The restaurant I work in was lucky enough to be chosen for the after-party of a reunion benefit for a Broadway show. It was doomed from the start. The catch phrase for the staff became, "no plan is a bad plan!"
For starters, the party was scheduled on the night off for our most capable manager, so we were left with the one who is terrible at handling large numbers of people. How he became a general manager is beyond comprehension. Lovely fellow, terrible manager. The party was due to begin at 11 p.m. We still had "regular" people eating in the restaurant at 10:30 p.m. when the guests started showing up (yes, they were early). Now our hostess staff is dressed to impress b/c there are some big names at this party. We had security at the door with a list, however the guests arrived before the security guys, so who knows actually got in! Madness from the start. As we're trying to rush the normal patrons out, the VIP guests keep pouring in. It doesn't help that it is raining outside, making people pour in that much quicker! In less than 10 minutes, the entire lower floor of the restaurant is packed with people wondering where the coat check is (we don't have one), when are the appetizers being served and when they can order drinks (neither until 11 p.m. when they were supposed to arrive). One poor hostess runs downstairs to inform the manager (who is hiding in his office) that the guests are early and we need instruction. In dramatic fashion, he whips around in his swivel chair, pulls his head away from the phone and yells, "I don't give a ****!!!" Awesome! So we're kinda left on our own for the first bit.When he did finally surface he tried to put a limit of the people allowed in the place. By doing so he kept the cast of the show outside!! Are you kidding me?! That is kinda when the staff decided to take things into our own hands. No longer consult management, just work with the party coordinators and make the party run as smoothly as possible. Luckily, I was friends with one of the planners, so I offered to serve some of the guests on our upper level, where no one had ventured yet.
As I am serving these tables, someone must have shared the info that there was a whole other level to the place with a bar!! All of a sudden the entire floor is full of people and I am left by my lonesome at the service bar as orders are being thrown my way. Yeah! So fun and overwhelming! Especially fun when I started getting tipped. Woohoo! Now I have learned how to make drinks in my months of employment,so I could totally hold my own, as long as everyone ordered stuff like rum and coke. Ha! Luckily the only martini I had to make came at the end of the night! My Kiwi mate, Avi, came to my rescue and worked the bar with me. It was like a dance behind the tiny bar. Despite the chaos happening everywhere, I think we ran our little world pretty efficiently.
Due to the cage of the bar, I was not able to circulate the party and rub elbows with the celebs, but at the end of the night I made more and had a ball! I think the cast and everyone had a good time as well. Its amazing what a very small group of people can do to make something happen. Our owners will probably get the praise for the party, but at the end of the day, we lowly servers, hostesses and runners know how the party really went.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Finally I get to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. My dear friend, Kristen, lives in an building at 34th & 6th, so we hung out her bathroom window to watch the parade pass us by. When it was cold or boring, we'd escape into the living room to our coffee and scones. Doesn't that just sound lovely? I'm just going to upload a bunch of pictures from the parade and other parts of NY. Enjoy!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Fun Times On Broadway
I love the person who decided to start pricing tickets at a lower rate for students. This affords those who cannot afford, a chance to watch some amazing theatre without going broke. I've been averaging roughly 1 show a week. (You are permitted to be jealous now). I've been within spitting distance (please take that literally) from Kristen Scott Thomas, Jeremy Piven, Elizabeth Moss, Harvey Fierstein, I could go on but that would just be boastful.
This past week I recruited a couple foreign friends from work to experience some Broadway goodness. We decided to see the matinee performance of David Mamet's 'Speed the Plow', starring Jeremy Piven, Elizabeth Moss and Raul Esparza. The student tickets we were given allowed us to have seats on the second row and one seat front row center. God bless the foreigners b/c they were not quite aware of theatre etiquette (i.e. arriving with plenty of time to find a toilet, find your seat, and read the entire Playbill before curtain). So, my classmate and I were waiting with tapping feet for my other friends to arrive. Finally my Kiwi friend comes running up 1 minute before 2 p.m. I leave a ticket at the box office for my friend Helen, who has not arrived. As we find our seats I realize the ticket I left for Helen was the one front row center! Had it not been moments before the curtain, I would have ran back to the box office to exchange hers for mine, but time did not allow. Dread was building as the curtain rose and the play began. Brilliant performances took me away for a while, but then I was nudged by my friend to let me know Helen had arrived. The poor girl had to cling to the stage as she stepped over half the row until she landed safely in her seat. The actors on stage were definitely aware of her (how could you not be when she is holding onto the stage?!).
Following the performance the cast remains on stage to talk about a charity donation thing they do every year. Jeremy Piven did the talking. He began by saying, "Thank you very much for coming out to the show, except that girl who was late. Where is she?" The other castmates come to the edge of the stage, fingers pointing at my friend who is sinking lower and lower into her seat! Mr. Piven continues, "I mean you come 45 mins. late to a show? Its only 70 minutes long for crying out loud." He was exaggerating, of course, but this continued for a couple minutes as the theatre filled with laughter. It was hilarious! I've never seen Helen's face so red, but she is a easy-going Irish gal, so if anyone could handle it, she could. SO FUNNY!
Last night, I witnessed one of my classmates perform the lead in Hairspray! She is the understudy for Tracy Turnblad. A small group of us were able to get front row seats and watched her twist and turn and sing her little heart out. It was pretty surreal seeing someone I know on a Broadway stage, like its nothing. She was fantastic. We got to go in the stage door after the performance and I actually got to stand on the stage while we were waiting for her. No bigs... just hanging out on a Broadway stage. When we left we hung out a minute to see her walk out of the stage door and see all the people waiting go nuts and ask for her autograph. What a trip!
This past week I recruited a couple foreign friends from work to experience some Broadway goodness. We decided to see the matinee performance of David Mamet's 'Speed the Plow', starring Jeremy Piven, Elizabeth Moss and Raul Esparza. The student tickets we were given allowed us to have seats on the second row and one seat front row center. God bless the foreigners b/c they were not quite aware of theatre etiquette (i.e. arriving with plenty of time to find a toilet, find your seat, and read the entire Playbill before curtain). So, my classmate and I were waiting with tapping feet for my other friends to arrive. Finally my Kiwi friend comes running up 1 minute before 2 p.m. I leave a ticket at the box office for my friend Helen, who has not arrived. As we find our seats I realize the ticket I left for Helen was the one front row center! Had it not been moments before the curtain, I would have ran back to the box office to exchange hers for mine, but time did not allow. Dread was building as the curtain rose and the play began. Brilliant performances took me away for a while, but then I was nudged by my friend to let me know Helen had arrived. The poor girl had to cling to the stage as she stepped over half the row until she landed safely in her seat. The actors on stage were definitely aware of her (how could you not be when she is holding onto the stage?!).
Following the performance the cast remains on stage to talk about a charity donation thing they do every year. Jeremy Piven did the talking. He began by saying, "Thank you very much for coming out to the show, except that girl who was late. Where is she?" The other castmates come to the edge of the stage, fingers pointing at my friend who is sinking lower and lower into her seat! Mr. Piven continues, "I mean you come 45 mins. late to a show? Its only 70 minutes long for crying out loud." He was exaggerating, of course, but this continued for a couple minutes as the theatre filled with laughter. It was hilarious! I've never seen Helen's face so red, but she is a easy-going Irish gal, so if anyone could handle it, she could. SO FUNNY!
Last night, I witnessed one of my classmates perform the lead in Hairspray! She is the understudy for Tracy Turnblad. A small group of us were able to get front row seats and watched her twist and turn and sing her little heart out. It was pretty surreal seeing someone I know on a Broadway stage, like its nothing. She was fantastic. We got to go in the stage door after the performance and I actually got to stand on the stage while we were waiting for her. No bigs... just hanging out on a Broadway stage.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
"One Cheesesteak, American, With"
This is the appropriate way to order an authentic Philadelphia Cheesesteak with American cheese and onions. I failed to add the “with” and so I received no onions. However, my first Philly Cheesesteak was delicious! In case you haven’t grasped it by now, I went to PA for the weekend. Actually I stayed in Camden, NJ but it is 15 min. from downtown Philadelphia. My dearest friend, Blair, is with Urban Promise ministries working to start an afterschool program for kids in Copan, Honduras. He lived there last year and has seen a need for these kids to have a place to spend their free time. Such an amazingly wonderful thing and if anyone wants information about how to help get this wonderful program started, please let me know and I’ll forward you the details.
My trip to Camden was a very spontaneous decision made Thursday night. I went to Port Authority Bus Terminal Friday (10/31) after class, and bought a ticket on the Greyhound to Philadelphia. Apparently, there are several buses to take to nearby cities for as little as $1, but we’re talking buses that pick you up at some random corner in Chinatown where they barely stop, no one speaks English, live chickens are onboard… okay maybe not the chickens. I’ve heard funny stories about these buses, so I will try to take one the next time I leave town and tell you all about it, but I didn’t have time to deal with all that. Port Authority is madness! I’ve never experienced a bus terminal of this magnitude. Its just huge and there are so many different buses going to so many different places. I found the Philly (this is what the cool kids call it, so go with it) bus easy enough. The boarding reminded me of a Southwest flight cause there are no assigned seats, its just first come first serve. Once I got in line I didn’t want to leave, but as they started boarding I realized I really needed to use the restroom. What to do?! Leave the line and be left with the least appealing seat on the bus? I stayed in line and 10 minutes into the trip I had to crawl over the sleeping woman beside me (how does someone fall asleep so fast?) and try not to fall into people on my way to the restroom. I swear the driver was trying to knock me over with his swerving!
I arrived to Philly just as the World Series Championship Parade had ended. This simply means that I was the only person in Philadelphia not wearing red & white and I was the only person who was sober… at 4 in the afternoon! What a welcome! Shortly thereafter I hopped a subway to Camden and to the quite of a neighborhood. Blair and his friend Matt were house-sitting for a friend, which meant we had an entire house complete with dogs and a car, all to ourselves for the weekend! Such a blessing! I needed a break from the City. This was the most darling little house with a yard surrounded by a fence and a little swingset in the backyard. I never thought I’d miss yards. I was such a bum cause all I wanted to do that night was enjoy the comforts of a home: laying on the couch watching TV, playing with dogs, walking from one room to another simply b/c there were rooms to walk into. My life exists in one room, so that is why multiple rooms was so exciting. Sad, huh?
Anyway, Saturday we decided to utilize the car and took a road trip to Lancaster, PA (aka Amish Country). As we got closer and closer we started spotting a few Amish folks in their horse and buggy! We’d yell, “Amish! Amish! Amish! Amish!” It was fun. We stopped in a place called Intercourse, PA for some grub, but all we did was buy a Shoo-Fly Pie. Excuse me, a famous Shoo-Fly Pie. Has anyone ever heard of these? I felt like I was totally out of the loop, but no one else in our party had ever heard of Shoo-Fly Pies, so we decided they were only famous in this particular part of PA. We were in search of an authentic Amish experience, meal and buggy ride and all. We drove into Lancaster only to find it exactly like every other small town in PA. We discovered at the Visitor Center that most of the Amish community lives on the outskirts of Intercourse. Does anyone else find this ironic?! It wasn’t even the original name of the town… it was changed to Intercourse!
