RUDE.

I got off work early today, and was wandering through various stores on Broadway, and I spotted a massive liquor store. I haven't been able to find Almendrado (Almond tequila... seriously AMAZING) since I've been in NYC so I thought I'd give it a try. A salesman approached me and I explained what I was looking for and as we were brainstorming, he called me out on overusing the word "like". Now... I know I say it a lot and I try to be conscious and tone it down, but who the fuck are you to give me a hard time?! He stopped me mid-sentence to ask me why I said that so much and to let me know that it made it really hard to listen because it interrupted the flow of the conversation.

Umm.... ok, even if that were true, I AM A FUCKING CUSTOMER. Who are you to critique anything about me [to my face]?! I mean, really.

I was so taken aback, I just stared at him for a second and then he asked me another question (relating to the tequila) and when I replied I started my sentence with "I think it was like a.... " and he interrupted me to "correct" me: "I think it was 'similar'".

FUCK.OFF.

Pole Dancing

Oh yes... you read that right! I went to a pole dancing exercise class last weekend and it was SO MUCH FUN. I learned a lot.... talented dancers have reached a level of athleticism I am not sure I ever could. I used muscles I didn't even know I had (I know they're there now because they HURT for the next couple days!) and I have bruises all over my lower legs. All in all, completely amazing, and I would definitely go again!!

I did it!! I think the numerous attempts at this particular move are the source of my bruises.


The gorgeous women of my "class"

It's Fall, It's Fall!! Oh, the Excitement...

Yup, yup. We had some weird weather-- It got super hot again (like low 90's) and then a storm hit hard. It wasn't that cold, but super humid. Then when that passed it just spat us right into fall. I guess I was kind of expecting a transition of some kind, but I'm still quite pleased! I switched out all of my summer and winter clothes. I was so so happy to see my sweaters and boots again! I'd never had to store them away before. My mom asked me about the weather last week, and the only way I could think to describe it was "It's basically like the dead of winter in SB." Sad, but true :)

Anywho... excuse me while I curl up under two extra blankets and sleep in long sleeves (those who know me well know how ridiculously uncharacteristic this is for me) and try to stay warm. Yay, seasons!!

I think it might be fall!!

Or something reminiscent. It's gray and rainy and I wore my rain boots and a coat yesterday. It's still in the lower 70's, so it's not cold, but I'm certainly enjoying being able to wear pants of any kind, and sleep under my covers.

My roommate came home last week and asked me what my winter coat situation looked like. I laughed in lieu of a response. She said she figured I'd be unprepared (total understatement) and gave me one of her winter coats. (SO sweet) Anywho, YES... I am so ill prepared for weather of any kind. Especially when I reached for the heaviest coat I have yesterday and it was only in the 60's. This CA girl is going to be in for a nasty awakening in a couple more months!!

Upside: I think this coming weekend might be time to unpack all of my boots that have been hidden away! Yay!

A Little Gem in Central Park

I just loved this.

Do you know what I always think....

...when it's really crowded like this?


What if someone farts?!

I want, I want, I want.

I am coveting hard core. Limited Edition Geox shoes available only in NYC. I seriously lie in bed thinking about them. They have the Empire State Building on the HEEL! Art that you wear... I am in love.


Update: They sparkle.

I got a job!

I am officially a make up artist (or "Color Consultant") at a Sephora in Manhattan!! I've been there about 6 weeks now and it's going really well! I have some really really great coworkers and managers and I get to play with make up all day!

Melanie's Visit.

And with one day of rest, Melanie arrived in NYC for her first ever visit as well!! It was shorter, but we had tons of fun.

We started at the Brooklyn Flea, which is really such a cool place. I can always find at least 8 things I just need.


We went to see Promises, Promises!! I cannot recommend this show highly enough. UH-mazing.


Times Square!! SUCH a miserable place, but one you must visit at least once.


We walked the Brooklyn Bridge during a rainstorm. Perfect timing!!
Still just a little wet

Aaaaaand drown rats!


