Target, you suck in New York

So I, like many women, love shopping. I don’t even have to buy anything, I just love the comfort of being in certain stores. Target is one of those stores.  I love the cheaper prices and the huge variety. I could seriously browse through the store for hours. Living out in New York, Target always makes me think of Minnesota which brings comfort and memories of my college days:)  Well sadly, Target is nothing like it is in Minnesota. Sure it has the same branding and products, but the prices and organization in Target stores in New York aren’t the same at all. Now I am not speaking for all Targets in New York. I do know that in the boroughs of New York City there are Targets in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. I live in Manhattan–the only borough that doesn’t have a Target! The one that’s closest to me is the one in the Bronx, but I don’t know how to get there…so I have gone to the Brooklyn one. The first time I went I was with Madelynn Furlong and we were in need of some “Minnesota comfort.” This was before we fell in love with New York mind you:) and we were incredibly disappointed with the service, prices, and overall “aura” of it.  We spent most of the time pointing out all the ways it was different than our “sweet” Targets in Minnesota. It was a grand time with a grand friend:)

Well tonight was the second time I went because I had to pick something up at the pharmacy. I don’t know if it was because I went there alone, or the fact that the holidays make all stores a mess, but I didn’t really enjoy myself, which makes me sick because I know how much I’m supposed to love the store! The clothing selection is dumb, there are hardly any sales, and every single department was like I said before a mess. So while I love this city more and more every day, Target isn’t the same here, and I probably won’t make an effort to go their often. Especially when we have amazing value stores up in Harlem;) BUT I am very excited to go to Target in Minnesota next week! When Vadim and I go home for Christmas!!!

The Cocktail Party on Park Avenue

On Monday evening I swear Chuck Bass or Serena Van Der Woodsen could have been in the midst of the guests I was serving. I was asked by a friend back in November if I would like to help seve at a cocktail party on the Upper East Side. It was in the evening, paid well (and in cash), and would add to my unique New York experiences. So of course I said sure! Now I have never waitressed, and that’s been on purpose. I am a clumsy person my nature, and was kind of nervous that I could be passing a tray of wine classes, one handed, amidst over 100 people… am I painting a picture for you? I was just nervous I would make a fool of myself in front of many posh Upper East Siders.  But thankfully, I just passed around food in a Santa hat:)  There were mini hamburgers, grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, and pigs in a blanket; and everyone just simply grabbed off the tray. It was so funny walking around because most of the men weren’t shy at all, and most of the women longingly looked at the food but wouldn’t have any. Towards the end of the party I started walking around with desserts…that was when the women were really not giving in. I was passing around Rice Krispie Treats and small cookie ice cream sandwiches. Just have one, c’mon that is not going to kill you!  It was entertaining to say the least:)

So this “apartment”…it was huge! Like the size of the main floor of the house I lived in in Roseville! And for New York, that’s some space. The event was catered by Sotheby’s and had something to do with it maybe? I don’t even know! But the couple hosting it at their place were so incredibly sweet and they had 2 adorable young children! It was so great to see people with obviously a good income be so sweet and generous. On our way out of the apartment the children told us to have a Merry Christmas and gave us jingle bell bracelets. SO PRECIOUS. And definitely got me in the spirit:)  It was such a fun night. Who ever thought I would even set foot in an apartment on Park Avenue?! AND walk around with a tray in the air, wearing a Santa hat? I think that’s what they call making the most of every random opportunity. And this was so much better than selling comedy tickets;)

Time Flies When You Have a Job.

The past two weeks have been incredibly busy and flown by faster than any weeks thus far in NYC.  My first week at the salon has been great! I really enjoy the people I work with and I have loved getting to meet Joanna’s clients.  The location is so cool too. It’s right on the corner of 5th Ave and 42nd street so Bryant Park is like right there, which is a wonderful place to get away and sit and people watch. I had to work all day last Saturday and when I came home I walked in to a candlelit apartment. I turned on the light and the apartment was spotless. Vadim had cleaned the whole apartment–well except the bathroom because he doesn’t like to do that–so it’s my job:)  Then on Sunday, Vadim planned a date for us. He packed a thermos of hot cocoa and we made our way down to the Brooklyn Bridge.  We didn’t get directions for how to get there we just went downtown, testing the direction we had in our heads. We walk quite a bit but we found it, walked across it, and can now check that off the list:)

Vadim made cocoa to bring to the bridge

He loves this hat!

