Good Times with Old Friends

This past weekend I hung out with some of my friends from Baylor. They were in town for four days on their Accounting Graduate trip. I was so excited to see them - I could barely contain my excitement. They arrived late Saturday night and met up with me and some of my other friends at a bar out in the East Village. I was so excited to be able to see them, but I was even more excited to hang out with them in New York.

I have always been the type of girl who gets along better/prefers to hang out with guys. (Blame it on me growing up with two brothers and always hanging out with their friends.) It's not near as easy to make guy friends in New York, though. Actually it's almost impossible. The kind of guy you meet out at a bar ins't the kind of guy who is interested in just being friends, and I work with all girls and they have boyfriends. So needless to say, I am constantly hanging out with girls.

Hanging out with the boys here was like a breath of fresh air. We always have so much fun together and it's always completely stress free, which is my favorite part. I can act as stupid as I want, vent, rant, get crazy and they are always there for me. They have seen me on some of my craziest nights and, for some reason, still hang out with me. We have had some amazing times together at Baylor together, gone on awesome trips, and occasionally take care of each other after a night of craziness.

Not only did I get to hang out with some of my guy friends, I also got to see two of my favorite girl friends! I was able to see my very first friend at Baylor, Kathryn. I love her to the moon and back and know no matter what, I know we will be friends forever. I also saw my friend Alex and hopefully convinced her to move to New York after she graduates! We are so much alike in many ways it's kinda crazy, but it works. Having her here with me would be absolutely amazing.

I have to admit though, I was nervous about showing them a good time. I felt like I should know the city like the back of my hand and be able to show them the best time of their life. The reality is my social/party life has been semi-lame lately.

Recently I have only been going out about one night a week. My tolerance is so low and I get tired easily since I go to bed ridiculously early now. I still don't know the city that well and there are millions of awesome bars I don't know about. There are also bars I know are amazing, but the drinks are so expensive we don't ever go there.

When it comes down to it though, I know they didn't really care all that much. The guys are so chill I knew they will have fun wherever they went, and the girls were happy as long as we got to hang out. This is what makes me love and miss them all so much. It's not often you find such amazing friends. I can't wait to be reunited with them and everyone else in a few week at Homecoming!

Book Signing

Some of the perks of working two jobs are finally paying off. This past Wednesday the Tory Burch Madison Avenue store hosted a VIP Book Signing with Lucy Liu for her new art book, Seventy-Two!

When I arrived at 5:30pm there were already people everywhere preparing for the event. I walked downstairs to the basement to change and I was surrounded by some of the most attractive men I have ever seen. Come to find out the catering service we use hires male models as their servers. That night I saw more attractive men , than I have the entire time I have been living in the city. It was like heaven and surprisingly they were all very nice too.

All of Lucy and Tory's closest friends were invited. Everyone there was an important person in some way or another. One person everyone was excited to see at the party was Patricia Fields, the stylist from Sex and the City. I was more amazed by Lucy Liu. She was just as pretty in person as she is in the movies. She was so nice and friendly to everyone. I loved being able to stand by her and Tory as they were taking pictures together.

 It was fun to see the store transformed into a cocktail party with hot, rich people walking around everywhere. I loved being able to stand back and just watch people and see how they all interacted. Even though I would have much rather been a guest at the party, I really enjoyed it. I can't wait to see what other types of events we will have over the holidays! 

Here's a link if you want more information about the book or to see some pictures from the event: http://justjared.buzznet.com/2011/10/13/lucy-liu-book-launch-tory-burch/

My First Day Off

Since I started working both jobs, I have been working seven days a week, every week. I have not had a single day off since then and if it wasn't for Columbus Day, I would have had one until November. Luckily for me the museum was closed on Columbus Day though.

As soon as I found out I had the day off, I told myself I was going to be selfish and do whatever I wanted to do. It was going to be a complete "me day." I began making a list of everything I wanted to do and places I wanted to go.

