Pictures!!! and a video or two

Aaaaaa Central Park.

Huge Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie in the Park

The view from my blanket in the park

Stress relief after thinking I wasn't going to find an apt. in time to get here and get back before the 1st of Oct.

The front of my Jersey/ Oh so close to Manhattan Apt.

My new neighborhood
Front Entrance
Bedroom. The cat is NOT staying. Booooo for cats! Wait, why am I posting pictures? I have video tour! (The kid does not come with the apt either... it's the landlady's grandson)

Museum of Natural History

The subway art for the Museum stop :)

Street Festival we wandered into while trying to find our cookies you saw at the beginning

Everyone waiting for "Diddy"

(If you're thinking "huh?" refer back to the previous posting)

See that head wearing sunglasses in front of the bush... that's my Celine Dion Picture.

And then a tour bus drove in front of us. HA!

This just makes me sad... Paris Hilton on the cover of National Geographic?

I have nothing more to say

:::shaking and lowering head in shame and dissapointment:::

Taking off from LaGuardia :)

Manhattan at night from the plane. In the lower left hand corner when the video starts is Central Park. We're flying TOWARDS downtown.

..oh, and I chilled with Oface and waited 45 min. in line for a buger at the Shake Shack

( you knew it was coming)

Cozy up... it's long one!

I’m back!!! It’s been a few days, but it actually wasn’t because I didn’t want to post. For the first time in my ‘diary’ career, I wanted to write, but just couldn’t find time. Then there was a bit where I was just too stressed to do anything other than frantically look for apartments.

BUT, I’m sitting in the LaGuardia Airport as I write this… so I think I’ve found a little bit of time ;) . I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people run in an airport as I have at LaGuardia. And I’m not talking random people wearing street clothes like you normally see. No, all these people I watch run by are business men and women, in their suits, with their briefcases. It just makes me think, how do they get things done on time in business? Or then again, maybe they’re late to the airport because they’re so good at their jobs?….They just had to get that one last thing taken care of before they left the office! Ooh! There goes another one! This one in a black suit, glasses and a RED tie… still with briefcase J Probably the best dressed one I’ve seen yet.

I must admit, I wrote this in word then copied it to blogspot. I was so excited to get out the laptop my dad lent me and to connect to the wi-fi. Then, I found out that unlike the Charlotte Airport, LaGuardia charges you for the use of theirs. No-thank you! (run-by) My entertainment for when I found out the Internet was not an option: real life secret service action!! A group a people dressed in suits sat behind me, talking Spanish. A bit later, they were joined by one man and one woman wearing black suits and ear pieces. They disappeared into the end of the concourse. Then 2 police officers and another agent followed.

Eventually, they along with the others before them and even more people in business suits came walking back down. I was fixated on the woman agent. She didn’t look any older than me!!! No more than 30 (since I think we all know I’m not a good guesser of age). How did she get to that place so quickly? When did she start pursuing it? How do you even GET to be a secret service agent. (run-by) Then she talked into her sleeve! Actually held the cuff of it, brought it up to her face as she leaned a bit downward and began to speak. I couldn’t help but stare. HOW COOL! And GOOD FOR HER!

Ooh! That story reminds me: the second person I was stay with, Paul and I were walking around in Central Park. We were on our way to get lunch when we noticed people standing around one of the fancy hotels, body guard and official looking people standing by the door. We thought, “ooh! Someone good must be getting ready to come out.” I made Paul wait just so we could see who it was. We asked a guy nearby if he knew who we were waiting for. His response, “Diddy.” Hahahaha! We stood a while longer. However, the longer we waited, the less we thought we were waiting on Diddy. More people started asking each other who we were all waiting to see, but no one knew!!! We couldn’t leave yet though! We had already waited too long to leave now. There needed to be a pay off! We joked how it would probably be someone no one even knew! Lo and behold out walks Celine Dion. And then there was a double decker bus. DOH! Blast the people who weren’t waiting forever and got a better view than we did. Below are pictures from the wait and the only one semi-minuscule pay off picture!

Well.. I was going to load pictures, but it's being weird. So, I'll probably do just a picture post sometime soon.

Ah! New York just keeps getting better. As I’m sitting here typing, a woman walks up to me and says “hey, I just wanted to ask you, and this is awkward. Do you want to go to the club?” And I’m thinking ummmm “1. Aren’t you a bit old for that? 2. What club? 3. Wait, I don’t know about you, but I’m waiting for a flight OUT!” Then she tells me that she got to the airport early and remembers she pays for the club room and is allowed to bring a guest. She saw me working on the computer and thought I might light to do it in a nicer quieter environment. There are still nice people! And I’m actually quite impressed by the kindness of the people I’ve come across in NY. Granted there are still all the people that will swindle you… but this trip thus far has been very pleasant. And to think, this is just the start!

