Shannon's NYC: When it Rains, it Pours

After my last post, I was really excited to get back in the groove of writing regularly. Unfortunately, my life has recently turned into a chaotic mess of job training, errands, working out, volunteering, and socializing…leaving me with no time to do anything. Including sleep.

You may think that “socializing” shouldn’t count as part of a busy schedule, but having no friends would be miserable. Maintaining a social life in the City requires coordinating schedules and planning ahead, so hang outs become added appointments on top of a busy day. Of course, they’re the more enjoyable appointments, but they’re time commitments, none-the-less.

The primary reason that I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off is because..wait for it…I got job! I’m absolutely in love with the restaurant, staff, managers, and everything else about it! Everyone who works there has assured me that I was extremely lucky to have stumbled upon the best job in NYC. This high end Italian restaurant is the perfect mix of fine dining (which equals lots of big tips!) and speedy/casual service (I don’t have to be a robot!). My coworkers are almost all aspiring singers and actors, as well, so they give me advice on everything from how to differentiate between Livornese, Cabonara, and a dozen other Italian preparations to how to manage a work schedule while remaining focused on the ultimate career goal of performing. The restaurant hasn’t hired in almost a year, which reiterates what a great work environment is provided for employees. I was going to door to door with my resume a few weeks ago when I walked inside and lucked into being hired. I’m pretty much the only server who didn’t get the job based on knowing someone in the restaurant, so I don’t really know how I got the gig- but you better believe I’m thrilled! Between training breakfasts (wake up call at 5:45a.m.), lunches, and dinners, I have an unpredictable training schedule. I have no qualms, though, as it will be 100% worth it when I’m finally settled into a routine!

Naturally, the day after I was offered this job, another restaurant called to offer me a serving position. Then three days later, Stardust- the diner with the singing waitresses- emailed and offered me an audition time. I applied months ago! Why does that always happen in life? Everything piles up at once. Even though I love my new job, I decided to audition for Stardust in hopes that perhaps I could juggle both jobs. I auditioned with a few dozen other people on the floor of the restaurant in front of guests and servers, singing “I Could Have Danced All Night” from My Fair Lady. To my pleasant surprise, I was one of just a few to pass the singing portion of the hiring process. The next step was to text (yes, text) the general manager to schedule an interview regarding the waitressing part of the job. I texted him, but have yet to hear back. Normally, I’d be persistent and re-text/email/call, but I know that I probably couldn’t handle two jobs (three, including the attorney that I still work for once a week) on top of auditioning. I need money, but I also need to remember that I moved here to sing!

Running through Central Park with Meg!

When I’m not working, I’m vigorously running at the gym in order to avoid the beached whale look at my Miss New York local in a few weeks. Add in doctor appointments, grocery runs, apartment maintenance, auditions, and the occasional shower- there you have it! Oh, and don’t forget seeing my friends, too. It may not sound like a lot, but when I wake up at 6 and don’t stop running around until 9 or 10p.m., it sure feels like a lot. The good news is that I finally feel like my life up here is together!

On the way to Tess's housewarming party

In the past week or two, I’ve visited dog sledding friends in Connecticut, attended chili night at Tess’ restaurant with Tommy (my brother’s fabulous college roommate) to spend time with him and Tess, gone to Tess' housewarming party, volunteered for New York Cares, learned how to tie a tie from Dan (who provided me a black tie for work- thank you!), successfully plant-sitted Dave’s citrus plant over his spring break (Columbia), gone dancing at a fabulous gay club with a long lost friend from Busch Gardens, spent a crazy fun night on the Upper East Side with Jim, Linds, and friends (saw Jim and Lindsay’s new apartment), grabbed brunch with Jim, Linds, and our cousins who were in town, and finally completed laundry at Tommy’s (different Tommy than chili night) apartment to avoid Laundromat fees (besides, he’s amazingly nice and folded my two huge loads when I was at work). Now, I’m on the bus home to Virginia for Lindsay’s bridal shower tomorrow morning! Steph will pick me up, per usual, so that we can grab a drink and catch up tonight. Then shower tomorrow, gym in the afternoon, and family dinner to follow. By 11:30p.m., I’ll be back on the overnight bus in order to make it to work by 11a.m. Sunday. WHEW! So, please forgive me if I don’t find a moment to write again soon. At least now it should be clear as to why!

Here are some pics of what you've missed that I haven't mentioned: