Oh, what changes an hour can bring! I have now moved to the wifi at Panera. At my lucky week has let me down. I just got an email thanking me for interviewing, but informing me that the position for which I interviewed at Macmillan was given to someone else.
I figured this. It has been three weeks since I interviewed, and I'm sure there were plenty of candidates who were better than me. I'm not sad so much about not getting the job (it wasn't my dream job anyway), but I am sad that I now have one less opportunity. This morning, life was great--I was tending bar, thinking about my editing gig, and my upcoming interview, and thinking I still had a shot at this job. I had multiple things that could work out for me. Now, I have one less.
I know I am being pessimistic. An hour ago, things were great! And a lot of them still are. Its just a bit of a bummer to have that door shut now. It puts a lot more pressure on me to interview well next week. And this is my first flat out rejection. All those hundreds of jobs I applied for that never contacted me were implied rejections. This one is explicit.
I will stay positive though. All the good things in my last post are still good. Who knows? Maybe I'll have a great interview at McGraw Hill, and that job will pay a little more. Maybe I'll train for the bar, and I'll make so much money, I don't want to leave Maryland for awhile. Or maybe I will kick so much butt at this freelancing job that I will get hundreds more jobs and be able to live in a swank NY apartment on the money from that alone. One never knows.
But as soon as I do, you will.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
More Excitement!
Wow, this is really my week. Here's a couple more additions to my previous list:
7. Last week I had a phone interview with McGraw Hill. I thought it went pretty well, and it must have, because I am going in for a face to face interview next week!! Which is perfect because I was already going to be in NYC, so I don't even have to make a special trip like the last time! And the interview is already confirmed, so I won't be waiting around Andrew's apartment, dressed and ready to go at a moments notice! I am so excited. McGraw Hill is mostly a textbook/reference publisher, so it would be a little out of my element. But, I learn quickly, and I'm always up for trying something new. Plus, reading all those textbook manuscripts is probably the equivalent of a Master's Degree, no? So, everyone (all five of you) WISH ME LUCK!
8. Right now I am on break from work, sitting in Borders. This in itself isn't that exciting, but its exciting that I got a break today, because I sometimes don't. The reason I got a break is because I was cut early. And I was cut early because the bar was slow and....TODAY I TENDED BAR! I was standing in the kitchen this morning, cutting lemons, and my boss said, "Bridget, come here, I'm going to do something radical." I was appropriately scared/sketched out. Then he said, because the opening bartender was late, he was going to punish them by putting me in the bar and him out on the floor! Again, I was appropriately scared, because although I have long wanted to be a bartender, I am very nervous that I will be terrible at it. But I think I did ok today. I didn't make too many drinks, just a sangria and pouring a couple beers. The other bartender said I did "awesome." Which I am inclined to agree with, but what do I know, really? Maybe he was just trying to boost my confidence. When I thanked my boss profusely before leaving, he said he would tell the scheduler to give me a training schedule, and get me back in there! YAY! This is my summer-long dream come true! Actually, I've always wanted to tend bar, it seems so glamorous, but ever since I started at Uno's, I've been itching to get in there. Especially when my two greatest friends at work (though, sadly, one is no longer there) moved in to the bar. But my time is coming.
This has just been the most wonderful week! Christmas really is a magical time. Now if I can just keep my lucky streak up til next week for the interview, and maybe tomorrow night by getting out of work early so I have time to have an acceptable New Year's Eve, I will be one happy clam.
7. Last week I had a phone interview with McGraw Hill. I thought it went pretty well, and it must have, because I am going in for a face to face interview next week!! Which is perfect because I was already going to be in NYC, so I don't even have to make a special trip like the last time! And the interview is already confirmed, so I won't be waiting around Andrew's apartment, dressed and ready to go at a moments notice! I am so excited. McGraw Hill is mostly a textbook/reference publisher, so it would be a little out of my element. But, I learn quickly, and I'm always up for trying something new. Plus, reading all those textbook manuscripts is probably the equivalent of a Master's Degree, no? So, everyone (all five of you) WISH ME LUCK!
8. Right now I am on break from work, sitting in Borders. This in itself isn't that exciting, but its exciting that I got a break today, because I sometimes don't. The reason I got a break is because I was cut early. And I was cut early because the bar was slow and....TODAY I TENDED BAR! I was standing in the kitchen this morning, cutting lemons, and my boss said, "Bridget, come here, I'm going to do something radical." I was appropriately scared/sketched out. Then he said, because the opening bartender was late, he was going to punish them by putting me in the bar and him out on the floor! Again, I was appropriately scared, because although I have long wanted to be a bartender, I am very nervous that I will be terrible at it. But I think I did ok today. I didn't make too many drinks, just a sangria and pouring a couple beers. The other bartender said I did "awesome." Which I am inclined to agree with, but what do I know, really? Maybe he was just trying to boost my confidence. When I thanked my boss profusely before leaving, he said he would tell the scheduler to give me a training schedule, and get me back in there! YAY! This is my summer-long dream come true! Actually, I've always wanted to tend bar, it seems so glamorous, but ever since I started at Uno's, I've been itching to get in there. Especially when my two greatest friends at work (though, sadly, one is no longer there) moved in to the bar. But my time is coming.
This has just been the most wonderful week! Christmas really is a magical time. Now if I can just keep my lucky streak up til next week for the interview, and maybe tomorrow night by getting out of work early so I have time to have an acceptable New Year's Eve, I will be one happy clam.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Exciting Things
Here is a list of exciting things that are happening in my life right now:
1. I picked up a shift on Friday morning, so I am working a double. This means, I will probably be done working earlier than expected, and I might actually get to do something fun for New Year's Eve!
2. I am probably going up to Long Island to visit Andrew's family next week. It will be a short trip because my bosses get nervous when I'm not there (haha), but it should be nice to spend some time up there when there's not a wedding or major celebration to put on!
3. I got my first freelance editing gig! Andrew's mother does a lot of freelance stuff, and she put me in contact with a woman who is starting a spiritual website/blog and self-publishing a book. Its not a major project, but I spoke with her about it a few times, and she decided to give me the job! I am officially a freelance editor. Which is so much better than simply being a waitress. Its not enough to pay the bills, but hopefully its enough to get me more jobs!
4. Today I started returning all the things I didn't give for Christmas. I'm not good at making decisions in stores, so I buy a bunch of stuff and decide later. Today I returned $70 worth of stuff to Target. I think I need to work on this.
5. In less than one month, I will be headed to Las Vegas with my family! About this, I am super pumped. I love my family, and we always have a great time together. Plus, Andrew and Michael get to come, so I will have lots of opportunities to get in to trouble. That sounds odd, but I always have wonderful times with Emily, Michael and Andrew, and there's always an element of adventure. Adventure in Las Vegas sounds like it comes with a little trouble. I believe a little trouble is always healthy, so I am excited about the prospects. Plus, AJ likes a healthy amount of trouble, too, so the odds of a good time are great. Probably better than my odds of winning any money in the casinos.
6. At the Uno's Christmas party, my boss gave me a Starbuck's gift card (with an as-yet-undetermined amount of money on it), a hug, and promise. We were in the bar and he said "get used to this environment," which Andrew and I both took to mean that I would soon get to move to the bar. No sober mention of this has been made since, so my boss might just be the kind of guy who promises things when he is buzzed that he wouldn't ordinarily say. I can understand that, because I sometimes promise things that I just flat-out don't want to do because I think people will want to hear them (that's something I'm working on). I hope my boss is working on that too, and that his comment will soon come to fruition. I'll keep ya updated.
So, six exciting things sounds pretty good to me! Add to that the remnants of Christmas frivolity, a bit of a sugar high, and the discovery of an awesome new snack (Oreo cookie bark) and I'd say I'm in a pretty good place. I hope y'all are too.
1. I picked up a shift on Friday morning, so I am working a double. This means, I will probably be done working earlier than expected, and I might actually get to do something fun for New Year's Eve!
2. I am probably going up to Long Island to visit Andrew's family next week. It will be a short trip because my bosses get nervous when I'm not there (haha), but it should be nice to spend some time up there when there's not a wedding or major celebration to put on!
3. I got my first freelance editing gig! Andrew's mother does a lot of freelance stuff, and she put me in contact with a woman who is starting a spiritual website/blog and self-publishing a book. Its not a major project, but I spoke with her about it a few times, and she decided to give me the job! I am officially a freelance editor. Which is so much better than simply being a waitress. Its not enough to pay the bills, but hopefully its enough to get me more jobs!
4. Today I started returning all the things I didn't give for Christmas. I'm not good at making decisions in stores, so I buy a bunch of stuff and decide later. Today I returned $70 worth of stuff to Target. I think I need to work on this.
5. In less than one month, I will be headed to Las Vegas with my family! About this, I am super pumped. I love my family, and we always have a great time together. Plus, Andrew and Michael get to come, so I will have lots of opportunities to get in to trouble. That sounds odd, but I always have wonderful times with Emily, Michael and Andrew, and there's always an element of adventure. Adventure in Las Vegas sounds like it comes with a little trouble. I believe a little trouble is always healthy, so I am excited about the prospects. Plus, AJ likes a healthy amount of trouble, too, so the odds of a good time are great. Probably better than my odds of winning any money in the casinos.
6. At the Uno's Christmas party, my boss gave me a Starbuck's gift card (with an as-yet-undetermined amount of money on it), a hug, and promise. We were in the bar and he said "get used to this environment," which Andrew and I both took to mean that I would soon get to move to the bar. No sober mention of this has been made since, so my boss might just be the kind of guy who promises things when he is buzzed that he wouldn't ordinarily say. I can understand that, because I sometimes promise things that I just flat-out don't want to do because I think people will want to hear them (that's something I'm working on). I hope my boss is working on that too, and that his comment will soon come to fruition. I'll keep ya updated.
So, six exciting things sounds pretty good to me! Add to that the remnants of Christmas frivolity, a bit of a sugar high, and the discovery of an awesome new snack (Oreo cookie bark) and I'd say I'm in a pretty good place. I hope y'all are too.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Christmas Rehash
Today is the Monday after Christmas, which means I have to go to work tonight. Sad face. Especially because this Christmas weekend was BOMB and I really didn't want it to end. Friday night Andrew, AJ and I went to the Ashbaugh Christmas party, which was delightful. I got to see Kimberly for the first time since her wedding, and generally just hang out with my friends. Soon after we returned, Emily and Michael came home and we watched the Grinch (a family tradition on Christmas Eve).
