A week down. 9 more to go.
I haven't blogged in a few days because I had Tuesday and Wednesday off work, and therefore, didn't have much to blog about. But now that I've had two days to galavant throughout NYC and two days at the SI offices, get ready for a decent-sized blog post.
Tuesday---
I met up with my friend Liz, who lives in Jersey, at the Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art) with the intentions of seeing the much-talked about Alexander McQueen exhibit. Now, I wouldn't consider myself really into fashion or that knowledgeable about designers, but McQueen is a GENIUS! His designs, from the ornate headpieces to dresses made of flowers, were incredible. I was literally hypnotized! And the exhibit itself had this whole dark, mysterious, magical vibe to it which really added to the whole experience. I will gladly be making my way back to that exhibit again this summer. And I have to see the rest of the Met! I didn't feel like it Tuesday, after having been at the Brooklyn Museum and MoMa days prior. Too many museums for that short of time.
Afterwards we found a little restaurant and grabbed a late lunch. But that turned into a huge fiasco when the waiter decided to charge me for a drink refill and for the fries that I thought came with the sandwich, but indeed, did not. The waiter then proceeded to tell me that because I ate the fries, they couldn't do anything about the extra $3 charge. But that they could take off the $ 0.50 for the tomato that I didn't eat. Give me a break. Needless to say, I'm not going back to that place.
Later Tuesday I met up with a group of ASME interns and we went to an Ed2010 welcome to NYC event down by the Hudson. It was pretty casual and we had a chance to meet other NYC summer interns, including the cool kids who were working at Prada this summer, but who we all knew were probably just working in the storage closet. Ed2010 is a company/website/group that sets media interns up with potential jobs, and connects them with employers. They have a constantly updated website with the latest in internships, jobs, co-ops, etc.
Wednesday--
After a much needed workout at NYU's stunning and sparkling athletic center, I met up with one of my favorite people: Jackie, who studied abroad and traveled around Europe with me! She lives right outside the city, so I'll get to see her a lot this summer!! Jackie and I walked around Chinatown, practically dying in the 100 degree heat and humidity. NYC summer is one of a kind, that's for sure. We met up with her family for dinner at a Chinese restaurant, and I had an authentic Chinese meal! None of that food court Chinese food :)
First up was shrimp. The whole body. I had to rip off the head and peel off the shell in order to get to the shrimp. Thankfully it was delicious, because that is a lot of work to get to one little piece of fish. Next up: lobster. Potentially my second time eating lobster, first time eating it out of its shell. Also delicious. Then came the snails. Before dinner I told Jackie that in no way did I want to eat snails. But I found myself trying one... it was good, actually! Tasted more like the sauces it was in than anything else. I can't say I'd order it again, but it was fun to break out of my no-snail eating shell. We also had some barbeque steak, fried pork, egg-something or other, and Chinese broccoli. For "dessert" we were given this sweet red bean soup, which was actually sooo delicious! Anyway, the dinner was quite out of my element but I was pleasantly surprised. And of course, it was so good to see Jackie!!! :)
Thursday---
Day 2 of work at SI!
Lucky me got to ride the elevator with Larry Hackett, editor of People. Did I work up the courage to say hi? Absolutely not. Was I absolutely star struck (still)? Absolutely. Next time...
The day started off by the interns sitting in on the start of the week meeting, where the whole team threw around ideas, discussed the next week's issue, made decisions, did important things, you know.. the usual. It was all so fast-moving and for a new little intern, it was pretty darn cool.
Then I headed off to an ASME weekly lunch at Scientific American.... all the way across town... where we enjoyed some of the best pizza I've ever had, and listened to the editor (of the oldest magazine in the country) talk about her responsibilities, journalistic experience, etc. It's so great we get to meet with all of these editors of various magazines. Next week we are meeting with the editor of Parents magazine.
After some training back at the SI offices, I was given my first fact checking assignment, which was pretty straight forward, but a little overwhelming considering sports statistics needs to be exact and 100% infallible. Thankfully I have so many resources at my hands to use when fact checking, and the writers usually give fact-checkers the sources, websites, contact phone numbers they used when writing the story. Saving us a lot of time and effort.
