Random Pictures and News

Hello Friends! I have been quiet lately because I assumed no one wanted to hear about my Planet Hollywood training or the time I spent studying for my training tests. But now that I have graduated from training, things are SO exciting! Just kidding. I've worked the past two days and I'm working tomorrow. I actually have money now (Thank you, Lord) and am going to do lots of fun things this week. When I'm not working, that is...

Also, there is a good chance this will be my last week up here. I've decided to come back to
Fayetteville, at least for now. Love is a bitch. Enough said. I have a roundtrip already booked for next Monday and I'm considering coming back for two more weeks to work and do more tourist things. The debate involves the airfare and whether its worth it. I might just jam everything into this week and screw over Planet Hollywood and not work this weekend... Sorry 'bout that, guys.

That being said, are there any places I should go? Tourist spots? Restaurants? Bars? Museums? Nooks? Crannies? Anything!!! Lemme know! I'm going to try and see as much as I can!

Now, for your viewing pleasure...

So maybe I wasn't studying every night... This is me, Jean, and Mallory out at a bar in South Orange. We sang "Strawberry Wine"- pride to the south!

This is a terrible picture, but the little bugger was moving too fast! This little pigeon was walking around in the Port Authority bus terminal. Inside and on the third floor mind you! I saw another one tonite. I can't blame them, it's much too hot out.

This sculpture of plastic lawn chairs was in the middle of Times Square the other day. No idea why. I had to stop on my way to work to take a picture. I think the scultpure is very pretty with the light coming through the translucent colors. Ahhh... New York...



Butterflies in Charlotte's garden.

Pretty Pretty

The Art of Transit

My first night at work was last Saturday. And by night, I mean catching the bus at 1:15 and being at Planet Hollywood from 3 to after midnight, taking the 1:34 train to South Orange and hanging at the station until about 3am. You can do the math...

I've had the "pleasure" of experiencing all aspects of the NJ Transit the past few days. For my Saturday shift, I caught a bus into the City. I was conveniently able to walk to the bus stop, which was excellent considering the Andersons were gone for the day. So there I was waiting about ten minutes early for the 1:08. Waiting. Waiting. Finally, up pulls the number 77 to NYC. People get off, I go to get on, then the driver says "No miss, I'm on the way to Morristown." Uhhhh.... now what? I sit and deal with my panic rechecking and rechecking my bus schedule, trying to figure out what I'm going to do. Please tell me, I am not going to call in an 1 1/2 hours before my very first shift! Then, beyond hope of hope, up pulls another number 77!! The bus pulls up at 1:23- the time it stops at the arena.... Apparently, I didn't know that my stop was the "arena" stop. I didn't take into consideration the large ice skating "arena" to my left. I was born a blond folks!! Not my fault! The bus was cold and the stop and go in traffic got old quick. I did get to go through the Lincoln Tunnel! All I could picture was Will Smith destroying things, racing cars and such. I was impressed that the buses had their own lane and were able to dodge City traffic and easily glide into the Port Authority bus terminal. The terminal is located 2 blocks from Planet Hollywood, much more convenient than my 10+ block walk from Penn Station when I take the train. So I got into Times Square in time to go to Walgreen's and get a lock before getting to Planet Hollywood with time to spare.

Work was exciting. There were a lot of young people who are pursuing acting/ singing/ dancing/ DJing/ nothing like what I'm pursuing careers. Everyone seems to get along and I'm excited to make friends and go out with them! If you've never been to a Planet Hollywood, it is covered in movie paraphernalia. Planes and cars are hanging from the ceiling. There's clothing and costumes from everything: Star Wars to Mama Mia (Broadway version) to Twilight. I find myself staring at artifacts as I walk around the restaurant. That is, if I'm not distracted by the bumpin' music videos cast across TVs surrounding the main dining room. It is quite the atmosphere. I must admit, I thought it was all hype. I assumed celebrities only showed up for publicity stunts. I was proved wrong my first night when none other than Oprah Winfrey has a private party upstairs!!! Now don't get too excited, I didn't even see her, but I still think it is neat I was in the same building.

There is one issue with my glorious job: I live in New Jersey. The last train runs at 12:34 (weekdays) and 1:34 (weekends), not exactly convenient for a job where I'm scheduled until 1:00 (weekdays) and 2:00 (weekends). That is after the last train runs for those of you who are still calculating. But my managers have been awesome. They let me out a little early so I can make the train, and once I'm done with training, I will be working days.