Anyway, we drove around to several other little stops and picked up various snacks. I couldn’t believe how cheap everything was! I bought an 8” pie for $5! In NYC that would cost $20 easily AND this was homemade. SO much better! We met some very nice Amish folks and I received little verse packets with my purchases. Lovely. We returned to Philly and got some cheesesteaks for dinner and watched Texas play Texas Tech. What a great day!
Sunday, I had to catch the noon bus back for work, but we got up early and went into to Philly to walk around the historical parts. It was beautiful, despite the chilling wind. Philly is a liveable city. I could never live in NY, but I think I could handle Philly. Anyway, we went on the most uninteresting tour of Independence Hall. The tours are free so sometimes the tour guides are less than good. Our guide was not engaging at all and the information she told us was stupid stuff like, “We don’t really know how this was exactly set-up but we think this is how it would be arranged. Of course, all the furniture in here is not from that time period, but is similar in style.” That is the first thing she told us and that is when I stopped listening. We left the tour early.
My weekend holiday from the City was so relaxing and normalizing. If I can schedule one of those every couple months, I think I can maintain my sanity! Next destination is Boston or maybe Upstate NY or maybe Vermont. “It should be lovely this time of year… all that snow.”
My trip to Camden was a very spontaneous decision made Thursday night. I went to Port Authority Bus Terminal Friday (10/31) after class, and bought a ticket on the Greyhound to Philadelphia. Apparently, there are several buses to take to nearby cities for as little as $1, but we’re talking buses that pick you up at some random corner in Chinatown where they barely stop, no one speaks English, live chickens are onboard… okay maybe not the chickens. I’ve heard funny stories about these buses, so I will try to take one the next time I leave town and tell you all about it, but I didn’t have time to deal with all that. Port Authority is madness! I’ve never experienced a bus terminal of this magnitude. Its just huge and there are so many different buses going to so many different places. I found the Philly (this is what the cool kids call it, so go with it) bus easy enough. The boarding reminded me of a Southwest flight cause there are no assigned seats, its just first come first serve. Once I got in line I didn’t want to leave, but as they started boarding I realized I really needed to use the restroom. What to do?! Leave the line and be left with the least appealing seat on the bus? I stayed in line and 10 minutes into the trip I had to crawl over the sleeping woman beside me (how does someone fall asleep so fast?) and try not to fall into people on my way to the restroom. I swear the driver was trying to knock me over with his swerving!
I arrived to Philly just as the World Series Championship Parade had ended. This simply means that I was the only person in Philadelphia not wearing red & white and I was the only person who was sober… at 4 in the afternoon! What a welcome! Shortly thereafter I hopped a subway to Camden and to the quite of a neighborhood. Blair and his friend Matt were house-sitting for a friend, which meant we had an entire house complete with dogs and a car, all to ourselves for the weekend! Such a blessing! I needed a break from the City. This was the most darling little house with a yard surrounded by a fence and a little swingset in the backyard. I never thought I’d miss yards. I was such a bum cause all I wanted to do that night was enjoy the comforts of a home: laying on the couch watching TV, playing with dogs, walking from one room to another simply b/c there were rooms to walk into. My life exists in one room, so that is why multiple rooms was so exciting. Sad, huh?
Anyway, Saturday we decided to utilize the car and took a road trip to Lancaster, PA (aka Amish Country). As we got closer and closer we started spotting a few Amish folks in their horse and buggy! We’d yell, “Amish! Amish! Amish! Amish!” It was fun. We stopped in a place called Intercourse, PA for some grub, but all we did was buy a Shoo-Fly Pie. Excuse me, a famous Shoo-Fly Pie. Has anyone ever heard of these? I felt like I was totally out of the loop, but no one else in our party had ever heard of Shoo-Fly Pies, so we decided they were only famous in this particular part of PA. We were in search of an authentic Amish experience, meal and buggy ride and all. We drove into Lancaster only to find it exactly like every other small town in PA. We discovered at the Visitor Center that most of the Amish community lives on the outskirts of Intercourse. Does anyone else find this ironic?! It wasn’t even the original name of the town… it was changed to Intercourse!
Anyway, we drove around to several other little stops and picked up various snacks. I couldn’t believe how cheap everything was! I bought an 8” pie for $5! In NYC that would cost $20 easily AND this was homemade. SO much better! We met some very nice Amish folks and I received little verse packets with my purchases. Lovely. We returned to Philly and got some cheesesteaks for dinner and watched Texas play Texas Tech. What a great day!
Sunday, I had to catch the noon bus back for work, but we got up early and went into to Philly to walk around the historical parts. It was beautiful, despite the chilling wind. Philly is a liveable city. I could never live in NY, but I think I could handle Philly. Anyway, we went on the most uninteresting tour of Independence Hall. The tours are free so sometimes the tour guides are less than good. Our guide was not engaging at all and the information she told us was stupid stuff like, “We don’t really know how this was exactly set-up but we think this is how it would be arranged. Of course, all the furniture in here is not from that time period, but is similar in style.” That is the first thing she told us and that is when I stopped listening. We left the tour early.
My weekend holiday from the City was so relaxing and normalizing. If I can schedule one of those every couple months, I think I can maintain my sanity! Next destination is Boston or maybe Upstate NY or maybe Vermont. “It should be lovely this time of year… all that snow.”
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Brrrrrrrrr!!!!!
Pardon the constant comments on the weather... but they're probably going to keep coming! It's cold and rainy. The kind of day that you just want to curl up in some sweats, make hot chocolate and watch romantic comedies all day. Sadly, I live in a city that doesn't stop for anything!
The weather started to change yesterday while I was at work. I went to work in a long, cute skirt, a thin long sleeve and scarf, but by the time I was leaving (@1:30 a.m.) I borrowed a few more layers and had to "borrow" an umbrella from work due to the unexpected rain. However, on my way to the subway I noticed another unfortunate soul waiting under an awning of a restaurant, who I assumed hadn't anticipated rain either. I decided to go with my 'southern' instinct to be friendly to a stranger and offered to share my umbrella. As the man looked up I realized I was speaking to Matthew Broderick! Ha! He smiled and said 'No Thank You' and that he was just planning on taking a cab. He asked if I was headed to the Village (lower Manhattan for you non-New Yorkers). I laughed and said no I was heading to the subway on 6th Ave. I told him to have a good night and went on my way. Of course, I spent the rest of my trip home thinking of all the witty things I should have said and going back and forth between cursing myself for not taking advantage of a rare opportunity but then congratulating myself on being a "real" New Yorker who leaves celebrities alone. Zac and I experienced this when he visited this past weekend. We walked by Ted Danson and Julianne Moore when we were in lower Manhattan. They're just people for goodness sake!
Fun moment I wanted to share! I need to go layer myself before going to work!
The weather started to change yesterday while I was at work. I went to work in a long, cute skirt, a thin long sleeve and scarf, but by the time I was leaving (@1:30 a.m.) I borrowed a few more layers and had to "borrow" an umbrella from work due to the unexpected rain. However, on my way to the subway I noticed another unfortunate soul waiting under an awning of a restaurant, who I assumed hadn't anticipated rain either. I decided to go with my 'southern' instinct to be friendly to a stranger and offered to share my umbrella. As the man looked up I realized I was speaking to Matthew Broderick! Ha! He smiled and said 'No Thank You' and that he was just planning on taking a cab. He asked if I was headed to the Village (lower Manhattan for you non-New Yorkers). I laughed and said no I was heading to the subway on 6th Ave. I told him to have a good night and went on my way. Of course, I spent the rest of my trip home thinking of all the witty things I should have said and going back and forth between cursing myself for not taking advantage of a rare opportunity but then congratulating myself on being a "real" New Yorker who leaves celebrities alone. Zac and I experienced this when he visited this past weekend. We walked by Ted Danson and Julianne Moore when we were in lower Manhattan. They're just people for goodness sake!
Fun moment I wanted to share! I need to go layer myself before going to work!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Broadway
Despite my lack of internet connection, I have decided to write an entry and drag my computer across the street to the library to update my dormant blog. Its been silent too long. Apologies.
Its officially fall in New York. I think we hit that day a few weeks ago, but the weather has changed and the warmth is not coming back. The temperature might get up to 60 today, but the wind chill is somewhere closer to 45. In Texas we call this winter! I'm wearing all the clothes that I used to wear during the months of December-February and its only October! Trouble! Luckily the sun still warms me up, but I've been warned that eventually that won't even help! I will try to enjoy it and not fear the cold that darkens my future (dramatic, huh?). Leaves are changing into the most interesting colors, unlike in Texas where they just turn brown and fall to the ground. I remember the season of Fall from my younger years in Virginia and playing in piles of leaves that my dad had just raked in our yard. I just need to buy a good coat, some gloves, hats and scarves and enjoy this time of year!
I've been back in New York nearly two months. Home seems forever ago. I'll hit the highlights and if anyone cares for more details or anecdotes pertaining to one event or another, please leave a comment and I will embelish further. I cannot possibly tell all the stories, but I've had a very eventful two months!Upon arriving to my apartment, my landlady, Karen, was not in town however her daughter and friend were in the apartment. In case I failed to mention, I'm renting a room in an apartment of a woman whose adult children have moved out. Its on Roosevelt Island, which is a tiny strip of land between Manhattan & Queens. Many New Yorkers don't know it exists. Its amazing! Its like a little town, with one grocery store, a little library, pharmacy, church, diner, pizza place, Starbucks! Its safe and so lovely! My only complaint is that we don't have wireless internet in our apartment, but that is because Karen and I can't figure out how to set it up. So, the purpose of my early return to New York (classes didn't start until Sept. 19th) was to find a job. Before I even left Texas, I had a job interview set-up for marketing company to promote Broadway shows in Times Square. I interviewed for that the day after I arrived and started doing that job the following day. I was promoting a show called 'Xanadu'. It was a musical comedy (the two most glorious words in the English language) making fun of the terrible 1980's film starring Olivia Newton-John. Anyway, the job was a huge blessing in disguise. Initially I thought it would just be a job to do until I found a job in a restaurant, but it ended up supporting me enough so I could find a job I actually wanted instead of just taking anything. I interviewed with some weirdos! The job hunt could be an entire entry. Now, did I enjoy wearing a giant, pink sandwich-board sign in the middle of Times Square? Not particularly, but I had fun with it. One of my most memorable days was a Saturday I was positioned at 45th & Broadway. There was one of those sidewalk bands that play the little Peter Pan flutes. Now instead of trying to compete with them by projecting over their music, my friend (who was promoting 'Legally Blonde') and I danced to the music. People were so much more willing to take my fliers when I was dancing. We had so much fun that day and I was complimented on my dancing more than once! Ha! Another memorable day was when they held "Broadway on Broadway" in Times Square, which is the only other time besides New Years that Times Square is shut down. There was a huge stage set up at 43rd between Broadway & 7th, with barracades to hold the crazy fans back. "Broadway on Broadway" is when every Broadway musical performs in some way. Some shows had the whole cast, some had one performer. This is the kind of event that people came out for in the wee hours of the morning to get a good spot. Well due to the fact that I was handing out flyers, it was like an all-access pass. I went wherever I wanted to go. So naturally, I went to the very front. Of course, I did my job for the first part of the day, but once the performances started no one wanted to listen to me talk about my show. My fellow flyerers all agreed that on that day, we loved our jobs. It was pretty incredible! My job with 'Xanadu' allowed me to connect with some theatre folks, I got to work outside TKTS and met several wonderful friends and learn about every show on Broadway, talk to Leonardo DiCaprio and have fun making money.
