NYC Bound has moved!

I've made the decision to transfer my blog to wordpress. Please visit...

http://newyorkcitybound.wordpress.com/
http://newyorkcitybound.wordpress.com/
http://newyorkcitybound.wordpress.com/

...to continue to follow my journey in the city. Please be advised that I am still a wordpress novice, so the page is currently under construction. Nevertheless, my writing is all the same. Don't forget to RSS Feed my new blog as this will be my last blogspot posting. :)

Office Blunder 1 & 2

In an effort to humor my readers, and also make light of embarrassing situtations, I decided to start updating you all of my many mishaps at the office. Since I am new to the working world, I can foresee tons of naive and mortifying moments ahead. In fact, I was recently told that I had replaced a 25-year-old as not only the newbie, but also the youngest person in the company. So I guess jokes and embarrassment are inevitable. Here are just two lessons learned, keeping in mind I've been employed for only a week and a half:

1. I never really realized how much I sound like a young 12-year-old girl with pigtails and a lollipop in my hand until now. Often times I find myself terribly flushed after saying the most normal things ("good morning", "have a great weekend", "thanks") because of my delivery. I don't know why I associate sounding friendly with a high pitched tone, but I've suddenly become so self-conscious with everything I say at work. So my ongoing goal is to focus on making my delivery sound less like a teeny bopper and more like a business professional that wants to be taken seriously.

2. To make matters worse, perhaps even more mortifying than my girly girl voice is decking out the office with girly girl pink. Yes, I did that. As part of my work, I have administrative rights to a software that everyone in the company utilizes daily. While playing around with the system trying to become accustomed to working on it, I decided to change the "look & feel" of my background. Not knowing I was not only changing my background, but also the entire company's background, I made my background pink. I would have never known that everyone elses changed if I hadn't overheard someone say "Hey, is everyone elses homepage pink? The software must have automatically updated. Wonder why they picked pink though!" Luckily no one (to my knowledge) knew I was actually the culprit. I changed it back a few days later after it was no longer being questioned around the office. No need to elaborate on how unbelievably mortified I was everytime I heard someone mention the pink. It's self explanatory. Perhaps later on down the road, I'll come clean to everyone and laugh about it. Because it is funny on the outside looking in, I suppose.

As much as I hate to admit it, I will keep these funny mishaps coming.

Apartment Hunting & First Work Week in Review

So apartment hunting has proven to be just as difficult as the job hunt. Finding something in my price range, available immediately, and that is a comfortable living situation is tougher than I anticipated. My criteria for an apartment are simple:

1. I need a roommate(s) because I cannot possibly afford a place on my own [yet].
2. I would prefer a trendy neighborhood.
3. I would like a place that is within walking distance to my work.
4. I would prefer a true 2/3 bedroom situation. Though shared living spaces work for some people, I like having a private bedroom with my roommates having a private bedroom, and a living room that isn't converted a bedroom.
5. I would prefer a female roommate(s).

I thought this would be simple to find, but it really hasn't been. The fact that I don't have as much time in a day to focus on apartment hunting makes it extremely difficult. I commute 2-1/2 hours from Connecticut to work. Meaning, I wake up at 5am, get ready for work, hop on the Metro North at 7a, arrive at Grand Central at 8:30ish, work 9-6p, then apartment hunt until around 9p, get back to Connecticut around 11p, go to bed and start the process over again. It is almost as if I have two full-time jobs. Perhaps worse.

And the most disappointing part about is when I would go check out apartments that I absolutely love, I later find out the people decided to lease it somebody else. Or, I would check out the apartment and the posting on Craiglist completely falsified the apartment description. i.e. Parkside Ave subway stop in Brooklyn is not equal to Prospect Heights. Lesson learned. After the first couple of days of work and apartment hunting, I reached out to my parents. With it being my first week on the job and everything, I knew at this rate I would quickly burn myself out if I continued with no help (keep in mind, I had been unemployed for seven weeks, so waking up at those hours working my ass off put my body in complete shock). My Ma decided to help me with the search. While I was at work, she searched for apartments for me, and after work I would visit the places she found. Fortunately, the first day she did this for me I immediately locked a place in. She found a place in Hell's Kitchen for me with two other girls. Immediately, I hit it off with the ladies and knew that we would be great roommates. They said they still had others looking at the apartment so they'd get back to me. Slightly disappointed, I left thinking I would get another e-mail saying that they decided to lease to somebody else. However, not even an hour later they contacted me and told me they canceled the rest of their appointments because they really liked me so didn't feel the need to search anymore. I signed a lease the next day. I'm so grateful my Ma helped me find this place. I wouldn't have found it if it wasn't for her. Plus, now she can sleep safely at night knowing I'm not in a bad area, since she picked it out herself! It's a great location, awesome amenities, and decent size (for NYC, of course). Hell's Kitchen: meet your newest resident! Below is a photo of the area my apartment is in...



As for my first work week, I would venture to say it went well. I am almost certain I am the youngest person in the office, but I can't expect anything else since I am in the youngest age group in the working world. The people I work with are great though, very supportive and willing to help me get accustomed to the processes of the business. The office is amazing. It is the headquarters/corporate office so it is very well designed and in a great location. I also enjoy free coffee and breakfast, and free lunch from time to time. :) But I would have to say my favorite bonus of the location is I can easily take a leisurely shopping trip to Macy's on my lunch break. My least favorite part of the location is I'm certain that I will soon already do loathe all the tourist traffic that consumes the sidewalks.

The first half of my first day was a lot of HR and paperwork stuff. My boss took me out for lunch my first day which was very generous. The second half of the day was some ad-hoc, on-the-job training. Also, something I learned on my first day is the company has a program that encourages integration with the team by allowing me to take people of my choice out for lunch on the company's expense account. I thought that was a nice gesture and a great way to get to know the team. I have yet to do this, I'm still slightly timid. My second day was more overwhelming since I began to actually do work. Since there was no formal training for my position and I didn't want to screw up on my first week on the job, I had to do a lot of problem solving/figuring things out on my own. I don't like feeling stupid for too long, so I immediately knew I would immerse myself in the work. Every job I've had, whether it be an internship or a waitressing job, I've excelled in. I don't plan on changing things up with this job. The third and fourth day of work, managers from other offices across the U.S. came in for meetings. So I took advantage of having all the major people present, sat in on the meetings and took notes like I was in college again (what I am talking about...I never took notes in college!) trying to learn everything they were talking about. A lot of the discussions they had were over my head; they might as well have spoken Chinese and I'd be just as confused. I would later go to my cube and study the notes until they made sense to me. Friday, my fifth day of work, my peddles started to pick up finally. I was going to be alright.

Side note...I was talking to a person I would be working with, and was explaining to him how excited I was to be working. I told him about my job hunt journey. He laughed and said, "You're in the 'control-alt-delete' generation, aren't you? You guys are a bunch of risk takers! You packed up your things, moved up here risking everything, and if things didn't work out, you would just press control-alt-delete and try something new, right? I love it." He hit the nail on the head with that unique description. That was exactly my thought process. Not sure how this relates to my point, but I liked the conversation and wanted to share it. lol!

Anyway, although it is nice to relax during this weekend, I can't wait for next week to begin and continue to learn and grow. I guess that is the beauty of being in the newest age group in the working world. I am eager to work and give 110%. Below is the area I work...



