My Alabama license expires on 08/04/07. I tried to renew it before I moved, but it was 64 days away from expiration and it HAS to be 60...and I was flying to New York the next day. So, I figured I would just find a way to renew my Alabama license remotely - can't give it up!
Well, today I found myself in the New York State DMV to exchange my out of state license for a New York one. That's right - exchange, surrender, give up, no longer yours, watch as they put several staples through it and toss it in a pile never to be seen again. Might as well have put a dagger through my heart!
What to do now to prove I'm from Alabama?? Lay on a thick Southern accent? Name all the Birmingham American Idols? Sing the Alabama fight song? Don't make me whip out the batons!!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
A Different Perspective
I went to Brooklyn Saturday night for the first time with some friends. Thankfully we met at the subway near my apartment and rode together. I had no clue about Brooklyn or how to get there!
The girl’s apartment was so cute – on the third floor of an older brownstone in Park Slope. It was luxuriously large to me on the inside – a hallway lead to the kitchen that had a galley window to the den that had an archway into the bedroom. Really small by Birmingham standards, but – oh my, all that space! And all to herself! Wow!
Some of us went up to roof where we were pleasantly surprised at the view of all of lower Manhattan and up the East side to near my apartment. To the left was the Statue of Liberty. It was so beautiful!
It was close to midnight and very still, and we could see all the twinkling lights of the city and actual stars in the sky! I was with fun people I would consider my “group” in New York, and we were trying to be quiet because we weren’t supposed to be up there. I took a step out of myself and just smiled in bewilderment. I was so thankful for where I was and who I was with and what I was seeing. It was just this cool, interesting experience – and we all stood in awe at where we were – New York! We all live in the city, and it just becomes part of you and you part of it. It was amazing to see it from this perspective - I forget the enormity of it, and what it represents to so many people.
The girl’s apartment was so cute – on the third floor of an older brownstone in Park Slope. It was luxuriously large to me on the inside – a hallway lead to the kitchen that had a galley window to the den that had an archway into the bedroom. Really small by Birmingham standards, but – oh my, all that space! And all to herself! Wow!
Some of us went up to roof where we were pleasantly surprised at the view of all of lower Manhattan and up the East side to near my apartment. To the left was the Statue of Liberty. It was so beautiful!
It was close to midnight and very still, and we could see all the twinkling lights of the city and actual stars in the sky! I was with fun people I would consider my “group” in New York, and we were trying to be quiet because we weren’t supposed to be up there. I took a step out of myself and just smiled in bewilderment. I was so thankful for where I was and who I was with and what I was seeing. It was just this cool, interesting experience – and we all stood in awe at where we were – New York! We all live in the city, and it just becomes part of you and you part of it. It was amazing to see it from this perspective - I forget the enormity of it, and what it represents to so many people.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
"Happy am I each day, going along life's way"
My Grandma turned 103 today! Maudie Clara Mashburn from Five Points, TN. A little country lady from a country town...she loves to say "you couldn't pay me to live in the city," and she means it!
She planted a garden into her 90s and lived alone for many years after my Granddaddy died in 1990. She could make anything grow - flowers that were wilted, garden vegetables during a dry summer...my favorite is a small pine needle tree she used every year as her Christmas tree. It was just supposed to be big enough to sit on a table, but by the last Christmas we had at her house a few years ago, she had it so big the top touched the ceiling and curved over!
She always loved to sew and would make us things out of scraps around the house. Granddaddy would build doll cradles out of wood and Grandma would make blankets and pillows and decorate the inside. The cradles were the centerpiece to the millions of times my sisters and I played babies growing up.
She lived on several acres and there was a big pasture with a pond behind the house. I remember a little calf chasing me one time! And how the cows looked when they would chew the corn husks we threw over the electric fence. If you stood at the back garden and yelled into the pasture, you could hear your voice echo against the forest. That was where I first heard an echo - we used to always yell "hey!"...I can just hear our drawn out southern "haaayyy-ay-ay-ays"!!!
Every time we came to visit, Grandma would have cold biscuits - homemade that morning - sitting in the oven. Oh, it was so good to eat the yummy cold biscuit and drink a Coca-Cola! When we spent the night there she would cook breakfast in the morning - eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, gravy. I can remember her trying and trying to get me out of the bed. I love to sleep in the morning, but even more there - the sun came in the window so pretty. It's been so long since I slept there, I guess the sun would still look the same... She would come in the room and do her "Heyuu!" call and say, "Get up, sister!"
It always seems like everyone knows Grandma and thinks so highly of her, and I am always so proud that she is my grandmother.
I think of her when I see birdbaths, pretty flowers, a blue sky, the moon...and I wonder what she would think of New York. It would probably kill her to be here! It's amazing to me the completely different lives she and I have in just two generations (granted, two generations spanning over a 100 years!), but I still feel so connected to her. I'm glad I have the country in my heart.
She planted a garden into her 90s and lived alone for many years after my Granddaddy died in 1990. She could make anything grow - flowers that were wilted, garden vegetables during a dry summer...my favorite is a small pine needle tree she used every year as her Christmas tree. It was just supposed to be big enough to sit on a table, but by the last Christmas we had at her house a few years ago, she had it so big the top touched the ceiling and curved over!
She always loved to sew and would make us things out of scraps around the house. Granddaddy would build doll cradles out of wood and Grandma would make blankets and pillows and decorate the inside. The cradles were the centerpiece to the millions of times my sisters and I played babies growing up.
She lived on several acres and there was a big pasture with a pond behind the house. I remember a little calf chasing me one time! And how the cows looked when they would chew the corn husks we threw over the electric fence. If you stood at the back garden and yelled into the pasture, you could hear your voice echo against the forest. That was where I first heard an echo - we used to always yell "hey!"...I can just hear our drawn out southern "haaayyy-ay-ay-ays"!!!
Every time we came to visit, Grandma would have cold biscuits - homemade that morning - sitting in the oven. Oh, it was so good to eat the yummy cold biscuit and drink a Coca-Cola! When we spent the night there she would cook breakfast in the morning - eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, gravy. I can remember her trying and trying to get me out of the bed. I love to sleep in the morning, but even more there - the sun came in the window so pretty. It's been so long since I slept there, I guess the sun would still look the same... She would come in the room and do her "Heyuu!" call and say, "Get up, sister!"
