my departure. After a brief stop in, and a quick goodbye to my parents, I passed through the doors and headed toward the platform to board my train. After boarding the train and taking my seat, I sat down and exhaled a sigh of relief to finally be on my way to my final destination, New York Penn Station. I found it kind of disturbing no one inspected my checked baggage or carry-on bags. I mean… not even a metal detector. I have to call Jen right now and tell her that, haha!
Then things got interesting. I man and his wife made their way to the back of the train where I was sitting. Across the aisle from my seat was a crusty, obese person (gender unknown) stretched out sleeping with half of their fat ass spilling over into the next seat. The couple had a quick, private conversation and the wife sat beside me and her husband across the aisle sharing a seat with fatty. It was kind of awkward, just like that feeling when you’re flying, sitting on a window seat and a stranger sits down beside you. We greeted one another and got settled. The train started moving and I felt another stint of nausea from my nerves taking over, followed by nausea from the rocking and bumpiness of the train. After a while, my stomach settled and I was good to go. I popped out my laptop to start this blog entry and to watch a DVD (woohoo for outlets in every row!). No sooner did I open MS Word, the car attendant (?) came around asking where everyone was going. When I told Him, “New York”, he said, “New York?! What are you doing all the way back here?” I was like, “Umm, am I supposed to be somewhere else?” and he was like, “Yea, the front car. Now why don’t you trade seats with this gentleman so he can sit with his wife since they are traveling together.” I was pissed! Not only was I in that seat first and all set up with my laptop and other belongings, but I did NOT want to share a seat with half of fatty’s fat ass. I gave him a brief look like, are you f’ing kidding me?! No sooner did the car attendant finish the sentence and the lady beside me jumped right up and was staring at me, waiting for me to get up and move. I grabbed my shit and made my way to the next car back where I now have a seat by myself, no one even across the aisle. Walking between trains was quite an experience carrying a 25 lb duffle bag and bookbag. I was getting banged into the walls and shit. Talk about pissed. I will excuse it still being in the South… I guess… but once I am in the city, no more mister nice guy.
Watching North Carolina pass by out the window is kind of neat. I will be excited to pass through larger cities! I will also get to see three states I have never visited (Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey) with stops in each. We are in Durham now, picking more people up… or maybe dropping people off… I can’t tell. I have my jacket in the seat beside me so it looks like someone is sitting there. Movie time!
3:30 PM:
So… movie time didn’t happen. I decided instead to take a nap. As soon as I started to doze off, I was rudely awaken by Car Nazi (formerly known as car attendant) informing me that when we got in Raleigh I would again have to move to a seat in the car I had just come from because the car I was in was reserved for a group boarding. I angrily packed my stuff up, AGAIN, made my way through the sketchy corridor again, and took an aisle seat beside some girl where the Car Nazi told me to sit. I plopped down and realized I had just sat in an unidentifiable liquid. At that point, I went from pissed to livid. I decided to try to make the most of it and just enjoy this unique journey regardless of the mystery puddle I was sitting in while conjuring up a letter of complaint in my head. A few stops later, an entire row opened up two seats ahead. I quickly jumped at the opportunity to have a row to myself and be by a window where I could plug my laptop into an outlet. Two minutes later, the Car Nazi came by and barked at me for changing seats, AGAIN. I laughed it off, thinking maybe he was being funny. Well, he wasn’t. Granted they are the ones who made me move the two previous times, I felt no guilt, just another paragraph in my letter. I received another seat mate at the next stop, but it has been fine. Except for my journey to the restroom and snack car. I made my way out into the aisle past my neighbor, which is always kind of awkward. I was waiting patiently for the lavatory to open up, while one Car Nazi informed me that there were two, one beside where I was waiting and Car Nazi #2 laughed. Yep, another paragraph in the letter. I continued to the front of the train working my way to the snack car. Where after being informed that the “Fresh Sandwich of the Day” was corned beef, I opted for a cheeseburger and a Pepsi. One minute and $7.50 later, I was taking a seat at a table with my freshly microwaved “cheeseburger” with the chewiest bread I have ever eaten in my life. I was finishing up my can of Pepsi when Car Nazi announced that the snack car was closing and that I needed to return to my seat. I did so and began reading This is New York by E.B. White, an essay written in the 40’s. It reconfirmed all I expect and hope for the city. The diversity, the struggle, the locals, tourist, commuters. The book opens with the following excerpt:
