"So You're A Photographer?"

They Do Exist

2010-11-17T21:49:00.000-05:00

It's always nice to come across a person who makes good on their word... especially when it's sooner than one would have imagined.

A brief summary

2010-11-15T13:38:00.000-05:00

Reasons why I suck at life:
- I fail at constant blogging
- I still have the beta version of the new website hidden in the secret corners of my old site and pass out the URL on an as-need basis, but have yet to switch it over to the main page. Bad SKG!

Reasons that I WIN:
- The business card I designed, which was used as the basis for the new site has been a success. Compliments abound when I hand them out at at the networking events that I've been making a point to go to.
- Although still no full-time job, lots of freelance work has been coming in and apparently, I ROCK! (that's a direct quote mind you.) Word is spreading of my love for all things research, organization, database creation and information dissemination. Quick, tell a friend!
- I'm making a big effort to learn (one of my favorite past times), engage, and conquer! Sites opening up to new industries and not thought of before career paths. Don't worry photography, you're still my first love.

Verdict: I only suck a little at life, but mostly I'm awesome!.... Even though I don't blog about it all the time. There's still something left to be said for human interaction. I'm a big believer.

Time: 1, SKG: 0

2010-10-09T14:33:00.000-04:00

Time really shows no mercy here. July... and then next thing you know, October. September was really quite productive. I took an initiative to really get out and be social, in a professional, net-working, hire me kind of way. Surprising thing was that I actually enjoyed myself and met some really great people in the process. As much as it can get frustrating and overwhelming living in New York, when I stop and think about it... the options really are astounding! If you're not familiar with the website Meetup.com, I highly recommend it. It's what would happen if Facebook and LinkedIn had a baby that actually lived in the real world instead of just online. You connect with people of like interests and dialogue, but then you actually meet and have a real conversation. Novel idea, I know. It's fantastic!

Also, looking into grad school as an option. I'm no fool. I know that my resume can't stand up to the MA and MBAs of the world. If only I could put my personality and charm on the paper. ;) Until I figure that out...advanced degree, you're looking mighty fine!

Worth 1,000 at least

2010-07-21T16:58:00.000-04:00

NY: Not even the bikes stand a chance around here... Yep, I think that pretty much sums up the mood surrounding the job market right now.

Just keep swimming... swimming!

2010-07-14T00:08:00.000-04:00

The face lift is coming along on the website fantastically. It's nowhere near perfect, and it's a quick fix for now. I'm worried that the font is not going to translate on others' computers since it is one that I downloaded and installed on my machine for branding. Meaning.... that I will need to have it all in a rasterized/ image format if I actually want it to be viewed as I view it. I'm not so sure that this will be the final font anyhow. It's nice on my business card, but I don't know that it reads so well on the web unless at a pretty large size.

The thought that keeps me sane: Rome wasn't built in a day. I'm learning that here in New York, while things need to be perfect and amazing because there's 20 million others that are already better than yours, it needs to AT LEAST BE SEEN. Make it good. Make it seen. Make it perfect. Make it known! That might just be my new mantra. ;) I just copyrighted that in my head, in case you're wondering.

So, the content is up. It's actually out there in cyberspace for beta testing, only accessible with a super secret direct link ;). Family members and close friends, I will be asking you to view it soon and tell me what kinks I need to be fixing. I know you just can't wait!!

It's nothing super exciting, and yet somehow I'm super excited. Soon.

Web Development. Redesign. Go.

2010-07-11T19:01:00.000-04:00

Today definitely didn't go the way I planned it. The weather was supposed to be beautiful. It was SUPPOSED to be a lovely day for making money! Then the rainclouds settled in, complete with one grumpy mood on a mission to make me completely unproductive. Then, along came Lynda (Lynda.com)! The rest of the night is designated to Dreamweaver tutorials and website redesign. Full-time photo industry job, YOU WILL BE MINE! :)

Overhaul

2010-07-09T00:38:00.000-04:00

So, it occurs to me that if I'm going to aim to work as not a photographer, but rather an administrative assistant (for now...until I can take the photo world by storm as director, manager, consultant... something of the sorts ;) in the photography industry, I ought to market myself as just that. This includes not only new business cards, but an overhaul on my website. Take your last peak at the pretty pictures, and take it quickly! I imagine more text gracing the pages of stephaniekgould.com very soon.

To give you a little sneak peak, this is going to be used in the start-up branding:

Keeping Busy

2010-06-30T20:09:00.000-04:00

While seeking out one of these things people call 'full-time jobs,' I've been trying to keep myself occupied, both with productive activities and ones of pure leisure. I think for the past month or so I've done well with the non-business side, having three friends visit NY. What?.... Last month was super busy. I thought a little break was in order....

As of this morning, it was back to business though. I had an appointment at PUBLICIDE, a design and printing company that does some specializing in letterpress. Got to talk with a fantastic gent by the name of Nolan. I'm in the market for some grown-up business cards that say "I'm a hard-working grown up that's serious and does good work, but I've still got a personality." One of the examples that he pulled was from a woman named Margaret Singsen of Scout Designs. Her website can be found at http://www.scout-designs.com/. I fell in love with her business card design immediately. Finally! Some inspiration! So, thanks Margaret Singsen, if you have a google notification that picked this blog up! A picture of the card will hopefully follow soon.

Following my appointment, I went and joined in on a lomography workshop dealing with double exposures. (Even though I'm not looking to be the photographer, I still enjoy learning and doing!) Unfortunately, this was not something I've experimented with at all, although have always been intrigued. Today was that day where I forced myself to be ok with imperfect and spontaneous. I put aside my desire to perfectly frame (except for a few times....) and just shot shot shot. Then, I rewound and shot shot shot again, on someone else's roll of film no less. There was a bit of team work that went on there. My film is currently being developed and I shall see some results after Friday. Until then.... here is one frame that I took on my camera phone after clicking it on the LC-A.

Enjoy!

2010-06-30T01:25:00.000-04:00

Already, I'm enjoying this updated editor. New backgrounds and a template designer? Yes, please. Although, it makes me wonder how long I've NOT known this was available. Suddenly, I'm very aware of how not up to speed I am on blogging/ social media-ness.

The new background made me happy. It reminds me of this picture I took in Daytona Beach:

And this more recent snapshot from New York.

Good times. This really could be a new start :)

Could this be a return?

2010-06-30T01:07:00.000-04:00

Playing around with the blog after a long time being away. I just got SO ANNOYED by the image uploading. Seeing as how a majority of my postings were to include pictures, pictures, pictures: NOT GOOD to be annoyed by the image uploading methods. But, it seems as though this may be fixed?!......

To be continued...

(maybe)

I'm not surprised

2010-01-09T03:58:00.006-05:00

Just realized my last post was in July... and yet I'm not surprised. I've never been very good with keeping up to date on journals of any sort. What can I say? I'm just not good at things that require regularity or keeping schedules. Journals, not so much. Remember to take medicine when prescribed, negative. Keeping up on my dogs flea and heartworm medicine... well, you get the point. Must be the fire sign in me. ;)

I've finished up my two internships at the galleries, which frees up four days of my week. And yet, it seems as thought I have less time than before. My sister came up recently to visit for the holidays. She was here for about three weeks. She said that in two years when she finishes up school, she'd like to move here. As my one of my friends said, "I give it two months!" Can't wait to have the company! :) And I'll leave you with pictures from the last 5 months. (In random order of course..... I'm discovering I really hate Blogspot in terms of functionality and picture posting. There HAS GOT TO BE A BETTER WAY! Please let me in on the secret if you know it!!! )

From the Top of the Rock

Jenn looking at some Van Gogh's at the Met

Tree at Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center

The pooch on the day after the first big snowfall of the season.

Playing in the first snowfall of winter '09

You don't get shots like these in FL!

The boys helping my celebrate my birthday.

2 of the reasons 26 didn't suck so much.

My friends are starting to have BABIES!!!... well, baby (at least for now)

Dennis, why did you have to move to CANADA!?

The long time FL roomie visits me and the kiddo again!

Mein Feingold in the city! <3>

Photo bomb on the photogs in Times Square.