On Christmas morning, we all woke up around nine, and opened presents. Andrew was impressed by my self control. In his family everyone opens at the same time, but I always like to see what other people are getting too. Everyone enjoyed the gifts that Andrew and I got them, and I got some great stuff. From Emily and Mike I received an adorable apron, a cupcake decorating book, a lovely sweater and scarf and an amateur bartending class! AJ got everyone alcohol, so I got a bottle of wine. From Santa I got apartment stuff--a quilt, some dishes, a shower curtain, etc. And from my wonderful boyfriend, Andrew, I got a lovely dress watch. It is silver and gold, with a sapphire-colored face (I told him I liked that once, and if there's one thing Andrew does well, its remember everything I say. Sometimes, I don't like this. But on Christmas, I always appreciate it!) The best part was the gifts Em, Mom and I gave the boys. When we were in North Carolina, we bought these awesome marshmallow guns at the craft show. So we disassembled them, and wrapped up the parts to give the boys. We had our fully loaded guns at the ready, and opened fire as soon as they unwrapped them. What followed was an epic battle, which my parents watched with amusement, including some awesome sliding shots, a few welts and a ton of marshmallows all over the house which then got squished and had to be mopped up. Definitely worth the clean up, though.
In the afternoon, Emily and Mike had to leave to visit the MacDonalds, which was sad. But they ended up coming back later in the evening because they were afraid of getting snowed in! So we played a couple rounds of Nintendo Jeopardy (in lieu of beer pong, after Mike soberly smashed his drink on the floor) and then went to bed.
Yesterday was the extended family Christmas which was also very nice. We ate a TON of delicious food--prime rib, shrimp cocktail, bread, Bailey's cupcakes. It was a lovely day, and a lovely weekend. Sadly, it had to end and I had to take Andrew to the train station today. But I'm hoping to go up to Long Island next week and see his family.
Anyway, thanks to all who made this Christmas so excellent! I hope you all had wonderful holidays as well.
On Christmas morning, we all woke up around nine, and opened presents. Andrew was impressed by my self control. In his family everyone opens at the same time, but I always like to see what other people are getting too. Everyone enjoyed the gifts that Andrew and I got them, and I got some great stuff. From Emily and Mike I received an adorable apron, a cupcake decorating book, a lovely sweater and scarf and an amateur bartending class! AJ got everyone alcohol, so I got a bottle of wine. From Santa I got apartment stuff--a quilt, some dishes, a shower curtain, etc. And from my wonderful boyfriend, Andrew, I got a lovely dress watch. It is silver and gold, with a sapphire-colored face (I told him I liked that once, and if there's one thing Andrew does well, its remember everything I say. Sometimes, I don't like this. But on Christmas, I always appreciate it!) The best part was the gifts Em, Mom and I gave the boys. When we were in North Carolina, we bought these awesome marshmallow guns at the craft show. So we disassembled them, and wrapped up the parts to give the boys. We had our fully loaded guns at the ready, and opened fire as soon as they unwrapped them. What followed was an epic battle, which my parents watched with amusement, including some awesome sliding shots, a few welts and a ton of marshmallows all over the house which then got squished and had to be mopped up. Definitely worth the clean up, though.
In the afternoon, Emily and Mike had to leave to visit the MacDonalds, which was sad. But they ended up coming back later in the evening because they were afraid of getting snowed in! So we played a couple rounds of Nintendo Jeopardy (in lieu of beer pong, after Mike soberly smashed his drink on the floor) and then went to bed.
Yesterday was the extended family Christmas which was also very nice. We ate a TON of delicious food--prime rib, shrimp cocktail, bread, Bailey's cupcakes. It was a lovely day, and a lovely weekend. Sadly, it had to end and I had to take Andrew to the train station today. But I'm hoping to go up to Long Island next week and see his family.
Anyway, thanks to all who made this Christmas so excellent! I hope you all had wonderful holidays as well.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas!
I know that all of my five readers are either 1. sitting next to me, or 2. still at the Ashbaugh's Christmas Party, but I thought it necessary to write a quick Christmas post. This week has been crazy busy, what with work, last minute Christmas shopping and, count them, TWO phone interviews, so I haven't really had time to write much this week. So, I will do it now.
I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas, and a wonderful holiday season. So far, I think this Christmas will be the best one yet. Andrew and Michael are both here (it is Andrew's very first Christmas morning--usually his family opens presents on Christmas Eve) and it has just been one of those Christmas Eve's that you see in movies. A couple hours frantically shopping for last minute trinkets, a bit of baking, chatting with various family members on the phone, and a nice time at the Ashbaugh Christmas party, where I saw all of my favorite Maryland people. We will soon go to bed and wake up to a simply wonderful white (I hope) Christmas morning!
I hope everyone has as wonderful a Christmas as I am going to have! I love all of you. Good tidings to you, to you and your kin. Merry Christmas, and I hope you get everything your little hearts desire.
Love,
Bridget
I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas, and a wonderful holiday season. So far, I think this Christmas will be the best one yet. Andrew and Michael are both here (it is Andrew's very first Christmas morning--usually his family opens presents on Christmas Eve) and it has just been one of those Christmas Eve's that you see in movies. A couple hours frantically shopping for last minute trinkets, a bit of baking, chatting with various family members on the phone, and a nice time at the Ashbaugh Christmas party, where I saw all of my favorite Maryland people. We will soon go to bed and wake up to a simply wonderful white (I hope) Christmas morning!
I hope everyone has as wonderful a Christmas as I am going to have! I love all of you. Good tidings to you, to you and your kin. Merry Christmas, and I hope you get everything your little hearts desire.
Love,
Bridget
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Birthdays and Bruises
Last night, I went out for Emily's birthday. Mike planned a lovely celebration including AJ, myself, Mike's brother and cousin and cousin's girlfriend, and Emily's college friend Jessica and husband Everett. We began the evening at Mike's parents' house where we snacked on delicious hors d'ouvres made by Mike. Then we drove into Baltimore for dinner at Ale Mary's, which was a typical bar. I got pigs in a blanket for dinner, so it can't have been bad. We then moved on to a bar with a really long name, which I will just call the Horse Saloon. This started out great. We had some shots, some drinks, we were chatting having a nice time, AJ was creepin on some chicks...a great start.
Then, I'm sitting on this barstool shaped like a saddle. I half stand up to say something to Emily, then sit back down. And then, I'm on the floor. Yes, I fell off my bar stool. Well, technically, I slid backwards off of it because I didn't quite line up my butt with the seat. But as Mike's brother John likes to say, "You can't live life in the details." So, I fell off my seat. Two nice young men rushed to my aid, only they had trouble lifting me, due to the heavy lady who deemed it necessary to step on my hair while I was on the floor. I finally got up, thanked said gentlemen, and had a nice laugh. Then I realized what a complete doofus I made of myself, and got a couple embarrassment tears going. I mean, I fell off my stool, and had boot-bottom gunk in my hair. And people all over the bar knew I was the chick who fell off the stool.
We soon moved on to a new bar, this one infinitely dive-ier than the last, but with an open pool table. We finally left B'more around 2, ate some more at Mike's house and went to bed around 3. Overall, I'd say it was a good night. I have a wicked bruise on the back of my knee, and Mike deemed it necessary to tell his parents about my accident, but I think Emily had a good time, and there were lots of people there with whom I really enjoy spending time. So, congrats Mike, on planning another successful event.
And I would just like to close with two thoughts. One, I was not that drunk. And two, slippery saddle stools are a bad idea. I don't know what that bar was thinking of.
Then, I'm sitting on this barstool shaped like a saddle. I half stand up to say something to Emily, then sit back down. And then, I'm on the floor. Yes, I fell off my bar stool. Well, technically, I slid backwards off of it because I didn't quite line up my butt with the seat. But as Mike's brother John likes to say, "You can't live life in the details." So, I fell off my seat. Two nice young men rushed to my aid, only they had trouble lifting me, due to the heavy lady who deemed it necessary to step on my hair while I was on the floor. I finally got up, thanked said gentlemen, and had a nice laugh. Then I realized what a complete doofus I made of myself, and got a couple embarrassment tears going. I mean, I fell off my stool, and had boot-bottom gunk in my hair. And people all over the bar knew I was the chick who fell off the stool.
We soon moved on to a new bar, this one infinitely dive-ier than the last, but with an open pool table. We finally left B'more around 2, ate some more at Mike's house and went to bed around 3. Overall, I'd say it was a good night. I have a wicked bruise on the back of my knee, and Mike deemed it necessary to tell his parents about my accident, but I think Emily had a good time, and there were lots of people there with whom I really enjoy spending time. So, congrats Mike, on planning another successful event.
And I would just like to close with two thoughts. One, I was not that drunk. And two, slippery saddle stools are a bad idea. I don't know what that bar was thinking of.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Photo Update
So, ladies and gentlemen...here it is. Another photo-heavy post. Because, although I am kicking butt at this taking one photo every day thing, I am so not kicking butt at posting them everyday. Thus, the periodic catch-ups.
Whew, that was a lot of photos! I'll try to be better about posting those!
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| 12/2 AJ's birthday. Real mature, I know |
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| 12/3 A traffic light |
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| 12/4 Dad's old guitar |
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| 12/5 I decided to make a theme for this week--alcohol! |
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| 12/6 Get it? It looks like its in the sky! |
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| 12/7 Jack Daniels as seen through the bottom of a stemless wine glass |
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| 12/9 This was the day of my interview, drive to MD and then to the lake house, arriving at 2 am. So a weak photo, but at least I didn't forget! |
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| 12/10 Gross drink concoction that Mike made. Plus a dribble of Bailey's which congealed at the bottom. Ew. |
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| 12/11 The kitchen as seen through a legit martini glass...not a cocktail glass |
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| 12/12 Last alcohol shot--red wine |
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| 12/13 Baby Grand |
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| 12/14 Pool cues |
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| 12/15 I think its safe to say I've mastered the art of creating a dark background, considering this light bulb is turned on, and lighting up the whole room |
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| 12/16 Night fall on the first snow of the winter. Also, my first successful picture of the night sky |
Cupcakes
I decided to go with the original plan. I have not yet had one, but I hope they are good, because now there is no Uno's party to take them to, thus, I cannot foist them off on unsuspecting snackers. Darn.
It has stopped snowing, which is good, because I need to go to work tomorrow, and bad, because there is only like one inch on the ground, which means it will more quickly turn to ice and slush and all the bad states of snow. I don't know if you realize this, but snow has multiple states--liquid in clouds, the fluffy yummy stuff which floats down, the wet sticky stuff that drops like rocks, the nice fresh coating, the hard packed layer with bits of grass and dirt poking through, ice, ice that has been partially melted thus turning it to slush that collects on the sides of roads and corners of New York City streets, and finally, cold, wet, brown mud.
I fear that we are soon to see these latter stages, when I would prefer a greater build up of fresh powder. Also, I have not been skiing in like four years, because it always snows when I am away at school, so now that I am home, I would very much prefer a lovely snowfall on which to zip down the slopes.
So, snow gods, lets make it happen!