It always seems like everyone knows Grandma and thinks so highly of her, and I am always so proud that she is my grandmother.
I think of her when I see birdbaths, pretty flowers, a blue sky, the moon...and I wonder what she would think of New York. It would probably kill her to be here! It's amazing to me the completely different lives she and I have in just two generations (granted, two generations spanning over a 100 years!), but I still feel so connected to her. I'm glad I have the country in my heart.
Monday, July 23, 2007
The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round...
I took the bus for the first time today, and it was so much fun! I hear these things I say, and I know I must be the biggest dork ever, but I really had a good time on the bus! It was so relaxing. And in comparison to the subway, it didn't stink, it wasn't hot, it wasn't crowded, and I didn't have to walk 10 minutes to get on it! In fact, there is a stop right at the back of the apartment building!
It was raining, so I got to stay under the scaffolding at the back of the apartment and didn't get wet. As we drove up 57th St, I had the best time looking out the window watching everyone on the street - umbrellas flying, people without rain gear darting here and there. I noticed the wipers on the bus and out of nowhere realized I was singing the "wheels on the bus go round and round" song! Had not thought of that song in forever!! I think my favorite line is "the driver on the bus says 'move on back'" - I love it because of the "move on back hand" motion in the song, and I've always had a mental image of what the driver would look like yelling that over his shoulder.
I kept waiting and hoping our driver would tell someone to move on back, but, unfortunately, he didn't say much of anything - unless you count the occasional grunt!
It was raining, so I got to stay under the scaffolding at the back of the apartment and didn't get wet. As we drove up 57th St, I had the best time looking out the window watching everyone on the street - umbrellas flying, people without rain gear darting here and there. I noticed the wipers on the bus and out of nowhere realized I was singing the "wheels on the bus go round and round" song! Had not thought of that song in forever!! I think my favorite line is "the driver on the bus says 'move on back'" - I love it because of the "move on back hand" motion in the song, and I've always had a mental image of what the driver would look like yelling that over his shoulder.
I kept waiting and hoping our driver would tell someone to move on back, but, unfortunately, he didn't say much of anything - unless you count the occasional grunt!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Rataphooey
I finally saw my first rat!! Make that rats!! It was just as exciting and scary as I had thought it would be. :) Walking in Union Square Park around 6:30 p.m. (neither the time nor the place I would have expected to see one!), I saw what I thought was a squirrel running in the grass...but no squirrel I've ever seen has a skinny tail like that!! And it had friends! Ansley was with me, so we just starting jumping and hitting each other - there was no time for words! We sat down on a bench to recover from our heart attacks, but within 15 seconds one of the biggest rats ran right toward our feet!!
Now that I've been christened by a New York rat sighting, I've developed a tendency to scramble when I see tiny rat dogs, birds hopping under park benches, or the occasional paper blowing in the wind!
Now that I've been christened by a New York rat sighting, I've developed a tendency to scramble when I see tiny rat dogs, birds hopping under park benches, or the occasional paper blowing in the wind!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Midnight - Lights Out!
The lights go out on the Empire State Building every night at midnight. I keep telling myself I should do the same.
When it gets to be dark outside (around 9 pm) and I'm sitting on the apartment balcony, I can see camera flashes from folks taking pictures of the view from the Empire State Building observatory deck. Sometimes it's like papparazi flashbulbs - lots going off one after another all around the 86th floor. It's so funny to me that I know exactly the view they are trying to capture - from the ESB looking toward the apartment it is a gorgeous view of the Chrysler Building. It's my favorite view, and I used to take pictures of it when I would be up there on vacation. Little did I know one day I would be part of the scenery in that famous shot!!
When it gets to be dark outside (around 9 pm) and I'm sitting on the apartment balcony, I can see camera flashes from folks taking pictures of the view from the Empire State Building observatory deck. Sometimes it's like papparazi flashbulbs - lots going off one after another all around the 86th floor. It's so funny to me that I know exactly the view they are trying to capture - from the ESB looking toward the apartment it is a gorgeous view of the Chrysler Building. It's my favorite view, and I used to take pictures of it when I would be up there on vacation. Little did I know one day I would be part of the scenery in that famous shot!!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Count your blessings!
After two really hot and HUMID days here, today is absolutely beautiful! I woke up early and the sky was so clear and blue, I decided to walk to work. I just rode the subway part of the way and got off one stop before my normal stop. I'm so glad I did. As I started up the subway stairs, a man who couldn't walk was using his crutches to slowly work his way up the stairs. He was dressed for work and had his briefcase across his shoulder just like everyone else. Then as I started down the street, I saw a blind man coming toward me, steadily walking with his cane. Wow! To top it off, a block later I saw another blind man doing the same! I can't get over the resiliency and bravery those three have. And to think of the extra struggle they have just to get through a normal day like you and me. I complain of "I wish the station were closer to the apartment!", "My makeup sweats off by the time I get to the subway!", etc - oh, come on! I am so blessed to be able to jump out of the bed and WALK wherever I want to go and SEE all these amazing things around me. What a beautiful reminder to count my blessing and be thankful.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Sailing on Rugosa
I have a new love! Sailing! Jane's friend invited us to a weekend of sailing at the Classic Yachts Regatta in Newport, RI. It was the most beautiful weekend, and Newport was just the most beautiful town! We stayed at the New York Yacht Club's Harbor Court which was just across the bay from the race site of Fort Adams. 
They never let us steer...hmm, wonder why?! And the secret to my success - SLAM gloves!
Real Sperry's = Real Sailors! With some of the crew at cocktails at NYYC after Saturday's race.
Friday evening we drove around and saw some of the fabulous mansions. There is a 3 mile "Cliff Walk" running between the water and the mansions. We didn't walk it, but this is a picture of it - so pretty!
We were lucky enough to be part of the crew for Rugosa and raced with them Saturday and Sunday. Saturday we sailed around the island - it was 18 miles and took a little over 3 hours. The Rugosa is a classic yacht built in 1926 by Nathanel Herreshoff. His son, Halsey Herreshoff was the captain of our boat for the weekend, so it was really an honor to get to race with him.