I immediately knew I wanted to go shopping since I haven't been able to since I moved here. My list became so long that I knew there was no way I would ever be able to do all of it in one day. I also realized that in order to get even half of it done, I was not going to be able sleep in like I had planned.

Sunday night I prioritized my list of places to shop and things I would like to do. I set my alarm for 8:30am and went to sleep early so I would be full of energy for my exciting day off.

Normally I don't really venture too far out with my wardrobe. Many times I will think things look way too out there for me or that it's cute, but I couldn't pull it off. Since moving to New York my perspective has changed. I am more open to trying on new things and not so worried about what I look like when I go out. Because let's be honest, I always know there will be someone else in this city who is dressed weirder/worse than I am. So I was determined to try on all sorts of things and go with whatever I liked.

I woke up, got ready and immediately walked up to 80th to check out a new store on Madison Avenue, Joe Fresh. It is from Canada and just opened last week. I went in and instantly began to find items I loved. I had a sales associate going through the entire store and pulling all sorts of clothes for me to try on. It was absolutely amazing. I felt like I had my own personal shopper. I found several things I liked there and bought items I typically wouldn't buy. For example, I bought some leggings with a leather stripe going down the side. I ended up with two new outfits and continued on my way.

I walked down Madison Avenue going in different stores I thought looked interesting. After a while, I wandered over to Lexington where the stores were more affordable and I got a few staples items like socks and face wash along the way.

When I reached 59th street, I wandered into Bloomingdale's wanting to buy new jeggings. As I walked around I decided to splurge on some new lipstick and perfume. About ten minutes after my two purchases, I had immediate buyer's remorse. I freaked out about how much I spent on those two items, when really I could have bought clothes instead. I went back downstairs and returned both of the items. I felt bad because both women were highly annoyed when I returned the items. While normally I would feel too bad to do this, I didn't care because I knew I would never see them again. (I think part of this has come from me living in New York.)

I wandered down to 42nd and the Grand Central Station area and continued to shop. I bought some new brown boots and more clothes. As I was on my way to J Crew to actually buy clothes I could wear to work (part of the original shopping plan), I realized I didn't need to spend any more money and that it was already 6:00pm and I was supposed to pull something out of the freezer for Erica two hours ago.

Too exhausted to walk the hour and a half back to my apartment, I hopped on the subway extremely happy with my purchases. While there was a lot I kept myself from buying and much more I still didn't even get to look at, I had a wonderful day. There are already a few things I plan on going back to buy this weekend and other stores I want to check out.

My two jobs are finally paying off and being able to see the rewards makes it that much easier to go to work each day. Since I can't really wear my new clothes to either job, I have to find time/energy to go out on the weekends with my friends so I have somewhere to wear them to!

Tears

If you look up "tear" in the dictionary, the first definition that appears is: "a drop of the saline, watery fluid continually secreted by the lacrimal glands between the surface of the eye and the eyelid, serving to moisten and lubricate these parts and keep them clear of foreign particles."

If you ask me, this doesn't properly communicate the meaning of a tear. A tear can express many things. It can portray joy, heartache, pain, sadness, laughter, stress and much more. Often times tears come when we least expect them. This was the case for me the other night.

While, I will never think crying all the time is OK, I do think there are certain times in a person's life that letting a few good drops of saline form and fall out of your eyes is OK. Maybe it's your body's way to make you feel normal and remind you that you have emotions. That life can be tough and you will get through it.

The oddest part about crying for me is that it happens so rarely, that when I do allow tears to form in my eyes, I don't even know why it's happening. I will try and think if something specifically has happened to cause it and more often than not, I can't come up with anything.

The other night I hung up the phone after talking to my parents and silently cried in my bed so my roommate wouldn't hear. I couldn't figure out what it was, but at the same time I couldn't help myself. I hated not being able to control it or make myself stop each tear rolling down my cheek.

