2 weeks ago it was 70 degrees. I was sweating (a lot) when I was outside in a t-shirt. People were wearing shorts and flip flops. I was mad because it was January and it felt like May. Today, it was approximately 9 degrees and the wind was biting me all over because it literally comes from every direction at once. And I was shaking in my booties. I guess I can't win!
Life is picking up the pace this week since classes started again. Much to my surprise, so far Statistics is fun! Who knew? Law class isn't too bad either. Again, who knew? And, the best part is that so far there are no group projects, which is the best news ever. Work has been a mess this week. Office politics are ridiculous, and everything that's happening in the office is being tucked away in my stash of "what never to do when you're running an organization" files. I have the opportunity to have a lot more responsibility, and basically a more interesting job, but the lack of communication, trust, and common sense in that office is making all of this (my boss resigning) much more dramatic than it needs to be. I had no idea that data entry could be so dramatic, but this week was kind of out of control. I barely even did any data entry because it was so out of control- kind of refreshing actually.
I've apparently developed a habit of falling in the street. We're up to 3 times now, and I'm not sure it's too funny. The good news is that in New York no one looks twice if you fall in the street- they might be laughing once they get past you, but they don't even blink when it first happens (I will admit that I can't help chuckling when someone totally trips running up the stairs on the subway. Call me mean and hateful, but that's funny, especially if the person think he's really awesome before he trips...). The bad news about all this falling in the street is that I know I look like an idiot and now I have an ouchie on my knee. Boo hoo. One of the days I fell in the street I also busted a button on my pants. I thought I was pretty skinny that day, but I guess not. Yeah, that was a rough day....
There was snow this week! How excited am I? I know that the bitter cold referenced earlier is a by-product of cold, but I still think it's pretty great to have snow on the ground.
I just finished reading a book (another funny, sarcastic, coming of age memoir...wierd. I never read those....) and the writer said that the perfect job for her would be one in which she could write about whatever she wanted (preferably herself) and her employee would pay her a large salary, that would cover all of her (relatively lavish) living expenses and many expensive and beautiful shoes. Sign me up for that job!! That would be perfect for me too!
We officially set the wedding date- let the countdown and parties and presents begin! We're ready! I can't wait to really start planning. I haven't really been looking at wedding magazines and it's kind of wierd because you'd think I'd be all over that. But I guess I just don't even know where to begin. I guess I'll begin by buying one and looking at it. Done. Everyone at school is super-excited, so it's really great to have a lot of engagement thunder still...This only happens once right? So I might as well milk it!
We thought we might have seen a mouse the other day. Please, help me, no, I can't deal with mice again.
Today I might have stepped in some pee on the subway. I got off that car as quickly as I possibly could, but I am thoroughly disgusted. I washed my foot a lot.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Yes, it's true- I'm enfianced
Well as many of you know, there has been much excitement in this life since the last time I wrote. I guess to start things off, I should say that I really did survive the first semester. At times, particularly those moments when I'd been writing in Starbucks for 6 hours or when it was 2 in the morning on a Friday night and I'd been editing a group paper all night, I really thought I might just give in and let grad school get the better of me. But, for better or worse, I completed all my papers, turned in every group project, and managed to not have too big of a nervous breakdown in the process. I'm not going to lie though when I say that the idea of starting a whole new semester in a week and a half is fairly depressing- I just conquered a beast and now I have to start all over!!
But ok, enough about that- school shmool let's get to the really juicy stuff...I am no longer a free agent. (I know I haven't been a free agent for quite some time now, but I'm trying to make this dramatic for a good blog effect) I have taken a fiancee. It's true- in our ripe old ages of 23 and 24, Eric asked me to marry him and I, through a mess of snot and tears, of course replied with a resounding yes. We are so happy and can still not really believe that we're getting married this year! On Tuesday the 19th, after I had turned in my last final, Eric surprised me by taking me to Tavern on the Green (EXTREMELY FANCY) and we (he) splurged on an amazing dinner in a truly beautiful location in my very favorite park of all. When it was time for dessert, the waiter brought me a cake that had Honey I Love You So Much written on it (after the fact I was quite relieved that Eric wasn't so cheesy as to put the ring or the proposal on the cake- I'm not sure I could tell THAT story quite so proudly...). The next thing I knew he was getting on one knee in front of me and I was sobbing. I can't really remember any more than that. It was a blur. But then he took out an amazing ring- princess cut solitaire diamond, platinum band- and I continued to cry. For the rest of the meal. Until the waiter didn't bring us any more drinks. Then I was hopping mad.
But then we floated out of there and shivered in the park while we called my parents and tried to tell them on speaker phone, but they couldn't figure out how to use THEIR speaker phone. So after many minutes of yelling and shivering, we got the message across. SO EXCITED!!! Then we called our friends and family and had our night, and it was definitely a night to remember.
The next morning I woke up and my eyes were swollen shut and there was a blizzard in Colorado (we were supposed to leave that day), but these are the types of things that happen to me. Wouldn't want any moment to be too perfect for too long. That just wouldn't be right. So this blizzard in Colorado really messed stuff up. After 2 more days of yelling and crying, Eric and I, and his parents, flew to Phoenix (all on separate flights, of course) and drove the 14 hours to Colorado Springs, complete with 2 trips to Denny's, a meal at the Flying Tortilla, and A LOT of fidgeting. As soon as we made it home from that unexpected road trip, though, all was forgotten and we had an amazing Christmas with the new, entire family.
