More relaxing again. I feel like that is all I have been doing in my free time. Right now I am watching Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and I have decided that I much prefer Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen rather than Cedric Diggory.
Anyway, yesterday I went to hang out with a friend from UNC who is interning in the city at FITNESS magazine this summer. She is staying with her aunt and uncle in Cedar Grove, which is only 3 miles away. So since I don't have a car and it would have required about 3 different buses to get there, I just biked over. They had a cookout at their house, and then she and I went to a carnival at one of the local churches. We rode one of those pirate ships, a huge slide, and went on the Ferris wheel.
Then we couldn't resist getting some carnival food, so we bought these things that are like funnel cake, only in ball form and they put them in a bag while they are still warm with powdered sugar and you shake them up. They have a name for them, but I can't remember it right now. They gave us like eight each and they were the size of my fist. It was amazing. There is nothing like carnival food to clog your arteries but make you feel completely satisfied. Then we went back to her house for a little while to hang out, where I got to pet her cousins' pet chinchilla, Hootie. I have always wanted one and that just made me want one even more. So it was definitely a good night, and now I am trying to prep myself for another full week of lots of work and little rest.
I also found out this weekend that New York recently passed a law that says you aren't allowed to be listening to an iPod while you are crossing a street in the city, which is pretty much all the time since they are all so close. Apparently they were having problems with people having their music on too loud and not hearing the cabs honking their horns when they were crossing at crosswalks. I have been using my iPod every morning as I walk to work and I am sure I have passed some police men, but no one has said anything to me. So now I won't be able to listen to music on my walk, but I really don't mind because there is enough to look at on the streets. I'm just glad I wasn't fined for it. Just paying for the commute and groceries is costing me enough money!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
T.G.I.F.
This week has gone by so quickly, it just seems like one long day. I can't believe I made it through my first week as an intern! It's been more exhausting than I anticipated. Today me and one other intern had to spend the afternoon organizing the closet and about 12 clothing racks into style and then further by color within the style. Hardly a challenging task, but because it was the end of the week and the closet had to be organized, it took forever.
Apparently it is extremely rare for a magazine to ask their interns to work full time. A lot of my magazine friends will have at least one day off a week and won't be in for full days. I am there from about 9:30-6:30 Monday through Friday, and we will probably only have one day off. But I just have to remind myself that it will look great on my resume as well as helping me gain connections and get an idea of what the magazine world is like.
Tonight I am just relaxing and watching Pride and Prejudice. It hardly feels like a Friday night since I am in and pretty much by myself. But I am hoping I will have some energy this weekend to enjoy my time away from the office. I am going to try to get together with an intern and another UNC student tomorrow to have some fun. Until then, I am going to watch the lovely Mr. Darcy.
Apparently it is extremely rare for a magazine to ask their interns to work full time. A lot of my magazine friends will have at least one day off a week and won't be in for full days. I am there from about 9:30-6:30 Monday through Friday, and we will probably only have one day off. But I just have to remind myself that it will look great on my resume as well as helping me gain connections and get an idea of what the magazine world is like.
Tonight I am just relaxing and watching Pride and Prejudice. It hardly feels like a Friday night since I am in and pretty much by myself. But I am hoping I will have some energy this weekend to enjoy my time away from the office. I am going to try to get together with an intern and another UNC student tomorrow to have some fun. Until then, I am going to watch the lovely Mr. Darcy.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Work, Eat, Sleep. Work, Eat, Sleep.
It's only day three of work, but I feel like I have been there forever. The other interns and I have yet to go out after work to get to know each other because we are so exhausted by the time we finish. Right now my days consist of catching the bus to work, working all day, catching the bus home, dinner, relaxing and blogging when I can, then to bed early so it can start again. I'm sure I'll get used to it eventually, but my feet hate me right now. I have blisters after every day, and I'm not even wearing high heels to work.
But for all my complaining, I am having a lot of fun with it. On the first day I worked mainly with clothing, but yesterday and today I got to work with accessories. Yesterday I got to handle high heels from Christian Louboutin, my favorite designer. I wanted to put them on and just walk around the Closet it them, but I don't know if I'm allowed to do that. They were so beautiful, but worth more than I have in my bank account. It's a little nerve-wracking dealing with stuff that is so valuable.
Yesterday I found out that the accessories assistant went to UNCGreensboro for two years as an undergrad. What a small world! But she transferred because she said the south wasn't for her. But I've never thought of Greensboro as being a southern city. Plus, I miss sweet tea and barbecue! But it made me really happy to hear that someone up here had been so close to home and knows what North Carolina is like. There is also someone on the staff here who graduated from UNC, but I haven't met her yet. I hope I get to meet her soon because I would love to have another Tar Heel so close!