“On any person who desires such queer prizes, New York will bestow the gift of loneliness and the gift of privacy. It is the largeness that accounts for presence within the city’s walls of a considerable section of the population; for the residents of Manhattan are to a large extent strangers who have pulled
up stakes somewhere and come to town, seeking sanctuary, or fulfillment or some greater or lesser grail. The capacity to make such dubious gifts is a mysterious quality of New York. It can destroy an individual, or it can fulfill him, depending on a good deal on luck. No one should come to New York to live unless he is willing to be lucky”
I am willing to be lucky. I feel that anyone moving to New York, whether they are moving for a six-digit salaried job downtown or without a goal or purpose, has to be a realist to some degree, accepting the fact failure is possible. Failure happens every day this city which is home to 8 million people. You gotta have faith, not in a God, or faith that they are entitled to success, but faith in yourself. Maggie sent me a text this morning as I was on my way to the train station in Greensboro, NC that was very encouraging. I feel that by making this life change has made me realize that people believe in me and see my potential, even when I am not sure of myself. I do know this was a good decision. If I were to do it again, I would be on a plane. I have been traveling on this train for seven hours and I am not even in Maryland yet. In fact, we just arrived in Fredricksburg, VA. Unfortunately the two girls directly behind me, who have been doing crossword puzzles together for hours on end, are still onboard.. still talking.. still annoying.
6:20 PM:
It is getting dark and we are just now departing Baltimore, Maryland. Going through DC was awesome! I love that city and entering from the train gave me a whole new perspective. So far it was been the highlight of my trip due to the excitement of being in a familiar place, seeing famous monuments, and a LOT of people disembarked including my seatmate and the annoying girls that were behind me. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a row to myself and it has been awesome. I am surprised there is no Wi-Fi at the various stations. I was expecting there to be something. Baltimore is a cool city; I came really close to moving here just over a year ago. I have only visited once and it was back in middle school, but I remember really enjoying it. Passing through tonight seeing the row houses is pretty cool, it is pretty. The downside is that they have one of the highest violent crime rates in the country and I would probably die. I think the next stop is in Delaware, a state I have never seen before, so that is kind of exciting. I am kind of getting hungry again but weary of leaving my belongings at my seat at night on a less crowded train. On the upside, I haven’t seen my favorite Car Nazi in a while… perhaps they changed shifts in DC.
7:20 PM:
We just pulled up in Wilmington, Delaware! Judging from what I saw looking out the window, it looks like a neat town! I would like to learn more about it and possibly visit sometime! There is a river to the left and everything looks nice and clean. The train station isn’t surrounded by ghetto which has been the case in many of today’s stops.
I had a not so satisfying meal of cheese and crackers for dinner. I couldn’t bear to eat another chewy cheeseburger and wasn’t willing to risk it with the other hot food selections. Luckily, I packed some Girl Scout cookies and peanuts in my carry on. I think I will be digging into that shortly.
I’ve been texting back and forth with Lana off and on all day and she and John are going to be able to meet me at Penn Station when I arrive in NYC! Lana checked online and my train is supposedly running a couple minutes early! I am super stoked! What a relief! The only things I have left to stress about is whether or not the cabbie can get me to the apartment, which shouldn’t be much of an issue considering I even got directions off Google Maps from Penn Station to the apartment. I just hope the Yen’s are there to let me in! I am going to call them when I get to Newark, New Jersey and give them a heads up as to what time I should be arriving. It has been interesting to see all of the different people that have gotten on and off the train throughout the day. I wonder where they came from, where they’re going, and what they’re going to do when they arrive. I wonder if anyone else on my train has been en route to move to a strange new world. I also wonder if there has been anyone I know, or someone who knows someone I know that has been on the train. This week is Spring Break for a lot of schools in NC and there were a lot of college kids using the train as means of transportation to get from their school to their Spring Break destination. I am excited to see the city as we approach! I miss it! The next stop is Philadelphia; I will have to be sure to text Tim when we get there. For now… back to The Breakfast Club.