Central Park!

My Mom in NYC!

As you may remember, my momma was coming to visit. It was super fun to walk around and do touristy stuff! I discovered a lot of stuff I'd never seen (not hard since I'm still a baby in the city!) and I finally saw the Statue of Liberty!

And a few other highlights...

Shopping in SoHo


The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens



The Brooklyn Bridge (we started on the Brooklyn side)

This is us near the end; that's the Financial District in the background


Central Park!!
How adorable is she??

Her response to this pic: "Hey! You ARE a good photographer!" Thanks for sounding so surprised....

I am so SO behind.

Hi All!! I realize it's been awhile, so I'm finally sitting down to catch up a bit. I'll be posting separate posts as if I haven't been completely useless about updating this. It'll be our little secret :)

Best Breakfast EVER.

I dreamed this little gem up while lying in bed this morning. Breakfast pizza!! WHYYYY have I never thought of this before?!?!

My Mom is Coming To Visit!!

True story! She's never been to NYC and is as excited as I am.

She won't be here for another 11 days, but just went to dig out her suitcase. Adorable.

The Gowanus Canal

It has chlamydia. Fact.

Amore

I adore this place.
I adore the gross-smelling streets.
I adore the late subways.
I adore the humidity (ok, not so much, but I can handle it!!)
I adore the skylines at dusk.
I adore my teeny bedroom.
I adore my huge bathroom.
I adore reading on the subway.
I adore walking through random streets in Manhattan.
I adore every street I've stepped foot on in Brooklyn.
I adore NYC happy hours.
I adore rooftops.
I adore food delivery.
I adore flea markets.
I adore confusing subways at 3 am on Saturday nights when I'm drunk.
I adore the Q train going over the Manhattan Bridge.

I love my life... more that I could have possibly expected. I'm not intimidated; I'm not scared. I'm well-adjusted. I'm making friends. I understand the subways.

And I'm in serious danger of losing my newfound bliss. I still don't have a job and if I don't find one soon, I'm going back to CA with my tail between my legs. I'm terrified to lose this heaven I've built for myself.

More than anything, I just don't want to leave.

Little Ms. Martha Stewart

I have a lot of time on my hands. And frankly, that's me being generous. I've been spending a lot of time cooking to same money, which is a good thing even if it results from pure boredom. My latest creation (tomato basil quiche... def as good as it looks!):

Ew.

Remember when I got hurt? Well... the nail fell off today. I'm deliberately not posting a picture, (because, well, EW!) but I now only have 9 nails. I put a splint on it because I cant look at it. Can we all hope this shit grows back quickly??

Best. Service. Ever.

I sent out my laundry for the first time. Seems a little weird to have someone else handling your dirty clothes, right? That's exactly what I thought, but MAN... I'm converted. I paid what I would have for 4 loads anyway, and got everything back (clean, sorted and neatly folded) the next day. Love.

Dusk in Brooklyn

I wish this picture could give you even the slightest hint of how gorgeous this really was.

Office of Blame

I was wandering through Williamsburg about a week ago and there was a block of these. A few of my faves:

Ouch.

I got my finger smashed on Saturday. It hurts like a bitch. I have no way of knowing if it's broken or not, but it blows, lemme tell ya. Check it out...

I met Jennifer Weiner. Fact.

Yup, yup!! Last night! She's on of my fave authors and did a reading/signing at Borders on Park Ave. I got there WAY early to get a good seat, and was like the third arrival. So I parked my ass directly in the front row and waited. And waited. And chatted with her publicist. Then waited some more.

I was all jittery and excited because I've been reading her books for years and I've always loved her! I don't get hugely starstruck over most mainstream celebs, but I was a little over her. Who knows... maybe it's because she's actually earned her success.


Anyway, she gets there and the first part was her "act" as I liked to call it. I was dying laughing. She told some stories about her kid that she's trying to potty train, her mom, a slightly drunken interaction with another author... all hilarious.