So my Saturday night, Greg lets me go at 12:50. I am booking it down 7th Avenue because I have 15 minutes to cover 10 blocks to get to the last train out of NYC. Sweating, I run down the stairs into the station to find that the last train doesn't leave until 1:34. I laugh at myself and dehydrated, I go to the pharmacy to grab a drink while I wait. On the stairs, I casually search for words in my word search book when I notice everyone in the waiting area migrate to Gate 9. "Must be the train" I think, as I see the time is 1:31 and I follow the suffocating crowd down the small escalator. I get to the platform and notice this train is going to Trenton. To my right, I see the train going to Dover, aka the train I need. The time is 1:33. Now it must be explained that when I say "to my right," I mean past the pit between platforms where pedestrians cannot cross for various safety reasons. I take off sprinting up two flights of stairs through the waiting area and back down another couple flights, my purse and other bag swinging wildly at my sides. The train worker smiled at me as I boarded. I'm sure he cracked up as soon as I turned my back. But I made it...

I stayed the night in South Orange with Mallory. We had breakfast at Bonte Bistro on Sunday. It was delicious! Nutella filled waffles, mine with bananas on top, hers with blueberries. Awesome! If you have never had Nutella, do me a favor and go get a jar. It is a chocolate-hazelnut spread about the consistency of peanut butter and usually, found in the same aisle. It comes from France and is traditionally eaten on hard breads such as a baguette. I love it on strawberries, bananas, pancakes,... hell, it's me people, I eat it by the spoonful. The point is: try Nutella. It's yummy!

I worked again yesterday. I chose to take the train because Matt was home to take me to the station and the train left later than the bus. All very practical and easy. Not! I am riding and relaxing, studying for my Planet Hollywood Menu A test, when the guy on the intercom mumbles something that is hard to understand, especially since I'm not really listening. Then at Newark, a mass of people get off the train. "Huh, that's odd and never happens. Everyone always goes into the City." I become a wee bit worried. I become very worried when the intercom announces we're at the last stop which is Hoboken, New Jersey. "Hoboken! I still need to get across the river and into the city and I have no idea where I am!!!" Luckily, a nice train guy pointed me to the PATH- the New Jersey/NYC connecting subway- which I learned took me to 33rd Street. I had a brisk walk to work but still made it to Planet Hollywood in plenty of time. And the upside of all this stressful travel is that I'm learning a lot about the public transportation system as well as the area between Penn Station and Times Square.

Last night, the managers let me out early again, and I caught the train just fine. I had a small scare when Matt called to tell me I didn't get off my train, but there was apparently a train about 10 minutes before mine, and I was right about my location. Needless to say, I've had an experience or rather experiences on the NJ Transit this week. I only hope I can catch the bus as scheduled tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Chillaxin'

Forced Smiles...

I've been unable to write about last Saturday because of the pain it caused me... you can ask Mallory about it. We went out and had fun in New Brunswick (home of Rutgers University) on Friday night and planned on going to the Jersey shore whenever we felt like it on Saturday. After all, from South Orange to Long Branch Beach is only 45 miles, just an hour drive. It was to be a relaxing day on the beach. No stress. No worries. Just sun and sand....

We rolled out of bed around 11 and left at noon, deciding to grab food on the way. All was good the first 10 minutes. Then, we pulled onto the Garden State Parkway. All three lanes were packed. Like bumper to bumper in the movies when there is an alien attack up ahead packed. I'd never seen anything like it!! We had to pull off and get gas and the stations were packed. We didn't dare try to use the restroom- the line was 20+ people gone! Luckily, we hadn't eaten so we didn't need a restroom. Unluckily, we were starving and didn't want to risk getting off the road to eat. I could go on and on about how extravagantly boring this car trip was but I'll sum it up instead: 45 miles, 3 hours, annoying GPS lady (aka Pam).

When we finally got to Long Branch Beach, we were starving and just stopped at McDonald's. Classic standby for speedy substance when flavor and health are not issues. After taking 5 minutes just to take my order (no, I didn't order that much!), they still had to remake my sandwich 2 more times. Third time really was a charm. Or a curse, however you would like to look at it. Mallory decided to keep it simple with a number 8 and drink. The lady decides to add another sandwich that the manager has to come take off. I mean really people? I know McDonald's isn't fine dining but this was ridiculous.

Next, we needed cash for the beach so we went by a Bank of America where the ATM was out of order. No worries, there's a bank across from McD's. Oh wait, the door to the ATM room is locked. Okay, well, how bout this other ATM. Again, that third time shit. Then we get to the beach and had to park. Circle the lot once... "Full Lot", "Full Lot", "Monthly Lot", "Full Lot"... Twice around and we found one. It is three o'clock in the afternoon when we finally get to the beach which we still have to pay to lay on and of course parking was still full price too. Needless to say, we did not leave that beach until near sunset.

Once we did lay upon the sand, Mallory and I finally did calm down. And it was a lovely day. Not too hot with the breeze off the Atlantic which is FREEZING by the way! I could've laid there for hours but, of course, we did get there at three. I am such a beach bunny.

