Day 204 - Day 206

March 26 - March 28, 2010

My last weekend in New York City was nothing short of fantastic! Check out my photos on Picassa Web Albums! We went to The Irish Rogue; it's the same bar I went to on my birthday! It was a blast! Remember the boy from St. Patty's Day? Okay, well we've been talking and what not, but I find him odd. He showed up on Friday. Interesting. He always wears a fedora! What the heck?! So, instead of Alex, we refer to him as Fedora. I thought he was a blast on St. Patty's Day, but that could have been due to the liquid that was consumed. Maybe...I'm just saying.

Friday night, on the walk home, I call my grandma. Yes, it was 4 a.m., and people are amazed when I tell them this, but I always call her! Well, Friday was a blast! So, on the way home, I decide that it's cold, so I start running. Yes, running down the street in heels, with two really big bags around my arms. Grandma, "Ashley, what the hell are you running for?" Me, "Because I'm cold!" Hahaha! You had to be there! It's 4 o'clock and I'm running home!

Friday, at Better Homes, was really hard. I hated walking out of Meredith Corporation for the last time. I loved it there, and I really became a part of their family! I can't tell you how much I appreciate the women I worked with. They are brilliant, fun, and great to be around! I can't thank them enough for everything they have done for me. They did tell me if a job opens up, they're calling me! ;) One of my editors "took me shopping" Friday. Which means, she gave me the cutest beach bag and took me shopping in our beauty closet! It was so much fun! She geared me up with products perfect for the Florida sun! I'm going to be one sun-kissed beach babe! ;)

We went to brunch at HK Hell's Kitchen! Oh my gosh! Amazing! I had lobster eggs benedict, that was incredible! Then, the rest of the weekend was spent packing and catching up with friends. Saturday, my apartment is basically empty. No bed, no chair, nothing. What do I sleep on? The hardwood floor. No fun! It was probably the most uncomfortable ever. I got no sleep. My back hurts. And my arm was numb from propping up my head all night.

I was walking around Times Square, and my neighborhood, taking everything in for the last time. When I walked through Times Square, everyday, I started to take it for granted. All of the beautiful lights, humungous billboards, and rush of people. Okay, the rush of people I can easily do without! I went to the restaurant one last time tonight to say good-bye to Kara. I had so much fun! All of us laughed and joked! We are all extremely sarcastic, so you can only imagine! Imagine my blog, times ten! Yea, I know! Funny mayhem!

Sunday, I really cried. Not in front of anyone, so that's an improvement! I almost cried leaving the restaurant, but I held back until I got home. I loved working at the restaurant! For the most part, everyone was fantastic! Give or take a couple of people, but you get that everywhere! ;) I had a lot of great experiences there, saw a TON of awesome people, and made some great friends! How many people can say they saw Dan Marino every Saturday? Or Rodney Harrison? Or Reba McEntire? Or Blake Shelton? Or Dennis Dixon? Or Willie Parker? Or Reverend Al Sharpton? And on and on. Not many people.

When I got to my apartment, to walk out for the last time, I really started to cry. Leaving New York City is a lot harder than I ever imagined it would be. This is the first place, I really made my home. It's been an emotional roller coaster, but was worth every tear, every ounce of sweat, and every wrinkle I created by worrying over nothing! ;) You know in the movies, when people move out and they do flashbacks of the memories? That's what I did. I have done and seen so much the last six months! I've definitely grown as a woman. I figured out what I wanted, but like everyone, am still wondering what else is out there!

I want to thank all of the great people I have met here in the city. Without their help and guidance, I would not be the new person I am today. The person I used to be about two years ago, but better! A happy, organized, controlled, funny, and sassy woman! Being around such independent and driven people has really made me realize my potential, and made me want to strive and reach that potential I just realized I have! As much as New Yorkers have the reputation of being rude and obnoxious, they can be thoughtful and caring as well. Not very often, but the people I associated myself with are the best I could have asked for! I wish them nothing but the best, and I know I will see them soon!

