Men in Black 3 Premiere

Sometimes I have to disregard my grandma-type instincts that urge me to stay home most nights to clean and go to bed early in order to enjoy the fact that I am 23 and living in the most exciting city in the world. Of course, I say that on the Saturday night of Memorial Day weekend having just finished all of the dishes and ready for a quiet evening with me, myself, and I (and the loud Latino music blaring on the street beneath me). My excuse is that I had a big night with Lindsay, Tommy, and Josh last night, so tonight is allowed to be a quiet one. I know you may be thinking, why not two nights in a row? But please, let's not ask too much of me.

Focusing on the nights that I haven't been in my PJs by 8:30p.m....Wednesday was one of those nights. My friend invited me to the Men in Black 3 premiere at Lincoln Center, followed by the after party on the Intrepid aircraft carrier. I hesitated only for a moment as I fought with my practical self that protested, "Shannon, you work breakfast on Thursday. You need to be in bed by 11 on Wednesday." NO. Going to a party on an aircraft carrier with celebrities and socialites is a once in a lifetime...well, hopefully more...experience. I can get five hours of sleep and survive. After ignoring my inner reprimand, I accepted the invitation and put on a dress and heels following my day at the attorney's office. I even put on fake eyelashes. Seriously time to look good. You never know if Will Smith would see me and decide he absolutely needed to know who I was. (Spoiler alert: That didn't happen).

With Ricky after the movie. Glad he was ready.

Two glasses of Chardonnay at Luce, a restaurant right next to the theatre, was the perfect beginning to the evening. Next came the actual movie itself, which was really funny and entertaining (that's about as good as I get when it comes to my movie-reviewing skills). I think Will Smith is absolutely hilarious, and he did not let me down. While most people got on the charter bus that transported guests to the Intrepid after the movie, I instead hopped in the Jaguar with Ricky and his family to enjoy the short ride over to the ship. Riding in a Jag just makes life a little more fun, don't you think?

Flight Deck overlooking NYC. Unreal.

The after party was incredible. Insane. Gorgeous. Posh. Stunning. Outrageous. I need more words, but they don't exist. Every party needs to take place on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. Every single one. The best looking food I've ever seen- Chinese, pizza, sandwiches, chocolate donuts, and everything else in the world that I can't eat on my Miss New York diet- stared at me the whole night as I wandered around wondering who just walked past me that is probably famous but I'd never know because I am the WORST at recognizing or knowing who famous people are. As I aimlessly strolled around with my wine glass in one hand and camera in the other, I got a few random compliments on my backless yellow dress, so that certainly made me happy. Congratulating myself on my wardrobe selection (what, exactly, is premiere-wear?), I followed the crowd to the middle of the ship for fireworks around 10:15, followed by a super fun performance by Pit Bull. For those of you who don't know who Pit Bull is or why anyone would want to be referred to as a canine, he's one of the top rapper/singers out there at the moment. His biggest hit is probably Give Me Everything (give me everyyyything tonight, for all we know, we might not get tomorrowww...you've heard it, trust me), but he also sang the theme song for Men in Black 3. Hence the performance. After Pit Bull's energetic few songs (that man had to have burned 800 calories in 25 minutes), I tried to sweet talk a guard into letting me into the VIP section where I saw Dr. Oz and Nicole Scherzinger mulling about, but unfortunately batting my fake eyelashes did not seem to work. Or maybe he just couldn't see them through his black sunglasses that he was wearing at 11 o'clock at night. You are NOT auditioning for Men in Black, sir. Take off the shades.

As most things do, it all worked out for the better because not five minutes after I was rejected by the man in black wannabe, Will Smith took the stage for a surprise performance!! The VIP section was in the back, so I was beyond glad to be in the front, not 50 feet from Will Smith, accompanied by both of his kids. I was in heaven as I did the white girl bounce to the Men in Black anthem, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and Summertime. He is SO good. So, so good. And so, so good-looking. Had to throw it out there. That is one hot dad. I'm sure he saw me in the audience and the only reason he didn't approach me later is because he was so intimidated, but that's alright. He's not the first guy that's happened to.

Nicole and me (awful picture of me, but still- so fun!)