I have to say that now that I have a job and some place I am expected to be, I am really liking NYC. It is a place that grows on you.  It helps that it’s the holiday season and everywhere you go here you feel like you’re in a movie. Working down by Times Square I really feel like a New Yorker–I walk fast and have no patience for tourists. haha

On Thursday in Bryant Park there was “Carol-oke” sponsered by TJ-Maxx and Marshalls. I went on my lunch break w/my friend Madeline not because I wanted to sing, but because “Finn” and “Puck” from Glee were there singing! I didn’t get there in time to hear them sing, but we were standing near the media tent, so when they were getting interviewed we were right there. Madeline wanted to go for Finn. I wanted to go for Puck. Cory (Finn) is just as dorky in real life, and I feel like Mark (Puck) is just as sleazy…whatever. They saw us and smiled and we felt pretty good about that.  I love the random events that I randomly find out about in this city. It blows me away how fast time flies now that I have full time job, but I do love that now as life picks up Vadim and I get to explore this place even more:)

I am thankful. Very thankful.

So this is Thanksgiving week. The energy is very high as many people are excited about the break from school, work, and time to relax and enjoy three of my favorite things: family, food, and football:) This is an incredibly busy week for me, but I have hardly stopped smiling. Yesterday I worked at MTV from 9:30-5:30 and then went to Banana Republic from 6-10. I get to do the same thing today. Yes it’s a little exhausting, but strangely I feel joyful about it. I love seeing God’s timing at work. I got a temporary full time job! I am going to be the receptionist at Joanna Vargas Skin Care. Originally it was going to be temporary for 2-3 weeks, but I went into interview and she really liked me, so who knows, it may turn into a permanent thing. That job starts friday! It’s a 9-6 job and I work Tuesday-Saturday. The Saturday thing will take a little getting used to, but sacrifices have to be made, and I know this job won’t be forever, so I know it’s doable. This week I will be working at three different jobs. Next week too. We have been living out in New York for almost 4 months. And finally, a way to make an income is happening. I am so thankful for work. It may not be what I thought it was going to be. And I may not be thinking I am putting my college education to good work yet, but this is the first step. And I am so thankful I will have dependability in a job.

Our first Thanksgiving in NYC is upon us and we are pumped for all of the festivities! I work at MTV again tomorrow, but we get out early! Then it’s off to get ready to see the balloons get blown up in Central Park for the MACY’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Then we get to GO to the parade Thursday:) And then our Thanksgiving feast begins at 2 p.m. along with Wii, football, and other games. And pies, and meat and potatoes, and wine. Oh boy I am so thankful and so excited!  

I loved that this was the verse of the day:  So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

The Bowery Hotel.

Last night I did another event with Gotham PR down close to NYU. It was at Relative Space on Bond Street and was an architectural event. The space was so unique. There was student work being judged that was supposed to represent nature. There were all kinds of animals made of different wood flooring. Very creative. For food there was little paninis and PB&Js all cut up and delicious. I seriously had about ten and would have had more if we wouldn’t have left! A girl I worked with, Aerin, and I were constantly looking at all the outfits coming through the door. Much different than the Antilia event we did a couple weeks ago where everyone was dress to kill. The artistic influence of the people attending this event was quite clear. I am jealous on how some people can just get away with wearing the craziest combinations and it just works for them! I have just accepted the fact that I will never be extremely fashionable. I’m ok with it, knowing that there is room to grow, which is clear because since living out in New York I have gotten out of my sweatshirt and jeans every day mode to skinny jeans and leggings. wohoo:)

After the event we all went to the Bowery Hotel to celebrate Angela’s birthday (Gotham co-worker). What an amazing place. It’s a must-go-to if there is such a thing. There are candles everywhere. So of course we got wine to celebrate her birthday:) I can’t even remember how the conversation got started, but Robert Pattinson came up in it. Angela was saying how she had the biggest crush on him and she thought she saw him walk by–in the restaurant. I said I didn’t believe her, so the two of us went to the bathroom so we could get a better look. Sure enough, Robert was sitting with a group of people enjoying a meal at the Bowery. He was in his black hat that he wears often, and Kristen Stewart was sitting next to him. So crazy that they were in the Bowery with us as New Moon comes out tonight and I know of so many who are excited about the midnight showing. The cast of Twilight is on a lot of shows here in NY from the Today Show, to Regis & Kelly, to the Ellen Show; I guess I was a little surprised that a day before the premiere I was dining at the same restaurant with the stars of such an epic movie.  The Bowery was such a great place w/out the mega stars and I plan to return:) The celebs were just a nice bonus and a fun story to tell.

