Big Surprise I am Sick

Well it took less time than I thought but I am already sick. Damn southerner can't handle this weather, and it has only just began. I hope this isn't a preview for times to come. I have been popping drugs all day so hopefully I can nip it in the bud. I did finally buy a long coat so I will have to make good use out of it and my scarves until I get over this cold. I also need to get a hat. It is pretty windy in the city all those tall buildings I guess and now that I have chopped all my hair off I don't have all my hair to keep me warm :)

Layer it up and F*#ck Fashion

So I think I am finally learning how to deal with this weather. It is cold walking to the train but when I get on the train I am sweating to death. So the key is Layering. You know us healthy girls don't like to add anymore cushion but it is something I just gotta learn to live with. So today I literally was wearing a long sleeve t-shirt, a sweater, my sweater coat, and a scarf. The scarf and jacket come off on the train for sure. I see these people all bundled up on the train and I have no clue how they are not roasting like a marshmallows. I guess I just have that built in insulation, know what I'm sayin'. And fuck fashion I am officially the chic wearing her tennis shoes with her work clothes, but my feet don't hurt and it is the only way to avoid blisters I swear.

All my stuff was packed yesterday and is on its way up the coast. Hopefully I will have everything by Friday if not I will be sleeping on the floor come Sunday. Hey wouldn't be the first time.

I will be watching the GA/FL game on Saturday, yes this one is on CBS so I will get it. Missed homecoming but thank god I won't miss GA/FL....GO GATORS!!!! Shout out to Erika :)

Sunday if I don't get my furniture I will be venturing to the city to walk around. Hopefully I will make it to Central Park and yes Michelle I will already looked up the imagine circle so I will go just for you. Stay tuned. Miss everyone!

Wish I had a car

So today was the first day I wish I had a car. It rained all day and I really wanted to go see a movie, but ya'll know my hair don't do good in the rain. Besides the wind was blowing like a freakin' tornado was a brewin' and all I own is an umbrella. Guess a raincoat is next on the list to purchase. I swear this new wardrobe is going to break me more than rent. I ordered my first pair of winter boots today. People look at me like I am crazy asking for a size 11 shoe in the stores, so I just shopped online during the rain storm today. I told the dude at Foot Locker the other day "what do chics in NY not have big feet" I did get a little smile out of him. Shoot that was the best I have gotten out of these northerners yet. Although my lady in the bank today did have a few giggles with me. Ya'll know me still trying to bring a little southern hospitality to the north. I think I will stick with Jersey folks though, those NYers are a blah. No offense my GA transplants :)

The Rainbow Room

Yes can you believe it. Only in NY for 3 weeks and I have already made it into the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Plaza. The 65th floor. Not sure how much ya'll know of the Rainbow Room but back in the day it is where all the big band parties were thrown. They have renovated it and honestly I wasn't sure what the big deal was, but then they raised the drapes and it has the most amazing views of NYC. I made a video for all to see but my slow internet at this apartment isn't letting me upload it. Sorry. I was trying to be all discreate and did a video so I wouldn't be that chic flashing and taking pictures everywhere, but now i regret it. I will have to figure out a way to load it up for all to see.

So I went with two ladies from work. They were older so you can only imagine how my night went. I was hoping they would walk me around and introduce me to people but all they wanted to do was sit and eat. So after my 2nd glass of wine I took it upon myself to walk around and meet and greet but it was so loud that I couldn't hear what anyone was saying. So I just propped myself and my glass of wine against the window, enjoyed the music and the view. Just as I was about to get up and go, the main entertainment arrived. Now you have to remember this room is filled mostly with middle aged white men and women, so who was the main entertainment, but Doug E Fresh. You know I was excited, but I think I was one of the few who actually knew who he was. You should of seen the two ladies that were with me. They didn't know what to do or say. So I just continued to stand against the window and rock to the beat while singing along with the music. Those women looked at me like I was crazy but shoot, they don't know me I am old school :) (Shout out to Laura 96')

So after a while I was ready to go home. I had to still take the train and you know I can't stay out too late on a weekday. So Theresa, one of the ladies I went with, walked half way with me back to the train, and then the gates of heaven opened up and we found a Magnolia Bakery that opened in Manhattan. For those who don't watch Sex and the City, that is where it became famous for their off the chain cup cakes. OMG it was the best cupcake I have ever had. I thought of Katria and her love of baked goods the entire time I ate it. I swear I almost walked the ten blocks today at lunch to get another one. Dang I want one now just writting about it.