I found out that I probably won't see Oprah- I don't think they ever shoot the covers here in NYC. But apparently her BFF Gayle comes aorund sometime. She is the Editor-At-Large of the magazine and I think she might have an office somewhere on the floor. There is a lot of the magazine that I don't really get to see because we are always in or around the Closet. At least it has a breathtaking view of the city behind all the racks of clothing. Hopefully I will get to snap a picture of it one day to post on the blog.
The weather has been awful lately. It's cold and rainy and just makes me that much more tired. Today it was really foggy, which made for an awesome view of the City. The tops of the skyscrapers would disappear into the fog and you couldn't tell how much farther they went on. But as if the sidewalks weren't already packed enough with pedestrians, it is even harder when people all have their umbrellas out. I almost took out a couple of people with mine.
I also have to remind myself to slow down every once in a while. At the beginning, I was baffled by New Yorkers and how they rush everywhere. And I do mean everywhere. They can't even stand still on an escalator and let it do the work for them. They just keep running to get where they need to go. And then I did it both yesterday and today to make it to my bus in time. I love the city and it's energy, but I don't want it to pass by so quickly because I was running around everywhere. So when I find myself rushing, I have to make myself slow down. I'll find other ways to become like a New Yorker, like buy a sketchy hot dog from a vendor on the street. I actually did buy coffee and a muffin from a vendor this morning, and I felt like a local. And yesterday someone asked me where the nearest bank was. I couldn't help her, but at least she thought I was from the City!
Okay, even though it is only 9:30 at night, I am going to start getting ready for bed because I am a little lame right now. And it takes a while for me to get around. I have to hobble and limp on my sore feet. So sweet dreams, everyone!
But for all my complaining, I am having a lot of fun with it. On the first day I worked mainly with clothing, but yesterday and today I got to work with accessories. Yesterday I got to handle high heels from Christian Louboutin, my favorite designer. I wanted to put them on and just walk around the Closet it them, but I don't know if I'm allowed to do that. They were so beautiful, but worth more than I have in my bank account. It's a little nerve-wracking dealing with stuff that is so valuable.
Yesterday I found out that the accessories assistant went to UNCGreensboro for two years as an undergrad. What a small world! But she transferred because she said the south wasn't for her. But I've never thought of Greensboro as being a southern city. Plus, I miss sweet tea and barbecue! But it made me really happy to hear that someone up here had been so close to home and knows what North Carolina is like. There is also someone on the staff here who graduated from UNC, but I haven't met her yet. I hope I get to meet her soon because I would love to have another Tar Heel so close!
I found out that I probably won't see Oprah- I don't think they ever shoot the covers here in NYC. But apparently her BFF Gayle comes aorund sometime. She is the Editor-At-Large of the magazine and I think she might have an office somewhere on the floor. There is a lot of the magazine that I don't really get to see because we are always in or around the Closet. At least it has a breathtaking view of the city behind all the racks of clothing. Hopefully I will get to snap a picture of it one day to post on the blog.
The weather has been awful lately. It's cold and rainy and just makes me that much more tired. Today it was really foggy, which made for an awesome view of the City. The tops of the skyscrapers would disappear into the fog and you couldn't tell how much farther they went on. But as if the sidewalks weren't already packed enough with pedestrians, it is even harder when people all have their umbrellas out. I almost took out a couple of people with mine.
I also have to remind myself to slow down every once in a while. At the beginning, I was baffled by New Yorkers and how they rush everywhere. And I do mean everywhere. They can't even stand still on an escalator and let it do the work for them. They just keep running to get where they need to go. And then I did it both yesterday and today to make it to my bus in time. I love the city and it's energy, but I don't want it to pass by so quickly because I was running around everywhere. So when I find myself rushing, I have to make myself slow down. I'll find other ways to become like a New Yorker, like buy a sketchy hot dog from a vendor on the street. I actually did buy coffee and a muffin from a vendor this morning, and I felt like a local. And yesterday someone asked me where the nearest bank was. I couldn't help her, but at least she thought I was from the City!
Okay, even though it is only 9:30 at night, I am going to start getting ready for bed because I am a little lame right now. And it takes a while for me to get around. I have to hobble and limp on my sore feet. So sweet dreams, everyone!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Hello, Fashion Closet. I Have Made It To Heaven.
First day on the job! And my feet are killing me. I went in at 8 a.m., and there were about two hours of training where we were given a tour around the office and through the Fashion Closet (beautiful, and so far, my favorite place in NYC). We spent most of the day learning how to check in and return samples of clothing, shoes, and accessories. It was so much fun! And so hectic. I was a little afraid of what it was going to be like- I think I have watched The Devil Wears Prada one too many times. I had no idea what to expect, but they were all really sweet and incredibly helpful as we were trying to figure everything out.