Rugosa
I had not a clue what to do on the boat! My job was to release the stay sail - the hardest part of doing so was getting in place to do it - I was constantly having to switch sides of the boat to get to the low side where I would release. When I wasn't "working", Cameron and I sat on the high side of the deck. We learned all sorts of sailing terms "starboard tack", "check the mizzen", "trim the jib", "prepare to tack", "ready about", but mostly we learned how to curl up in a little ball and stay out of the way!
On deck and staying out of the way, and pretending to know what to do!
Posing with NYYC in the background - BEAUTIFUL! Adirondack chairs lined the entire top of the hill! Gorgeous to relax on and look at the docked boats. A view of the water from the adirondack chairs.
Just a picture from the grounds I think is pretty! Yes - trophy's!! We won first place!
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Hello Deli
What a fun time!! My newest friend in the city is none other than Rupert Gee - the deli owner David Letterman talks to a lot on his show. My friend Mark is good friends with Rupert and his family, so we all met up at his famous Hello Deli on Broadway and 53rd. It was fun to see Rupert in action and all the tourists who come to get their picture made with him. You should have heard all the excited people coming in and out of the store - many on their cell phones saying "We just saw him! He's so nice!" Rupert says he poses for countless pictures everyday and it usually takes a good hour to close the store - he's so nice and doesn't want to turn anyone away. 
Rupert and I walked the several blocks from the Deli to the restaurant talking about Alabama - he has several University of Alabama t-shirts! - and me moving to the city, his deli and life in New York. We all had a great time at dinner, and I know just where to go when I'm hungry for a good deli sandwich!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
A little scratch for my phone...a little memory for me
Well, it had to have happened sometime. I totally busted on the sidewalk. Like, both hands on the ground, cell phone flying through the air, hurt pinky toe - classic you're-on-the-ground-before-you-know-what-happened fall. I was walking up the stairs of the subway at Union Square and heard my cell phone ringing. I fumbled it out of my bag, missed the call, saw I had a text message and started to read it...but instead of walking onto the sidewalk, I missed one little half-step down and literally my arms flew up in the air, my cell phone shot out of my hand, and I remember yelling "Oooh my!" as I was going down. While I was down I saw my cell phone skid to a stop on the sidewalk about 10 feet away. Of course there were a lot of people around, and of course my yell and hair flying and scrambling for my cell phone just created a scene. I did get two "Are you okay?'s" and lots of looks, but since I was just laughing and not calling for an ambulance or anything, I think that's pretty decent for New York.
Fun evening tonight with sweet Annie Rocchio, a friend from Hoover High School who is in town from LA. She is as fun and fashionable as ever. I love to hear and see her laugh. We went to her friend's apartment in the East Village which was so small but so cute. I would love to live there. She opened up a closet and there was more stuff crammed in there than you could ever imagine. Ate at a French restaurant Danal (it was so good, but all I could think about was some cheap McDonald's to really fill me up!) and had dessert at Max Brenner: Chocolate by the Bald Man. It was like Willy Wonka in there, and I had chocolate not just all over my face, but on my shoulder and arm too! Yum! Had so much fun, and so thankful for friends like Annie who I can pick up with right where we left off so many years ago!!
Fun evening tonight with sweet Annie Rocchio, a friend from Hoover High School who is in town from LA. She is as fun and fashionable as ever. I love to hear and see her laugh. We went to her friend's apartment in the East Village which was so small but so cute. I would love to live there. She opened up a closet and there was more stuff crammed in there than you could ever imagine. Ate at a French restaurant Danal (it was so good, but all I could think about was some cheap McDonald's to really fill me up!) and had dessert at Max Brenner: Chocolate by the Bald Man. It was like Willy Wonka in there, and I had chocolate not just all over my face, but on my shoulder and arm too! Yum! Had so much fun, and so thankful for friends like Annie who I can pick up with right where we left off so many years ago!!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Razzle Dazzle
The title of my blog came from a name my little sister Elizabeth made up for me. We were driving from Birmingham to Tuscaloosa for an Alabama game about two years ago and trying to entertain ourselves on a backed-up I-59. Elizabeth loves playing games like "would you rather" (especially when it involves Saved by the Bell characters or any personality from the 80's). Anyway, a would-you-rather game turned in to us coming up with names for everyone in our family that 1) described them, and 2) started with the same letter as their first name. I complained that there just weren't any good "R" names that were descriptive and fun. Any time I'd had to come up with an "R" name to describe myself (you know those terrible ice breaker games...), I always just used "redhead" or, even lamer, "radical". So, Elizabeth - being the creative genius she's always been - said, "What about 'razzle dazzle'?" Of course I freaked out and thought it was the best name I'd ever heard! So, from then on, "RazzleDazzle" has stuck! Elizabeth got me a "Razzle Dazzle Martini" picture that has a redheaded girl sitting on a martini glass (she's holding a cane that looks very much like a baton!) which I love...several folks (you know who you are) call me the Razzler...and I always get a "Razzle Dazzle 'em" good luck wish for my tap show or a trip to New York. I would say it's the best word ever! ;)
Love, "Razzle Dazzle Rebecca"
Love, "Razzle Dazzle Rebecca"
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Subway Thoughts
1. I will never, never, never eat anything while on the subway. Or while standing in or around the station. Those who do make me gag.
2. I tend to stand beside or behind the poles on the platform. I have such a fear of someone pushing me down into the tracks or tripping and falling down there. It's not just that I'm scared of falling into the tracks and a train coming, but have you seen how disgusting it is down there?! Murky water, trash and who knows what else.
3. Speaking of who knows what else, I've still not seen rats or mice in the subway. Everyone keeps telling me I'll see cat-sized rats in the subway. I always glance down in the tracks to spot one, but I've not seen any yet! :)
4. My ultimate goal is to be able to balance and not hold on to anything while standing up. I saw a guy doing this while reading a thick book, and I was so impressed...until I saw what book - Harry Potter! It really made me laugh - he was this late 20s-ish cute guy reading Harry Potter!
5. Not only does balancing mean you're a real New Yorker, it also means you don't have to touch the handles. I'm really becoming OCD about touching them!