Moral of the Story: Leave early on Saturday mornings for the shore. Never ever even attempt to go anytime after 9 am! It's mental suicide!!

Sunday, I came back to the Andersons' home and into my little room. I love having my own space. And dinner, and cable, and cats, and space... Yay! I've mostly piddled around the past couple of days. It's hard to run around and do things when you don't have much money. Hence the job I started today!

Yes, I had my orientation at Planet Hollywood. There were five of us training and one trainer. We talked about ourselves and it turns out 3 out 6 of us were from Missouri (crazy!). The 4 other girls were aspiring actresses and/or dancers and the one dude is pursuing his DJ career. A little cliche if you ask me. Then there's me. I explained I had a BA in international relations and would be pursuing a career in some sort of international organization. A couple mouths dropped-hehe. As for the restaurant, I think I'll like working there. I found their standards a lot like Olive Garden which means I know what I'm doing. There's a lot to memorize of course, but I'll study and figure it out. They seem to have that professional, well run restaurant, with colorful people and a fun atmosphere. Should be an experience within itself!

So step one to Callie's "Up and Move to NYC Plan" is complete. Find a job. Now, I just have to make money, get a place in the city, get a part time internship at the UN (or similar org.) while still working full time at P.H., then getting a big kid job at the UN (or similar org.), and make a difference in the world. It'll be a cinch!

Hope all is well with everyone! I miss being at home and I love reading your comments!

Peace Love Pirates!

Callie Finds a Job

Pictures of my Thursday adventures into the Manhattan business district. I walked from Penn Station where my train arrives from Jersey to Times Square. When I think NYC, this is what I picture...

Madison Square Garden and Penn Station (underneath)

So for those of you who don't know, I've been searching for jobs and not getting rejected so much as ignored after turning in what feels like millions of resumes and applications. On Thursday, I finally took to the streets trying the old-fashioned walk-in and fill out an application. My first stop was the OG (cool lingo for the Olive Garden). I thought I'd be a shoo-in seeing as I was a trainer and bartender (both promotions) in addition to serving for that god forsaken Darden restaurant. But the OG Times Square is a little too good for miniscule peasants like me. The hosts were snotty to me, telling me to make sure when I came back Monday to see if I would be considered to come in at 2-4 approximately 5 times. Which is totally understandable since I arrived to fill out my application at the OUTLANDISH time of 1:45. I mean, really people? Won't be seeing them Monday to say the least. I then wandered around Times Square stopping at a few other restaurants: Hard Rock Cafe, Tropicana Sun (yes, they have a restaurant and the chicks wear bikini tops and sarongs), ESPN Zone, and finally,...

As I walked up the three flights of stairs, I thought "Is this even worth it?" I was out of breath when I asked for an application. (I had been walking all afternoon for the record. And I have bad hips, too.) The hostess gave me an application which was a good sign. After filling out the same information that I had already had the pleasure of writing over and over again, I asked if a manager was available. Still being a Negative Nancy, I thought "No way, I'll probably get the 'We'll call you speal, again'." But I was wrong! I intervied with the general manager then and there! The interview went well (even though when asked for a favorite joke or funny story all I could think of was "A mushroom walks into a bar..."-if you haven't heard this one, lemme know.) but he then told me he one of his standard requirements for new employees is NYC restaurant experience. My heart sank- I was so close! "But you're going to be my wildcard," he said. I'm pretty sure my smile was rediculous. Ear to ear doesn't even begin to explain it! So I start training Wednesday and it is very exciting! Yay! Income! Woo hoo!

I had to celebrate and I was starving, so I wandered over to T.G.I.Friday's for happy hour. I made a friend to celebrate with named Corey who ask me where I'm from. I asked if I had an accent. He told me no, that it was my smile and the fact that I was conversating with him that gave me away. (Northerner's just don't do Southern hospitality and Southern charm- hence the names I suppose.) We cheersed and talked, and I am happy to report that we are officially Facebook friends- the ultimate level of friendship.

Miss Mallory joined me after she was off work and we went to Koreatown for dinner. Kum Gang San was a bit pricey but the food was decent and you get a lot of sides when you order BBQ and the meat is cooked on your table. The atmosphere was nice, one rock wall had a fountain at the bottom and a stage in the middle for a piano player. The bad part was the service. We were ignored, assumedly, because we were white and young. Chef Mallory ended up turning our meats and I had to ask for water twice. Not good.

See the grill in the table -->

Luckily, we had a couple drinks on Bleecker Street to finish the night off on a good note. We went to Peculiar Pub which I didn't find that peculiar. Just a wood walled, wood benched, laid back pub feel. We only stayed for one drink. We then went back to Wicked Willy's and were once again very impressed with the atmosphere. A little wilder at night, there was beer pong, karaoke, and a rugby game on the TV! That's right folks, I got to watch rugby in a bar again! Probably the first time since France! Crazy! Anywho...

