Day 58

November 3, 2009

The last few months, when I decide to do something. I just do it. I don't really think about the consequences, the repercussions, the negatives, or the positives. I just go for it. It's completely unlike me to act this way. But I figure, why not? I've always lived on the "safe" side and over-analyzed everything I've ever done. Which led me back to where I didn't want to be.

My grandma sent me an e-mail yesterday that read, "The challenge you face is of your own design--that's what makes it worthwhile. Even so, you might not be sure whether you can do it. The faith of someone close to you will make the difference." Pretty good, huh? Totally pertains to my life and how I just jumped into moving to NYC and going after jobs, I never thought I would get. Taking risks and not even caring about the outcome. And guess what...it has been worthwhile and it's all worked out quite nicely!

So, I'm at work today and it's crazy, as usual. But I love it! It turns five o'clock and another hostess comes in to take over. I say, "Hey girl!" Then, I hear, "Hey!" I turn around and guess who it is? It's a guest of the restaurant, and she's black. Of course! She probably is thinking, who is this white girl, and why is she addressing me as 'Hey girl' when I walk in the restaurant. It looks like I'm completely racially profiling her. Go figure that happens to me.

One thing I like about being new--if you make a mistake, no one gets mad at you. My dad always tells me, "You can play the 'Oh shit' card once, but after that, you better be ready to be held accountable." So true. Needless to say, my 'oh shit' card has now expired.

I get home and I have two letters in the mail! I love mail! One is another Starbucks gift card--I love it! And the second are pictures of my cousin's baby! He is so cute! Now, I have pictures to put in my empty picture frames in my apartment!

My friend Shelby calls me today to wish me luck tomorrow on my first day as the Better Homes & Garden, Fashion & Beauty Editorial intern. Yes, that is a lot to say in one sentence. She then tells me she is researching blogs and she got tired, so she started reading mine for fun! If you're reading this today Shelby, Get back to work! ;) Love you!

I have to say, I'm getting annoyed with "New Moon." I'm tired of Bella and Jacob. I'm ready for Edward to come back! I'm over the werewolves, Victoria, and the repetitious "Bella feeling sorry for herself." It's time the book gets exciting! And it's almost over! Time for the pace to pick up. I did see a preview for the premier on November 20. I will be one of those nuts who is there at the midnight showing. I can't help myself anymore.

Note to self: Have faith. When you're having a difficult time with something, try not to think about it. Just have faith that everything will happen all in good time. Don't give up that faith because it will happen. What you want in life, you will succeed. With effort, time, and faith. No one said life is easy, they just said it would be worth it! ;)

Day 51

October 27, 2009

Today proves to be a very successful day. I get my NFL tickets in the mail, I get a couple jobs, and I get to hang out with a friend from work. We go job hunting together--it makes it more fun! It is raining, so I'm thanking my dad for buying the mini-me umbrella when they were in town. Although I made fun of a 6'3", 250 pound man for carrying an umbrella fit for a munchkin, I am now gladly hovering it over my nicely curled hair.

As I'm walking, I receive my second marriage proposal while living in the city. That's right. I could be off the market right now, folks. I know what you're thinking. Who wouldn't want a raggedy man, in a pair of sweats, with snarly hair proposing to you in the middle of Times Square? It was tempting to turn down the, "Hey beautiful! Will you marry me?" But I had to do it. A girl needs options! ;) I prefer man number one who proposed and offered me a beach house in Florida! That's what I'm talking about! ;)

So, one thing I've come to find in this city--being a woman can get you a lot of places. I know this is true everywhere, but seems to be more prevalent here! My friend, who is a male, applied for the same positions as I did, but got turned down. One thing we both noticed--all the staffers were female. Sexist! But, I can't say I'm surprised. We go sit in Starbucks while we wait for our travels to the Upper West Side. Breakfast Tea is probably the best drink on a wet, rainy day! It's so relaxing!

Columbus Circle is so fun! It's full of shopping, fun bakeries, and quaint, trendy restaurants. And they have the best store of all time there, Bebe. It's my favorite! We then head back downtown, where after a short while, I say goodbye to my job hunting buddy and head home. I'm still trying to get over being sick. My ear has been muffled now for three days, so I cannot really hear when people are talking to me. I'm sure I look like I don't know what's going on in life because I just stand there like a deaf/mute. Problem: it is now settling in both ears. Perfect.