Then there came the time in the day when I ventured to a different SI floor with the internal staircase, and didn't bring my ID card. I didn't realize all the doors had ID activated lock systems. So there I am, stuck in the Time & Life staircase. I try knocking at the door. No answer. I try again... no answer. A few minutes pass, I realize it's pretty warm in that staircase, so I bang on the door a little bit louder. And finally, someone hears me and opens it up. Phew. That could've been bad.
Friday/today---
It was a pretty easy going day, and I didn't have much of anything to do beside finishing up yesterday's fact checking assignment. I think things will pick up come Sunday and Monday... our busiest days, but today was pretty boring. Womp womp wompppppp.
BUT! Ray Lewis, a football player, was in the office today filming a documentary. I actually had no idea who this guy was until I google'd him. The whole convicted of murder thing was really reassuring... ahh! But he seemed like a nice guy. Actually, I wouldn't know. I don't know what our policy is with athletes in the office and if I can make eye contact/say hello/ask for a photo/autograph/ask on a date/etc.
So that's that. Week 1, complete. I have Saturday off and start up again on Sunday. Then in exactly one week from today, two of my best friends are coming into town for my birthday weekend!! I am so excited for next weekend, I can't even explain it. I haven't seen these girls in 7 months. WAY TOO LONG.
alright. sayonara everyone!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
I love New York!!
This weekend has been both relaxing and adventurous, just how I like it. On Friday night a few of us under-agers explored the West Village, which ended up being so fun! There are so many bars, restaurants, shops, etc... a never ending supply of things to do and see. And best part? It's only a few blocks away. I live in such a great location. 5th Ave on one side, Chelsea on another, West Village down below, and Times Square is about a half hour walk. There are subway stations all around, too, so getting to work will be as easy as hopping on the F train for 10 minutes.
On Saturday, I slept in :) Then Lizzie and I headed to an international street fair in midtown. There were food stands with crepes, kebabs, thai, grilled corn, smoothies, chocolate.. anything you could ever want. Some aspects of the fair were certainly international, but some stands we had to question. Scarves? Backpacks? Cellphone cases? Not so international.
We had a difficult time deciding what food we wanted, but finally and gladly settled with the New England Clam Chowda, straight from Boston (aka the best clam chowder). Our stomachs thanked us. Some of the best clam chowder I've ever had!
After exploring a bit more, we headed back toward our neck of the woods, stopping at the Union Square market. There were stands selling fruits, honey, flowers, veggies, fresh bread, apple juice, granola... also anything you could ever want. Europe got me hooked on markets, so I'm glad I live a few blocks away from a NYC market! I also live near this cupcake bakery, Crumbs, which has a reputation for phenomenal cupcakes. Clearly, I had to try one for myself. Peanut butter cup flavored. Not the best cupcake I've ever had actually, but it was pretty good. And it was big enough to last me three separate servings. Also nearby... Jamba Juice. I'm a sucker for Jamba Juice's smoothies. I might be taking detours to the subway station so I can get a smoothie before work sometimes! And for a few extra cents you can throw in some vitamins... there, all the more reason to get one.
Saturday night, a group of us went to the Brooklyn Museum for an event they have the first Saturday of the month. Live music, a dance party in the parking lot, late-night gallery walks... all so cool! And it was hoppin'. I wasn't in the mood to look around the museum... I think the MoMa museum-ed me out, but then toward the end of the night I finally made my way around. And thank God I did because I came across a Monet <333 of London, at that. Made my night!
Today (Sunday), the interns went over to Brooklyn for a BBQ at Matt's house. It was fun to get a lot of us together before our first day of work (tomorrow).
FIRST DAY! AHHHH! Super nervous, super excited, so many emotions!!
Wish me luck!
This weekend has been both relaxing and adventurous, just how I like it. On Friday night a few of us under-agers explored the West Village, which ended up being so fun! There are so many bars, restaurants, shops, etc... a never ending supply of things to do and see. And best part? It's only a few blocks away. I live in such a great location. 5th Ave on one side, Chelsea on another, West Village down below, and Times Square is about a half hour walk. There are subway stations all around, too, so getting to work will be as easy as hopping on the F train for 10 minutes.