6. Purell. I love Purell. I have a strategy - I always hold the pole with my left hand, and I only hold it in one spot (I figure if I only touch one spot rather than all over the pole, I won't get as many germs). After I get off the subway, that hand can't touch anything else until I've either Purelled it or washed it. I can open my bag and get my Purell (it has it's own compartment!) with my right hand and clean my left hand before too many germs have spread!
7. I thought I was the only person with this germ phobia until I saw the funniest thing so far on the subway! I sat down (sitting down is a toss up in the germ department...now my clothes are infected!) and a guy got on and stood next to me. He put his hand up to hold on to the pole, but he just put his hand around it and didn't touch it. He was making a big circle with his thumb and finger so it was around the pole but not touching it! It looked so funny, and I was like, "Poor dude, good idea, but what good is it going to do?" He was still going to jostle into the pole and have to touch it when the train started moving. It made me do the choking laugh that happens when something is so funny but you have try to make yourself not laugh!
8. Did you know there is an "Uptown" and "Downtown" for every line, and to go either direction you have to be standing on a specific platform which sometimes requires entering from another side of the street? I did not, and this information would have saved me much trouble and confusion. It was a total "Oh!" moment when I discovered this!!
9. The hottest place in the city on a hot and humid day is standing on the platform waiting for the train.
10. Morning 6 trains are so PACKED with people - literally cars just full of people - sitting, standing, holding on to anything, squeezed up against the door and windows. It's really kind of funny. Usually if you wait two minutes or so another train comes that isn't so packed. What adds to the amusement of the packed cars for me is how quiet everyone is. Usually no one is saying a word, yet there are a gillion people piled on top of each other.
11. Riding the subway is like riding in your car. Especially in the morning. It's your time to gather your thoughts and get ready for the day. Non-New Yorkers seem to always comment on how no one talks on the street or on the subway - no eye contact, no smiles hello or good morning. Well, think about it - you get in your car and drive quietly by yourself to work...do you say good morning to anyone along the way?
12. It's always a strange feeling to me when I see a subway packed with people coming in to the station. Car after car after car, each more full than the last. Where did all of you come from?! Where are all of you going?! Will I ever see any of you again?!
2. I tend to stand beside or behind the poles on the platform. I have such a fear of someone pushing me down into the tracks or tripping and falling down there. It's not just that I'm scared of falling into the tracks and a train coming, but have you seen how disgusting it is down there?! Murky water, trash and who knows what else.
3. Speaking of who knows what else, I've still not seen rats or mice in the subway. Everyone keeps telling me I'll see cat-sized rats in the subway. I always glance down in the tracks to spot one, but I've not seen any yet! :)
4. My ultimate goal is to be able to balance and not hold on to anything while standing up. I saw a guy doing this while reading a thick book, and I was so impressed...until I saw what book - Harry Potter! It really made me laugh - he was this late 20s-ish cute guy reading Harry Potter!
5. Not only does balancing mean you're a real New Yorker, it also means you don't have to touch the handles. I'm really becoming OCD about touching them!
6. Purell. I love Purell. I have a strategy - I always hold the pole with my left hand, and I only hold it in one spot (I figure if I only touch one spot rather than all over the pole, I won't get as many germs). After I get off the subway, that hand can't touch anything else until I've either Purelled it or washed it. I can open my bag and get my Purell (it has it's own compartment!) with my right hand and clean my left hand before too many germs have spread!
7. I thought I was the only person with this germ phobia until I saw the funniest thing so far on the subway! I sat down (sitting down is a toss up in the germ department...now my clothes are infected!) and a guy got on and stood next to me. He put his hand up to hold on to the pole, but he just put his hand around it and didn't touch it. He was making a big circle with his thumb and finger so it was around the pole but not touching it! It looked so funny, and I was like, "Poor dude, good idea, but what good is it going to do?" He was still going to jostle into the pole and have to touch it when the train started moving. It made me do the choking laugh that happens when something is so funny but you have try to make yourself not laugh!
8. Did you know there is an "Uptown" and "Downtown" for every line, and to go either direction you have to be standing on a specific platform which sometimes requires entering from another side of the street? I did not, and this information would have saved me much trouble and confusion. It was a total "Oh!" moment when I discovered this!!
9. The hottest place in the city on a hot and humid day is standing on the platform waiting for the train.
10. Morning 6 trains are so PACKED with people - literally cars just full of people - sitting, standing, holding on to anything, squeezed up against the door and windows. It's really kind of funny. Usually if you wait two minutes or so another train comes that isn't so packed. What adds to the amusement of the packed cars for me is how quiet everyone is. Usually no one is saying a word, yet there are a gillion people piled on top of each other.
11. Riding the subway is like riding in your car. Especially in the morning. It's your time to gather your thoughts and get ready for the day. Non-New Yorkers seem to always comment on how no one talks on the street or on the subway - no eye contact, no smiles hello or good morning. Well, think about it - you get in your car and drive quietly by yourself to work...do you say good morning to anyone along the way?
12. It's always a strange feeling to me when I see a subway packed with people coming in to the station. Car after car after car, each more full than the last. Where did all of you come from?! Where are all of you going?! Will I ever see any of you again?!
Monday, June 25, 2007
What a difference a month makes
Eating with Kristen today was an awesome realization...as we were sitting at the Shake Shack in Madison Square Park, I just started laughing. I remembered the last time we'd gotten together for lunch...it was in SoHo in Birmingham a week or so before Crimsonette tryouts which are at the end of April...it couldn't have been more than six weeks ago. At lunch that day in April, Kristen told me she and Adam MIGHT be moving to DC, she really wasn't sure what was going to happen. I remember saying how fun that sounded, that they should go for it if Adam gets the job. And, of course, I threw in a "and I want to move to New York!" Today I just started laughing - look at us! Can you believe you're actually in DC and I'm actually in New York and everything that is real to us today was just a dream a few weeks ago?!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Basics of my New York life!