Waiting for the subway back to Penn Station

South Orange, NJ

This week I'm staying with my friend Mallory in South Orange, New Jersey. The neighborhood is filled with big beautiful houses and center of town has a quaint, village feel. Here's some pics I took yesterday wondering around.

Town Hall

South Orange Ave

Churches

Made it to Manhattan

Friday was tranquil so I apologize for not posting. I did get a manicure and pedicure for the first time in years. Which I personally find very exciting. My nails are a bubble gum pink color; I feel like a Barbie doll.

You should see my toes!

I also went to go see The Ugly Truth. I found it very predictable but cute. 3.5 stars. I'd say it was quite a girl's day for me.

Now Saturday truly proved to be an adventure! Mallory and I went to Canal Street to do some shopping. Now, for those of you who don't know what Canal Street is like, it's two chaotic, overcrowded, stinky sidewalks lined with small stores filled with knock off purses, sunglasses, and jewelry. We even ventured into the back rooms where they keep "the real stuff." Presumably stolen. I, personally, believe these to be just more knock offs. Maybe slightly nicer done knock offs but far from real. Mal was looking at a supposed Chanel bag and the inside leather tag was blank. We pointed this out to sweaty, pushy, little Asian woman, and she retrieved a black Chanel sticker that she stuck on the empty leather tag. Mal got the super cute bag after some negotiating. Then, we saw it in another store marked as a Jimmy Choo. It's hard to say really whose bag it was. I bought myself some hot pink Dolci and Gabbana aviators. They're super sweet!

View outside of Ruben's Empanadas

Finally, we escaped the hot sticky heat from the sun, concrete, and bodies of Canal Street and made our way to SoHo. (SoHo is short for south of Houston St.- pronounced HOW-ston, not to be confused with the Texas version.) It's a beautiful and classy neighborhood where I couldn't afford to eat or shop let alone live. But I would recommend it to those of you who can. We did manage to find a quaint little place to eat called Ruben's Empanadas. Spicy chicken empanada and a cold Negro Modelo. The food wasn't too great, but the beer and the view was. The hot dog stand on the corner kept selling hot dogs to people in traffic. It was fun to watch him run alongside the cars.

After Ruben's, Mallory and I ventured to find Bleeker Street. Walking along there were all sorts of shopping: Everything from expensive and exclusive to the NYC version of Old Navy. After a right, a left and another left, we found Bleeker Street. It was a calmer, more breathable version of Canal Street. A lot of people selling stuff in tents.

Bleeker Street and some neat statue

After such a hard day of walking, Mallory and I needed a drink... a stout drink. My eye was caught by a little place called Wicked Willy's. One look at the picture and you can see why...

I mean, HeLLo, who wouldn't go there?

The atmosphere was set with very low lights and seaside decor. The purple, plush velvet benches right by the windows were the perfect spot to enjoy our cranberry & vodkas while watching the street scene.

Just look how happy we are!

We could have spent the rest of the night at Wicked Willy's, but there was more to explore! So off we went, turning onto streets that caught our eye until we ran right into the NYU campus. Aside from the NYU banners, it was hard to tell the lecture halls from uptown office buildings. Since we found NYU, Mallory wanted to go see Washington Square Park. The park was like what you see in movies! Chess was being played, their was tap dancing, and gymnastic-type street acts... all for money of course. The park itself was very pretty: the type of place to just relax and enjoy yourself.

Pop quiz: Which of these is the real Arc de Triumph?

Looking for a place to use the restroom and have another tasty beverage, Mallory and I stumble upon Josie Wood's Pub. The bar and grill was downstairs, a cool attribute. We ordered a couple of drinks and an appetizer just to relax before heading back to Jersey. Next thing you know, the bartender buys us a round-nice of him. Then some guy next to me starts talking to me about the Harvard professor who got arrested for breaking into his own home and buys us a round. Then, the bartender says he'll keep giving us drinks if we hang out. Then, the guy next to me gets us shots... You can imagine where this went.

Mallory and I decide the time has come for us to take a subway to the train station and head back to South Orange. Because we've been wondering around all day and we're not positive of our location, the bartender kindly walks us out and directs to the nearest station. We descended into the dark dampness, no idea what was about to happen. A gentleman with a camera stops us on the stairs and asks, "Can you film me? I'm doing a movie." Being my ever skeptical self, I inquire "What kind of movie?" "A porn" he says. "Oh, okay" I respond as I take his camera. And yes, folks, I recorded a man indecently exposing himself. It lasted a total of maybe 1 minute. I can't believe I did it either. At least I wasn't in the porn, right? Oh, New York...

Train ride home, last shot of the night.

Couldn't figure out how to manipulate photos on my first blog, so I posted a second...

Waiting at the airport...

Coney Island!!!

New York Aquarium