Life in the Fast Lane

So I know when I first accepted my NYC job offer, everyone was filled with a complex mixture of thoughts and emotions. I also know that at the of heart of that mixture, at the top of the list of thoughts/feelings on my big move, was  

She's going to starve. 

Admit it. You were worried/still are worried.

Therefore, I'd like to take this opportunity to kill two birds with one stone and give you a highly condensed version of my life over the past week and a half, with highlights illustrating the fact that I am, in fact, not suffering of malnutrition.
First and foremost, I take my one-a-day vitamins, so even if I was eating Ramen every night, Women's One-A-Day is making sure that I'll at least get my essential vitamins and nutrients essential to survival. Never in my life have I taken vitamins, but I do now. In all honesty, I think they're an absolute pain. I've gotten into a routine where I take them in the morning, but that's not enough to remember. I also have to remember to eat a significant amount of food before consuming that gigantic pill. I've discovered on more than one occasion that I will become extremely nauseous and start sweating if I take it without eating anything beforehand. This is not a pleasant experience, and if it weren't for the fact that my lifestyle is very different from what my body is used to, I would say they're more trouble than they're worth. However, I know I need them, so I guess I'll just have to remember to eat my big bowl of Honey-Nut Cheerios and THEN take my vitamin. It's just absurd. Moving on.

Last week I met one of my roommates out after work and headed to CRUMBS, the absolute BEST cupcake shop I have ever been to. Sorry, Buddy, but CRUMBS has you beat by a long shot. Since CRUMBS devotes their entire shop to cupcakes, they're gourmet cupcakes AKA heavenly deliciousness. I had the Grasshopper cupcake- chocolate cake with a fudge center topped with a minty cream cheese frosting covered in chocolate shavings.

I am not starving. Exhibit A: 

That cupcake was flipping delicious. It's a good thing I can only afford that once a year, because I'd be a very large young woman if they weren't expensive. Did I mention there's a CRUMBS right next to my office?

Side note- Another positive aspect of not being able to afford cupcakes on a regular basis is the fact that I have yet to figure out when to get to the gym here! Walking everywhere is great, but I need some cardio in my life! My phone plays its evil, stupid, annoying song to wake me up at 6:45 AM, I hop out my bed (quite literally since it's on risers and I sort of have to leap down), jump in the shower (not as literal), get myself all dolled up, leave for work by 8:30, arrive to work between 9:00 and 9:15 depending on train traffic, work till 6 or 6:30, which means I arrive home between 6:30 and 7:00 PM. By the end of my day, all I want to do is eat dinner, surf the web, and chill. Even if I wanted to go to the gym right when I get home, I've been told that there aren't ANY machines available at that time! I really don't want to do it but...5:30 AM, you and I may be forced to become BFFs. I guess that's how they roll down here.

While I may be a busy bee in NYC, I do find time to do things like grocery shopping. I'll be honest, groceries are more expensive than they are at home, but I still only spent $25 this week on groceries. I had things left from last week's grocery experience and was smarter this round. I figured out that if I go to the grocery store that's a little bit further, their yogurt is like thirty or forty cents cheaper. Their aisles are also wider and it looks like an actual grocery store. If I had had elbow room to take a photo of the first grocery store I went to, I would have. The idea of building a GROCERY store in which shoppers cannot fit their weird mini carts through the aisles is pretty ridiculous to me- but I guess that's one of those things to get used to. The great thing about living in Astoria though is that I am surrounded by EVERYTHING. I have like three different full size grocery stores within walking distance that I can go to. It's a beautiful thing. Anyhow, please note my further evidence of good nutrition.

Exhibit B:

Please note that I am getting my protein, vegetables, and calcium from my dinner in this photo. Toasted cracked pepper turkey sandwich with cherry tomatoes topped with sun dried tomato hummus and of course, my glass of milk. Yummm...

If any of you thought I'd actually post something illustrating my cooking, that's a good one. Let's not get crazy here. I already moved to NYC. Let's take it one step at a time.

Last, but not least, I wanted to provide you with a snapshot of a typical night in my new home. I am so fortunate and incredibly lucky to live with two of the greatest girls I've ever met. I could not have asked for better roommates. We live in a warm, inviting, friendly, upbeat, relaxed environment together. My mental health is just as important as physical health, so I thought it was critical to note that I feel very comfortable and at peace in our apartment, a contributing factor to my good health :)

Amazing living situation. Exhibit C:

Over the River and Through the Woods to NYC I Go!