Have no fear, if my eyelashes couldn't get me into the VIP section, Ricky's connections could. The gates parted for us once his parents waved us in. Yeah, they were already in there chatting up Tommy Lee Jones. I guess you have to be a little more powerful than a waitress who lives in the Heights to hang with the big wigs. I didn't find Dr. Oz to get a picture for my mom (sorry, Mom!), but I did get to chat with Nicole Scherzinger (lead singer of The Pussy Cat Dolls/X Factor judge) for a second. She really impressed me. I told her about Miss New York, and she gave me a wonderful little speech about being a role model and how important it is to be confident figureheads for younger girls. I really respect the fact that she doesn't want to rest on being beautiful, which she truly is. Needless to say, I'm definitely a big fan.

The night winded down a little after midnight, so we headed out right behind the boys of One Direction (apparently they are a wildly popular boy band these days...I've only vaguely heard of them. Should have gotten one of their autographs. Sixteen's not too young for me, right?) and Alice Eve (star of "Out of My League"/etc.)...just rollin' with the celebs. I made it home by 1, but couldn't fall asleep until after 3. So much for a decent night's sleep. I made it through breakfast/lunch the next day with a surprising amount of energy, though, and I'm still here to speak of it. I don't regret that night in the least! I live in NYC- I have to take advantage of events that only happen here! Besides, every girl needs an excuse to dress up once in a while. Oh wait, I already have my excuse...I do pageants. I guess I give myself a lot of excuses to dress up.

Speaking of pageants, Miss New York is 3 weeks from tonight! Gulp.

Is Timing Everything?

How much in life is about what is right, and how much is about what is right timing? Is it really possible to differentiate between the two? And if you can, is it possible to foster something that's very right if the timing is very wrong?

In my life, timing seems to rule just about everything. Why audition if I'd have to turn down anything that could conflict with the possibility of me being Miss NY? However, I moved here so that I wouldn't put my life on hold for Miss VA...so isn't that contradictory to the whole point of living in New York? The timing would have been perfect for me to win Miss VA last year, but it didn't happen. Had I stayed in Virginia for one more year, it very well may have worked out. But I didn't. I moved to New York. Now I'm torn (correction: was torn) about the timing of following my dream to be on Broadway and my last year eligible in the Miss America Organization. I've clearly made Miss New York my priority since I feel so strongly about the values of this organization and the amazing experiences it's already provided me, but there's always that question about if the timing is right. In this case, I'm choosing to make this the perfect time to be Miss New York simply because I know I'd be able to do a lot of good with that title, both for the Children's Miracle Network and with my personal platform. Broadway will still be around come July. However, is it always possible to choose? To actively make a decision that timing is moldable to fit perfectly with the circumstances at hand?

When it comes to situations like Miss New York, you can decide that the timing doesn't matter because what's at stake is more important than convenience. Is it the same in relationships? I think it's a little of yes and a little of no. I think that if the timing is very, very wrong- i.e. the person you meet is moving across the country, is already with someone else, is at a completely different stage of life from you, etc.- then decisions can be made to make things work despite the bad timing, but sometimes it's easier to just let things go for the sake of making life easier. Obviously, much of that decision to work with the timing has to do with the depth of the connection and the willingness of each party to deal with the consequences of bad timing...and most of the time, at least one person would rather wait for something a little less complicated to come around. Even in the case where you start dating someone who is at a different stage of life than yourself, you can bank on the fact that people will change and become more compatible once they enter the same stage. Should you stick around and wait for that inevitable change that you know won't come for another year/however long it takes for them to catch up (or for you to catch up)? Well, I guess it all has to do with if what could be outweighs the difficulties of what is.

As I write all of this out, I see that it's clear that most issues with timing can be dealt with if what's at hand is important enough. Sometimes, decisions to push through timing that isn't ideal are easy (like with Miss New York vs. my move to NYC to pursue Broadway), and other times, they take a lot more mental ping pong on the pros and cons table. At the end of the day, we can only do what we feel is best at the moment...even though each moment changes with the hand on the clock. That's not complicated at all, is it?

My Brother's Wedding

"Relationships are work." "Relationships are hard." Why does this have to be true? I refuse to accept it.

This weekend, I watched my older brother marry someone who makes him laugh every day, cares about him unconditionally, and who will respect and support him until the day he dies. Jim and Lindsay are the kind of couple that you hear giggling as they fall asleep and can solve any disagreement with a 30 second stare, exchange of calm words, or silly joke. They don't have to try very hard to get along-even when one of them does something wrong-because they just DO. They respond to one other in a way that is healthy, natural, and brings out the best in the other. The way they deal with each other just works. They don't have to work because they work. Does that make sense?