Where I live
I live in a 40-floor building called the Plaza on the corner of East 56th Street and 1st Avenue. I live with Jane - she was a Crimsonette at Alabama in the 70s, and I met her at Alabama's Homecoming in Fall 2006. Jane's lived in the building for 21 years. and she is so sweet to let us girls rent space from her! The apartment has a master bedroom and bath, a large den that flows into my "area" that flows into the dining area, and a small kitchen is off the dining area. A hallway leads to the guest room and hall bathroom. Cameron and Mary Jane (both girls graduated from Alabama last year) live in the guest room – they share a bed that folds out of the wall – and the three of us share the bathroom. Sharing the bathroom has worked fine so far – Jane has color-coded towels for each of us, and there is plenty of hooks, cabinets, counter space and mirrors.
Main living area - my space is back near the window!
I feel so blessed that Cameron and Mary Jane are here - it's fun to live with girls close to my age. I was supposed to be in the room they're in, but the apartment they were going to rent fell through just before I moved here. Although I initially freaked out about not having my own room, God totally knew what he was doing in having all of us here!
Something unique to our building is we have a pool on the rooftop. I’ve been up there a few times, but unless you want to swim with old people, it’s really more fun to go out to Central Park to sunbathe.
My space
My space is super cute. I have a very comfortable bed, a desk area and an armoir that has a TV and extra space for my "stuff". I keep all my books, pictures and letters from home in there - I love it! I store my comforter and pillow in a hamper and put a really cute matching canvas case over the mattress during the day. The case makes it look less like a bed sitting out in the living room! Jane is so sweet and puts the comforter on my bed lots of nights for me while I'm getting ready for bed. The night before I started work, she turned on the lamp and put out a glass of water - it was so cute! One night she left a chocolate on the pillow. :)
The view!!
It is amazing. I’m not even going to try to describe it, and the pictures truly do not do it justice. You just have to see it for yourself! It’s almost an overwhelming feeling, and for however long I live here, I really don’t want to ever get used to it – you know?! I want it to always be an awestruck feeling, and I want to always be appreciative of it. The focal points are the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building and the “MetLife” building, but it's truly a bird's eye view of midtown Manhattan! Jane sent me a picture of the view before I visited New York in February with Ansley and Jackie. I remember sitting at work and opening the email. The picture so overwhelmed me – and was so my dream – that tears welled up in my eyes and my throat tightened and I truly felt changed. I can’t believe it is now what I see everyday!
The inside is immaculate – white marble floors, granite countertops, black and white framed photos (mainly of New York landmarks) accented by bright works of art. In addition to being a billionaire, David is an art collector, furniture designer, involved in real estate and very nice and friendly. My mom asked me the other day if I’ve seen any famous people, and I said no. She asked if I ever see David Chu. I do, all the time – he walks through our office area and says hi just like any other person. So, since in some circles he is very famous, I guess I see a famous person almost every day!
Okay, I tried to make this look panoramic! Top pictures are the reception area. I love this area because I remember when I came for the interview, I felt very at ease and at home from the first second I walked through the door! Bottom picture is part of the conference room and showroom on the first floor (it's the room behind the red piece of art).
I live in a 40-floor building called the Plaza on the corner of East 56th Street and 1st Avenue. I live with Jane - she was a Crimsonette at Alabama in the 70s, and I met her at Alabama's Homecoming in Fall 2006. Jane's lived in the building for 21 years. and she is so sweet to let us girls rent space from her! The apartment has a master bedroom and bath, a large den that flows into my "area" that flows into the dining area, and a small kitchen is off the dining area. A hallway leads to the guest room and hall bathroom. Cameron and Mary Jane (both girls graduated from Alabama last year) live in the guest room – they share a bed that folds out of the wall – and the three of us share the bathroom. Sharing the bathroom has worked fine so far – Jane has color-coded towels for each of us, and there is plenty of hooks, cabinets, counter space and mirrors.
Main living area - my space is back near the window!
I feel so blessed that Cameron and Mary Jane are here - it's fun to live with girls close to my age. I was supposed to be in the room they're in, but the apartment they were going to rent fell through just before I moved here. Although I initially freaked out about not having my own room, God totally knew what he was doing in having all of us here!
Something unique to our building is we have a pool on the rooftop. I’ve been up there a few times, but unless you want to swim with old people, it’s really more fun to go out to Central Park to sunbathe.
My space
My space is super cute. I have a very comfortable bed, a desk area and an armoir that has a TV and extra space for my "stuff". I keep all my books, pictures and letters from home in there - I love it! I store my comforter and pillow in a hamper and put a really cute matching canvas case over the mattress during the day. The case makes it look less like a bed sitting out in the living room! Jane is so sweet and puts the comforter on my bed lots of nights for me while I'm getting ready for bed. The night before I started work, she turned on the lamp and put out a glass of water - it was so cute! One night she left a chocolate on the pillow. :)
My little area - glass desk in bottom corner and armoir on the right...and view out the window (pic taken at night...will have to do a better day shot so you can see!)
The best part about my space is the window. My bed runs alongside the door and window that look out to the balcony and the VIEW. I happily trade having walls for the view! It HAS to be the best view in the city.
The best part about my space is the window. My bed runs alongside the door and window that look out to the balcony and the VIEW. I happily trade having walls for the view! It HAS to be the best view in the city.
The view!!
It is amazing. I’m not even going to try to describe it, and the pictures truly do not do it justice. You just have to see it for yourself! It’s almost an overwhelming feeling, and for however long I live here, I really don’t want to ever get used to it – you know?! I want it to always be an awestruck feeling, and I want to always be appreciative of it. The focal points are the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building and the “MetLife” building, but it's truly a bird's eye view of midtown Manhattan! Jane sent me a picture of the view before I visited New York in February with Ansley and Jackie. I remember sitting at work and opening the email. The picture so overwhelmed me – and was so my dream – that tears welled up in my eyes and my throat tightened and I truly felt changed. I can’t believe it is now what I see everyday!
Top: Zoomed in shot (Chrysler and Empire State Bldg) Bottom: This is only half the view - I need to do some "panoramic" shots! Even that still wouldn't be the full effect of feeling it in person...
