Let Me Introduce You to my Little Friend: Risi's here!

Guys, Risi is here. OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG.

Risi and I are sorority sisters and when I tell you we are close, like I cannot even describe our relationship. Sometimes, I just need Risi and she knows so she will already be calling when I pick up my phone to text her. We are that weird.

When I found out that she was going to be in NYC for the summer as well, I freaked out. I am SOOO grateful to have friends who will also be in the City with me this summer. We can share tons of memories that will last us forever!

She started her internship today (woohoo!) so last night we celebrated the start of a wonderful summer! We linked up after work with our friend Alayah (who sadly was on her way out of the City) to get dinner at Cafe Nunez. This place is in Midtown West off 35th/6th Ave. From the time we walked in the door, it had a great vibe. The DJ in the back was blaring dancehall music so loud we could barely hear each other talk (which is fun because we are a loud threesome by nature).

We got there just in time for Happy Hour so, after a round of drinks, we started talking about how great this summer is going to be. We are looking forward to the expanding connections and networking opportunities that got us here in the first place, making new friends, and learning more about ourselves and our life and career goals. Since we are about to be seniors in college, it is scary thinking about "the afterlife", but sometime during the second semester of junior year, the thought seeps into your mind and overtakes you thought process slowly, day-by-day.

Now, it is almost all I can think about. What am I going to be doing this time next year? Where will be living/working? Will I be happy? Is the "real world" going to be good to me?

Regardless of the outcome, the three of us decided that we couldn't let all these questions rule EVERY aspect of our lives. Sure, we came up here to get a head start on the goals post-grad, but that doesn't mean we can't get side tracked by a mojito now and then!

What I am doing this weekend May 31-June 2

Having been in NYC for 2 weeks now, I have compiled a pretty thorough list of internet bookmarks of sites that offer everything from cupcake walking tours to passes to the gangster history museum. Time Out NY, AM New York, Scoutmob NY, Gilt City NY, Yelp, and, of course my eternal favorite, Groupon, have all helped me navigate my way through anything from pricey dinner options to horrible happy hours to overpriced hair salons. For that, I am grateful.

So after browsing all of these sites for weekend adventures, I have come up with a concentrated list for this upcoming weekend. All of this is in addition to my bucket list! But some of these things are last minute and I had no way of knowing about them before I got up here (a.k.a. my excuse for getting side-tracked). 

1. DayLife Street Festival: FREE (yes, free.) 3-block special event that covers Orchard Street in astroturf and pushcarts, and includes the best in LES food and fashion vendors Sunday, June 2nd 12-5pm
2. Open Air Street Fair: all-day shopping bazaar takes place on the quaint cobblestone Crosby Street in SoHo, thousands of books, CD's, and records will be sold for $1 each Sunday, June 2nd 10am-5pm
3. Rent a Bike in Central Park: two hours of fun in Central Park seeing things that I probably wouldn't get to if I was just walking around aimlessly, there is also a Groupon that makes this deal only $10/person
4. Cupcake Tour of New York: Like what more needs to be said? I can eat cupcakes and walk of the calories at the same time ... whhhaaattt?? $20/person with the Groupon
5. NYC PopFest 2013: This is the wild card of the group. I am not quite sure if I am going to make it, but this is more like "If ponies and unicorns existed and all was right in the world" then I would make this a priority. Nevertheless, my track record of hopping on the subway and just going has served me well in the past so you never know! Thursday, May 30th - Sunday, June 2nd

Memorial Day Weekend Frolickin': My Trip to the Met

So today's adventure wasn't on my bucket list, but I can tell you now, it totally should have been right there in the first place! One of the perks of my internship is that I get free admission to various museums around town. Today, I decided to see what trouble my IBM badge could get me into so I headed up to Museum Mile (Upper East Side, 5th Ave.). Museum Mile is home to ten plus of the world's most established museums. Goethe, Guggenheim, Smithsonian, etc. etc.!

I had already decided that I wanted to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art because I found out they had an exhibit on the effects that digital imaging software had on the photography industry. I was rushed because the exhibit is closing tomorrow and there was no way I was going to let that opportunity slip away when my first love is Photoshop. However, when I got there, the digital imaging exhibit wasn't even my favorite one! My jaw dropped for the Punk: Chaos to Couture exhibit which was TOTALLY amazing! I love fashion, but the punk/grunge style that came out of Rock and Roll isn't something that is familiar to me. One thing that was familiar to me, however, were the fashion houses that shared their designs. I was face to face with runway looks from the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Versace, Comme de Garcons, and Dolce &Gabbana from the 1960's-present. I feel like I learned a lot about the combination of lace and leather with a few trash bags thrown in. I grabbed a few pics of the exhibit!