It ended up working out perfectly... just as 'Xanadu' was closing I got hired at the Bourbon Street Bar & Grill where I currently work. God is good! Bourbon Street Bar & Grill is a beautiful restaurant located on W. 46th (a.k.a. Restaurant Row in Hell's Kitchen). Its owned by four Irishmen, who are lovely. I love the people I work with. Our food isn't all that memorable, but our bar is amazing. Of course it is, being owned by the Irish! Classes are going really well. Its difficult to express what they're like, but they are going well! I cannot think of anything more to write at the moment.
Its officially fall in New York. I think we hit that day a few weeks ago, but the weather has changed and the warmth is not coming back. The temperature might get up to 60 today, but the wind chill is somewhere closer to 45. In Texas we call this winter! I'm wearing all the clothes that I used to wear during the months of December-February and its only October! Trouble! Luckily the sun still warms me up, but I've been warned that eventually that won't even help! I will try to enjoy it and not fear the cold that darkens my future (dramatic, huh?). Leaves are changing into the most interesting colors, unlike in Texas where they just turn brown and fall to the ground. I remember the season of Fall from my younger years in Virginia and playing in piles of leaves that my dad had just raked in our yard. I just need to buy a good coat, some gloves, hats and scarves and enjoy this time of year!
I've been back in New York nearly two months. Home seems forever ago. I'll hit the highlights and if anyone cares for more details or anecdotes pertaining to one event or another, please leave a comment and I will embelish further. I cannot possibly tell all the stories, but I've had a very eventful two months!Upon arriving to my apartment, my landlady, Karen, was not in town however her daughter and friend were in the apartment. In case I failed to mention, I'm renting a room in an apartment of a woman whose adult children have moved out. Its on Roosevelt Island, which is a tiny strip of land between Manhattan & Queens. Many New Yorkers don't know it exists. Its amazing! Its like a little town, with one grocery store, a little library, pharmacy, church, diner, pizza place, Starbucks! Its safe and so lovely! My only complaint is that we don't have wireless internet in our apartment, but that is because Karen and I can't figure out how to set it up. So, the purpose of my early return to New York (classes didn't start until Sept. 19th) was to find a job. Before I even left Texas, I had a job interview set-up for marketing company to promote Broadway shows in Times Square. I interviewed for that the day after I arrived and started doing that job the following day. I was promoting a show called 'Xanadu'. It was a musical comedy (the two most glorious words in the English language) making fun of the terrible 1980's film starring Olivia Newton-John. Anyway, the job was a huge blessing in disguise. Initially I thought it would just be a job to do until I found a job in a restaurant, but it ended up supporting me enough so I could find a job I actually wanted instead of just taking anything. I interviewed with some weirdos! The job hunt could be an entire entry. Now, did I enjoy wearing a giant, pink sandwich-board sign in the middle of Times Square? Not particularly, but I had fun with it. One of my most memorable days was a Saturday I was positioned at 45th & Broadway. There was one of those sidewalk bands that play the little Peter Pan flutes. Now instead of trying to compete with them by projecting over their music, my friend (who was promoting 'Legally Blonde') and I danced to the music. People were so much more willing to take my fliers when I was dancing. We had so much fun that day and I was complimented on my dancing more than once! Ha! Another memorable day was when they held "Broadway on Broadway" in Times Square, which is the only other time besides New Years that Times Square is shut down. There was a huge stage set up at 43rd between Broadway & 7th, with barracades to hold the crazy fans back. "Broadway on Broadway" is when every Broadway musical performs in some way. Some shows had the whole cast, some had one performer. This is the kind of event that people came out for in the wee hours of the morning to get a good spot. Well due to the fact that I was handing out flyers, it was like an all-access pass. I went wherever I wanted to go. So naturally, I went to the very front. Of course, I did my job for the first part of the day, but once the performances started no one wanted to listen to me talk about my show. My fellow flyerers all agreed that on that day, we loved our jobs. It was pretty incredible! My job with 'Xanadu' allowed me to connect with some theatre folks, I got to work outside TKTS and met several wonderful friends and learn about every show on Broadway, talk to Leonardo DiCaprio and have fun making money.
It ended up working out perfectly... just as 'Xanadu' was closing I got hired at the Bourbon Street Bar & Grill where I currently work. God is good! Bourbon Street Bar & Grill is a beautiful restaurant located on W. 46th (a.k.a. Restaurant Row in Hell's Kitchen). Its owned by four Irishmen, who are lovely. I love the people I work with. Our food isn't all that memorable, but our bar is amazing. Of course it is, being owned by the Irish! Classes are going really well. Its difficult to express what they're like, but they are going well! I cannot think of anything more to write at the moment.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
A Finer Night You Know You'll Never See
Can anyone tell me what Broadway musical that line is from?
Last night was a wonderful wrap up of my 6 weeks in New York! I finally walked the Brooklyn Bridge. It was perfect weather. I was on a journey to find the best pizza in New York at Grimaldi's. This pizza place was picture-perfect! Its not a big place, but extremely popular. Due to the small space, patrons must wait in a line along the street on the sidewalk. Take-out too! A very Italian looking man, who rarely smiles, stands outside and monitors the line. Every so often a muffled voice inside yells something out and the gentleman (we'll call him Tony cause it just seems right) looks at the line and asks, "two?" or "three?" or "take-out?" and those closest to the front must be ready to respond. If there is hesitation he has to repeat himself... and Tony doesn't like to repeat. You gotta be ready. It was finally my turn! I ordered a calzone cause I was told they were amazing, plus I was thinking it would be better than ordering a pizza for myself (oh, there are is a sign on the door that says, "no slices". you gotta order a whole pie...that's what they call it here, a pie). Cash only... of course! I return outside to wait for my calzone. When it comes out I realize that this is definitely not for one person. I feel better about paying $15 but good heavens!
I walked with my 10 lbs. calzone back across the Brooklyn Bridge and take the train to Bryant Park. Last opportunity to watch a movie in Bryant Park. "The Apartment" was about to start when I got over there. I finally open up my calzone to see the enormity of this thing! I laughed out loud. It was amazing! The dough was incredible. I could only eat about 1/4 of this sucker!
A little later I receive a text from some classmates that they are down at Pier 17. I pack up my mammoth calzone and head down to the Pier. Nothing like a bunch of hungry, poor actors sitting in a public area enjoying cheap drinks and reminiscing about class and funny memories. We stayed down at the pier until 2 a.m. They devoured the remaining 3/4 of my calzone and we had a grand time. The thing that made me stay so long is I knew I would most likely never see most of them again. Tragic but true.
One my ride home on the glorious G train, I had my own car! I was in a jovial mood anyway, but that just topped it off. I was singing and dancing around the car! How often does that happen?! So rare! I loved it!
New York has been amazing and I am very excited to come back for the fall! My blog may experience a hiatus during my sabbatical to Texas, so fear not faithful readers... I will return in September!
Last night was a wonderful wrap up of my 6 weeks in New York! I finally walked the Brooklyn Bridge. It was perfect weather. I was on a journey to find the best pizza in New York at Grimaldi's. This pizza place was picture-perfect! Its not a big place, but extremely popular. Due to the small space, patrons must wait in a line along the street on the sidewalk. Take-out too! A very Italian looking man, who rarely smiles, stands outside and monitors the line. Every so often a muffled voice inside yells something out and the gentleman (we'll call him Tony cause it just seems right) looks at the line and asks, "two?" or "three?" or "take-out?" and those closest to the front must be ready to respond. If there is hesitation he has to repeat himself... and Tony doesn't like to repeat. You gotta be ready. It was finally my turn! I ordered a calzone cause I was told they were amazing, plus I was thinking it would be better than ordering a pizza for myself (oh, there are is a sign on the door that says, "no slices". you gotta order a whole pie...that's what they call it here, a pie). Cash only... of course! I return outside to wait for my calzone. When it comes out I realize that this is definitely not for one person. I feel better about paying $15 but good heavens!
I walked with my 10 lbs. calzone back across the Brooklyn Bridge and take the train to Bryant Park. Last opportunity to watch a movie in Bryant Park. "The Apartment" was about to start when I got over there. I finally open up my calzone to see the enormity of this thing! I laughed out loud. It was amazing! The dough was incredible. I could only eat about 1/4 of this sucker!
A little later I receive a text from some classmates that they are down at Pier 17. I pack up my mammoth calzone and head down to the Pier. Nothing like a bunch of hungry, poor actors sitting in a public area enjoying cheap drinks and reminiscing about class and funny memories. We stayed down at the pier until 2 a.m. They devoured the remaining 3/4 of my calzone and we had a grand time. The thing that made me stay so long is I knew I would most likely never see most of them again. Tragic but true.
One my ride home on the glorious G train, I had my own car! I was in a jovial mood anyway, but that just topped it off. I was singing and dancing around the car! How often does that happen?! So rare! I loved it!
New York has been amazing and I am very excited to come back for the fall! My blog may experience a hiatus during my sabbatical to Texas, so fear not faithful readers... I will return in September!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Ode to the Subway
Anyone who has ever experienced the Subway system of New York knows it can be a trifle wild. There are so many different lines to take, people move so quickly, and sometimes you end up in a completely different part of New York than you intended to go (like Queens... Dad & Adam).
On a day-to-day basis, I've come to appreciate little things about the subway and absolutely loathe others:
I love when I walk down the stairs to the station, swipe my card and the train is just rolling in. On occasion, my good fortune has continued when I have to transfer and as the doors are opening on the G train, the A or C is coming to a stop across the platform and I just step on and continue to Manhattan. This makes my trip all of 25-30 min. I can count, on one hand, the number of times this has happened to me. However, more often than not I come down the stairs for the G train and step onto an empty platform. That is the absolute worst because that means the train has just left! You can watch people, as they come down to the platform and look around realizing the train has just left. Their entire body just drops in utter defeat.
Nothing is worse than the G train. One can wait forever for the G train. Some New Yorkers nicknamed it the "ghost" train cause it never comes, especially late at night. I've waited for 45 min. for that stupid train. And you can't get mad at anyone or anything cause there is no one there. You just pace frantically back-and-forth or stare with great intensity at the opening where the train is going to come. I sometimes step to the edge of the platform and look in the opposite direction to see the seething, irritated faces of people. It makes me feel a little better to know I'm not alone in my frustration and usually it makes me laugh.
Since its summer, I love that there is air-condition on the subways but I hate when you step into one where the air has stopped working. Once you've committed to that car and the door slide shut you are immediately aware of the stifling, smelly stillness of an un-air conditioned car. You can seek out the coolness and move to another car, or you can just tough it out and pray for no delays.
Another funny bit about the subway is when you sit under the subway map in the car. Every car has one posted somewhere and if I can avoid it I will. When a person sits under the map and another person comes and hovers over them to look at the map, it always affects the behavior of the person under the map. If they are reading, listening to music, or just sitting there. Its funny to watch their different reactions to feeling crowded.