 

Living in the Past.

Being in a new environment and a new city, I have nothing that is familiar besides my sweet Vadim, which is an adventure, but really hard. I love, absolutely love living in the moment. I often re-live memories of my past, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but sometimes it keeps me from truly enjoying the present. Vadim is the exact opposite. He is so concerned with the future that he doesn’t realize the present is pretty important too. So I guess we balance each other–but lately I feel like I have been clinging to the past because it’s comfort. I find myself on Facebook, often just to see how life is being lived by my friends in Minnesota, Texas, and Wisconsin; thinking of the memories I might be making there. I finally opened up to Vadim about this just to try and understand why I love living in the past. He didn’t give me a direct answer(go figure), but being able to explain what was going through my head helped me to understand that it had a lot to do with comfort and emotions and not wanting to deal with reality: the present.

So since then, which was a few nights ago, I have been trying to keep my mind on the present. And this is what it looks like. I live in New York City. A place many dream about living but never get to. There is so much to experience here and I have hardly scratched the surface. We are really liking it here. We like the experiences we get to have–which I love blogging about:) We love the cultures that we see colliding all around us. We LOVE getting ready for the holidays here in the city. The skating rinks and Christmas lights and the MACY’s THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE:) Excited about that one. So gradually we are becoming New Yorkers. Not sure how long we will be here, but blessed and thankful for every day we are given here. There’s no time like the present:)

The past is amazing. I miss all of my amazing friends at Northwestern, in Grantsburg, and Texas, and all my family all over the country. I miss the memories and hilarious moments and comfort of it all. But I am being stretched here in New York and this is where the Lord has us right now. He’s teaching us how important it is to love this city right now. And that’s what we’re learning to do. Day by day.

Twenty-one Jewish 4 & 5 year olds.

I had my first experience as a substitute teacher on Monday at a Jewish school on the Upper West Side. My class consisted of twenty-one 4 & 5 year olds with lots and lots of energy. Now, subbing at this school isn’t like “normal” subbing–if it was I wouldn’t really be qualified.  There are always three teachers in the class to give the students more quality attention. So one of the teachers for the Pre-K class had to call in because of her sick kids, so there I was with my little Jewish kiddies. I came in while they were doing stations and I helped out at the table where the kids were cutting up fruit to make a fruit salad. At this table were 4 boys, 3 of which I soon learned like to cause trouble. The biggest trouble maker was named Aden which is funny because that is a name both Vadim and I really like, but after this little stink butt in class not so sure I want my boy named Aden. Ya know how knowing someone with a certain name can change the way you feel about the name? He was an adorable boy, but a bit of a fighter, literally. At both recesses we had he ran around scaring and hitting kids, oh boy.

I felt most out of place when we had music time. We all sat in a circle and a guy from the high school came in with his song book and guitar and taught the kids jewish songs. I need to point out that all the teachers and pretty much everyone who works at this school are Jewish, and well, I am not. So I got to learn some Jewish songs, having no idea what I was singing… Probably the funniest moment of the day was when we were have recess on the 6th floor rooftop and the fire alarm went off. One of the teachers was on her lunch break so there was me and another teacher guiding 21 Pre-K kids down 6 flights of stairs. They did so well! And had no idea what was going on. Before I knew it, it was time to say Shalom to everyone, and one by one the adorable little ones left with their parents/nannies.

Tonight as I was walking to the train station from Banana Republic I saw one of the little boys that was in my class! I waved and smiled and he waved back. It made my evening. Those kids, even without trying, took a little piece of my heart.

It’s called Carnival.

I got the opportunity to help work an event with Gotham PR last night. We teamed up with Antilia Inc. and Carnival 2009 NYC was created. The event was held in the extravagant penthouse at Tribeca Rooftop. The space was amazing, and as soon as you stepped off the elevator it was like you were in another world. The view was incredible too with big windows all the way around it. Carnival had everything from real coconuts to drink from, to authentic carnival attire displayed by models on the runway, to stilts dancers, to Tyson Beckford:hunky model/actor. And it was part of my job description to take him up with another girl working w/Gotham to the green room. Wow, ok!. What a sweet thing to look at he is. And he’s so sweet too! I still love Vadim w/all my heart, but I think even he would agree that Tyson is easy on the eyes. The biggest surprise of the night for me was the concert by Manchel Montano, known as the king of Soca. He is an incredible entertainer. I was blown away by how fun his concert was, and you cannot help but dance to his music. I don’t care who you are, you will want to move! Plus, he usually only does concerts to the tens of thousands, so being able to see him with only 400 people in the room, and me having VIP access, was a pretty cool experience.