Christmas break was so perfect (no I didn't ruin Christmas with a tantrum this year) that it was really difficult to come back to New York. We really didn't want to, and did everything we could to delay our return (including begging for another blizzard- we received some snow and ice, but alas, the plane took off...) After a weekend of watching tv and celebrating New Year's New York style (on a rooftop that you could easily have simply stepped off the edge, watching the ball drop, drink champagne out of a red party cup), I sadly went back to work. Yesterday was HORRIBLE, but today was not so bad. I'm feeling better about being here every day, but still really miss Colorado and my family. It was hard to come back here after having such a perfect week. And now I'm out of the beautiful peaceful snow and back in the unseasonably warm city full of mean, pushy crowds. Not my scene. I think it will take a little while to remember why I was starting to like it so much here.
Don't worry though, mostly we're having fun being ENGAGED and starting to plan this wedding. I'm a little sad because Eric had to take my ring to be resized today and it might be gone for 2 WEEKS!! 2 WEEKS- that's as long as I've had it!!!!! I'm totally going to start rumors that we're getting an engagement divorce---WE'RE NOT!! We've talked to almost everyone in our wedding party and they all are really excited- we're having the wedding next New Year's weekend in Colorado Springs and I know already it will be amazing. I'm so excited...So now, EVERYONE has to spend the next year praying for no repeat of this year's blizzard. Seriously.
Now, though, it's time to sleep so that I can go be a data entry professional in the morning. After all, another day, another dollar, and I have a honeymoon in a tropical locale to save for!!
But ok, enough about that- school shmool let's get to the really juicy stuff...I am no longer a free agent. (I know I haven't been a free agent for quite some time now, but I'm trying to make this dramatic for a good blog effect) I have taken a fiancee. It's true- in our ripe old ages of 23 and 24, Eric asked me to marry him and I, through a mess of snot and tears, of course replied with a resounding yes. We are so happy and can still not really believe that we're getting married this year! On Tuesday the 19th, after I had turned in my last final, Eric surprised me by taking me to Tavern on the Green (EXTREMELY FANCY) and we (he) splurged on an amazing dinner in a truly beautiful location in my very favorite park of all. When it was time for dessert, the waiter brought me a cake that had Honey I Love You So Much written on it (after the fact I was quite relieved that Eric wasn't so cheesy as to put the ring or the proposal on the cake- I'm not sure I could tell THAT story quite so proudly...). The next thing I knew he was getting on one knee in front of me and I was sobbing. I can't really remember any more than that. It was a blur. But then he took out an amazing ring- princess cut solitaire diamond, platinum band- and I continued to cry. For the rest of the meal. Until the waiter didn't bring us any more drinks. Then I was hopping mad.
But then we floated out of there and shivered in the park while we called my parents and tried to tell them on speaker phone, but they couldn't figure out how to use THEIR speaker phone. So after many minutes of yelling and shivering, we got the message across. SO EXCITED!!! Then we called our friends and family and had our night, and it was definitely a night to remember.
The next morning I woke up and my eyes were swollen shut and there was a blizzard in Colorado (we were supposed to leave that day), but these are the types of things that happen to me. Wouldn't want any moment to be too perfect for too long. That just wouldn't be right. So this blizzard in Colorado really messed stuff up. After 2 more days of yelling and crying, Eric and I, and his parents, flew to Phoenix (all on separate flights, of course) and drove the 14 hours to Colorado Springs, complete with 2 trips to Denny's, a meal at the Flying Tortilla, and A LOT of fidgeting. As soon as we made it home from that unexpected road trip, though, all was forgotten and we had an amazing Christmas with the new, entire family.
Christmas break was so perfect (no I didn't ruin Christmas with a tantrum this year) that it was really difficult to come back to New York. We really didn't want to, and did everything we could to delay our return (including begging for another blizzard- we received some snow and ice, but alas, the plane took off...) After a weekend of watching tv and celebrating New Year's New York style (on a rooftop that you could easily have simply stepped off the edge, watching the ball drop, drink champagne out of a red party cup), I sadly went back to work. Yesterday was HORRIBLE, but today was not so bad. I'm feeling better about being here every day, but still really miss Colorado and my family. It was hard to come back here after having such a perfect week. And now I'm out of the beautiful peaceful snow and back in the unseasonably warm city full of mean, pushy crowds. Not my scene. I think it will take a little while to remember why I was starting to like it so much here.
Don't worry though, mostly we're having fun being ENGAGED and starting to plan this wedding. I'm a little sad because Eric had to take my ring to be resized today and it might be gone for 2 WEEKS!! 2 WEEKS- that's as long as I've had it!!!!! I'm totally going to start rumors that we're getting an engagement divorce---WE'RE NOT!! We've talked to almost everyone in our wedding party and they all are really excited- we're having the wedding next New Year's weekend in Colorado Springs and I know already it will be amazing. I'm so excited...So now, EVERYONE has to spend the next year praying for no repeat of this year's blizzard. Seriously.