So, I'm taking up reading. A friend of mine loans me Twilight. Yes, I know. I think I'm the only one who has yet to read this dang book. But I feel like I need a new hobby and something to ease my mind from the 500 things running through it. I'm actually doing pretty good. I sometimes catch myself daydreaming, but all in all, I'm surprisingly keeping engaged. I think it's because the print is large, which makes the pages read quickly. It's nice for people with attention problems! ;) I just have to take a quick break to write my blog, then I actually want to go back reading. Who would have thought?!? ;) Me, a reader. I know, I'm still getting over the shock as well. Let's just hope I finish the book! If not, they leant me the movie!

Note to self: Having a broken toe sucks! It's not been confirmed, but when you stub it on a church pew at a friend's wedding in August and proceed to be a dance-aholic the rest of the evening, you might want to think twice. Then when you wake up and you show your wedding date how black-and-blue it is, you can probably confirm the fact. AND...since it still hurts every time you walk and it's always swollen, you can now be positive that's probably what happened. Too bad there's nothing to do to fix this problem. I could cast it! ;) Just kidding. But think of how cute it would look. ;)

Day 43

October 19, 2009

I leave my apartment early today to prepare for a rather large interview. I head over to Starbucks in Midtown East and set up shop to go over everything. As I sit there, an older, scraggly man comes in and peruses all of the yummy goodies in the case and on the counter. He then sits down and starts staring at everyone. I'm a little creeped out considering if he does anything, I'm going to be the number one target since I'm closest! When the employee walks away from the counter, the old man goes up and pockets a couple brownies! Ha! I just watch him and he looks at me, winks with his cross eye, smiles, and walks out the door. What do you do? I laugh. That's so funny to me!

I then go into Grand Central Station to freshen up because Starbucks bathroom is out of order. It is so beautiful in there, but one problem: I get lost! After leaving the restroom, I get so turned around and I cannot find my way out. I do run into the food court, which is amazing!

The interview. Well, she loves me! Loves my resume, loves me, and thinks I'm funny. Then the last question, I blow it. Damn it! I'm pretty sure I just blow the biggest opportunity ever handed to me. I hope I'm wrong, but we shall see. Keep your fingers crossed for me, double time, please! I can't even believe how stupid I am, and now, my day is completely ruined!

So, what do I do? I bake cookies and top them with homemade frosting! They turned out very good! I go to the store to get the essentials for baking them and along the way, I stop at a red light, waiting to cross the street. A tall, skinny, gray-haired, snarly looking man comes up to me and says, "Uh, well uh, maybe we could, uh, get to know each other. I would like to get to know you." I reply with, "I'm sorry, but no." He doesn't realize I'm having a shit-tastic day and I do not want to make any new friends right now. And with him, never!

I still feel like crap--I just can't seem to kick this cold. I hope I feel better tomorrow! It's a new day, so I'm hoping it's better than today!

Note to self: When a company asks, "If you could work for any magazine, what would it be?" Don't say a magazine from a competing publishing company. Even if the two magazines are not related in any way. Really, stop and think about what you want to say. It's a dog-eat-dog world out there, and although you are an honest person and appreciate the truth, sometimes that gets you no where. And although you are a good schmoozer, get better! Apparently, the saying is true, "the truth hurts." Or, it can just hurt your chances.

Day 42

October 18, 2009

I wake up this morning, not feeling well. You know when you can feel a cold coming on? You have the headache, achy body, sniffles, etc? This is what happens to me. Dang it! And I have to work eight hours today. So, I'm always told green tea is a healthy remedy to all things. So, I go to Starbucks to get a sandwich for work and a green tea. My Starbucks card is out of money--crap. Plus, the green "Zen" Tazo Tea I get not only burns my tongue, but it is so gross! I do not recommend getting this!

I get to work and it is surprisingly busy--the weather today is freezing and raining. So, this is good because the day goes by fast, but since I do not feel well, everyone is getting on my nerves. A girl I work with took her break the same time as me and she is freaking out because she can't find her iPhone. I say, "Oh my gosh, I would be lost without my phone!" She replies, "Yeah, but mine is an iPhone. It's like a $400 phone." So, this statement makes me instantly not like her. If someone doesn't know what an iPhone is yet, let's just not consider them a part of civilization. She was the type that says things of the sort, "Like, ya know?," "Like, totally!," "Like, I've like lived in the city like all my life." So, you can only imagine!