So anyway that pretty much sums up my night at the Rainbow Room. Only in my life would you combine a fancy, white as rice joint with some hip hop flava.

Well worth it

I flew back to GA this weekend for Kelli's bachelorette party and boy did I pay for it today. I will deff be hitting the sheets early tonight. It was great seeing all my GA girls again but don't miss me too much I'll be back in a few weeks for the big event. Congrats again Kelli!!!!

Tomorrow night is our "On Your Feet" benefit. Footlocker and its vendors throw a party every year with proceeds benefiting the National Negro College Fund. It is black tie and tennis shoes, love it. I get to get all dressed up and my feet won't hurt. Got me a cute purple dress to go with my black and purple Nike's, I will be so fly :). Stay tuned and I'll tell all how my exciting night at Rockefeller Plaza's Rainbow room went.

I broke my rule

So some of you may or may not know, but I no longer spend my money at Starbucks. I let others buy it for me or use a gift card but I don't spend my hard earned money there anymore but I digress. So one of the other designers is leaving so we all went out to lunch today. I guess the protocol is one person pays and the check is divided by how many people there are and we all just give cash. Well needless to say this made my $11 sandwhich turn into a $20 sandwhich, so I had to borrow cash. So long story short I hit the ATM on the way home and the only place close (it was about to rain) to break a 20 was Starbucks. It was horrible service, the chic actually asked me while rolling her eyes "what do you want". To top it all off my $4.33 pumpkin spice latte was disgusting. Maybe my mouth has finally caught up with my mind.

Sorry I had to vent.

Can't wait to see all my GA girls this weekend!

Funny Train Story

So I have figured out if I leave right at 5:00 or at like 5:15 I can get a seat on the train. Not that my lazy ass hasn't been sitting all day but there is just something about not having to hold that damn handle while on the train that just makes me happy.

Well today I was extra glad I got a front row seat to see the best thing yet. A girl got caught in the doors as they closed. Normally I would of felt sorry for someone, but they do give you ample warning the doors are closing and she was one of those chics with her Prada Sunglasses (um if you didn't know the train is underground, no sun. That is probably why her dumb ass didn't see the red light!),her Louis V purse, her Louis V scarf and Gucci shoes. This chic tried to come on the train as the doors were closing. This ain't the elevator sweetie, them doors don't stop. Her hand got caught outside holding her LV purse and the rest of her was inside as the doors were closing on her skinny ass. So while she had her I-Phone in one hand and the other out the door holding her purse, her and the dude next to her pried the doors open so she could get her late behind in. It would of only been better if someone snatched her purse while it dangled outside. (You know you all were thinking it too so don't hate me for saying it.)

Found an apartment

Well I went out today with my broker with not so high hopes. Even though I decided to look in Jersey my price point was still limited. There were two apartments that I really liked, one in Hoboken and one in Jersey City. The one in Hoboken was what they call a "junior one bedroom". Basically it was a studio with a half wall separating the bedroom area. It was very charming and in a great location but I decided to go with the new construction apartment I saw in Jersey City. It is brand new, still being competed actually, and only 6 blocks to the path train. It is a split level 663 sq ft one bedroom. I am paying more than I wanted but cable, phone and internet are included and there is a washer and dryer in my unit. That was the big selling point for me. When I go back to GA this weekend I will have to measure my furniture to see what all I can bring. Oh and I know ya'll are dying to know, I am spending $1755. Yes I know that is like a mortgage payment in GA but believe it or not for the location and the amenities, that is a steal in Jersey city. My heart nearly sunk when I wrote out my deposit and rent checks today. I better get use to it though this is home now. I'll post pictures later I move in the end of the month.

