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