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.
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