So I just got home from my last day at work and my last day in the city. It was a pretty good day because I think we were all just so glad that the summer was coming to an end. This was a long last week, with some late nights and a lot of work.
Yesterday we got to talk to someone on the editorial side who is a fashion writer and editor. It was great to talk to someone who was doing something more in line with where I see myself going. She was telling us how she got started and giving us some great advice. I plan on e-mailing her and keeping in touch with her to ask questions and keep my name in her mind.
The bosses gave us a little break today to give us a little goodbye party with ice cream and chocolate-covered strawberries. They also gave us each a purse filled with some small presents. It was a little emotional when we had to leave, but mostly because I really will miss the other interns. We were with each other for so long and it's going to be weird not seeing them every day. I started to tear up a little when I had to say my last goodbye. Then I spent a little time in the city because I wasn't ready to leave it yet. So I did a little shopping.
But I couldn't stay long, so here I am back in my room again for the last night. It's going to be interesting to see how I manage to pack everything. But I am ready to get home now and see my family and have the school year start up again.
What an amazing summer this has been, and I am so grateful to my parents for helping pay for everything, to God for giving me this opportunity, and to Oprah! For having a great magazine that thought I deserved a chance in the big city. Thanks everyone for your support. With any luck, I'll be back here in a year with a job that will actually pay me something.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
On The Other Side Of The River
I was so giddy when the weekend finally rolled around. So much was going on, both at work and otherwise in my life, that I needed a breather. After my article was finished for school and everything was set for our apartment back in Chapel Hilll, I was ready to relax. And relax I did.
I fell asleep at 10:00 p.m. on Friday night (I know, even I am cringing at my lameness). But I couldn't help myself. Then on Saturday I got some sun and genuine R&R.
Sunday I met my high school friend again in Brooklyn. We dropped our stuff off at her apartment and then stayed in Brooklyn for most of the day. We started out in Williamsburg, a neighborhood in Brooklyn. A lot of young hipster/artsy people live there and the main street, Bedford Avenue, has tons of shops and restaurants. So we walked around there for a few hours, including stopping at this little ice cream shop called Penny Licks, where you can get tiny little ice cream cones for $1.
After figuring out the subway system in Brooklyn, we made our way down to the Brooklyn Bridge to walk across it and enjoy the view. And BOY is there a view. One of the best of the city and the Manhattan Bridge. It didn't take nearly as long to walk all the way across it as I thought it would. Probably no more than half an hour one way.
After all that walking we were ready for a break, so we went back to her apartment in the Chinatown of Brooklyn and showered and relaxed. By 9:00, we were out the door again for dinner. Emme wanted to go back to Little Italy, which was totally fine by me, so she treated me to dinner at one of the Italian restaurants. I got cheese tortellini and she splurged and got fish. That neighborhood is so cute and we were fortunate enough to be sitting on the sidewalk outside and got to people-watch and look around while we were eating.
We made it back to the apartment by 1:00 a.m. and went to bed right away. Emme was snoring within the first 30 seconds of laying her head down. It was a lot of walking for one day. I went in to work at the normal time this morning, and Emme walked me to the subway station in Brooklyn before we had to say goodbye. She's heading back to North Carolina tonight. And I have to say I wish I was going with her. But I only have four more days left in the city, so I want to enjoy them as much as I did the last weekend. If only I could figure out how to make everything fit into my suitcases...
I fell asleep at 10:00 p.m. on Friday night (I know, even I am cringing at my lameness). But I couldn't help myself. Then on Saturday I got some sun and genuine R&R.
Sunday I met my high school friend again in Brooklyn. We dropped our stuff off at her apartment and then stayed in Brooklyn for most of the day. We started out in Williamsburg, a neighborhood in Brooklyn. A lot of young hipster/artsy people live there and the main street, Bedford Avenue, has tons of shops and restaurants. So we walked around there for a few hours, including stopping at this little ice cream shop called Penny Licks, where you can get tiny little ice cream cones for $1.
After figuring out the subway system in Brooklyn, we made our way down to the Brooklyn Bridge to walk across it and enjoy the view. And BOY is there a view. One of the best of the city and the Manhattan Bridge. It didn't take nearly as long to walk all the way across it as I thought it would. Probably no more than half an hour one way.