The worst part for me was not being able to pin point why it was happening. I prefer to be very rational and in control of my emotions and crying for no particular reason does not allow me to do this.

I laid there and thought about what it might be. Several different things ran through my mind of what might be the source of those dreadful tears. I thought maybe it was because I have to work two jobs and then I realized it wasn't that because I was the one who continually choose to do it. I thought maybe it was because I am unhappy with the weight I have gained and then I realized I was on a diet and being healthy. I told myself maybe it was that I was so exhausted and overwhelmed, but when I stopped to think about it, in all reality I wasn't and knew my life could be worse. 

So what caused me to cry? I'm still not sure why it happened, but in a small way I felt slightly relieved afterwards. Maybe it was everything over the past few months piling up and finally having to come out. Maybe I needed to release some stress and that was the only way my body knew how to react.

I do think having a moment where you allow your emotions, life and stress come to the surface and release it can be healthy. Maybe being able to express your emotions without having to explain them, is OK every once in a while. I don't plan on making this a habit, but maybe a few more emotional releases will help me better deal with everything in my life. 

Being Healthy

Starting this past week, Erica and I have committed to being healthier. I even went out and bought a new pair of running shoes (I must admit it was slightly painful buying tennis shoes over a new pair of boots) and went to the grocery store for healthy snacks/food. We decided doing it together would make it easier to stick to and we could hold each other accountable.

Starting on Sunday we woke up around 7:30am and went for a run in Central Park. When we got home, Erica made my breakfast and packed my lunch for me while I got ready for work. Erica and I decided to start getting up at 5:45am during the week to do an abs workout and go for a run. If you know me, this is a big deal because I hate running. I find it painful and as soon as I start, all I can think about is how much longer until I'm done. Also, waking up when it's still dark outside doesn't make it any easier. Hopefully the more I do it, the easier it will get. Or at least that's what people tell me.

Erica and I found this book with lots of healthy recipes and a menu planned out, so we are following it too. We are cooking all of our meals. The book is pushing us out of our comfort zone with some foods, but I think it's a good thing. It's funny how whatever one of us loves, the other one seems to hate it just as much. The book offers a great variety, so I don't think we will get sick of it anytime soon. The only downfall is no alcohol for a month. I don't really go out much anymore since I work seven days a week, so it shouldn't be too bad.

I'm normally tired pretty early, but now I really feel like an old person. I try to be asleep before 10:00pm now. (Sad I know.) So far (and it's only been three days) I'm happy I'm doing it though. I feel healthier, I have more energy throughout the day, and it helps me get an early start on the day. I think it's going to be the hardest on the weekends when I work both jobs and I'm on my feet all day. Once I get used to the schedule I should be ok. Plus, Erica making me get out of bed helps too.

(Grant- Before you text me and complain, I'm sorry this post isn't more entertaining/interesting. I'm too tired from work to go do anything exciting lately. I'll try and work on it this weekend though.)

Life with Two Jobs

I have been so crazy busy lately that I haven't had time to sit down and update my blog, or when I do have time, I'm too exhausted and just want to go to sleep. If you know me though, you know I would rather be running around like a chicken with my head cut off than be bored. I HATE being bored. So in a way it's perfect for me to work two jobs.

I have been working in the Special Events department at the museum and I LOVE IT. All the girls in my office are so sweet and amazing. It's so interesting to see all the different things that go into planning an event here. It's also crazy to see how many different internal and external events take place. There is always something going on here and it makes it that much more interesting.

I have had the opportunity to see the set up for several different internal events so far. It's awesome to see the different spaces transformed for a reception or dinner. I haven't been able to attend any events because I always have to leave for work, but hopefully soon we'll have one on a day I can go.

Working at Tory Burch has also been amazing. I can't explain why, but working there just makes me happy. Since it is my choice to work there and not an obligation, I enjoy my job even that much more. While standing on my feet all day and constantly running up and down two flights of stairs isn't ideal, the energy and attitude of everyone around me makes it worth it. Some days it is so exhausting and I feel like I am going to collapse to the ground, but somehow I make it through. Coffee has been one of my biggest support systems when I reach that point.