It has stopped snowing, which is good, because I need to go to work tomorrow, and bad, because there is only like one inch on the ground, which means it will more quickly turn to ice and slush and all the bad states of snow. I don't know if you realize this, but snow has multiple states--liquid in clouds, the fluffy yummy stuff which floats down, the wet sticky stuff that drops like rocks, the nice fresh coating, the hard packed layer with bits of grass and dirt poking through, ice, ice that has been partially melted thus turning it to slush that collects on the sides of roads and corners of New York City streets, and finally, cold, wet, brown mud.
I fear that we are soon to see these latter stages, when I would prefer a greater build up of fresh powder. Also, I have not been skiing in like four years, because it always snows when I am away at school, so now that I am home, I would very much prefer a lovely snowfall on which to zip down the slopes.
So, snow gods, lets make it happen!
Cupcake Fail
Ok, maybe fail is a bit harsh. But the delicious cupcakes I was making did not turn out as delicious as I expected. I found the recipe for Vanilla Cinnamon cupcakes in my cupcake recipe book (funny how that works, eh?). And then I decided that the Brown Sugar frosting recipe in the back of the book would be simply divine. Well, I was right about that...the frosting is nectar from Heaven. But the cupcake itself leaves something to be desired. In the first place, it is very dense. Think Magnolia Cupcake dense. Which is alright in itself. Denser cupcakes usually come from homemade recipes instead of the boxed cake mixes. So I'm fine with that. It lends a certain gourmet feeling.
But the cinnamon also makes the cupcake a little dry. Which is sad. Dense, dry cupcakes are not droolworthy. When I put the frosting on top, it certainly helps liven things up a bit, but I fear its not enough to save the dessert. I am considering scratching the cakes and whipping up a boxed mix. I know that feels like cheating, especially after slaving away the morning mixing up an incredibly thick batter for the Vanilla Cinnamon cakes. I'll let you know what I decide.
But the cinnamon also makes the cupcake a little dry. Which is sad. Dense, dry cupcakes are not droolworthy. When I put the frosting on top, it certainly helps liven things up a bit, but I fear its not enough to save the dessert. I am considering scratching the cakes and whipping up a boxed mix. I know that feels like cheating, especially after slaving away the morning mixing up an incredibly thick batter for the Vanilla Cinnamon cakes. I'll let you know what I decide.
Snow!
Today it is snowing! This is very exciting to me. Maryland got some snow last week, but I missed it, because I was in Virginia having an awesome time at the lake house. So this is the first official snowfall of December 2010 (because nothing is official if I'm not there)! I really like snow a lot. In fact, I think winter is completely pointless without snow. I mean, if its going to be cold, it must snow, otherwise its just a waste. Cold without snow is like a cupcake without frosting (if the cupcake tasted really bad on its own and simply delicious with frosting, that is). I like this analogy for two reasons: 1. snow looks like fluffy frosting on a chocolate cupcake world and 2. I am currently baking scrumptious cupcakes.
Yesterday whilst driving around Christmas shopping, I was considering winter in New York vs Maryland. I came to a few conclusions, which is good, because considering without conclusions is like cold without snow...utterly pointless. My first conclusion was that tooling around town in winter is way preferable in Maryland. This is because you have a toasty car to cruise around in, instead of hoofing around the city, battling the wind that whips between skyscrapers literally trying to knock you over. So, point for MD. However, I find Christmas decorations to be vastly superior in NYC. The lights in Columbus Circle, the wreaths on Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, for Pete's sake! Frederick just can't keep up. Point for NY. In Maryland, when it snows, the roads get yucky and it can be difficult to get anywhere. In New York, it takes a butt-load of snow to close down the subway system. But, in New York when it snows, there is no place for the plows to push it all. So they pile it high on every street corner, where it melts during the day and freezes at night into vast slushy lakes of melted, dirty snow that extend for three feet in all directions, making it completely impossible to cross the street without A. thigh-high galoshes, or B. wet, frozen little piggies for the rest of the day. Believe me, I have had my fair share of slushy corner-sludge leak into my shoes. So much so, that on days when it snowed during my internship, I brought an extra pair of shoes and socks to change into once my original pair became soaked and frozen. I'm not sure which place to award that point.
Thus, we currently have a tie. I will continue to do research, and will update you on my findings. Please feel free to contribute to my research.
Despite my indecision on which winter habitat is superior, I think we can all agree on one thing. And so I will end with this: SNOW ROCKS.
Yesterday whilst driving around Christmas shopping, I was considering winter in New York vs Maryland. I came to a few conclusions, which is good, because considering without conclusions is like cold without snow...utterly pointless. My first conclusion was that tooling around town in winter is way preferable in Maryland. This is because you have a toasty car to cruise around in, instead of hoofing around the city, battling the wind that whips between skyscrapers literally trying to knock you over. So, point for MD. However, I find Christmas decorations to be vastly superior in NYC. The lights in Columbus Circle, the wreaths on Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, for Pete's sake! Frederick just can't keep up. Point for NY. In Maryland, when it snows, the roads get yucky and it can be difficult to get anywhere. In New York, it takes a butt-load of snow to close down the subway system. But, in New York when it snows, there is no place for the plows to push it all. So they pile it high on every street corner, where it melts during the day and freezes at night into vast slushy lakes of melted, dirty snow that extend for three feet in all directions, making it completely impossible to cross the street without A. thigh-high galoshes, or B. wet, frozen little piggies for the rest of the day. Believe me, I have had my fair share of slushy corner-sludge leak into my shoes. So much so, that on days when it snowed during my internship, I brought an extra pair of shoes and socks to change into once my original pair became soaked and frozen. I'm not sure which place to award that point.
Thus, we currently have a tie. I will continue to do research, and will update you on my findings. Please feel free to contribute to my research.
Despite my indecision on which winter habitat is superior, I think we can all agree on one thing. And so I will end with this: SNOW ROCKS.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Busy Busy Busy
I think this is the longest I have gone without blogging since I created my little cyber-world! I choose to be impressed with myself on this fact, because that means I have been blogging regularly, which I was afraid would not be the case. Let me bring you up to date on the myriad things that have happened since last Sunday.
Monday I worked a double at work : (
Tuesday I worked the lunch shift at work. And while I was there, I received a voicemail at noon. At 3 pm, I listened to the voicemail. It was from Macmillan, the major publishing house I interned for last fall. They wanted me to come in for an interview! The very next day! Let me tell you, I was so psyched. The people at work must've thought I was crazy, because I emerged from the back room grinning like a fool. (I am sure lots of people emerge from back rooms smiling, but for entirely different reasons). So I walked around in the best mood I've ever been in at work for an hour, til I had a moment to call back. Unfortunately, the HR girl was away from her desk, so I left a message, and spent the remainder of my shift preparing for a quick dash up to NY, planning my interview outfit, and deciding where I would live once I got the job and started making my glamorous life in NYC. Unfortunately, I did not receive a call back confirming my interview for the next day. A few hours later, I got in touch with the HR girl and she said it might work out, but it might not. Now, that's a pickle, because Macmillan thinks I live in New York, and theoretically, could get to an interview with a lot less notice than I'd really need. So after an hour's deliberation with my father, I left to drive up to NY, on a long shot, in case I actually did have my very first real interview the next day.
On Wednesday morning, I found out the long shot didn't pan out. No interview that day. But I made the best of it. I hung out with Andrew, made plans to visit Ann in Connecticut, and FINALLY got back to Manhattan (Can you believe I hadn't been there since graduation day?) And, lo and behold, whilst shopping in Herald Square, I received another phone call, asking if I could come in on Thursday. Well, I made some calls, ascertaining the the lake house trip with Andrew, Michael and Emily would not be ruined should I take the interview, and then called Macmillan right back telling them I'd be there! Then on Wednesday night, I had a lovely dinner with the Kaisers, which was not at all marred by the fact that I'm a dummy, and miswrote the train schedule to get back to the Bronx. Luckily, Ann is a dear and drove me all the way to Stratford to make my connection!
On Thursday, I spent all morning prepping for the interview. I got there about 20 minutes early, because I always overbudget for travel time, and settled in for the marathon four hours of meetings. I met with everybody--directors, assistants, HR reps, people in Marketing, in Editorial, in Custom Publishing...basically I met the whole company. Well, not exactly, but the point is, I met a lot of people. On the whole, I think I did well. Not my best interview, but not my worst either. I think I have a shot.
But, should I be offered the position, I need to decide if I should take it. The pay is very very little, and its a marketing position in academic publishing. I'd ideally like an editorial position in consumer publishing. But it is a foot in the door, and who knows when the next time is that I'll have an interview. This is all a moot point until I hear the decision, but it is a good idea to be thinking just in case. You need to have a course of action right? And moving to New York and starting a career is a big deal. Especially when you've only just gotten comfortable with the fact that you won't be in New York for a while. I mean, I'd made peace with Maryland, with my parents' house, almost with Uno's even. And now this interview comes along and makes me think. I mean, this is what I've always wanted. Minus being broke-ass poor. But I was prepared for that. But I've got a good life here in the 301. Dad makes the most amazing dinners. My mom still does my laundry. I've just started seeing people from work socially (ok, I've only been to like three parties, but its a start). Point is, life was getting comfortable here. And now there's this potential event that might change it.
I know I don't have the job yet. I know I might not ever get it. But its making me think. This is what I've been waiting for for 6 months. And now that its happening...am I ready?
Monday I worked a double at work : (
Tuesday I worked the lunch shift at work. And while I was there, I received a voicemail at noon. At 3 pm, I listened to the voicemail. It was from Macmillan, the major publishing house I interned for last fall. They wanted me to come in for an interview! The very next day! Let me tell you, I was so psyched. The people at work must've thought I was crazy, because I emerged from the back room grinning like a fool. (I am sure lots of people emerge from back rooms smiling, but for entirely different reasons). So I walked around in the best mood I've ever been in at work for an hour, til I had a moment to call back. Unfortunately, the HR girl was away from her desk, so I left a message, and spent the remainder of my shift preparing for a quick dash up to NY, planning my interview outfit, and deciding where I would live once I got the job and started making my glamorous life in NYC. Unfortunately, I did not receive a call back confirming my interview for the next day. A few hours later, I got in touch with the HR girl and she said it might work out, but it might not. Now, that's a pickle, because Macmillan thinks I live in New York, and theoretically, could get to an interview with a lot less notice than I'd really need. So after an hour's deliberation with my father, I left to drive up to NY, on a long shot, in case I actually did have my very first real interview the next day.
On Wednesday morning, I found out the long shot didn't pan out. No interview that day. But I made the best of it. I hung out with Andrew, made plans to visit Ann in Connecticut, and FINALLY got back to Manhattan (Can you believe I hadn't been there since graduation day?) And, lo and behold, whilst shopping in Herald Square, I received another phone call, asking if I could come in on Thursday. Well, I made some calls, ascertaining the the lake house trip with Andrew, Michael and Emily would not be ruined should I take the interview, and then called Macmillan right back telling them I'd be there! Then on Wednesday night, I had a lovely dinner with the Kaisers, which was not at all marred by the fact that I'm a dummy, and miswrote the train schedule to get back to the Bronx. Luckily, Ann is a dear and drove me all the way to Stratford to make my connection!