Now, though, it's time to sleep so that I can go be a data entry professional in the morning. After all, another day, another dollar, and I have a honeymoon in a tropical locale to save for!!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Almost
So I've definitely been MIA for the past few weeks, but I have never been so busy! Grad school + full time job= really really hard. I think I've already said that once, but after these 4 weeks I'm pretty sure it warrants being said at least 100 more times. But, somehow (I really don't even believe it myself yet- definitely hasn't sunk in) I'm almost there. I think over the course of the semester I read about 1500 pages, wrote 4 big papers and 25 article summaries, did 2 group projects, and one case study. I made it! Now we'll just see if I actually learned anything...Ask me about tax exemption and the nonprofit environment and I'll probably seem pretty smart. Ask about marketing or organizational behavior, the odds are not as good....
I've had to turn down fun in favor of work way too many times in the past few weeks, and I'm completely shocked at this change of personal character. I'm not sure I like it. I really can't remember ever doing that before. Ever. I've always convinced myself that no matter what I would find time to do the work after I had the fun. But this time, as hard as I tried, I simply could not convince myself that there were enough hours in the day to get it all done. Horrible! But I'm glad I have some common sense, because I was, indeed, basically working up to minute things were due (or the minute I had to go to bed for work the next day...) so it's probably a good thing I neglected to have a little fun sometimes.
Oh gosh don't worry though- you didn't think I wasn't having any fun did you? Don't be absurd...I have continued to enjoy the last few hot ciders at the farmers market and always turn the corner away from the beautiful white lights that look blue at Lincoln Center, bracing myself for disappointment if the farmers are not there and winter has truly set in...I'm obsessed with hot cider at Starbucks too...I'm also obsessed with Whole Foods. I think I have a problem...I love to walk around and take in all the Christmas decorations. It's still about 50 or 60 degrees so it's hard to imagine that it's Christmas in New York, but it is and that's pretty exciting!...When my mom and sister were here we had a few adventures. Most importantly we went to the Rainbow Room and it was intense. I'm not sure they really wanted us there. But Eric said that he had talked to "Saul" and somehow that got us a table, even though the boys weren't in jackets and had to borrow really really pretty ones from the coat closet and we had been waiting in a really long line for the elevator and were getting a bit cranky. We also went to all you can drink brunch again, but this time managed to have only 3 margaritas each, and refrained from making a plastic monkey sculpture or ordering extra bacon....in all my time writing for school lately, I've found some really great places to go on campus. I love going to the study lounge on the 7th floor of our student center. You can sit by a window and look out over the city, and see Washington Square Park, the Empire State Building all lit up in its green and red Christmas festivity, the Chrysler building, and many others that I don't know the names of but that look really great. It's really inspiring, even when you are thinking you can't possibly type another word or have another group meeting...We found a competitor (or an imposter...) for NUTS FOR NUTS. It's called Nut 2 the Nut and I really don't think it can possibly be as good as NUTS FOR NUTS...Today we went Christmas shopping in Herald Square (you know Macy's... Miracle on 34th street...that kind of place...) and while it's good to go there maybe, it's basically just a really bad idea. That was too many people. Too much pop Christmas music. Too much yelling. Too much shoving. Just a little too much. Probably I won't have that idea again...
I'm going home WEDNESDAY and I'm so excited I could pee my pants. I just have to make it through 2 days of work and I'm getting on that plane with my favorite hon-hon and going home for vacation. So great. I'm basically 100% positive that my Christmas Spirit will be in full force the moment I get off the plane. Maybe even the moment I get off work that day. Maybe even when I wake up tomorrow because as soon as I print and staple my case study- NO MORE SCHOOL (for three and a half weeks...but let's never talk about that....)
I've had to turn down fun in favor of work way too many times in the past few weeks, and I'm completely shocked at this change of personal character. I'm not sure I like it. I really can't remember ever doing that before. Ever. I've always convinced myself that no matter what I would find time to do the work after I had the fun. But this time, as hard as I tried, I simply could not convince myself that there were enough hours in the day to get it all done. Horrible! But I'm glad I have some common sense, because I was, indeed, basically working up to minute things were due (or the minute I had to go to bed for work the next day...) so it's probably a good thing I neglected to have a little fun sometimes.
Oh gosh don't worry though- you didn't think I wasn't having any fun did you? Don't be absurd...I have continued to enjoy the last few hot ciders at the farmers market and always turn the corner away from the beautiful white lights that look blue at Lincoln Center, bracing myself for disappointment if the farmers are not there and winter has truly set in...I'm obsessed with hot cider at Starbucks too...I'm also obsessed with Whole Foods. I think I have a problem...I love to walk around and take in all the Christmas decorations. It's still about 50 or 60 degrees so it's hard to imagine that it's Christmas in New York, but it is and that's pretty exciting!...When my mom and sister were here we had a few adventures. Most importantly we went to the Rainbow Room and it was intense. I'm not sure they really wanted us there. But Eric said that he had talked to "Saul" and somehow that got us a table, even though the boys weren't in jackets and had to borrow really really pretty ones from the coat closet and we had been waiting in a really long line for the elevator and were getting a bit cranky. We also went to all you can drink brunch again, but this time managed to have only 3 margaritas each, and refrained from making a plastic monkey sculpture or ordering extra bacon....in all my time writing for school lately, I've found some really great places to go on campus. I love going to the study lounge on the 7th floor of our student center. You can sit by a window and look out over the city, and see Washington Square Park, the Empire State Building all lit up in its green and red Christmas festivity, the Chrysler building, and many others that I don't know the names of but that look really great. It's really inspiring, even when you are thinking you can't possibly type another word or have another group meeting...We found a competitor (or an imposter...) for NUTS FOR NUTS. It's called Nut 2 the Nut and I really don't think it can possibly be as good as NUTS FOR NUTS...Today we went Christmas shopping in Herald Square (you know Macy's... Miracle on 34th street...that kind of place...) and while it's good to go there maybe, it's basically just a really bad idea. That was too many people. Too much pop Christmas music. Too much yelling. Too much shoving. Just a little too much. Probably I won't have that idea again...
