Today was sooo not the wakeup call I was hoping for. I awoke around 7:30 in the morning convinced it was raining in my room (needless to say I am none too bright first thing in the morning). I tried to go back to sleep, but I could HEAR rain and there was nothing coming down outside. After a few head shakes I heard some commotion in the hallway. Knowing it was my landlord’s day off and that they usually sleep as long as the baby lets them, I was surprised enough to investigate.
IT WAS RAINING! In the hallway! Water was pouring from the ceiling (guess I am not so dumb in the morning). Turns out it was toilet water from the lady upstairs. She overflowed her toilet and didn’t have the courtesy to come downstairs and let us know. Two buckets were filled from the overflow (which inconveniently flooded the apartment below us) and several mops were squeezed and the paint on the walls ran and towels were thrown straight into the washer and overall it was yucky.
After the interior rain I soooo went back to sleep for a bit. I had plans to spend most of the day with Ini today since he is moving to Queens tomorrow (bummer) and I wanted to be well rested for whatever we ended up doing. When got together we decided to go to dinner at a local place called Dallas BBQ. Supposedly they have ‘great’ bar-b-que, but it is sooo not Hog Wild. I ate a spinach salad with rotisserie chicken and raisins and walnuts. It wasn’t good. This is mainly because I despise spinach, but since it had been a while since my tummy ate anything greener that iceberg lettuce, I knew I needed substantial leafy things. Unfortunately, Ini knows I dislike spinach and this became a point of a mild contention. I don’t know why I do things I don’t like. I don’t know why I make decisions without thinking them through. I don’t know why I dislike onions (and won’t even nibble the vile little things). I have never had anyone challenge me to think about these things. It’s just how I have always done things, so why ponder it. If one keeps on doing things ‘just because’ eventually you find yourself on a moderately slippery slope. If I don’t ever stop to think about my decision making process and become deliberate in my choices and decision process, I will always keep doing the same things and getting the same results. I have a wonderful person who is willing to confront me about how I go about life and what is my answer? I throw a fit, cry and walk away. Brilliant and mature, I am a winner sometimes.
I know change is hard, but I think this process is worth it. I do not want to keep getting the same results. I do not want to end up looking back at my life when I am old and knowing I always took the easy path and never challenged myself out of my comfort zone; never tried to be a better person. I know I can physically move out of my comfort zone (hello, I am in Manhattan), but emotionally and mentally I stay pretty consistent. I need to fix this or else, like Ini said to me tonight, I am not going to get as much out of this experience/opportunity as I could have. From here on, here comes the hard.
Lord give me strength, help me to be willing to change my heart.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
09/24/09... Jobs (again)
I think you are all sensing a theme as you read these entries… my life revolves around job hunting these days; printing resumes, searching online, hoofing around town dropping off applications, etc. Today was more of the same, only with a bit of a twist. I headed off the island. Oh yes, that’s right… I hit up the outer boroughs. I went to the Bronx. Alone. Like a total rockstar, I got the Northbound 1 train and got off at 225th street (conveniently where Target is located). I had seen an Applebees in the strip when Ini and I had gone to Target a couple weeks ago and I figured I would give them a shot and see if they wanted my fabulousness waiting tables for them. They didn’t. But, the manager was kind enough to give me some tips on two new Applebees that are being built and that he thinks might still be hiring. I will definitely be checking those out.
While I was up in the area, I stopped at the Lane Bryant that’s up there because, frankly, I am sick of sweltering. I was not properly prepared to live in a building without a/c and for walking all over a breezeless city. So… I bought some long walking shorts today. I want to be comfy, at least for the next week while it’s still warm ;) While I was in line waiting to check out I struck up a conversation with the gal in front of me and the gal who was working (I know, I still talk to strangers…) and it came up that I was unemployed. The gal who works for the store asked me if I had any retail experience and then proceeded to let me know that this particular store is hiring a part-time assistant manager and gave me an application. This could be an amazing opportunity and I will totally be bringing this back on Monday when the store manager is in. Who would have guessed a little impulse-buying would lead to a job tip. I will keep you all posted!
While I was up in the area, I stopped at the Lane Bryant that’s up there because, frankly, I am sick of sweltering. I was not properly prepared to live in a building without a/c and for walking all over a breezeless city. So… I bought some long walking shorts today. I want to be comfy, at least for the next week while it’s still warm ;) While I was in line waiting to check out I struck up a conversation with the gal in front of me and the gal who was working (I know, I still talk to strangers…) and it came up that I was unemployed. The gal who works for the store asked me if I had any retail experience and then proceeded to let me know that this particular store is hiring a part-time assistant manager and gave me an application. This could be an amazing opportunity and I will totally be bringing this back on Monday when the store manager is in. Who would have guessed a little impulse-buying would lead to a job tip. I will keep you all posted!