On Thursday, I spent all morning prepping for the interview. I got there about 20 minutes early, because I always overbudget for travel time, and settled in for the marathon four hours of meetings. I met with everybody--directors, assistants, HR reps, people in Marketing, in Editorial, in Custom Publishing...basically I met the whole company. Well, not exactly, but the point is, I met a lot of people. On the whole, I think I did well. Not my best interview, but not my worst either. I think I have a shot.
But, should I be offered the position, I need to decide if I should take it. The pay is very very little, and its a marketing position in academic publishing. I'd ideally like an editorial position in consumer publishing. But it is a foot in the door, and who knows when the next time is that I'll have an interview. This is all a moot point until I hear the decision, but it is a good idea to be thinking just in case. You need to have a course of action right? And moving to New York and starting a career is a big deal. Especially when you've only just gotten comfortable with the fact that you won't be in New York for a while. I mean, I'd made peace with Maryland, with my parents' house, almost with Uno's even. And now this interview comes along and makes me think. I mean, this is what I've always wanted. Minus being broke-ass poor. But I was prepared for that. But I've got a good life here in the 301. Dad makes the most amazing dinners. My mom still does my laundry. I've just started seeing people from work socially (ok, I've only been to like three parties, but its a start). Point is, life was getting comfortable here. And now there's this potential event that might change it.
I know I don't have the job yet. I know I might not ever get it. But its making me think. This is what I've been waiting for for 6 months. And now that its happening...am I ready?
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Promised Photos
Yesterday, I said I'd post some pics from AJ's birthday celebration. Here they are, as promised. Though, I saved the best one of the evening for my Photo A Day Challenge, so stay tuned for that!
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| Cheers AJ! At the District 2 Bar (the first time) |
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| This is the kid who was having an out of body experience |
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| They had this awesome sign that changed colors |
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| I like how the green light makes the lead singer look like the hulk |
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| This is Emily's face when her scarf got caught in the air mattress bag |
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| And this is where the night began to devolve...really quickly |
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday Ann Kaiser!
I have already shouted out Ann, and given out this week's (double) shout out, thus, I cannot shout you out again this week. However, I can send out love and birthday wishes to my darling roommate. Though we are no longer sharing a tiny dorm room, in my heart, you are with me in every Hillary Duff movie and Demi Lovato song. And every online shop through Old Navy.
So, happy birthday to one fifth of my devoted readership! Glad Teddy surprised ya this weekend. Though, tell that little sneak to follow my blog!
I have already shouted out Ann, and given out this week's (double) shout out, thus, I cannot shout you out again this week. However, I can send out love and birthday wishes to my darling roommate. Though we are no longer sharing a tiny dorm room, in my heart, you are with me in every Hillary Duff movie and Demi Lovato song. And every online shop through Old Navy.
So, happy birthday to one fifth of my devoted readership! Glad Teddy surprised ya this weekend. Though, tell that little sneak to follow my blog!
Weekly Shout Out (A Little Early)
Alright, so this week's shout out is a little different. Last Thursday, on my brother's birthday, I promised my future brother-in-law, Michael, a shout out, because he has been pestering me ever since I began this whole affair to give him one. Of course, I didn't just promise a shout out willy-nilly. No, one has to truly want a Bridget blog shout out. Earn it, deserve it, become it. So what did Michael do for a shout out? He ate a pickle (that's what she said! hahaha). No Michael didn't do that. He ate a real dill pickle spear. Not just that he ate a FRIED pickle. Now, to me, that's only mildly gross, because I like pickles, but fried ones are yucky. But for Mike, it was much harder. Michael detests pickles. He loathes them. They cannot touch his plate. So, to eat a fried pickle was to really right the essence of his sense of moral rightness. Thus, I promised him a shout out.
Not just that. In order to convince him to do it, I promised I would do what has never been done in the history of Book Worm in the Big Apple--I promised him a biweekly shout out. That is, last week, I had already shouted out AJ for being born (holla!). But I told him I would also shout out Mike.
Well, since it is Sunday, I guess I failed at that. My bad. So, instead, I am doing something else that has never been done in the history of my blog...I am DOUBLE SHOUTING OUT! Ye-ah!
So, first, Michael, props to you for eating a fried pickle! I know it hurt. If the pic below is any indication, it may have caused you actual physical pain. Though some might find it odd that you would do that for a shout out on a blog that has all of 5 readers, I find it totally bad ass and commendable.
Secondly, I shout you out for planning what I am sure will be a completely KICK ASS weekend at Lake Anna next week. For Emily's birthday (Dec 24) Mike, Emily, Andrew and myself are heading down for a weekend long birthday celebration comprised of s'mores, Home Alone, Taboo, Kings (quickly becoming our signature game) and a cook off. It will legen...dary. And thus, to Mike, the planner of said epic weekend, a shout out goes.
Here's to you, Mike! Though I give you grief, I am glad you will be my brother-in-law in six months (minus one day)!
Not just that. In order to convince him to do it, I promised I would do what has never been done in the history of Book Worm in the Big Apple--I promised him a biweekly shout out. That is, last week, I had already shouted out AJ for being born (holla!). But I told him I would also shout out Mike.
Well, since it is Sunday, I guess I failed at that. My bad. So, instead, I am doing something else that has never been done in the history of my blog...I am DOUBLE SHOUTING OUT! Ye-ah!
So, first, Michael, props to you for eating a fried pickle! I know it hurt. If the pic below is any indication, it may have caused you actual physical pain. Though some might find it odd that you would do that for a shout out on a blog that has all of 5 readers, I find it totally bad ass and commendable.
Secondly, I shout you out for planning what I am sure will be a completely KICK ASS weekend at Lake Anna next week. For Emily's birthday (Dec 24) Mike, Emily, Andrew and myself are heading down for a weekend long birthday celebration comprised of s'mores, Home Alone, Taboo, Kings (quickly becoming our signature game) and a cook off. It will legen...dary. And thus, to Mike, the planner of said epic weekend, a shout out goes.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Birthday fun.
This has been such a long week! Sunday seems like forever ago. I'm not really sure why. I guess a lot has happened. Saw my best friends twice in a week, went Christmas shopping with my mom, started a Pilates regimne (which actually going really well! Its free on Exersice TV OnDemand...only problem is, tomorrow is that last day its available, so I gotta come up with a plan, quick!). Also I worked a bunch of days, went to a concert and celebrated my little brother's 21st birthday.
Which was pretty awesome. I mean, I can't believe my little brother is 21. I mean, what does that make me? Old, that's what. Old, in a 22-year-old kind of way. But the party was great. We took him out to dinner at this place in DC near my sister's apartment called District 2. I got a great burger, but they only had like 5 sandwiches on the menu, and that was it. Mike bought us a round of "Dirty Bong Water" shots, which, sorry, looked and tasted like latrine water. Then we drove over to the 9:30 club to see fun. That's a band. I'd never been to the 9:30 club before. It was sketchy. In kind of a this-is-where-teenagers-go-to-do-ecstacy-and-rave-in-the-movies kind of way. Like graffiti and stuff. But it was cool. I can dig that scene. I really liked the band, the lead singer was super energetic which is great. I don't dig singers who just stand there. Its like, I paid to see you, not just hear you. So keep my eyes and my ears entertained! Plus, like, aren't you excited to be up there on stage? Jump around, act like you're enjoying yourself. fun. had that down pat. They also had an awesome sign that lit up in awesome neon colors. Stay tuned for pics.
But probably my favorite part of the concert was up on the balcony. Partway through the show, my sister pointed out to me this kid, probably in his late teens who was going cuh-ray-zay. He was leaning over the balcony waving his arms like he was conducting a symphony and singing at the top of his lungs. It was nuts. I seriously though he was having some sort of religious experience. I for realz wanted to YouTube that shit.
After the concert, we found ourselves back at the District 2 bar. We had a terrific bartender who made us one good shot, one bad one, and one in between. But he was super nice and didn't charge us for practically anything. Plus I got a free drink for knowing who sings "Pieces of Me" (Ashlee Simpson). After the bar was a round of kings, then bed.
We all drank quite a bit, which is what you're supposed to do at a 21st birthday party. It was a pretty great night. There were pics of dead rats, and a great one of AJ squatting on a curb which I shall post soon, good music, a delicious giant cookie and some of my favorite people ever. I did spill half a Capt and Coke on myself at the bar, and woke up with two suspicious stains on the knees of my jeans (not trying too hard to remember on that one), but on the whole, I think it was a success. So happy 21st, AJ! Glad you weren't too cool to spend it with your sisters ; )
Which was pretty awesome. I mean, I can't believe my little brother is 21. I mean, what does that make me? Old, that's what. Old, in a 22-year-old kind of way. But the party was great. We took him out to dinner at this place in DC near my sister's apartment called District 2. I got a great burger, but they only had like 5 sandwiches on the menu, and that was it. Mike bought us a round of "Dirty Bong Water" shots, which, sorry, looked and tasted like latrine water. Then we drove over to the 9:30 club to see fun. That's a band. I'd never been to the 9:30 club before. It was sketchy. In kind of a this-is-where-teenagers-go-to-do-ecstacy-and-rave-in-the-movies kind of way. Like graffiti and stuff. But it was cool. I can dig that scene. I really liked the band, the lead singer was super energetic which is great. I don't dig singers who just stand there. Its like, I paid to see you, not just hear you. So keep my eyes and my ears entertained! Plus, like, aren't you excited to be up there on stage? Jump around, act like you're enjoying yourself. fun. had that down pat. They also had an awesome sign that lit up in awesome neon colors. Stay tuned for pics.
But probably my favorite part of the concert was up on the balcony. Partway through the show, my sister pointed out to me this kid, probably in his late teens who was going cuh-ray-zay. He was leaning over the balcony waving his arms like he was conducting a symphony and singing at the top of his lungs. It was nuts. I seriously though he was having some sort of religious experience. I for realz wanted to YouTube that shit.
After the concert, we found ourselves back at the District 2 bar. We had a terrific bartender who made us one good shot, one bad one, and one in between. But he was super nice and didn't charge us for practically anything. Plus I got a free drink for knowing who sings "Pieces of Me" (Ashlee Simpson). After the bar was a round of kings, then bed.
We all drank quite a bit, which is what you're supposed to do at a 21st birthday party. It was a pretty great night. There were pics of dead rats, and a great one of AJ squatting on a curb which I shall post soon, good music, a delicious giant cookie and some of my favorite people ever. I did spill half a Capt and Coke on myself at the bar, and woke up with two suspicious stains on the knees of my jeans (not trying too hard to remember on that one), but on the whole, I think it was a success. So happy 21st, AJ! Glad you weren't too cool to spend it with your sisters ; )
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Photo Update
Right now, its nearly 2 am. Its been a while since I've been up this late, but usually, when I've had a beer or two, I become very alert. After two or three, its a different story, but tonight I only had one, so I'll be up for a bit. So, that makes now an excellent time to post the last few days of Bridget's Photo-a-Day challenge.