How I get to work
Well, the first few days I thought it was super fun to walk to and from work…it’s 34 blocks plus the avenues, so it’s over 2 miles! It takes around 35 minutes walking fast. I’ve quickly given up walking for riding the subway, which is usually a pretty good adventure in itself. I take the 6 train (Downtown in the morning and Uptown in the evening). I walk up from 1st Ave to Lexington (that’s long avenue blocks 1st Ave, 2nd Ave, 3rd Ave, Lex) and get on the subway at either the 59th Street stop or the 51st Street stop (I live on 56th Street).
The 59th Street stop is usually SO packed!! Several times I’ve had to wait for another train or been so squeezed on I literally have to suck my body in as small as I can be and hold my breath (who wants to breathe in other people’s morning breath?!) So, since 59th is so packed in the morning, I’ve decided to start catching the train at 51st Street instead – seems like hordes of people get OFF at 51st St, so it’s a little less crowded. Plus, the station is at the Citigroup Financial Center and there are tons of cute guys who all they do is work, work, work so they need a Southern girl to smile at them in the morning! :)
In addition to the morning congestion problem at 59th Street, the other problem is the evening temptation its location presents. Does 59th and Lex ring a bell? Bloomingdales. Bloomingdales is not so much the problem, but H&M, Urban Outfitters, Banana, Express, Zara, you-name-it-it’s-there! I have a tendency to just “take a peek”…and we all know taking a peek means three shirts and two skirts later you’re on your way home. It’s just safer all around if I stick to 51st Street in the morning and in the evening!
In the morning it’s about a 10 minute walk to the station, and a 10 minute subway ride to 23rd Street stop. (There are four stops on the way). I exit on 22nd Street, so I just walk right up the block to the office. Trains come every two to three minutes during rush hour, but a few mornings I’ve had to wait longer.
Where I work
DC Design is a small company owned by David Chu, the creator of Nautica brand clothing. Our office is a 6-story brownstone on the lower east side – I love saying our address “East 22nd Street between Broadway and Park”!! The exterior is very beautiful with a walkup entry.
Well, the first few days I thought it was super fun to walk to and from work…it’s 34 blocks plus the avenues, so it’s over 2 miles! It takes around 35 minutes walking fast. I’ve quickly given up walking for riding the subway, which is usually a pretty good adventure in itself. I take the 6 train (Downtown in the morning and Uptown in the evening). I walk up from 1st Ave to Lexington (that’s long avenue blocks 1st Ave, 2nd Ave, 3rd Ave, Lex) and get on the subway at either the 59th Street stop or the 51st Street stop (I live on 56th Street).
The 59th Street stop is usually SO packed!! Several times I’ve had to wait for another train or been so squeezed on I literally have to suck my body in as small as I can be and hold my breath (who wants to breathe in other people’s morning breath?!) So, since 59th is so packed in the morning, I’ve decided to start catching the train at 51st Street instead – seems like hordes of people get OFF at 51st St, so it’s a little less crowded. Plus, the station is at the Citigroup Financial Center and there are tons of cute guys who all they do is work, work, work so they need a Southern girl to smile at them in the morning! :)
In addition to the morning congestion problem at 59th Street, the other problem is the evening temptation its location presents. Does 59th and Lex ring a bell? Bloomingdales. Bloomingdales is not so much the problem, but H&M, Urban Outfitters, Banana, Express, Zara, you-name-it-it’s-there! I have a tendency to just “take a peek”…and we all know taking a peek means three shirts and two skirts later you’re on your way home. It’s just safer all around if I stick to 51st Street in the morning and in the evening!
In the morning it’s about a 10 minute walk to the station, and a 10 minute subway ride to 23rd Street stop. (There are four stops on the way). I exit on 22nd Street, so I just walk right up the block to the office. Trains come every two to three minutes during rush hour, but a few mornings I’ve had to wait longer.
Where I work
DC Design is a small company owned by David Chu, the creator of Nautica brand clothing. Our office is a 6-story brownstone on the lower east side – I love saying our address “East 22nd Street between Broadway and Park”!! The exterior is very beautiful with a walkup entry.
L to R: The townhouse, the front door and the plaque at the front door.
The inside is immaculate – white marble floors, granite countertops, black and white framed photos (mainly of New York landmarks) accented by bright works of art. In addition to being a billionaire, David is an art collector, furniture designer, involved in real estate and very nice and friendly. My mom asked me the other day if I’ve seen any famous people, and I said no. She asked if I ever see David Chu. I do, all the time – he walks through our office area and says hi just like any other person. So, since in some circles he is very famous, I guess I see a famous person almost every day!
Okay, I tried to make this look panoramic! Top pictures are the reception area. I love this area because I remember when I came for the interview, I felt very at ease and at home from the first second I walked through the door! Bottom picture is part of the conference room and showroom on the first floor (it's the room behind the red piece of art).
We have a showroom on the first floor which is set up with the current season’s collection so we can show it when the specialty store buyers come. The second floor has HR, accounting, logistics, IT and PR. Mallory & Church, a mens dress furnishings company, is on the third and fourth floors. My office is on the fifth floor – we share space with the designers and a large planning area where the sketches and samples are displayed and worked on. The sixth floor is SO cool. By day it’s a custom tailor shop called Bespoke, and by night it’s a fabulous place for a party! There’s a patio that has a really great view of the Empire State Building. I’m mad at myself that I haven’t taken pictures of the view yet because construction has begun on the block behind us for a tall condo building…the cranes and equipment are starting to block the view.
Who I work with
I started working June 4 along with two other new account executives. I had been pretty nervous to see who my coworkers would be, but as soon as I saw them – before we even spoke – I had such peace feeling that I already knew and liked them. Shane is originally from Hawaii but has lived in New York for the past nine years. He studied fashion and has worked in mens high fashion retailers for several years. He is a wealth of knowledge and really helps us. Lauren is from Chicago and just moved to New York a month before I did. Her fiancé is also from Chicago and has lived in New York for a year. She worked in advertising for a tradeshow company, so we both share an advertising and marketing background and are new to what we’re doing! We were fast friends and have eaten lunch together from day one! I’m so thankful for her, and for the dynamic between the three of us. The senior account executive is Amy – she’s from Florida and has been in New York for five years. Our VP of Sales is David – he is a lifetime New Yorker, and he and his wife live in New Jersey and have two kids. David’s claim to fame is he used to dance on MTV on the “Downtown Julie Brown” show!!! He was none too happy that we found out this little bit of information, and we are hoping he will show us some moves soon!