Waiting in line for the TODAY SHOW to see Jason Mraz

Picture Blog

2009-07-06T01:24:00.010-04:00

The pictures are in reverse order of how they actually ocurred. Oh well :)

FOURTH OF JULY (at work... what a view!)

One of my favorites:

AAAAAAAND..... from the rooftop of the restaurant. You couldn't have PAID for better seats!!!

(yes mom and dad, I was careful. Not to mention, that's what workman's comp is for... right? ;) )

A gratuitous shot of the Hudson river in all it's firework glory.

The restaurant was pretty much on pause. At least that's what the servers decided. You needed something.... you waited! :)

MOM. DAD. I thought you'd like this one! Yes, the full-sized image will be in your e-mail soon.

All people in the parking lot.... watching

Dueling grounds near the apartment.

View from the dueling grounds

And down the road a bit.

Mom, remember Nick Bianchi?! He made a trip to NY.

Just like sophomore year in the Homecoming Limo. Remind me to find that picture when I'm back in FL!

View from Hoboken, NJ

Sunday brunch on the Hudson.

Times Square

During Betsy's stay

That is it! :)

Something Special

2009-05-07T13:20:00.002-04:00

This Wednesday was the kickoff for the Affordable Art Fair. (The fair is built around the fact that all artwork is between $100 and 10,000 -- although thinking about it... there was a piece I wanted for $75, but I digress) There was a private viewing party complete with complimentary cocktails and a first sneak peek at the artwork for the guests.

Debra had an 'exhibitor' badge made up for me complete with my name! So small, but makes me so happy. When I walked in and got to go straight past the lines and flash my badge at the door... I tried not to have a huge stupid grin on my face. It just made me feel a sense of accomplishment. Even if I am still an intern. ;)

Funny part of the evening:
I was wearing this dress that I've been getting quite a few compliments on (woot for Bella Ro in Hoboken, Dani.. you know!) So this guy comes up behind me and says "zis outfiit you're wearing iz zomezing special." I say thank you and expect that to be the end of the conversation. To my suprise, there was more and this is how it went:

HIM: Is it designer?
ME: No
HIM: Oh! You made it yourself?!
ME: No
HIM: You bought it at a store....? (sounding quite shocked)
ME: Yes
HIM: Good for you!

And that was the end of it... he just smiled and walked off. HA... WHAT? Did I miss something?

In a nutshell

2009-04-03T00:23:00.003-04:00

Happy April Fool's Day. Joke's on me. My day went like this yesterday:

-Got up early (good)
-Made it to the bus stop early (even better)
-Got on the bus and the driver told me my bus pass was expired (doh! not so good...)
-I turn around to get off the bus and look to see if I have cash to pay my way... bus driver stops me and gives me the go ahead to ride without paying (back to good)
-Since I didn't check for cash, it wasn't until the bus was on it's way that I realized that I forgot my wallet at home (not good, but bearable)
-Rembering that that means I have an expired bus pass and no cash for a ticket for the return trip home (hmmm......bad)

-Debra saves the day and lends me $10 for bus ride and lunch (even though I brought a sandwich). "You'll need a drink... or something." (She must have been referring to my recently developed iced latte habit.)

-Get home and make an awesome dinner (fantastic!)
-Burn my arm with a baking sheet... Yeah. I don't know either (not so fantastic!) At least it balances out the huge burn on my leg. Thanks again for that souvenier, Martin.
And yet, I wouldn't say it was a bad day. Makes for fantastic stories ;)

Previous scar, meet new scar.

Current dilema...

2009-03-31T23:50:00.005-04:00

Keona has now turned the gas stove on for a second time while I was away! Yes, I know that's not good.... that it's in fact very bad. I was hoping the first time was just a fluke and that it wouldn't happen again. Luckily, it was while I was only gone for 2 hours max. Just glad it wasn't when I was at work and away for 8 - 10 hours. Poor thing would be sick when I got home if it were that long, I'm sure.

Of course, now it's definitely time to take some action.

The question is, do I get some knob covers for the stove or should I just pop the dial off and keep them close by when not in use?

On a side note, I need a trash can that he can't get into. I keep coming home to napkins and baggies and such all over the floor if I forget to put it out of his reach :(

But I'll end with some fun. Silverstein Gallery (the one in Chelsea) had a party for AIPAD this past weekend. I don't feel like explaining the acronymn. Feel free to look it up or ask me :)

So... here's pictures:

This girl was seriously breakin' it down

:) I won't name names.

and for no good reason, I really quite enjoy this one

It felt like home

2009-03-30T00:22:00.004-04:00

So, today... for whatever reason was an off day, emotionally/ mentally that is. Stress was abound and it didn't help going to work and finding out that I was in a station I hate. Add this conversation to the mix:

Me: Did I hear you say you were going home?
Guy I work with: Yep! I'm going home!
Me: You gave up your Park Ave. shift?

side note: Park Ave. is where you wanna be. Those are the tables right on the windows that run parallel to the NY skyline and thus are more requested and stay full longer = money, money! And this guy had given it up to someone else so he could go home.

Guy I work with: Yeah, I get free money. What do I need to work for? (referring to his partial unemployment check... his government funded money... paid for by people like me)
Me: Shaking my head and walking away while shooting him dagger eyes

It really peeves me off that people take advantage like that. People who could be making money... give up good shifts and then blow their money on things like going out and getting drunk every night. And then you have people like me... who have a plan and are focused on the future and do what it takes, even if that includes working 7 days a week, 4 jobs, and living off 3 days paid wages. BUT, since I was never actually scheduled full time and am now losing money since they can't fill my shifts, I can't apply for partial unemployment. Not that I'd want to live off other people's money, but it'd be nice to know there's help if I was really in need. Or that I could use that money to help in continuing to support the plan of a career. Not just because I needed the money to maintain my plasma screen, iphone, drinking habits that I had acquired because I made way too much money before the bottom dropped out of the economy.

Surprisingly... I was feeling better by the end of the night. Reason being: an actual lighting storm. I'd say the first one since I've been up here. I'm amazed by the lack of rain. I didn't realize that torrential rain pour downs didn't occur everywhere at least every once in a while. I don't think there's been an honest to God good thunderstorm since I've been here: you know, the one with dark skies, lighting like crazy, sheets of rain, and car alarm rattling thunder. I surprisingly miss those!

And with as much as I've been missing Florida, the lighting was a warm welcome! It made me feel at home. Plus, it was beautiful! The sky lit up purple, and reflected off of the Hudson. Out of the corner of your eye, you'd almost think fireworks were going off!

On a happier note: Dani and Chels will be here in 4 days! What a much needed break!

Spoke too soon

2009-03-23T00:00:00.001-04:00

There were snow flurries the morning after I posted that blog....

go figure

Quick picture blog

2009-03-19T22:52:00.003-04:00

in honor of SPRING! (I actually saw the first signs of it yesterday)

View of the city from the library across the street (from my apt.)

I'm pretty sure this was taken before I was reacquainted with snow

From what I can only assume was the last snowfall of the season

Visual confirmation that the weather will be beautiful quite soon!

I'm so excited about my first spring season in years. Poo on FL chill to hot and humid!

Now the whole world can know ;)

2009-03-15T02:22:00.003-04:00

It may be a small thing.... but isn't that what life's about!?

http://www.klompching.com/kcg/contact.htm

I've officially been listed as intern at Klompching Gallery in Brooklyn, NY :)

*Hi Debra (I imagine there's a good chance you came across this in your google alerts!)

For those of you that aren't caught up... yes, I intern at two galleries. One is in Brooklyn and the other is in Chelsea. Debra is the co-owner of the Klompching Gallery in Brooklyn with her husband Darren. They have been so kind as to include me on their website. (Thank you both!)

:)

Reasons I'm glad I moved to Jersey and not NY

2009-03-09T04:08:00.004-04:00

Don't think you'd find all of these in one neighborhood in Manhattan:

1. I can afford a door to my bedroom and a kitchen (with a dishwasher!)

2. There's real grass in my neighborhood... more than 3 large patches within half a mile

3. A police station is literally across the street and multiple cars patrolling quite frequently.

Realized how much I really enjoy this one while walking my dog at 3am and seeing 3 patrol

cars within 10 minutes... and NO, that's not 'cause there's high crime. It's because I live in a

good neighborhood with a PRO active community. :)

4. A 24 hour grocery store within walking distance

5. A Walgreen's LITERALLY right next door for when I don't feel like walking the 4 blocks to the

store.