09/23/09 Two week old New Yorker!
Well, here it is… two weeks in the Big Apple. I spent most of today doing the norm- Starbucks, job stuff. This is what most of my days consist of; trying to find gainful employment. As I said before I am focusing on my reality as opposed to my dreams right now. I still apply for jobs in my field (non-profit, social service type things) but am heavily focusing on entry-level restaurant or retail jobs as these are much more easily found.
Some days, like today, I suddenly get a little overwhelmed by the bigness of what it is I did when I moved here. I sold almost everything I own, my car, my furniture, household items (kitchen stuffs, décor, etc) and the list goes on. I brought what I thought to be a sufficient amount of things including a few framed photos and other comfort items, but I left things behind too; off-season clothes, art, my bread machine, shoes… And sometimes I find myself needing things that I know I used to own and may still own in a box either at my parent’s house or at my brother’s house, but they aren’t here and I am stuck either replacing them or figuring out creative alternatives to get done what I need to without spending money.
Today the straw that broke the back was realizing I hadn’t brought a single printed copy of my resume. I brought other paper things, assorted bank info and important files, but not one single copy of my stinking stupid resume. What was I thinking? To top it off, I had no idea where to go to try to print one off or make copies of it. I know it sounds dumb, but it made me feel a little overwhelmed and like I really had not a clue what I was doing here. It was a very frustrating moment for me. It’s simple things like this that seem to have the biggest effect on me. I can no longer pop in the car and dash over to my folks’ place to use their computer or printer. I can’t just stop by my friend’s house and see them. I no longer know how to get to the places I need/want to go without first referencing a map. It really is the little things…
Please don’t hear that I regret my choice. I do not. I just struggle with being patient with myself. It’s times like this that all I can do is pray for patience and for God to change my heart and help me adapt to these changes better.
Some days, like today, I suddenly get a little overwhelmed by the bigness of what it is I did when I moved here. I sold almost everything I own, my car, my furniture, household items (kitchen stuffs, décor, etc) and the list goes on. I brought what I thought to be a sufficient amount of things including a few framed photos and other comfort items, but I left things behind too; off-season clothes, art, my bread machine, shoes… And sometimes I find myself needing things that I know I used to own and may still own in a box either at my parent’s house or at my brother’s house, but they aren’t here and I am stuck either replacing them or figuring out creative alternatives to get done what I need to without spending money.
Today the straw that broke the back was realizing I hadn’t brought a single printed copy of my resume. I brought other paper things, assorted bank info and important files, but not one single copy of my stinking stupid resume. What was I thinking? To top it off, I had no idea where to go to try to print one off or make copies of it. I know it sounds dumb, but it made me feel a little overwhelmed and like I really had not a clue what I was doing here. It was a very frustrating moment for me. It’s simple things like this that seem to have the biggest effect on me. I can no longer pop in the car and dash over to my folks’ place to use their computer or printer. I can’t just stop by my friend’s house and see them. I no longer know how to get to the places I need/want to go without first referencing a map. It really is the little things…
Please don’t hear that I regret my choice. I do not. I just struggle with being patient with myself. It’s times like this that all I can do is pray for patience and for God to change my heart and help me adapt to these changes better.
Friday, October 2, 2009
9/22/09- I have plans :)
Ok, I didn't know I had plans when I woke up, so that comes later in the story. What I knew when I woke up was that I was heading to Times Square to drop off all the applications Ini and I picked up on Friday. I ran around (and had to call him for directions twice) to several restaurants. When I dropped off the application at Bubba Gumps they asked me to stay for an interview! Sweet! Of course I stayed. I think it went well, they said it was a three-part process, so now comes the waiting... I stink at waiting, but I will keep working on finding a job while waiting to hear from them.
When I finished downtown I headed to 125th to waste some time til Ini got back to Queens. I almost never buy anything, but today I picked up a new pair of black flats. I had ruined the ones I brought with me wandering in Central Park looking for Ini's phone on Sunday night. He thought he had left it on the bench, we went back to look for it. It was in his bag the whole time, but running like a couple of crazies in the park searching for a not-really-lost iphone was exciting none the less.