We went to a menswear awards lunch at New York Athletic Club on June 19th. The Club is beautiful and has great views of Central Park. George Zimmer of Mens Warehouse was an award recipient and in attendance. Our picture from the event made the “Schmoozing” page – not a publication as great as my beloved “About Town”, but I guess it’ll do for now! :) http://www.mrketplace.com/schmoozing/index.cgi?&insidealbum=True&reference_albumtitle=147
We’re the 12th picture; l to r: Lauren, Shane, Amy, David, Rebecca
What I do
I’m an account executive for the menswear clothing line Lincs David Chu. It’s a high end menswear line sold at specialty stores across the country. It’s relatively new – first season was Fall 2005. It’s so exciting because the company and line are so young and just now starting to grow. I really feel like the experience working here will be anything I want it to be.
I am responsible for servicing existing accounts and getting new ones, so it is a sales-type job (I always swore I would never be in sales!) I have the southeast territory – for obvious reasons!
Who I work with
I started working June 4 along with two other new account executives. I had been pretty nervous to see who my coworkers would be, but as soon as I saw them – before we even spoke – I had such peace feeling that I already knew and liked them. Shane is originally from Hawaii but has lived in New York for the past nine years. He studied fashion and has worked in mens high fashion retailers for several years. He is a wealth of knowledge and really helps us. Lauren is from Chicago and just moved to New York a month before I did. Her fiancé is also from Chicago and has lived in New York for a year. She worked in advertising for a tradeshow company, so we both share an advertising and marketing background and are new to what we’re doing! We were fast friends and have eaten lunch together from day one! I’m so thankful for her, and for the dynamic between the three of us. The senior account executive is Amy – she’s from Florida and has been in New York for five years. Our VP of Sales is David – he is a lifetime New Yorker, and he and his wife live in New Jersey and have two kids. David’s claim to fame is he used to dance on MTV on the “Downtown Julie Brown” show!!! He was none too happy that we found out this little bit of information, and we are hoping he will show us some moves soon!
We went to a menswear awards lunch at New York Athletic Club on June 19th. The Club is beautiful and has great views of Central Park. George Zimmer of Mens Warehouse was an award recipient and in attendance. Our picture from the event made the “Schmoozing” page – not a publication as great as my beloved “About Town”, but I guess it’ll do for now! :) http://www.mrketplace.com/schmoozing/index.cgi?&insidealbum=True&reference_albumtitle=147
We’re the 12th picture; l to r: Lauren, Shane, Amy, David, Rebecca
What I do
I’m an account executive for the menswear clothing line Lincs David Chu. It’s a high end menswear line sold at specialty stores across the country. It’s relatively new – first season was Fall 2005. It’s so exciting because the company and line are so young and just now starting to grow. I really feel like the experience working here will be anything I want it to be.
I am responsible for servicing existing accounts and getting new ones, so it is a sales-type job (I always swore I would never be in sales!) I have the southeast territory – for obvious reasons!
Lauren, Shane and I spend a lot of time getting familiar with the clothes and with how to show them. We have frequent field trips to Saks 5th Ave to see the product in action with consumers. (It’s a hard job, but somebody’s got to do it!) The glamour of Saks visits is balanced by a lot of time spent in the storage area at the townhouse – opening and inventorying the Spring 2008 line as it arrives. Lauren, Shane and I have some of our best times down in the basement talking! Even the most boring of tasks - like going through swatches or looking at inventory spreadsheets - is a great opportunity for me to get familiar with fabrics, styles, etc. All this is so new – it’s very exciting to learn!
We’re working toward the summer show season which begins with the New York Collective July 23-25. Buyers from specialty stores all over the country will be here to see the Spring lines of all the menswear retailers. The Collective’s website is www.enkshows.com/collective. (Count the pictures as they fade in and out – the sixth picture you’ll see is of David Chu on the left showing an orange garment to two seated men.)
After the New York Collective, I’ll be traveling to Charlotte August 4-6 since many of my buyers are in that region. Lauren will go to Chicago because she has the Midwest accounts, and Shane will go to Las Vegas. I’m being a big girl and not pouting that I don’t get a more exciting city than Charlotte!
Typical Day
I love it! I was meant for this New York schedule because I do NOT do mornings!! Our hours are 9 to 5 with an hour lunch, and we get off at 1 pm on Fridays during the summer!! Unlike Birmingham where I hit the snooze like six times every morning, in New York I usually wake up before my alarm goes off! I don’t pull the shades because I love going to sleep looking at the city lights, and I love waking up to the most awesome view ever. The sun comes in the huge windows by my bed, and I love looking at it glinting off the windows of the buildings, especially the top of the Chrysler Building. Seeing the city just gives me energy and excitement to start the day. I get up around 6:30 and usually take second shower after Cameron. I take my time getting ready in my “space” and watching the Today Show (I keep having to remind myself the show is happening just a short 15 minute walk away!) Morning is my quiet time to be by myself and get ready for the day. I leave the apartment at 8:30, wave bye to the doormen, put on my sunglasses (gotta have sunglasses!) and zigzag through the streets to the subway.
There is no typical evening yet – I’ve been exploring and shopping, or going to dinner, Bible study or events. I talk on the phone to friends from home a lot in the evenings too. A few times we’ve all been back to the apartment by 8 or so and watched a little TV and talked. We usually try to get in the bed by 11:30 or 12:30. Since my bed is off of the living room, I kind of have to wait until everyone heads to their bed. Usually not a problem because I am such a night owl, but with all the walking and excitement of New York, I’m usually ready for bed sooner rather than later!
We’re working toward the summer show season which begins with the New York Collective July 23-25. Buyers from specialty stores all over the country will be here to see the Spring lines of all the menswear retailers. The Collective’s website is www.enkshows.com/collective. (Count the pictures as they fade in and out – the sixth picture you’ll see is of David Chu on the left showing an orange garment to two seated men.)
After the New York Collective, I’ll be traveling to Charlotte August 4-6 since many of my buyers are in that region. Lauren will go to Chicago because she has the Midwest accounts, and Shane will go to Las Vegas. I’m being a big girl and not pouting that I don’t get a more exciting city than Charlotte!