This is not to say that you don't have to sometimes put your pride aside and compromise while in a relationship, but I firmly believe that there is no need to argue regularly with your significant other. If they're right for you, few things will get to you...and when there is a problem, the solution comes quickly and without out-lash. When you're with the right person, it will be clear by how much you smile, how rarely you bicker, and how deeply you want to be with them. If there's even an inkling that you are staying with someone/taking the next step simply because you've been with them for a long time or "don't want to lose such a great person," think twice. So many people stay with someone because he/she is "a good person," but that doesn't mean they are who will keep you satisfied forever. Two great people may be great individually, but mediocre, boring, or even unhealthy together.

I am so lucky to have multiple examples of these easy relationships in my life, Jim and Lindsay being the focus this weekend. Challenges are inevitable, but I have promised myself that I will end up with someone who laughs with me through the challenges, our mutual understanding dissolving issues respectfully. I don't want anything less than the joy my brother has found in Lindsay.

My little and me at CNU

Onto the wedding. The whole weekend was utter perfection. I arrived late Wednesday night and did not stop racing around until...well, now. But I more than welcomed all of the love, fun, and reuniting! After finishing up Miss New York paperwork/notarizing/over-nighting it to NY, taking my bridesmaid dress to the tailor, and doing a couple other last minute errands on Thursday morning, I drove the hour to CNU to visit my friends who are still in school. As though I was speed dating with old friends, I quickly caught up with every person who stopped in Einsteins (the library coffee shop) to say hello between classes. My sorority sisters and Pearlfriends are so loving and supportive, many dropping in for just a hug during a ten minute break they had. I'm so lucky to have such amazing friends!

Grandma, Todd, and me at the BBQ

After my CNU cameo, I rushed back down to Virginia Beach in time to learn the song I would be singing at the wedding with Lindsay's older brothers, unpack all of the winter clothes I brought back from NYC and repack my summer wardrobe, get a manicure, then drive to Lindsay's house for a barbeque with the friends and family who came to town early. One of those people was my cousin, Todd, who I hadn't seen in seven or eight years! He and his two brothers were my favorite people in the world as I grew up, so the excitement I felt in seeing them is inexplicable. Todd was the only one to come in town on Thursday- and the one I'd gone the longest without seeing- so I was pretty much glued to his side the whole night. I also have to mention that Lindsay looked absolutely stunning...she certainly had that bridal glow all weekend!

With Jim, Linds, and Lindsay's brothers at the rehearsal din

After grabbing a few drinks at Catch 31, a favorite Virginia Beach bar, with my grandma, aunt, and cousins, I spent the night at Stephanie's apartment so that we could debrief on pageants, life, men, etc. I miss her terribly, but glad we fit in a quick sleepover. Somehow I managed to get up around 7a.m. Friday morning to go on a nice, long run through my beautiful neighborhood. I soaked in as much as that suburban fresh air as I could! The rest of the day consisted of stopping by Polly's (Miss Virginia Beach director/my third grandma) house before the bridal brunch, more practice with Lindsay's brothers, and the wedding rehearsal/rehearsal dinner. Jim and Linds have so many close friends that their rehearsal dinner consisted of nearly half of the wedding guest list. The fact that they have close relationships with that many people is just a reflection of how loving and irresistible the two of them are, both individually and as a couple! Can I also mentioned that I had the best night EVER because multiple people said I looked like Kate Middleton? Best. Compliment. Possible.

The party continued at Catch 31 for a little while following the dinner, however everyone wanted to be nice and rested for the big day on Saturday! Jim and I ended up sharing a room at the Hilton that last night of his Bachelorhood (long story as to how that happened), which was such a symbolic experience. He was truly closing out his childhood, sharing a room with his little sister, and waking up the next day to start his new family as an adult with Lindsay. I ran off early to catch hair appointments and other preparations with the bridesmaids, while Jim headed to breakfast with his boys.

Mr. and Mrs. Oliver!

Fast-forward to the wedding. Everything about the ceremony was personalized and incredibly heart-warming. Jim had the whole congregation cracking up before Lindsay came down the aisle as he pumped his fists and impatiently muttered "come onnnn" while he waited for her to come into view. My father gave the welcome speech, Lindsay's father performed the ceremony (he's a pastor), my mom did the reading, Lindsay's brothers and I sang an original song (that was darn good, if I do say so myself...everyone cried. Win.), and Jim and Lindsay gave their own vows. Jim was so cute, starting his with, "I'm just so happy to talk to you!" Clearly, they'd upheld the tradition of the bride and groom not talking on the day of the wedding, minus a "happy wedding day!" text.