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| 11/27-- I feel like this should be accompanied by an Hallelujah chorus |
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| 11/28-- Technically, I didn't take this photo, but at least we used my camera this day! |
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| 11/29--skies, beaches and the Sydney Opera House--my favorite photography subjects |
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| 11/30--This world keeps spinning faster |
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| 12/1--Happy December! |
Weekly Shout Out
This week's shout out was pretty much a given: shout out to AJ Thoreson! Even though AJ does not follow my blog, I feel it necessary to shout him out because 1. he is my brother and 2. today he turns 21! Alex has officially been of legal drinking age for two hours, and though he can sometimes be a turd, he can sometimes be really nice, and has spent all of those hours with his lame older sister. We started off with midnight shots (ok, 12:08 shots), then had a beer while he endured my favorite lame tv show, Big Time Rush. Then we spent awhile watching funny YouTube videos of kids doing dumb stuff, because, terrible as it sounds, I like kids best when they are falling down or doing other dangerous/amusing things.
AJ is really a great brother when you think about it. Unlike my sister and I, AJ and I have gotten into our fair share of fights. He can be mean and surly, but we have moments when we get along great. Following our family's tradition, he is very funny (the Thoresons really were blessed with just truly outstanding senses of humor) and handsome (a fact he will be the first to make you aware of). My parents worry about him the most of their kids, but I'm confident he'll turn out alright. He's smart and likeable and generally a good guy. Plus, he's 1/3 of Jeff and Reba Thoreson's kids, so you know he's a good time. Talk about kids doing dumb stuff--if we had a camcorder back in the day, our parents would've been YouTube kings. We played freaking American Gladiators growing up. Hey AJ- remember that time we ran around the basement in the dark? I bet you always will.
AJ is really a great brother when you think about it. Unlike my sister and I, AJ and I have gotten into our fair share of fights. He can be mean and surly, but we have moments when we get along great. Following our family's tradition, he is very funny (the Thoresons really were blessed with just truly outstanding senses of humor) and handsome (a fact he will be the first to make you aware of). My parents worry about him the most of their kids, but I'm confident he'll turn out alright. He's smart and likeable and generally a good guy. Plus, he's 1/3 of Jeff and Reba Thoreson's kids, so you know he's a good time. Talk about kids doing dumb stuff--if we had a camcorder back in the day, our parents would've been YouTube kings. We played freaking American Gladiators growing up. Hey AJ- remember that time we ran around the basement in the dark? I bet you always will.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Bad Mood
Today I am in a very bad mood because some little turd at work stole from me. Unfortunately this is not the first time this has happened, and I usually keep my wallet in my car while I am at work. However, this morning I forgot to, and consequently, I am out a hundred bucks. This really chaps me because it means probably every day someone at work is going through people's stuff, and today they just happened to luck out and get some money. Because what are the odds that they just happen to go through my purse on the one day I happen to forget to leave my wallet in the car? I just don't understand why people are like this. How can someone be alright with stealing from their co-worker? What a creep! The world would be so much easier if everyone were like me.
On another note, here are some more photos from the 365 days project. Still not very interesting, but when I'm being honest with myself, I know that my life is not so interesting right now. But this will be a good measure of how much my life will change this year. If the first three months are photos of me or my house and the last three months are photos of foreign countries or New York City scapes, I will know that I have done well.
On another note, here are some more photos from the 365 days project. Still not very interesting, but when I'm being honest with myself, I know that my life is not so interesting right now. But this will be a good measure of how much my life will change this year. If the first three months are photos of me or my house and the last three months are photos of foreign countries or New York City scapes, I will know that I have done well.
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| 11/24 Practicing wedding-type photography |
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| 11/25-- Girl cousins and the "awkward exploding flagpole." Don't ask. |
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| 11/26-- Thanksgiving with Em and M--Em made delicious apple pie and delicious-er hard sauce! |
Weekly Shout Out
This week's shout out is a little late coming--after all, its almost next week! It was a tight race this week, but the shout out goes to....Kathryn Clusman! Congratulations, Kathryn.
Kathryn is one of my best friends from high school and even though we went to school in two very different places (my New York to her Cleveland) and are both terrible at keeping in touch, we have been able to remain so. She gets the shout out this week for coming home for a full SEVEN DAYS for Thanksgiving! Kathryn isn't able to make it to Maryland very often, so when she does, it is a big deal.
But aside from just coming home, Kathryn is an excellent person. She is fun and crazy and tells me how awesome I am on a regular basis. She makes no apologies for being who she is, which is good, because she shouldn't. And even though we have differing tastes on things like music or ice cream, we get along great.
Kathryn and I have also worked together on two separate occasions. The first was when she got me a job at Dunkin Donuts/ Baskin Robbins in May of our junior year of high school. We worked there together for a whole year, pretty much dominating $1- scoop Tuesdays. I mean, we had regulars, for crying out loud, who came specifically for us. We pretty much spent the summer beating back large crowds and the winter wishing for people to come in so we could talk to someone besides each other ; ) and throwing munchkins at each other from across the store. Its amazing we didn't get fired.
Then, in April of our senior year, I got her a job at the boutique I worked at as a second job. While we couldn't throw the merchandise at each other, we had a great boss and pretty much got paid to do nothing (now that I think about it, the majority of my high school jobs were just like that--why did I ever leave high school?).
So Kathryn and I have a lot of history together, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. So here's to Kathryn! Rock on with yo bad self.
Kathryn is one of my best friends from high school and even though we went to school in two very different places (my New York to her Cleveland) and are both terrible at keeping in touch, we have been able to remain so. She gets the shout out this week for coming home for a full SEVEN DAYS for Thanksgiving! Kathryn isn't able to make it to Maryland very often, so when she does, it is a big deal.
But aside from just coming home, Kathryn is an excellent person. She is fun and crazy and tells me how awesome I am on a regular basis. She makes no apologies for being who she is, which is good, because she shouldn't. And even though we have differing tastes on things like music or ice cream, we get along great.
Kathryn and I have also worked together on two separate occasions. The first was when she got me a job at Dunkin Donuts/ Baskin Robbins in May of our junior year of high school. We worked there together for a whole year, pretty much dominating $1- scoop Tuesdays. I mean, we had regulars, for crying out loud, who came specifically for us. We pretty much spent the summer beating back large crowds and the winter wishing for people to come in so we could talk to someone besides each other ; ) and throwing munchkins at each other from across the store. Its amazing we didn't get fired.
Then, in April of our senior year, I got her a job at the boutique I worked at as a second job. While we couldn't throw the merchandise at each other, we had a great boss and pretty much got paid to do nothing (now that I think about it, the majority of my high school jobs were just like that--why did I ever leave high school?).
So Kathryn and I have a lot of history together, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. So here's to Kathryn! Rock on with yo bad self.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving
So, now I am sure that most Thanksgiving dinners are officially over. Which means...
Christmas Season can officially begin!
As per my previous posts, you know I am a firm believer in waiting til after Thanksgiving to start Christmas. This doesn't mean I over-like Thanksgiving or under-like Christmas. I just think each has its place. But now the Christmas season is officially here and you can bet I am excited about it!
Happy Holiday season y'all.
Happy Thanksgiving dear readers!
I hope you all are busy having a wonderful holiday with your families. Except for Emily, who has to be at work today : ( I miss you, and will miss you more when we go to Aunt Jeananne's house and I'm the only one between the ages of 18 and 40. I hope the babies aren't being to rough on you today!
I am currently watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It is the first time in a while that I have watched the entire thing. Here are a few things I have taken away from it:
1. There is a new Muppet movie out next Christmas, starring Amy Adams. I am so there.
2. Victoria Secret probably paid so. much. money. for that billboard next to Macy's behind all the floats. I think the executive producer of the parade should have been less concerned about picking our her outfit to lead the parade, and more concerned with making sure all aspects of the television broadcast were suitable and representative of the holidays. I don't really think bras fit that category.
3. Jimmy Fallon's studio band is kind of awesome.
4. But not as awesome as Big Time Rush. The Parade gods rewarded me for watching this year. However, I do think a nice holiday song would have been excellent. Don't get me wrong, I like "Til I Forget About You," but I was really counting on "All I Want For Christmas is You."
5. I was slightly disappointed by the Rockettes this year. I mean I know I am too tall to become a Rockette (yes, it is possible) but aside from that arbitrary rule, I could have done that routine. It was mostly posturing and arm waving. Maybe next year, ladies.
6. Shrek is finally leaving the parade! They should've stopped that franchise at 1.
7. I don't really like high school bands.
8. I don't like Broadway this season. I mean, Elf? Really?
9. The pizza dough throwing team kicks butt! When I first heard about that, I was skeptical, but they were tossing between their legs and stuff! You really can get on tv for anything these days.
10. I really miss New York City
I hope y'all enjoyed the parade!
I hope y'all enjoyed the parade!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
November Goals
Back in October, I made a list. Well, I made lots of lists, because I am a list dweeb. But, I made a specific list called "No-Slack November" (paying homage to no-shave November) on which I listed all the things I wanted to get done before December's wintry winds began blowing. One of these goals was to start a 365 photos project.
A while back I realized, I suck at remembering to take photos. I mean when I travel and stuff, sure, I take photos of landscapes. But I have like, no photos of people, and none of day-to-day events. So I thought, why don't I take one photo every day for a year? I later learned that I was not the first person to think of this, but I did not take the idea from someone else, so to me it still counts. I started on Thursday when we went down to NC, and below you will find the first 6 days of the experiment. They won't always be great, because my days are mostly the same, but I'll try to throw some good ones in there. The point is to practice using my camera. Because you can't be an awesome wedding photographer (as I'd like to be) when you don't use a camera!
So there are the first few days. I figure now is a good time to start, with the holidays and all. Based on the fact that this blog is already way better than my Twitter, I have learned that if you start strong, you go longer (I will refrain from a that's what she said joke...oh, wait, no I won't)
THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID!
A while back I realized, I suck at remembering to take photos. I mean when I travel and stuff, sure, I take photos of landscapes. But I have like, no photos of people, and none of day-to-day events. So I thought, why don't I take one photo every day for a year? I later learned that I was not the first person to think of this, but I did not take the idea from someone else, so to me it still counts. I started on Thursday when we went down to NC, and below you will find the first 6 days of the experiment. They won't always be great, because my days are mostly the same, but I'll try to throw some good ones in there. The point is to practice using my camera. Because you can't be an awesome wedding photographer (as I'd like to be) when you don't use a camera!