So needless to say I got to help work an amazing event, and now I want to go to Trinidad and Tobago! My first event in NYC was a success and I am so excited to be a part of more in the future.

I found a Gem. Literally.

It’s no secret that nothing comes cheap in this city. With the only Target way down in Brooklyn, there are no places to get household essentials for cheap. Now I have heard that there is a Costco opening up near us at like 119th and Lexington, but it hasn’t opened yet, and until then, what’s a girl to do. Well…yesterday I went to the CVS pharmacy near us (they are EVERYWHERE in the city) to see if they had fans. You see my husband has to sleep with one on at night–habit he picked up from his college buddy Scott Jilek–and ours broke.  They didn’t have any; so I went next door to Marshalls and they didn’t have any either. The guy working said I should try the place across the street, called GEM: Super Value Store.

GEM is floor to ceiling in cheapness. You can get anything from Christmas decorations, to shampoo, to slippers for the whole family. Going to a white elephant party? This would be your one stop shop:) There were fans there, but I didn’t get one because I want Vadim to pick out one he likes. haha. My purchase of the evening was a dust pan! So pumped because we haven’t had one since we’ve been here. We haven’t been able to find a place that sells them for less than $7. GEM’s price on the dustpan: 99 cents. glorious.

TODAY I went back to GEM to get a cart. Carts are essential for people who have to walk a few blocks to grocery shop and do laundry. Vadim and I have been lugging our laundry 5 blocks. Doesn’t sound like very far, but when the laundry gets as full as we let it, those are long blocks.  Today, after I purchased my cart for $24.99, I took it home, put the laundry in the cart and headed off. It was amazing having that cart! Well worth the purchase. After I started the load of wash I went out to explore this place called CONWAY, just a block down the way. I am in search of a wig for Halloween and wondered if they might have one. They don’t. But man oh man, cheap clothing! And more cheap household essentials too. I walked all around that store and was so excited to have a place to come back to that I can purchase clothes. Some of the prices are comparable to Goodwill. Especially the ones out here.

I walked back to the laundry mat very happy about the places I found. They are both going to come in handy-especially as the holidays approach. It’s nice to be able to be thrifty in an unthrifty place like Manhattan is. There are little gems here. You just gotta go looking:)

I’m a Working Woman

Well I guess this week was the week. I am a part of a temp agency and last week they called asking if I would be open to doing daily temp work. What this means is that when they get calls from companies needing someone to fill in for the day, the agency has a list of people they call. I got added to that list.

Besides that, this is my first week at Banana Republic. That’s right. My first job in retail! My position is Sales Support which means Customer Service and a ton of folding and organizing on the floor. A girl I work with said that the majority of my shifts are going to be til close–which is also something I’m not used to. I’ve never worked later than 8pm. Now I am working til 10:30pm. I enjoy it there. The people are fun and the environment isn’t that stressful. Doesn’t hurt that I get a sweet discount too I’m starting at part time and hope to either work up to full time or be able to get a full time job I can work in addition to BR.

So this temping thing. I got a call Monday morning at 9am asking if I was available to go in to work at MTV for the day as a receptionist. I had just gotten back from my sister-in-law Alina’s wedding which was in Minnesota and Vadim and I were wiped from a crazy weekend of missing our first flight and having a 4 hour delay in Milwaukee on the way back to NYC. On top of that Keri, MarthaJoy, & Elyse were in the City for Fall Break–three of my dear friends from Northwestern–and I was so excited to spend the day with them! But earning money was ultimately what I needed to do so I couldn’t turn the opportunity down. So Monday I worked at MTV from 10:30-5:30 and then went to Banana to work 6-10:30.  And THEN I got to see my girls–which in the end worked out great:)

I got another call on Wednesday asking me to come in and work at MTV, more specifically Nickelodeon; and this morning, I got another call to go to a different MTV Network building and fill in for a receptionist who isn’t feeling well. Today it’s Vh1.

Any work is good work. I will take it and run. I am thankful for the blessing of work and am continuing to press on to find full time work that will support Vadim and I.