Cupcake Cafe

I wasn't feeling audacious enough to take a picture of all the delicious cupcakes that were in this cafe, but I did take a picture before I ate it! I got two of this little critters, one for me and one for my boss as a thank you. They surprised me with a little going away party today at work. It made me really sad to leave :( I'm packing up things tonight so I can relax and enjoy my last weekend in town!

I don't want to leave!

It's getting painfully close to my departure day. The people I work with and hang out with are not making it an easy transition for me..... they keep reminding me that I am leaving and that I should just stay instead. If I could transport my next internship to NYC I would do it in a heartbeat. No day is the same here in New York, and if you are ever bored than you are clearly doing something terribly wrong.

I spent last Friday in Long Island with Katie. How wonderful it was to sleep in a bed (I will NOT miss my air mattress!). We ate in a place called Port Jefferson for both dinner and breakfast. It was an ADORABLE city. It reminded me of Grand Haven and Breckenridge combined. Just a cute little town with shops and restaurants surrounded by water. Katie and I commented on how both our Mom's would love all the little shops. Specifically the Christmas shop for my mother (I have no doubt she would have stopped in there). Breakfast was insanely amazing. We ordered the fattiest thing possible on the menu.... Graham Cracker French Toast this includes the following: Graham Cracker encrusted toast with peanut butter and bananas inside topped of with caramel drizzled delicately on top. We decided against the syrup they gave us to go with it (wanted to save on the calories).

I mixed up my usual Sunday activities (mostly grocery shopping, Central Park, and a museum or touristy thing) with the ever popular brunching. Brunching in New York is more like a sporting event. People gather at one of the many restaurants that offer unlimited Mimosas and Champagne (I'm not kidding, almost every breakfast/lunch place on the UES offers this on Sundays. Becky, Elana, and I headed to a place called Blockheads and spent a total of $12 on brunch and mimosas COMBINED. NY is insanely expensive, so a deal like this is a treasure to all. We then proceeded to watch the Jets/Colts game with some very happy....then unhappy Jets fans. I am most definitely not a Jets fan but it was so much fun being in such an electric atmosphere as New Yorkers are desperately cheering for their team to make it to the Super Bowl.

This all leads up to last night (Tuesday) where I went out with some co-workers and co-interns after work. We started in Union Square where we work. This area is one of my favorites in New York. There are so many great places to eat, shop (or stare lovingly at unattainable items is the more appropriate wording), and hang out. It's going to be really hard not to come to this area 5 days a week. After consuming are very uniquely decorated Duke-a-ritas we proceeded to a different Union Square bar and then back up to the Upper East Side for some Karaoke at Dorrians (a popular preppy/trust fund baby lacoste wearing shirt bar). It should not be surprising that I did not go up to sing. As my roommate from Mizzou always told me when I would walk around singing, "Please stop".

The picture is of Jaymelee and I at Dorrians. I'm going to miss her along with my other co-workers. It's been a really sad week!

Updated To Do List

1. Top of the Rock- I WILL do this, but it will probably wait until I can visit during the warmer months.

2. Madison Square Garden: CHECK

3. Radio City Music Hall: no check

4. Mama Mia: no check, but I've already seen 7 musicals in NYC so I can't really complain

5. Lombardi's Pizzeria: This will happen before I leave!

6. Brunching: Even though I didn't eat "brunch" last Sunday I did go out....essentially the same thing, and will be going out again this Sunday (I can't fake being a Jets fan, but it still is fun watching the playoffs!) So this is a semi-check

7. Staten Island Ferry: CHECK

8. The Guggenheim: THIS WILL BE DONE BEFORE I LEAVE!

9. The Village: Hopefully next weekend....

10. International House of Photography: CHECK

3.5/10 I have work to do!

Time is Ticking!

It was such a great weekend with Katie in town....unfortunately there isn't much documentation. We ate a delicious meal at Blue Fin in Times Square on friday night. The best part was a delicious upside down chocolate cake with vanilla bean ice cream. After devouring it in about 2 minutes we decided next time we would have to each get our own...it was that good. We capped off the rest of the evening at a dive bar in Times Square (yes, a dive bar does exist in Times Square). Upon entering we were both pretty hesitant. The bar was extremely narrow and clearly filled with regulars. Too say the least, we were a bit out of place....especially when the only seating we found at first was located next to the toilets.

The night was hardly a bust. Despite the fact that we looked pretty out of place in a bar filled with boxing posters and older locals (Jimmy's Corner is the name of the bar....owned by Jimmy Glenn who himself is a former boxing legend), we managed to make some great friends. Katie even managed to bond with Jimmy himself. It was a late night for the both of us...making Saturday a loooong day. However, we managed to make it to the Staten Island Ferry. This is a ferry that you can ride for free to Staten Island (lord knows why you would actually want to get off the boat at Staten Island), while taking in some great views of the city. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, and despite almost getting attacked by killer seagulls on the ferry, it was a great experience.