The Met also offers global exhibits highlighting collections from all around the world. I visited the Latin American, African/Middle Eastern, and Roman/Grecian exhibits. I also peeked in on the newly opened American Civil War artifact exhibit which had some amazing war photographs. There was even an early camera and tripod on display which I really got too excited about. I definitely had a nerd moment in the middle of the Met, but it was fine because others were having nerd moments all around me. I was definitely among friends!

Here are some pics of my two favorite pieces from the Modernist exhibit as well. Although, I didn't have nerd moments in their presence, I was very attracted to the colors and their respective histories.

ALSO, highlight of my day, I saw my first celebrity! Tim Gunn (from Project Runway) was at the Met! He was kindly taking pictures with fans in the middle of the photography exhibit.

Gramercy/Flatiron Frolickin'

On Saturday, I decided to put away my phone (aka map) and walk the Flatiron area just to see what I could see. I went from Gramercy Park to Broadway to Madison Square Park to 5th Ave. to 25th Street. and back to my building. It was nice to be paying attention to the architecture instead of Google Maps for once. I snapped a few pics with my DSLR and, even though it was gloomy, it was nice to be out and about exploring my own neighborhood. Tomorrow, I will probably select another area to explore.

Maybe Midtown East (where I work) or East Village (just for fun) and then I can venture out from there? My goal is to get to Brooklyn eventually to decide for myself who has the "best pizza in NYC".

Breafast on a Rainy Day in the City

It is currently 55 degrees outside. It is Memorial Day weekend. There were snow flurries predicted in Vermont and Mass. yesterday.

Which of these things does not belong!?

Memorial Day weekend, in my recollection so please correct me if I am wrong, is historically a day to celebrate being an American while lounging in the grass under the blue skies waiting for the ribs to finish up in the smoker. Oh, and did I mention that the lounging typically occurs in like 80 degree weather? Maybe we only due that in the South? The weather gods of the Northeast apparently do not take their cues from the Southeast. By the way, it does not "feel" 55 degrees outside as The Weather Channel states. It feels -30.

I was surprised when I woke this morning to what I consider spring/fall weather at a minimum, possibly Georgia winter weather. But I braved the cold and rain and (snug in 2 sweaters, jeans, boots, and thick socks) to W 20th Street to grab some breakfast. Ever the fan of Yelp, I found Spoon and knew that this grub spot was perfect for my quiet Saturday morning.

Spoon was perfect! Not only was the food delicious (peep my pancakes below), but the location and space was very peaceful. I don't know if it was because it was 10:30 when I got there (they open at 10), or because that is the normal atmosphere, but I will definitely be going back.

About the space. There is a breakfast bar in the front of the restaurant with about 8 bar stools that was perfect for me and my book. My waitress was very nice and my pancakes were brought to me still piping from the griddle. Also, the orange juice is fresh squeezed. It was $3 for about 6oz., but definitely worth it! There are also some tables in the back of the restaurant. I could see maybe 10-12, but there might have been more farther back. There was not a wait when I got there and the hostess was seating several parties 6+ throughout my stay so it seemed great for groups as well.

DRUMROLL: Pictures from the George Washington Dorm at SVA

FINALLY! Here are some pictures of my dorm room. Now, I haven't lived in a dorm since my freshman year. When I moved out of that room, I vowed I would NEVER again inhabit a space so reminding of my school days. I have lived in off-campus housing for the past years and now BAM! here I am in a 6x8 rectangle that is supposed to be a "summer home away from home". I have been in here for about a week now and the adjustment period is fading. I am getting (sort of) used to my digs. The saving grace of the matter is that I am on the 8th floor (of 17 in this building) so I have a pretty good view. There is this lone headlight that offers very little illumination, but the normal sized window more than makes up for the overhead. The window is open to accommodate the AC (that sure was a selling factor!) so all the sounds of the city flood into my room whether I like them or not. Maybe I am crazy, but I do enjoy hearing trucks rumble past and the car horns honking. It makes the room less cramped! The window gives me a connection to the outside world even when I am in my box.

Now, to the visuals! When I was looking for housing in April, I was skeptical of GW because of the lack of pictures on the internet. I like to know what I am getting into! But sticking with my "dive in head first" theme for the summer, I semi-blindly reserved my small single because of the AC, the location, and the 24/7 security in the lobby. So I decided that I was going to take pictures of my room and post them when I got here so that anyone looking for housing at SVA like I was could get a view.