Music is a tricky thing on the subway. Generally, when I start my trip its on a quiet platform so the volume isn't too high (got to protect my inner ear). But when I get on the train, its so loud I've got to crank it up just to hear it at all. However, when we pull in for a stop I have to turn it back down again or everyone in a 10 foot radius will be enjoying my music as well! I don't understand how people just leave their iPod alone the whole time on the train. Either they can't hear it or everyone else can!
Sometimes I miss my car... yes, even that awful Sebring... but then I see the prices for gas...
On a day-to-day basis, I've come to appreciate little things about the subway and absolutely loathe others:
I love when I walk down the stairs to the station, swipe my card and the train is just rolling in. On occasion, my good fortune has continued when I have to transfer and as the doors are opening on the G train, the A or C is coming to a stop across the platform and I just step on and continue to Manhattan. This makes my trip all of 25-30 min. I can count, on one hand, the number of times this has happened to me. However, more often than not I come down the stairs for the G train and step onto an empty platform. That is the absolute worst because that means the train has just left! You can watch people, as they come down to the platform and look around realizing the train has just left. Their entire body just drops in utter defeat.
Nothing is worse than the G train. One can wait forever for the G train. Some New Yorkers nicknamed it the "ghost" train cause it never comes, especially late at night. I've waited for 45 min. for that stupid train. And you can't get mad at anyone or anything cause there is no one there. You just pace frantically back-and-forth or stare with great intensity at the opening where the train is going to come. I sometimes step to the edge of the platform and look in the opposite direction to see the seething, irritated faces of people. It makes me feel a little better to know I'm not alone in my frustration and usually it makes me laugh.
Since its summer, I love that there is air-condition on the subways but I hate when you step into one where the air has stopped working. Once you've committed to that car and the door slide shut you are immediately aware of the stifling, smelly stillness of an un-air conditioned car. You can seek out the coolness and move to another car, or you can just tough it out and pray for no delays.
Another funny bit about the subway is when you sit under the subway map in the car. Every car has one posted somewhere and if I can avoid it I will. When a person sits under the map and another person comes and hovers over them to look at the map, it always affects the behavior of the person under the map. If they are reading, listening to music, or just sitting there. Its funny to watch their different reactions to feeling crowded.
Music is a tricky thing on the subway. Generally, when I start my trip its on a quiet platform so the volume isn't too high (got to protect my inner ear). But when I get on the train, its so loud I've got to crank it up just to hear it at all. However, when we pull in for a stop I have to turn it back down again or everyone in a 10 foot radius will be enjoying my music as well! I don't understand how people just leave their iPod alone the whole time on the train. Either they can't hear it or everyone else can!
Sometimes I miss my car... yes, even that awful Sebring... but then I see the prices for gas...
Saturday, July 19, 2008
one more thing...
My favorite thing and I didn't even tell you about it! There is a place across from the Eugene O'Neill Theatre called the Actor's Chapel on 49th street. I was waiting outside in the line to see "Spring Awakening" and the bells started to chime. Normal for a chapel, but they were playing a tune. It was, "There's No Business Like Show Business". Only in New York! Love it!
"George"
I've chosen the title for this entry to present a theme for the piece (I'm so calculating). This is truly a city where so many random weird and funny things happen all the stinkin' time. I've been trying to keep track of a few of them and share them with you, but due to my days becoming more and more busy I have not had time to devote to this blog. I just wanted to share with you a glimpse into "the wackness" (new film just released) of the Big Apple...
George is what I have lovingly nicknamed the rat that lives on the "G" train line that I take home everyday. Now, I know there is probably more than one rat and I don't see the same one each time, but I only ever see one and its only ever on the "G" line, so all subway rats are George.
A couple days ago I was walking home from yoga and feeling very loose and open to the world and I walked by a retirement home. So cliche only a little off. Its a pleasant warm afternoon and everyone is outside near the BBQ stands and picnic tables sitting around (some are scooting around in their motorized wheelchairs) and in the background I hear, "It's alright, have a good time cause its alright. Oh, its alright" Great song and such a funny picture! You had to be there, but I laughed!
Now walking on the sidewalks of New York takes agility and quick reflexes. I'm not talking slowly sauntering down the sidewalk chatting with friends. I mean when you have to get 10 blocks in 10 minutes through Times Square. I love it! Its like a racetrack with people. You have to try to predict where the holes are going to be. Sometimes you can see a window closing so you quicken the pace and narrowly slide between two people. Occasionally you don't quite make it and you bumps a woman's purse, which is inevitably followed by a comment or look that you can feel even if you aren't looking at the person. I like the game so much I find myself zipping thru people traffic even when I don't have anywhere I need to be. Its just the way I walk now, but its a game so its fun! Let's face it... I'm a 5 year old! I love games!
Oh! I was sitting in Borders the other day sipping on my Dean & Deluca tea and an Asian woman with a white bucket hat sat down next to me. I was going over a script so I was fairly concentrated but she demanded my attention when she started burping successively. It was the strangest thing ever. She would take a deep breath and then burp about 8 times in a row. Then 5 minutes later she'd do it again! So weird and distracting! Then sitting in front of me was a very old man who had that "old man" curve in the spine where he couldn't sit upright. He had an art book sitting in front of him and a notepad and colored pencils. I was thinking, "oh cute, the little old man is drawing the picture in the book. he's probably pretty good" I don't know. Well, during one of his spontaneous naps his pad tilted toward me and I could see what he had been working on. It was AWFUL!!! It looked nothing like the book. It looked like something a child would draw. A little bizarre, I thought. He sat there longer than I did, and he didn't appear to be with anyone. Very peculiar day at Borders.
Later on the subway I saw a man with dreadlocks down to his ankles. I couldn't help but wonder how old the hair was that was at the end of his dreadlocks. Gross!!
I considered continuing on with a bit about the subways, but I feel that should come later. Ode to the Subway! Should have put the bit about George in there, but I don't feel like editing this now!
George is what I have lovingly nicknamed the rat that lives on the "G" train line that I take home everyday. Now, I know there is probably more than one rat and I don't see the same one each time, but I only ever see one and its only ever on the "G" line, so all subway rats are George.
A couple days ago I was walking home from yoga and feeling very loose and open to the world and I walked by a retirement home. So cliche only a little off. Its a pleasant warm afternoon and everyone is outside near the BBQ stands and picnic tables sitting around (some are scooting around in their motorized wheelchairs) and in the background I hear, "It's alright, have a good time cause its alright. Oh, its alright" Great song and such a funny picture! You had to be there, but I laughed!
Now walking on the sidewalks of New York takes agility and quick reflexes. I'm not talking slowly sauntering down the sidewalk chatting with friends. I mean when you have to get 10 blocks in 10 minutes through Times Square. I love it! Its like a racetrack with people. You have to try to predict where the holes are going to be. Sometimes you can see a window closing so you quicken the pace and narrowly slide between two people. Occasionally you don't quite make it and you bumps a woman's purse, which is inevitably followed by a comment or look that you can feel even if you aren't looking at the person. I like the game so much I find myself zipping thru people traffic even when I don't have anywhere I need to be. Its just the way I walk now, but its a game so its fun! Let's face it... I'm a 5 year old! I love games!
Oh! I was sitting in Borders the other day sipping on my Dean & Deluca tea and an Asian woman with a white bucket hat sat down next to me. I was going over a script so I was fairly concentrated but she demanded my attention when she started burping successively. It was the strangest thing ever. She would take a deep breath and then burp about 8 times in a row. Then 5 minutes later she'd do it again! So weird and distracting! Then sitting in front of me was a very old man who had that "old man" curve in the spine where he couldn't sit upright. He had an art book sitting in front of him and a notepad and colored pencils. I was thinking, "oh cute, the little old man is drawing the picture in the book. he's probably pretty good" I don't know. Well, during one of his spontaneous naps his pad tilted toward me and I could see what he had been working on. It was AWFUL!!! It looked nothing like the book. It looked like something a child would draw. A little bizarre, I thought. He sat there longer than I did, and he didn't appear to be with anyone. Very peculiar day at Borders.
Later on the subway I saw a man with dreadlocks down to his ankles. I couldn't help but wonder how old the hair was that was at the end of his dreadlocks. Gross!!
I considered continuing on with a bit about the subways, but I feel that should come later. Ode to the Subway! Should have put the bit about George in there, but I don't feel like editing this now!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
And I'm Back!!!!!!!
First I must thank those of you who have written comments. It just makes me feel good to hear back a little bit, especially from those I haven't talked to in a while.
Ok, internet issue resolved. I know you must all be wondering, "what crazy adventures have been happening to Erin lately?" So many things, but I will not write 1 1/2 weeks worth of info. Even I don't have that much patience! A few highlights though....
I celebrated the holiday weekend by spending all my time as a theater junkie! I saw 6 shows in 7 days!!! I love this city! Ready to be jealous? Wednesday I attended 'Spring Awakening' for $27; I celebrated the birth of our country on the 4th with 'Wicked' front row for $27. Yeah, they spit on me! Then 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses' with Laura Linney, front row (student price); then 'August: Osage County' winner of 2008 Tony Award for best new play (parents CC, hehe); 'A Chorus Line' starring A.C. Slater (who was sadly the best one in the show... not good); and finally 'Gypsy' starring the incomparable Patti LuPone, who was good but Laura Benanti was superb. I just love live theatre!
I very much enjoyed the visit of my dad and twin brother, Adam. I also enjoyed eating more in the past 5 days than I have this entire time in NY. For the record, it is possible to live cheaply here... depending on your will power! You just have to get a little creative. Por ejemplo: I like to do Bikram Yoga, but can I afford this? No way! However, the Good Lord has provided me with a work-study opportunity with a studio. I work one 6 hr shift/week and get a free week of yoga! Lovely! Its like in the olden days when people bartered. I feel like a pioneer woman. Yeehaw!
OH! Best news of all (probably should have opened with this)..... I've been accepted to the 2 years program!!! WOOHOO!!!! Which means that I'm going to freeze my southern cheese off in the winter, but whatever! So, I have a million things to sort out for the fall, but hooray for that! Now you can all start planning your trips to come visit/feed me! Speaking of which, I should probably call home to inform the parents instead of having them read this and find out. It will help smooth over any discussions we might need to have about the financial side of life. Bank of Nelson needs to have loose pockets for daughter #2!!!
Ok, internet issue resolved. I know you must all be wondering, "what crazy adventures have been happening to Erin lately?" So many things, but I will not write 1 1/2 weeks worth of info. Even I don't have that much patience! A few highlights though....
I celebrated the holiday weekend by spending all my time as a theater junkie! I saw 6 shows in 7 days!!! I love this city! Ready to be jealous? Wednesday I attended 'Spring Awakening' for $27; I celebrated the birth of our country on the 4th with 'Wicked' front row for $27. Yeah, they spit on me! Then 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses' with Laura Linney, front row (student price); then 'August: Osage County' winner of 2008 Tony Award for best new play (parents CC, hehe); 'A Chorus Line' starring A.C. Slater (who was sadly the best one in the show... not good); and finally 'Gypsy' starring the incomparable Patti LuPone, who was good but Laura Benanti was superb. I just love live theatre!