I have met lots of interesting people and I love everyone who works there. They are so friendly and fun to be around. I feel comfortable around them and they don't make me feel stupid when I make a mistake or ask question after question.

The only downfall working there is that I have already mentally spent my entire paycheck on items I want to purchase with my discount. I found two purses, an across the body small bag for going out, a pair of sunglasses, a dozen pairs of shoes, tops, scarfs, several pieces of jewelry and much more. This doesn't even include the new merchandise we are constantly receiving. Obviously I can't buy all of it, so I am already strategically planning what I am going to buy and when.

The only thing that kinda sucks is that I work every weekend. This means I am no longer able to get brunch with Alexa, I will miss any Baylor games televised during the afternoon, and I can't always go out with my friends. Even when I do get off around 8:30, I am so tired all I want to do is go to bed. I try and force myself to go out with my friends because I don't want to be "that person" who stops hanging out. I feel like when I go though I'm not much fun to be around. My brain is so empty I literally have nothing to talk about or can barely pay attention to people talking to me.

For now life is good though. I know in time I will get used to my schedule and it won't be as bad. It will become normal for me to work all the time and still go out and be fun. Hopefully it happens sooner than later for my friends' sake.

San Gennaro Festival

This past weekend while Erica's dad was in town, we went to eat at his favorite Italian restaurant Angelo's of Mulberry St. in Little Italy. Normally I love going to Little Italy for no particular reason, but this time it was even better since The San Gennaro Festival was taking place!

The 85th Annual San Gennaro Festival is the city's largest and longest running outdoor festival. It is held from September 15th through September 25th on the streets of Little Italy. Most of the restaurants set up a street side seating area to watch all of the festivities. There were a few carnival rides, vendors selling everything from jewelry to Italian aprons and other types of food carts selling different types of cuisine (I don't know who wouldn't want to eat Italian food at an Italian festival in Little Italy though). It also hosts a famous cannoli eating contest!

We decided to eat lunch first since we were starving. Angelo's was absolutely delicious! Everyone's meals were absolutely amazing. (I know this because I have an obsession with eating off other people's plates and sampled each person's meal.) The food was true Italian food and the atmosphere was sophisticated, but not uptight. I can't wait for my family to come visit so I can take them there!

After lunch we stopped by the Ferrara Bakery & Cafe since they are known for their amazing desserts. They had about four different booths set up and were selling sweets like crazy. I decided on a cannoli since I had never had one. It wasn't my favorite thing ever. I wasn't a huge fan of the pastry shell and the inside wasn't all that amazing. Erica and her dad love them though. I want to go back and try some of their other delectable desserts soon though.

While Erica and Tyler ordered gelato, Mr. Johasky and I walked down the street to the stage area. There was a man singing Frank Sinatra songs and I really enjoyed it. I have always said if I could meet a dead person, it would be him. I love all his music and Mr. Johasky and I sang along with the songs while walking down the street.

As we were standing by the stage we noticed a crew of Ferrara pastry chefs building a humongous cake to celebrate the festival. Much to the guys' disappointment, Erica and I watched them build the cake for about 30 minutes. It was so exciting each time they added a new layer and iced the cake. The piping bags they used were HUGE.

They had a blueprint of what the cake was supposed to look like when it was finished and it was awesome. We decided not to torture the boys anymore since it would be a while before it was finished and left to explore the festival some more. The streets were so crowded though we didn't get very far before we gave up. It worked out anyways because I had to go meet up with my friend Kara who came to visit from Boston and the cable guy was scheduled to come set up our cable around the same time.

Overall the festival was amazing and our lunch was even better. I enjoyed getting to know Erica's dad and being able to explore Little Italy with them. It was nice to see so many people out in the streets in the beautiful weather. I'm so happy we went and I already can't wait to go again next year!