Dancing with my best friend, Jess!

The reception was more fun than words can even begin to describe. Jim sang "True Companion" for Lindsay with his college a cappella group, Lindsay's brothers surprised everyone with an awesome Blues Brothers routine that had everyone dancing, laughing, and clapping uncontrollably, and her dad stole the show when he joined the band for "Love Shack." He had the entire dance floor jumping up and down, singing at the top of their lungs as though it was a concert. I don't think anyone had a voice left by the end of the night. The band was the best I've ever seen, filling the dance floor for the entire evening, even garnering an encore at the end of the night. I'm pretty sure not a sole was left in his/her seat throughout the evening. The shy, the loud, the crazy, the talented, the awkward, the foreign, the young, and the old were on that dance floor without a care in the world. Everyone commented that it had to be one of the best receptions ever thrown, with love and excitement just oozing from the room. Oh, by the way, in true Shannon-at-weddings tradition, I broke a glass all over the dance floor. This has happened at EVERY wedding I've been to. Every single one. Embarrassing...yet so typical.

Family at the brunch

The party ended on Sunday with a gorgeous brunch at my dad's house. He and my stepmom went all out, which was certainly appreciated by all of the guests who showed up to find momosas, bellinis, bloody marys, crab cakes, kiesh, Jack Daniel's french toast, and every other delicious item you could think of at the ready. The 80 degree weather certainly didn't hurt the atmosphere as everyone happily chowed down by the pool and procrastinated the goodbyes. Finally, we said so long to Jim and Lindsay (they are in Jamaica as I type!) and I hopped in the car with Jacob, Justin, and Andy for the long trip back to NYC.

Back to reality!

What Do I Stand For?

What do you stand for?

Christina (red dress) as Miss America 2008 is announced

My new friend, mentor, and all-around inspiration asked me that very question one week ago as we sat in a cozy West Village bistro, enjoying pomegranate champagne and chamomile tea. Christina Thompson, Miss Wisconsin 2007 (top 8 at Miss America), was specifically assigned to me as my Miss New York pageant guru of sorts, charged with the task of mentally, physically, and spiritually preparing me to be a Miss America state titleholder. Just to clarify, most local titleholders have a director/board to assist with their preparation for state. However, the six girls who won the sweeper pageant (Miss Manhattan, New York City, Metropolitan (oh, hey!), Verrazano, Western New York, and Gotham City) were instead paired with a former state titleholder (including a Miss Michigan, Miss Virginia, Miss Nevada, Miss Wisconsin, Miss Ohio...and I'm missing one more) to guide them through the process. To say I'm excited to work with Christina is an understatement. She is a fitness nut and nutritionist (swimsuit winner at Miss Wisconsin), has a degree in both vocal and violin performance (talent winner at Miss Wisconsin...baller double preliminary winner), aims to work in the communications field (have I mentioned I eventually want to be a journalist?), and always looks like she just stepped out of a beauty advertisement. More importantly, she exudes a mature warmth that is undeniably magnetizing and welcoming to each person she encounters. Even on our first date in the little bistro, the staff was continuously drawn to her and sparking up conversation because of her ability to make everyone in the room feel at ease. She's MY mentor. Yep, I'm proud. And lucky.

As Christina and I chatted, our commonalities grew more and more apparent. We delved into every topic possible, from family to religion to relationships to pageants to food to careers, finding an uncanny amount of similarities in our experiences. Thank goodness we are able- even expected- to spend a lot of time together these next few months, because one evening certainly was not enough! She has an abundance of wisdom and anecdotes that will surely benefit me not only for Miss New York, but in life...which leads me to the initial question at the top of the page.

One of my biggest fears about competing for Miss New York in June is that I don't have the power and strength behind my interview that is required in such a political state as New York. I have passion, I have humor, I have intelligence, and I have common sense (well...that's debatable), but do I have that unbreakable demeanor that screams "I am woman, hear me roar"? Not so much. I know what I believe and have no qualms with expressing my opinions, but I worry that I lack that fiery edge that seems to be more valued in the Northeast. After I explained this concern to Christina, she started by encouraging me to maintain the characteristics that make me approachable, even if those characteristics include being a little awkward or slightly "Southern" (Virginia Beach all of a sudden seems like the land of happy, agreeable Southern people after living in New York for a while). But then she said this:

"What do you stand for?"