On Saturday, I slept in :) Then Lizzie and I headed to an international street fair in midtown. There were food stands with crepes, kebabs, thai, grilled corn, smoothies, chocolate.. anything you could ever want. Some aspects of the fair were certainly international, but some stands we had to question. Scarves? Backpacks? Cellphone cases? Not so international.
We had a difficult time deciding what food we wanted, but finally and gladly settled with the New England Clam Chowda, straight from Boston (aka the best clam chowder). Our stomachs thanked us. Some of the best clam chowder I've ever had!
After exploring a bit more, we headed back toward our neck of the woods, stopping at the Union Square market. There were stands selling fruits, honey, flowers, veggies, fresh bread, apple juice, granola... also anything you could ever want. Europe got me hooked on markets, so I'm glad I live a few blocks away from a NYC market! I also live near this cupcake bakery, Crumbs, which has a reputation for phenomenal cupcakes. Clearly, I had to try one for myself. Peanut butter cup flavored. Not the best cupcake I've ever had actually, but it was pretty good. And it was big enough to last me three separate servings. Also nearby... Jamba Juice. I'm a sucker for Jamba Juice's smoothies. I might be taking detours to the subway station so I can get a smoothie before work sometimes! And for a few extra cents you can throw in some vitamins... there, all the more reason to get one.
Saturday night, a group of us went to the Brooklyn Museum for an event they have the first Saturday of the month. Live music, a dance party in the parking lot, late-night gallery walks... all so cool! And it was hoppin'. I wasn't in the mood to look around the museum... I think the MoMa museum-ed me out, but then toward the end of the night I finally made my way around. And thank God I did because I came across a Monet <333 of London, at that. Made my night!
Today (Sunday), the interns went over to Brooklyn for a BBQ at Matt's house. It was fun to get a lot of us together before our first day of work (tomorrow).
FIRST DAY! AHHHH! Super nervous, super excited, so many emotions!!
Wish me luck!
Friday, June 3, 2011
It's Friday night and Orientation is finally over. Not that it wasn't amazing, or anything... but I think we're all getting anxious to get started with our magazines as well as have some free time to explore the city.
Today we had a few speakers talk about consumer marketing and fact checking, which was all so interesting. I still can't believe how many important industry people we've had the chance to meet these past few days. Talk about a great experience.
And then it came time for lunch, when we would meet our magazine editors for the first time. Cue the nerves.
I was directed to the deputy editor of reporters, Larry, who would be my "advisor" of the sorts this summer at SI. We talked for a few minutes about what I'd be doing at the magazine, my hours, the magazine's production schedule, etc. Then came the question I had been expecting and dreading.
"So, how much do you know about sports?" says Larry. He didn't say it just like that, but that was what he meant. I was honest and told him that yes, I follow sports and I was raised in a sports family, but no, I'm not a big sports person. I made sure to add in that I was enthusiastic about learning, though! If anything, this is going to be the most awesome crash course in the sports world.
Sounds like there will be 6 or 7 other interns, 4 of which are females. YESSSSS! I was so nervous to be the only female there, but alas, that will not be the case. I think one intern is from Princeton, one is from Alabama, one just graduated Columbia journalism school (one, if not the best J school in the country)...
In terms of what I'll be doing? Reporting, fact checking, copy editing, researching, etc. But from the sounds of it, I'll have a lot of reporting opportunities, which is GREAT! I don't think anything byline-esque, but I'll take what I can get. I'm just so excited for anything, even making copies.
And my hours?
YIKES.
I have about 40 hours a week, compressed into 4 days. Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday are my work days, although Sunday and Monday will be the busiest. We're talking 14 hours a day. Yeah. Welcome to a weekly magazine. But it's okay, because I have Tuesday and Wednesday off, time I'll take to explore or relax.
Larry walked me over to the Time & Life building after lunch and gave me a quick tour of the office. I have my very own beautiful cubicle complete with my name tag. Yay! This is too great. The Time building itself is just so... professional? Security, millions of escalators, restaurants in the lobby, professionals streaming in and out. I feel like a real career woman.