6. A Zagat rated 4 story bar/ restaurant complete with roof deck 1 block from my door

7. Last stop before the Lincoln Tunnel

8. A landlady who's actually a very pleasant individual (and a great one at that) and not just

some grump who only wants my money but never fixes anything.

9. Within 10 minutes I can get to:

-NY

-Walmart... that's right! An actual walmart since I'm still not rich.

-Hoboken (the 'it' place in jersey)

-The grocery store

-The restaurant I work at (when I get a ride it's only 2 min.... otherwise, 15 min. walking... still

not too shabby!)

I'm sure there's more... but as you can see by the time I'm posting... my brain capacity is not up to par.
On the other hand... we don't see fun things like this in my neighborhood:

(that, my friends... I think you ONLY get in NY)

Snowing, again....

2009-03-03T01:38:00.004-05:00

It had started to warm up... and I thought spring might finally be on its way. A few days ago it was in the 50's and I was wearing a 'light' (by my now standards of light) jacket and short sleeves underneath.

Spring... not so much. Not yet anway. It dipped back down into the 30's (and 20's I'm sure) and the snow came blowing in. Started late on Sunday night and I woke up to lots of white everywhere. And I've noticed that after the snow (which comes after a chill, but when it's warming back up just a bit) that there's always an icy breeze after the snow stops. It comes through and freezes everything on the ground. And it's one of those bone chilling, biting winds.... that'll make you miss FL. Why did I move to NY again?

Anyway, took the opportunity to play with Keona in the snow some since he seems to enjoy it.

Felt the need to take my camera with me that morning. Glad I did!

I almost gave up on blogspot

2009-02-18T23:58:00.004-05:00

.. and then I had some pictures I wanted to share. Obviously things did not go so well using Contribute to post pictures. It almost did... and then I got an error message. Go figure. So, I took a break. It's been busy anway, lots to do. Nothing too exciting though. I intern, then I work, grocery shop, do laundry, clean, then intern again. And so go my weeks. I've found that when people ask "How was your week?" my response is "Good." I realized that's my reply because I can't seem to remember anything bad happening off hand, therefore it must have been good. Everything just blurs together. Apparently that'll happen to you up here. I'd heard of the New York minute, but to experience it is a whole different story. Then end of February will mark my 5th month in NY/NJ. I don't believe it!

Dani, friend and essentially my 'little sister' just booked her tickets to NY today! I told her that since I couldn't make it to her graduation in FL, I'd treat her to a trip up here. (Don't worry Chelsea, you'll get yours next year ;) It is next year that you graduate...right? When did we all grow up?!) Dani will be in town April!! And if memory serves me right, it'll be her first trip to the big city! Is it April yet?

Work was amazing this weekend! Long... but amazing. I worked 4 days, which is the most in one week at the restaurant. It was a nice treat. Hopefully it's a sign of things picking up!

Val, here's a picture for you:

Passed this window walking in Chelsea. Knew I had to take a picture of it.

And now for the pictures that inspired me to post again.

I took these a few weeks ago and just got to working on them. I wanted to share and the immediate reaction was to post them on facebook, but I try to stay away from putting my personal work on there. Hopefully, at some point I will post these on my website, but for now... the will live on blogspot.

Enjoy:

And that's why I intern!

2009-01-14T20:37:00.002-05:00

Today I learned something new at the gallery! There's a program in the Adobe Creative Suite called Contribute. Apparently, you can use it to edit blogs. I thought I'd give it a go. Looks like I'll be able to upload multiple pictures at a time with it. (I might have to do some re-sizing first though).

That's one of the main reasons I haven't been posting...I just got too frustrated waiting for the site to upload 5 at a time. We'll give it a go and see how it works!

If all goes well, below this you'll be looking at pictures of Keona's first adventure with snow! It was the day before my birthday. What a great present!! :)

(If it doesn't... you'll be able to figure out why there won't be anymore posts after this one! ) :)

Videos and pictures... finally!

2008-11-22T12:31:00.008-05:00

WARNING: If you are hungry, do not continue reading. There are gratuitous pictures of lots of food! (and some sweets, of course!)

Some of the pictures I had previously promised. From dinner with MK at a Korean restaurant. That is a grill you are seeing in the middle of our table. Someone came over and cut the beef and cooked it right in front of us. We could turn it, cook it to the temperature we wanted, then eat when ready. All the plates around are fixings that went with it. Some were oh so good... and some: not really my cup of tea. Fantastic experience!Watching them cut the beef.

Our grill

And a video of dinner cooking! :)

From the Ethiopian restaurant I went to, back when I was here visiting and interviewing for internships. It was a platter to share. You roll of the sourdough bread pancakes and eat with your hands.

And a picture of a dinner I cooked myself. Stir fry and rice.

And of course, dessert! (This moment brought to you by Magnolia's and Sex in the City) Apparently, it's a bakery mentioned in the show, although I don't remember ever hearing the name. Supposedly they're a big deal. Their chocolate icing is oh so yummy!

Paul!
What, do I have chocolate on my face?! Side note: we're eating just outside of Central Park... go figure!

Random skyline shot on a cloudy day from the pier where I work.

And, on a different day. Much better!

My new winter boots

My new brown winter boots! The more I look at them, they kind of remind me of construction boots ....
Opinions?

Pictures from Halloween... a bit late. In this one it's kind of hard to see, but the guy was dressed up as KING OF THE CASTLE! HA!

And one of the only gallery shows I've had time to go see. I LOVED this show! Olaf Breuning was the artists name. He was showing drawings, photographs, and sculptures. That's talent... and he has a sense of humor! NICE. I highly recommend his work. It's nice to see there are artists that don't give off a pretentious vibe.

The image below, they actually have printed on canvas totes for $15! :) I LOVE IT!

Tell me that photograph isn't awesome! And it was printed ate least 5 feet big!

For those of you wondering... those are boobs in the bucket.

And I'll leave you with a video of Keona at the dog park on a chilly 28 degree 8am morning!! :) Not snow yet, but there definitely was frost and frozen water! :)

Good thing...

2008-11-18T22:24:00.002-05:00

I'm an optomist (cynical some of the time, but DEFINITELY an optomist). :)

I got called off from work again today :( I considered going in to beg someone for their shift, but then decided I didn't feel like going out in 40 degree weather to be turned down and have to walk back having wasted hard to come by free time. So, I took the day off and ran with it! :)

Not to mention, there's a photographer who wants to pay me to do some office managing type stuff for her, which is why I wasn't so stresed about taking the day off. Things she wants me to do include:
e-mail lists
newsletters
helping with a project that will be displayed at a museum in Germany in 2010
archiving 10 years of a photo project
helping with a book publishing! :)

So, hopefully that will help some with the days I get called off from the chart house.
What did I do with my day off you ask? Pretty much nothing. And it was ABSOLUTELY wonderful! I finished a movie I started last night, which by the way I rented from the library (I get that from my mom) ;)

Ah! There's a story! About a library.. ha! Anyway... there is this library that is LITERALLY across the street from me. But technically I don't live in that city zone. So, I have to walk about 13 blocks (thank goodness they're short) to get a card from the Union City library. THEN, I can walk back to the first library across the street from me and get a 'courtesy card'. At least I finally have it and can now take advantage of their dvd selection. Betsy, they have a GREAT view/terrace for photographs outside of their front door!!

Back to today. I tried fixing my living room curtain which has fallen down. The wall are apparently made out of plaster and nothing will bite into them unless you drill a hole first. I tried the molly bolts, dad. I just made bigger holes! :) I spackled them, and am anxiously awaiting you and your drill's arrival! :)

Next on the itinerary: a stop in at my landlady's apt. down the hall. She had apparently made a big batch of soup she wanted me to have some of. Plus, she was on a trip recently and brought me back some coconut candies! How great is she? Oh wait, it gets better! I was telling her I was considering buying an espresso machine or something similar that will go on the stove. Nothing too fancy, but that will get the job done. So she says, "I have one I don't ever use. You can have it." Niiice!