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| Start of the road trip! |
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| Slightly blurry, but happy at the beginning of the Christmas show! A little less at the end... |
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| Em at Meg's bridal shower. I know I took a photo of all of us, but it disappeared : ( |
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| The brides! |
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| Sunset over the mall. I like the little lights that look like mini suns |
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| This looks like a graphic painting, but it is me! Weak photo, I know, but at least I was messing with my controls! |
THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID!
It Hurts
Today, whilst researching jobs (again) on JournalismJobs.com, I came across this post:
Full-time position covering town government, general news, features and events for a weekly newspaper in New Canaan, Conn. Entry-level position offers lots of opportunity to learn all aspects of the editorial side of newspapers with an award-winning member of the New England Press Association. News writing, InDesign and Web experience a major plus. Photography experience also a plus. Time requirement includes meeting coverage at night and at least two days working in the office. Applicants must submit 2-3 writing samples. Job location: Vitti Street., New Canaan, CT. To apply, e-mail editor@ncadvertisert.com with writing samples, cover letter and resume.
Now, you might not realize what this means, but I do. This is the very same job I was "qualified" for in Connecticut! Same newspaper, same town. Which means, the people he said he had that were local and could start soon, didn't work out. Perhaps they were a bluff, trying to get me up there sooner, and I called him on it? I don't know. All I know is there is a position out there that I am qualified for that is sitting vacant.
This is a pickle for sure. I half want to email him when I get my schedule for next week. But still, there are money troubles. It just pains me that, were this job in Maryland, it would be mine.
On a different note, this guy creeps me out. He doesn't even know all the words.
Full-time position covering town government, general news, features and events for a weekly newspaper in New Canaan, Conn. Entry-level position offers lots of opportunity to learn all aspects of the editorial side of newspapers with an award-winning member of the New England Press Association. News writing, InDesign and Web experience a major plus. Photography experience also a plus. Time requirement includes meeting coverage at night and at least two days working in the office. Applicants must submit 2-3 writing samples. Job location: Vitti Street., New Canaan, CT. To apply, e-mail editor@ncadvertisert.com with writing samples, cover letter and resume.
Now, you might not realize what this means, but I do. This is the very same job I was "qualified" for in Connecticut! Same newspaper, same town. Which means, the people he said he had that were local and could start soon, didn't work out. Perhaps they were a bluff, trying to get me up there sooner, and I called him on it? I don't know. All I know is there is a position out there that I am qualified for that is sitting vacant.
This is a pickle for sure. I half want to email him when I get my schedule for next week. But still, there are money troubles. It just pains me that, were this job in Maryland, it would be mine.
On a different note, this guy creeps me out. He doesn't even know all the words.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Weekend Update
As I am sure you all remember, this weekend was the girls' weekend in North Carolina for my cousin Megan's bridal shower. In summary, the weekend was just fabulous. I drank lots of tea, saw my grandparents, ate way too much crap, and mostly just sat in my aunt's living room chatting with my family, bridesmaids, etc. A lovely weekend.
Aside from Megan's shower, which was a Pampered Chef party with some really excellent food, the highlight of the weekend was Friday's Christmas show. Its actually the "Southern Christmas Show" or something like that, and it basically was hundreds of vendors selling stuff in three huge warehouse-type rooms. I bought some delicious fudge and something else I can't say because it is a Christmas gift for Andrew. There was tons of stuff there--food, jewelry, crafts, clothes, but I didn't see much else that struck my fancy that I could also afford. I got lots of great ideas though. We spent almost 5 hours there, which was a bit much for me, Megan, and Emily. By the third room, it basically all looked the same, and we were dragging. But the moms had fun, so rock on.
The thing I will probably most remember about the show was the entrance. It was basically Christmas overload--tree trimming competitions, wreathing decorating competitions, dining room, fireplace, all kinds of decorating competitions. Some of the stuff was absolutely ridiculous--like the tree with blue lights that was wrapped in Saran Wrap--that just doesn't do it for me. Plus there was oodles of Christmas music and elf toy shops and junk like that.
Call me old fashioned, a grinch, a scrooge, whatever, but I simply cannot abide by Christmas before Thanksgiving. This year I saw ornaments in Kohl's before Halloween, for Pete's sake! Out of control. Its like Thanksgiving isn't even a real holiday anymore, just a perfunctory celebration that we get out of the way to make room for even more Christmas junk. I don't even like Thanksgiving that much, but come on now, people! You can't just skip holidays! You can't just decide to stop celebrating something! Imagine 50 years from now. We will be old people, sitting in rockers and knocking our grandchildren on the head with canes, saying "Back in my day, we used to celebrated Thanksgiving!" And our stupid little grandchildren will look up, momentarily stop beating their little brother and say, "What's that grandma?" And we will have to explain all about pilgrims and Mayflowers and Native Americans and turkeys. I ask you: Is this what we want?
Do we want to lose our American heritage? Do we want to forget about the one day of the year when it is acceptable to stuff your face so full of food that you actually pass out into a food coma? I mean, really, what's more American than that? How can we skip the one holiday that celebrates what America truly is?
I say, stop the madness! Let Thanksgiving have its time in the sun! Normal little kids already like Christmas way better (as they should). Can't we at least give Thanksgiving the consolation prize of actually being celebrated? I mean sure, its an inferior holiday, but even things of inferior quality deserve to be acknowledged. We don't sweep N*SYNC under the rug, simply because JT's solo career took off, do we? No! And neither should we neglect Thanksgiving.
Plus, sans Thanksgiving, we are a culture deprived of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. And if nothing I have said thus far has moved you, that in itself should.
Aside from Megan's shower, which was a Pampered Chef party with some really excellent food, the highlight of the weekend was Friday's Christmas show. Its actually the "Southern Christmas Show" or something like that, and it basically was hundreds of vendors selling stuff in three huge warehouse-type rooms. I bought some delicious fudge and something else I can't say because it is a Christmas gift for Andrew. There was tons of stuff there--food, jewelry, crafts, clothes, but I didn't see much else that struck my fancy that I could also afford. I got lots of great ideas though. We spent almost 5 hours there, which was a bit much for me, Megan, and Emily. By the third room, it basically all looked the same, and we were dragging. But the moms had fun, so rock on.
The thing I will probably most remember about the show was the entrance. It was basically Christmas overload--tree trimming competitions, wreathing decorating competitions, dining room, fireplace, all kinds of decorating competitions. Some of the stuff was absolutely ridiculous--like the tree with blue lights that was wrapped in Saran Wrap--that just doesn't do it for me. Plus there was oodles of Christmas music and elf toy shops and junk like that.
Call me old fashioned, a grinch, a scrooge, whatever, but I simply cannot abide by Christmas before Thanksgiving. This year I saw ornaments in Kohl's before Halloween, for Pete's sake! Out of control. Its like Thanksgiving isn't even a real holiday anymore, just a perfunctory celebration that we get out of the way to make room for even more Christmas junk. I don't even like Thanksgiving that much, but come on now, people! You can't just skip holidays! You can't just decide to stop celebrating something! Imagine 50 years from now. We will be old people, sitting in rockers and knocking our grandchildren on the head with canes, saying "Back in my day, we used to celebrated Thanksgiving!" And our stupid little grandchildren will look up, momentarily stop beating their little brother and say, "What's that grandma?" And we will have to explain all about pilgrims and Mayflowers and Native Americans and turkeys. I ask you: Is this what we want?
Do we want to lose our American heritage? Do we want to forget about the one day of the year when it is acceptable to stuff your face so full of food that you actually pass out into a food coma? I mean, really, what's more American than that? How can we skip the one holiday that celebrates what America truly is?
I say, stop the madness! Let Thanksgiving have its time in the sun! Normal little kids already like Christmas way better (as they should). Can't we at least give Thanksgiving the consolation prize of actually being celebrated? I mean sure, its an inferior holiday, but even things of inferior quality deserve to be acknowledged. We don't sweep N*SYNC under the rug, simply because JT's solo career took off, do we? No! And neither should we neglect Thanksgiving.
Plus, sans Thanksgiving, we are a culture deprived of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. And if nothing I have said thus far has moved you, that in itself should.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Weekly Shout Out
So, after much deliberation, I have decided to shout out...brides! Specifically, the brides in my life. As anyone I work with will tell you, I have been to a lot of weddings recently, and they're not over yet! So, shout out to Emily, Megan and Kimberly (though Kimberly is technically no longer a bride, since she is married, but it was recent)!
I thought this was appropriate since, as you know, I will be spending this weekend at a bridal shower for my cousin Megan (to be married in March). Megan is so great. Though we grew up in two different states, every time we got together, we had a fabulous time playing hotel, or orphanage or teen line (we were weird kids). And now she is all grown up and getting married, and I am so happy for her because she deserves the best.
Emily, my sister to be married in June, is just too cool for words. We grew up in the same state, same house, same bedroom, but I think we are closer now than ever. I can't remember a single fight I've ever had with Emily. She is so supportive, and adventurous and generous and beautiful. And I love her so much!
And Kimberly (married in October) is crazy and out of control, but I love her for it. We are completely different in almost every respect, but, like all my friends from high school, we accept each other for who we are. Now she is married and living in Oklahoma with her husband Dan, and I wish them all the best. Kimberly is going to be the best little wife I've ever heard of.
So, shout out to all my brides (who just happen to be some of my favorite people)! I am so happy for all of you, and I am honored to be a part of your life.
AND! Mini shout outs to the husbands/fiances! So, Will, Mike and Dan: congrats, guys, because you don't even know how lucky you are yet. But you will.
I thought this was appropriate since, as you know, I will be spending this weekend at a bridal shower for my cousin Megan (to be married in March). Megan is so great. Though we grew up in two different states, every time we got together, we had a fabulous time playing hotel, or orphanage or teen line (we were weird kids). And now she is all grown up and getting married, and I am so happy for her because she deserves the best.
Emily, my sister to be married in June, is just too cool for words. We grew up in the same state, same house, same bedroom, but I think we are closer now than ever. I can't remember a single fight I've ever had with Emily. She is so supportive, and adventurous and generous and beautiful. And I love her so much!
And Kimberly (married in October) is crazy and out of control, but I love her for it. We are completely different in almost every respect, but, like all my friends from high school, we accept each other for who we are. Now she is married and living in Oklahoma with her husband Dan, and I wish them all the best. Kimberly is going to be the best little wife I've ever heard of.
So, shout out to all my brides (who just happen to be some of my favorite people)! I am so happy for all of you, and I am honored to be a part of your life.
AND! Mini shout outs to the husbands/fiances! So, Will, Mike and Dan: congrats, guys, because you don't even know how lucky you are yet. But you will.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Girls' Weekend
Tomorrow I am leaving for a road trip down to North Carolina with my mother and sister. We are going down for my cousin Megan's bridal shower (she is getting married in March). I am very excited about it, because I love hanging out with my North Carolina family. They are closer to my age, and Emily, Megan and I always have a good time. Plus on Friday we are going to a craft fair with my Aunt Bonnie, which should be fun. In all, I am excited to spend the weekend hanging out with some really cool chicks whom I love. Its been awhile since I visited with more than one person at once. Since all my college friends don't live in Maryland and my high school friends moved away (except Angie, who is always busy!) I don't have a lot of people to hang out with. But don't pity me, because this weekend is going to be sweet!