I'm going home WEDNESDAY and I'm so excited I could pee my pants. I just have to make it through 2 days of work and I'm getting on that plane with my favorite hon-hon and going home for vacation. So great. I'm basically 100% positive that my Christmas Spirit will be in full force the moment I get off the plane. Maybe even the moment I get off work that day. Maybe even when I wake up tomorrow because as soon as I print and staple my case study- NO MORE SCHOOL (for three and a half weeks...but let's never talk about that....)
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Heaps and Losses
I go through the motions of being a grown up every day: I get up early now. Eat breakfast. Make a huge pot of coffee to fuel my 14 hour day. Go to work and sit in front of a computer for 8 hours. Then, theoretically in this proverbial grown up land, I would get to return home. Do some exercise. Eat some dinner. Perhaps go see a concert or an opera that are playing in abundance only steps away from my doorstep. And then go to sleep.
But the thing is, I have so much more to do than that. My days don't end with work. They don't even end with the extra things I would love to be doing like singing in a choir or volunteering or reading or going to be cultured at one of the 10000 cultural institutions in this city. I have to go to school to learn to be a part of those institutions. To learn to lead them and make them thrive. But I ask you- how am I supposed to immerse myself in this world if I don't have the time or the energy to be a part of it?
This whole working+school thing= WAY HARD. I'm still just chugging away like the little engine that could, but it is tough to not have any time during the day to get anything done, then to come home at 10 and be completely tired. I know these few weeks are going to be the worst because of the ridiculous amount of finals I have. And, by the way, group projects should be banned. Period.
So about real life...
Christmas is everywhere and I just keep trying to be able to take it all in. I saw the treelighting in Lincoln Center, and it was a little too Disney for me, but the tree is beautiful, and makes you feel like you should feel all warm and fuzzy inside even if you're too busy sweating because it's humid and not cold at all, worrying because you have too much to do, and wondering why it's been Christmas for 2 weeks and it's only November 29. I just keep looking at all the twinkling lights and red Starbucks cups and hoping that the spirit of Christmas will come upon me as suddenly as it did on New York, and I have to say that I'm still waiting. I'm hoping the secret recipe for getting Christmas spirit will be a reduction of stress with every project I complete, a christmas tree filling up the whole apartment, and some nice eggnog and Christmas cookies.
So about loss...
Eric's grandpa died today. And I really don't know how to be a grown up this time. I'm doing everything I can to be there for him, but there are some things that are so impossible, so sad, so heartbreaking to even begin to know what "being there" means. And the really hard thing is that I can't even go with him to the funeral this weekend to be with his family, because I can't get off work because it's not my family. And I could go on and on about why it's not my family yet, but that's not really all that important right now. What's important is that because I'm busy pretending to be a grown up at this real job, I can't be with the other part of my grown up life when he really needs me.
The longer I'm here- living the life...on my own...making my way...- I realize that nothing is easy anymore. No decision is made uncompromised. No moment can really be taken without a thought to the next. That gets really tiring, but I guess there's a certain beauty to that. It forces you to hold on to the moments when things are clear- like the moments when you do get to spend time with someone you care about, actually make time to talk to an old friend on the phone, are passed around on the phone to every member of your family as they eat a Thanksgiving you don't get to be a part of because you're a grown up now, look up and see the Empire State building when you finish running along the Hudson River... These moments bring clarity to the others that bring you down.
I guess it's cliche and trite to feel an outpouring of love and gratitude when something tragic happens to someone else. But, I don't really care. I am grateful for my family, and I hope that everyone knows that there is truly not a day that goes by that I don't wish that I was there with you, and that I knew how to show how much I love you. I am grateful for my friends who put up with me even though I am quite possibly the worst person at keeping in touch ever. For those that call me in the hopes that I may return one in 10 phone calls, know that I am forever indebted to you, and someday I will return the favor. And for those who are almost as bad at keeping in touch as I am, I am grateful that you're still there. Even after months of not talking and miles of distance- you're there. And you're the same.
You are all my heart and my insides.
I guess you're my Christmas spirit.
But the thing is, I have so much more to do than that. My days don't end with work. They don't even end with the extra things I would love to be doing like singing in a choir or volunteering or reading or going to be cultured at one of the 10000 cultural institutions in this city. I have to go to school to learn to be a part of those institutions. To learn to lead them and make them thrive. But I ask you- how am I supposed to immerse myself in this world if I don't have the time or the energy to be a part of it?