I am finally settled in. My apartment is amazing, work is challenging and I'm loving every minute of it.

4th of July

In celebration of my new job, and of course of United States independence, I decided to spend the holiday with the closest person to family I have in the city. Caroline, my college roommate and best friend, moved to NYC a couple weeks after I made my way up here. Unlike me, she already had a job. We hadn't had a chance to really spend time together since she was a busy working girl and I of course was busy job hunting, so it was nice to finally get the chance to cut loose with a familiar face. Plus it only seemed appropriate to celebrate my employment with someone who was equally as excited as I was about being a new New Yorker. Watching my first fireworks in the city with my best friend was the first time I really opened my eyes to what lies ahead.

Growing up a military brat, I've lived in many different places moving every three years of my life. I've become so accustomed to changing locations every three years, moving to a new place was a routine I've become used to. After four years in Raleigh, NC my internal clock was urging me to leave the south. With the frequent moves, losing touch with great friends became something I've learned to accept. However, with this move, I'm grateful to know that Caroline isn't a friend that I will slowly lose touch with. In fact, I only see our friendship blossoming in this chapter of our lives. We've only got each other in this city, and she is the only person I really can trust up here. It will be nice to have my best friend by my side to experience the journey of finding our place in this city. After all, we both are technically "freshman" again (NYC newbies and brand new to the working world).

I have so much to look forward to, life possibly can't any better.

Breaking through the Finishline

Alas, after six grueling weeks of endless job hunting, three temporary location changes, upward of 100+ job applications submitted and countless prayers...

I GOT A JOB!!!

The chase is finally over. And it didn't come easy either, as you can read from my posts below. Even the interview process with the company was brutal by itself. Five rounds of interviews, each very very difficult. After each round, I thought to myself, "Well, they won't be calling me back. I totally blew it." I'm glad they did continue to see something in me. I couldn't be happier with the company I landed. It is a great company to work for, solvent, growing pretty steadily (which is quite rare in this economy), and not to mention offered me a great package. I am very lucky. I read in an article somewhere that the average job hunt right now is twelve weeks. I couldn't be happier that I completed the hunt well ahead of the national average.

This offer came just in the nick of time too. In the beginning of the week, I decided if I didn't get any job leads by Friday, that I would be packing up and staying with My Ate to take some time to pick myself back up. Then I received a call to do a phone interview with a company I applied to back in May. I didn't even remember what the position was since it had been so long since I submitted the application. Though the initial contact took a little over a month, the interview process went by quickly. I did an interview everyday this week. Wednesday, I did two back-to-back, and later on in the evening I received notice that an offer letter would be coming my way. I was scheduled to go in the office the next day to go over the offer and sign some papers. Since Friday is a holiday, I'm scheduled to start next Monday. My boss told me "for the right person, we are willing to expedite the process and get you working asap". I didn't anticipate it would be that quick considering my history with interview processes with other companies I dealt with.

When I received the phone call that an offer letter was pending, in an effort to save face with the company, I disguised my overflowing elation with a simple "Great! I look forward to working with you." But you can bet your bottom dollar once I hung up the phone I broke down. The first person I told the good news to was my Dad. I had been so moody towards my family, especially my Dad throughout the past six weeks. He particularly was the receiver of undeserving rude remarks from me. I took out a lot of frustration on him and he just took it without getting angry back at me. He deserved a friendly, good-news-phone-call from me.

A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders and for the first time since I've been here, I can breathe a huge sigh of relief. It is rare that I praise myself for my actions and decisions. I think it is arrogant not to mention I'm never really satisfied with being stagnant. I'm always looking for ways to grow, never sitting back watching life go by. But this is a major accomplishment and I have to relish in this moment. This whole process has been a huge gamble on life--just packing my car up rather spontaneously, driving to NYC for a job interview with no real idea of my chances, and continuing to search for a job when others fell through with no leads in one of the hardest places to make it in the world. I cannot be more prouder of how I've faced the challenges refusing to let go of my dreams. I've done it.

I don't mean to sound like an acceptance speech, but I have so many people to be thankful for. I truly had a great support system throughout this whole journey. Every facebook message, tweet, e-mail, phone call, and text message meant more to me than I can express. I normally have my text messages auto-delete after I read it. However, as cheesy as it may sound, I kept all messages from people that were encouraging and wished me luck. Re-reading each of them really motivated me when I felt down. Knowing how many people believed in me really made me believe in myself. THANK YOU ALL!!! Above all, thanks be to God. I prayed--so hard--every night and before every interview and He answered my prayers. I've never felt a stronger relationship with the Lord and will only continue to build upon my faith since He has given me so much.

NYC Bound. When I started this blog, the the definition of bound in this context meant 'destined; certain'. Now, my blog takes on a whole new meaning. NYC Bound can now be in the context of 'tied to; in bonds with'. Here's to the next chapter in my life. Life in the city starts now!

Survival of the Fittest

I was talking on the phone with my dear friend, Matt, last night. Though I've only known him for four months, I consider him to be one of my best friends. It is rare you find someone in life whom you really hit it off with right from the start and the friendship only continues to grow as time passes without a stopping point in sight. A friendship with a solid foundation built upon unwavering support and complete honesty. I am safely all in with him because I know I have that same support in him. I knew that God planned for us to meet under the circumstances we both were in to help each other. When I first met him, I helped him through a difficult time in his life. As he likes to put it, I "stepped up to the plate when no one else did". I hardly knew him, but felt so comfortable opening up to him. And vice versa. Since I met him, I have already seen his personality change for the better. He is more confident, comfortable in his own skin, and less self-conscious. I'm so glad that I could make such an impact on his life, and influence him to embrace the beautiful person he is-inside and out.

Now that you have the background 411 (I totally just went on a tangent there...sorry), back to the telephone conversation. We were just catching up on each others lives and talking through what both of our next moves would be in life. We got to talking about me-my journey up here, the struggles I've faced since my move that I normally try not to disclose, and my next move. For the first time since I came up here, I broke down emotionally and mentally. I started telling him how stressed, frustrated, emotionally exhausted, and scared I was. Being up here for a little over a month with no income, sleeping over-staying my welcome on friend's couches, applying to upward to 200 jobs, chasing my dream finally took a toll on my normally tough persona. I gushed to him everything I was scared about--my dwindling savings, being literally homeless, and having to throw in the towel and leave the city because I failed.

In the moments of my despair and mentalphysicalemotional exhaustion, he picked me up. He reminded me that sometimes when I feel alone, hopeless and not comfortable talking to anyone about my situation, I always have my faith to turn to. He told me, "Sometimes, your faith is all you got. You know I'm so proud of you doing all of this by yourself, having the drive to chase your dreams as hard as you are. I know you're ready to throw in the towel, but you know, you gotta think of this as a test. Sometimes God makes you go through these kinds of things to see how bad you want it. Don't give up too soon."

His words helped me remember my faith. He helped me refocus my mind. He helped me recall the theory of "survival of the fittest". Only those who are strong enough to make it through the storm are able to see the rainbow at the end.

Matt helped me the same way I helped him. That is the beauty of friendship. You pick each other up when the other is down and out. I'm so grateful to know he will be there the next time I need someone to turn to. And I will be there with open arms to pick him whenever he needs me.