Sorry about the editing fauxpas MS Word doesnt copy and paste well into Blogger.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Last Night in NC
The time has finally come. I am moving to NYC bright and early tomorrow morning!!! It has been one hell of a week, that is for sure. Hopefully everything will go smoothly tomorrow during my journey from Pittsboro, NC to Rego Park, NY. I am so exhausted... again. Since it is already late, I am just going to post a few pictures to sum up my day. I will have time tomorrow on the train to catch up with the past couple of days as I have not had the time or energy to write much lately. I am not sure when I will have Internet access again, hopefully soon! If not, I will be going into Manhattan on Saturday and I will bring my laptop to do some job hunting, facebooking, blogging, etc. wherever I can pick up a wi-fi signal.
A NYC beer at Bub's last night! Thanks James!
Ohh Piggly Wiggly... and Bible Belt paraphernalia
All packed up! How the F am I going to maneuver all of this stuff through Penn Station!
Thursday, March 05, 2009
"But tomorrow may rain, so, I'll follow the sun" -The Beatles
Here I am. In Pittsboro, NC. My midway point (figuratively) between HHI and NYC!
Today was rough. Lots of moving. A few goodbyes. My car wouldn't start. Stressful. Lots of driving. Met up with some friends in Chapel Hill. Met new people.
Today was rough. Lots of moving. A few goodbyes. My car wouldn't start. Stressful. Lots of driving. Met up with some friends in Chapel Hill. Met new people.
Sadly, I wasn't able to say, "Goodbye" to Lindsey. We were running around getting stuff done and by the time we got back to my apartment, she had left for work. I feel really bad about it. Driving back to NC this evening was a whirlwind of emotions. I was excited about NYC, scared of NYC, sad about leaving HHI and friends, excited to see friends in Chapel Hill, excited to see my family (and pets) in Pittsboro, stressed about everything I have to get done tomorrow, etc. Somehow I still made it home before 3 am!
Here are a couple pictures from today's activities:
The storage unit, locked and loaded!
Passing South of the Border.. the biggest interstate tourist trap, EVER.
For now it is off to get some sleep. Oh, how I wish I could sleep late tomorrow.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Last Night in HHI
Whew.. what a day! THIS has officially been the most productive day I have had on the island... and it is my last... go figure. Mom arrived around three and we have not stopped going since! We made a couple trips to the storage unit and got what we needed packed in there so that all we will need to take there tomorrow will be my couch, love seat, dresser, bed, and mattresses.
Not the best picture.. but you get the idea. We have everything that is going back to NC packed in my mom's car with the exception of my TV, old computer, and a couple random little things.
Lindsey joined my mom and me for dinner at Amigos. Oh, how I will miss their Carnitas Tortas... It was fun! They have both heard a lot about each other so I am glad they kind of got to know each other a little bit. Lindsey also came by my apartment later on with Amber and they took a whole bunch of stuff I was planning on just dropping off at a thrift shop.
I feel much less stressed, maybe just because I have been so busy. There is still a lot of stress to be had concerning this move, but I feel very accomplished with what we completed today. After looking at everything i have in boxes to go to NYC, I am kind of freaking out about how I will get it all there. I suppose I will have to go back through and minimalize again. I am sure I will have to ship some stuff too (which kind of sketches me out for some reason).
My poor dog, Lady, had to have a toe removed yesterday. She is an old girl, I feel bad. I also got some bad news today concerning someone I used to work for. I can't go into detail as I have been asked to keep it private. I am keeping that person and their family in my thoughts though as we had a very close work relationship.
Tomorrow is going to be ridiculous, so I should probably get some sleep.
Good Night Hilton Head... one last time :-(
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
“There are thousands of causes for stress, and one antidote to stress is self-expression." -Garson Kanin
My stress level is through the roof today.
1) I dont know how to get from Penn Station to my apartment and what if the cabbie gets lost.
2) What if I cant get into the apartment when I get there.