There were two other guys in the room and you can tell they want to strangle her! She is the type who thinks she knows everything about everything. She is giving advice on being safe in the city. I tell her I have mace. She says, "I have mace too, but I actually know how to use it. I also have a knife and I have pulled it out once! I haven't had to shank anyone, YET, but I'm not afraid!" Color check, Ms. Ghetto-Queen! You're white! Ugh! So, while she talks, I tune her out. The rest of the conversation, I can't tell you about because I don't even know what she is saying! ;)

Since I do not feel good, I really want to go home. The one day I feel like this, I am the last one who gets cut! Darn it! But when I leave, I get whipped in the face with the fiercely cold wind. I hate being cold! Today is the first day, I'm not a big fan of this city! Everyone says I should be used to the cold because of being from Iowa. True, but it's still different. Iowans have a warm car to jump into to shield them from the cold and the blistery winds! We have buses and trains, sure, but it's not the same!

So, I'm lame tonight. I am in bed, lights out, and tv off by 8:45! I have a reason--I'm sick and I have a huge day tomorrow, so I need my rest! I can't be looking like a hot mess walking into where I'm going! I mean, I'm missing Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters! You know I'm sick when this happens! ;) Goodnight all!

Note to self: Get a few pairs of nice long johns! This blistery wind and super-cold weather will be NO fun in the winter without them! Text your mother and tell her Under Armour Cold Gear will be a perfect birthday present! Or send some snow pants, a ski mask, whatever! It doesn't matter if you look like the Abominable Snowman! You will be the warmest lady walking the streets! Being cold is the worst feeling in the world! And...you will not get sick! Stay warm by any means necessary people! ;)

Day 39

October 15, 2009

Today starts off great! I am having a really good hair day! It is perfectly curled and set just right! I must admit, I do look a little like Farrah Fawcet--I had the graceful swoop going on! Someone once told me while we are out dancing, "You're 80's hot!" I reply, "Am I suppose to take that as a compliment?" I mean, who says that? Haha, yeah it's kind of funny. But what's even more funny, is the statement that I look like I'm time warped is true today. My wavy locks are flowing in the breeze, while I'm switching the music on my "mini" iPod I bought five years ago, that's the size of a man's wallet! I think to myself: I wonder if I look like a modern-day version of a 1980s working woman? Haha! Probably. But someone at work told me today that my hair was perfect! So, take that Mr. 80s man! Maybe I'm not so 80s after all! ;)

This hair sells thousands of dollars worth of jewelry today! That's exciting! It's so much fun trying to get wealthy people to buy and buy and buy--spending a few thousand dollars on 30 minutes! What's even more fun is making them contemplate the decision like it's the most important thing in their life! They are surprisingly very nice, but I still like to play around with it!

So, after ten hours of work, I go home and call my Aunt Tammy. We talk and talk, then all of a sudden my apartment phone rings. It's a phone that's connected to the doorman, so when someone comes to visit, they have to check in before being sent up. Sounds safe, right? Well, not tonight. The doorman doesn't follow the rules. He sends the man up, then calls me.
Doorman: "Delivery from Market Cafe."
Me: "I didn't order anything."
Doorman: "Well, he says it's for apartment 6B; this is 6B, right?"
Me: "Yes, but I didn't order anything." The door bell rings.
Doorman: "Oh...we shouldn't have sent him up."He hangs up the phone.
Shit! Is the first word that crosses my mind. I'm thinking, who knows where I live. Two options: the gorgeous Greek man from a couple weeks ago, and the psycho salesman from Culligan water. Oh my God! They're going to break in and attack me!
Tammy: "Don't answer the door."
Me: "I'm not."
Tammy: "Can you see who it is?"
Of course, I can't get the tab lifted to see who it is.
Me: "I can't get the damn thing open."
Tammy: "Well, don't answer it."
Me: "Oh my God, I don't know what to do." He keeps ringing and ringing the doorbell. I'm pacing from the phone, to the door, trying to look through the peephole; back to the phone, back to the door. Who the hell would know where I live? What if it's a random, crazy man? 
He eventually leaves. It must be a random dude!
Tammy and I laugh because if something were to happen, she would freak out and yell on the other end of the phone. Thanks for the concern, but it will do no good screaming in a house by yourself, in Iowa. I can just picture it now!