Thank you, Matt. I miss you, and I love you. There will be an M&M reunion soon!

I've got a bone to pick...

Fox is coming out with a new reality show soon. Check out the preview below:



Looks sweet and romantic, right? Well, I actually don't like the way they're promoting the new show at all. Not that these people don't deserve a shot at finding love, I'm sure they do. But I'm concerned more so by the way they describe these women. "Real". So here is the breakdown in my head:

The antonym for Real=Fake
Woman with more curves/fuller=Real
Woman that are slimmer=Fake


So what exactly is it that makes them "real"? Their weight? And if that is the answer, does this mean that women who are slimmer and/or in shape are fake and superficial? That slimmer woman can't/don't encompass the same personality aspects as a fuller woman? It really sends the wrong message out and indirectly takes a stab at women who are slimmer. Granted, women with more curves have not really been included in these type of dating reality shows. They most definitely deserve that, and am excited that they are getting their chance. But why does it have to be promoted as "real women"? Can a "real woman" not be 120 pounds? And can a fuller woman not be a superficial bitch for that matter?

And to top things off, all these "real woman" are vying for a fuller man's love and attention. Does that mean that fuller people always attracts fuller people? That a slimmer woman can't fall in love with a heavier man? Or vice versa? Why does it have to be a common denominator? That is almost just like having a dating reality show just with Asian woman vying for an Asian man's attention. There is nothing wrong with interracial dating, so there shouldn't be anything wrong with inter-weight dating (or whatever you want to call it). It not only singles out the community of curvier people (not sure what the politically correct term would be, so I apologize if I offend anyone), but it also labels slimmer people as shallow, superficial, and unreal/fake. If they wanted to do the show right, they should of had a mixture of all different kinds of woman-all shapes and sizes and color.

Blame it on the current social problems course I took in college that prompted me to have a knack for catching these types of things. Or blame it me being cynical. Either way, this rubbed me the wrong way and still ticks me off every time I see it on TV. Two huge things wrong with that so-called sweet and romantic preview. Though I have a guilty pleasure for trashy television, this will be one I will not be tuning into. Think about the message you're sending to people, Fox. Seriously.

Job Hunt Update

So since the last time I've updated you on my journey, I just had an good interview with a company and was waiting word back. I was also waiting to hear back from the company I originally came up here and interviewed with. Since then, I've followed up with both only to have unresponsive parties on the other end. Just my luck. The hardest part for me to fathom is knowing how great the interview went but not hearing back. I know my feelings post-interview aren't just imagined--I'm not that delusional. So it begs the question: What went wrong? Why not me?

I came to the realization that great interviews aren't going to be enough in this city. No one is going to give me a job just because I know how to answer tough questions and know the right words they want to hear. I have to be more than that. There are hundreds of people, especially in New York, and especially in this job market that are capable of giving a great interview. On top of that, coming straight out of college starting out at the bottom of the totem pole doesn't really help much. Since this job market has been so rough, I'm not only competing for positions with other entry level candidates, but also those with work experience that have lost their jobs for one reason or another. I didn't expect this process to be easy, of course. At the same time, times couldn't be anymore difficult. It comes to a point where I have to be ruthless. This is my life. My dream. I can't let anyone get in the way of it. [pause for dramatic effect, right?!]

I know I'm being slightly over the top. Keep in mind I've been up here for 5-1/2 weeks with no income, no permanent place of residence (I'm back in Connecticut couch crashing, by the way), no family support system and no job leads. So I'm getting antsy, not to mention poorer and poorer. Initially, I was letting my finances dictate how long I would stay up here searching. But now, I don't know how much more mental stress I can stomach. If the job front doesn't change soon, as much as I would hate to do it, I may have to take a step back. I will grow insanely depressed every additional day I spend here forcing myself in a situation that isn't showing indications of being suitable for me.

Kind of morbid update, sorry. But you can't have any rainbows without any rain, I suppose.

This Day in History

Today, an angel and a king left us to join our Lord in Heaven.

Rest in Peace
Farrah Fawcett
&
Michael Jackson

Though they are no longer with us, their legacy in film and music will live on.

Dreams vs. Reality

I had a dream last night that I was on a roller coaster and I couldn't open my eyes. No matter how hard I tried to open my eyes, they remained shut. Now I'm no psychologist, but I can take a stab at trying to analyze what that means. Without a doubt it is representative of the ups and downs I'm currently facing in reality. Although I'm not quite sure why my eyes were closed the whole time. Perhaps I started this whole journey/roller coaster ride blind-sighted. Or perhaps when my eyes open I will be able to finally see the ride I've been on and enjoy the journey.

Well, whatever it means, I know my subconscious mind is perfectly paralleled to my conscious mind. I just hope this roller coaster is coming to an end because quite frankly I'm getting tired of the thrills of the ups and downs.

Pick Me Ups

I knew that for some insane reason, hammer pants were trying making its way back into fashion, but I have no idea why since they weren't even hip in the first place. This video really does try to sell 'em though.



LOL...I would rock the hammer pants only if they did that sort of thing in NYC. If you didn't already know from this and this, I love these kinds of things-just makes my day!

Weekend in The City

This weekend has been a breath of fresh air for me. I always knew that the city has so much to offer but I think this weekend it really sunk in. I didn't even do anything extravagant and yet I'm still amped about being here.

Saturday night I went out with my college roommate to dinner and a movie. We got cheesesteaks and then grabbed a couple of cold ones before the must-see movie The Hangover at the Village Pour House (great selection of brews, by the way). It was all too familiar because she and I had visited this same bar and theater a year ago while going to the Sex and the City premiere. Except this time, we were much more sober. It was nice to have a low key but fun night in the city with a dear friend.

Today I started the day off my checking out mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral--such a beautiful and immense church. The service was just like a typical Catholic service and I have a feeling the church often has one-time attendees from out of town. The seats were filled with tourists with tour books, cameras, and I ♥ NY t-shirts. Nothing wrong with that I suppose; undoubtedly comes with the territory of being the largest cathedral in the U.S. Great experience nevertheless.

Afterward I walked down the 6th ave food festival for a bit since the weather was terrific. I didn't get anything to eat although everything looked appetizing. The corndogs, funnel cakes, and candy apples was very reminiscent of walking through the NC State Fair, except in New York City. Excluding the deep fried candy bars and cows (not deep fried cows, just cows. Live cows, I mean). I decided to go back to Chinatown and hit up a local bakery for a cheap, delicious and filling steamed bun. I returned back to the apartment to check out what was going on in the city today. Summer Jam looked fun, but expensive and probably too late to get tickets. Then I found out there was a Philippine Independence Day Celebration going on in Madison Square Park. That was PERFECT! I had been wanting to check out a Filipino restaurant in the city. In fact, I checked out citysearch and zagat to find a good one and I was going to have dinner there today (which by the way, both citysearch and zagat came up with Karaoke Bars as suggested other locations "that I might like" or that "others that enjoyed this place also enjoyed..." Haha...I'm not going to lie, that stereotype is 100% true. I am Filipino, and I love karaoke. Guilty as charged. But I digress...) so I figured this celebration would be a blend of good food, my culture, and the city. Once I got there I was immediately overwhelmed by all the brown people. LOL! Spanning from 23rd-26th Street and all throughout Madison Square Park, the celebration reminded me of an annual festival (Pista Sa Nayon) my family and I would attend when I was growing up in Seattle, WA. Except way bigger. I walked around for a bit taking it all in. It has been a while since I've been immersed in my Filipino culture, hearing Tagalog everywhere. I was then stopped by a psychic lady who prompted me that she "saw something in my future that she needed to tell me". After trying to refuse her 5 times, she insisted that she saw great things coming from "Hawaii or California" for me. LMAO! Sure...I bet she gets people with that statement all the time. Once she said that, it kind of enticed me but I'm not one to meddle in that silly stuff. So after she took me back to the reality that I was in New York, I quickly diverted my mind back to this Philippine-land that had been created in front of me. I got a plate of kare-kare (my FAVORITE that I hadn't had in years), a BBQ stick and halo halo. :)


Halo Haloooo!