After picking up my hecka cute new flats (from Payless... darn convenient national chains), I was heading home when I got a text. Ok, follow me on this rabbit trail. Before I left MI, a gal from my church, Theresa G. had told me she had a niece who lived in Manhattan and Theresa was nice enough to connect me with her niece via facebook. Jacqueline, the niece and I had messaged a few times but had not yet gotten together. Well… guess who was texting me? Jacqueline!!! She invited me to a friend’s birthday party that night downtown on 34th St and 5th Avenue at a real new York brewery! I, of course, said yes. I HAVE PLANS!
So, now I am heading to my first real New York outing. Have I mentioned I am from Michigan? I don’t know what one wears to a birthday party at a New York brewery. After a few country-bumpkin texts to Jacqueline, I deduced there was no need to be super dressy, but cuteness was expected. Oy! I went in a denim skirt and cardigan, looking cutesy but far from city chic. I need to work on this once I get employed, I don’t want to be a bumpkin my entire life!
Anyways, once the clothes were sorted and I had directions to where I needed to go I was off! I took the subway (alone) downtown (at night) and then walked over to 5th Ave. What Jacqueline had failed to mention was that this brewery was ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING!!!!!! How wicked sweet is that?? After meeting up with Jacqueline, we headed inside with Brett, a stranger who had asked us for directions and who she invited along to the party. We finally found her friends and the rest was just fun. I talked to a couple visiting from England about US tipping customs (they were at the bar, not with our group), I met several new people and even got 2 business cards (people really give you their cards here). It was so much fun. Just a chill night of hanging out and socializing with new folks, I actually forgot that I was a bumpkin and felt like one of the group… awesome :)
Below is a picture of us at the brewery that night…
Jacqueline, Me, Anthony (the birthday boy) Brendan, and ummm... I forget (oops!)
When I finished downtown I headed to 125th to waste some time til Ini got back to Queens. I almost never buy anything, but today I picked up a new pair of black flats. I had ruined the ones I brought with me wandering in Central Park looking for Ini's phone on Sunday night. He thought he had left it on the bench, we went back to look for it. It was in his bag the whole time, but running like a couple of crazies in the park searching for a not-really-lost iphone was exciting none the less.
After picking up my hecka cute new flats (from Payless... darn convenient national chains), I was heading home when I got a text. Ok, follow me on this rabbit trail. Before I left MI, a gal from my church, Theresa G. had told me she had a niece who lived in Manhattan and Theresa was nice enough to connect me with her niece via facebook. Jacqueline, the niece and I had messaged a few times but had not yet gotten together. Well… guess who was texting me? Jacqueline!!! She invited me to a friend’s birthday party that night downtown on 34th St and 5th Avenue at a real new York brewery! I, of course, said yes. I HAVE PLANS!
So, now I am heading to my first real New York outing. Have I mentioned I am from Michigan? I don’t know what one wears to a birthday party at a New York brewery. After a few country-bumpkin texts to Jacqueline, I deduced there was no need to be super dressy, but cuteness was expected. Oy! I went in a denim skirt and cardigan, looking cutesy but far from city chic. I need to work on this once I get employed, I don’t want to be a bumpkin my entire life!
Anyways, once the clothes were sorted and I had directions to where I needed to go I was off! I took the subway (alone) downtown (at night) and then walked over to 5th Ave. What Jacqueline had failed to mention was that this brewery was ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING!!!!!! How wicked sweet is that?? After meeting up with Jacqueline, we headed inside with Brett, a stranger who had asked us for directions and who she invited along to the party. We finally found her friends and the rest was just fun. I talked to a couple visiting from England about US tipping customs (they were at the bar, not with our group), I met several new people and even got 2 business cards (people really give you their cards here). It was so much fun. Just a chill night of hanging out and socializing with new folks, I actually forgot that I was a bumpkin and felt like one of the group… awesome :)
Below is a picture of us at the brewery that night…
Jacqueline, Me, Anthony (the birthday boy) Brendan, and ummm... I forget (oops!)
9/21/09- Pure Productivity
Whoa baby... today was a lesson in insane productivity! I spent almost 9 hours at Starbucks today doing job stuff, sending resume's applying on line, just overall being a rockstar. I have to do these things at Starbucks because I don't ummm... have internet at home anymore. I used to... I 'borrowed' from my neighbors. They found out. They banned me. I am sad. All I did was hog their entire bandwidth, sheesh! I resent their unwillingness to share with me! Not really, I totally understand them not wanting me to borrow anymore, especially since they don't know who I am and I don't know them. But this explains the delays in my updates. I have to lug the laptop 4.5 blocks to my local Starbucks in order to access internet.
Bear with me... I will get better :)
Bear with me... I will get better :)
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