After all that walking we were ready for a break, so we went back to her apartment in the Chinatown of Brooklyn and showered and relaxed. By 9:00, we were out the door again for dinner. Emme wanted to go back to Little Italy, which was totally fine by me, so she treated me to dinner at one of the Italian restaurants. I got cheese tortellini and she splurged and got fish. That neighborhood is so cute and we were fortunate enough to be sitting on the sidewalk outside and got to people-watch and look around while we were eating.
We made it back to the apartment by 1:00 a.m. and went to bed right away. Emme was snoring within the first 30 seconds of laying her head down. It was a lot of walking for one day. I went in to work at the normal time this morning, and Emme walked me to the subway station in Brooklyn before we had to say goodbye. She's heading back to North Carolina tonight. And I have to say I wish I was going with her. But I only have four more days left in the city, so I want to enjoy them as much as I did the last weekend. If only I could figure out how to make everything fit into my suitcases...
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
This Time, Oprah Did Not Escape Me!
I honestly don't even remember what we did at work on Friday. We are so busy and all the days are starting to run together. But Friday after work two of the interns and I decided we were going to go out together later. So since the intern who stays in Queens didn't want to go home either, we both decided to stay in the city. So we went shopping at the shops at Columbus Circle and then went to hang out in Central Park. We ate a little dinner and started walking toward downtown because we knew that's where we were going to end up.
But right around Times Square we bought some nuts from a street vendor (they are covered in sugary goodness) and sat in the middle of Times Square to people-watch. We never ended up getting in touch with the third intern, but were in the Lower East Side by the end of the night so we stayed out. We were still shopping around 10:00 (shopping at all hours is one of the best parts of the city). Then we went to a restaurant/bar on the corner of First Ave. and First Street until it was time for me to catch the bus home. I had to be in Verona at a decent time Saturday, so I decided to just go home Friday night instead of staying in someone's apartment who I didn't know. The bus home got stuck in traffic on the highway, so the ride was an hour and a half longer than normal.
Saturday and Sunday were boring and uneventful, but I was able to get in touch with some students to interview for my article.
We had to be in to work at 8 a.m. yesterday, which made for a long day. But I am happy to say I finally saw and TALKED to Oprah. I was going to the bathroom and she was in front of me. I didn't recognize her at first because she had big sunglasses on, but I realized it as we were going into our stalls. She was humming as she was going to the bathroom, which I guess she can do because she's, you know, Oprah! Then we both came out of the stalls at the same time, not on purpose on my part (well, maybe). I was trying to think of something to say, but couldn't come up with anything because what do Oprah and I have in common? But before I could make a fool out of myself she started talking to me about how she was confused by the automatic faucets because somtimes she couldn't make them come on. Not the most stimulating conversation, but at least she acknowledged me! That made this summer complete. I tried to keep my cool as I was in there with her, but I practically sprinted back to the closet to tell the girls.
After work Monday I got together with a friend from high school. She was coming to the city for a while, so I met her in Chinatown. We went to Brooklyn first to drop off our stuff at her relative's apartment because I was going to stay there with them for the night, and then went back to Manhattan. We walked around the Lower East Side and were walking along the East River. You can't imagine how beautiful that is. The view at night was stunning, especially with the bridges and buildings lit up. We were walking around Pier 17, which has restaurants and shops, not many of which were open, but also a great view and relaxing atmosphere. Then we were getting lost and wandering in the financial district and headed back to Chinatown.
We were almost back to our bus stop and were talking about where Little Italy was in relation to us when we walked by a side street that had a huge lit-up banner that said "Welcome to Little Italy," so we took a detour for a while to see what it was like. And it made me decide I want to live there.
Well, maybe not. But I did love it. It was adorable and there were cute little restaurants and bakeries everywhere. It was only about three blocks long on one street, but you could tell that it was a completely different culture from even the next block over.
We then headed back to Brooklyn and went to bed pretty much immediately because I had to be at work at 8 a.m. again this morning. Emme rode back into the city with me even though it was so early because she wanted to see my work. We got back into Manhattan a little early so we stopped and got a bagel and coffee and ate outside. Then I went into work and she spent the day around the city. I think I'm going to see her again this weekend, which I am excited about because I love having a familiar face in the city. Plus, Emme and I have been wanting to come here together since high school, so we are going to try to fit as much into the two days as we can.