After Larry and I chatted for a little bit, I headed back to the apartment for a much needed nap. Then I met Kirsten at the MoMa (Museum of Modern Art) for Target free Fridays aka free admission from 4 to 8! If you followed my study abroad blog, you know I'm a sucker for museums now. Especially modern art museums. Especially Picasso. Kirsten and I roamed the MoMa for a few hours, and loved it. Definitely gave the Tate a run for its money.
It's finally the weekend! I can't wait to get out into the city tomorrow. So much to do, so little time (10 weeks is going to fly by!) We had an editor from Time Out come and speak to us yesterday about things to do in the city and geez, this city has everything and more. Oh, if only I was made of money.
Well, here's some promised pictures... Enjoy!
Today we had a few speakers talk about consumer marketing and fact checking, which was all so interesting. I still can't believe how many important industry people we've had the chance to meet these past few days. Talk about a great experience.
And then it came time for lunch, when we would meet our magazine editors for the first time. Cue the nerves.
I was directed to the deputy editor of reporters, Larry, who would be my "advisor" of the sorts this summer at SI. We talked for a few minutes about what I'd be doing at the magazine, my hours, the magazine's production schedule, etc. Then came the question I had been expecting and dreading.
"So, how much do you know about sports?" says Larry. He didn't say it just like that, but that was what he meant. I was honest and told him that yes, I follow sports and I was raised in a sports family, but no, I'm not a big sports person. I made sure to add in that I was enthusiastic about learning, though! If anything, this is going to be the most awesome crash course in the sports world.
Sounds like there will be 6 or 7 other interns, 4 of which are females. YESSSSS! I was so nervous to be the only female there, but alas, that will not be the case. I think one intern is from Princeton, one is from Alabama, one just graduated Columbia journalism school (one, if not the best J school in the country)...
In terms of what I'll be doing? Reporting, fact checking, copy editing, researching, etc. But from the sounds of it, I'll have a lot of reporting opportunities, which is GREAT! I don't think anything byline-esque, but I'll take what I can get. I'm just so excited for anything, even making copies.
And my hours?
YIKES.
I have about 40 hours a week, compressed into 4 days. Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday are my work days, although Sunday and Monday will be the busiest. We're talking 14 hours a day. Yeah. Welcome to a weekly magazine. But it's okay, because I have Tuesday and Wednesday off, time I'll take to explore or relax.
Larry walked me over to the Time & Life building after lunch and gave me a quick tour of the office. I have my very own beautiful cubicle complete with my name tag. Yay! This is too great. The Time building itself is just so... professional? Security, millions of escalators, restaurants in the lobby, professionals streaming in and out. I feel like a real career woman.
After Larry and I chatted for a little bit, I headed back to the apartment for a much needed nap. Then I met Kirsten at the MoMa (Museum of Modern Art) for Target free Fridays aka free admission from 4 to 8! If you followed my study abroad blog, you know I'm a sucker for museums now. Especially modern art museums. Especially Picasso. Kirsten and I roamed the MoMa for a few hours, and loved it. Definitely gave the Tate a run for its money.
It's finally the weekend! I can't wait to get out into the city tomorrow. So much to do, so little time (10 weeks is going to fly by!) We had an editor from Time Out come and speak to us yesterday about things to do in the city and geez, this city has everything and more. Oh, if only I was made of money.
Well, here's some promised pictures... Enjoy!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
What a long day. But it was exciting and so fun to say the least!
Orientation began at 9 a.m. in the ASME offices. All 30 or so of us were finally together in one room! So great to put faces to names. Our orientation leader, Sid Holt, is the Chief Executive of ASME. He talked to us for a bit about some industry and internship related topics, and then introduced our first speaker, Chandra Turner of Parents magazine. She was GREAT! So nice, enthusiastic... and a former ASME intern. She walked us through some post-college tips and a timeline of what to do during our senior years and when to start the job search. Note taken: magazines will not hold jobs for us, so it's not recommended to apply before graduation. And she also told us, we basically have to move to NYC in order to make it in this industry. Well, guess I know what I'm doing the summer after graduation.
Then we had Jennifer Sharpe, an associate director of staffing at Time Inc. She discussed the "21st Century Office" with us and answered our questions about applying for jobs, what she wants in applicants, what a great cover letter looks like, etc. All such helpful information!