Plus, I got a signed book and a pic!! Proof:

New Apartment!!

I found a new place to live! (Just to clarify, because people have been asking, my current room is temporary. It was just a stepping stone to get me here.) I'm super way excited. I'm moving in with my friend Leslie on June 1.

This place is the most adorable, charismatic, quintessential Brooklyn place. The kitchen and bathroom are huge and light filled. There different colored tiles on the kitchen floor. The bathtub is one of those freestanding tubs with the little feet on the bottom. Plus, Leslie loves kitchen gadgets so I'm already in heaven! This is the kitchen:


Both bedrooms are small, and neither have closets in them. Sounds horrific, but it's actually a really neat set up. A place like that is ALL about the living space and that space is awesome! There are two really big shared closets, and I'll have way more space than I do now. Here's the bedroom:


And two different views of the living room. The blue walls is where the closets are.




Now who wants to visit??

Completely Hypnotized

I went out last night. Yay! I was sitting on my couch and a friend texted me and told me to come to a pub in Midtown (Manhattan). I get in a cab and it drives me over the Brooklyn Bridge (heaven!!) and then up FDR Drive, which swoops us back under the bridge and then under the Manhattan Bridge. I was right on the water and could see the city lights in both Manhattan and Brooklyn and. My heart got all fluttery. I was totally and completely hypnotized. It's really so humbling to be such a tiny part of something that grandiose.

If you ever visit NYC, do that little drive I just described. It'll take your breath away. Also, make sure you're not the one driving :)

P.S. Pics to follow. I HAVE to go back, and this time I'll be armed with my camera!

I'm Back!!

Hi All!! Sorry for the terrible delay. I had to leave town for some personal stuff, but I'm home again.

It was coming back that actually made me realize how much I've started of thinking of Brooklyn as home. In the cab on the way to the airport, I was staring out the window, similar to none other than watching Santa Barbara disappear behind me when I left for good. I obviously knew I wasn't leaving for long, but I didn't want to leave the city!! When I was landing back home (I love saying that!) I couldn't resist snapping a few shots. It was a gorgeous day, but keep in mind these were taken through a dirty airplane window :)





When I stepped out of the cab, I felt this huge wave of relaxation. I'm HOME. It really felt good. Of course I was greeted with nasty humidity. Thanks, Brooklyn... Love you too...

It makes me think of this song:

Oh, Brooklyn Brooklyn, take me in
Are you aware the shape I'm in?
My hands they shake, my head it spins
Oh, Brooklyn Brooklyn, take me in <3

Jungle Living

I thought I was moving to the big city, NOT a jungle. Somebody LIED to me.

I'm laying in bed the other night reading, minding my damn business, thinking I'm ALONE, and I see movement out of the corner of my eye. There is a mutant bug skittering across my bed, from up behind my head and shoulders, down the sheet. It's basically just cruising the length of my body. I jump up, terrified, and I'm doing the cliched girl oh-my-god-there's-a-big-scary-bug dance. It stops on my comforter, so I creep around it (shocking how much space it takes up when you add in the ick bubble surrounding it) grab a shoe, try to squash it but it gets away. Fucker.

Now I'm standing there, frozen, unable to get back on my bed knowing that it's hiding underneath. Let me paint you a picture of this wretched creature so you can truly understand my fear. It basically looks like a mutant hybrid of a giant roach and a centipede. And it has antennae. The nuclear monstrosity is about the size of my damn pinky. I know that seems small, but hold up your pinky. Seriously, right now. I'll wait.... SEE?! It looked like a small rodent. AND IT WAS IN MY BED.

I spend some time trying to find it, to no avail. I lay back down, tense as all hell. I try to focus on my book, but my eyes keep sweeping my bed for alien movement and I keep kicking and rattling the covers to ensure it doesn't try to come back and cuddle.

Thankfully, my closest friends are endlessly supportive:
Rachael: Oh yeah. They just luuuuurve that bagel shop!
Tom: I hear they're like pets out there. Make sure you feed it!