I tell her I can't just take it from her. I'll borrow it. But she insists saying that if I take it, she'll have more room to store her pots! I haven't used it yet, but I have read some reviews. Most rate it as being so-so, but there was one review that sounds like the guy had some tricks up his sleeves to make it work. So, I'm excited to give it a go.

And then, a chat with Martin on MSN (he's been in Sweden for about 2 weeks now) followed by another movie. I've yet to finish it, but I need to so I can give the pooch a bath!

I just realized that I haven't taken pictures of the fall colors... well, not many anyway. Sad story. I guess I've been too busy enjoying them. I'll definitely have to take some of snow. And yes, a video of Keona's first encounter for Nicole!

I was going to post the pictures I promised earlier of the boots and new food experiences, but Dad's been doing some work on the computer and apparently there's something funny with my card reader. So, that will have to wait.

I apologize for the randomness of the post. I was trying to get back to my movie quickly.

:)

They're not as often, but I'm still posting. Hoo-rah! There is hope!!

laundry theif?

2008-11-09T22:55:00.002-05:00

Apparently, Sunday is a pretty popular day to do laundry (one I will be avoiding from now on!).

One load... that's all I wanted to do! They made it through the wash ok. They even made it into the dryer without a hitch.

I just realized this story needs is some back story!! :) So, Sundays the restaurant has brunch. For the dinner shift, you're scheduled to go in at one of two times: 2:30pm or 5:00pm. When you're scheduled for the earlier shift, the earlier you get there...you get to choose what section you want. Lately, I haven't been doing so hot at work, so I wanted to get there early to get a good shift where I could make a nice chunk of change.

So, back to the story... I'm trying to get ready early. I go to pull my clothes out of the dryer, only come to find out someone has moved them. Apparently the lady put her card in and pressed the button for the dryer my clothes were in. So, she thought it would be ok to take them out and put them in the dryer above. Only, I'm hearing all this from a second lady, because apparently the first one doesn't speak english! I kind of look at them both and think.... "really? do you THINK it was ok, that you touched my clothes and moved them?!" So, I kind of shrug my shoulders and say I guess not... because really, what am I going to do at this point? Tell her to go back in time and tell her to think reasonably. Perhaps something along the lines of:
-open dryer door so your time doesn't run with my clothes in
-wait, because I'm OBVIOUSLY coming back SOON as my clothes are done drying
-THEN proceed to close the door again to start drying your clothes when I've gotten mine, so you don't touch my personal belongings......

Who am I kidding.. that makes SENSE! Why would anyone do that?!

So, I get back upstairs to my apartment and notice that, yes, it has become a problem. One of my shirts is missing! I go BACK down stairs to ask her to look through her load to see if it was mixed in with her clothes. But of course she's not there. AND I'm starting to run late. Plus, I've noticed that I don't know where my time card is to clock into work. Great, I probably left it in the shirt that's now missing. It's probably flopping around the dryer that this strangers clothes are in!

Do I rifle through her stuff? In my defense I wouldn't have had to if she wouldn't have touched my stuff because I know I would have gotten everything out. I just couldn't bring myself to do it.
So, I'm sans one work shirt, a time card, and I didn't make it to work early, so YET again... I only came home with $70

car, boots, food and an election... nothing too exciting :)

2008-11-04T22:52:00.003-05:00

... the car showed back up. Apparently the owner is ok....? But why would you leave your car running for a day and a half, have it towed, then put it right back where it was?

Bought some winter boots today, 2 pairs actually. When I'm up to it, I'm gonna post some pictures for feedback :)

Also ate at a Korean restaurant tonight where the food was cooked on a grill built into your table :) Which reminded me... when I was first visiting here, I ate at an Ethiopian restaurant where you ate with your hands. Both of those new dining experiences I have pictures of (to be uploaded in an upcoming post).

Listening to live election coverage in the background. Hope my absentee ballot got there in time :\Can't wait to see how things turn out.

That's it. Those were just some random tid bits I wanted to post :)

And because I don't think I included enough of them, here's another one for you:
:)

Just as I was about to post... Barack Obama was announced President-elect. So, there you have it....

Only in, but suprisingly in NY

2008-10-29T19:44:00.002-04:00

Probably one of the weirdest things I've seen ever has occurred over the past two days.
My friend came over to my apartment yesterday about midday and as we were walking Keona, I noticed a car on the street was running. You could see steam, smoke, exhaust, whatever, coming out from the tail pipe. There was no one in the car. It was parked. The keys were in the ignition. I've seen the car before, so I assume it belongs to someone that lives in the area. I figure, "well, someone must have just ran into their apt. to get something."

Later that night when I get home from work and let Keona out around 10:30pm-ish and the car was still there. Still running. Keys still in ignition. Again, I just kind of thought, "hmm... weird."

It wasn't until this morning, when I saw it for a THIRD time on the street, parked, running, and keys in ignition. So, I didn't know what else to do besides call the local police office and report it. They said they'd send someone out to have a look. Well, apparently, the information I gave was not good enough because when I came home the car was STILL there. However, I also saw police lights. There happened to be an officer looking in the car talking on his radio.

I told him that I had called it in this morning and was curious if they were just now finding it. He said that they were never able to locate it. It just so happens he was off duty and someone else had flagged him down to report it (also another person who is out walking their dog frequently and noticed it.) So, the police officer said they had an address for the owner and would try to track her down. About 10 minutes later, the car was towed away.

I, unfortunately, don't know what the story is behind it. BUT where in the world would you be able to leave your car running for a day and a half and NOT have someone break in and steal it? Do I live in that good an honest of a neighborhood? Or is NY just so backwards and full of fear that people are paranoid and suspicious beyond belief that they won't touch a car that's handed to them on a silver platter? Who would leave a car for that amount of time, and what good reason could they possibly have for doing so?

I just hope that the owner is ok.

I'm in the money

2008-10-28T02:03:00.002-04:00

.. well relatively speaking I guess. I finally finished training at the restaurant. I (along with all the trainers) still can't believe they made me do the whole training program. Regardless, it was a good refresher, and now I'm FINALLY on the floor by myself. Yesterday was my first shift taking my own tables. I waited around for 2 hours before finally getting my first one. Throughout the night, I had 5 total. Not too shabby. I did a lot of running for what I thought would be more money. Even though it wasn't as much as I thought I would make, it was definitely more than I had the day before. So all in all it was a good night.

Then there was today. My second shift. I got called off. Oye! This does not bode well. I had to do what they call "sharking." Once I got my phone call informing me that I would no longer be needed for the evening, I got dressed in my uniform anyway and made the 15 minute walk to the restaurant hoping that there would be some poor slacker willing to give up their night's worth of money so I could take over their shift. Mind you, this is in essence an act of desperation. An essential begging of sorts as I ask each sever walking in the door if they'd like to turn right back around and go home :) I almost gave up after about 9 "no's." My last chance was one girl. Finally, some relief! She gave her section to me and went home! Yay! I was able to make some money!! :)

I'm not so good at begging, so I hope this calling off business doesn't become too frequent!! One more serving day for the week, then it's back to the photo world!

Follow up

2008-10-27T13:51:00.001-04:00

For those of you that were curious, Betsy has posted pictures from her shoot in NY.

http://www.betsyhansen.com/01location/location.htm

A post about a post

2008-10-23T19:52:00.002-04:00

Betsy, the friend that was visiting, has posted some pictures from her shoots in NY on her photo blog. The second location (both night time shoots) is one of the areas I pointed out to her while location scouting. The other onew (day shoot) was a location one of the stylists knew of close to her home. (Both with A-mazing views!)

http://www.betsyhansen.blogspot.com/

Still on the lookout for the resulting images to be posted on her website.

Winding down...

2008-10-22T21:38:00.008-04:00

Finally, I've found time to post an update! Hopefully, it will include lots of pictures as long as blog spot and my computer are feeling nice tonight.

Things are finally starting to wind down. And, I think my schedule will soon get into a pretty good groove. It's been kind of crazy lately as my training for the restaurant interferes with my intern days. Not to mention, my hours are all over the place.

I've been absent as my training for the restaurant has been going on these past two weeks. Yes, past two weeks... it's about a 9 day training program. It includes, quizzes, following trainers working their tables, trainers following me serving there tables, final exams, and an audit. And yes, they made me go through the whole training again. No one seems to know why for sure as all the trainers have thought I've done great and will do fine. We've decided on one of two explanations.