I very much enjoyed the visit of my dad and twin brother, Adam. I also enjoyed eating more in the past 5 days than I have this entire time in NY. For the record, it is possible to live cheaply here... depending on your will power! You just have to get a little creative. Por ejemplo: I like to do Bikram Yoga, but can I afford this? No way! However, the Good Lord has provided me with a work-study opportunity with a studio. I work one 6 hr shift/week and get a free week of yoga! Lovely! Its like in the olden days when people bartered. I feel like a pioneer woman. Yeehaw!
OH! Best news of all (probably should have opened with this)..... I've been accepted to the 2 years program!!! WOOHOO!!!! Which means that I'm going to freeze my southern cheese off in the winter, but whatever! So, I have a million things to sort out for the fall, but hooray for that! Now you can all start planning your trips to come visit/feed me! Speaking of which, I should probably call home to inform the parents instead of having them read this and find out. It will help smooth over any discussions we might need to have about the financial side of life. Bank of Nelson needs to have loose pockets for daughter #2!!!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
And This Is Why I Love NY....
Hooray for me, I finally saw a show! YES!!! I've officially arrived in the city. If you don't know, I love musical theatre. Love, love, love it! Is it cheesy? Sometimes. Is it realistic? Rarely. Does it require unbelievable talent? In a word, yes.
And what was my first show to see? Young Frankenstein. Ha! So, its not the most groundbreaking new musical to hit Broadway but it was very entertaining and I got to see it for the bargain price of $27! Woohoo! Granted I was in the balcony, but no big deal. I tried for the lottery tickets that allow you to be spit on in the front row, but I was not chosen.
We had a couple understudies but the female leads were there. This included Megan Mullaghly (from Will & Grace), Sutton Foster (from so many Broadway shows, so talented) and Andrea Martin (from My Big Fat Greek Wedding). I had forgotten Andrea Martin was in it and as soon as she walked on stage I wanted to yell, "Joppa!!!!" (how do you spell that?) She was hilarious!
Naturally, being the the theatre dork that I am, I waited by the stage door after the show. I care nothing for autographs, but it stalls the actors long enough to have a brief encounter. During the wait, I chatted with some girls standing behind me. They too had entered the lottery and won front row tickets. Both from Georgia, both lived in the city and one worked for 'The View'. How great is that? Now, I don't imagine many men out there watch that show. Anyway, she said all the women on the show are all genuinely nice people. (she gets to go over 'hot topics' with them in the morning) She gets to chat daily with Whoopi Goldberg, Barbara Walters! Crazy! Anyway, we exchanged email addresses cause we're both theatre dorks and we said we'd try and go see some shows together. I like making new friend!
Funny moment: On the way home, a guy hopped on the subway with his zipper down. I was already in such a good mood from the musical I laughed out loud. Oops! Hope he realized it eventually!
And what was my first show to see? Young Frankenstein. Ha! So, its not the most groundbreaking new musical to hit Broadway but it was very entertaining and I got to see it for the bargain price of $27! Woohoo! Granted I was in the balcony, but no big deal. I tried for the lottery tickets that allow you to be spit on in the front row, but I was not chosen.
We had a couple understudies but the female leads were there. This included Megan Mullaghly (from Will & Grace), Sutton Foster (from so many Broadway shows, so talented) and Andrea Martin (from My Big Fat Greek Wedding). I had forgotten Andrea Martin was in it and as soon as she walked on stage I wanted to yell, "Joppa!!!!" (how do you spell that?) She was hilarious!
Naturally, being the the theatre dork that I am, I waited by the stage door after the show. I care nothing for autographs, but it stalls the actors long enough to have a brief encounter. During the wait, I chatted with some girls standing behind me. They too had entered the lottery and won front row tickets. Both from Georgia, both lived in the city and one worked for 'The View'. How great is that? Now, I don't imagine many men out there watch that show. Anyway, she said all the women on the show are all genuinely nice people. (she gets to go over 'hot topics' with them in the morning) She gets to chat daily with Whoopi Goldberg, Barbara Walters! Crazy! Anyway, we exchanged email addresses cause we're both theatre dorks and we said we'd try and go see some shows together. I like making new friend!
Funny moment: On the way home, a guy hopped on the subway with his zipper down. I was already in such a good mood from the musical I laughed out loud. Oops! Hope he realized it eventually!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Celebrity Sighting...
I actually just used that title to grab your attention. I do not at all think this person qualifies as a celebrity, but that title works much better than "person who is on a stupid, teen soap on the CW sighting". Not nearly as interesting. Ok, now who watches "Gossip Girl"? Don't be shy. Its a guilty pleasure for several of you. And for the rest of you, its something you watch and just say how stupid it is... while you're watching it yourself. Anyway, I saw the little blonde girl who plays the younger sister of the sweet, nice guy. As you can see, I have (ashamedly) watched this show but not enough to know names. I saw the girl in Chelsea the other night after dinner. I don't hang out in the right places to see anyone, really. I mean, who come to Brooklyn?
I visited one of NY's fine eateries today... teh Shake Shack in Madison Square Park. This is a burger stand that is only open during the warm months in NY. The line for this place was ridiculously long. I waited for an hour. Luckily I was meeting a new friend (also named Erin), so we had lots to chat about to pass the time. Delicious burgers and we tried a Raspberry Jalapeno custard. Yes, I said Raspberry Jalapeno. Strange but delicious.
It was mom's day out at the park with all their little strollers. I saw one woman pushing an empty stroller. Curious. Oh, and if anyone cares, this park has free Wifi. The whole NY should have wireless anywhere concept actually applied here. I love that! Same with Bryant Park. Just FYI!!! I love technology. Tomorrow I am determined to see a show of some kind. It is my mission!
I visited one of NY's fine eateries today... teh Shake Shack in Madison Square Park. This is a burger stand that is only open during the warm months in NY. The line for this place was ridiculously long. I waited for an hour. Luckily I was meeting a new friend (also named Erin), so we had lots to chat about to pass the time. Delicious burgers and we tried a Raspberry Jalapeno custard. Yes, I said Raspberry Jalapeno. Strange but delicious.
It was mom's day out at the park with all their little strollers. I saw one woman pushing an empty stroller. Curious. Oh, and if anyone cares, this park has free Wifi. The whole NY should have wireless anywhere concept actually applied here. I love that! Same with Bryant Park. Just FYI!!! I love technology. Tomorrow I am determined to see a show of some kind. It is my mission!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
I found TEXAS in NY!!!
Ok, everyone... I am pleased to announce that at the conclusion of the weekend I have found accommodation for the month of July. Ready for the best part? I only have to move 20 feet! Not 20 blocks, 20 miles, 20 feet! Monica (a roomie) is moving to Philadelphia for a job. Her friend Morgan was going to sublet her room, but she decided not to so.... I GET IT!!! Woohoo! Really I cannot find a better deal than this, and I've looked. Not sure exactly what the rent will be, but it has AC, Wifi, great roommates and I'm already stinkin' here so I just have to switch rooms (and find a mattress). The call couldn't have come at a better time too. I had just left the sketchiest place I've looked at and I was feeling so defeated I actually walked into a McD's. I know, blasphemy! Anyway, the are serving sweet tea for $1 and I needed some southern comfort. That McD's will forever hold a special place in my heart. I enjoyed my tea with great fervor.
OH! I went into the Plaza Hotel! I've wanted to visit that hotel ever since I saw "Big Business" as a child! Its still under renovation, so there wasn't a whole lot to explore. I was a bit hesitant at first b/c I do not belong in there and I think its quite obvious just by my appearance. Its like walking into Tiffany's (which I still have yet to do). The entire staff watches you like a hawk b/c you don't belong. I did not feel that bad though b/c there were folks in the lobby snapping pictures. I was at least subtle about my intrusion! Sheesh! Some people!
I decided to continue my tour of "hotels that will never be in my price range" and headed over to the Four Seasons. Just wanted to check it out and make sure they were "Getting It Right, Getting Me Right, and Wowing the guests". The property is gorgeous! I walked in with confidence. Who knows, maybe I'm a trust-fund kid who chooses to dress in cheap clothes. I'm an actress, right?! So I stroll in and the lobby escort greets me (check). I asked to be shown to the Concierge. The 3 concierge that are there are each on the phone and one guy has two phones going, one on each ear. Despite their preoccupation, I am greeted quickly (check). I explain that I'm an employee down in Austin and just wanting to see the property and find out about the city. Jenifer (i love nametags) handed me a magazine called Time Out New York with everything I needed to know. It was actually her copy and she gave it to me (i was 'wowed'). Then she took me over to the Front Desk and asked if there was anyone available to show me some of the rooms. An intern (Sarah) took me up to a suite. She would have shown more but they were booked. The room was nice, not huge but the view was incredible! Only $2400/night!
Ok, so today... Sunday! I decided to go down to see the big park here in Brooklyn called Propect Park. I accidentally got off one stop early, but it worked out cause I stopped at a little place for breakfast and guess what they had... Breakfast Burritos!!! Que suerte! Es mi favorito! So for the bargain price of $5.50 I got a massive burrito with black bean salsa (not the greatest, but alright). I enjoyed my breakfast and wandered around to find a nice place to park it for my version of "church". I downloaded the latest sermons from Austin Stone (i love iTunes) so I explored with book of 1 Corinthians so more. There was a group of couples who had decided to meet at the park and have a picnic and play croquet! It reminded me of Grandpa and Grandmother's backyard and how we'd always play back there! Oh and I thought of you, Tricia, cause some at some little kid's birthday party there was a live guitarist and he sang "you can't always get what you want". Do you remember that horribly annoying commercial that used to play constantly when we worked at Blockbuster? Ha! It was a perfect morning. Check out 1 Cor. 1:18. Amazing verse!
So I was due to meet a couple friends from class at a flea market, which was actually located right down the street from where I live. Unfortunately, I was no longer near where I live and there was no simple way up there. Its a little difficult getting around Brooklyn on the subway, especially for someone directionally challenged like me. I walked a lot today. Oh! But I found a Target. Woohoo! I bought some Clif bars (thanks to Pam, i've fallen in love with these). It took me a lot longer to get there and by the time I made it up to the market the girls had moved on to Williamsburg for lunch. Fair enough. I was able to catch them doing some shopping on Bedford Ave. I accidentally got on a train going to wrong direction so it took me a bit longer to meet them, which they don't know, unless they're reading this now... I was meeting Kasia (thats Ka-sha) from Australia and Line (lee-na) from Denmark! This is part of the reason I love NY. Its so international. I love that I got to have an international day!
These girls are great fun and have such a wonderful style! The shops in Brooklyn are really unique and once I have some money to spend I will return and actually make a purchase. During our coffee break we discussed our classes. I was impressed to learn they just had a phone interview and that is all. They just came. Such courage. Denmark is far and so is Australia! What if they hated it? I suppose its only 6 weeks, but still... They are both talented and I love watching them work. Its so interesting to watch the students from other cultures work with this technique b/c I think it just brings a new layer to it. I can't articulate this well, but I always learn from watching one of their exchanges in class.