I guess I should give the run down for those I haven’t told yet. I don’t remember at what point in the story I stopped writing, so here’s what I think you need to know:
- Canceled return portion of ticket back to Jacksonville
- Had to leave first people I was staying with, didn’t know where I was going to go
- My first host, Lena had a friend Paul I had met and was willing to take me in.
- Job at the Chart House in Weehawken seems like a go. I’m supposed to go back in the first week of Oct. to start some training.
- The apt. search seemed that it didn’t have an end near. I searched, I e-mailed, I called, I got nothing, I saw crap.
- I found a lead on a girl with a condo in New Jersey, we met, I thought it went VERY well. I told her I needed to think about it and that I would get back to her in a day or two.
- Lena remembered she had a friend who was also looking for an apt. We met, she thought she had one or two leads on an apt., but lets me know there’s a potential roommate/ apt. situation she might enter with 2 other girls. The apts. turn out to be not much.
- I call the girl from Jersey back and tell her I’m ready to proceed to the next step if she is and I get the Heisman. She tells me she’s got other people viewing it that night and will give me a call back the next day. I was shocked…. And a bit depressed! I didn’t know what to do. Now I had nothing again. Back to square one again when I was thinking I was going to be able to go back to Jax. In the next day or two.
- Paul and I go get an AWESOMELY amazing cookie with milk and have it in Central Park. A little peek for you:

[PICTURES TO COME LATER]

- We go back to his apartment and his roommate seems to give me a look with undertones of “why are you still here?” I go into the room. I hear her and him talking quietly. He comes in the room and I ask if everything’s ok, and he shakes his head. I asked if I’ve overstayed my welcome, to which he responds “I think, maybe… yeah.” Apparently, the roommate was not so happy I was still there and seemed to want me out.
- Seems I would have to find ANOTHER place to stay… perhaps a hostel. I go into frantic mode again and start searching for more apartments/ roommate situations.
- I make an appointment to see a room for rent. The guy owns a condo and rents out the two bedrooms separately. There apparently was already a Korean guy in the other room who would be there for 4 months. (The room is rented out month to month at minimum). I start preparing myself to suck it up, take the room and get on with things.
- I go to the building the next day. The apartment is beautiful. The rent is great! The location is AWESOME! But… I’d be sharing with some total stranger guy who wasn’t even there for me to meet. P.S. the building super had to show me the apartment because the owner couldn’t make it at the time I wanted to see it.
- The super tells me he does have other rooms in the building available for rent. We actually run into the lady in the hall who has one of the two spaces for rent (but to my understanding the only available one the super knew of).
- He takes me to that apartment. Turns out it was a one bedroom. I thought, “well, there goes that idea; back to the room with the stranger. And then he tells me the rent. “Wait! I can afford that! And I wouldn’t need a roommate… meh.” I thank him and then take off out of the building.
- After a few minutes, I think things through a bit, I walk around the block and realize I like the neighborhood (it’s not first choice, but it’s CUTE… and for what I’m getting, DEFINITELY worth it), there are parks close by for Keona, I CAN BRING KEONA, I won’t have to find a roommate, I get all the space to myself, and my land lady seems nice AND is willing to go down on the rent a bit for me!! Oh, and there’s a washer dryer facility downstairs and a dishwasher in the unit….luxuries around those parts!! Ha! Who’d have thought! I go back and talk to her a bit more, she offers to feed lunch and with that I told her (run-by, oh! 2 more!) “I’LL TAKE IT!” (3 women run-by!)

- I HAD FOUND MYSELF AN APARTMENT! ONE THAT I COULD AFFORD..well, at least I think I can afford it! With a land lady that likes to feed me. And I didn’t give into (double run-by) the evil brokers who wanted to keep upping my budget! (suckers!)
- I signed the lease
- I got the keys
- I booked a ticket back to FL
- And now I’m in the airport.
- I left my suitcase with clothes behind and brought only carry-ons
- The plan is to pack up and do some planning Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, have a going away spiel Friday night (maybe another in the city that I don’t do it in Friday on Saturday). Then, Hit the road for NY on Saturday or Sunday. At that point you can reach Stephanie in New York! J

(3 woman run-by, 1 more, a man, and another woman!)