Next stop was some Canal Street bargain shopping. I'm proud to say that neither Katie nor I bought anything. We did get to see the inner workings of some illegal purse shops (Katie's friends were on the purse-hunt). There is really nothing more comforting than having people sneak us into backrooms then use their walkie-talkies to make sure it's safe for us to leave again (safe as in there are no cops around). From here we ventured around SoHo and then made it back to Times Square for some food. O'Lunney's is a great Irish Bar that offers amazing cheeseburgers and beer/cider (my Dad and I actually have been to both here and Blue Fin beforehand). At this point in the night, we were both dragging pretty bad so there was no convincing either of us to go out again....

Sunday I experienced the "New York Sports Fans". I went with a couple of friends to a nearby bar to watch the Jets playoff game... let's just say Jets fans don't have the most clever of chants. J-E-T-S JETS! JETS! JETS! (insert chest-bumps here). The sports theme continued into today when I took a half day to go see the Pistons lose to the Knicks at Madison Square Garden with a friend. It's too bad the Pistons are absolutely terrible this season (much like many of my sports teams....). So it's been a busy weekend! Scratched two things of my NY to do list. I believe I still have 7 more to go, eek!

Side Note: I saw those footprints and "cliche photo" sign spray-painted on the sidewalk when I was walking to Madison Square Garden and thought it was hilarious.... however the background was just of a Subway so I don't know if that really is something people actually take pictures by...

My "New York" Running Shoes

I have two more days left of my 2.5 week running hiatus (in hopes of getting rid of my hip problems) and to celebrate I got some New York running shoes. (Ok, I really did need new shoes, my old running shoes are shredded inside). I'm not one to be too adventerous in my tennis shoes. In fact, I usually keep it to the standard white or grey highlighted in either black or blue. HOWEVER, these shoes are supposed to be excellent for running. They help strengthen your foot and are extremely lightweight.

So why didn't I get my normal bland colors? Well, because they didn't have any in stock would be the most truthful answer. However, after staring at these somewhat obnoxiously bright pink shoes I decided, "these shoes are New York". New Yorkers need a way to stand out from the millions of other people, and although some people choose certain ways to do so (imagine leopard print leggings, a fur jacket, and black sneakers for example) others choose more "subtle" ways. Like hot pink running shoes.

So I will show New York in my last two weeks that I know how to be "different". Granted my hot pink shoes may be the only bold statement in my wardrobe (one of my intern friends makes fun of the countless number of cardigans I wear to work), they will be seen. They will be seen in the various gyms around New York (that I will try to get free one day or week memberships to) and they will be seen in Central Park. So watch out New York!

I'm going to run a half marathon

So I made a list of things I want to do before to die (as if the age of 22 should cause some reason of panic). On my list includes running a marathon (probably the NY marathon because you run through all 5 boroughs). However, this is going to take some baby steps. I've already run a countless amount of 5ks, and although my next step should be 10ks, I think I will just skip ahead to running a half marathon.

The problem is the one I want to run is on March 20 (2nd picture), and seeing as I've had to take off two weeks running to heal my hip I am already behind. This race is literally a run through history. You run through the historical landmarks of Washington D.C. How cool would that be?

I do have a backup plan if my March date seems to be too daunting. There is a potomac river run (in D.C./Virginia) on May 2. It gives you some gorgeous views of the river as well as taking you through paths as seen in picture 1.

Either way I'm excited to take on this challenge! I'm crossing my fingers that my hip makes it through!

Other things on my "Do Before I Die List":

• Skydive
• Travel to all 50 states (over halfway done!)
• Take a hot air balloon ride
• Hike to the top of a challenging mountain (haven't decided which one yet)
• Meet Lady Ga Ga
• Learn how to count cards so I can win big at the Black Jack tables in Vegas

Any other suggestions?!

Meet our 4th roommate Paquita

She already successfully peed on Katie when she came to see my place.

Museums, Margaritas, and Madness

I've been packing most of my evenings and weekends with things to do since I know I have a limited time left here. I hate to waste three months in NYC without experiencing a lot of different things, but I can proudly say I've efficiently used my time here.

I spent last Sunday at the Natural Museum of History. I happily provided my old Mizzou student i.d. to get a discount (I mean I'm still as poor as a student...) and roamed through the museum for a couple of hours before watching an IMAX movie, "Mysteries of the Great Lakes". Just a little piece of home in New York. Although the museum was interesting, I feel like I have seen similar things at other Natural History Museums (in D.C. and London off the top of my head), so I think my preference at this point is still with Art Museums. Tomorrow I will be either heading to the Guggenheim or the International Center of Photography. I have to keep checking things off my list!