This whole working+school thing= WAY HARD. I'm still just chugging away like the little engine that could, but it is tough to not have any time during the day to get anything done, then to come home at 10 and be completely tired. I know these few weeks are going to be the worst because of the ridiculous amount of finals I have. And, by the way, group projects should be banned. Period.
So about real life...
Christmas is everywhere and I just keep trying to be able to take it all in. I saw the treelighting in Lincoln Center, and it was a little too Disney for me, but the tree is beautiful, and makes you feel like you should feel all warm and fuzzy inside even if you're too busy sweating because it's humid and not cold at all, worrying because you have too much to do, and wondering why it's been Christmas for 2 weeks and it's only November 29. I just keep looking at all the twinkling lights and red Starbucks cups and hoping that the spirit of Christmas will come upon me as suddenly as it did on New York, and I have to say that I'm still waiting. I'm hoping the secret recipe for getting Christmas spirit will be a reduction of stress with every project I complete, a christmas tree filling up the whole apartment, and some nice eggnog and Christmas cookies.
So about loss...
Eric's grandpa died today. And I really don't know how to be a grown up this time. I'm doing everything I can to be there for him, but there are some things that are so impossible, so sad, so heartbreaking to even begin to know what "being there" means. And the really hard thing is that I can't even go with him to the funeral this weekend to be with his family, because I can't get off work because it's not my family. And I could go on and on about why it's not my family yet, but that's not really all that important right now. What's important is that because I'm busy pretending to be a grown up at this real job, I can't be with the other part of my grown up life when he really needs me.
The longer I'm here- living the life...on my own...making my way...- I realize that nothing is easy anymore. No decision is made uncompromised. No moment can really be taken without a thought to the next. That gets really tiring, but I guess there's a certain beauty to that. It forces you to hold on to the moments when things are clear- like the moments when you do get to spend time with someone you care about, actually make time to talk to an old friend on the phone, are passed around on the phone to every member of your family as they eat a Thanksgiving you don't get to be a part of because you're a grown up now, look up and see the Empire State building when you finish running along the Hudson River... These moments bring clarity to the others that bring you down.
I guess it's cliche and trite to feel an outpouring of love and gratitude when something tragic happens to someone else. But, I don't really care. I am grateful for my family, and I hope that everyone knows that there is truly not a day that goes by that I don't wish that I was there with you, and that I knew how to show how much I love you. I am grateful for my friends who put up with me even though I am quite possibly the worst person at keeping in touch ever. For those that call me in the hopes that I may return one in 10 phone calls, know that I am forever indebted to you, and someday I will return the favor. And for those who are almost as bad at keeping in touch as I am, I am grateful that you're still there. Even after months of not talking and miles of distance- you're there. And you're the same.
You are all my heart and my insides.
I guess you're my Christmas spirit.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Impossible to recap
Too many things have happened in the last week to really summarize. My life is completely different now and it's so hard to believe still! Ok, get ready...
I GOT A REAL LIFE JOB!! Yes- a real big girl job for the first time ever! As nice as it would be to spend another year getting paid to watch tv and eat cookies, I've already realized that was some kind of utopia. So now I'm earning my keep! I'm the newest Member Services Associate at American Symphony Orchestra League. It's a service organization for orchestras of all sizes, and other nonprofit arts groups or businesses that work in the arts. Individuals can be members too. By the way, one of the first things I learned is to never refer to "THE LEAGUE" as ASOL because they think it's the most unfortunate acronym. That might be true...
So I mostly spend my days doing data entry now, but I think that will change...And I'm in a really great organization with some great people. So here I go! I'm still a little (ok actually a lot) nervous about how I'm going to finish all my finals, and let's not even talk about taking four classes again next semester...but I'm still excited, and I'll just brace myself for the challenge...
Ok so nothing else that's happened this week is actually all that exciting compared to that, but here's a run down:
Spent a good part of last weekend and week agonizing over whether to take the job, as well as being a ridiculous perfectionist about my marketing paper
Saw a really bad speaker giving us a lecture about Public Relations and the importance of speaking well and presenting yourself well when dealing with the press and our peers (ironic, yes?)
Went to a free fall banquet where I supposed to discuss the world's problems with my classmates, but we pretty much just rejoiced the fact we were missing our worst class and enjoyed the delicious food and large glasses of wine
Saw some friends (yes it's true, I have friends now) dance in a masters dance recital at NYU
Went to a bar for ANOTHER friend's birthday (this one I've had for a long time....I don't get any credit for that one) and had a gigantic martini and they even gave me a little pitcher of extra
Wondered why the entire city has turned into a Christmas wonderland. Ok, this is really great- I'll be the first to admit I'm a HUGE fan of Christmas. But I ask- has everyone forgotten that there's a holiday this week? A perfectly good one, that last time I checked had absolutely nothing to do with Christmas.
Had some delicious hot cider on the first cold day in a long time- finally! Forget this warm late fall- what's that even about?
Went to a really dirty Broadway show for absolutely free!
And now I just have to keep having this much fun AND do a lot of work AND get ready for the MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!!