Although I usually like to start my entries with something semi-witty and creative, unpacking my life into a brand new city has temporarily sucked the creativity out of me. Never fear- it will return! However, I feel it's just too cruel to keep everyone anxiously waiting and excited to hear how my move-in process and first day in the city was. I'd like to first start off by noting that 4:30 AM is not a time I see...ever...and it was definitely not a time I wanted to see the day of my move. The drive here was sort of a blur seeing as I was in and out of consciousness. I do have vivid recollections of my beloved aunt picking on me...who knew there was a mattress store right across the street from my apartment? I mean really, it would have been HILARIOUS to see Aunt Debbie drive a huge truck through New York City and back home, just so I could fit a free box spring in with my belongings. It was quite the ordeal trying to figure out for days where I could get one in the city. Anyhow, we safely arrived to Astoria sans the box spring, and began trucking all of my belongings up to my new room! I really didn't have anything too terribly heavy...except my new desk. After seeing my aunt take out all of the pieces to that desk, I had never in my life wished so terribly that my little sister was there to assist...or just build it for me. Handi(wo)man I am not. Two and a half hours of hammering, screwing screws in, and holding pieces together so they wouldn't move later, the desk was complete...and I have never seen such a beautiful desk in all of my life. Special thanks to Target and its corporate geniuses who decided a desk should break down into a million pieces. Clearly they were not thinking of me. Rude. Anyways, after that was complete, it was time for mom and Aunt Debbie to venture back home.Many tears were shed and goodbyes were had as my wonderful roommates promised to take care of me. Then they were off.  Boxes had been emptied out and my belongings were shoved in random drawers and to top it all off, I didn't have a box spring yet, so I walked back up to my room which looked like something half way between a closet with a cot in it and what my sister's room looks like on a daily basis (Sorry, Ang). I did as much as I could with the room and then headed out to dinner to this adorable little Italian restaurant that my roommate's boyfriend works at. The food was beyond delicious (fresh mozzerella and sauted brussel sprouts covered in salt and pepper- orgasmic!), the ambiance was charming, and the wine was wonderful. It was not at all the evening I had imagined that my first night in the city would be. Instead of lying in bed homesick and crying, I had an awesome night out with great girls.


To those of you who were wondering how I was feeling about my first day of work, I was too overwhelmed to be anxious or worried about it. It didn't set in till around 9 PM the night before that there was in fact a reason I was here. My first day went really well though! My roommate walked to the train with me (which is about a 10 minute walk from our apartment) and then the ride was about 20 minutes right into Bryant Park. Not bad at all! It was super easy and I wasn't freaked out by the subways at all. Before doing my internship in Soho in January, I was really nervous about the subway system. Clearly, I've watched too many episodes of Criminal Minds and Law and Order: SVU. They don't bother me at all now. Everyone uses the mass transit system, they're well lit, and they're super busy during commuting times. I mean, I'm obviously careful and pay attention to my surroundings, but I don't live in fear either. Anyhow, everyone in the office is super down to earth and genuinely kind. I feel like it's definitely going to be a very positive environment to work in. It'll definitely be a switch from working on my feet and talking to people for hours, but I think I'll adjust. I mean, they have chocolate there...what's not to like? OH! Speaking of chocolate, Dylan's Candy Bar is right next to the subway station I get off at. This could potentially be a problem, but potentially rather wonderful as well. There was actually chocolate from Israel that someone brought in today, and I must admit, their version of a Kit-Kat is far superior to ours. Their chocolate is much richer and less processed-tasting. Aside from indulging in sweets, I did actually work today too- do not be fooled. I live and work in such great areas. Bryant Park is awesome-free ice skating, lots of cute vendors, good places to eat, and the New York Public Library! On my way home from work, I also spent some time admiring the awesome places I'm surrounded by. I cannot wait for people to visit me so that I can try any of the millions of cafes/bars/restaurants I'm surrounded by, a Wing Bar, my drunken pleasure-Taco Bell, and lots of shopping!

I feel like I'm still sort of on auto-pilot, but so far I'm adjusting well! When I have a chance this weekend to pull some more of my new life together, I'll let you know how I'm fairing as a small town girl living in the big city.

Survival Tactics with Yours Truly

Fun fact: Did you know that almost 12 inches of snow puts Poughkeepsie into a very frantic, caveman-like state? Upon arriving to this great city yesterday, I checked into my hotel and marched myself up to my room to enjoy Hocus Pocus and It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! If I had to be stuck in a hotel on Halloween, I was going to celebrate the right way. However, this devestating snow storm (whose snow has pretty much all melted away) caused power outages across the city. Now luckily, I did have power....which was awesome, because this is the only hotel I've been to that has the ABC Family channel. However, the cable was out...and for some reason I couldn't connect to the Internet on my laptop...and it was only 4 PM. I sat in my room racking my brain for things to do to kill time. I got creative.