Sitting there among "my people", listening to the language, watching the dancers on stage, and listening the Filipino rap music blaring really made me miss a part of who I used to be. Moving around so much as a military brat, I lost sight of my heritage and culture. It was nice to finally get back here. The only sad part about this whole ordeal was I was by myself. LOL! Hopefully I can get involved with some sort of Filipino organization so I can meet some fellow pinoys/pinays. :)

So I guess this weekend really wasn't about what I did that made it so exciting, but more so a preview of what I have to look forward to here in the big city. Thanks for a good time, New York. Keep it comin'. :)

Update of My Rollercoaster Ride

I sometimes wonder how different my life would be if my mother allowed me to skip the 1st and 3rd grade when I was younger and I was 2 years ahead of schedule on my education making me a 2007 college graduate versus a 2009 college graduate. Meaning, I probably would have had better luck finding a job in 2007 instead being stuck in the predicament I'm presently in. (Where was I going with this again??? Oh yeah...) I've been told by many people that this huge leap I'm taking is "badass" and "pretty impressive". Well, this rocky ride is telling me otherwise because if this is what being a badass feels like then I'm not sure I'm cut out for this life on the edge.

It has been nearly three weeks since I've moved migrated to New York. I say migrated because I still don't consider myself fully moved yet. Although I have no intentions of leaving I still have trouble breathing easy until I secure a job. Until then, its the same ol' searching for a job like its my job. Funny as it may sound, this process typically is time consuming and fills up a full working day for me. And I think in these past three weeks, this full-time job hunt could perhaps be drawing to a close. Here's where I'm at now:

I've left Connecticut and now am in the city house-sitting and dog-sitting for a couple while they are on vacation. Pretty sweet gig, the dog bull terrier scary creature is actually pretty chill. Their apartment is a huge full floor artist loft in Chinatown. Lol...yes me, being an Asian girl, has managed to have my first (although temporary) place of residence be ironically in Chinatown. I like the area I live in though, good food around and an easy walk to the subway. Unfortunately, its only until the 15th which means I need to find a.) another place to stay i.e. friends couch or b.) a semi-permanent residence. The only degree of difference between the two options is me getting a job.

I interviewed with another company earlier this morning and it went extremely well. I'm supposed to hear back from them by the end of this upcoming week so I'm crossing my fingers because the outcome of this job dictates whether I am on a friends couch continuing my full-time job search or finding a place of my own and finally working.

On top of this interview I'm waiting to hear the results of, I'm also still in communication with the company I originally came up here for. They still want me on board and have suggested that I go ahead and start working with them to ramp things up with their current major project. However, we have yet to discuss the terms of my employment (salary, benefits, job security, etc...) so I'm extremely hesitant. I am in no position to work for free or offer my services without a sense of where its going to take me. It's hard because I really like this company and it is exactly what I want to do career-wise. Hopefully they come back at me this week with some sort of assurance, or even better, a job offer.

Either way, this upcoming week can be a crucial turning point for me. I'm hoping I am offered both positions versus none. I'd rather have to make a tough decision with two great companies than be empty-handed. I'm extremely hopeful, and am itching in anticipation for what this short week has ahead of me. In the meantime, I'm going to take some time and enjoy being in Nyc. I mean, the ball is in their court now and out of my hands; I might as well just relax and explore what this beautiful city has to offer. :)

The Thrill of Spontaneity

The verdict: As I mentioned before, the interview went extremely well. I didn't hear back from them when I was supposed to though, so I took it upon myself to follow up. I called to ask if a decision had been made yet, but didn't get an answer. So I e-mailed them. I received an e-mail the next morning explaining that I was the candidate of their choice. However, funding did not get approved, so their was no immediate need for some one with my skill set, and hiring would be delayed until further notice. Should anything change, they said they would contact me. This was the last outcome I thought would happen. The more I think about it, I think I would have rather them tell me that they picked another candidate versus knowing they wanted me but I can't have it. Having that just dangling in my face is far worse than accepting the rejection.

Nevertheless, I have made the decision to tough it out and stay up here. I have applied to many places and passed my resume out to contacts throughout the city and I have no intentions of looking back until I clinch something. I actually landed an interview the day after I found out the first job fell through, but later declined to even show up to it. After more research on the job (which I found on craigslist, later found on monster.com, even later found on careerbuilder), I learned the job description is completely falsified and not up my alley at all. I decided not to waste my time. Instead of stressing myself out even more, I went camping with some new friends in Rhode Island for Memorial Day weekend. I went with my dear friend, "E", her boyfriend, and his group of friends which turned out to be a big group of 14 campers. Great break from reality, and it was nice to kick back and shoot the shit with some new buddies.

As far as short term plans go, if I don't find a job by the time I overstay my welcome at every single one of my friends' couches, then I will reassess. If this whole job in the city thing doesn't work out, I've seriously considered road-tripping the U.S. Just packing my car up and driving from city to city, visiting places I've never been until my money runs out. I would sleep in my car, eat super cheap (cup-a-noodles? sure, I am Asian), and really only spend money on gas. Crazy? Well, it would be a great story to tell and this time in my life would be the prime opportunity to do it. I could even document the whole thing and try selling it to the travel channel. Well, that last part is a little far fetched. But, if all else fails in New York that trek could possibly be the next part of my life.

Throughout this whole process, I have been fortunate enough to have great friends and family supporting me this whole way. Friends, strangers even, showing me more support and offering guidance and assistance where others I consider close friends turned their cheek. People I met for the first time ever asking me to send them my resume so they can pass it along to their city contacts. I am so very gracious for them all. It is a really great feeling knowing how many people called, texted, facebooked, tweeted, etc'd me wishing me well. I will never forget these people who have helped me thus far, and only hope to repay them someday.

And so my journey continues. Tomorrow is another day. I thought this thrill of spontaneity was losing its luster. But actually, its just begun its climax. In the words of Diddy: Let's go!

My Crazy Week in Review

Do you ever look at where you are in life at this moment, and wonder how on earth you got there? For instance, I am currently in Danbury, CT for the first time sleeping on my dear friend's boyfriend's couch. Exactly a week ago I was waiting tables in Raleigh. And somewhere in between there I moved out of my Raleigh apartment, drove up to New York, interviewed with a great company right up my alley, and have no clue what life will throw at me next. Talk about spontaneous, right? Well let me recap everything in hopes to map out where I'm headed next.