I GOT A REAL LIFE JOB!! Yes- a real big girl job for the first time ever! As nice as it would be to spend another year getting paid to watch tv and eat cookies, I've already realized that was some kind of utopia. So now I'm earning my keep! I'm the newest Member Services Associate at American Symphony Orchestra League. It's a service organization for orchestras of all sizes, and other nonprofit arts groups or businesses that work in the arts. Individuals can be members too. By the way, one of the first things I learned is to never refer to "THE LEAGUE" as ASOL because they think it's the most unfortunate acronym. That might be true...
So I mostly spend my days doing data entry now, but I think that will change...And I'm in a really great organization with some great people. So here I go! I'm still a little (ok actually a lot) nervous about how I'm going to finish all my finals, and let's not even talk about taking four classes again next semester...but I'm still excited, and I'll just brace myself for the challenge...
Ok so nothing else that's happened this week is actually all that exciting compared to that, but here's a run down:
Spent a good part of last weekend and week agonizing over whether to take the job, as well as being a ridiculous perfectionist about my marketing paper
Saw a really bad speaker giving us a lecture about Public Relations and the importance of speaking well and presenting yourself well when dealing with the press and our peers (ironic, yes?)
Went to a free fall banquet where I supposed to discuss the world's problems with my classmates, but we pretty much just rejoiced the fact we were missing our worst class and enjoyed the delicious food and large glasses of wine
Saw some friends (yes it's true, I have friends now) dance in a masters dance recital at NYU
Went to a bar for ANOTHER friend's birthday (this one I've had for a long time....I don't get any credit for that one) and had a gigantic martini and they even gave me a little pitcher of extra
Wondered why the entire city has turned into a Christmas wonderland. Ok, this is really great- I'll be the first to admit I'm a HUGE fan of Christmas. But I ask- has everyone forgotten that there's a holiday this week? A perfectly good one, that last time I checked had absolutely nothing to do with Christmas.
Had some delicious hot cider on the first cold day in a long time- finally! Forget this warm late fall- what's that even about?
Went to a really dirty Broadway show for absolutely free!
And now I just have to keep having this much fun AND do a lot of work AND get ready for the MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!!
Friday, November 10, 2006
1. What just happened here?
So my week of no fun is going pretty well. I mean, it's actually a lot of work to have no fun, but it's already Friday and I've barely had an opportunity for fun, so now I just have to make it through the weekend and I'll have achieved my goal. I might allow a little fun actually. Don't judge. It's the weekend, come on!
A lot of opportunities have come up this week, and now I just don't know what to do. I actually got a part time job!! Hooray! I won't be making it rich quite yet, but I will come close to paying the rent, which certainly is a step in the right direction. I'll just be doing administrative work a couple of afternoons a week at a theater design company- right now it's pretty much on a temporary basis, but if things go well (which, let's be honest, we all should hope they do...) I might be able to add more hours or stay on permanently. I start next Tuesday and already have had some panic attacks about the holidays and asking for time off before I even start. I really really hate this growing up, real job thing- I think I'd prefer to go back to Freshman year, theory and sightsinging tests and Mentor and all... It was just a lot easier. The holidays should work out, but things are still a little up in the air.
I also have set up some interviews for internships which look pretty great. Yesterday I met with some people at Manhattan New Music Project. They started out as a vehicle for new music and composers, but have grown into a great arts education resource. They're in growing stages right now and have tons of ambitious and exciting projects on the horizon. If I did an internship there I wouldn't be paid (hard to imagine, I know- an unpaid job in the arts?) but I would be able to be really involved in projects with local schools, maybe develop a summer arts program, work on grant applications, research foundations, and help them build their fundraising database. Basically, it might be hard and really frustrating to work with such a small organization, but I would get valuable experience. Next week I'm meeting with the development director of MCC Theater. I don't know if that one's going to be quite as appealing, but it's good to have an interview I guess. So I think right now I'm starting to lean towards doing my internship next semester, just to start working and getting stuff going. Don't ask how I might balance 4 classes, an intership, a temp job, and a part time job. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
So it sounds like I'm starting to get stuff figured out right? WRONG. Just as I began making some decisions to do things this way, I got a call yesterday from ASOL about the job I interviewed for a few weeks ago. I still haven't actually spoken to anyone, because we've been playing phone tag, but in the message the Human Resources lady said she wanted to "have a conversation" with me. Um. Excuse me- what does that mean? But now I don't know what to do. I know that having a full time job would mean more stability than I have right now, and it would give Eric and I a chance to save some money. But now that I've started meeting these other people, I'm getting excited about internships and doing stuff that might ultimately be more valuable, even if it means scraping money together for another year. I really don't know how to weigh my decision. I guess first I should actually talk to ASOL, but I'm still a little stressed out about it.
So that brings me back to the original question- 1. What just happened here? A week ago, I had nothing happening. Now, in a week, I have 2 jobs, internship possibilities, and another job in the works. I guess when it rains, it pours.
Speaking of rain, the other day was HORRIBLENESS. I don't think I've ever been so soaked. And I had an umbrella and a coat and I was wet from head to toe. That's a little ridiculous if you ask me. Luckily it's sunny again. We'll see how long that lasts...