Work is finally coming to a close. As much as I will miss this city and this experience, I can't wait to go home. I think that classes and school life will be a lot easier after the stress and exhaustion of this summer. I'm ready to get back into a routine I am used to. And I haven't seen some of my family members for three months! I know Luis is going to be huge by the time I see him.
Anyway, enough blabbing and stalling from going to bed. I have to be in at 8 again tomorrow morning, and my body is going to hate me if I don't give it some rest.
To anyone who is reading this, feel free to call me and chat so I can hear a friendly voice! I hope everyone is doing well.
But right around Times Square we bought some nuts from a street vendor (they are covered in sugary goodness) and sat in the middle of Times Square to people-watch. We never ended up getting in touch with the third intern, but were in the Lower East Side by the end of the night so we stayed out. We were still shopping around 10:00 (shopping at all hours is one of the best parts of the city). Then we went to a restaurant/bar on the corner of First Ave. and First Street until it was time for me to catch the bus home. I had to be in Verona at a decent time Saturday, so I decided to just go home Friday night instead of staying in someone's apartment who I didn't know. The bus home got stuck in traffic on the highway, so the ride was an hour and a half longer than normal.
Saturday and Sunday were boring and uneventful, but I was able to get in touch with some students to interview for my article.
We had to be in to work at 8 a.m. yesterday, which made for a long day. But I am happy to say I finally saw and TALKED to Oprah. I was going to the bathroom and she was in front of me. I didn't recognize her at first because she had big sunglasses on, but I realized it as we were going into our stalls. She was humming as she was going to the bathroom, which I guess she can do because she's, you know, Oprah! Then we both came out of the stalls at the same time, not on purpose on my part (well, maybe). I was trying to think of something to say, but couldn't come up with anything because what do Oprah and I have in common? But before I could make a fool out of myself she started talking to me about how she was confused by the automatic faucets because somtimes she couldn't make them come on. Not the most stimulating conversation, but at least she acknowledged me! That made this summer complete. I tried to keep my cool as I was in there with her, but I practically sprinted back to the closet to tell the girls.
After work Monday I got together with a friend from high school. She was coming to the city for a while, so I met her in Chinatown. We went to Brooklyn first to drop off our stuff at her relative's apartment because I was going to stay there with them for the night, and then went back to Manhattan. We walked around the Lower East Side and were walking along the East River. You can't imagine how beautiful that is. The view at night was stunning, especially with the bridges and buildings lit up. We were walking around Pier 17, which has restaurants and shops, not many of which were open, but also a great view and relaxing atmosphere. Then we were getting lost and wandering in the financial district and headed back to Chinatown.
We were almost back to our bus stop and were talking about where Little Italy was in relation to us when we walked by a side street that had a huge lit-up banner that said "Welcome to Little Italy," so we took a detour for a while to see what it was like. And it made me decide I want to live there.
Well, maybe not. But I did love it. It was adorable and there were cute little restaurants and bakeries everywhere. It was only about three blocks long on one street, but you could tell that it was a completely different culture from even the next block over.
We then headed back to Brooklyn and went to bed pretty much immediately because I had to be at work at 8 a.m. again this morning. Emme rode back into the city with me even though it was so early because she wanted to see my work. We got back into Manhattan a little early so we stopped and got a bagel and coffee and ate outside. Then I went into work and she spent the day around the city. I think I'm going to see her again this weekend, which I am excited about because I love having a familiar face in the city. Plus, Emme and I have been wanting to come here together since high school, so we are going to try to fit as much into the two days as we can.
Work is finally coming to a close. As much as I will miss this city and this experience, I can't wait to go home. I think that classes and school life will be a lot easier after the stress and exhaustion of this summer. I'm ready to get back into a routine I am used to. And I haven't seen some of my family members for three months! I know Luis is going to be huge by the time I see him.
Anyway, enough blabbing and stalling from going to bed. I have to be in at 8 again tomorrow morning, and my body is going to hate me if I don't give it some rest.