OH! I haven't told you the best find today... Ok so I had found out about a BBQ place in NY devoted to promoting Texas barbecue from Lockhart and the Austin music scene. Random? A little bit, but so welcome! That is actually what got me out of bed this morning. I saw the posting on Craig's List and immediately wanted to go apply. Of course, I didn't make it over there until after 9 p.m. but what can ya do? It probably worked out better cause I got to meet one of the managers and fill out an application during a very slow, quiet time. I hope they call me. It was nice being there! Very comfortable and it was voted one of the best bbq in town and top 10 bars in town (i might be a little off on some of that). Now I've made it home safe and sound. Tomorrow begins Week 2!
OH! I went into the Plaza Hotel! I've wanted to visit that hotel ever since I saw "Big Business" as a child! Its still under renovation, so there wasn't a whole lot to explore. I was a bit hesitant at first b/c I do not belong in there and I think its quite obvious just by my appearance. Its like walking into Tiffany's (which I still have yet to do). The entire staff watches you like a hawk b/c you don't belong. I did not feel that bad though b/c there were folks in the lobby snapping pictures. I was at least subtle about my intrusion! Sheesh! Some people!
I decided to continue my tour of "hotels that will never be in my price range" and headed over to the Four Seasons. Just wanted to check it out and make sure they were "Getting It Right, Getting Me Right, and Wowing the guests". The property is gorgeous! I walked in with confidence. Who knows, maybe I'm a trust-fund kid who chooses to dress in cheap clothes. I'm an actress, right?! So I stroll in and the lobby escort greets me (check). I asked to be shown to the Concierge. The 3 concierge that are there are each on the phone and one guy has two phones going, one on each ear. Despite their preoccupation, I am greeted quickly (check). I explain that I'm an employee down in Austin and just wanting to see the property and find out about the city. Jenifer (i love nametags) handed me a magazine called Time Out New York with everything I needed to know. It was actually her copy and she gave it to me (i was 'wowed'). Then she took me over to the Front Desk and asked if there was anyone available to show me some of the rooms. An intern (Sarah) took me up to a suite. She would have shown more but they were booked. The room was nice, not huge but the view was incredible! Only $2400/night!
Ok, so today... Sunday! I decided to go down to see the big park here in Brooklyn called Propect Park. I accidentally got off one stop early, but it worked out cause I stopped at a little place for breakfast and guess what they had... Breakfast Burritos!!! Que suerte! Es mi favorito! So for the bargain price of $5.50 I got a massive burrito with black bean salsa (not the greatest, but alright). I enjoyed my breakfast and wandered around to find a nice place to park it for my version of "church". I downloaded the latest sermons from Austin Stone (i love iTunes) so I explored with book of 1 Corinthians so more. There was a group of couples who had decided to meet at the park and have a picnic and play croquet! It reminded me of Grandpa and Grandmother's backyard and how we'd always play back there!
So I was due to meet a couple friends from class at a flea market, which was actually located right down the street from where I live. Unfortunately, I was no longer near where I live and there was no simple way up there. Its a little difficult getting around Brooklyn on the subway, especially for someone directionally challenged like me. I walked a lot today. Oh! But I found a Target. Woohoo! I bought some Clif bars (thanks to Pam, i've fallen in love with these). It took me a lot longer to get there and by the time I made it up to the market the girls had moved on to Williamsburg for lunch. Fair enough. I was able to catch them doing some shopping on Bedford Ave. I accidentally got on a train going to wrong direction so it took me a bit longer to meet them, which they don't know, unless they're reading this now... I was meeting Kasia (thats Ka-sha) from Australia and Line (lee-na) from Denmark! This is part of the reason I love NY. Its so international. I love that I got to have an international day!
These girls are great fun and have such a wonderful style! The shops in Brooklyn are really unique and once I have some money to spend I will return and actually make a purchase. During our coffee break we discussed our classes. I was impressed to learn they just had a phone interview and that is all. They just came. Such courage. Denmark is far and so is Australia! What if they hated it? I suppose its only 6 weeks, but still... They are both talented and I love watching them work. Its so interesting to watch the students from other cultures work with this technique b/c I think it just brings a new layer to it. I can't articulate this well, but I always learn from watching one of their exchanges in class.
OH! I haven't told you the best find today... Ok so I had found out about a BBQ place in NY devoted to promoting Texas barbecue from Lockhart and the Austin music scene. Random? A little bit, but so welcome! That is actually what got me out of bed this morning. I saw the posting on Craig's List and immediately wanted to go apply. Of course, I didn't make it over there until after 9 p.m. but what can ya do? It probably worked out better cause I got to meet one of the managers and fill out an application during a very slow, quiet time. I hope they call me. It was nice being there! Very comfortable and it was voted one of the best bbq in town and top 10 bars in town (i might be a little off on some of that). Now I've made it home safe and sound. Tomorrow begins Week 2!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
A Day in the Park...
I must start with an apology... I had planned to finally upload some photos and show y'all my beautiful day in the park but my battery died. This would not have been a problem if I had packed the correct charger! GRRRRRR!!! Frustration! Perhaps I should have checked the label before leaving and I might have realized that I brought a Nikon recharger thing and my camera is an Olympus. I'm gonna try to see if it will charge anyway, but for the time being I'm sorry no photos. Its too bad too cause I took some good ones today, if I say so.
So many fun and funny things happened today, but of course as I sit here and try to recall them all I draw a blank. My housing search took me to a new part of Manhattan... the Upper East Side. The place was alright. A large closet for the bargain price of $725. Only 10 min walk to the park though and probably the best neighborhood I've been in so far. It actually felt like a neighborhood.
I spent the rest of the morning in Central Park. I don't think I've ever been that far north in the park before. Lovely around the big water part. I can't think of the name. I think its named for Jackie O. So much of my "park day" coinsides with my pictures so I don't want to tell you about it without my visual aids. Sorry. Patience.
Class was great today. Tomorrow will be devoted to the housing search. I think I've got 5 places lined up for viewing. I foolishly tried to look at a place in Harlem again. What am I thinking? I'm never going to live up there. I hope to take Sunday off. That will be God's day. Better get some rest for tomorrow though. Sorry about the photos.
So many fun and funny things happened today, but of course as I sit here and try to recall them all I draw a blank. My housing search took me to a new part of Manhattan... the Upper East Side. The place was alright. A large closet for the bargain price of $725. Only 10 min walk to the park though and probably the best neighborhood I've been in so far. It actually felt like a neighborhood.
I spent the rest of the morning in Central Park. I don't think I've ever been that far north in the park before. Lovely around the big water part. I can't think of the name. I think its named for Jackie O. So much of my "park day" coinsides with my pictures so I don't want to tell you about it without my visual aids. Sorry. Patience.
Class was great today. Tomorrow will be devoted to the housing search. I think I've got 5 places lined up for viewing. I foolishly tried to look at a place in Harlem again. What am I thinking? I'm never going to live up there. I hope to take Sunday off. That will be God's day. Better get some rest for tomorrow though. Sorry about the photos.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
I got a FREE cookie!!!
I am in love with the person who decided to do the $5 footlong promo at Subway! What a deal!!! Sure the choices are a little limited, but you load that puppy up with a ton of veggies and it can last a couple meals worth! LOVE IT!
So, as you might guess, I went to Subway today. Yes, yes, I know how very boring of me to eat at a national chain restaurant when there are so many great places in NY. Well, you know what... it all comes down to money. Surprise, surprise. If the 'mom and pop shops' could offer a similar deal I would go with those. Until I get a job, its Subway or Quiznos (cause they've started a similar promo). Anyway, I was paying for my $5 footlong and the man asked me if I wanted a drink. I said 'no, thank you", but I guess he was feeling flirty or in a good mood so he asked again. I smiled and told him that I was too poor to afford anything more than the sandwich. He told me not to worry, if I start working in the city I won't be poor anymore. I just smiled and said, "well, for now I am poor". So I sat down and ate my sandwich and about 5 min. later he walked by and put a chocolate chip cookie on my table and said, "because you are poor". Ha! And who said nice people don't live in NY?! So what if he was flirting, or trying to get me to come back. You better believe I'll go back to that Subway. Such a nice man. Its little things like that brighten my day.
That is my fun NY story for the day. I've got to get to bed early tonight cause I've got an appt. to look at a place in the morning. Pray that its the one. I'm really sick of this. I'll be back with more soon!
Oh, yesterday I went to the Apple store. The entrance reminded me of the Louvre in Paris. Anyone who has been to both will understand. If you haven't, I'll explain later. Its also across from the Plaza Hotel. Made me think of Big Business. Love that movie. If I hadn't been so scruffy looking, I would have tried to go in the lobby just to look around. Another day...
So, as you might guess, I went to Subway today. Yes, yes, I know how very boring of me to eat at a national chain restaurant when there are so many great places in NY. Well, you know what... it all comes down to money. Surprise, surprise. If the 'mom and pop shops' could offer a similar deal I would go with those. Until I get a job, its Subway or Quiznos (cause they've started a similar promo). Anyway, I was paying for my $5 footlong and the man asked me if I wanted a drink. I said 'no, thank you", but I guess he was feeling flirty or in a good mood so he asked again. I smiled and told him that I was too poor to afford anything more than the sandwich. He told me not to worry, if I start working in the city I won't be poor anymore. I just smiled and said, "well, for now I am poor". So I sat down and ate my sandwich and about 5 min. later he walked by and put a chocolate chip cookie on my table and said, "because you are poor". Ha! And who said nice people don't live in NY?! So what if he was flirting, or trying to get me to come back. You better believe I'll go back to that Subway. Such a nice man. Its little things like that brighten my day.
That is my fun NY story for the day. I've got to get to bed early tonight cause I've got an appt. to look at a place in the morning. Pray that its the one. I'm really sick of this. I'll be back with more soon!
Oh, yesterday I went to the Apple store. The entrance reminded me of the Louvre in Paris. Anyone who has been to both will understand. If you haven't, I'll explain later. Its also across from the Plaza Hotel. Made me think of Big Business. Love that movie. If I hadn't been so scruffy looking, I would have tried to go in the lobby just to look around. Another day...
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Texas Cxn
Thank you Ben Davies for my first 'comment'. Good to hear from ya!
Someone told me that they think NY is 75% Texan. I don't believe them, but it makes me feel proud of our state, unlike the Naked Cowboy who stands in Times Square in his tighty-whiteys (a disgrace to the race of cowboys). However, despite my skepticism I had an encounter with a Texan today. Due to the fact that I am homeless in a matter of weeks, I have been spending every free moment on Craig's List. Tonight I stopped in Bryant Park (quickly becoming my favorite place in the city) and hoped online to do a little searching. I phoned about a place in Harlem and left a message. My call was obviously being screened cause Jenny, said poster of ad, called back immediately. And guess where Jenny is from... Ft. Worth! Love it! She said she wasn't sure if my call was someone from home or someone about the ad. We had a lovely chat and set up a meeting for tomorrow. Its way the heck out in Harlem (the safe part, though), so I'll time it tomorrow and see how long it takes to get to midtown.
I had my other classes today: Movement and Voice & Speech. Movement was ultra-relaxing. The guy who teaches it is Canadian, eh?! The point is to have your entire body connect with what you encounter and experience while acting. Its kinda hard to explain but basically its using your whole body as your instrument. Adam has the euphonium, Mattie has the piano, I've got my body. We basically hit the same point in Voice & Speech. I really like the teacher for that class. She actually taught at Carnegie Mellon (brush them shoulder off) and somewhere else too. I spoke with her after class about singing. She said our work in class will help me a lot and we could possibly set up something supplemental on the side. Uh, awesome!