Thanks, buttheads.

Finally I see it! It's crawling up the wall... Slowly. It really is an ugly little bastard. I WISH I has thought to take a picture, but instead I react purely on instinct and grab my shoe. Die, bitch!

I actually still need to wipe the guts off my wall.

UPDATE: With the help of a couple friends, I've managed to identify the creature. It's a house centipede. Do you now understand my terror?

Exploration FAIL.

No joke. On Saturday, Rachael and I attempt to head to Park Slope. We make it about one full block, spot a sign for unlimited Bellini's, look at each other and walk inside. I think we sat posted at that bar for approximately 5 hours. I'm not kidding. One of the best days I've had in a long time, just being with my best friend, drinking and making friends with the bartenders. And taking "artistic" pictures with our phones. Man, I love this woman!

My New Block!!!

This is what I see when I walk outside (and from my room).

Now I'm in Neewww Yooooorrrk!

ImhereImhereImhereImhere!!!

Rachael shows up and I'm literally still in bed sleeping off the flu I caught before I left. (My mom got it too... I don't think it was food poisoning). We head out, and I really don't know know much, except I'm dying to see the Brooklyn Bridge! So we start that way, and I'm either quiet, or I randomly burst out with something along the lines of "I'm so excited you're here!" or "I can't believe I'm here!!" I know she'll get sick of this, but for now she smiles excitedly.

I'm completely hypnotized my downtown Brooklyn. It's so... humbling. There's so much going on, and the buildings are so grandiose. I know that's very 'duh', but there's a 3 story limit in Santa Barbara! I'm not accustomed to height like this. (First pic is downtown Brooklyn)


We walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, and into the Financial District in Downtown Manhattan. We wander a bit, and Rachael shows me some cool places I might want to come back and visit. She tells me about TKTS, which is a place where you can find discounted Broadway tickets for that night. We buy 40% off tickets to a show she's dying to see, Next To Normal (more about tat later) and head to Seaport. There we end up finding some nail place and get a mani-pedi. Hey, a girls gotta look good!!

We head home to get ready for the play, and then head back into Manhattan towards Time Square. Thank goodness she's so familiar with the city, because I get all turned around with the subways. I follow dutifully and try to look like I belong. I can't WAIT to possess her confidence with the trains.

Next To Normal is phenomenal. Seriously... If you ever get the chance to see it, take it. It's very dark and somewhat disturbing, but I found myself laughing out loud more than once. I'm not going to go into it too much, but it's a very real drama about a family, focusing on a mother's battle with bipolar disorder. And it's a musical. Rachael and I don't sit together, which I was initially a little weary of, but once the show started, I was SO entranced that I didn't even notice that I didn't know the person next to me.

I thought I wanted to wander around Times Square and maybe have a drink, but as soon as I was there, all I wanted to do was get home. It's a gigantic blinking strip mall. I did not move to NYC to eat at a Friday's. It's very much tourist central. I did take a pic of the pretty lights, but I doubt I'll be back without a very specific purpose.


And this is only my first day :)

Wrapping Up in CA

This is it. Home stretch. Going away party #4 on Saturday night (3/27)... Yes, #4. People really want me to leave!

There was an incident the morning of my party that I won't get into graphic detail about, because it is quite graphic. My mom's pug, Roxy, was injured badly and had to be rushed to the emergency vet's office. As in, driving over 70 down Hancock, where the speed limit is 45. Oops. The dog is fine and recovering beautifully, BTW.

The party itself was a HUGE success. My mom put tons of prep work into it, and it paid off. My entire family showed up (except one of my aunts, but it wasn't the least bit of a shock... no one expected her to anyway. That's another blog post altogether) and it rocked. I got to see my Aunt Janet, Uncle Robb, and my cousins Dustin and Cory all of whom I haven't seen in going on 5 years. It really completed the whole day!! I also got to meet both of their amazing girlfriends, and they've all promised to come visit :)

Plus I made a pyramid with my family. Of us. Yup, true story.