1. There's a guy that transferred in recently who wasn't so hot and blew it for me.
2. (The more likely reason), they're skimming the fat around there at the moment as far as employees go. They have a deck that's open during summers which means more staff. In the winter when they close it, they trim back the staff to people who show they deserve to be there. Hence, they really had no need to hire me, but the manager likes to work with transfers. So, he just wants to make sure it's worth it. Good for me. But, I know I wouldn't be happy if I was one of the servers there though.

On top of that, I had my first visitor here in NY! :) Although we didn't get to hang out much socially, I think it was a great visit. We went shopping and location scouting one day (she's a photographer as well and was lining up some shoots while she was there. So I was pointing out some areas that might make for good backdrops. Once she gets those posted, I will include it on my blog.)

So, when people ask how's NY the answer is pretty much: gallery, gallery, training, tired, gallery, subway, subway, bus, gallery, training, broke, subway, bus....and AWESOME! :) Now if I could start making some income, that would be SUPER!

As for Keona, he's adjusting. He's unfortunately had a lot of time by himself at the apartment. But I was glad to see the other night that at least he's putting it to good use:

Not only is he smart, but apparently quite studious as well! ;)

And yes, that is my room. It's nothing fancy now, but it is affordable!! I have been meaning to get some pictures of the apartment up. I wanted to wait until I was done done, but that may never happen. So, here it is as of now.

My awesome NY/ NJ view! And what a fantastic closet! ;) It definitely beats the metal roller racks!

With everything that's changed is nice to have a familiar work station. Complete with spiffy new paper/ prints drawer. Thanks, dad! <3

Front entrance:

My "living room." Finally, a nice shelf for my books!!! :)

Picture that was 50% off with a little bit of Sweden in the chair (the pillow is called Stockholm).

Sitting area:

Kitchen curtains and a photo by Alex Web. One of my favorites.

The hallway into my bedroom (bathroom is the door on the left)

and the trusty PUB MIRROR! :)

Floor length curtains from Ikea that I didn't know I was going to have to hem. Oops. Didn't know they came in different lengths.

And the not so cute part of the apartment... cleaning. Notice the before and after. Mmmmmm!

And... after they were clean. I thought that darker color was wood grain at first. Bleh!

And now, something MUCH PRETTIER!

That building on the right is the restaurant I work at. And if you'll notice the view behind it. That's what I'm looking at while I'm at work. The building has floor to ceiling windows.
And the scenery on the walk home:

I thought about posting a picture from a new body of work I'm starting. But, I think I'll save it until I've developed it some more. I'm really excited about the things that are brewing in my head as far as photos go! I can definitely see this being a turning point in my work.

Same style, definite visual shift.

AND THAT, is all I've got for tonight.

I know... I know...

2008-10-17T09:08:00.002-04:00

Hopfully, I'll get some time soon to do a good update. It's been crazy busy lately. I started my training at the restaurant this weekend.

I have some pictures of the apartment with the furniture it it. The living room is looking finished (other than a few boxes still unpacked). The bedrooom, however, is still in need of a little TLC. Desk station is good to go (of course ;) but the rest of the room kind of looks like I live in a closet since I don't actually have one in my room.

Also got a cute picture of Keona and some from my walk home from the restauraunt.

So... coming soon! (hopefully!)

Hoo-rah!

2008-10-13T14:45:00.000-04:00

I found an actual grocery store! And the prices actually resemble those of FL grocery stores instead of some trendy NY market. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy going to those (all kinds of new foods to try), but to shop regularly... not so much. I paid close to $5.50 for a package of thomas english muffins the other day at market in Brooklyn. At Path Mart (the name of the store) I can get them for $2.50 with a "save" card. I'll have to look into one of those! :) A $3.00 savings on muffins alone... shhh-yeah!

It's in a plaza with a payless and a post office and not more than a 5 to 10 min. walk from my apartment. I'm really enjoying my neighborhood, not to mention my land lady is awesome! She replaced my range hood over the stove (it was in BAD shape), fixed my doors so they actually close, and put in new doorhandles (because she didn't have the keys to the other ones- they were actual key locks- and was worried I would lock myself out and have to call a locksmith). I've heard SO many horror stories about landlords and I'm so glad that it doesn't seem like I'll have to deal with those!

My first visitor from FL is coming in a week. Exciting!

My first taste of big time...

2008-10-12T19:36:00.000-04:00

... At least, that's what it felt like. :)

Today I went to two auction houses (Christie's and Phillip's) for previews. The time is nearing for Photo Auctions. So, these auction houses and others have their previews of what will be for sale. There were walls of photos! It's amazing seeing the range of photographers. What's even more is we had a few of the photos taken out of the frame to exam the prints more closely. It's amazing what I've learned in such a short time.

I'm spending so much money, but it's totally worth it! :)

Following "work"... Starbucks (Tall Caramel Macchiatto and Pumpkin Loaf) with a side of people watching in Union Square! :)

Photographers that I liked from the Previews:
Alec Soth (21st Image down of the door with the number 6 on it)
http://www.alecsoth.com/Mississippi-new/pages/frameset.html
I had actually seen before and really liked his Niagara portfolio. So, I think it's funny that I picked him out again today.

Mathias Hoch
http://www.renabranstengallery.com/hoch.html

An 'imagine this' moment

2008-10-09T18:03:00.000-04:00

A little bit of back story for you.
-I have to take a bus from Manhattan to get to my apartment in New Jersey.
-It's the first stop out of the Lincoln Tunnel and close to 31st street (this will be important in a minute.)
-My ticket costs $2.55 (when you travel between different zones, the cost is different)
-A lot of buses are exact change only

SO, IMAGINE THIS:
You get on the bus number that appears on your ticket at the gate that the guy in in the ticket office told you to go to. You come out of the Lincoln tunnel and watch the street your bus is supposed to be getting off on fly by on the left. You realize, this apparently is NOT the bus you wanted. Then, you remember you left your cell phone at home. So, you can't call anyone to help you figure out what to do or to help you get back home.

You decide you have three choices.
1. You can get up NOW and tell the bus driver you think you've made a BIG mistake (while everyone watches and wonders "oh great! What now?")
2. You can wait until the first stop and then get off and walk back or ask the bus driver what the best thing to do would be.
3. You can ride it back to Manhattan and just catch another bus (because they all go back to port authority.......). Better yet, this will just swing back around by the stop you normally catch buses at in the morning and you can just get off there!

You decide against #1 because you don't like people staring at you and thinking your an idiot. You decide against #3 because that will probably take forever! Not to mention, you only have $1.00 cash in your wallet and don't know if that will be enough for the transfer fare. You go with decision #2 and figure a little walking won't hurt anyone.

However, as you keep waiting for the bus to stop, you begin to realize that he's not stopping anytime soon. Crap! By the time he does stop he's in the 60's and you start to panic a little bit. Now, you'd really look dumb telling him that you were supposed to get off on a stop that was 30 streets back. So, now you start to think option #3 is looking good in terms of getting off at the stop you catch in the morning. That is, until you start to figure out, he's not going back that way. He'll definitely be taking another route..... So, I guess I will just take it back to Port Authority in Manhattan and then catch another bus. Oh shoot, but I don't probably won't have enough for the transfer fare! Gah! You're running out of options.

You decide to suck it up, tell the bus driver and ask him what to do (now that a good amount of people have emptied off the bus and you see an empty seat right behind him which will make it easy to talk without everybody knowing your business!) Not to mention, you're a good way from home, without much cash or a cell phone, nor a clue of your whereabouts. Asking the bus driver is looking REAL good about now.

WELCOME TO MY TRIP HOME TODAY!!! :)

Luckily, the bus driver was extremely nice! He gave me a hard time about it, joking that I was causing trouble and that the transfer fares would cost me a GOOD amount of money. Thank goodness he wasn't picking any passengers up on the way back as he was switching over to a new bus route. He was able to switch up the way he normally goes back to Port Authority and dropped me off at the bus stop in front of my house.

THANKS ALLEN!!!