Lady Liberty

So after spending Saturday at the mall and just walking around my little area I decided to play tourist on Sunday. I visited Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Cross that off the bucket list.

Let me just say how much I love that Google maps tells you directions via public transportation. It makes my life so much easier cause all ya'll know I can't read a map to save my life. Well I took what is called the Light Rail today. More like a Monorail train. It is above ground and takes you through NJ. I asked a lady for help and she said "sweetie I don't speak English" her english sounded pretty good to me. So after she basically blew me off, then she tried to help me. Whatever grandma you had your chance! I asked a younger girl who was more than willing to help me. Then I took a shuttle to the ferry and the ferry to the islands.

First I went to Ellis Island. This to me was the best of the two. I was by myself so I decided to buy the audio tour. Basically you just walk around with a head set on and it tells you all about Ellis Island and how all the immagrants came in. I am a nerd so the history was great. A lot I didn't know. For example every person had to go thru a series of test and exams. Physical exams and mental exams. Basically my fat ass, as long as I could speak english and tell them why my stomach was so big, I would of been good to go. If you were fat and couldn't tell them you basically ate too much they would think something was wrong with you because your stomach was so big and you would be kept and sent to the hospital for disease control. I guess I would of learned to suck it in real fast.

This was my favorite advertisement. Even in 1882 they had makeovers.

And we wonder where all those reality shows got their start.

I sat out in the little park overlooking the water and Manhattan and ate a hotdog and banana. I almost got soft serve (shout out to Michelle and Katria) but it was just a little too chilli for that. It was only 70 degrees today, damn southerner.

Then I was off to the Statue of Liberty. I continued my audio tour and went around the island. I didn't go up in the statue because it was first come first serve and I didn't really want to wait. There seemed to be more people at the statue than at Ellis Island but I think there were just more people taking photos. I started being nice and stopping while others took photos then I just got over it. I would of been there all day if I waited for every photo moment.

The best part was that these two chinese men asked me to take their picture, then this american woman came up to me and asked if I wanted her to take the picture so I could be in it. Do I look chinese? Maybe she thought I was their translator.

While listening to my tour it made me remember in 86' when the statue was cleaned, repaired and reveiled. I had forgotten about that but my audio tour guide brought me back. Yeah I know I am old. After I finished the tour I went to the gift shop hoping to find cheap gifts, why was I even thinking that. I bought a $19 christmas ornament, yeah I know that damn ornament cost more than my whole trip but ya'll know how I am with my christmas ornaments.

Well I am off apartment hunting tomorrow. Everyone wish me luck.

Best day yet!!!!

Today was the best day thus far, and not just because it was 74 degrees. I haven't been too busy at work which is normal for the first week, but today 2 of the girl designers asked me to lunch. I felt like one of the gang. We went to a salad place. $11 salad, only in NY, but I can reuse my bowl and get two extra toppings free next time. I can't wait! We sat outside at a little park, which I lie to you not, was in the middle of the street, and ate our lunch. It was the first time I really felt like this is my new life. We have athletic Fridays, big surprise at Foot Locker right, so I got to wear tennis shoes today, so it was the perfect day to venture out and have lunch. Still have the blisters but socks, and band-aids sure do help.

I actually gave someone directions on the PATH train today. I felt like such a local, but I am sure my accent gave me away. Hey, I actually knew what I was talking about. That was good enough for me.

I will be exploring Jersey City this weekend so all stay tuned.

Chivalry

Who ever said chivalry only lives in the south must of been the same person that started the rumor about black men. I have never had so many men open doors, let me go first or offer a kind word. The south might have its southern hospitality but northern men know how to act right.