To even my own surprise, I did not immediately jump into an answer that I could have spouted off the cuff in an interview or whipped up to sound self-assured. What. Do. I. Stand. For. I know what I believe in. I believe in making everyone I come in contact with feel important, loved, and happy to be alive. That is the number one thing I believe in: bringing joy and confidence into other people's hearts. I know what I am passionate about. I am passionate about helping people see past the surface of other human beings. My platform is about diversity awareness, and nothing gets me more pumped than the idea of helping people overcome prejudices and open their eyes to the striking similarities they share and the enlightening differences they can accept. I know who I am. I am open, nonjudgmental, goofy, loving, bright, and enthusiastic, all the while constantly working on my pride, patience (sometimes lack-thereof), and productivity (those "p"s are a tough triple-wammy of challenges). I know all of those things. But what do I stand for?

I told Christina I'd have to go home and think about it. Part of me is amazed and ashamed that by the age of 23 I have not contemplated this notion, but the other part of me is excited to use all of the experiences, personal growth, and introspection from my young adulthood to establish an answer as it pertains to who I am at this very moment.

I stand for authenticity.

With every choice I make, every interaction I take part in, and every influence I intend, the one common thread that I take with me is my authenticity. I am confident not only in my own authenticity, but in the idea that my goal is to pull forth the authentic qualities in people around me. Nothing is more rewarding than being aware, happy, and confident in what makes you uniquely you...nothing but playing a part in bringing that awareness, happiness, and confidence out of another person. And that is what I want to do with my life. That is what I stand for.

When I finally realized the answer to Christina's question, everything I've always felt strongly about, proud of, and inspired by seemed to link together. No wonder I founded the organization S.A.I.L. (Sharing Awareness for Intercultural Living) at CNU...I wanted to help grade schoolers discover the authenticity of their classmates who look, sound, and dress different from themselves! No wonder that the compliment I value most is when someone calls me awkward, genuine, or approachable...all three of those things scream authenticity! I'm proud to be a little silly or painfully relatable! No wonder my favorite quote from a song is "A face without freckles is like the sky without the stars" (thank you, Natasha Bedingfield). And no wonder I find so much pleasure in making people laugh...you can't be more authentic than when you're genuinely cracking up.

With her one question, Christina has already instilled in me more excitement about what I want to bring to my last year participating in the Miss America Organization than I ever thought possible. Declaring that one, specific thing that I stand for gives me even more pride (the good kind) in the woman I am, motivation to spread the message through my platform, and determination to exemplify that authenticity as much as I possibly can. Of course I will have to prepare for my interview as studiously as ever, but the fear that I am not fierce enough to take this strong, political, and iconic state of New York by storm has subsided. I am authentically me and will view the judges simply as respectable people who are authentically them. That's all I need to feel calm and ready for whatever happens on June 16th.

Miss Metro

Wow, what a crazy few weeks. Just when life seemed to be getting a bit easier, a few wrenches were flung in my direction. I still love where I am and how I am developing as a result of moving to New York, but unfortunately, I am currently dealing with a lot of stressors. One of my family members is going through a major health debacle, our apartment is being treated for bedbugs, I was sick for almost two weeks, and I work nearly every day. Worrying about my family member (perhaps I will divulge more information later) has been extremely taxing, which I'm sure is why my immune system seems to be on vacation. Additionally, taking every single thing we own off of the walls and putting them into bags for the bedbug treatment (along with every article of clothing we own...goodbye $200 spent on washing) was no small project, especially considering that I'm hardly ever home. I absolutely love, love, love my new job, but it doesn't leave me with a lot of free time. Particularly last week as I was also preparing for the Miss NYC/Manhattan/Metropolitan pageant. Oh, by the way, I won!! I am officially Miss Metropolitan 2012 and will compete for Miss New York in June!

The top 5!

Even with some of the difficult things I'm facing at the moment, I am so grateful for all of the positives in my life. Obviously, winning Miss Metropolitan was super encouraging since I worked so hard and was competing with 24 incredible girls...it was definitely the most competitive local I'd ever seen or been a part of. I was so honored to win the overall talent award, as well, which could have easily gone to many truly outstanding performers. My mom and Sherwin were in town to watch, so I'm certainly happy that their trip was worthwhile! Though my mom kept reminding me that it would have been worthwhile no matter what. She's the best.

My dad also dropped in for a last minute visit last Wednesday. Such a joy to see both parents in one week! We went to my brother's comedy club (he just started managing), where Judah Friedlander from 30 Rock did an awesome improv stand up routine that primarily focused on making fun of my dad. I love laughing, and there was no shortage of it that night! Lindsay, Jacob, Andy and a few other friends also joined for the event, so we had a great group and tons of fun.