(When you come to visit, if you're taking a bus during rush hour and it says EXPRESS... GET OFF!!!!! Even though it says the same number as on your bus ticket... it's EXPRESS... it doesn't make local stops, which yours is one of... GET OFF!!!!)

:)

Ketchup!

2008-10-08T19:25:00.000-04:00

This is going to be a mess of stuff. Stuff I wrote but never posted, pictures I took, but just got to putting on my computer, and a bit of current funness. So, sorry in advance for the random order and lack of cohesive thought.

***I wrote this yesterday, intending to finish, but took the day off instead and was in bed watching tv on my computer all day instead! ;) ***

Today, this is it. It finally hit me. I moved to NY*. I talked about it for so long (and I don’t know that I even believed I would do it… not so soon, and not so quickly anyway.) The people are new. I’m in a new place by myself. It’s going to be freezing and I’ll have to wear 4 layers of clothes…. I’ll have to buy those clothes first as we don’t really have a need for winter jackets or boots in FL. I can’t just hop in my car and drive an hour and a half and be back home.

I finally feel like I’m at a point where I can look back and say, “Wow, this is what I’ve been working for.” It’s absolutely weird and amazing to take a second and realize that. For such a long period of time I’ve had tunnel vision. I couldn’t really focus on anything that didn’t involve planning my move to NY. It’s as if my point of reality had shifted. And now, to sit here and be in NY is unreal! At the same time, I feel like the last few months have been a blur. Where did all that time go? Did I spend enough time with people that I won’t see for a while?

***PICTURE BREAK***

my view during lunch break:

... Website is giving me a hard time, so apparently that's all for now..

Finally!

2008-10-01T07:46:00.000-04:00

We're finally here! Got everything moved into the apartment yesterday. Now it's just a matter of unpacking boxes and getting some furniture. As of now all I've got is bed (no frame), nightstand, printer stand, desk, and desk shelf.

Where are all my books and bags going to live?? :)

...Why did I move from our big spacious house in FL again?

Pictures to follow sooooon!

Pictures!!! and a video or two

2008-09-25T21:14:00.000-04:00

Aaaaaa Central Park.

Huge Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie in the Park

The view from my blanket in the park

Stress relief after thinking I wasn't going to find an apt. in time to get here and get back before the 1st of Oct.

The front of my Jersey/ Oh so close to Manhattan Apt.

My new neighborhood
Front Entrance
Bedroom. The cat is NOT staying. Booooo for cats! Wait, why am I posting pictures? I have video tour! (The kid does not come with the apt either... it's the landlady's grandson)

Museum of Natural History

The subway art for the Museum stop :)

Street Festival we wandered into while trying to find our cookies you saw at the beginning

Everyone waiting for "Diddy"

(If you're thinking "huh?" refer back to the previous posting)

See that head wearing sunglasses in front of the bush... that's my Celine Dion Picture.

And then a tour bus drove in front of us. HA!

This just makes me sad... Paris Hilton on the cover of National Geographic?

I have nothing more to say

:::shaking and lowering head in shame and dissapointment:::

Taking off from LaGuardia :)

Manhattan at night from the plane. In the lower left hand corner when the video starts is Central Park. We're flying TOWARDS downtown.

..oh, and I chilled with Oface and waited 45 min. in line for a buger at the Shake Shack

( you knew it was coming)

Cozy up... it's long one!

2008-09-24T20:43:00.000-04:00

I’m back!!! It’s been a few days, but it actually wasn’t because I didn’t want to post. For the first time in my ‘diary’ career, I wanted to write, but just couldn’t find time. Then there was a bit where I was just too stressed to do anything other than frantically look for apartments.

BUT, I’m sitting in the LaGuardia Airport as I write this… so I think I’ve found a little bit of time ;) . I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people run in an airport as I have at LaGuardia. And I’m not talking random people wearing street clothes like you normally see. No, all these people I watch run by are business men and women, in their suits, with their briefcases. It just makes me think, how do they get things done on time in business? Or then again, maybe they’re late to the airport because they’re so good at their jobs?….They just had to get that one last thing taken care of before they left the office! Ooh! There goes another one! This one in a black suit, glasses and a RED tie… still with briefcase J Probably the best dressed one I’ve seen yet.

I must admit, I wrote this in word then copied it to blogspot. I was so excited to get out the laptop my dad lent me and to connect to the wi-fi. Then, I found out that unlike the Charlotte Airport, LaGuardia charges you for the use of theirs. No-thank you! (run-by) My entertainment for when I found out the Internet was not an option: real life secret service action!! A group a people dressed in suits sat behind me, talking Spanish. A bit later, they were joined by one man and one woman wearing black suits and ear pieces. They disappeared into the end of the concourse. Then 2 police officers and another agent followed.

Eventually, they along with the others before them and even more people in business suits came walking back down. I was fixated on the woman agent. She didn’t look any older than me!!! No more than 30 (since I think we all know I’m not a good guesser of age). How did she get to that place so quickly? When did she start pursuing it? How do you even GET to be a secret service agent. (run-by) Then she talked into her sleeve! Actually held the cuff of it, brought it up to her face as she leaned a bit downward and began to speak. I couldn’t help but stare. HOW COOL! And GOOD FOR HER!

Ooh! That story reminds me: the second person I was stay with, Paul and I were walking around in Central Park. We were on our way to get lunch when we noticed people standing around one of the fancy hotels, body guard and official looking people standing by the door. We thought, “ooh! Someone good must be getting ready to come out.” I made Paul wait just so we could see who it was. We asked a guy nearby if he knew who we were waiting for. His response, “Diddy.” Hahahaha! We stood a while longer. However, the longer we waited, the less we thought we were waiting on Diddy. More people started asking each other who we were all waiting to see, but no one knew!!! We couldn’t leave yet though! We had already waited too long to leave now. There needed to be a pay off! We joked how it would probably be someone no one even knew! Lo and behold out walks Celine Dion. And then there was a double decker bus. DOH! Blast the people who weren’t waiting forever and got a better view than we did. Below are pictures from the wait and the only one semi-minuscule pay off picture!

Well.. I was going to load pictures, but it's being weird. So, I'll probably do just a picture post sometime soon.

Ah! New York just keeps getting better. As I’m sitting here typing, a woman walks up to me and says “hey, I just wanted to ask you, and this is awkward. Do you want to go to the club?” And I’m thinking ummmm “1. Aren’t you a bit old for that? 2. What club? 3. Wait, I don’t know about you, but I’m waiting for a flight OUT!” Then she tells me that she got to the airport early and remembers she pays for the club room and is allowed to bring a guest. She saw me working on the computer and thought I might light to do it in a nicer quieter environment. There are still nice people! And I’m actually quite impressed by the kindness of the people I’ve come across in NY. Granted there are still all the people that will swindle you… but this trip thus far has been very pleasant. And to think, this is just the start!

I guess I should give the run down for those I haven’t told yet. I don’t remember at what point in the story I stopped writing, so here’s what I think you need to know:
- Canceled return portion of ticket back to Jacksonville
- Had to leave first people I was staying with, didn’t know where I was going to go
- My first host, Lena had a friend Paul I had met and was willing to take me in.
- Job at the Chart House in Weehawken seems like a go. I’m supposed to go back in the first week of Oct. to start some training.
- The apt. search seemed that it didn’t have an end near. I searched, I e-mailed, I called, I got nothing, I saw crap.
- I found a lead on a girl with a condo in New Jersey, we met, I thought it went VERY well. I told her I needed to think about it and that I would get back to her in a day or two.
- Lena remembered she had a friend who was also looking for an apt. We met, she thought she had one or two leads on an apt., but lets me know there’s a potential roommate/ apt. situation she might enter with 2 other girls. The apts. turn out to be not much.
- I call the girl from Jersey back and tell her I’m ready to proceed to the next step if she is and I get the Heisman. She tells me she’s got other people viewing it that night and will give me a call back the next day. I was shocked…. And a bit depressed! I didn’t know what to do. Now I had nothing again. Back to square one again when I was thinking I was going to be able to go back to Jax. In the next day or two.
- Paul and I go get an AWESOMELY amazing cookie with milk and have it in Central Park. A little peek for you:

[PICTURES TO COME LATER]