There are three other interns in the fashion department and they are all from the North. I guess that makes me the token southern girl. I did say y'all a couple of times, but no one has given me heck about it. Yet.
I was shocked when I rode on the elevator the first time and as we were going to the 36th floor, my ears began to pop. And it speeds you up there in about 10 seconds. New Yorkers are always constantly moving at mach speed, it seems. But I was given an official card to be allowed into the office. The first time I tried to get in the turnstile without an I.D., it made a really obnoxious beeping sound at me, and the security guard had to tell me that I couldn't get in without verification from the editor. But it all worked out and now I can come and go all I want. It makes me feel really important, even if I am the unpaid intern :)
I am already so positive that I want to be in magazines after college, and I know that this will be a great learning experience and to get my foot in the door. And I will keep you updated in how it progresses, especially if I meet Oprah. My roommate Ashley told me that if I saw Oprah, I should turn around and walk away because she is certain I will say something to embarrass myself. That might be true, but to avoid that I will come up with crafty lines ahead of time. Any suggestions?
There are three other interns in the fashion department and they are all from the North. I guess that makes me the token southern girl. I did say y'all a couple of times, but no one has given me heck about it. Yet.
I was shocked when I rode on the elevator the first time and as we were going to the 36th floor, my ears began to pop. And it speeds you up there in about 10 seconds. New Yorkers are always constantly moving at mach speed, it seems. But I was given an official card to be allowed into the office. The first time I tried to get in the turnstile without an I.D., it made a really obnoxious beeping sound at me, and the security guard had to tell me that I couldn't get in without verification from the editor. But it all worked out and now I can come and go all I want. It makes me feel really important, even if I am the unpaid intern :)
I am already so positive that I want to be in magazines after college, and I know that this will be a great learning experience and to get my foot in the door. And I will keep you updated in how it progresses, especially if I meet Oprah. My roommate Ashley told me that if I saw Oprah, I should turn around and walk away because she is certain I will say something to embarrass myself. That might be true, but to avoid that I will come up with crafty lines ahead of time. Any suggestions?
Friday, May 22, 2009
Times Square And Union Square
Second day in the city! This time I took the train. It's a shorter ride, but Penn Station is farther than Port Authority from my work. I started out the day by going to Times Square. I kept an eye out for the naked cowboy, but had no luck seeing him. But I did get to go into two of my favorite stores: the Hershey's store and the Toys R Us, which is amazing because it is three stories tall and has a Ferris wheel in it. I really wanted to ride it, but since I was alone, I decided to wait until I can share that experience with someone. I probably should have just jumped in with some kids and pretended I knew them. Seriously though, it's a lot of fun.
Then I decided to make my way down to Union Square market, so I walked down Broadway Street. On the way, I got to see the Flatiron building, which I didn't know I would see. But it looks really cool and fits into the corner really well. I know people say not to look up at the buildings or you will look like a tourist, but it's so hard when there are so many cool, huge buildings around, especially the Flatiron building.
I bought some fresh apples at the Union Square market, but they had so much more than fruits. They had fresh vegetables, all kinds of plants, baked goods, dairy products and some clothing and other small trinkets. They are all locals trying to sell, so it supports local and often organic farmers and small businesses. After I finished browsing at the market, I decided to take a break and sit in Union Square Park, which was fun to sit and people-watch because New York has a lot of interesting people.
After that and scattered throughout the day I did some shopping whenever I saw a store I wanted to go into. But I didn't buy anything or even try anything on because the stores are crazy busy and the lines were extreme. Near the end of the day I was a little tired, so while I was waiting for my train home I went into a Borders above Penn Station and grabbed a drink and sat down with a book. I think I'll take a break from the city over the weekend and figure out Verona instead. After all, I do have three months to see everything I want to see (what an exciting idea!). So if anyone wants to come visit me (please, please, please), I will be able to give a personal tour for free!
Then I decided to make my way down to Union Square market, so I walked down Broadway Street. On the way, I got to see the Flatiron building, which I didn't know I would see. But it looks really cool and fits into the corner really well. I know people say not to look up at the buildings or you will look like a tourist, but it's so hard when there are so many cool, huge buildings around, especially the Flatiron building.
I bought some fresh apples at the Union Square market, but they had so much more than fruits. They had fresh vegetables, all kinds of plants, baked goods, dairy products and some clothing and other small trinkets. They are all locals trying to sell, so it supports local and often organic farmers and small businesses. After I finished browsing at the market, I decided to take a break and sit in Union Square Park, which was fun to sit and people-watch because New York has a lot of interesting people.