So it was a great day. OH! Bryant Park! Has anyone been to Bryant Park? This is my favorite place. Its not huge, but its beautiful. Little cafe tables and chairs (reminds me of France). And the best part is free internet.... outside! How great is that. There are so many cool things in this city and I haven't even gone down to SoHo or Chinatown or Lil' Italy. So much to see and do. I'm glad I'm here for longer than a week.
Just a warning: I'm pretty impressed with myself for writing everyday so far. However, I doubt this kind of consistency will continue. I feel like a live several days in one 24 hour period. This city drains me. Its good cause this is kinda my public travel diary, and I will try to continue but lets face it, y'all probably don't read it everyday anyway. Thanks for those that do. And on that note, I will sign off. Thanks for joining me for another day in NY.
Someone told me that they think NY is 75% Texan. I don't believe them, but it makes me feel proud of our state, unlike the Naked Cowboy who stands in Times Square in his tighty-whiteys (a disgrace to the race of cowboys). However, despite my skepticism I had an encounter with a Texan today. Due to the fact that I am homeless in a matter of weeks, I have been spending every free moment on Craig's List. Tonight I stopped in Bryant Park (quickly becoming my favorite place in the city) and hoped online to do a little searching. I phoned about a place in Harlem and left a message. My call was obviously being screened cause Jenny, said poster of ad, called back immediately. And guess where Jenny is from... Ft. Worth! Love it! She said she wasn't sure if my call was someone from home or someone about the ad. We had a lovely chat and set up a meeting for tomorrow. Its way the heck out in Harlem (the safe part, though), so I'll time it tomorrow and see how long it takes to get to midtown.
I had my other classes today: Movement and Voice & Speech. Movement was ultra-relaxing. The guy who teaches it is Canadian, eh?! The point is to have your entire body connect with what you encounter and experience while acting. Its kinda hard to explain but basically its using your whole body as your instrument. Adam has the euphonium, Mattie has the piano, I've got my body. We basically hit the same point in Voice & Speech. I really like the teacher for that class. She actually taught at Carnegie Mellon (brush them shoulder off) and somewhere else too. I spoke with her after class about singing. She said our work in class will help me a lot and we could possibly set up something supplemental on the side. Uh, awesome!
So it was a great day. OH! Bryant Park! Has anyone been to Bryant Park? This is my favorite place. Its not huge, but its beautiful. Little cafe tables and chairs (reminds me of France). And the best part is free internet.... outside! How great is that. There are so many cool things in this city and I haven't even gone down to SoHo or Chinatown or Lil' Italy. So much to see and do. I'm glad I'm here for longer than a week.
Just a warning: I'm pretty impressed with myself for writing everyday so far. However, I doubt this kind of consistency will continue. I feel like a live several days in one 24 hour period. This city drains me. Its good cause this is kinda my public travel diary, and I will try to continue but lets face it, y'all probably don't read it everyday anyway. Thanks for those that do. And on that note, I will sign off. Thanks for joining me for another day in NY.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Tennis anyone?
I went all over the place today and only missed my stop once! Woohoo!
I began my day with a trip out to Queens. Now you might be asking yourself, "self, what is Erin doing in Queens?" Yes, I went there intentionally. The US Open was having a job fair, so I thought "what a great way to see some amazing tennis and get paid for it." So I took the train all the way out there. First the G line (which was voted worst subway line in NY) then the F train up to Arthur Ashe Stadium. Beautiful. I wasn't quite sure where to find this amazing job fair, so I just started walking around the giant USTA Tennis Complex. Flushing Meadows park seemed nice. I realize I have chosen the wrong way around, but I did get a full view of the grounds. As I was coming around Court 9 I noticed some folks playing on the court. Hmmm, that looks a lot like Venus Williams. What do ya know! It was Venus Williams!!!!!!! I casually sauntered over to watch (she totally saw me cause then she went behind the giant bush, blocking my view). Tragically, I didn't have a lot of time cause I still needed to go apply and then get to Manhattan and I had no idea how long that would all take. So I continued on. But as I glanced back to have one more peak from the other side of the court, I noticed someone else hitting on that court too! Oh my goodness.... it was Serena! I had to stop and watch for a little while. I was the ONLY person around and I got to watch the Williams sisters practice. They're good. I also spotted some hefty grounds crew men squeezed into a little golf cart around the corner sneaking a peek. So that was cool.
The job fair turned out to be a bust. All the other applicants seemed a little shady. You know its not a good sign when the application asks if you graduated from grammar school. I'm supposed to bring back photos and IDs to continue my application process but I think the next time I'm in Queens, I hope to be watching the tournament instead of working it.
So I make into Manhattan with plenty of time to spare before my class. Trying to break that Nelson curse of lateness. I headed to Jamba Juice for a little pre-class boost. Delicious! Around 1/4 to 2 p.m. I decided to go on in to teh studio. Early but not freakishly early. You know those folks who are always so excited and show up 30 min. early. Secretly that was me, but I restrained myself and waited til the appropriate "cool" time to arrive at 15 til.
I walk into the assigned studio... dead silent. Which immediately makes me laugh. The other eager beavers are seated and most of the class arrives in the next 10 min. Its the typical acting studio with rows of chairs in the back facing the playing area. So with 20 people all sitting facing forward... its a weird awkward silence. Again, I found this funny. Our instructor for the 6 weeks is Suzanne Esper, wife to Bill Esper for whom the studio is named. Honestly, I'm too tired to give you the rundown of the entire class, but we did a lot of listening and a couple exercises. Basically, what I came away with is that this woman knows her stuff and she will definitely make me better! She will not sugar-coat it but she will instruct with purpose. We were given a partner at the end of class to work with on a listening/repeating exercise. If you really want to know what we're doing in these classes, you can just pick up Bill Esper's book. Its in there verbatim...almost.
My partner is a guy named Ben Davis. He has been acting 8 years and goes to Rutgers. We decide to work right after class, but grab some food before. During our dinner (i had an over-priced salad. delicious, but over-priced) we learned a lot about each other. He seems like a really nice guy. Loves Broadway, as do I. He actually has an internship with the producers of Chicago, so I might get the hook-up there! YES!
So we decide to go work at Central Park, cause my apartment has 4 girls living in it at the moment, and he lives in New Jersey. As we're walking to Central Park the sky starts to grow very dark. Determined to get some work in, we both establish that we have umbrellas and are totally game for powering thru the weather. We find a nice spot off the beaten path to conduct our repetition exercise. Of course, the sky opens up on us a few times. We were under a tree and we had umbrellas so it wasn't too bad, but after an hour or so I was a little damp. I finally had to pull the plug on our work cause I was about to wet myself. We quickly walked to the nearest Starbucks, (you're never far from a starbucks, kinda like Vancouver) and... you know.
I was exhausted so I said goodnight to Ben. I'll see him tomorrow. He is in my Movement and Voice & Speech classes. On the way home I missed the stop to transfer from the C train to the G train. My only mess up of the day, directionally. I don't count the morning at the UTSA b/c it ended with me seeing the Williams sisters. Did I mention I saw them today? Great Day!
I began my day with a trip out to Queens. Now you might be asking yourself, "self, what is Erin doing in Queens?" Yes, I went there intentionally. The US Open was having a job fair, so I thought "what a great way to see some amazing tennis and get paid for it." So I took the train all the way out there. First the G line (which was voted worst subway line in NY) then the F train up to Arthur Ashe Stadium. Beautiful. I wasn't quite sure where to find this amazing job fair, so I just started walking around the giant USTA Tennis Complex. Flushing Meadows park seemed nice. I realize I have chosen the wrong way around, but I did get a full view of the grounds. As I was coming around Court 9 I noticed some folks playing on the court. Hmmm, that looks a lot like Venus Williams. What do ya know! It was Venus Williams!!!!!!! I casually sauntered over to watch (she totally saw me cause then she went behind the giant bush, blocking my view). Tragically, I didn't have a lot of time cause I still needed to go apply and then get to Manhattan and I had no idea how long that would all take. So I continued on. But as I glanced back to have one more peak from the other side of the court, I noticed someone else hitting on that court too! Oh my goodness.... it was Serena! I had to stop and watch for a little while. I was the ONLY person around and I got to watch the Williams sisters practice. They're good. I also spotted some hefty grounds crew men squeezed into a little golf cart around the corner sneaking a peek. So that was cool.
The job fair turned out to be a bust. All the other applicants seemed a little shady. You know its not a good sign when the application asks if you graduated from grammar school. I'm supposed to bring back photos and IDs to continue my application process but I think the next time I'm in Queens, I hope to be watching the tournament instead of working it.
So I make into Manhattan with plenty of time to spare before my class. Trying to break that Nelson curse of lateness. I headed to Jamba Juice for a little pre-class boost. Delicious! Around 1/4 to 2 p.m. I decided to go on in to teh studio. Early but not freakishly early. You know those folks who are always so excited and show up 30 min. early. Secretly that was me, but I restrained myself and waited til the appropriate "cool" time to arrive at 15 til.
I walk into the assigned studio... dead silent. Which immediately makes me laugh. The other eager beavers are seated and most of the class arrives in the next 10 min. Its the typical acting studio with rows of chairs in the back facing the playing area. So with 20 people all sitting facing forward... its a weird awkward silence. Again, I found this funny. Our instructor for the 6 weeks is Suzanne Esper, wife to Bill Esper for whom the studio is named. Honestly, I'm too tired to give you the rundown of the entire class, but we did a lot of listening and a couple exercises. Basically, what I came away with is that this woman knows her stuff and she will definitely make me better! She will not sugar-coat it but she will instruct with purpose. We were given a partner at the end of class to work with on a listening/repeating exercise. If you really want to know what we're doing in these classes, you can just pick up Bill Esper's book. Its in there verbatim...almost.
My partner is a guy named Ben Davis. He has been acting 8 years and goes to Rutgers. We decide to work right after class, but grab some food before. During our dinner (i had an over-priced salad. delicious, but over-priced) we learned a lot about each other. He seems like a really nice guy. Loves Broadway, as do I. He actually has an internship with the producers of Chicago, so I might get the hook-up there! YES!
So we decide to go work at Central Park, cause my apartment has 4 girls living in it at the moment, and he lives in New Jersey. As we're walking to Central Park the sky starts to grow very dark. Determined to get some work in, we both establish that we have umbrellas and are totally game for powering thru the weather. We find a nice spot off the beaten path to conduct our repetition exercise. Of course, the sky opens up on us a few times. We were under a tree and we had umbrellas so it wasn't too bad, but after an hour or so I was a little damp. I finally had to pull the plug on our work cause I was about to wet myself. We quickly walked to the nearest Starbucks, (you're never far from a starbucks, kinda like Vancouver) and... you know.
I was exhausted so I said goodnight to Ben. I'll see him tomorrow. He is in my Movement and Voice & Speech classes. On the way home I missed the stop to transfer from the C train to the G train. My only mess up of the day, directionally. I don't count the morning at the UTSA b/c it ended with me seeing the Williams sisters. Did I mention I saw them today? Great Day!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Day 1
I love sleeping in. (Sorry, I left my camera cable at home, so I can't show y'all anything). Love the apartment. Its that that long skinny floorplan that is just so popular here. We just got a AC unit installed in my room. Awesome. So I slept until I remembered that I was in freakin' NEW YORK and I needed to get my butt out of bed.