- We go back to his apartment and his roommate seems to give me a look with undertones of “why are you still here?” I go into the room. I hear her and him talking quietly. He comes in the room and I ask if everything’s ok, and he shakes his head. I asked if I’ve overstayed my welcome, to which he responds “I think, maybe… yeah.” Apparently, the roommate was not so happy I was still there and seemed to want me out.
- Seems I would have to find ANOTHER place to stay… perhaps a hostel. I go into frantic mode again and start searching for more apartments/ roommate situations.
- I make an appointment to see a room for rent. The guy owns a condo and rents out the two bedrooms separately. There apparently was already a Korean guy in the other room who would be there for 4 months. (The room is rented out month to month at minimum). I start preparing myself to suck it up, take the room and get on with things.
- I go to the building the next day. The apartment is beautiful. The rent is great! The location is AWESOME! But… I’d be sharing with some total stranger guy who wasn’t even there for me to meet. P.S. the building super had to show me the apartment because the owner couldn’t make it at the time I wanted to see it.
- The super tells me he does have other rooms in the building available for rent. We actually run into the lady in the hall who has one of the two spaces for rent (but to my understanding the only available one the super knew of).
- He takes me to that apartment. Turns out it was a one bedroom. I thought, “well, there goes that idea; back to the room with the stranger. And then he tells me the rent. “Wait! I can afford that! And I wouldn’t need a roommate… meh.” I thank him and then take off out of the building.
- After a few minutes, I think things through a bit, I walk around the block and realize I like the neighborhood (it’s not first choice, but it’s CUTE… and for what I’m getting, DEFINITELY worth it), there are parks close by for Keona, I CAN BRING KEONA, I won’t have to find a roommate, I get all the space to myself, and my land lady seems nice AND is willing to go down on the rent a bit for me!! Oh, and there’s a washer dryer facility downstairs and a dishwasher in the unit….luxuries around those parts!! Ha! Who’d have thought! I go back and talk to her a bit more, she offers to feed lunch and with that I told her (run-by, oh! 2 more!) “I’LL TAKE IT!” (3 women run-by!)

- I HAD FOUND MYSELF AN APARTMENT! ONE THAT I COULD AFFORD..well, at least I think I can afford it! With a land lady that likes to feed me. And I didn’t give into (double run-by) the evil brokers who wanted to keep upping my budget! (suckers!)
- I signed the lease
- I got the keys
- I booked a ticket back to FL
- And now I’m in the airport.
- I left my suitcase with clothes behind and brought only carry-ons
- The plan is to pack up and do some planning Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, have a going away spiel Friday night (maybe another in the city that I don’t do it in Friday on Saturday). Then, Hit the road for NY on Saturday or Sunday. At that point you can reach Stephanie in New York! J

(3 woman run-by, 1 more, a man, and another woman!)

Have I mentioned how much I love my land-lady!?! I just got off the phone with her and she’s such a mom figure. “Call me when you get there!” Cuuuuuute!

Side Note:

2008-09-18T21:22:00.000-04:00

New York is definitely fancy. There are lots of new restaurants to try, all kinds of products that you want to get your hands on, and definitely lots of things to see! But I'm finding (even though I already knew what about about to say, it's amazing how real it becomes) unless you've got money to spend, NY is by no means glamorous. I think I've spent about 50% of my trip if not more riding a subway, walking to a subway, walking from the subway, riding a bus, in a taxi, or on the PATH train. Unless you're with someone, people typically tend to spend this time ignoring everyone else. It's a bit sad to me.

Although, I do have a better impression of people here then the last time I visited NY. If you're looking at a map, it doesn't take more than about a minute for someone to ask if you need help. The other day I even had a gentleman offer to carry my suitcase up the stairs from the subway. I don't know what people are talking about when they say New Yorkers are cold. I've found the majority of them to be very helpful!

About the apt. hunt:
The property that I was in love with was no longer available... go figure. But I did look at some other properties. There was one that was BEAUTIFUL. BUT, it was 3,950... yes, that's per month. And it was only a 2 BR. It could be converted to a 3, but then there would be no living room.

I did visit a girl in New Jersey (about a 30 min. ride from Midtown) that is renting out a room. She was very nice. The place was spacious (there would be lots of room for New Year's visitors!!!!!! wink wink wink) . There's a nice park for Keona nearby. And the best part is the rent is only $800 (utilities included). I know you're thinking "ONLY?" But trust me, that's a steal for an apartment that isn't the size of a twin bed. The only thing about it is there's not much within short walking distance. I would be taking a lot of buses. It seems like a pretty good deal, esp. with the situation I'm in. I just can't bear to let go of the idea of living in the city just yet. I know it will come it time, I just want it now! (stomps feet and pounds fists like a little child).

:) I'm thinking I'll either go with that one for now or rent a 2 bedroom no living room for about $2080 (1040/person) in SOHO-ish area. But that is $240 more... and I'd be living in one of those shoe boxes.

Opinions? Feedback?.... both would be greatly welcome!!!!

One apartment, Two apartment, Three apartment, Four...

2008-09-17T23:33:00.001-04:00

Oh, wait... no, I'm still trying to find one! :)

BUT....today was promising. All yesterday I e-mailed about room shares and into this morning. I probably sent out about 15-20. Out of those, two people responded. Yes, you read it right... two people. But, I did find a website that listed no fee apartments. Oh, you don't know what a no-fee is? That's because in FL we rent from the property. Here in NY, the brokers run the world!!! You can't really rent anythig without running into one of these monsters and scheduling an appointment, then paying them 1 months rent - 15% of the annual rent. No-fee rentals are buildings that don't work through a broker. You can go to the property directly and rent from the management, and the best part about it: you don't have to pay anyone else money!!!

The apartments were small. They didn't have living rooms. But, they were relativly in my budget and in a fun neighborhood in Alphabet City. I saw a few that might work for starter apartments. I definitely wouldn't want to stay in them longer than a year. Might I add, I absolutely loved the neighborhood! All the other apartments I've looked at have been in questionable places. THEN, a few buildings down from this property, there was a really nice apartment building. I thought for sure I wouldn't be able to afford anything in there. After talking to the doorman... well desk guy (poor kid, I think that was his first job ever), I realized I might be able to.

I did some more research into their management company and found a listing that I have fallen in love with. It is a bit more than I originally planned my budget for. Also, I would need two roommates and not just one. But it looks like it would be beautiful! And it's in Chelsea.... AND, they take pets! I'm probably getting my hopes up, but I'm going to call to view it tomorrow.

No pictures tonight (even though I do still have a lot to post). I just wanted to update on the apartment situation.

:)

Walking Adventures and a Job

2008-09-15T22:56:00.000-04:00

I went to the Weehawken, NJ Chart House and it's seems that that is good to go as well. I'll still have to have a bit of training, and do some follow shifts, then take and audit, but it's seems as though the manager is going to give me a job! YAY! AAAND... he's ok with it only being three nights a week for now (I'll be at the gallery Wed-Sat 11-6.. no time for making dinner shifts). So, that only leaves Sun., Mon., and Tues.. I hope I can afford my NY rent on 12 days of work a month. I guess if I'd be able to anywhere, Chart House is a good place to start. I was told they do around 800+ covers..... on a slow night! That was our Christmas day booking. Granted, this one is a lot bigger and they run on probably no less than 23 servers as compared to our 10-15, but still! It should be exciting.

Side note: a friend of the girl I'm staying with here went with me out to Weehawken.. and we went on a little side adventure once I was done with my interview:

(that would be jersey)

(and... the lincoln tunnel.. way far back)

***I had to look back at my pictures to remember what I've done the past two days besides not finding an apt./ roommate yet. Ha... aaaaaah. And, I didn't realize I had so many pictures and things I hadn't mentioned. So here's a quick break down:

(trapeze on building at one of the piers... I'm still learning all the names. Nicole, I'm guessing this is where they filmed the part from Sex in the City, yeah?)

A rememberance ceremony a buddhist organization put on for the 9/11 victims and families. It's kind of hard to make out, but in the very foreground that line of lights is a row of lanterns that people personalized. They were attached to a kayak that was paddled out and then the lanterns were released. (Jennifer, thanks for the tip! It was hard to get close for many good pictures, but it was nice to be there.)