After that and scattered throughout the day I did some shopping whenever I saw a store I wanted to go into. But I didn't buy anything or even try anything on because the stores are crazy busy and the lines were extreme. Near the end of the day I was a little tired, so while I was waiting for my train home I went into a Borders above Penn Station and grabbed a drink and sat down with a book. I think I'll take a break from the city over the weekend and figure out Verona instead. After all, I do have three months to see everything I want to see (what an exciting idea!). So if anyone wants to come visit me (please, please, please), I will be able to give a personal tour for free!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
First Day In The City
So, I went into the city today! I took the bus in around 10:30 and the first thing I did once I got my bearings was walk to work. And I did it without a map! But it wasn't really that hard. Navigating the streets isn't hard; tackling the subways will be a different story. But the Hearst Tower is a beautiful building, and Columbus Circle and Central Park are really close, so I'm hoping our 36th floor office will have some great views of the park. Here's the picture I took of the building.
The top part seen above is really new, and one of the first green buildings in the city with a lot of eco-friendly aspects. The bottom part, below, was the original building but everything on the inside was taken out, so when you walk in you go up an escalator to a floor halfway to the top of the old building. The escalators have cascading water fountains next to them. Here's the older section of the building with the main entrance.
Then I walked to Columbus Circle and into Central Park a little. Mainly, the day was spent doing a lot of walking and trying to get to know the city, which meant major blisters for my feet because I was wearing new shoes and trying to break them in. Now I know why people wear one pair around and bring another to work. I don't know why I didn't think of it, but by the end of the summer I will be a pro at this big-city thing. Tomorrow I think I am going to attempt the train and try to see more stuff, provided I wear the right shoes.
The top part seen above is really new, and one of the first green buildings in the city with a lot of eco-friendly aspects. The bottom part, below, was the original building but everything on the inside was taken out, so when you walk in you go up an escalator to a floor halfway to the top of the old building. The escalators have cascading water fountains next to them. Here's the older section of the building with the main entrance.
Then I walked to Columbus Circle and into Central Park a little. Mainly, the day was spent doing a lot of walking and trying to get to know the city, which meant major blisters for my feet because I was wearing new shoes and trying to break them in. Now I know why people wear one pair around and bring another to work. I don't know why I didn't think of it, but by the end of the summer I will be a pro at this big-city thing. Tomorrow I think I am going to attempt the train and try to see more stuff, provided I wear the right shoes.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Made It To The Garden State!
So, I'm here! I can't believe it. Finally. After being offered the internship, it felt like the semester would never end. And I had a great two weeks between school and the internship with family and friends, but now it's time to start getting serious.
I am going to be heading into the city tomorrow to figure out transportation and figure out where the office is. And also because I can't stand the idea of the city being so close and not going to see it. Mr. and Mrs. Tallmadge took me on a little driving tour around their city, Verona, and showed me a night view of Manhattan in the distance, and now it's beckoning.
Verona is really nice and the bus stop is close to the house. It will take me about an hour to get into the city, which won't be too bad since I will usually start work at 9:30, but our editor just told us that we need to be in at 8 a.m. the first day because there is already so much going on, which means I will have to leave here at like 6:30 in the morning. I will be exhausted, but oh, won't it be worth it? I have never been more excited about an opportunity. And I think it will be a great start to a long-lasting friendship between me and Oprah :)
I think that I might get to see Stephanie this weekend, which would be so nice to have someone I know here with me. I can see that homesickness might set in early.
But now I'm going to turn in early because I am a little tired from travel and need my energy to figure out my way into and around New York City. Wish me luck!
I am going to be heading into the city tomorrow to figure out transportation and figure out where the office is. And also because I can't stand the idea of the city being so close and not going to see it. Mr. and Mrs. Tallmadge took me on a little driving tour around their city, Verona, and showed me a night view of Manhattan in the distance, and now it's beckoning.
Verona is really nice and the bus stop is close to the house. It will take me about an hour to get into the city, which won't be too bad since I will usually start work at 9:30, but our editor just told us that we need to be in at 8 a.m. the first day because there is already so much going on, which means I will have to leave here at like 6:30 in the morning. I will be exhausted, but oh, won't it be worth it? I have never been more excited about an opportunity. And I think it will be a great start to a long-lasting friendship between me and Oprah :)
I think that I might get to see Stephanie this weekend, which would be so nice to have someone I know here with me. I can see that homesickness might set in early.
But now I'm going to turn in early because I am a little tired from travel and need my energy to figure out my way into and around New York City. Wish me luck!
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