I got a hotel room for tonight, per my father and grandmother's request/concern. Hey, if dad says it's okay, then I'm all over it! ;) I hop in a cab, and let me tell you, my last NYC cab experience was perfect! We're driving and I tell him I need to go to a hotel near JFK. I told him which one and he said okay. Not only did he ask me for the address 400 times, but we also drove around Queens for about 45 minutes trying to find it. All the while, he's beating on the steering wheel, like it's a drum, and turning his hand around the wheel as if he's turning a corner; as he's staring at me through the rearview mirror. I thought, Great! My last night in New York City, and I'm going to get killed. He's not taking me to the hotel. I'm going to end up in an alley. I tell ya' what. 

He told me 30 times, I look like his cousin. "She's Indian," he says. Me: "Really? I didn't know Indians had blonde hair." Him: "She doesn't." Me: "Oh, but she looks like me?" Him: "Yes. Her face, her height, her body type." Excuse me, sir. It creeps me out that you are checking me out, "inconspicuously," while you're driving. Can you please focus on the road? I would like to get to Florida in one piece. Then, he asked if I had any siblings. Really? Again, you're a creeper. I'm normally a chatter box, but not with people that are weird. I'm always willing to strike up a convo, but if I feel you're doing it for ulterior motives, forget about it. You don't need to know about my life.

I tell him I have one brother. Him: "How old is he?" Me: "He's 30. He's my older, very protective older brother." I say things like this, like it's going to freakin' matter! Hehe! It's worth a shot! After 45 minutes, he says, "Let me get my GPS." Excuse me, what?? You've basically just shown me all of Queens and we could have avoided the 30-minute detour, but no. Did you forget about your Magellan? Come on, now! I mean, I know I'm good company, but this is ridiculous! ;) Just kidding!

I get to the hotel, which is really nice! I'm on the phone, when all of a sudden, the fire alarms go off. Perfect. Just what I need. Do I fall for it and go outside? No. I'm staying put. It stops after a bit. I figure, I'm close enough to the ground, that if there was a fire, I would just jump out the window! ;)

Note to self: Before you can succeed, you need to realize your potential. When your potential used to be something you questioned, don't. Never question the great things you are able to achieve! When numerous people tell you, you are a great person and worker, believe them! You have so many great people in your life, who have taught you SO much, that your potential just magnified! When you keep hearing, "Does Boca know how lucky they are to have you?" take it in and be thankful that so many people appreciate you and care about you!

Too many people take themselves for granted. Stop! You are fabulous and can do anything you set your mind to! Don't be afraid to take chances! Look at how many chances I've taken! Too many to count! Sometimes, not thinking about something, turns out to be the best decision you've ever made. And sometimes, when you do think about something too much, maybe that's a sign, it's not meant to be. Don't think so much about "What should I do?" or "What do you think is best?" Only you can decide that! If you want to move, move! If you want to go back to school, go back! Nothing is impossible!

Day 93

December 8, 2009

The thing I keep thinking about today...the Iowa blizzard. I can't believe you guys are getting 14 inches of snow! That's not normal! My mom says her boss may not have them come into the office tomorrow. It's an adult's snow day! I want one! I want a day off to make snowmen, drink hot chocolate, and sleep! How amazing does this sound? However, as much as it sounds nice, I don't want any snow. I have to walk in the stuff! No thanks!

Speaking of walking. I'm walking to work and all I can think about is how I want the bagel from that guys sack and how I want to buy those M&Ms at the newsstand. Damn, diets suck! I didn't buy them! And I did good today! Minus the cookies from Meredith Corp. They were pretty tasty! Better Homes & Garden was great, as usual! I'm looking forward to tomorrow because I get to spend a large part of my day in the clothes closet, organizing the Spring 2010 looks for upcoming issues! Totally my element! I can't wait!

The Capital Grille is also great as usual! Due to the holiday season, and the fact that people are actually realizing our restaurant is at this location (TCG has only been open at this location since May), we have been extremely busy! It's so great! I love being busy!

Note to self: Read Brett's blogs! He is more comical than I am. You will enjoy his take on the adventures of his New York trip out here! I've posted the first four, and will post the rest tomorrow. It's interesting reading about other people's thoughts and experiences. You always figure they're thinking this way, or that way. Then you realize, what you thought they were thinking...they weren't thinking that way at all. So far, a couple of things have thrown me off--Brett just didn't want to hurt my feelings. That's sweet of him! What a great kid! The most intuitive and intelligent person I've ever met.

