Friends,
I feel like I need to update you on what's been going on in my life over the past week. As some of you know I was offered a job at a PR company here in the city last Thursday. Needless to say I jumped at the offer and I couldn't be more excited about this opportunity. To be honest, it's sometimes hard to talk about, as in I feel a little bit guilty. It's not that I feel like I don't deserve this--I do, but so many people need and deserve jobs right now. I realize how lucky I am, and I just want to say those of you working in jobs you don't love (that was me a week ago), it will get better. It will. You just have to keep at it, but at the same time you can't beat yourself up over it. I told my mom the Sunday before I found out about this job that I was going to cool my heels in the search until after the first of the year. And four days later my phone rang. Life is so funny like that. And it's proof that you can only have so much control over what happens. Once you accept where you are, you can make an effort to get to where you want to be.
I'm keeping my retail job to work on the weekends through Christmas and maybe a few weekends a month after that. I'm doing this for a few reasons: first, I really like some of the people I work with--they're good, genuine people. And second, this job humbles me almost every day. It's a reminder to me to never take anything too seriously and to always treat people with respect. Sounds like an easy lesson, but you'd be surprised at some of the people I encounter on a day to day basis.
I'm super excited about my new job because it is totally an area that I'm really interested in and a place where I could do really well. I'm not putting any pressure on myself though--I'm taking it one step at a time. Who knows where this could go. For right now I'm content with working hard, enjoying my workplace, and taking it as it comes.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
My Friend Ishmael
One of the things that I really enjoy about New York is that everyone has a different story. Most of the people that I encounter are not from New York originally, but something drove them here--and they are trying to make their way chasing that dream. So, I ask most anyone why they're here. And if the person seems willing I'll ask them a zillion questions about their life here--where they live, when they moved, when they graduated, etc etc etc.
My friend Ishmael has rocked my boat a little.
Ishmael is a 59 year old man who works 10 hours a day 6 days a week to support his wife and 5 kids that live in Western Africa. And he is one of the kindest people I've ever met. Ishmael has lived in New York City for 6 years working to support his family. Puts things into perspective a little bit, doesn't it? Of course we hear these stories, but when you encounter someone doing it, it's a whole new ball game. Ishmael is fluent in French so he keeps me on my toes. We chat about his family, the cultural differences, and I tell him about how my friend Samantha is studying abroad this year. I tell him of her experiences, which I gather through her blog and emails. He digests and gives me his opinions. Ishmael travels back to Africa once a year for about a month, and he's planning on making the trip this November, but this time only for two weeks . When I asked him why he told me that he needed to be back here making money for his family. Kills you, doesn't it? It makes me realize how lucky I am that Sam is in the US and that I can call him whenever I want.
I think what jolts me is the fact that Ishmael is so vulnerable about the whole thing. He tells it like it is and only hopes that one day he'll be able to return. I appreciate all that he has told me about the culture and lifestyle of Western Africa. I find it fascinating. I appreciate every bit that he tells me.
Ishmael has taught me the lesson we all learned a long time ago--you never know what another person is going through. We don't. We can't open up their noggin and jump in. Let's make an effort to be kind to each other--someone is always fighting a harder battle.
My friend Ishmael has rocked my boat a little.
Ishmael is a 59 year old man who works 10 hours a day 6 days a week to support his wife and 5 kids that live in Western Africa. And he is one of the kindest people I've ever met. Ishmael has lived in New York City for 6 years working to support his family. Puts things into perspective a little bit, doesn't it? Of course we hear these stories, but when you encounter someone doing it, it's a whole new ball game. Ishmael is fluent in French so he keeps me on my toes. We chat about his family, the cultural differences, and I tell him about how my friend Samantha is studying abroad this year. I tell him of her experiences, which I gather through her blog and emails. He digests and gives me his opinions. Ishmael travels back to Africa once a year for about a month, and he's planning on making the trip this November, but this time only for two weeks . When I asked him why he told me that he needed to be back here making money for his family. Kills you, doesn't it? It makes me realize how lucky I am that Sam is in the US and that I can call him whenever I want.
I think what jolts me is the fact that Ishmael is so vulnerable about the whole thing. He tells it like it is and only hopes that one day he'll be able to return. I appreciate all that he has told me about the culture and lifestyle of Western Africa. I find it fascinating. I appreciate every bit that he tells me.
Ishmael has taught me the lesson we all learned a long time ago--you never know what another person is going through. We don't. We can't open up their noggin and jump in. Let's make an effort to be kind to each other--someone is always fighting a harder battle.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
When You Get Down To It
Sam was here this weekend...and the weekend was, well, perfect. I picked him up from the airport on Thursday afternoon and we spent a long weekend enjoying each other's company--talking--literally talking for hours. We did other things too--went for walks in Central Park, went down to SoHo, were out and about, but we couldn't stop the chatter! Sam makes me laugh harder than anyone I know and it was so good to just see him! It was such a luxury to just be able to tell him something right away instead of texting it or trying to remember to tell him about it at the end of the day. Super thankful for him and the happiness that he brings to my life. One night we spent dancing in my kitchen to James Taylor (Mom, we toasted to you) and it was magic. What this weekend reminded me of was something my parents have always preached to me: it doesn't get any better than this. And, it's the truth. When you get down to it, it doesn't get any better than the moments where you are with the ones you love. For my family, that's around the dinner table listening to my brother go on and on and on and on about something while my parents and I just nod our heads and agree. And with Sam, it was this weekend as a whole...or dancing to James Taylor in my kitchen or even just sitting with him on the couch while we watched a movie.