Have I mentioned how much I love my land-lady!?! I just got off the phone with her and she’s such a mom figure. “Call me when you get there!” Cuuuuuute!

Side Note:

New York is definitely fancy. There are lots of new restaurants to try, all kinds of products that you want to get your hands on, and definitely lots of things to see! But I'm finding (even though I already knew what about about to say, it's amazing how real it becomes) unless you've got money to spend, NY is by no means glamorous. I think I've spent about 50% of my trip if not more riding a subway, walking to a subway, walking from the subway, riding a bus, in a taxi, or on the PATH train. Unless you're with someone, people typically tend to spend this time ignoring everyone else. It's a bit sad to me.

Although, I do have a better impression of people here then the last time I visited NY. If you're looking at a map, it doesn't take more than about a minute for someone to ask if you need help. The other day I even had a gentleman offer to carry my suitcase up the stairs from the subway. I don't know what people are talking about when they say New Yorkers are cold. I've found the majority of them to be very helpful!

About the apt. hunt:
The property that I was in love with was no longer available... go figure. But I did look at some other properties. There was one that was BEAUTIFUL. BUT, it was 3,950... yes, that's per month. And it was only a 2 BR. It could be converted to a 3, but then there would be no living room.

I did visit a girl in New Jersey (about a 30 min. ride from Midtown) that is renting out a room. She was very nice. The place was spacious (there would be lots of room for New Year's visitors!!!!!! wink wink wink) . There's a nice park for Keona nearby. And the best part is the rent is only $800 (utilities included). I know you're thinking "ONLY?" But trust me, that's a steal for an apartment that isn't the size of a twin bed. The only thing about it is there's not much within short walking distance. I would be taking a lot of buses. It seems like a pretty good deal, esp. with the situation I'm in. I just can't bear to let go of the idea of living in the city just yet. I know it will come it time, I just want it now! (stomps feet and pounds fists like a little child).

:) I'm thinking I'll either go with that one for now or rent a 2 bedroom no living room for about $2080 (1040/person) in SOHO-ish area. But that is $240 more... and I'd be living in one of those shoe boxes.

Opinions? Feedback?.... both would be greatly welcome!!!!

One apartment, Two apartment, Three apartment, Four...

Oh, wait... no, I'm still trying to find one! :)

BUT....today was promising. All yesterday I e-mailed about room shares and into this morning. I probably sent out about 15-20. Out of those, two people responded. Yes, you read it right... two people. But, I did find a website that listed no fee apartments. Oh, you don't know what a no-fee is? That's because in FL we rent from the property. Here in NY, the brokers run the world!!! You can't really rent anythig without running into one of these monsters and scheduling an appointment, then paying them 1 months rent - 15% of the annual rent. No-fee rentals are buildings that don't work through a broker. You can go to the property directly and rent from the management, and the best part about it: you don't have to pay anyone else money!!!

The apartments were small. They didn't have living rooms. But, they were relativly in my budget and in a fun neighborhood in Alphabet City. I saw a few that might work for starter apartments. I definitely wouldn't want to stay in them longer than a year. Might I add, I absolutely loved the neighborhood! All the other apartments I've looked at have been in questionable places. THEN, a few buildings down from this property, there was a really nice apartment building. I thought for sure I wouldn't be able to afford anything in there. After talking to the doorman... well desk guy (poor kid, I think that was his first job ever), I realized I might be able to.

I did some more research into their management company and found a listing that I have fallen in love with. It is a bit more than I originally planned my budget for. Also, I would need two roommates and not just one. But it looks like it would be beautiful! And it's in Chelsea.... AND, they take pets! I'm probably getting my hopes up, but I'm going to call to view it tomorrow.

No pictures tonight (even though I do still have a lot to post). I just wanted to update on the apartment situation.

:)

Walking Adventures and a Job

I went to the Weehawken, NJ Chart House and it's seems that that is good to go as well. I'll still have to have a bit of training, and do some follow shifts, then take and audit, but it's seems as though the manager is going to give me a job! YAY! AAAND... he's ok with it only being three nights a week for now (I'll be at the gallery Wed-Sat 11-6.. no time for making dinner shifts). So, that only leaves Sun., Mon., and Tues.. I hope I can afford my NY rent on 12 days of work a month. I guess if I'd be able to anywhere, Chart House is a good place to start. I was told they do around 800+ covers..... on a slow night! That was our Christmas day booking. Granted, this one is a lot bigger and they run on probably no less than 23 servers as compared to our 10-15, but still! It should be exciting.