Third speaker? Larry Hackett, Managing Editor of People. The head honcho of People. Say what??!?! This guy is man in charge of the most profitable and successful magazine in the WORLD. Needless to say, this guy was a celebrity to us. I was completely star struck.
Fourth speaker? Fred Woodward, Art Director at GQ. Yet another celebrity.
The ASME internship program not only sends us out on these amazing paid internships, but they set up all these great speakers and lunch dates throughout the summer for us. Definitely not your average internship. You can tell they really care about us learning and experiencing as much as they can. And of course they chose us for a reason, so they know we are capable of succeeding in this industry. Can't say how nice it is to have all these big name magazine industry people there rooting for us.. taking time out of their day to answer our questions and give us helpful information.
Then we had a former ASME intern panel, four male and females who started in the same seats as us but now work in the magazine industry. I think the most reassuring part of what they said, was that we weren't necessarily restricted to our magazine's niche for the rest of our careers. Even if I'm at Sports Illustrated, that doesn't mean I can't eventually make my way to People, for example. Everyone knows each other in this industry... it's a small community. So as long as we're networking and meeting people, there's no reason why we can't move between publishing companies and niches.
Overall, they made it all seem possible. And I think that hope and possibility of getting where we want in the magazine industry, is all any of us ever wanted. Done are the days of doubts about future jobs in journalism and magazines. These big time magazine people told us we could do it. With hard work, a great resume and some luck.. of course.
We were set free at 4 p.m., then we all went back to the apartments for a bit.
Lizzie and I then went out exploring. Primarily we were just planning on checking out that British family's store, but then we ended up walking toward Greenwich Village area. First of all, British convenient store... awesome. I was so excited to hear their accents, too! They unfortunately didn't care that I was just in London. Oh well. After wandering we headed back to the apartment, gathered the gang and went to dinner for Marissa's birthday! We ended up at this Mexican restaurant nearby. It was so fun to socialize with everyone and finally all be together. I basically have 20 something instant friends. Yay! :)
After that we decided to go back to the apartment to work on homework, yes, homework that the Copy Director at SELF assigned us. UGH. not fair.
But that's it for today.. tomorrow will be another long day full of orientation. Should be fun!
xxx
Day 1 + 2
Hello New York City!
Currently I am sitting in my bed, looking out a huge window, which has the most amazing view of the Empire State Building. Monday night it was lit up in red, white and blue for Memorial Day, but tonight it's yellow. So great. The Empire State Building is right outside my window!!! Also, I hung up some posters in my room and right above my bed, without even thinking, I placed the London night sky view poster.
I get to sleep under the New York and London skies at the same time :) :) :) I'm cheesy, I know.
ALSO. after dinner tonight, we were walking and one of the girls pointed out this set of 3 little stores, owned by a British family. One store is a tea store and has teatime and crumpets, one store sells British goods, the third store is a chippy shop!! I almost cried of happiness. Honestly. No one understood my excitement. Oh well. Can't wait to go back and become best friends with that family!!! My little piece of England right around the corner. :)
So long story short, I moved in Monday morning. The whole family took a road trip, helped me unpack and clean... we grabbed lunch, then they hit the road.
I was supposed to have six roomies but once we moved in we realized, no way is this gonna work out. 3 rooms, 2 bathrooms (one connected to a bedroom), one refrigerator, no common space, bunk beds in 2 of 3 rooms.... nope. not happening. And considering other interns' apartments were much more spacious, it really wasn't financially fair for six girls to have this small place. So, Lizzie's dad worked his persuasive magic and Lizzie and Marissa were moved to another apartment in the building. That leaves me and 3 other girls, Rheanna, Kirsten and Rosie in my current place. Rheanna and I share the larger bedroom, and Kirsten and Rosie each have their own rooms. Sharing a bedroom is not ideal, but I happen to have my own little nook in this oddly shaped bedroom (I'll post pictures soon!), so it seems kinda like two bedrooms. kinda. haha but we'll make it work!!
Good thing is, there's air conditioning and it works like a charm. Counting my lucky stars for that.