1. I debated reading the bible in the night stand drawer...I opted out.
2. I read the Welcome to Our Hotel binder, educating myself about the hotel's many ammenities and accomodations, in addition to the area's dining options and attractions.
3. Since that binder was so helpful, I ordered Chili's take-out.
4. I went to pick-up my take-out, and I bought some mouthwash from Walgreens on the way there.
5. I ate my Quesadilla Explosion salad.
6. I couldn't connect to the Internet on my laptop, but it was working on my iPhone. I watched Toy Story 3 on Netflix...on my iPhone.
7. I called several people....who didn't answer their phones.
8. I face-timed with my little cousin, Owie, loving his Woody costume. "Do ya feel lucky?"
9. I face-timed with Hannah and filled her in on my hotel adventures thus far.
10. Eventually I could connect to the Internet on my laptop, so I spent an hour looking for It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! I found one that kept freezing.
11. I started reading Bridget Jones' Diary, which isn't quite as "screamingly funny" as USA Today claims it is.
12. I explored the closet equipped with an iron and ironing board. (Side note- the iron is the same type of iron that I had trouble with in last week's hotel. It's some fancy, modern iron that has water inside it that is supposed to turn into steam once heated. My 1989 iron at home does not work like this. The metal bottom gets hot and you simply press your clothes when it's heated. This special iron had many buttons and settings and kept leaking on to my dress that I was trying to press! All I wanted was a wrinkle-free dress! Do you know how much work I went through to get it half-way decent looking? I'll tell you. That stupid iron kept leaking water that wasn't turning into steam on to my dress! I was determined though, so I kept trying to press it. I eventually tried to turn up the heat, hoping the stupid water would turn to steam...that sort of worked..lots of steam came out of the iron...which was right below the smoke detector...and I got nervous so I just turned the fancy iron off. I was frustrated and left with a horribly soaked dress....and a hair dryer. I plugged that sucker in and went to town drying my dress. My mom is so worried that when I move out I'll starve because I don't know how to cook. How about teaching me how to use a modern day iron, Mom?)

Clearly, in the event of power outtages, I will survive.

"Can I take you for a drink, my love?"

Sometimes I wish I had a camera following me to document my life. I might not be Snooki, but I'm pretty confident that I could provide just as much entertainment for American reality TV junkies as she does. Today I didn't have to work- no fairs, no visits, nothing for me to do. I was having mixed feelings earlier this week about having the day off. On one hand, I would have the chance to explore some of the historic sights in the area like the town of Sleepy Hollow (which would have been really cool because the whole town is decorated for the season and has lots of events going on since Halloween is coming up). However, I was also worried that I wouldn't have enough to do to fill my entire day. Anyhow, I woke up this morning and it was absolutely miserable out. It was not a good day to do any sort of exploring outside at all. Luckily, I work with a girl who loves to shop so she had suggested that I check out the Palisades Mall. I've been to a lot of malls in many different areas, including the almighty Mall of America, but I was immediately impressed by Palisades Mall. There are four floors and a wide variety of shops, including a glorious Sephora that I spent a good 45 minutes in and did NOT purchase a thing. Hold your applause though, folks. I want you all to know that I spent over four hours in the mall and did not spend any money. That's right. I did not spend a dime. Believe me when I say it was extremely painful and rather difficult not to buy any mascara, eyeliner, or eye shadows in Sephora, but I was determined not to spend my paycheck while on the road. Impressive, right? Yeah, I wish I could tell you that I actually did leave the mall empty-handed, but I started to cave at the very end of my shopping excursion. First, I came across a beautiful Barnes and Noble...and saw a copy of Ellen DeGeneres' new book sitting on the Best Sellers shelf...

...I love Ellen...and reading is educational, right?...so I needed her book...and then I came across the "Bargain Books"...and guess who was there?

...I mean...the hills are alive with the sound of music..and a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down in the most delightful way...and now its mine for only $5.98!...plus the Barnes and Noble membership renewal fee. That's right. I am now a renewed Barnes and Noble member who will receive her whopping additional 10% off her every purchase.