3) What if I get to the train station Friday morning and for whatever reason they wont let me check my baggage.
4) My apartment looks so full, how will all of my junk be out of here in the next 24 hours or so.
5) What am I going to put all of my stuff in to take with me to New York.
6) Is one day in North Carolina really enough to tie up all of my loose ends?
7) What all do I need to take with me to the DMV to renew my drivers license?
8) What if I really don't find a job once I get there?
9) What if I get mugged the minute I step onto the street outside of Penn Station?
10) When should I turn in my Palmetto Pass?
11) My train doesnt have a dining car, am I going to starve to death and die on the way up there? How will I pack something to eat in addition to everything else I am bringing along?
12) Can your luggage get lost on a train?
13) How am I going to get all of my stuff from the platform to a cab? And from the cab into the apartment?
AHHHHHHHHHH!
1) I dont know how to get from Penn Station to my apartment and what if the cabbie gets lost.
2) What if I cant get into the apartment when I get there.
3) What if I get to the train station Friday morning and for whatever reason they wont let me check my baggage.
4) My apartment looks so full, how will all of my junk be out of here in the next 24 hours or so.
5) What am I going to put all of my stuff in to take with me to New York.
6) Is one day in North Carolina really enough to tie up all of my loose ends?
7) What all do I need to take with me to the DMV to renew my drivers license?
8) What if I really don't find a job once I get there?
9) What if I get mugged the minute I step onto the street outside of Penn Station?
10) When should I turn in my Palmetto Pass?
11) My train doesnt have a dining car, am I going to starve to death and die on the way up there? How will I pack something to eat in addition to everything else I am bringing along?
12) Can your luggage get lost on a train?
13) How am I going to get all of my stuff from the platform to a cab? And from the cab into the apartment?
AHHHHHHHHHH!
Monday, March 02, 2009
Exhausted!
I think today falls somewhere near the top of the list when recounting Chip's Most Productive Days on Hilton Head Island. I got all of the paperwork filled out for my storage unit with the help of a kind lady named, Theresa at Public Storage. I also went by Piggly Wiggly to get laundry detergent (deciding packing a mountain of dirty clothes wasn't such a great idea after all) and shirts for Lana and Claire. I also ran a few other errands (Walmart, Bank, etc.), not even stopping for lunch... unless you count my white chocolate mocha from Starbucks as a meal. I was also going to swing by the Coinstar at Food Lion and finally cash in my $360+ in change I have saved over the past year and two months, but realized they charge 8%. Not a big deal when you're cashing in $10 here and $15 there, but when you have well over $300 in change, you're paying almost $30! I found that to be absurd and decided against it. I got some change rollers from the bank and decided to take on the task myself. After not much time, I decided it would take me a good 87 hours to roll it all and I have a lot of shit going on. I will probably go to Coinstar tomorrow and fork over the $28.50 or whatever it was I calculated. Instead of rolling change, I opted to take a load of stuff to my new storage unit to at least have a little bit of it out of the way. Here is what I have so far:
It doesn't look like much, but my little Sentra can only hold so much. If nothing else, that is 6 boxes and my office chair out of the way.
Maggie swung by my apartment after she got off work to get my key to Salty Dog and to say, "Goodbye". It was really sad and it honestly took a lot not to shed a tear, especially seeing the tears welling up in her eyes. I hate goodbyes!
My friend, Adam, told me soon after I met him that one of the worst things about living here was that there was always too many Goodbyes. I have seen friends come and leave in just a year, and it has been sad every time one of them has left. Now that I am the one leaving, saying, "Goodbye" to so many people downright sucks! I feel like when I left Boone I was one of the last to leave from the group of friends I spent most of my time with. I also felt like it was past time for me to leave that small, mountain, college town. With Hilton Head, I feel like I could have decided to stay throughout another season. Sometimes I wish I had of chosen to do so. I guess when you are chasing a dream, the timing for your emotions isn't always perfect.
For now, I am going to take a nice, hot shower and wash off the nasty chlorine from the indoor pool and jacuzzi at Hilton Head Resort and start last night's two hour episode of Brothers and Sisters until I fall asleep.
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