I'm staying at NYU apartments in between the east and west sides, next to Greenwich Village. And, right next to 5th Ave. Yes... 5th Ave... the 5th Ave, famous shopping street! This could be dangerous. There are so many things around. Everything I could ever need it right nearby. Convenient stores, restaurants galore, grocery stores, shops... Union Square is a two blocks away. There's even a puppy daycare next door. It's the most perfect location.
After my family left Monday, I met a few of the other interns then did some grocery shopping. Where's a Tesco when you need it. I headed to Whole Foods, which was the only store nearby (that I know of) and wow was I in for a surprise. I did about 20 circles and loops around, finally picking out the "essential" food items. Carrots, milk, eggs, grapes, cookies. Essentials? Whole Foods is... expensive. It is also very organic-y. And I am not.. organic-y. I just want eggs. Not organic, expensive eggs. Just eggs. After that, I trekked (two blocks in intense heat is a trek) back to my apartment.
This city is tiring. One trip to Whole Foods is enough to wear you out! The other girls and I were joking about how we literally need to take a break or a nap after we go anywhere. NYC in the summer is HOT. and HUMID. so much for looking nice for work. I'll look good when I leave my apartment, but by the time I use the subway and walk in the heat, I'm going to be disgusting. Yuck.
Monday night I met a few of the other girls and we just sat around chatting about journalist things and the internship. I can't put into words how nice it is to be around people with the same interests as me. I can talk about geeky journalist things to them and they are just as enthused about it as I am. I'm around my own people! Journalists are one of a kind. We're sarcastic, quirky.. we procrastinate and as seen by our experience with the dinner bill tonight.. we don't like dealing with math and numbers. Anyway, I can't wait to exchange magazine stories with each other as this summer goes on! (Background info: we each were assigned a different magazine in the city.. there's about 30 of us and most are living at these NYU apartments I'm at).
Come Tuesday, I woke up, met a few other interns and did some errands in the area. Hello hugest bed, bath & beyond I've ever seen! and of course, the thing I needed was in the furthest corner of the store. Then Danielle, Steph and I headed to card services to get our NYU ID card. After waiting for a half hour in one line and 10 minutes in another, we finally got our IDs. Then it was back to the apartment for a rest, of course.
On to the next errand about an hour later. A dry run of the daily trek to the Time & Life building, where Sports Illustrated is. Lilly, Kirsten and Steph joined me, because Lilly and Steph also work for Time Inc. magazines. I am terrified of the subway system, but after asking a stranger for help (where are your subway maps, new york??!?!? I miss the tube), we finally got over to 49th street. The Time & Life Building is on 50th, right across the street from Radio City Music Hall!!! It's the greatest location. I can't believe I get to go to work there everyday!!! Insane.
After that? Back to the apartment for rest of course. Later we met up with some more interns and went to a mexican restaurant, Benny's, nearby where I had the yummiest chicken quesadilla. It was so great to just hang out with other interns and get to know everyone. Although, it's funny because thanks to Facebook, some of us had already been communicating or at least recognized each other.
We called it a night because we have orientation bright and early Wednesday morning. I'm anxious! This is a big deal. This is all so real but I think the realness will hit when I step into that Sports Illustrated office next Monday. Yikes. Wish me luck!!!
xxx
Currently I am sitting in my bed, looking out a huge window, which has the most amazing view of the Empire State Building. Monday night it was lit up in red, white and blue for Memorial Day, but tonight it's yellow. So great. The Empire State Building is right outside my window!!! Also, I hung up some posters in my room and right above my bed, without even thinking, I placed the London night sky view poster.
I get to sleep under the New York and London skies at the same time :) :) :) I'm cheesy, I know.
ALSO. after dinner tonight, we were walking and one of the girls pointed out this set of 3 little stores, owned by a British family. One store is a tea store and has teatime and crumpets, one store sells British goods, the third store is a chippy shop!! I almost cried of happiness. Honestly. No one understood my excitement. Oh well. Can't wait to go back and become best friends with that family!!! My little piece of England right around the corner. :)
So long story short, I moved in Monday morning. The whole family took a road trip, helped me unpack and clean... we grabbed lunch, then they hit the road.