Short post, but something is better than nothing! I miss having time to write. Hopefully things will calm down soon so that I can get back into the habit of blogging!

Falling into Place

I’m so darn happy. Every once in a while life just takes a turn for the better. Things start falling into place, self-motivation comes easier, and each little improvement snowballs its way to contentment until it feels like you’re about to explode with satisfaction. Landing this new job has given me a more structured schedule, which has helped improve with my time management with things like going to the gym, which in turn gives me the energy to work hard, volunteer, and socialize. As exhausting as the last few weeks have been, I feel incredibly revitalized. My spirits are back up as I develop new friendships with my amazing coworkers, feel confident that I’ll make plenty of money to live without constant financial stress, and maintain a routine at the gym that increases not only my physical strength, but my mental strength. The better you look, the better you feel!

Linds and me at her bridal shower

Amidst training at the restaurant, I’ve had a great week since returning from Virginia. Lindsay’s bridal shower in Virginia Beach was absolutely beautiful and an exciting reminder that she and Jim are getting married in six short weeks! I can’t wait to officially call her family. The 24 hour trip to Virginia was definitely worth being with her at an event she’ll always remember, carrying out bridesmaid duties since I was the only one of us who could make it. Sadly, I won’t be at her bachelorette party, so the least I could do is write down the gift-thank you list at the bridal shower! 

When the shower was over, my mom and I hit the gym together before I headed to my dad’s house for cocktails/dinner with my grandmother and aunt who were both in town for the festivities. My favorite part of the weekend (besides supporting Linds) was spending some needed quality time with my little brother. We had so much fun building an awesome fort (no adults allowed!), in which I drank wine and he played Mario cart. Great sibling bonding…though everyone made fun of me for bringing my wine with me into the fort. They were just jealous that they weren’t allowed to come in. Drew and I also played a highly competitive game of indoor basketball. Somehow the rules kept changing after I got to 10 points, so none of my “baskets” counted after that. Drew won. And I was left sweaty in my dress. Oh, how I love having an 8-year-old brother!

I worked on Monday and Tuesday nights, loving that both shifts ending with wine tastings. Clearly, this was my favorite part of my server training. Jeremiah, the server who trained me both nights, is a wine connoisseur-as well as one of the nicest guys in the world. Monday, he walked me through all of the whites by the glass, leaving the reds for Tuesday. Both nights I went home quite loosey goosey. We have a lot of wines! Not a problem with me, of course. Tuesday, Jeremiah even treated Andrew (our manager) and me to a cab back to our apartments since we all live in the same direction. Could I work with more wonderful people? Nope. Every single person who trained me went above and beyond to make me feel welcome and confident about absolutely everything I’ll need to be successful. I’m reassured time and time again that I’ve found the best job in New York City, and I 100% agree with that declaration!

Despite the fact that I had to get up relatively early this morning to go to the gym before hopping on a bus (where I am right now) to visit Christian and Ricky (my dog sledding friends) in Connecticut for the night, I went out for a bit last night. After completing my final training test, my coworkers invited me to a free concert in the West Village. One of the waiters is a singer in a great little band that was playing at a bar, so everyone went to show their support and hang out. I wish I could have stayed longer, but responsibility called. Hopefully I’ll get to spend more time with them soon!

In addition to all of the good news in the work department, I also feel so overwhelmed by how marvelous my parents are. Seeing them last weekend was such a treat. My close friend, Geraldine, is staying with my mom for three weeks and told me that my mom got her chocolates, balloons, and a card for her birthday today. Knowing how loving my mom is to my friends makes me miss her even more! On top of it, she is putting together all of my pageant stuff (local in two weeks!!) so that my dad can fly to NYC for just a day next week and deliver it all. The fact that I have a dad who is willing to fly to New York for a few short hours to have lunch and bring me pageant gowns absolutely floors me. He flies for free since he works for FedEx, but the love and time involved in a turn-around trip like that is insurmountable. I have the BEST parents in the whole, wide world. I have the best job in the whole, wide world. I have the best friends in the whole, wide world. How lucky am I?

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:

Horse and buggy ride through Central Park when my Phi Mu little visited NYC with her boyfriend

Karaoke night with Brit (we made a new friend in the picture), our old roommate Kevin (not pictured), and Gus

Superbowl party/bonfire in Brooklyn

Dodgeball during volunteering at a school in Harlem