Side note: a friend of the girl I'm staying with here went with me out to Weehawken.. and we went on a little side adventure once I was done with my interview:

(that would be jersey)

(and... the lincoln tunnel.. way far back)

***I had to look back at my pictures to remember what I've done the past two days besides not finding an apt./ roommate yet. Ha... aaaaaah. And, I didn't realize I had so many pictures and things I hadn't mentioned. So here's a quick break down:

(trapeze on building at one of the piers... I'm still learning all the names. Nicole, I'm guessing this is where they filmed the part from Sex in the City, yeah?)

A rememberance ceremony a buddhist organization put on for the 9/11 victims and families. It's kind of hard to make out, but in the very foreground that line of lights is a row of lanterns that people personalized. They were attached to a kayak that was paddled out and then the lanterns were released. (Jennifer, thanks for the tip! It was hard to get close for many good pictures, but it was nice to be there.)

Random shot of Empire State Building from Chelsea Piers

Random shot of Empire State Building and Dumpster Trucks..... ha!

Church on the Columbia campus (exterior)

(interior)

Things you'd only see in NY (well, maybe not)

-A homeless man push his cart of plastic bottles and cans onto the subway... fall asleep while said cart rolls around into nearest pole, seat, or person. He caught it sometimes....

-3 boys running around corner and downstreet acting as if they stole something... a bit further up a glance in a restaurant reveals a mystified man (server/ manager) wondering where the kids that were eating went. The look on his face was heartbreaking. It's like he really couldn't believe they ran out on their check.

-3 transexuals in a convertible in greenwich village while a line of fireman walk to their truck look on with expressions on their face of "did you just see that too?" (2 episodes of sex in the city combined... doesn't get any better than that)

Well, it was quick for y'all but took forever for me. There are so many more to post, but I'm so tired. Thus, 'tis the end for tonight.

'night!

I can already tell this blogging adventure might suffer the same fate my attempts at diary writing did. I'm always so excited about writing, but then when I actually go to do it I lose steam. I get about 4 entries... then I'm done for about 3 years. We shall see! Nicole had been telling me that I should do this so that I could keep friend and family up to speed. I was hesitant for quite awhile since I know how I am with things that need to be done daily :(

BUT, I finally gave in when my sister requested to see the pictures of the Brooklyn Bridge. Why wait to show her? Why not just post them? Thus, I gave into the blog. I still have mixed emotions as I feel that people have better things to be doing than reading about what I'm doing., so why invest time in typing it all? But it means alot that so many of you do care so much, are intrested, and want to know how things are. Thanks so much for all the support and congratulations!

I do have more good news! BUUUUUUT, it's not official yet and there are some more details to be worked out, so that will come later. I'm still trying to figure out housing and when I'm going to be able to do a final move, dog, cameras, computer and all!

Random stuff that I wanted to post yesterday, but didn't make it to:

I found an eatery/deli/ I don't know what to call it that I fell IN LOVE with! Cafe on Broadway between 85th and 86th. They have it all... and fresh! Fresh cut fruit, parfaits, pre-made meals (chx parmigan, sun dried tomato penne and lots of others!), pasta salads, wraps, panini, make your own salads, and even pastries. Oh my did they have pastries! Everything looked sooooo good that I couldn't stop myself. I ended up with a fruit and yogurt cup (I don't even like yogurt, it just looked so good! Lucky for me it tasted the same and apparently I like that yougurt!), a dish of tomato, cheese, and basil pasta, an oriental chicken wrap (and I'm not talking a chinsy one, I'm talking terryaki chicken, broccoli, snow peas, water chesnuts, cashews, and red peppers), and a peanut butter brownie! MMMMMMMM :) And all for $17. I made 3 meals out of it! Guess where I'll be frequenting!

(I'm not a food photographer, I know)

On the way to the cafe, I saw these three older women walking arm in arm. One of them was laughing like she was 15 again, with such heart behind it. I couldn't help but smile! Made me think of a few girls I know back at home ;)

And I will say, one thing I love about NY is that my legs HURT, everyday when I get back to where I'm staying. And I'm not just talking about a little bit of soreness... I'm talking cramps and stiffness especially in the calves. I actually got a cramp in my foot the other day as I was going down the stairs of the subway. I almost lost my shoe! I imagine people thought I was a bit nutty. But, I'm so glad they do hurt because that means they're getting some exercise!! :)

Least favorite thing, but still kind of funny: I had a broker hang up on me today. Guess that will happen when he makes you wait an hour in the rain and you tell him that you'll pass on his services since he apparently doesn't know how to pick up a phone. Gotta love the NY brokers! Makes you wonder, "what runs through their minds that tells them it's ok to hang up on someone who has just reason to be mad at their unprofessionalism?" Great customer service. I'll be referring you to my friends.... riiiiiiiiight (at the better business bureau, maybe).