I was supposed to have six roomies but once we moved in we realized, no way is this gonna work out. 3 rooms, 2 bathrooms (one connected to a bedroom), one refrigerator, no common space, bunk beds in 2 of 3 rooms.... nope. not happening. And considering other interns' apartments were much more spacious, it really wasn't financially fair for six girls to have this small place. So, Lizzie's dad worked his persuasive magic and Lizzie and Marissa were moved to another apartment in the building. That leaves me and 3 other girls, Rheanna, Kirsten and Rosie in my current place. Rheanna and I share the larger bedroom, and Kirsten and Rosie each have their own rooms. Sharing a bedroom is not ideal, but I happen to have my own little nook in this oddly shaped bedroom (I'll post pictures soon!), so it seems kinda like two bedrooms. kinda. haha but we'll make it work!!
Good thing is, there's air conditioning and it works like a charm. Counting my lucky stars for that.
I'm staying at NYU apartments in between the east and west sides, next to Greenwich Village. And, right next to 5th Ave. Yes... 5th Ave... the 5th Ave, famous shopping street! This could be dangerous. There are so many things around. Everything I could ever need it right nearby. Convenient stores, restaurants galore, grocery stores, shops... Union Square is a two blocks away. There's even a puppy daycare next door. It's the most perfect location.
After my family left Monday, I met a few of the other interns then did some grocery shopping. Where's a Tesco when you need it. I headed to Whole Foods, which was the only store nearby (that I know of) and wow was I in for a surprise. I did about 20 circles and loops around, finally picking out the "essential" food items. Carrots, milk, eggs, grapes, cookies. Essentials? Whole Foods is... expensive. It is also very organic-y. And I am not.. organic-y. I just want eggs. Not organic, expensive eggs. Just eggs. After that, I trekked (two blocks in intense heat is a trek) back to my apartment.
This city is tiring. One trip to Whole Foods is enough to wear you out! The other girls and I were joking about how we literally need to take a break or a nap after we go anywhere. NYC in the summer is HOT. and HUMID. so much for looking nice for work. I'll look good when I leave my apartment, but by the time I use the subway and walk in the heat, I'm going to be disgusting. Yuck.
Monday night I met a few of the other girls and we just sat around chatting about journalist things and the internship. I can't put into words how nice it is to be around people with the same interests as me. I can talk about geeky journalist things to them and they are just as enthused about it as I am. I'm around my own people! Journalists are one of a kind. We're sarcastic, quirky.. we procrastinate and as seen by our experience with the dinner bill tonight.. we don't like dealing with math and numbers. Anyway, I can't wait to exchange magazine stories with each other as this summer goes on! (Background info: we each were assigned a different magazine in the city.. there's about 30 of us and most are living at these NYU apartments I'm at).
Come Tuesday, I woke up, met a few other interns and did some errands in the area. Hello hugest bed, bath & beyond I've ever seen! and of course, the thing I needed was in the furthest corner of the store. Then Danielle, Steph and I headed to card services to get our NYU ID card. After waiting for a half hour in one line and 10 minutes in another, we finally got our IDs. Then it was back to the apartment for a rest, of course.
On to the next errand about an hour later. A dry run of the daily trek to the Time & Life building, where Sports Illustrated is. Lilly, Kirsten and Steph joined me, because Lilly and Steph also work for Time Inc. magazines. I am terrified of the subway system, but after asking a stranger for help (where are your subway maps, new york??!?!? I miss the tube), we finally got over to 49th street. The Time & Life Building is on 50th, right across the street from Radio City Music Hall!!! It's the greatest location. I can't believe I get to go to work there everyday!!! Insane.
After that? Back to the apartment for rest of course. Later we met up with some more interns and went to a mexican restaurant, Benny's, nearby where I had the yummiest chicken quesadilla. It was so great to just hang out with other interns and get to know everyone. Although, it's funny because thanks to Facebook, some of us had already been communicating or at least recognized each other.
We called it a night because we have orientation bright and early Wednesday morning. I'm anxious! This is a big deal. This is all so real but I think the realness will hit when I step into that Sports Illustrated office next Monday. Yikes. Wish me luck!!!
xxx
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