oink oink!

OK, the last month has been pretty basic. I've been establishing myself at work (so now I can slack off), I bought a camera (less typing), and I've managed to learn the ins and outs of a few of Brooklyn's neighborhoods. Two couples I know are getting engaged!! Congrats Nic & Chris and Scott & Liz. I love weddings; but I haven't been to one in a couple years so keep em coming friends.

I regretfully have to inform everyone that I had my shot at super stardom but fell flat on my face:( Last Sunday during brunch a film crew surprised us at work and informed our boss that they would be making a video for citysearch as a part of a new restaurant guide...or something like that. So, after instructing us to not fuck anything up, the owner gave us each small roles in the impromptu "film" My part was simply to carry out food for a 3 top, deliver it, and state the name of each item to the guests. I'm usually a spot on pro when it comes to acting, but this was a new brunch menu and I hadn't quite learned all the menu items. After awkwardly striding through the room with the camera right in front of me the whole way, I arrived at my table. "OK, we have some food here, Yogurt and nuts for you;" and with my reach across the table the plates in my right hand shifted, nearly sealing my fate. Now, completely shaken I delivered the second entree with ease only to completely forget what the last thing in my hand was. I saw some eggs, some weird gravy...I just couldn't be sure. Finally I slid the plate (biscuits & gravy) in front of the customer and with a dumb look on my face mumbled, "and...sausage...and eggs" Needless to say I now wash dishes at the restaurant.

I look forward to seeing everyone!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Although it feels like just yesterday, tonight marks my one week anniversary with NYC. It’s like they say; time flies when you have no money, no job, and no bed to sleep in. Thankfully, all of the pressure to survive sparked some serious initiative in my life. Adam and I leased our Brooklyn apt, I found a job, and we even managed to scrounge up some furniture.

After our first night in the new place, Adam rented a budget truck and we cruised all over Brooklyn looking for free stuff. The first response on a bed led us to a building in Prospect Heights; a neighborhood just south of where we live. Meeting us at the door was the building superintendent, an old greasy lady who seemed pretty genuine at first. After informing us that the full sized barely used mattress and box spring was only $50, she led us up the stairs. Four floors later we found ourselves in the middle of a full blown landlord-tenant battle. Apparently, the lady who lived in the apartment was late on rent and not willing to move out. Rather than going through all the legal necessities to collect the money, the super just put all of the tenants belongings on Craigslist. As the lady pleaded for us not to take her things, the super grabbed Adam by the arm and continued to yell at us, “Guys take the bed…take the bed!” After consulting with Adam for a few seconds using only facial expressions, we got the funk out of there without looking back. The day took a turn for the best after this point though; and we both scored nice bug-free mattresses as well as some desks and chairs and such. In case you’re wondering, bed bugs are very real in New York City. Gross!

I’ve been training as an expediter in a Park Slope restaurant called Bussaco. The doors open to the public on Monday. Bon Appetit!

Well. I arrived in New York last night around eleven o' clock. Actually it was New Jersey, but that's close enough. Seventy dollars later after a few tolls and near accidents, my taxi from Newark arrived in the East Village. I was here; and most noticeably, not there. I was in New York City.

I'm actually not living in the East Village. This is more of a stepping stone to my final destination. Jenny, my roommate Adam's boo, was kind enough to let us stay at her place in the interim. Seeing as we haven't even signed our lease yet, I think we'll be here a few more nights

Everything here is a bit how I and many others before me have expected it to be: Fast, Expensive, and above all Exciting. I can't say how I'm gonna make it; but I have a feeling deep down that I will. Everyone here gets by one way or another. What other option is there.

I haven't met a rude person here yet. While New Yorkers get a bad rap for being short, temperamental, and even outright mean, I think outsiders, including myself, just don't get it. From what I've gathered so far, people here aren't any of those things. It's the city itself which exhibits all of the oh so nasty human traits. If anything, people here realize everyone is in it together. Now, I'm sure I'll meet a curmudgeon or two along the way, but that's cool. It's all part of the experience.

More than anything, this blog is going let me get out my thoughts and sort through this unfamiliar; and to my family, unfathomable experience. While I plan on making my entries less personal as time goes on, everything I've experienced so far involves me. It gives me strength to imagine others reading what I have to say while pondering my thoughts as their own. For that, this blog is very powerful to me. I do however hope that others will take something from it as well.

Love Y'all!


Also, a digital camera is next on my to-buy list, so that should be fun.