I got dressed. Beth made me a little map of the neighborhood so I could get to a coffee shop and grocery store. I grabbed my keys, bag and headed out the door, only to turn back around to come get my umbrella. Oh yes, it was raining. Determined to go out anyway, I power walked to the coffee/sandwich shop. I bought a $7 pannini, I love NY prices. I killed time there on the free wi-fi and waited out the rain.
Now, before I left Austin I started doing Bikram yoga (they say practice yoga, but that is silly so i'm not going to say it). And there are a few studios here in Brooklyn. Que suerte! I walked to the nearest studio, which took me to Park Slope (a pretty fair walk). I found it, thank you very much. Then I decided to walk down Flatbush. I glanced over and saw a few tents set up on 7th Ave. (sorry for all this street talk, but I'm thorough). So there was this huge artisan market all the way down 7th Ave. Best thing ever. It reminded me of First Thursday in Austin, only it was Third Sunday and not Austin. Anyway, a few highlights include the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, or something, with 5-6 yrs olds playing violins. So cute. I also heard a live band playing some salsa and people dancing in the street. I love this city! So great!
Later I met up with Beth for church. It was great. This is exactly where I'm supposed be. Class starts tomorrow! Woohoo!
I got dressed. Beth made me a little map of the neighborhood so I could get to a coffee shop and grocery store. I grabbed my keys, bag and headed out the door, only to turn back around to come get my umbrella. Oh yes, it was raining. Determined to go out anyway, I power walked to the coffee/sandwich shop. I bought a $7 pannini, I love NY prices. I killed time there on the free wi-fi and waited out the rain.
Now, before I left Austin I started doing Bikram yoga (they say practice yoga, but that is silly so i'm not going to say it). And there are a few studios here in Brooklyn. Que suerte! I walked to the nearest studio, which took me to Park Slope (a pretty fair walk). I found it, thank you very much. Then I decided to walk down Flatbush. I glanced over and saw a few tents set up on 7th Ave. (sorry for all this street talk, but I'm thorough). So there was this huge artisan market all the way down 7th Ave. Best thing ever. It reminded me of First Thursday in Austin, only it was Third Sunday and not Austin. Anyway, a few highlights include the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, or something, with 5-6 yrs olds playing violins. So cute. I also heard a live band playing some salsa and people dancing in the street. I love this city! So great!
Later I met up with Beth for church. It was great. This is exactly where I'm supposed be. Class starts tomorrow! Woohoo!
Has anyone ever ridden on Space Mountain at DisneyWorld?! For you poor,poor souls who haven’t, it is a rollercoaster in the dark. You can’t see where it turns and dips, which makes the ride so much fun… and scary.
This is the closest comparison to flying thru turbulence. It may not be in the dark but you definitely have no idea when the dips and dives are gonna hit! And the passengers don’t quite know how to react. Our first few shakes and bumps are just endured with nervous glances and half-smiles to fellow passengers. “This is normal. Always a little bumpy thru clouds,” everyone assures themselves. Then you hit some serious ups and downs. The kind of stuff that makes your stomach drop. Even the occasional, “whoa,” from some folks in the back.
My flight today endured the craziest turbulence I’ve ever flown thru. I was trying to nap thru this but my feet came off the floor, which woke me up. Several “whoas” and lots of nervous faces. Personally, I have a sick enjoyment of these things. Kinda fun and I’m too optimistic to think I’m going to die in a plane crash. I find amusement in the way adults act when situations get a little tense. Its ok for kids to freak out, but we “mature” adults (yes, we) should not fear such inconsequentials as turbulence. Perhaps it was the fact that we sat on the ground for 2 ½ hours before leaving b/c something wasn’t “plugged up” right, according to the pilot, that caused so much panic and concern.
To be fair, the turbulence was persistent and intense but eventually subsided. Recovery tactics were classic. Some people immediately put their heads back on the headrests and cranked the AC to calm down. Other panic faces relaxed into smiles and began chatting it up with their neighbor about what had just happened. Phew, we survived. People are funny.
Now, in the airport in Atlanta. I thought for sure I had missed my connecting flight to NY, but thanks to Mother Nature, LaGuardia Airport is grounded. I surrender this whole day to Mother Nature... and global warming. She is mad and taking it out on the airline industry! Maybe we should give Al Gore another Nobel Peace Prize for stating the obvious. The earth wasn’t meant for all these fuel-burning machines. Ok, I’m coming down off my soapbox. Sometimes my Southwestern education goes into overdrive and I ramble.
So now I sit. It costs $8 to connect to the internet, so this will be posted later if and when I arrive to NY. The latest news from the counter: they will update us at 11 p.m. Not board us, just update us. Awesome. Burger King is even starting to look appealing, but I must remember I’m a full-time struggling actress now. I’m only allowed one meal a day. Ha! I gotta save my cash for the cab anyway.
Note to folks with rolly-bags… keep those suckers in line behind you and not dragging four feet. Its as though some people are pulling a sled. Forget trying to get around them. No way. You go left, all the have to do to block you is move their arm slightly to the left and the thing shifts to block your path! I had to do a little hippity-hop to prevent my toes from a painful rollover. I’m not sure if its necessity or instinct, but I find myself walking very quickly and purposefully in the airport. No slow saunter. You must be focused and alert. Lots of cross traffic. Travellers with bags you don’t even see until you nearly trip over them, children lagging behind (unless of course the parents have invested in the human leash… totally opposed to that), and then you’ve gotta watch out for the cart people who just repeatedly yell, “Cart!” What an amazing place to observe human behavior. This is where people are truly themselves. I consider myself to be a sociologist or is it anthropologist… amateur of course. Maybe we’ve got some updates at the gate. I’m being hopeful now. That is what the airport tries to take from us… hope. I will not surrender. I will get to NY!
p.s. I finally got in at 2:30 a.m. Thanks Beth for staying up to help me and the cab driver find the place.
This is the closest comparison to flying thru turbulence. It may not be in the dark but you definitely have no idea when the dips and dives are gonna hit! And the passengers don’t quite know how to react. Our first few shakes and bumps are just endured with nervous glances and half-smiles to fellow passengers. “This is normal. Always a little bumpy thru clouds,” everyone assures themselves. Then you hit some serious ups and downs. The kind of stuff that makes your stomach drop. Even the occasional, “whoa,” from some folks in the back.
My flight today endured the craziest turbulence I’ve ever flown thru. I was trying to nap thru this but my feet came off the floor, which woke me up. Several “whoas” and lots of nervous faces. Personally, I have a sick enjoyment of these things. Kinda fun and I’m too optimistic to think I’m going to die in a plane crash. I find amusement in the way adults act when situations get a little tense. Its ok for kids to freak out, but we “mature” adults (yes, we) should not fear such inconsequentials as turbulence. Perhaps it was the fact that we sat on the ground for 2 ½ hours before leaving b/c something wasn’t “plugged up” right, according to the pilot, that caused so much panic and concern.
To be fair, the turbulence was persistent and intense but eventually subsided. Recovery tactics were classic. Some people immediately put their heads back on the headrests and cranked the AC to calm down. Other panic faces relaxed into smiles and began chatting it up with their neighbor about what had just happened. Phew, we survived. People are funny.
Now, in the airport in Atlanta. I thought for sure I had missed my connecting flight to NY, but thanks to Mother Nature, LaGuardia Airport is grounded. I surrender this whole day to Mother Nature... and global warming. She is mad and taking it out on the airline industry! Maybe we should give Al Gore another Nobel Peace Prize for stating the obvious. The earth wasn’t meant for all these fuel-burning machines. Ok, I’m coming down off my soapbox. Sometimes my Southwestern education goes into overdrive and I ramble.
So now I sit. It costs $8 to connect to the internet, so this will be posted later if and when I arrive to NY. The latest news from the counter: they will update us at 11 p.m. Not board us, just update us. Awesome. Burger King is even starting to look appealing, but I must remember I’m a full-time struggling actress now. I’m only allowed one meal a day. Ha! I gotta save my cash for the cab anyway.
Note to folks with rolly-bags… keep those suckers in line behind you and not dragging four feet. Its as though some people are pulling a sled. Forget trying to get around them. No way. You go left, all the have to do to block you is move their arm slightly to the left and the thing shifts to block your path! I had to do a little hippity-hop to prevent my toes from a painful rollover. I’m not sure if its necessity or instinct, but I find myself walking very quickly and purposefully in the airport. No slow saunter. You must be focused and alert. Lots of cross traffic. Travellers with bags you don’t even see until you nearly trip over them, children lagging behind (unless of course the parents have invested in the human leash… totally opposed to that), and then you’ve gotta watch out for the cart people who just repeatedly yell, “Cart!” What an amazing place to observe human behavior. This is where people are truly themselves. I consider myself to be a sociologist or is it anthropologist… amateur of course. Maybe we’ve got some updates at the gate. I’m being hopeful now. That is what the airport tries to take from us… hope. I will not surrender. I will get to NY!
p.s. I finally got in at 2:30 a.m. Thanks Beth for staying up to help me and the cab driver find the place.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Start Spreading the News....
I'm leaving today... I'm gonna be a part of it.... New York, New York!
Well, I'm off. Fixin' to leave (gotta throw in the country slang) the comforts of my parent's home in safe, familiar Texas to explore the dangerous, crime-filled streets of New York City! Heaven help me! In all seriousness, I've been assured NY is much safer than we southern folks think. So rest assured everyone, I will be fine.
In preparation for my departure, I have tried to think what I will need in the big city for the summer. Much to my dismay, I will not be escaping the heat as NY is experiencing a massive heatwave with temps. in the 100s!!! Lame! Of course, the past year I have been at a job that provides a uniform (totally lame) but this left me with no clothes. Great.
My brother has just pointed out the time. I must go now. Don't worry everyone, I'm only going to NY. Not that I don't appreciate all the phone calls, but several of you are treating this like I'm going abroad and you won't be able to talk to me for several months. NY is still in the US. I'll still have my cell phone. And if you really need some "erin-time" you can catch a flight up here that will probably cost less than flying anywhere else in the US.
I miss y'all already! See ya in August!
Well, I'm off. Fixin' to leave (gotta throw in the country slang) the comforts of my parent's home in safe, familiar Texas to explore the dangerous, crime-filled streets of New York City! Heaven help me! In all seriousness, I've been assured NY is much safer than we southern folks think. So rest assured everyone, I will be fine.
In preparation for my departure, I have tried to think what I will need in the big city for the summer. Much to my dismay, I will not be escaping the heat as NY is experiencing a massive heatwave with temps. in the 100s!!! Lame! Of course, the past year I have been at a job that provides a uniform (totally lame) but this left me with no clothes. Great.
My brother has just pointed out the time. I must go now. Don't worry everyone, I'm only going to NY. Not that I don't appreciate all the phone calls, but several of you are treating this like I'm going abroad and you won't be able to talk to me for several months. NY is still in the US. I'll still have my cell phone. And if you really need some "erin-time" you can catch a flight up here that will probably cost less than flying anywhere else in the US.
I miss y'all already! See ya in August!
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