Thursday, May 14th: I receive notice from the company that they're interested in interviewing me. They suggest Friday (the very next day) or Monday. Given that I am still in Raleigh, I agree to a Monday interview. So that left me frantically packing my whole apartment up, selling stuff on craigslist, donating everything else to Goodwill, and continuing to work my shifts at the restaurant until my departure date of Sunday morning.

Friday, May 15th: I have not received confirmation back from the company for an interview time all day. Still, I pack, sell, donate and work as planned. They're just busy, I think, they'll get to me soon.

Saturday, May 16th: Still packing, selling, donating and working a double. Biting my nails all the while because I still have received no confirmation time--and I'm scheduled to leave tomorrow. Thoughts race through my mind about if I don't hear back, should I still go up there and gamble it all? Though they left me on the edge of my seat, I fortunately heard word back around 7p. *Sigh of Relief*

Sunday, May 17th: Finally done packing, I turn in my apartment keys for good, bring the last of my things to the storage unit, and take off. The drive is really mundane. I'm drowsy the whole way because I've been running on four hours of sleep for the past three nights preparing for both moving out and the interview. At some point during my drive, I'm certain I fall asleep with my eyes still open only to regain consciousness when I hear myself sleep talking when I was initially singing a song in an attempt to keep me awake. Strange, but definite wake up call to pull over and grab some coffee. I stay on the phone most of the drive with loved ones to keep me company. Twelve hours, a tank and a half of gas, an hour of getting lost in the city, and surprisingly only two annoyed honked horns at my NC vehicle later, I arrive in Brooklyn with my friend.

Immediately after I get out of my car, we go out for dinner and drinks. We hit up this place on Bedford Ave called Sea. Right when we walk in house music is blasting, and everyone is dressed so trendy. Definitely a "Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore" moment. As we sit at the bar waiting for our table, we grab a lychee martini (recommend this!) and a pomegranate mojito (very strong). I have to say something I must get used to is the price of drinks in the city. At the restaurant/bar I work at in Raleigh, martinis and mojitos are $5. The ones we ordered were $10. Very good and strong, nevertheless. She and I catch up, talk about her life in the city, and my interview tomorrow morning. We get our table, order some lettuce rolls and Brooklyn Lagers to start. That was my first time trying it, and I must say it has to be one of my favorite Lagers. I am a heavy beer drinker too, so I was thoroughly impressed. :) So we order shrimp pad thai and curry, both I recommend, and got our checks. Another thing I must get used to is the whole bring-out-only-one-check-and-divide-it-amongst-yourself thing. Quite frankly, as a server myself, I just think it's plain lazy to not split checks. But apparently, being a naive noob that I am, this is the norm up here so it's just easiest to bring cash when going out. Lesson learned.

Afterward, she walked me through the subway route I would take to my interview tomorrow. Pretty simple route with only one transfer, luckily. We got out at the 42nd St/Times Square stop. I must say, it doesn't matter how many times I've seen Times Square at night, it still takes my breath away. As we exited the subway and walked up the stairs, I plastered on a perma-grin at the first sight of the bright city lights and tall skyscrapers. I'm really here.

We return back to her apartment in Brooklyn, and for the first time get a glimpse of a NY apartment. I must say, I was thoroughly impressed with the space she had. TONS of room, great location, and pretty safe. Though I was completely opposed to Brooklyn initially (thank my preconceived notions to Sex and the City), I'm totally loving Brooklyn now. Shortly after we arrive, we hit the sheets. I've got a big day ahead of me.

Monday, May 18th: Today is the day! Though my interview isn't scheduled until 11am, I start my day off early to mentally prepare. I get into the city around 9a, and head to a FedEx Kinkos to print out my resume. While I'm pulling up my resume from my e-mail, I notice an e-mail from the person I've been corresponding with regarding my interview. My interview that was supposed to happen in two hours got pushed back to Friday. Nooo! Completely changed my plans. I was upset at first, but took it as a test. How bad do I want this? So I did some readjusting, had people pick up more shifts for me at the restaurant in Raleigh (I hadn't told them I was leaving yet--I didn't want to burn any bridges if this job in the city fell through), and told them Friday was no problem at all. Since I was so upset, stressed, and sleep deprived for the past four nights, I decided to head back to the apartment and take a nap. The city and I would catch up later when I am in a better mood.

I woke from my nap refreshed and less stressed. Shortly after my phone starts ringing with an unknown number trying to reach me. I answer and am elated to find out there was some schedule shifting done at the company and they could meet with me earlier--tomorrow at noon. YAY! *Another sigh of relief*

I head back to the city to meet my friend for 10 cent wings in East Village. I meet some of her colleagues during dinner and am intrigued at the conversation they have about this thing called foursquare. Definitely something I want to get involved with once I am here permanently.

Tuesday, May 19th: Today is the big day! I woke up, checked my e-mail just in case there was another schedule shift. Nope, all systems go. This time was for real! Got ready early again, and made it to the city about an hour and a half before my interview. I sat in a nearby Starbucks and absorbed everything I knew about the company and industry, reread parts of my book What Color is Your Parachute? (for any job hunters/career changers/finding yourself people out there, this book is for you!!!) As I sipped on my caramel macchiatto with soy milk and nibbled at my banana nut loaf, I felt a strange calmness and excitement about the interview. Before then, I was nervous, frightened, self-conscious, not confident. But now, I was quite the contrary. I was ready to kick ass! Perhaps it was just because there were so many schedule changes, I just wanted to get it over with.

I arrived at my interview ten minutes early, met with the two gentlemen that would interview with and potentially work for. The interview lasted only thirty minutes long, but it was a great interview. I really felt good leaving the interview and couldn't have asked for a better way for it have gone. I answered their questions honestly and articulately and they kept reiterating "how much they liked me". They told me I would hear back by the end of the day or tomorrow. I'm keeping my fingers crossed still.

After the interview, I walked up to Grand Central to meet my other friend coming from CT. Since my Brooklyn friend had a lot going on in her schedule for the rest of the week, I decided to get out of her hair. My other very good friend who recently graduated the MAC program at Boston College welcomed me to stay with her and her boyfriend for a little bit until I hear back about the interview. So we met in the city, grabbed lunch, and sat in Bryant Park to catch up. We then walked through Chelsea up to Murray Hill to pass time before we drove back to CT. We wanted to avoid rush hour traffic, so we dipped into an NC bar to grab some drinks. I must say, though they had country music and water out of mason jars, it just didn't work. I guess I'm just so tuned into what is "redneck" and southern enough to be considered part of below the mason-dixon line. Nevertheless, it was a close replicate and close enough--asking for a duplicate is like asking NC to make NY pizza, it just doesn't work but it's good enough.

We left after just one drink, drove to CT and went out for trivia night with her boyfriend. After taking last place in trivia night (lol), we headed home and crashed.

Wednesday, May 20th: And here I am. Still haven't heard back from the company, but still have a really good feeling about it. I will continue to keep you posted on this journey. :)

I think I've discovered what I want to rename this blog if I get the job. Obviously if I get the job, I will no longer be "NYC Bound". I think Naive NYC Noob is most appropriate. hahaha...partially because I love the alliteration.

Urgent Update!

ATTENTION!!! There has been a breakthrough on my journey to NYC!!!