Okay, so I break down and buy a few rides on the subway. It's so cold and rainy here--I'm not walking 45 minutes home! Forget it! It's actually quite easy--I take a train about four stops, then take a bus that literally drops me off right in front of my apartment building! How awesome is that?! Sign me up! Well...maybe when I get a real job and can afford it! Then...sign me up! ;)

Note to self: When someone tells you about great deals in the city, take it and run! Bumble&Bumble hair products has a beauty school where you can get your hair cut for free--even free highlights! Now when you go home, you won't look like Cousin It, and people may actually recognize you! Also, keep the ValPak's they give you for free in your mailbox! Now, when your little bro comes to visit, you can get two Thanksgiving pies for the price of one from the fabulous Little Pie Company and checks for $3.99! Among many other deals! And when you receive TWO Starbucks gift cards in the mail, be more than grateful! Now you can eat, drink, and be awake all day long thanks to the love and thoughtfulness from those back home! ;)

Day 30

October 6, 2009


I have survived my first month! I don't know how, but I did. I want to thank everyone who follows my blog and I hope you all are enjoying it! Today is a perfect blog to commemorate my first month as a New Yorker!

Everyone says McDonald’s coffee tastes the same, if not better than Starbucks. I take the challenge today and am not impressed with Mickey D’s. First of all, they don’t let you prepare your own coffee. When they ask how many sugars I want, I can’t really say how many (5) because for a small, they’re going to look at me like I’m nuts! And I don’t like cream; I like milk. They suck at preparing my morning caffeine kick!

Which brings me to my next point—who drinks decaf? Honestly, what’s the point? Coffee doesn’t taste that good to where you drink it simply for the taste. You drink it for the caffeine, people! And Mickey D’s caffeine is terrible! An hour later, I was ready to put my head on my desk and catnap. Those beautiful golden arches let me down!

While at work, I stumble across this awesome website! Check it out! It’s so damn funny! It’s just about random conversations bloggers over hear all over the city. Here are a few of my favorites!:

Girlfriend: I just don't get people.

Boyfriend: I love you.

Girlfriend, panicked: No, you don't!

Boyfriend: But I do!

Girlfriend, walking away mumbling: I just do not get people! –Central Park

Taxi driver: Why'd you double park? I'm trying to get through here!

Guy: Why don't you go suck a dick?

--Times Square

Beautiful angry woman on cell: I had told you to meet me at 116th Street because I got my hair in my bag! My weave hair! I had wanted to do my hair later, because it's too damn hot to be sitting up in that place. But I'm not going to no damn barbecue with weave hair in my bag!

--The Bronx

Woman exiting car: There's this bump between my ass and cooch. I think I should get that checked.

--W 4th St

Woman on cell: No! He wants a fight and I'm going to fuck her up! I'm going to snap that bitch in half! (pause) I will snap that bitch in half! (pause) Okay, I love you too. (hangs up) Oh, she messed with the wrong bitch!

--27th St, between 6th and 7th

CLASSIC!

So, a guy stops me in Union Square and asks how much I pay for my haircuts.
Me: $30
Guy: Perfect. I work for a promotions company and we are targeting women (he puts his hands above his head and twirls them around like he’s creating a bun with his hair) for a salon who like to hide their eyes.
Me: I don’t like to hide my eyes.
Guy says arrogantly chuckling: Well, I figured you did because you’re still wearing your sunglasses. (As he gestures putting sunglasses on)

Really? You just said that to me as the sun is shining in your face? Of course I’m wearing my sunglasses you jack! One: to protect my eyes from the rays; and two: to keep creepers like you from stopping me and wasting my time telling me about a deal from an almost-promised janky salon. Sorry if it appears I’m not paying attention…I’m not. I cannot take my focus away from your Austin Powers, yellow-encrusted looking teeth.