To anyone who is reading this, feel free to call me and chat so I can hear a friendly voice! I hope everyone is doing well.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
My Name Is In The Oprah Magazine. No Big Deal.
I have really started slacking when it comes to keeping up with the blog. But this week has been so busy that by the time I get home I am just too exhausted and go to bed almost immediately. I have started taking the bus into the city because it's so much easier. It runs from a stop really close to my house straight into the city. The walk is closer to work and it runs more often so I don't have to stress as much about what time I'm going to get home if we work late.
I spent last weekend in Verona because I was trying to get work done for the magazine I write for at school. It's so hard to try to get in touch with people when I'm already so far away and they are on summer vacation. So it wasn't really very productive. But Saturday it was beautiful out so I went on a run around the Verona park, which was really busy. Verona is really family-oriented and lots of kids were out and people were out on the pond at the park. Then later in the afternoon I laid out in the sun. Sunday it was rainy, as it has been for most of the summer. So I spent some time inside with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Then the week began. They told us last week that it would be our busiest yet, but we had no idea what was coming. There are six different stories that are going on right now, so we had an extreme amount of samples coming in. At one point, myself and another intern were standing in a pile of garment bags up to our knees. And the floor was entirely covered almost all the way through the closet so no one could move around. It is taking so long to check-in all the sample we get, as well as keeping track of pricing the items since we are doing multiple under $100 stories.
Tuesday night we were there until 9:00. Our bosses at least bought us pizza and we got to take a break to eat. Then we had to come in early yesterday to prepare for a stylist who was coming in. Now, we must have at least 300 boots in the closet as well as about 20 clothing racks that are full. Two of the interns had to spend the day setting up all the boots by style and color. Tomorrow there are going to be four run-throughs throughout the day, where the creative director starts to narrow down the products and looks being used in the stories.
But the good thing was that it was one of the intern's birthday today, so we had a chocolate cake to break up the hectic day. Also, the September issue came out, and our names are finally in the masthead! It was so exciting when I saw it, I couldn't help but be like a little girl and squeal with excitement. It was kind of a reminder of what I'm doing all this for. I'm so glad that our names were put in it before the internship ended. I really think it will help me end on a positive note. And it will be nice to keep seeing them in there for the October and November issues, too. I will definitely be framing them. And I'm hoping that this summer will help me get a job in another year where my name will be appearing in an equally amazing publication.
I spent last weekend in Verona because I was trying to get work done for the magazine I write for at school. It's so hard to try to get in touch with people when I'm already so far away and they are on summer vacation. So it wasn't really very productive. But Saturday it was beautiful out so I went on a run around the Verona park, which was really busy. Verona is really family-oriented and lots of kids were out and people were out on the pond at the park. Then later in the afternoon I laid out in the sun. Sunday it was rainy, as it has been for most of the summer. So I spent some time inside with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Then the week began. They told us last week that it would be our busiest yet, but we had no idea what was coming. There are six different stories that are going on right now, so we had an extreme amount of samples coming in. At one point, myself and another intern were standing in a pile of garment bags up to our knees. And the floor was entirely covered almost all the way through the closet so no one could move around. It is taking so long to check-in all the sample we get, as well as keeping track of pricing the items since we are doing multiple under $100 stories.
Tuesday night we were there until 9:00. Our bosses at least bought us pizza and we got to take a break to eat. Then we had to come in early yesterday to prepare for a stylist who was coming in. Now, we must have at least 300 boots in the closet as well as about 20 clothing racks that are full. Two of the interns had to spend the day setting up all the boots by style and color. Tomorrow there are going to be four run-throughs throughout the day, where the creative director starts to narrow down the products and looks being used in the stories.
But the good thing was that it was one of the intern's birthday today, so we had a chocolate cake to break up the hectic day. Also, the September issue came out, and our names are finally in the masthead! It was so exciting when I saw it, I couldn't help but be like a little girl and squeal with excitement. It was kind of a reminder of what I'm doing all this for. I'm so glad that our names were put in it before the internship ended. I really think it will help me end on a positive note. And it will be nice to keep seeing them in there for the October and November issues, too. I will definitely be framing them. And I'm hoping that this summer will help me get a job in another year where my name will be appearing in an equally amazing publication.
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