So after contacting every person I know who may have contacts in the city, I finally received word from a friend who I met through the professional business fraternity I was affiliated with. I applied for the position, she put in a good word for me, and I have an interview this Monday for the job. I should have known New York would sweep me off my feet just as fast as its very streets are. I guess New York City being a fast-paced place covers all grounds. So I will be arriving Sunday night, interviewing Monday, and hopefully hearing back within the next two days whether I get the job or not. Luckily my friend, who is the same person who got me this opportunity, is allowing me to crash on her couch until the interview process is over. She is the epitome of the perfect person to have in your network. I've talked about how an unhelpful network is worthless. Well, she sets the perfect example of how great networking really is. If you're reading this, words cannot express how thankful I am for you. If I get the job, the first thing I want to do is take you out for dinner and drinks!

I never imagined I would get a bite this fast. I only graduated a week ago and expected to be working at the same restaurant I have been for the summer. But for some reason, I feel this opportunity is perfect for me. It could not have come at a better time since my lease ends this Tuesday and I was going to literally be homeless if I did not figure out what I was going to do/where I was going to be. I truly feel the puzzle pieces coming together for me and cannot contain my excitement. The only thing separating me from New York is this interview. No pressure, right? Ha!

And on top of that, being a college graduate has finally hit me. I was numb of the concept until now. Knowing that I'm about to start being a "real grown up" in the big city, away from family, friend, the familiar has really made me an emotional mess. First I'm jumping up and down elated, then the next second I'm teary-eyed thinking about people whom I've grown incredibly close to in a short amount of time. I'm so anxious to see my dream unfold in front of my eyes, but at the same time am saddened that I may lose contact with people I really care about. Of course, nothing lasts forever--I've done the whole moving up-and-leaving thing before (I'm a military brat, I've done it a million times). I guess being a military brat has really opened my eyes on this process. Because I know that I will lose touch with these people since it's happened before to me with other close friends I've had in the past. I have a chance to change the pattern this go-round though. Hopefully won't get to swallowed in the city and lose sight of my loved ones below the Mason-Dixon line.

As I'm writing this blog, I have an apartment full of stuff that needs to be out by Sunday before I leave. I'm posting a picture to show you all how much work I still have to do:



Needless to say, I will be up all night. But I'm praying all this stress will be worth it after Monday. For those of you that are reading this, please say a little prayer for me as well. I'm a big fan of The Secret (i.e. the Law of Attraction...read this), so if I get many people joining me with positive energy and thoughts of me successfully getting the job then we can really put the Law of Attraction to the test. I will keep you posted. See you in the city in two days! Ahhhhh! It's really happening!

Things I'm Going to Miss

This morning, at 8:00AM, I walked into my very last exam in my undergraduate career and felt a strange calmness. At 9:20AM, I turned in my exam when my professor asked me, "Are you graduating? I will need to grade your exam first if you are." I smiled, nodded, and walked out with a strange sadness. I've been anticipating the end, this moment, for such a long time--literally begging time to hurry up. And now that it is finally here, I can't help but beg time to slow down. College has flashed before my eyes faster than I ever thought a span of four years could move. All I want to do is enjoy my last days being a college student, basking in this moment but it's already all over. Normally I would fuss and complain about studying, holding it off until the very last minute. But during my FINAL final exam, I was comfortable and willing to study. Perhaps because it was the very last time I would partake in this practice, I subconsciously felt the need to relish in the moment. But for the first and last time, I was happy and enjoying studying.

As cliche as it sounds, graduating college is truly a bittersweet experience. The past four years of my life have been nothing short of a liberating experience that has been crucial in learning and growing into the person I am and will be. I'm healthily scared on what lies ahead of me. Coming out of high school I was convinced I would go to college, find my soul mate and get married. But now, I'm at a completely different place. No soul mate. No marriage any in sight yet. Let's hope this time my future plans are more realistic. What do I see for myself in the future?

New York? For certain.
Working for an ad agency? Hopeful.
Being a published author? Perhaps.
Soul mate? Laughable at the moment, but possible.
Marriage? Still no where in sight.
Success? Inevitable.

NC State, I'm going to miss you dearly. You've been my home, my adult foundation, my life. I cannot thank you enough for the past four years I've spent with you. I only hope to do you proud and show you what I've learned from you. I'm going to miss the deep-fried-everything, knee-slapping country music, cheerwine, southern accents, and even the mulch smell. I will always bleed red, and never forget where I came from.

In the words of Michael Scott (The Office), "You have no idea how high I can fly."

Twitter

I will be brief-- Follow me on Twitter: NYC_Bound

I will be updating soon though, seeing how I graduate in 6 days!!! Get excited (for me). :)

Lessons Learned

Have you ever been out to eat with a friend or two, and the conversation seems to dwindle to an awkward silence where all you can hear is the obnoxious people at the table across from you? Everyone at your table is unusually silent, just listening to the adjacent table laugh and giggle loudly about "how many Jewish people they know", or one's "gay brother's boyfriend". Some form of this situation occurs to everyone, I'm sure. It happened to me and my roommate tonight while out eating sushi. Normally she and I can't keep our mouths shut. But tonight, across from a party of seven or eight, we had no words. Do you ever wonder why these rare restaurant silences occur?

Here's my two cents: You are quiet because you and the rest of your party are thoroughly annoyed with the overbearing party of seven or eight. Since you're too busy formulating a way to indirectly yet conspicuously show these people how inappropriately over-the-top they are, you cannot even think up a casual conversation of your own. So instead, you grit your teeth and look across the table to your company, and when you lock eyes a complete conversation is transported. A conversation relating to how you would love to tell them that Jewish people are as uncommon as plaid shirts nowadays, and that no one else is curious about your gay brother's boyfriend.

On the other hand, it is one of my guilty pleasures to eavesdrop on surrounding conversations occasionally (especially in New York--eccentric people=great conversations=this blog). But it's one thing to have a conversation being tapped, and another to advertise your business to everyone in the restaurant including the dishwasher in the back.

Actually, now that I think about it some more, perhaps I've been guilty doing this. In fact, I'm positive because I've glanced at nearby tables at times to find that they are silently eating their food--with the same energy of muted insanity as I had tonight. Whoops.

Lesson Learned: Don't be that party at a restaurant. Have a good time, but let's not be attention whores!

The Countdown is On!!!

We are at t-minus 23 days until graduation, and a month and three days left until my lease is up in Raleigh, I'm still a jobless, yet hopeful NYC Bound "New-Yorker-wannabe". I started this blog late last year in hopes to document my progress to the city. And after reading back through some of my older posts (particularly here and here), it's truly feeling like the same shit, different day.

But this post is not intended for me to bitch and complain about how hard it is (I'm pretty sure I've already done that...). Instead, I want to take the moment to say I'm not giving up that easy. In fact, since it is coming down the wire I've become more amped about the thought of living in the city. And with my heightened excitement, comes mounds of ideas of what I will do when I arrive. Here are just a few things I cannot wait to do as a New Yorker:

-Be able to give directions to lost tourists
-Sit in Bryant Park at lunchtime and observe swoon over the handsome suited men on their lunch breaks
-Have a night out with my friends and know that my dependable DD will always be there
-Go to a Yankees game [against the Bo-Sox]
-Eat REAL NY pizza whenever I crave it without the disappointment of imitations
-change my phone number to a NYC area code
-design my first apartment hole-in-the-wall and make it appear chic

And the list goes on...can't wait to check these items off my NYC bucket list!