Hmmm....should I do this week's shout out to girls' weekend? Nah. I bet that would get a hugely unfavorable response! This week's shout out is still up for grabs. Who wants it? Remember...I like chocolate strawberries and salted caramels!
Hmmm....should I do this week's shout out to girls' weekend? Nah. I bet that would get a hugely unfavorable response! This week's shout out is still up for grabs. Who wants it? Remember...I like chocolate strawberries and salted caramels!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Deepest Regrets
Wow, I did not realize creating a weekly shout-out would cause such a ruckus! Dear Mike and Kathryn: I am sorry for not shouting you out on the very first week. I apologize for my oversight. I should have realized, Mike, that you "stepped up" to be my dance partner, and thereby deserved a shout out. And here I was, thinking it was I who did the stepping up. And my dearest Kathryn, you're right, I should have shouted you out. But since you did not even know I had a blog (Ann did, btw) I did not honestly consider that you might mind.
Again, my sincerest, most heartfelt apologies. But do keep in mind, it is supposed to be a weekly shout-out, ergo, there will be more than just this one. Now, I'm not saying you will be disqualified from future shout outs by complaining about this first one. No, that is not what I am saying at all. What I am saying is this: SUCK IT UP!
Love y'all.
Again, my sincerest, most heartfelt apologies. But do keep in mind, it is supposed to be a weekly shout-out, ergo, there will be more than just this one. Now, I'm not saying you will be disqualified from future shout outs by complaining about this first one. No, that is not what I am saying at all. What I am saying is this: SUCK IT UP!
Love y'all.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
A Step Back
I didn't get an interview with the newspaper in Connecticut. It wasn't because I'm not qualified--the editor made that clear, which I appreciated. Rather, the timeline for hiring was very short, and they wanted someone who was able to start around the time when I'd be able to go up for an interview. I emailed the editor and said it would probably be in the paper's best interests to go with a local candidate--also, one who could live at home, because the job did not pay enough to live anything but rent-free.
So while I still don't have an interview anywhere, for now, I am content with finally getting a response to my resume. And I'll be content with that for awhile. Because, in all honesty, I am so sick of applying for jobs. It's all I ever do! My life consists of working, sleeping, eating, and applying for jobs. I've applied to hundreds since I graduated, and I started applying even before then! For seven months, my life has revolved completely around CareerBuilder.com. I just don't have the energy right now to keep writing those darned cover letters. Thus: my temporary plan: today is Saturday. I will not log onto a job website until at least Monday. I will take the next two days (when I am not working) to do other, more pleasurable activities. Give myself a small break from the stress of the future (or lack thereof). Now, I don't know exactly what I will do with myself, but I'm sure I will find something.
I hope.
So while I still don't have an interview anywhere, for now, I am content with finally getting a response to my resume. And I'll be content with that for awhile. Because, in all honesty, I am so sick of applying for jobs. It's all I ever do! My life consists of working, sleeping, eating, and applying for jobs. I've applied to hundreds since I graduated, and I started applying even before then! For seven months, my life has revolved completely around CareerBuilder.com. I just don't have the energy right now to keep writing those darned cover letters. Thus: my temporary plan: today is Saturday. I will not log onto a job website until at least Monday. I will take the next two days (when I am not working) to do other, more pleasurable activities. Give myself a small break from the stress of the future (or lack thereof). Now, I don't know exactly what I will do with myself, but I'm sure I will find something.
I hope.
Friday, November 12, 2010
A Philadelphia Story
A Philadelphia Story is a pretty good movie. It stars Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn and Jimmy Stewart (whom I love). It is probably made better by the fact that it could happen in almost any city, and Philadelphia plays no large role in it. And that is better because Philadelphia sucks.
Yesterday I met Andrew in Philadelphia (its approximately the same distance for both of us) for the day and night, just so we could see each other when otherwise it would be almost two months. It was a rather spur-of-the-moment decision, so we didn't plan anything. Let me tell you, was that a bad idea.
I was to pick Andrew up from the train station at 11:30. I ended up being 45 minutes early because I always overbudget for travel time, so I thought I'd find a nice area to park until it was time. Easier said than done. I could not find a single parking lot (or space) in about 25 square blocks of city. I finally squeezed into a spot in a decal-only UPenn parking lot. When I finally picked Andrew up (which was basically a stand-on-the-corner-and-I'll-pause-for-you-to-jump-in affair because of the lack of parking) we spent about 20 more minutes trying to find our hotel in the historic district because signs are few and far between.
One good thing that happened: we were allowed to check into our hotel early, so we brought up our backpacks and had a quick rest before heading out for lunch. Now, we had decided just to wander around the neighborhood and find something for lunch, rather than make a specific plan. Taking a right out of the hotel brought us to a sidewalk with a highway on one side and a high dividing wall on the other. After 7 blocks of walking thus, unable to turn off the road, I spotted a high pedestrian bridge on the other side of the highway. We darted across, probably looking like Frogger, climbed the stairs and walked the bridge, thus finding ourselves on Market Street. Thirty minutes later, we had not yet found a place to eat. It wasn't due to persnickity-ness on our part. We literally had not found a place to eat. Except for the Philly Cheesesteak carts on every corner. I have never seen a city so lacking in public eateries. We finally stumbled upon and empty little pub, where, I must say, we did get an excellent burger.
After lunch, we decided to hit up some of the more historic sites--since that's really what Philadelphia is all about. The map we picked up at the hotel was woefully unhelpful, and it took us about 15 minutes to find the Liberty Bell center, which was, in fact, around the corner from our pub. While searching for the bell, we found both the First and the Second Bank of America, which were both closed. At the LB center, we found a series of artifacts and exhibits about the Bell, which we mostly skipped over because, let's face it, the Liberty Bell, while beautiful in its symbolism, just isn't that interesting. We walked through the building, which was incongruously modern and smelled like the pool at a YMCA. When we finally arrived at the Bell itself, we found the bell, surrounded by a thin metal fence, one security guard and a handful of people (all looking at the front--nobody cared about the unblemished backside) in a room with white tiles on the floor and two walls, and a plate glass window on the third. It was about as boring a display as I've seen.
After three minutes, and the requisite photo op, we departed. On to the U.S. Mint. Closed. And the Consitution Center. Admission: $12. So, we opted out, instead sitting on a marble bench in the lobby for a few minutes, listening to some veterans speak about why they joined the military. It could have been a nice presentation, if only they had an audience, a few chairs, and better acoustics.
While we had planned to stay in town until dinner, it was only 4:30 and we had run out of things to do. So we traipsed back to the hotel, watched some tv and had a nap until we ventured out for dinner. This time, we did make a plan, to go to Triumph Brewing Company. But when we got there, after parking my car on the street--quite a feat on a road that narraow--we found the menu was not to our liking. So we ended up at a chic little place called the Bleu Martini, which actually was quite lovely and our steak was delicious. We washed it down with a chocolate fondue platter and I had an Expresso Martini. Coffee vodka, Bailey's Irish Cream and a splash of butterscotch schnapps. Let me tell you, that martini will forever be my fondest memory of Philadelphia.
Because soon after that, we walked back to my car to find a parking ticket. After all that trouble squeezing into a spot, and wrestling with the ridiculous parking meter set up they've got going on, I got a ticket. Granted, I did park in a spot that wasn't actually a spot, but the curb wasn't yellow, and all the signs around the area said it was ok, except for a tiny little corner on the sign behind the car. Luckily, I was riding the high from steak, chocolate and booze at dinner, so I didn't let it ruin the rest of my night.
Well, that was quite the novel, but it all leads up to one very important moral. And that is: Don't go to Philadelphia. Normal, sane, interesting people don't belong there.
And though I am not a Mets fan, I'll throw this in for Andrew: Phillies Suck!
Disclaimer: After re-reading this blog post, I realize that it sounds like I had a horrible time in Philadelphia. This is patently untrue. I actually had a wonderful time, and the best day I've had with Andrew in awhile. However, this was completely in spite of the fact that we were in Philadelphia.
Yesterday I met Andrew in Philadelphia (its approximately the same distance for both of us) for the day and night, just so we could see each other when otherwise it would be almost two months. It was a rather spur-of-the-moment decision, so we didn't plan anything. Let me tell you, was that a bad idea.
I was to pick Andrew up from the train station at 11:30. I ended up being 45 minutes early because I always overbudget for travel time, so I thought I'd find a nice area to park until it was time. Easier said than done. I could not find a single parking lot (or space) in about 25 square blocks of city. I finally squeezed into a spot in a decal-only UPenn parking lot. When I finally picked Andrew up (which was basically a stand-on-the-corner-and-I'll-pause-for-you-to-jump-in affair because of the lack of parking) we spent about 20 more minutes trying to find our hotel in the historic district because signs are few and far between.
One good thing that happened: we were allowed to check into our hotel early, so we brought up our backpacks and had a quick rest before heading out for lunch. Now, we had decided just to wander around the neighborhood and find something for lunch, rather than make a specific plan. Taking a right out of the hotel brought us to a sidewalk with a highway on one side and a high dividing wall on the other. After 7 blocks of walking thus, unable to turn off the road, I spotted a high pedestrian bridge on the other side of the highway. We darted across, probably looking like Frogger, climbed the stairs and walked the bridge, thus finding ourselves on Market Street. Thirty minutes later, we had not yet found a place to eat. It wasn't due to persnickity-ness on our part. We literally had not found a place to eat. Except for the Philly Cheesesteak carts on every corner. I have never seen a city so lacking in public eateries. We finally stumbled upon and empty little pub, where, I must say, we did get an excellent burger.
After lunch, we decided to hit up some of the more historic sites--since that's really what Philadelphia is all about. The map we picked up at the hotel was woefully unhelpful, and it took us about 15 minutes to find the Liberty Bell center, which was, in fact, around the corner from our pub. While searching for the bell, we found both the First and the Second Bank of America, which were both closed. At the LB center, we found a series of artifacts and exhibits about the Bell, which we mostly skipped over because, let's face it, the Liberty Bell, while beautiful in its symbolism, just isn't that interesting. We walked through the building, which was incongruously modern and smelled like the pool at a YMCA. When we finally arrived at the Bell itself, we found the bell, surrounded by a thin metal fence, one security guard and a handful of people (all looking at the front--nobody cared about the unblemished backside) in a room with white tiles on the floor and two walls, and a plate glass window on the third. It was about as boring a display as I've seen.
After three minutes, and the requisite photo op, we departed. On to the U.S. Mint. Closed. And the Consitution Center. Admission: $12. So, we opted out, instead sitting on a marble bench in the lobby for a few minutes, listening to some veterans speak about why they joined the military. It could have been a nice presentation, if only they had an audience, a few chairs, and better acoustics.