I made an appointment with a broker for Monday. I know new job and already got a day off. Love it! I am looking in Hoboken and Jersey City. I know I wanted to look towards Brooklyn but lets face it I get more bang for the buck in Jersey. Besides I have grown to appreciate the quietness of the suburbs, especially when I hear NY city all day. I will keep everyone posted on how my ventures pan out.

Holy Blisters

So now that I have my commute down and realized i don't really walk quite as much as I thought i would have too, so I wore my cute shoes today. Big mistake, huge!!!! So I walk up from the subway today and noticed the entrance to my building is blocked off. So I had to walk around to the 33rd street entrance. Which for any normal person that is no problem but for my no direction having self I of coarse walked the long way. So after circling the entire block at 90 miles and hour, trying to keep up with theses dang northerners, I finally made it to work. OMG I think every part of my ankle is covered with blisters. That is what I get for trying to be cute. I might have to bust out the flip flops for tomorrows commute, cold weather and dirty streets or not.

first day of work

Well it happened, like all of ya'll probably guessed. I took the wrong train this morning. i think anyway. i should of known that the trains run different on the weekdays than they do the weekends, but ya'll would be proud i asked for directions, and yes every NYer was very nice in pointing me in the right direction.

then next i noticed once on the right train, my water bottle had leaked all in my purse and water was dripping onto the floor of the train. a nice man pointed it out to me, but this chic was staring at me like i had the funk or something. Tenya would be proud i said firmly to her "it is just water it ain't gonna kill you". see i might just fit in here after all.

the first day of work was great. after I filled out my paperwork i was thrown into a meeting with about 20-30 people. what a way to be introduced. but you know me i made a funny comment they all laughed and the meeting went on.

over all i was part of 3 meetings today and have already been put on a a new project. it was a full day but it felt so good to use my brain again. i think the transition is going to be smooth.

i miss everyone but i did feel right at home today.


ps i have absolutley NO reception on my cell phone at my apartment so I will try and call everyone when I can.

officially a jersey girl

so today is my first offical full day in jersey city. i walked to target this morning and got some stapels. another shout out to kelli and the fam for the gift card it was used well trust me. this is a pic from my balcony.

my apartment is cute the bathroom is a little scary but i will get over it. i was told it was a fully stocked kitchen, and it is but i have one of everything. one fork, one knife one spoon however i do have 2 frying pans. No other pans but 2 frying pans. guess i'll be making a trip back to target for a sauce pan. good thing it is only about a mile away.

I did my trial run to work today. took the path train straight to herald square. believe it or not i didn't even have to ask for directions. that is how easy it was. i just put my headphones on and blended into the crowd. well tomorrow is the first day at Foot Locker so all stay tuned.

i made it!!!

i will have more hopefully tomorrow but i just wanted to give you guys an "only me story".....

so why did i have to sit behind the funky persian man on the plane. as long as he sat still everything was gravy but of coarse he had to get up and get his lap top, get up and go to the bathroom. i mean dang it was only an 1.5 hour flight. i mean for real i was trying to sleep and would just get wiffs of funk and it would wake me up from my sleep. i felt sorry for the two girls sitting next to him. oh well i guess i better get use to funky smells living in the big city.

my cab driver was supper nice and my door man, Richard, (you know i already made friends with him) is great too. total NYer loud and funny. there is a starbucks on the corner. shout out to mary for the gift card. Ya'll know i don't spend my money there anymore. i will venture out tomorrow and put of pics of the apt. Miss everyone already. Thanks to all the people who made my birthday/going away party great!

I had a few moments

So it finally hit me yesterday what a life change I am about to have. As I attempted to pack my suitcase I realized it is only 61 degrees right now in NY. Holly crap that is cold. What have I gotten myself into!

I sold my car today. My baby is gone, but believe it or not I sold it to a fellow Gator. Yes there are a few of us here in GA. There is no turning back now for sure. No car, no apartment and plane tickets booked. NY here I come!