Excuse the random stuff. It took me a week to figure out how to make all my stuff fit and not look too junky. Actually, it's an ongoing process. 

The view of 23rd and Lexington from my window.

If any interns/students come across this page and want more insider information on the dorm, feel free to leave a comment and I will attempt to enlighten you.

Day 2 and B. Smith's Catfish

This was my first full day in my permanent summer office! I walked in and this wonderful sign was waiting for me on the bulletin board behind my desk. It made me even more excited (is that possible!?) to be working this summer.

My manager and the rest of her team also bought me a Moleskin notebook because, "every journalist needs a notebook ... and the Moleskin has style!" I was touched by their thoughtfulness and was immediately engrossed for almost an hour by the maps and tips in the NYC edition they bought me! I even used the Subway map insert to help me get home. I am really starting to feel at home up here (don't tell Georgia I am cheating with New York ... shhhh).

My last adventure of the day took me out of Chelsea uptown to Times Square. Times Square is just another animal, I mean, it's overwhelming with all the lights and sounds and visual stimuli! But it is one of those "NY things" so I accept it for what it is and move on! As much as I talk about it, I took pictures so I can't hate too much! I met a friend for dinner at B. Smith's off Restaurant Row (46th & 8th). I say I love NY, but there is NOTHING in this world like Southern comfort food. I mean NOTHING! B. Smith's caters their menu to Southerner's like me who like their chicken friend and their biscuits buttermilked. I was diggin' the vibe of the place too. It was decorated with warm colors and the interior reminded me of one of the best soul food restaurants in Atlanta, Pascal's in Castleberry Hill. I ordered the cornmeal crusted catfish and even though it lacked the flavor that comes standard with my favorite Atlanta offerings, it was a nice reminder of home. I added on the sweet potato mash and southern style greens to round out my entree. And that, my friends, was that!

 

Classroom to Corporate (1): My First Day at Work and all the Non-Work Related Post-Workday Shenanigans

Making the jump from classroom to corporate can be daunting. But we do what we must!

For the summer of 2013, I am working at IBM as a communications intern. Basically that is why I am in NYC (not just for kicks and giggles). I am super excited about this gig and I really hope to make the best of it as I countdown to graduation in just one year. It is an amazing opportunity and I am so blessed to be able to take advantage of this internship. But back to the task at hand!

So I moved into my dorm yesterday (more on that in the next post)! I am living in the George Washington Residence at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in the Gramercy/Flatiron area in Manhattan. Great location and the digs aren't too shabby (I use that term loosely because they are dated, but I was expecting it so I chalked it up to the NYC "experience"). Less than 8 hours after I finished moving in, I had to be up bright and early to board the MetroNorth at Grand Central Terminal. Now THAT was an experience! Grand Central can be daunting. The structure is impressive now; I cannot even imagine what people thought when it first opened. Now if you have been following my previous posts, you will know that I scoped out this route on Saturday when I went to the terminal to buy my ticket. But walking in this morning, before it got super crowded with people, it stopped me in my tracks. I definitely looked like a tourist this morning as I gawked all the way to Track 23 but I soon popped my jaw back up! I had to remind myself that I live in NYC now, so I might as well look like I belong =)

After work, I went for dinner at this little open air spot called Bait and Hook on 2nd Ave. I walked over armed with a Yelp 15% offer and an appetite for a well-reviewed Lobster Mac and Cheese and I definitely left satisfied. My entree was perfectly portioned but more importantly the Cheddar, Havarti, Gouda-blend works and it is not too assaulting on the senses. However, it could have benefited from a bit more kick. A bit more salt and pepper goes a long way! I am a sucker for comfort foods and being as I am from the South, that definitely includes a gourmet mac and cheese.

I had to take a trip to Grand Central to get a ticket for my trip on the MetroNorth train Monday morning. When I got there, it morphed from just another thing I needed to mark off my list to the highlight of my Saturday afternoon.

I was so impressed by the size and upgrades that the terminal offers! I mean what other train terminal in the USA has a MAC counter where I can get my makeup done before I board? I'll wait for you to answer that.

I just ended up walking around, touring the terminal after I bought my ticket. I even sat and watched a wedding party fight through the thousands of people to claim their space on the beautiful marble stairs for a photoshoot.