Random NY pictures:

(I can't wait to see a REAL autumn again!! And winter should be fun! I hope there's ALOT of snow) Who's joining the party?! : New Year's '09- NEW YORK!

And Martin, this one is for you. I took it when we were taking off from Charlotte.

And, I have a video I want to post too, but it's 4:30 in the morning, so that can wait for later! 'Night

I <3 NY (and I just got here!)

Some of you know, but for those that don't, it has been my intention recently to move to NY. My lease in Daytona was up as of August 15th. As that date quickly approached, I thought "so, what next?... I think it's time to move on, but to what!?" I've always felt like I wanted to live in NY, at least for a little bit, but always thought it would be later. However, recent issues that developed in my personal life caused me to ask myself, "WHY LATER? WHY NOT NOW?"

So I packed up the puppy and moved home with my parents... with thoughts in my mind of moving to NY shortly afterwards. I'm lucky enough to have parents that gladly took me back in, fed me, and put up with my dog and all his late night barking, so that I could throw myself into coordinating a move, a job, internship, and a place to stay. I've been researching the move (apt. costs, areas of town to live in), and feeling out the job market. Originally, I was planning to visit NY at the end of August, but that fell through as I couldn't find a place to stay (I am on a budget, you know). I tried again for the middle of September. I set my dates for the 10th-15th once an old friend from school confirmed that she could have me those days. This wonderful, very helpful friend of mine (that I'm now gratefuly indebted to) was unable to host me the original days of August as her mom was in town. This is important. I will come back to it! :)

About 2 weeks before I left, I began sending out e-mails, resumes, looking into housing options, and scheduling appointments as people began responding to my e-mails. Come to find out, a good amount of galleries here are closed in August or at least for the later portion of it, and then re-open in Sept... Now, I'm a big believer in things working out when they're supposed to... and in this case that could not have been more true! If my forementioned friend would have been able to have me in August, it probably wouldn't have mattered much for me (in the area of finding a job/ internship) since galleries were closed! HA. How's that for serendipity?!

I am getting to some really good news... so stay with me. There will be pretty pictures in the mean time! :)

My first day here (the 10th) I traveled around the city with my friend's boyfriend to familiarize myself with the area.

This is the subway station outside of their apt.. Not too many that are above ground, so that was neat.

There was a gallery opening in Brooklyn I wanted to go to, so he was helping me figure out the subways so as not to get lost on my way there. I got to the opening, but when it was time to go back, I didn't really know where the subway station was (sometimes they're a bit tricky with coming and going until you get the hang of it). I saw a pair of stairs leading up to what I thought would be the subway. Instead, this is what I saw:

HA! Imagine my suprise! I'm thinking I'm going to see dingy subway, and instead I'm in awe. I thought to myself "All of the crap that New Yorkers put up with... it's things like this that must the reason they stay (and LOVE it!). Notice the two light beams to the left at Ground Zero.

I decided, "forget the subway, I'M WALKING!" And that's what I did. I walked my happy, speechless behind over the Brooklyn Bridge. :) And here are some more pictures:

AND: a fun 360 degree video (I think that's the right one.. and I'm new to blogspot, so I hope it works)

Anywho, got up this morning and got ready for my first interview at the Silverstein Gallery (a photo gallery in Chelsea). Thought I was almost going to be late... it took an hour to get there!! But I was there with a few minutes to spare. Luckily I did have enough time to do two things on the way:

- to stop at a market and get some visine (boo for my whole bottle sitting at home). My eyes have been pretty red since I got here. I think they're a bit sun burnt... is that possible?? (I forgot my glasses yesterday, and then again today) Didn't want the person interviewing me to think them red for some other reason.

-to pull my fancy shoes out of my bag and switch them out with the flip flops I had been wearing. I've never been more all about big bags then I have been on this trip! ;)

I was in the interview for about 10 minutes, and she offered it to me! I WAS OFFERED AN INTERNSHIP AT A PHOTO GALLERY IN CHELSEA!!!!!! She wants to know how soon I can start!! So, now I have to figure out what to do about a place to stay. Do I even use the return portion of my ticket or do I just stay here?? Lord knows I packed enough clothes to last at least a month!

That's my good news! I'm about all blogged out. I think it's long enough anyway! :) Hopefully more good news (and pictures) soon to follow! :)