Random shot of Empire State Building from Chelsea Piers

Random shot of Empire State Building and Dumpster Trucks..... ha!

Church on the Columbia campus (exterior)

(interior)

Things you'd only see in NY (well, maybe not)

-A homeless man push his cart of plastic bottles and cans onto the subway... fall asleep while said cart rolls around into nearest pole, seat, or person. He caught it sometimes....

-3 boys running around corner and downstreet acting as if they stole something... a bit further up a glance in a restaurant reveals a mystified man (server/ manager) wondering where the kids that were eating went. The look on his face was heartbreaking. It's like he really couldn't believe they ran out on their check.

-3 transexuals in a convertible in greenwich village while a line of fireman walk to their truck look on with expressions on their face of "did you just see that too?" (2 episodes of sex in the city combined... doesn't get any better than that)

Well, it was quick for y'all but took forever for me. There are so many more to post, but I'm so tired. Thus, 'tis the end for tonight.

'night!

2008-09-13T02:58:00.000-04:00

I can already tell this blogging adventure might suffer the same fate my attempts at diary writing did. I'm always so excited about writing, but then when I actually go to do it I lose steam. I get about 4 entries... then I'm done for about 3 years. We shall see! Nicole had been telling me that I should do this so that I could keep friend and family up to speed. I was hesitant for quite awhile since I know how I am with things that need to be done daily :(

BUT, I finally gave in when my sister requested to see the pictures of the Brooklyn Bridge. Why wait to show her? Why not just post them? Thus, I gave into the blog. I still have mixed emotions as I feel that people have better things to be doing than reading about what I'm doing., so why invest time in typing it all? But it means alot that so many of you do care so much, are intrested, and want to know how things are. Thanks so much for all the support and congratulations!

I do have more good news! BUUUUUUT, it's not official yet and there are some more details to be worked out, so that will come later. I'm still trying to figure out housing and when I'm going to be able to do a final move, dog, cameras, computer and all!

Random stuff that I wanted to post yesterday, but didn't make it to:

I found an eatery/deli/ I don't know what to call it that I fell IN LOVE with! Cafe on Broadway between 85th and 86th. They have it all... and fresh! Fresh cut fruit, parfaits, pre-made meals (chx parmigan, sun dried tomato penne and lots of others!), pasta salads, wraps, panini, make your own salads, and even pastries. Oh my did they have pastries! Everything looked sooooo good that I couldn't stop myself. I ended up with a fruit and yogurt cup (I don't even like yogurt, it just looked so good! Lucky for me it tasted the same and apparently I like that yougurt!), a dish of tomato, cheese, and basil pasta, an oriental chicken wrap (and I'm not talking a chinsy one, I'm talking terryaki chicken, broccoli, snow peas, water chesnuts, cashews, and red peppers), and a peanut butter brownie! MMMMMMMM :) And all for $17. I made 3 meals out of it! Guess where I'll be frequenting!

(I'm not a food photographer, I know)

On the way to the cafe, I saw these three older women walking arm in arm. One of them was laughing like she was 15 again, with such heart behind it. I couldn't help but smile! Made me think of a few girls I know back at home ;)

And I will say, one thing I love about NY is that my legs HURT, everyday when I get back to where I'm staying. And I'm not just talking about a little bit of soreness... I'm talking cramps and stiffness especially in the calves. I actually got a cramp in my foot the other day as I was going down the stairs of the subway. I almost lost my shoe! I imagine people thought I was a bit nutty. But, I'm so glad they do hurt because that means they're getting some exercise!! :)

Least favorite thing, but still kind of funny: I had a broker hang up on me today. Guess that will happen when he makes you wait an hour in the rain and you tell him that you'll pass on his services since he apparently doesn't know how to pick up a phone. Gotta love the NY brokers! Makes you wonder, "what runs through their minds that tells them it's ok to hang up on someone who has just reason to be mad at their unprofessionalism?" Great customer service. I'll be referring you to my friends.... riiiiiiiiight (at the better business bureau, maybe).

Random NY pictures:

(I can't wait to see a REAL autumn again!! And winter should be fun! I hope there's ALOT of snow) Who's joining the party?! : New Year's '09- NEW YORK!

And Martin, this one is for you. I took it when we were taking off from Charlotte.

And, I have a video I want to post too, but it's 4:30 in the morning, so that can wait for later! 'Night

I <3 NY (and I just got here!)

2008-09-11T14:48:00.000-04:00

Some of you know, but for those that don't, it has been my intention recently to move to NY. My lease in Daytona was up as of August 15th. As that date quickly approached, I thought "so, what next?... I think it's time to move on, but to what!?" I've always felt like I wanted to live in NY, at least for a little bit, but always thought it would be later. However, recent issues that developed in my personal life caused me to ask myself, "WHY LATER? WHY NOT NOW?"

So I packed up the puppy and moved home with my parents... with thoughts in my mind of moving to NY shortly afterwards. I'm lucky enough to have parents that gladly took me back in, fed me, and put up with my dog and all his late night barking, so that I could throw myself into coordinating a move, a job, internship, and a place to stay. I've been researching the move (apt. costs, areas of town to live in), and feeling out the job market. Originally, I was planning to visit NY at the end of August, but that fell through as I couldn't find a place to stay (I am on a budget, you know). I tried again for the middle of September. I set my dates for the 10th-15th once an old friend from school confirmed that she could have me those days. This wonderful, very helpful friend of mine (that I'm now gratefuly indebted to) was unable to host me the original days of August as her mom was in town. This is important. I will come back to it! :)

About 2 weeks before I left, I began sending out e-mails, resumes, looking into housing options, and scheduling appointments as people began responding to my e-mails. Come to find out, a good amount of galleries here are closed in August or at least for the later portion of it, and then re-open in Sept... Now, I'm a big believer in things working out when they're supposed to... and in this case that could not have been more true! If my forementioned friend would have been able to have me in August, it probably wouldn't have mattered much for me (in the area of finding a job/ internship) since galleries were closed! HA. How's that for serendipity?!

I am getting to some really good news... so stay with me. There will be pretty pictures in the mean time! :)

My first day here (the 10th) I traveled around the city with my friend's boyfriend to familiarize myself with the area.

This is the subway station outside of their apt.. Not too many that are above ground, so that was neat.

There was a gallery opening in Brooklyn I wanted to go to, so he was helping me figure out the subways so as not to get lost on my way there. I got to the opening, but when it was time to go back, I didn't really know where the subway station was (sometimes they're a bit tricky with coming and going until you get the hang of it). I saw a pair of stairs leading up to what I thought would be the subway. Instead, this is what I saw:

HA! Imagine my suprise! I'm thinking I'm going to see dingy subway, and instead I'm in awe. I thought to myself "All of the crap that New Yorkers put up with... it's things like this that must the reason they stay (and LOVE it!). Notice the two light beams to the left at Ground Zero.

I decided, "forget the subway, I'M WALKING!" And that's what I did. I walked my happy, speechless behind over the Brooklyn Bridge. :) And here are some more pictures:

AND: a fun 360 degree video (I think that's the right one.. and I'm new to blogspot, so I hope it works)

Anywho, got up this morning and got ready for my first interview at the Silverstein Gallery (a photo gallery in Chelsea). Thought I was almost going to be late... it took an hour to get there!! But I was there with a few minutes to spare. Luckily I did have enough time to do two things on the way:

- to stop at a market and get some visine (boo for my whole bottle sitting at home). My eyes have been pretty red since I got here. I think they're a bit sun burnt... is that possible?? (I forgot my glasses yesterday, and then again today) Didn't want the person interviewing me to think them red for some other reason.

-to pull my fancy shoes out of my bag and switch them out with the flip flops I had been wearing. I've never been more all about big bags then I have been on this trip! ;)

I was in the interview for about 10 minutes, and she offered it to me! I WAS OFFERED AN INTERNSHIP AT A PHOTO GALLERY IN CHELSEA!!!!!! She wants to know how soon I can start!! So, now I have to figure out what to do about a place to stay. Do I even use the return portion of my ticket or do I just stay here?? Lord knows I packed enough clothes to last at least a month!

That's my good news! I'm about all blogged out. I think it's long enough anyway! :) Hopefully more good news (and pictures) soon to follow! :)