I kept busy during the week as well... happy hour at one of my favorite bars in Union Square (Pourhouse) with another intern, and I also checked out a famous bookstore called "The Strand". It was absolutely amazing. Their claim to fame is "18 miles of books", but the best part is EVERYTHING is discounted (including current bestsellers!). I spent almost two hours going through books and looking at their amazing collection. The place honestly looks like a library (see picture) except you can actually buy things. I settled on two books related to women's studies (I love reading about gender inequality.....it's a problem).

I've also had some happenings back at my "pad" as well. Sara and I recently got a new roommate (Annabella, the student from Taiwan moved to NJ). Marina is an ex-model from Russia and we went to celebrate her Russian Christmas on Thursday night. This celebration included large margaritas and lots of Mexican food (probably not what she normally does on Christmas...). So now I'm living with two European models and am learning just how short I really am.... I'm learning about the modeling industry while they painfully are learning about sports :)

While they focused on recovery yesterday, I focused on Katie coming into the city for a night out on the Upper East Side. I kid you not, there was a guy on the dance floor violently "dancing" with sunglasses on. Katie and I were both convinced he was from the Jersey Shore. That show has truly ruined the reputations of most people living in New Jersey (good thing I am moving there). Somehow Katie convinced him to give her his sunglasses, which resulted in more hilarity. I have several pictures of Katie dancing with those specs on..... to be shared later :)

Lastly, I found a place to live while at my internship. I will be living with another producer (who seems awesome) and I will have MY OWN BEDROOM AND BATHROOM. Can we say PENTHOUSE! My future roommate said I will be 20 minutes from Philly and a short train ride back to NYC. Amen, because I don't know how I will transition from NYC to the suburbs (I know, life is rough right?).

To Do List

I will do a legitimate update later tonight (after the margaritas from last nights roommates outing wears off)

1. Top of the Rock. Arguably the best views in NYC because you can see the Empire State Building.

2. Madison Square Garden (this will be accomplished on the 18th when I see Knicks vs. Pistons!)

3. Radio City Music Hall (still hoping Lady Ga Ga will release more tickets)

4. Mama Mia the Musical (Hopefully seeing this with Cat next Saturday!)

5. Lombardi's Pizzeria. Not that I haven't had enough NY Pizza, this is one of the most famous Pizzerias in NYC.

6. Brunching. This occurs on Sundays. Most restaraunts offer unlimited Mimosas.

7. Staten Island Ferry. It's free and provides great city views.

8. The Guggenheim. Lots of Art I need to see.

9. The Village. The people here are quirky and intriguing, PLUS they have great cafes (so I here).

10. International Center of Photography. I still have a roll of Photos to take on my SLR camera, maybe this will inspire me.

Only one month left in the Big Apple!

I think everybody at this point has heard that I was accepted for the NFL Films internship, which I am extremely excited about, but it also means I will be leaving NYC :(

If you haven't heard about my trip to Philadelphia/New Jersey for my interview a few weeks ago, don't ask. It was a traveling nightmare and I have bitter feelings towards that area. From cancelled buses, late buses, cancelled flights, and blizzards it was essentially a nightmare. Thankfully I was there with my friends Jess and Becky which forced us to laugh about everything terrible that occurred.

The original plan was to go out Friday night and do sightseeing on Saturday....but the blizzard made this a bit of a problem (see the picture of Philly covered in snow....this was actually our view from the hotel window which was where we did our sightseeing from). I DID however see the Liberty Bell...as we were walking to the bar, and I managed to snag a Philly Cheesesteak.... they aren't actually as gross as they sound!

Fast-forward past Christmas and I was back here, hosting a couple of friends in NYC. Some of my best girlfriends (Jess and Cat) came into the City for some NYE festivities. They were true sports seeing as I don't have my own room and they had to share a loft bed together (although Cat was convinced she was going to die the whole time). The whole night was an experience in itself. It wasn't exactly what we expected, but the three of us could go anywhere and have a good time. We were also able to meet up with our friend Kolleen (from Mizzou) randomly at McFadden's (the NYC MIZZOU bar). Unfortunately we were all there to watch Mizzou get handled by Navy in an embarrassing loss (worse than when ND lost to them). Our friend Mike (also from Mizzou) called us on NYE for his spur of the moment trip to NYC. AND we were able to see our friend Carl who just moved to Brooklyn a few days ago. It was an unplanned Mizzou reunion in the Big Apple!

I'm sorry I'm being so vague about everything that has happened, but it would be a novel if I tried to describe the past couple of weeks....clearly I got behind in my blogging!

Picture Mania!

Here are some pictures that I wanted to post before, but didn't have a properly working computer....

The first three pictures are from walking the Brooklyn Bridge.... if you look closely at the second picture you can see the Statue of Liberty.

The last two pictures are from Rockefeller Center. Obviously the Christmas Tree is one of them. The second is of the snowflakes on THE Saks 5th Avenue. The snowflakes blink and sputter and practically dance across the building while Christmas music plays every 5 minutes after the hour. This was cool the first time, but obnoxious all the other times because EVERYONE stops and no one continues to walk.