When he tells you, "Ashley, you weren't happy. I could tell. I watched you when no one else was looking. You didn't have the spark in your eyes." Wow! Who would have thought my brother, or a guy for that matter, would pay attention and notice that stuff?! When he tells you his opinion on what he thinks will happen...more than likely, he's right. More people need to be like him. Sit back, relax, and just take everything in. You learn so much that way. Really pay attention to people. Look at their smile--is it real or is it plastered on their face for show? Watch their body language--is someone forcing an action to make the situation seem better than it really is? Listen to them talk--does someone sound too nervous to talk to the opposite sex, or do they sound completely confident? Just a thought. Maybe if more people took the time to be intuitive, more things could be figured out!

READ THE NEXT FOUR BLOGS! THEY'RE THE BEGINNING OF BRETT'S!

Day 67

November 12, 2009

Okay, well my day starts at 7:30 this morning. It is now 2:03 a.m. and I do not get off work until 1:00 a.m.! What a L.O.N.G. day! I am beat! But I make really good money at coat check. And speaking of which. As a host, I cannot leave until the last coat has been checked back to our guests. The guests, who make me stay TWO HOURS past my end time, tip me NOTHING! WTF?! It's because of your stupid ass that I get out two hours later, and I don't even compensated for it? It's funny because there is only one word that keeps playing over and over and over in my head. F**kers. Ha! That's all I can think of! When you ask me stupid questions like, Oh my God. Like why is the turny door locked? Well, sweetheart. The restaurant closed two hours ago, and the fact that you can't even stand straight because you got too drunk off of your 60-year-old date, please don't start with me. It's not cute. Go smoke your cigarette to curb your appetite!

I have to laugh out loud to myself today at BHG. There is a brand in our books, typed out as, "African-Am Hair Care Products." So, I call the PR agency to see if they still deal with this account. This is how I ask the question, "Hi, my name is Ashley and I'm with Better Homes & Garden http://www.bhg.com/, and I was wondering if you still work with African Hair Care Products?" She replies, "I'm sorry, what company?" I say, "African A.M. Hair Care Products." I literally thought it meant A.M. It is not until about three hours later that I realize the "Am," means American. It's "African American Hair Care Products!" The lady has to think I'm nuts at the PR firm for spelling out Am, as if it were initials! Oh geeze, Ashley!

As I walk to The Capital Grille tonight, I walk past Rockefeller Center. They're putting up the Christmas tree! Oh my gosh! I get so excited!!!! It's going to be so beautiful! And it's huge! I mean, I always knew it was huge from tv, but I'm tellin' ya' what folks...it's absolutely, amazingly large! I tried to get a good picture, but this is the best I can do!

 

So, I know this sounds corny, but I definitely feel official at BHG. I'm in charge of getting products ready for our March issue photo shoot coming up soon. I call the different cosmetic companies and PR agencies and have them send over a specific colored eyeshadow. Watch out for Spring. An "it" color is, in my opinion, surprisingly intriguing, youthful, and edgy! That's not the point. The point is this--look at the picture below!

How cool does this look? My name, plus BHG, on the same label? I love it! I know, I'm nerdy, but hey! It's fun and hopefully someday, I actually get paid to do what I do! ;)

Note to self: Maybe four and a half cups of coffee in one day is a bad idea. Regardless of how tired you are, CLEARLY, your body does not respond at all to caffeine. Could it be because your body already has a high enough dose of energetic chemicals in your system? Or could it be because you are already ADD-like and OCD-like, that the caffeine has an opposite effect? Most people get headaches due to lack of caffeine. I have a massive headache, I think, for too much caffeine.

(The half of a cup is due to a little mishap on my part. When you get free coffee from your apartment building, make sure you find a lid that fits. Going without a lid only causes the coffee to bump up out of your cup, onto the whole lower half of your face, and splash on your favorite scarf. Now...you are a sticky mess! All I'm saying is...make sure it's covered up! That's what she said! Haha! JK mom and dad!)