Pick Me Ups Part 2

How come this kind of stuff never happens in North Carolina??? And more importantly, how the hell do you become part of this type of movement? If there is one being planned for Grand Central, I want in. This video is similar to this one I've posted in the past.



I suddenly have the urge to watch The Sound of Music.

A "He's Just Not That Into You" Moment

A conversation between the girls and I a couple weeks ago at a bar.

Me: Who are you calling?
Friend 1: That guy I was telling you about...you know, the one I'm kinda talking to.
Me: Ohhh yeah yeah! I remember. You guys hanging out later tonight?
Friend 1: Well if his phone doesn't ring and goes straight to voice mail, what does that mean? I hate being ignored!
Friend 2: His phone might be dead.
Friend 3: No, I hate to tell you but he might be ignoring your call...
Me: He might just being going through a dead-zone. You should call back and see if it rings now.

WTF. Why do we constantly go through the motions of trying to make sense of something so minuscule as a phone call? Four usually bright girls that can often offer intellectual conversation analyzing a simple phone call and reasons why he's "ignoring" a call. This is the story of many ladies across the world I'm sure. As you can tell from the conversation above, I'm a victim of this over-analyzing problem too. Let's get it together, ladies! Why can't we all just say "He's phone went straight to voice mail." End of story. No need to analyze it. Stop making something so simple into a difficult, unnecessary mess.

If us ladies put that much energy into analyzing this recession we're in, I'm pretty sure solutions for a flourishing economy would be thrown around left and right.

It's not what you know...or who you know...

I just got out of a class lecture where we discussed how important it is to build a strong network. The professor kept stressing "it's not what you know, it's who you know". It seemed the majority of the class agreed because some students elaborated by stating "My friends and I are trying to get internships in New York for the summer, and each of my friends have accepted an internship because they knew someone that helped them out in New York. But I'm still searching and applying because I don't have that network." This struck a chord...

For me, I think networking can be one of two things. It can be 1.) the best tool or 2.) complete bull shit. I don't think it's necessarily about who you know. I think it's more about what these people you know are willing to do for you. You can build your network all you want, and attempt to create a strong relationship with these people but at the end of the day, if this same desire isn't reciprocated from the other party...your network is worthless. For me, I know quite a few people in New York, but still am struggling to find a job post grad. By no means do I assume some one to just hand it to me on a platter, and say "here's a job!". I think I'm doing a lot for myself searching and scouring my network, online job search engines, company websites, etc... But without the right network of people my efforts fall flat. It is so frustrating to know I am so close to my dream and my goal but can't reach it. It is frustrating because I know I'm doing all I can given my shitty network but it's still not enough. Not to mention being in North Carolina not New York adds limitations too.

Perhaps taking a step back, and finding my "gatekeeper" to NYC will help me reset. I'm so blinded right now by my frustrations that I can't see clearly anymore where I am on this journey. Maybe I'm not entirely ready for the city...

Nevertheless, with or without the right network I'm going to figure this out eventually. I might need to reassess my time line, but I am definitely not going to give up that easily.

I Feel Old When...

I begin to feel attracted to a man, but later come to realize that the ring on his left hand finger is not just decorative. Nope, this mister is off the market. Just when I think the search was hard enough, another bonus is added! So, on top of trying to find a decent man, I now have crossed over into finding a decent man that isn't married.

Lesson learned: now that I'm getting older and [supposedly] more mature, I guess I should start paying attention to whether or not a man sports a band around his left hand finger. And by pay attention, I mean before I.......well for lack of a better term "spit my game".

And another one bites the dust...

Dear New York,

Many hours you have kept me up at night yearning to be in your presence. Many sacrifices I've made in preparation to be with you. Many tears I've shed in fear that you will reject me.

And still I try. With each struggle, I try even harder refusing to settle for anything less than you.

And I hope. I hope you will deem me worthy for the undertaking. I hope you will let me proudly wear your name. I hope, New York, that you will make room in your beautiful heart for me.

Is it meant to be between you and I, New York? Show me a sign...

Until then, I will wait until the time comes when you will welcome me with open arms into the greatness, oh the irrefutable greatness, of New York.

xoxo,
NYC Bound

Facebook Fever

Youtubing like usual, I found this hilarious rendition of the point I was trying to make here.

The Little Things in Life

A funny riddle I made up:

When is the only time sloppy seconds are good?

...When you're eating leftovers! Corny, I know (if you haven't already realized it, corny is my nature). But all day today, all I could think about was getting home to eat my leftover Cheesecake Factory. Maybe because I skipped out on breakfast and hadn't eaten anything all day partially contributed to this, but my mind could not be diverted from my spicy chipotle chicken pasta and chocolate cake cheesecake waiting for me in my refrigerator.

mmm...home sweet home!

Self Discovery

Everyday we learn something new about ourselves. It can be as minor as realizing you spend way too much time brushing your teeth, or as major as learning how easily you can write people off. I recently learned both of these in the same day. Both very different subjects, yet similar in that I couldn't initially decide whether either were good or bad realizations.

I mean, by brushing my teeth too long I'm doing no harm. Excessive brushing doesn't cause cavities, does it? I'm no dentist, but I'm pretty certain the only thing I'm losing in this process is time and toothpaste. So essentially this realization isn't quite bad...similar to the latter I've realized about myself. Of course it's silly to parallel these two since they are no way directly related to each other. But hear me out...

Is quickly writing someone off really that harmful? I think it cuts all the bullshit fluff and gets to the bottom line. And what's the bottom line? For me, the amount of energy and care I exert into a relationship is directly proportional to the amount the other person gives. So say for instance someone is an impatient, ignorant bitch that comprehends no concept differing from their own ethnocentric (or self-centric) beliefs (....hypothetically speaking, of course. ;) ). Well guess what? I cut the polite smiling, small talk and awkward silences and just kick them to the curb. Saves time and energy.

It may sound extreme, but I see no problem "brushing" teeth/things/people too much. I try to live my life in a positive light for the most part, and if someone wants to darken that light I have the power to change that effective immediately. Why not start with writing off the people insignificant and detrimental to my goals and faith, with a shining, pearly white smile?

My Ate

Everyone has that one person they can turn to for absolutely everything. The only person who will listen to your circular rants over and over again with no complaints. The only brutally honest opinion you can tolerate. The only person who chases your dreams just as hard as you do, just for you. The person who supports you 100% no matter what; you two against the world.

Their go-to person. Their ride or die. Their rock.

My older sister has always been this person for me. Coming from Filipino heritage, in Tagalog, Ate (ah-teh) is loosely translated as older sister. But over the years, I think this translation has evolved to mean so much more to me. Ever since I was a little girl, Ate was my role model, the person I looked up to. Even now, our relationship has remained the only constant in my life. I still admire her and all that she is everyday.

Ate has recently helped me during an extremely rough patch in my life. The word 'helped' is a complete understatement because she has done so much more for me than that. If it wasn't for my Ate, my steady faltering life would continue its downward spiral into nothingness. Times like these in my life are reminders of who I can always turn to and be ever grateful to: My Ate.