A lot of opportunities have come up this week, and now I just don't know what to do. I actually got a part time job!! Hooray! I won't be making it rich quite yet, but I will come close to paying the rent, which certainly is a step in the right direction. I'll just be doing administrative work a couple of afternoons a week at a theater design company- right now it's pretty much on a temporary basis, but if things go well (which, let's be honest, we all should hope they do...) I might be able to add more hours or stay on permanently. I start next Tuesday and already have had some panic attacks about the holidays and asking for time off before I even start. I really really hate this growing up, real job thing- I think I'd prefer to go back to Freshman year, theory and sightsinging tests and Mentor and all... It was just a lot easier. The holidays should work out, but things are still a little up in the air.
I also have set up some interviews for internships which look pretty great. Yesterday I met with some people at Manhattan New Music Project. They started out as a vehicle for new music and composers, but have grown into a great arts education resource. They're in growing stages right now and have tons of ambitious and exciting projects on the horizon. If I did an internship there I wouldn't be paid (hard to imagine, I know- an unpaid job in the arts?) but I would be able to be really involved in projects with local schools, maybe develop a summer arts program, work on grant applications, research foundations, and help them build their fundraising database. Basically, it might be hard and really frustrating to work with such a small organization, but I would get valuable experience. Next week I'm meeting with the development director of MCC Theater. I don't know if that one's going to be quite as appealing, but it's good to have an interview I guess. So I think right now I'm starting to lean towards doing my internship next semester, just to start working and getting stuff going. Don't ask how I might balance 4 classes, an intership, a temp job, and a part time job. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
So it sounds like I'm starting to get stuff figured out right? WRONG. Just as I began making some decisions to do things this way, I got a call yesterday from ASOL about the job I interviewed for a few weeks ago. I still haven't actually spoken to anyone, because we've been playing phone tag, but in the message the Human Resources lady said she wanted to "have a conversation" with me. Um. Excuse me- what does that mean? But now I don't know what to do. I know that having a full time job would mean more stability than I have right now, and it would give Eric and I a chance to save some money. But now that I've started meeting these other people, I'm getting excited about internships and doing stuff that might ultimately be more valuable, even if it means scraping money together for another year. I really don't know how to weigh my decision. I guess first I should actually talk to ASOL, but I'm still a little stressed out about it.
So that brings me back to the original question- 1. What just happened here? A week ago, I had nothing happening. Now, in a week, I have 2 jobs, internship possibilities, and another job in the works. I guess when it rains, it pours.
Speaking of rain, the other day was HORRIBLENESS. I don't think I've ever been so soaked. And I had an umbrella and a coat and I was wet from head to toe. That's a little ridiculous if you ask me. Luckily it's sunny again. We'll see how long that lasts...
Monday, November 06, 2006
What do Broadway parties, Burp Castles, and gay parties in Chelsea have in common?
If you guessed my weekend, then DING DING DING! you're right! And if you guessed that the number one rule for this week is NO FUN ALLOWED then you're right again. There was way too much fun for one week last week- so this week if you catch me having any, definitely remind me that rules exist for a reason...
I can't believe I haven't written for a week- having too much fun I guess...Halloween was really intense. Can't say that I have a really strong desire to go back to the Village for Halloween. You literally could not move in the streets. You would try, but actually you would just stand there. There was a lot of people being crazy and having fun though, so I'm glad we experienced it at least once!
I got my first grad school grades this week- an A and a B+!! This inspires confidence. And fear. The pressure's on now...
On Thursday I was lucky enough to go to the Broadway opening night of Grey Gardens and it was one of the most ridiculous things I've ever done. I got dressed up in my fanciest outfit and went down to the theatah and everyone was taking pictures. Someone even took my picture because they said I was so so beautiful. It's true... The show was of course great and Paul got about a million presents (it's really great to be on Broadway I guess) and then we got to go to the fanciest party at the Boat House in Central Park (it doesn't really get a lot better than that). They chartered about 10 buses to take what I think was the entire theater to the restaurant. The party was packed- with food, drinks, and fancy people. I've never seen so many crab cakes, shrimp, steaks, or carrot cakes. And it was really amazing because when you would take something, it was like it was immediately magically replaced. Like when I took the last piece of carrot cake, as soon as I put the spatula back down, another cake was in its place. It was like Willy Wonka or something. We pretty much shut the party down and then had to figure out how to get out of Central Park in the middle of the night. And, yes, we walked in Central Park at night, which seemed to be the number one thing people told me not to do in New york. We survived.
Friday I had an internship event and met some cool people that I might do internships with. Or maybe not. We'll see. It's pretty intense when you throw about 100 people in a room and expect them to do nothing but network and eat cheese. Then I went out to an amazing restaurant with the girls from the program. I just love exploring the Village. There are so many neat places that I would never go to on my own. It's exciting that I could eat somewhere different every night and not get to every great restaurant. After that, we met our friend Scott (aka Hott) from college and went to a place in the East Village called the Burp Castle. It's completely true. Well it's the most fun bar EVER because you're not allowed to talk loudly in it! Perfect for me because I'm a loser who hates loud places!!! We pretty much shut the place down and didn't get home until almost 5. We are cuh-razyyyy New Yorkers now. We saw the craziest rat fight in the subway too. Those rats are nasty to each other.