While we had planned to stay in town until dinner, it was only 4:30 and we had run out of things to do. So we traipsed back to the hotel, watched some tv and had a nap until we ventured out for dinner. This time, we did make a plan, to go to Triumph Brewing Company. But when we got there, after parking my car on the street--quite a feat on a road that narraow--we found the menu was not to our liking. So we ended up at a chic little place called the Bleu Martini, which actually was quite lovely and our steak was delicious. We washed it down with a chocolate fondue platter and I had an Expresso Martini. Coffee vodka, Bailey's Irish Cream and a splash of butterscotch schnapps. Let me tell you, that martini will forever be my fondest memory of Philadelphia.
Because soon after that, we walked back to my car to find a parking ticket. After all that trouble squeezing into a spot, and wrestling with the ridiculous parking meter set up they've got going on, I got a ticket. Granted, I did park in a spot that wasn't actually a spot, but the curb wasn't yellow, and all the signs around the area said it was ok, except for a tiny little corner on the sign behind the car. Luckily, I was riding the high from steak, chocolate and booze at dinner, so I didn't let it ruin the rest of my night.
Well, that was quite the novel, but it all leads up to one very important moral. And that is: Don't go to Philadelphia. Normal, sane, interesting people don't belong there.
And though I am not a Mets fan, I'll throw this in for Andrew: Phillies Suck!
Disclaimer: After re-reading this blog post, I realize that it sounds like I had a horrible time in Philadelphia. This is patently untrue. I actually had a wonderful time, and the best day I've had with Andrew in awhile. However, this was completely in spite of the fact that we were in Philadelphia.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
A Step in the Right Direction!
This just in: Progress has been made on the job front!
Last night, I sent my resume to a small paper in Connecticut (one that my dear friend Ann received a job offer from, but declined) just for the heck of it. And today, I got an email back saying I was a "very qualified candidate" but expressed concern that I live in Maryland. However, if I have housing in the area, it "makes sense to talk."
Now, while this is not a job offer, or even technically an offer for an interview, and there are myriad reasons why this would not work out (I don't actually have a place to live in Connecticut, and the job pays almost nothing) I am excited for two reasons. 1. After over six months of applying for jobs almost everyday, an employer finally responded back! The only responses I have ever gotten are automatic messages along the lines of "Thank you for your application, we will contact you if your qualifications meet the requirements of the position." So for a real live person to take the time to write me back, is very exciting. And, 2. he said I was qualified! Now, I know I'm qualified, and my boyfriend and father tell me so all the time, but it is nice for some third party (employer) to actually acknowledge this fact! A little outside positive reinforcement truly does go a long way.
So, while I do not have a job, job offer, or even interview, I feel as though leaps and bounds have been made. How long this feeling will hold out before the frustration sets in again is anyone's guess. But for tonight, I am happy to be emailing with a potential interviewer and to be a "qualified candidate."
Whoever thought being "qualified" would make me so happy?
Last night, I sent my resume to a small paper in Connecticut (one that my dear friend Ann received a job offer from, but declined) just for the heck of it. And today, I got an email back saying I was a "very qualified candidate" but expressed concern that I live in Maryland. However, if I have housing in the area, it "makes sense to talk."
Now, while this is not a job offer, or even technically an offer for an interview, and there are myriad reasons why this would not work out (I don't actually have a place to live in Connecticut, and the job pays almost nothing) I am excited for two reasons. 1. After over six months of applying for jobs almost everyday, an employer finally responded back! The only responses I have ever gotten are automatic messages along the lines of "Thank you for your application, we will contact you if your qualifications meet the requirements of the position." So for a real live person to take the time to write me back, is very exciting. And, 2. he said I was qualified! Now, I know I'm qualified, and my boyfriend and father tell me so all the time, but it is nice for some third party (employer) to actually acknowledge this fact! A little outside positive reinforcement truly does go a long way.
So, while I do not have a job, job offer, or even interview, I feel as though leaps and bounds have been made. How long this feeling will hold out before the frustration sets in again is anyone's guess. But for tonight, I am happy to be emailing with a potential interviewer and to be a "qualified candidate."
Whoever thought being "qualified" would make me so happy?
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Shout Out to My Girl!
I am instating my first blog tradition: the weekly shout-out! This is reminiscent of my days at the Ram Van (all my current readers know what this is, so I don't need to explain). Now there are a few people in the running for this week's shout out: my sister for being totally awesome and finally deciding on a bridesmaids dress! Or my boyfriend for being super sweet and supportive through my difficult "soul-searching." Or my dad for eating pie and watching That 70's Show with me. But this week, the shout out goes to.....my girl Ann Kaiser!
Ann was my roommate in college, and is currently living with her parents in Connecticut, working a sweet job at a design magazine. I haven't seen Ann's beautiful face in almost SIX MONTHS, since the day we graduated and moved out of our sweet little room in Walsh hall. But tonight, after playing phone/text tag for a few weeks, we finally skyped and got to catch up.
It was just like being in that little room again, only this time, ironic posters of Taylor Lautner and Hannah Montana weren't peering down at us. Ann and I are very different, but at heart, where it matters, we are the same. We both love bad Disney movies, eating too much ice cream and candy corn pumpkins and writing. We both want to be editors. We shop at different stores, but share the tendency to go overboard at OldNavy.com. We are really bad at following through with stuff. We love traveling and really want to go to London this year to visit our friend Caitlin who is doing an awesome grad school program over there. We both really like it when I make cupcakes or chicken stir-fry. And the best thing about Ann is that she is just so fun and pleasant and funny, but she gets my serious stuff too.
So here's to you Ann Kaiser, Assistant Editor! I love ya, girl.
Oh, PS--Ann also has a blog. Follow it! www.the-lost-graduate.blogspot.com
Ann was my roommate in college, and is currently living with her parents in Connecticut, working a sweet job at a design magazine. I haven't seen Ann's beautiful face in almost SIX MONTHS, since the day we graduated and moved out of our sweet little room in Walsh hall. But tonight, after playing phone/text tag for a few weeks, we finally skyped and got to catch up.
It was just like being in that little room again, only this time, ironic posters of Taylor Lautner and Hannah Montana weren't peering down at us. Ann and I are very different, but at heart, where it matters, we are the same. We both love bad Disney movies, eating too much ice cream and candy corn pumpkins and writing. We both want to be editors. We shop at different stores, but share the tendency to go overboard at OldNavy.com. We are really bad at following through with stuff. We love traveling and really want to go to London this year to visit our friend Caitlin who is doing an awesome grad school program over there. We both really like it when I make cupcakes or chicken stir-fry. And the best thing about Ann is that she is just so fun and pleasant and funny, but she gets my serious stuff too.
So here's to you Ann Kaiser, Assistant Editor! I love ya, girl.
Oh, PS--Ann also has a blog. Follow it! www.the-lost-graduate.blogspot.com
Stupid Duck
I don't get great cell phone reception at my house, so often, when people text or call me, I don't get the message until hours later. Last night, while skyping with my boyfriend, Andrew, my phone started going nuts and I got two voicemails and five messages at the same time. Most of the messages and one call were from my college roommate, Ann (sorry, girl!) and one message was from a man who saw my resume on Monster.com and wanted to talk about an opening.
Now, at first blush, this may seem exciting. Except for a few factors: 1. My Monster resume sucks, because I haven't used it in months, and 2. He didn't tell me who he worked for and what the position was. So I figured it would be something sketchy. Well, I called him today, and found out he works for Aflac Insurance. So, he probably was not "very impressed with what he saw" on my resume, but was merely looking for unemployed college grads in the area. Kind of a let down, but at least I saw it coming.
Because I have a hard time saying "no" to people (something I'm working on, and actually getting marginally better at) I set up an appointment for next week, rather than saying, "I'm not really looking to get into the insurance business at this point, but thank you for the call." That would have been a much easier thing to do, because now, I either have to show up for this appointment, or call back later and say, something came up, or I don't want to do this, and then I will look like an idiot. What to do?
I told my dad this story and he just said "Hang in there." Which was nice. He knows how frustrated I am getting with the job search. He and Andrew tell me all the time, "Its not a reflection on you, you're qualified, its just the market." And in my mind, I know this is true. But in the part of me that doesn't specialize in thinking rationally, and just feels first (usually anger) it is becoming very difficult not to email a potential employer and say "We both know that I'm good enough! Just friggin' hire me because I know I can do the job better than most of the people already working for you!" I wish you could be just flat-out egotistical in your cover letter. I generally try to go for self-praise-disguised-as-modesty, but maybe that's not working in my favor. Perhaps I will start my next cover letter thus: "I am the best employee you are ever gonna get, and I while I am going through the formality of writing this cover letter and applying, we both know you want to hire me, so just do it."
To all of those people in the same position (though I know you aren't reading my blog--I know exactly which two people besides myself know about it), believe me, I know its tough. And as hard as it is to believe sometimes, we are good enough, smart enough, qualified enough. But employers just won't give us the chance to prove that to them.
"Hang in there."
Now, at first blush, this may seem exciting. Except for a few factors: 1. My Monster resume sucks, because I haven't used it in months, and 2. He didn't tell me who he worked for and what the position was. So I figured it would be something sketchy. Well, I called him today, and found out he works for Aflac Insurance. So, he probably was not "very impressed with what he saw" on my resume, but was merely looking for unemployed college grads in the area. Kind of a let down, but at least I saw it coming.
Because I have a hard time saying "no" to people (something I'm working on, and actually getting marginally better at) I set up an appointment for next week, rather than saying, "I'm not really looking to get into the insurance business at this point, but thank you for the call." That would have been a much easier thing to do, because now, I either have to show up for this appointment, or call back later and say, something came up, or I don't want to do this, and then I will look like an idiot. What to do?
I told my dad this story and he just said "Hang in there." Which was nice. He knows how frustrated I am getting with the job search. He and Andrew tell me all the time, "Its not a reflection on you, you're qualified, its just the market." And in my mind, I know this is true. But in the part of me that doesn't specialize in thinking rationally, and just feels first (usually anger) it is becoming very difficult not to email a potential employer and say "We both know that I'm good enough! Just friggin' hire me because I know I can do the job better than most of the people already working for you!" I wish you could be just flat-out egotistical in your cover letter. I generally try to go for self-praise-disguised-as-modesty, but maybe that's not working in my favor. Perhaps I will start my next cover letter thus: "I am the best employee you are ever gonna get, and I while I am going through the formality of writing this cover letter and applying, we both know you want to hire me, so just do it."
To all of those people in the same position (though I know you aren't reading my blog--I know exactly which two people besides myself know about it), believe me, I know its tough. And as hard as it is to believe sometimes, we are good enough, smart enough, qualified enough. But employers just won't give us the chance to prove that to them.
"Hang in there."
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