My first day back at work after my long weekend all of my co-workers first asked where I was and when I told them that my boyfriend had visited they asked what we did. And the answers couldn't have been more boring, but the truth is that Sam and I don't need all sorts of entertainment because we are just as content to sit down and talk with each other. He's interesting, intelligent, and cracks me up.
Today at work this woman came in and we were having a conversation about a million things, but somewhere in there we got to talking about this organization that she created: Woman Deliver. It's super cool and I encourage you to check it out: www.womendeliver.org/
Also, I am thinking about selling jewelry on www.etsy.com. Check out their website--it's super cute and I'm excited about the idea (just trying to get it all in order). I'll keep you posted!
Sorry for the gushy post, but that's where I am right now. Getting down to what matters. Who matters. I hope that you connect with those people. Tell them how amazing they are and how much you love them. Be proud of them and encourage them to follow their heart...the truth is, they can never hear it too much and it's probably time that they hear it again.
Be well and be good to each other. Make it start with you.
My first day back at work after my long weekend all of my co-workers first asked where I was and when I told them that my boyfriend had visited they asked what we did. And the answers couldn't have been more boring, but the truth is that Sam and I don't need all sorts of entertainment because we are just as content to sit down and talk with each other. He's interesting, intelligent, and cracks me up.
Today at work this woman came in and we were having a conversation about a million things, but somewhere in there we got to talking about this organization that she created: Woman Deliver. It's super cool and I encourage you to check it out: www.womendeliver.org/
Also, I am thinking about selling jewelry on www.etsy.com. Check out their website--it's super cute and I'm excited about the idea (just trying to get it all in order). I'll keep you posted!
Sorry for the gushy post, but that's where I am right now. Getting down to what matters. Who matters. I hope that you connect with those people. Tell them how amazing they are and how much you love them. Be proud of them and encourage them to follow their heart...the truth is, they can never hear it too much and it's probably time that they hear it again.
Be well and be good to each other. Make it start with you.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
One Of Those Days
Do you ever have one of those days where it all seems to click? Things just come easy. I feel like some people live their whole lives this way, while I on the other hand cherish days like this. For me, it consisted of not waiting for the subway this morning, being early to work, and just clipping right through the day. I had decided a few days ago that I was going to treat myself to a pedicure today. It's something my mom taught me, and I think it was a really good lesson. A pedicure? Yes. But the act of treating yourself every once in awhile. On a bad day her cure is a new lipstick (or lip gloss as I prefer), and it really does make your day so much better. But sometimes you just have to do something for yourself for no reason at all. Well, today was that day for me. I've been working my little heart out lately. And although I'm not complaining (seriously, I'm not), I'm exhausted! So...having this to look forward to has gotten me through the weekend and this week.
Usually on one of these days where it all seems to click I have one of those serendipitous days where the clouds part and I connect with someone who rattles my cage a little and reminds me to be present and living each day...
...and that also happened today. While having this amazing pedicure.
The woman zipped in and sat down right next to me. She chose a color that frankly, I judged a little. It's no longer summer--it's time for those rich fall colors and she had some bright poppy pink polish. A summer staple in my book...but in the first week of October? Go for something dark! It's fun! Anyway, she got herself situated and turned to me and struck up a conversation. I'll admit, I was a little shocked. While normally this wouldn't have phased me, I've found that people in New York don't feel the same. And so I've kept my chit chat with subway strangers and people on the street to a minimum. Not this lady. And so we talked and talked and talked. This woman started her own fabric company 3 years ago and just signed with D & D...apparently a big wig in NYC. She told me about how it started out of a need to cover a chair for her daughter and just exploded into this whole thing. Her story was inspiring and she was so humble (my favorite part). I walked away from that pedicure with a book added to my list and, more importantly, a reminder to take the time to talk to people. Let's be honest: what does it hurt us? And at the end of the day we're all working toward something. Why not encourage each other in their endeavor?
So a big thanks to Mrs. F--thank you for reminding me just how much a warm smile and a hello can brighten someone's day. And thank you for reminding me to listen to my soul and to always be willing to try something new--who knows where it will lead?
Usually on one of these days where it all seems to click I have one of those serendipitous days where the clouds part and I connect with someone who rattles my cage a little and reminds me to be present and living each day...
...and that also happened today. While having this amazing pedicure.
The woman zipped in and sat down right next to me. She chose a color that frankly, I judged a little. It's no longer summer--it's time for those rich fall colors and she had some bright poppy pink polish. A summer staple in my book...but in the first week of October? Go for something dark! It's fun! Anyway, she got herself situated and turned to me and struck up a conversation. I'll admit, I was a little shocked. While normally this wouldn't have phased me, I've found that people in New York don't feel the same. And so I've kept my chit chat with subway strangers and people on the street to a minimum. Not this lady. And so we talked and talked and talked. This woman started her own fabric company 3 years ago and just signed with D & D...apparently a big wig in NYC. She told me about how it started out of a need to cover a chair for her daughter and just exploded into this whole thing. Her story was inspiring and she was so humble (my favorite part). I walked away from that pedicure with a book added to my list and, more importantly, a reminder to take the time to talk to people. Let's be honest: what does it hurt us? And at the end of the day we're all working toward something. Why not encourage each other in their endeavor?
So a big thanks to Mrs. F--thank you for reminding me just how much a warm smile and a hello can brighten someone's day. And thank you for reminding me to listen to my soul and to always be willing to try something new--who knows where it will lead?
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