After that I headed down to the dining corridor and immediately made a bee line for Cafe Spice. I love Indian food so without a doubt you will be exposed to an abnormally high number pictures of North Indian eats!

I only got a samosa to hold me till lunch until I returned to the Gramercy area, but it was the best snack I could have had I am sure! By the time I ended up back on my side of town, it was raining and I was over it. I was hungry and had been running errands all morning; I was just ready to get back in my bed! However, Hill Country Chicken was calling my name! Let me just say the pie was incredible. I was basically in pie heaven with the Whiskey Buttermilk.

I originally asked for the Bourbon Pecan, but was informed they were sold out. The disappointment must have shown all over my face because as soon as a new pie came out. One of the servers brought me out a piece free of charge so that I could witness the goodness that is the Bourbon Pie! Don't ask me to pick between the two because I don't have a favorite. They were both delicious!

Introduction

Well hello and thank you for visiting my site! Being enrolled in an extraordinarily demanding university (but everyone thinks that about their school, right?), I don't have much time to creatively express myself during the school year. I thought that this summer would be the perfect opportunity to catalog my experiences in the City.

I will not be alone in New York City! A few of my closest friends will be making this journey with me, however, our living quarters are scattered all across the island. But I fear not, for I know we will see each other as much as possible! You will read all about our adventures here and maybe you can even pretend you will be there with us!

Now I don't want this blog to be all about me! With that being said, I appreciate all suggestions about ways to make my pre-senior summer the best it can be and all questions regarding being an intern in the city.

Oh heyyyy NYC!

First day in the city! Took a 6:30am flight from ATL up to LGA (I was too tired to function by the time we landed) and got to my hotel around 10:30am. My mom is up here with me to help me move into my summer housing and because I had so many bags, it was impossible to carry them all myself so she got recruited for a weekend trip! We immediately dropped our bags and went on the hunt for FOOD. Nothing like a greasy spoon diner to get the trip started off right!

A block from the hotel we stumbled across Johny's Luncheonette. Great place, better food. I mean what diner serves turkey bacon like it's normal!? Here's a shot of my delish breakfast. Definitely suggest if you plan to stay/visit the Lower East Side/Chelsea/Flatiron/Gramercy.

After filling up on turkey bacon and eggs, we headed to Madison Square Park. Since the beginning of May, Madison Square Eats set up shop in Worth Square (5th Avenue between 24th and 25th Streets). Dozens of vendors offering anything from lobster rolls at Red Hook to sea salt and caramel ice cream at Dreamscoops to mouthwatering Mexican BBQ at Mexique. Definitely worth checking out between 11am - 9pm everyday of the week until May 31st!

View of the Flatiron Building from Worth Square

Summer Bucket List

Borrowing from the list that Yelp (#3, 5, 7, 11, and 14) complied at the beginning of the year and mixing in my own southern flavor (#20) peppered with sentimental excusions (#8) and the random suggestion from a friend (#4, 17), I recorded some experiences that I really want to have while in NYC. Getting through them all will be a challenge, but what else am I supposed to do with my free weekends!? I think this is a pretty good list for 10 weeks; I can knock off 2 items a week! *In no particular order

1. Ride the Staten Island Ferry Read Here
2. Bottomless mimosas for brunch! And I can eat here too 
3. Devouring a chocolate chip & walnut cookie from this place Read Here
4. Visit the Rain Room at MoMa Read Here
5. Hit up Ralph's Italian Ice on Staten Island (after I take the ferry of course) Read Here
6. Shop at the Brooklyn Flea
7. Take a tour of 5Pointz because of my inclination towards the expression of visual creativity
8. Slurp a frozen hot chocolate from Serendipity (My sister and I slurped our way through 2 or 10 when she lived in the City)
9. Head over to the now completed 1 World Trade Center and visit the September 11 Memorial
10. Check out a different Happy Hour each Friday with my friends
11. Pancakes anyone? Read here
12. Visit Carlo's Bakery and bask in the magic that radiates from Buddy Valastro of "Cake Boss"
13. See the Statue of Liberty Read Here
14. I hear that this place can help with my cheesecake addiction. Read here
15. In an alternate world, I am Charlotte from this show and I need to tour all my go-to spots.
16. Stop by the Museum of Moving Images
17. Catch a flick at this summer film festival in Bryant Park
18. If there is a Parked! Food Truck Festival this year, go.
19. Ride up to the top of the Empire State Building Read here
20. I can find me some Memphis BBQ at this Justin Timberlake-owned joint