Day 64

November 9, 2009

I love the fact that it's 65 degrees in November! It was so nice to not have to shiver all the way to and from work. Work was busy today. I spent all day on the phone, talking with different PR agencies. I'm getting accustomed to whom BHG works with, which is great. The down side...when I'm looking down at the brand name, while the phone is ringing, all I can think of...how in the heck do you pronounce that? Is that French? Maybe it looks Chinese. Hell, I don't know, just wing it! So, I do, and nine times out of ten, I was wrong. Go figure. A top rated magazine has a person calling that can't even pronounce the name of their product correctly. Wonderful business for Meredith. They should have included the mnemonics.

So, I got flipped off by a little kid yesterday, I didn't mention. He quickly flashed it by me, while mom and dad were chatting away in the front seat of their suburban. They should be so proud. Then, he rolled up the window. I was hoping his little finger would get jammed in between the window and the car! Little bastard would have gotten what he deserved! ;)

I go out for coffee with a friend tonight. It's too beautiful out to not enjoy the weather. So, we meet up in Union Square and head to Washington Square Park. I've never been in that area, but I must say...I was highly impressed! It's so cute! And so was my company. ;)

On the walk home, I see a guy and his girlfriend. He looked identical to the dude from the movie, "House Party." It's awesome! The hair is what sets it off! The girl just looks like a bad, ghetto-hooker. With her plastic, gold-rimmed sunglasses--her name definitely has to be LaFonda! The couple's gold chains are a cute touch to pull their outfits together, which screamed, ghetto-disaster! It's great!

Note to self: It sucks to know that you have funny things to write in you blog, but have to refrain from certain points because of fear of who may read it. You want to talk about certain things/people, but don't want to look like a weirdo, even though this is the whole point of the blog. I need to grow a pair and just write about everything. That's why I started this thing anyway!

Day 59

November 4, 2009

GO Yankees!! Yay for World Series Champs!!!! It's crazy here and I absolutely love it! I can't wait to see what they do to celebrate! Parade? That would be cool!! I wish I could have been there!

It has been one great day! The Yanks, my first day at my internship, and I made some pretty nice tips at the restaurant. Yes, Better Homes & Garden Magazine is a complete blast to work for! It's only day one and I walk out with nearly three pounds of free beauty products! I can definitely get used to this! How amazing?! Bags and bags full of products that companies send the editors. Whatever they don't want, I can have! What girl could have it better? I can do my Christmas and Birthday shopping for family and friends in the comfort of my work! ;) It's a beautiful thing!

Not to mention the work I get to do. It's a mixture of administrative tasks, assisting with photo shoots, editing, etc. I get to dip my hands into all aspects of the department. I am so fortunate to have been given this opportunity and you bet I am going to make the most out of it, and work my booty off to make a good impression! Meredith Corporation is such a great company to be a part of, and I am so thankful for the great recommendations coming from within the company! My editors are absolutely amazing! They are awesome women and they are a ton of fun!!!

Work is fun, as usual. My co-workers are so much fun and I really enjoy myself there! Checking coats is a great way to make some extra money in tips! I didn't even realize! However, when they tell you to buy slip-resistant shoes, don't wear your super-cute flat boots, no matter how much they make your outfit look good. When you continue to slip, you are eventually going to face plant it. And that will be nothing short of humiliating. So, I will no longer be wearing these boots that I adore. It's back to the old woman, black flats that will keep me from a broken leg!

Note to self: Even though it looks sunny out, the buildings create quite the shadows. So, don't wear your sunglasses. People aren't looking at you because they find you attractive. No. They are probably looking at you, thinking, Who is divalicious here, wearing her sunglasses when the sun is not shining. Also, wearing leggings with a sweater dress is cute, but not when you keep pulling at it to make sure your booty doesn't play peek-a-boo with innocent by-standers. Don't tug at yourself. And stop walking like your thighs are glued together. That's why people are staring. They're trying to figure what the hell you're doing and what on earth is wrong with you! They're sympathy/concerned/confused glances. That's it.