So Saturday, because we had stayed out to all hours, was not the productive day it should have been...I did go to an AMAZING play with my group from my management classes at LAByrinth Theater. I haven't seen something so intense and wonderful in a while. AND I saw Kyra Sedgwick. With my own two eyes, I have finally seen a real live famous person. Just walking into the theater like a normal human. I guess she left Kevin Bacon at home that night. Of course we went out after and my weekend of foolishness continued. but again, I felt like an awesome New Yorker. There was a man on the subway who smelled worse than anything I've ever smelled in my whole life. We got on the car (which was empty except for him), almost passed out, and got immediately out at the next stop. It was so sick. And so sad. He was still there when we happened to see the same train the next day. I hope he's not dead or somehting!!!
Sunday was a bit more productive, but only a bit. It was an absolutely beautiful day, as we've been lucky to have almost every day this fall. I'm dreading when the rain will start again, because this has been perfect. We went and watched the New York City Marathon for a little while and it was amazing. So inspiring to watch those people finish a marathon. We barely saw the winners because even after running 26.2 miles they were still running so fast you could barely see them. We missed Lance Armstrong, but I saw him on TV so I'll pretend we were still there when he passed where we were standing in the park. Then last night we intended to stop by a super gay birthday party at a friend's in Chelsea. Well the cosmopolitans just happened to be really good, and also just happened to be extremely strong. And I had a few too many. It was a long trip home. Believe me. And today was not so fun. I was being punished for having too much fun, so now NO FUN ALLOWED.
We did finally have our picnic in the park today. And we were graced with some gorgeous leaves and sunshine.
I can't believe I haven't written for a week- having too much fun I guess...Halloween was really intense. Can't say that I have a really strong desire to go back to the Village for Halloween. You literally could not move in the streets. You would try, but actually you would just stand there. There was a lot of people being crazy and having fun though, so I'm glad we experienced it at least once!
I got my first grad school grades this week- an A and a B+!! This inspires confidence. And fear. The pressure's on now...
On Thursday I was lucky enough to go to the Broadway opening night of Grey Gardens and it was one of the most ridiculous things I've ever done. I got dressed up in my fanciest outfit and went down to the theatah and everyone was taking pictures. Someone even took my picture because they said I was so so beautiful. It's true... The show was of course great and Paul got about a million presents (it's really great to be on Broadway I guess) and then we got to go to the fanciest party at the Boat House in Central Park (it doesn't really get a lot better than that). They chartered about 10 buses to take what I think was the entire theater to the restaurant. The party was packed- with food, drinks, and fancy people. I've never seen so many crab cakes, shrimp, steaks, or carrot cakes. And it was really amazing because when you would take something, it was like it was immediately magically replaced. Like when I took the last piece of carrot cake, as soon as I put the spatula back down, another cake was in its place. It was like Willy Wonka or something. We pretty much shut the party down and then had to figure out how to get out of Central Park in the middle of the night. And, yes, we walked in Central Park at night, which seemed to be the number one thing people told me not to do in New york. We survived.
Friday I had an internship event and met some cool people that I might do internships with. Or maybe not. We'll see. It's pretty intense when you throw about 100 people in a room and expect them to do nothing but network and eat cheese. Then I went out to an amazing restaurant with the girls from the program. I just love exploring the Village. There are so many neat places that I would never go to on my own. It's exciting that I could eat somewhere different every night and not get to every great restaurant. After that, we met our friend Scott (aka Hott) from college and went to a place in the East Village called the Burp Castle. It's completely true. Well it's the most fun bar EVER because you're not allowed to talk loudly in it! Perfect for me because I'm a loser who hates loud places!!! We pretty much shut the place down and didn't get home until almost 5. We are cuh-razyyyy New Yorkers now. We saw the craziest rat fight in the subway too. Those rats are nasty to each other.
So Saturday, because we had stayed out to all hours, was not the productive day it should have been...I did go to an AMAZING play with my group from my management classes at LAByrinth Theater. I haven't seen something so intense and wonderful in a while. AND I saw Kyra Sedgwick. With my own two eyes, I have finally seen a real live famous person. Just walking into the theater like a normal human. I guess she left Kevin Bacon at home that night. Of course we went out after and my weekend of foolishness continued. but again, I felt like an awesome New Yorker. There was a man on the subway who smelled worse than anything I've ever smelled in my whole life. We got on the car (which was empty except for him), almost passed out, and got immediately out at the next stop. It was so sick. And so sad. He was still there when we happened to see the same train the next day. I hope he's not dead or somehting!!!
Sunday was a bit more productive, but only a bit. It was an absolutely beautiful day, as we've been lucky to have almost every day this fall. I'm dreading when the rain will start again, because this has been perfect. We went and watched the New York City Marathon for a little while and it was amazing. So inspiring to watch those people finish a marathon. We barely saw the winners because even after running 26.2 miles they were still running so fast you could barely see them. We missed Lance Armstrong, but I saw him on TV so I'll pretend we were still there when he passed where we were standing in the park. Then last night we intended to stop by a super gay birthday party at a friend's in Chelsea. Well the cosmopolitans just happened to be really good, and also just happened to be extremely strong. And I had a few too many. It was a long trip home. Believe me. And today was not so fun. I was being punished for having too much fun, so now NO FUN ALLOWED.
We did finally have our picnic in the park today. And we were graced with some gorgeous leaves and sunshine.
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