I wish I could say that my foolishness stopped there. I wish I could say that I left the mall with those two delightful books and ONLY those books. I was prepared to do just that, I swear. I had just asked the nice woman at the customer service desk how to find the parking lot in which I had parked my car when to my dismay, I happened to look up and catch the eye of the tall, dark, and handsome HerStyler hair salon tools salesman. He flashed his pearly whites at me as I whizzed past his khiosk. "My love? I want to see your hair. What do you use on your hair? Blow dryer? Yes, my love? Flat iron too, yes? Sit down, I want to show you something, my love." Now, my hair did look completely awful. I cannot argue this fact. The miserable weather had done a number on my hair, especially since I had forgotten to bring my umbrella on my trip. My hair was a curly, frizzy mess...and truth be told, I couldn't entirely blame the rain. My flat iron was getting old and I knew I needed a new one. So, my new friend proceeded to straighten and style my entire head as he educated me about every detail regarding this ceramic plated, ionic, simply amazing flat iron. I sat in that chair for a good 30 minutes as he styled my hair....my hair is short now...it takes me 10 minutes to straighten it. Maybe this was because he did a bit more than just educate me on the flat iron. "My love, do you travel? Where in Europe do you travel, my love? My love, you've never been? You want to? Italy? I will take you to Italy, my love. How long are you here for? Can I take you for a drink tomorrow, my love? Tonight? Is it because of my accent? No? Ahh, you're too young to fall in love? Ahh yes, but I am already in love." I knew what he was doing, but you better believe I walked out of there with a new flat iron in hand.

I am a sucker.

A Gentleman and Gelato: A Win-Win Situation

They breed gentlemen downstate! I feel kind of silly writing about a guy in my first post, but it is definitely the most interesting aspect of my travels thus far. I spend a lot of time in empty hotel rooms on this job, so meeting people is exciting, regardless of their sex. This week I start out in Westchester recruiting at a couple of different large fairs. Last night's fair was held at a big convention center, so it was obviously meant to hold a rather large crowd. However, whoever set up the space was a little delusional...fully grown present at these events, not infants. We were in extremely cramped quarters for two and a half hours, which was bad for recruiting purposes (students were fanned out in a line to speak with the recruiter next to me, blocking my awesome display for my school), but wonderful for getting to know the recruiters around me. I chatted with a few girls around me, and I ended up hitting it off with the guy next to me, so we went out after the fair was over. We had drinks and dinner, and I just really enjoyed myself! (Dinner was a really good thing, because I hadn't eaten since breakfast with my sister that morning and I had a killer headache: no good. Note to self: eat something before fairs. A two and a half hour pounding headache without aspirin is not fun to deal with). Take note: He even rode in the cab with me on the way back to my hotel since I wasn't really loving the idea of taking a cab back alone at 1 AM in an area I don't know. Impressive. Guys don't do things like that anymore. Anyhow, after a lovely evening I went back to my hotel and passed out happy that I didn't have to wake up early.

Sleeping in was wonderful. I felt refreshed and was glad that the whites of my eyes once again appeared sparkly white instead of tainted with the reddish tint they had taken to the night before due to hours of driving and sleep deprivation. I went to the hotel fitness center, which was, by far, the best hotel gym I've been to yet. I find it kind of odd that they're all so different since they're all Hilton hotels. The second hotel I stayed in last week had three machines that were stationed millimeters apart from one another, crammed into the tiniest work-out room I've ever seen. I felt like I really formed a bond with the fellow next to me running on his treadmill since we were definitely in one another's personal space bubbles, and although that was memorable, I enjoyed the luxury of a spacious center with six machines and a lifting space as well today. However, my workout experiences aren't really what I want to focus on for today's post, so please excuse my tangent...

Nine months ago I experienced a tiny slice of heaven located in Eastchester, NY. After driving around for over an hour on an epic search for gelato in the Westchester area, I was pretty much ready to throw in the towel. However, my friend was filled with a determination I don't think I've ever quite seen in anyone before. No matter how many grocery stores we had to sift through for chocolate gelato, he was not going to give up. Finally, after an hour into our search, Eureka (my beloved GPS named after Eureka from the 90's kids show Eureka's Castle) directed us to Pane and Gelato, a cute little Italian bread and gelato shop. Although its exterior was nothing spectacular to look at, the fifteen flavors of mouth-watering, incredibly delicious gelato glistened behind its glass casing. The sweetest young woman welcomed us with a warm smile and samples of every flavor of gelato that was inspired by some sort of chocolate. At my first sampling, I was in love. That gelato was without a doubt, hands down, the best thing I had ever tasted. It was simply orgasmic. Sweet, decadent, chocolately deliciousness took over my entire body. I knew in that moment that this would not be my last visit to Pane and Gelato. Oh no, I would be there again...

And so, I scheduled a visit today to Eastchester High School, conveniently located five minutes from Pane and Gelato. I was beaming when I walked in and sampled a few of their new flavors. Once again, a sweet Italian woman was ever so accomodating and managed to fit three different mouth-watering flavors into one little bowl of heaven. I savored every bite of that gelato and found it perfectly acceptable that gelato was in fact my lunch for the day. There's nothing wrong with that! Something that delicious can only be right.