Typical Day
I love it! I was meant for this New York schedule because I do NOT do mornings!! Our hours are 9 to 5 with an hour lunch, and we get off at 1 pm on Fridays during the summer!! Unlike Birmingham where I hit the snooze like six times every morning, in New York I usually wake up before my alarm goes off! I don’t pull the shades because I love going to sleep looking at the city lights, and I love waking up to the most awesome view ever. The sun comes in the huge windows by my bed, and I love looking at it glinting off the windows of the buildings, especially the top of the Chrysler Building. Seeing the city just gives me energy and excitement to start the day. I get up around 6:30 and usually take second shower after Cameron. I take my time getting ready in my “space” and watching the Today Show (I keep having to remind myself the show is happening just a short 15 minute walk away!) Morning is my quiet time to be by myself and get ready for the day. I leave the apartment at 8:30, wave bye to the doormen, put on my sunglasses (gotta have sunglasses!) and zigzag through the streets to the subway.
There is no typical evening yet – I’ve been exploring and shopping, or going to dinner, Bible study or events. I talk on the phone to friends from home a lot in the evenings too. A few times we’ve all been back to the apartment by 8 or so and watched a little TV and talked. We usually try to get in the bed by 11:30 or 12:30. Since my bed is off of the living room, I kind of have to wait until everyone heads to their bed. Usually not a problem because I am such a night owl, but with all the walking and excitement of New York, I’m usually ready for bed sooner rather than later!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Unlikely Angels
People surprise me all the time.
I had only been here two weeks - had still not really figured out the subway - and was coming home kind of late after going out with Lauren. It was a subway line I didn't normally take (i.e. any line other than the 6!), so I wasn't sure which one to get on, much less which way to go! I was standing on the platform trying to figure out what to do without looking like I was trying to figure out what to do. I glanced around for someone who looked "nice" to ask which way I should go. My first pick was a woman who couldn't speak English...okay, what now - everyone else looks creepy! I made eye contact with a girl with dyed black hair, black fingernails, black clothes and a blank, sullen face - I thought to myself I definitely didn't want to talk to her - she looks scary! Her expression changed and she explained very nicely exactly how I should get where I wanted to go. I thanked her and we continued to stand together waiting for the train. When it arrived, she looked at me and motioned that this is the one we should get on. We sat across from each other, and I kept wanting to strike up a conversation but kept hesitating. When my stop came, she nodded that I should get off. I told her I appreciated her help so much. What I wanted to tell her was what an angel she had been to me on so many levels - showing me the way home, travelling with me so I wasn't alone on the subway late at night, and teaching me not to judge people so quickly by the way they look.
Another blessed meeting happened when my cell phone stopped working (remember when I got caught in Central Park in the rain...well, don't call people to tell them you're caught in the rain WHILE you're caught in the rain!) Anyway, as has happened so many times since I've been here, God provided. My speaker stopped working - no one could hear me on my phone, but I could hear them. What to do?!?! It was almost 6 pm on Saturday night! As I started to freak out, I looked up from my phone and saw I was standing directly in front of a Verizon Wireless store...open until 10 pm!! Hahaha! Amazing. I went inside and met the sweetest girl at customer service. I had to get a brand new phone, which meant I would lose all my texts and any unsaved pictures (I had a bunch of sweet texts from leaving Birmingham and arriving in New York that I didn't want to lose, and I really thought I was going to cry if my pictures were erased!) She had me forward the texts to her phone and then she sent them back to me, and then she waited for like 20 minutes while I saved all the pictures to a disk! We talked the whole time this was going on, and just while I was thinking how happy I was that I'd had to come in there because I'd gotten to meet her, she said she was so happy I was there - that I was the nicest person she'd helped all day, and she had just needed to laugh and talk with someone.
You never know when you're going to find an angel...or when you're going to be an angel to someone else!
I had only been here two weeks - had still not really figured out the subway - and was coming home kind of late after going out with Lauren. It was a subway line I didn't normally take (i.e. any line other than the 6!), so I wasn't sure which one to get on, much less which way to go! I was standing on the platform trying to figure out what to do without looking like I was trying to figure out what to do. I glanced around for someone who looked "nice" to ask which way I should go. My first pick was a woman who couldn't speak English...okay, what now - everyone else looks creepy! I made eye contact with a girl with dyed black hair, black fingernails, black clothes and a blank, sullen face - I thought to myself I definitely didn't want to talk to her - she looks scary! Her expression changed and she explained very nicely exactly how I should get where I wanted to go. I thanked her and we continued to stand together waiting for the train. When it arrived, she looked at me and motioned that this is the one we should get on. We sat across from each other, and I kept wanting to strike up a conversation but kept hesitating. When my stop came, she nodded that I should get off. I told her I appreciated her help so much. What I wanted to tell her was what an angel she had been to me on so many levels - showing me the way home, travelling with me so I wasn't alone on the subway late at night, and teaching me not to judge people so quickly by the way they look.
Another blessed meeting happened when my cell phone stopped working (remember when I got caught in Central Park in the rain...well, don't call people to tell them you're caught in the rain WHILE you're caught in the rain!) Anyway, as has happened so many times since I've been here, God provided. My speaker stopped working - no one could hear me on my phone, but I could hear them. What to do?!?! It was almost 6 pm on Saturday night! As I started to freak out, I looked up from my phone and saw I was standing directly in front of a Verizon Wireless store...open until 10 pm!! Hahaha! Amazing. I went inside and met the sweetest girl at customer service. I had to get a brand new phone, which meant I would lose all my texts and any unsaved pictures (I had a bunch of sweet texts from leaving Birmingham and arriving in New York that I didn't want to lose, and I really thought I was going to cry if my pictures were erased!) She had me forward the texts to her phone and then she sent them back to me, and then she waited for like 20 minutes while I saved all the pictures to a disk! We talked the whole time this was going on, and just while I was thinking how happy I was that I'd had to come in there because I'd gotten to meet her, she said she was so happy I was there - that I was the nicest person she'd helped all day, and she had just needed to laugh and talk with someone.
You never know when you're going to find an angel...or when you're going to be an angel to someone else!
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