My friend and I stop by a stand selling marijuana paraphernalia—“Oh, is this stuff for your weed?” I say aloud. “Ashley, shhhh!!! No!” She points to a sign and reads it, “It’s for tobacco use only.” Okay, whatever. I ask, “Oh, is this an electronic cigarette? I just wrote about these for my job!” They laugh, “Umm…not exactly.” It’s for weed. The guy says laughing, “She doesn’t know. It’s alright sweetheart, you don’t know.” Yeah, apparently I needed to pay closer attention in college when everyone was doing it. Who knew you could put weed in a makeshift cigarette so when driving down the road, no one knows! Clever!

Best part of the day—Max Brenner’s. A restaurant dedicated to chocolate! Oh man! It is sinfully delicious! The ambiance is smooth and cozy, very chocolate-esque! We order the most amazing potato skins I’ve ever tasted. But the best part: dessert! Oh my God is all we can say! I’ve never been at a table of woman who were more quiet! We can’t take our eyes off our plates, or keep the forks out of our mouths!

 

My dessert: Chocolate pizza. Two slices of crispy crust, milk chocolate sauce with creamy peanut butter oozing off the top and sweet bananas scattered all over. I had an orgasm in my mouth! O’Anna’s dessert: Peanut butter crepe. A crepe filled with milk chocolate and peanut butter, accompanied by caramel covered bananas, Dolce de Lecce ice cream and more caramel sauce. Amazing! Kelsey’s dessert: Waffles. Sounds odd, but they were topped with dark chocolate and Dolce de Lecce ice creams, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and chocolate beans. It is a party in my mouth!

Note to self: Don’t try and crack your neck while walking down the street. When you trip over yourself, let it go. Don’t try and fix it by continuing to crack your neck back and forth—you just look like you have a twitching problem. Then don’t stop in awe when you see The Donut Pub. Although you are amazed, your round ass does not need those sugarcoated circles of delight. Now you simply appear to others as a junk-food fatty with a mild case of turrets.

Day 11

September 17, 2009

I truly believe coffee is what holds New York City together in the morning. Without it, I think this place would go into mayhem. From 9 a.m. until about 11:30 a.m., about six different people ask me if I want coffee. Caffeine = function-ability, people. I grab a complimentary cup from my apartment before leaving for work--although more coffee would be nice, I don't need the extra caffeine. Those who know me are shaking their heads up and down right now, smiling. I know what you're thinking! ;)

You know what else baffles me, yet disgusts me at the same time? How a city, with so many smells, highlights just one: urine. It seems like everywhere I turn today I smell it. It must be the wind kindly blowing the stench in my face. Nothing says good morning like a fresh smelling dose of pee.

Work is great today. A girl that just irritates the hell out of me (and everyone else) is caught plagiarizing her story. Hmm...for someone who was an editor as a publishing company in London, wouldn't you think you would know the definition of this word? I learnt it in third grade. (Social studies assignment: we won't get into it.) All I'm saying is, next time you want to talk to me like I'm an idiot, check yourself, sister. I at least know journalism ethics.

I am finding so many affordable jewelry stores today, it's fabulous. I feel like I died and went to heaven. I don't have time to go in, but I jot down the names and addressed in my handy little notepad I carry with me. If you ever need to know the best place to get chocolate chip cookies, or see the largest U.S. Post Office you've ever seen, just ask me--I have all kinds of stuff in there.

You know how you've seen something 600 times and you tell yourself to make a mental note of where it's at? You actually think you're going to remember. You don't. I am walking around the same two-block radius, about three times because I swear on my life there's a Bank of America here. I lose hope when it comes time for circle number four. I did probably lose about ten pounds though!

Another calm night, but I'm okay with that. You know how long it's been since I've had "me time?" Probably about two years. It's nice to have, at least for a little while. Other than the fact I think my heat is broken. I have never curled up in so tight of a ball as I did last night. I think my leg hair grew ten inches last night. Not really, but I was freezing! It just likes to blow colder air. So, I'm going to go bundle up in my North Face, a scarf, and some pants, and call it a night. Talk to you tomorrow!

Note to self: You know the saying, "Be careful what you wish for?" Believe it. When you need something to happen in your life to tell a story, always be open for whatever is waiting. Like, getting stuck in your apartment's elevator; or being jammed together by two doors that do not seem to care you are trying to walk through them. Your wish may not always be what you expected, but after all, you are the one who "blew out the candles."