It is always me and her no matter what. She's my best friend, and has helped me in more ways than anyone can imagine. I only hope to repay her some day.

Mahal na mahal kita, Ate. <3

Negligence Breeds Resentment

Just a theory I came up with...

...I'm living proof of its credibility and validity.

Things I'm Going to Miss

As ready as I am to get out of the south and start my life in the city, there are so many things I'm going to miss. Going to basketball games with my girls is one of them. We literally had the highest seats in the house, constantly wiping our bleeding noses and struggling to breathe because of the elevation. But despite the bad seats, nothing could come close to ruining our spirited screams of "GO TO HELL CAROLINA!!!" at the top of our lungs. Even if we were down by 15 points. Actually, sitting that high up made me bask in the moment and realize how much I'm going to miss this...

We're the Red and White from State
And we know we are the best (Hey!)
Hands behind our back
We can take on all the rest
GO TO HELL CAROLINA!
Devils and Deacs stand in line
We're the Red and White from NC State
GO STATE!

Something to be Proud of

Don't you think a compliment goes a long way? I would venture to even say that a compliment from a stranger is especially humbling. Here's the story...I may have already mentioned this, but I'm taking a creative writing course this semester to hone into my creative side. The first week of class I immediately felt like I was in over my head. Reading other student's writing made me self conscious about my own. The first assignment was to write a fictional story (short story or beginning of a fictional novel). I have never written anything remotely close to short story or novel. I've always just stuck to strictly academic writing. So needless to say, I was extremely weary. I kept going back and forth about what I should write about; I wanted to make a good first impression because everyone in the class would be reading and critiquing it. I finally decided to write about a widowed woman, whose husband dies in Iraq, leaving her with 3 children. Wanna know what they thought? Critics say...

"Imagery throughout was epic"
"Great job evoking an emotional response from the reader"
"Very touching"
"Sometimes when people write something so realistic, it comes off as fake or contrived, but this didn't"
"You are very good at making the emotion jump off the page"
"It was like reading a movie"

RAVE REVIEWS!!! Of course, I am by no means ready to be a published author yet. But having the whole class enjoy my work really meant so much to me and boosted my writing confidence to another level. Hopefully this means I'm on the right track to tapping into the creative potential my mind possesses. Score!

An excerpt from my very first piece:

She placed her hand on the flag, her fingertips slowly outlining the blue, star studded triangle. Her body ached for her husband, her soul mate, her fallen soldier. Not just for her sake, but for her kids. She desperately wanted her children to know what a great man their Daddy was, and how much he loved each of them. She thought the pain would lessen as time passed, but she still felt the same strong emotions she did the day the Corps knocked on her door almost a year and a half ago.

Pick Me Ups

You know those days when it seems like Murphy's Law is completely against you? The days when nothing seems to go your way? The days when you just wake up in a funk, don't know why, but still can't shake it? Well, isn't it funny how you can just be having the worst day ever, but it only takes one thing to turn your day around?

Take for instance today. Today has been just one of those days...been down and out all day. As I walked back to my car, finished with class for the day, I thought to myself 'what the hell is wrong?', unable to muster any inkling of a clue that might help answer that question. To make matters worse, once I got to my car I found an unwanted gift Raleigh Transportation decided to leave on my windshield wiper. $30 ticket for parking too close to a driveway. I was convinced some thing/one/force was out to get to me today.

Luckily I got home in one piece, to begin the endless search for a job. Currently unemployed with a stagnant income and ever dwindling savings (both not good prerequisites for moving to NYC), I went through job listing after job listing only to get even more frustrated. I took a quick break and surfed youtube (one of my favorite pastimes, by the way).

It was then when I found the following video that turned my scowling frown upside-down. Take a look:



For me, this is proof that happiness trumps sadness/anger/allthingsnegative. You can be going through a shit storm; when a million and one things don't go your way. But I guarantee it only takes one thing to change it. So if you're having a bad day, find your pick me up for the day!

I tried to figure out what UK ad agency is responsible for that ad with no luck. Nevertheless, thank you for making my day!

Only in New York...

January 10, 2010: count me in!

Create Your Own Destiny

I read the book The Secret last summer, and since I have been obsessed with testing the validity of the law of attraction. For those that have not read it, I highly recommend you do. I constantly find myself deeply thinking about things I want to happen, trying to radiate a high frequency so the energy alters the outcome. Crazy at it may sound, the first time I tried it was while I was watching Olympic gymnastics. My roommate and I were watching a Chinese gymnast on the balance beam. If she did well on her routine, the Chinese were projected to win gold. So, I tested the waters. Thinking "U.S.A. for gold...U.S.A. for gold..." during the talented gymnasts entire routine, near the end she fell. The U.S. won gold. Stunned at the power that myself and others thinking the same thing created, I told my roommate what I thought I had something to do with. She confessed she was thinking the same thing! I was convinced we had done it.

Later, we found out we were watching a rerun. Which worked out to our advantage because we were feeling pretty guilty for "making her fall".

Still, I am a firm believer of the law of attraction and making what you want of your life. Often times I get lost in thoughts of me living the dream. Me accepting a job with an ad agency, living in New York. But I didn't think just my thoughts were enough. I needed more to actually make this theory work. I heard about people creating 'vision boards' that amassed images, words, and art associated with their dream. So, I made one. It is still a work in progress, but I think it is helping already. I hung it on my wall at the foot of my bed. That way, it is the first thing I look at when I wake up, the last thing I see before I close my eyes for bed, and the first and last thing I see when I enter and exit my room.

Since I said I wouldn't hide anything in my blog, I want to share with you my vision board. I know, it looks pitiful right now, but it is a work in progress! I plan on progressively adding to it a whole lot more. Perhaps synonymous to my reality, the vision board shows my journey from dream to reality. I will post pictures periodically so you can see my dream progress. Obviously, I have lots of work to do.

The Little Things in Life

In an effort to save money for the city, my roommate (who is also moving to NYC post grad) and I have drastically limited our spending. The usual leisure's of eating out, going to bars, and going to the movies have taken a huge cut. So instead, she and I stayed home, ate cookies, and played board games.

Who said saving money wasn't fun? :)

Gap in the Dream

Like many young ladies, the popularity of Sex & The City contributed to my profound interest in becoming a New Yorker. For me, it wasn't just about the glitz and glam of their lives--it was more about how each of the four gals were extremely successful in their crafts. Carrie, the witty columnist. Miranda, the cynical lawyer. Samantha, the PR go-getter. Charlotte, passionate & well versed of the arts. Each very different, but all held power that was impenetrable. This kind of success is what I thrive for.

Curled up in my bed, I watched the movie, aching to be a part of what is being a New Yorker. Carrie says at some point [to Miranda and Samantha] "You two could rule the world..." . That's when I got to thinking...how did they get to this point? Four very independent, head strong, and successful New York ladies with no story of their journey to this state. No story of their struggle to make it in the city. No story of how they made it to the top. No story of who they were before New York. How did I never realize this before?

The negation of these facts prompted me to turn the movie off. I was thoroughly upset at first. But then, I no longer cared. Perhaps having this omitted does more good than some would like to think. Those that are independent, head strong, and ambitious will figure it out on their own. I guess that's part of the transformation to New Yorker.

I returned to my bed, and pressed play.