I spent the next couple of days with my fam, just hanging out and enjoying them. Lots of dinners at local places I won't see again for awhile. Cuddling with my dog :)

The night before I left I went to a really awesome dinner with Lacey, and had a fabulous time. Then I went home to pack the remainder of my suitcase. I went to bed, expecting to wake up and head up to the airport.

WRONG.

I woke up about 2 hours later and spent the rest of the night with my head in the toilet. I could not stop throwing up. I got up the next morning and still wasn't well, but had no choice but to suck it up, finish packing, and get in the car. It was hands down the most miserable ride EVER. I took Pepto, only to see it reappear a short time later. I was so wiped out and exhausted I couldn't even feel emotion when I should have been feeling all kinds of things.

After a couple runs to the airport bathroom, I was faced with the goodbye with my mother. I was doing ok, and then all of a sudden I started bawling. I had been dreading that moment more than any other. We were both standing there sobbing like fools, and she watched me walk through security. Every time I turned back, she was still standing there waving with tears running down her face. It was absolutely heart wrenching.

The flight was miserable. And that's an understatement. I took some Dramamine and sat with and air sickness bag in my lap. I was picking out Vitamin water at the airport, I wasn't even looking at the flavors; I was trying to decide what color I wanted my puke to be next. Rough.

I also went to bed the first night at 6pm PST. And slept for 14 hours.

Goodbye, Santa Barbara :(

I'm obviously very behind and I have LOTSSSS of catching up to do, so I'm going to post this entry as if I haven't left CA yet. Go with it.

Wednesday, I had my last day at work. It was too busy to be super emotional, as I had a TON to wrap up. My [former] boss, Mike took me out to lunch to say goodbye. It was so surreal packing up my desk. I can't even imagine the void Janet is staring at day after day :(

Thursday, I sold my car. THAT was tough. I reallyreallyreallyreallyreally loved my car. The buyers made it SO easy for me, which I am eternally grateful for. She let me drive it home (to drop me off) and I just kept touching it. I stood in the doorway, my throat a little tight, watching my baby drive away. On the upside, I paid off my car loan IN CASH. That felt good. I also no longer have to deal with car payments, insurance, gas, oil changes, parking tickets, registration, ect anymore.

Thursday night I have to say goodbye to Tom. It was really emotional. It really was the last piece of my SB life falling apart. I love that man so hard. We had a lot of fun having sushi and drinking sake and forcing him to take cleaning supplies because he lives with Toe. I kept it together really well until the very very end, but as soon as I went to hug him, I lost it. I just started bawling. He made me laugh a few times by reminding me of all the things I never have to deal with again, and all the useless people I never have to hang out with again. Other than people I work with, I see him the most. We hang out multiple times a week and I don't know how to not have him around. I think that will be one of my biggest adjustments.

Friday, I have to leave my apartment. My brother drove up to help me move, and his help was invaluable. I was far too busy to be at all emotional about leaving. My empty apartment was a sight to see, after three years of residency.

After turning in my apartment keys, I had a Farewell Lunch with my coworkers! It was so awesome to see everyone in the same place one last time. Plus, they all pitched in to get me a 12 swim punch card at a pool near my new place!! I am so so excited! Swimming is my most effective way of blowing off stress, and I undoubtedly have plenty of that in my future with potential job rejection and homesickness. I could not have asked for a more perfect gift. Janet snaked out before either of us could get emotional, and I'm not sure if I'm grateful or regretful. Why create an unnecessarily dramatic scene right? I really didn't want to face that goodbye. I spent 40 hours a week with that woman and she will leave a gaping void.

Driving away from SB was tough. I was pressed up against the passenger window (thank goodness my brother was driving!) watching Santa Barbara disappear behind me with tears streaming down my face. This place was my home and my sanctuary for 5.5 years. I grew up so much here. I huge part of who I am now can be attributed to the friends I've made, and experiences I've had. I definitely left a chunk of my heart in Santa Barbara.

Holy Weekend. Fact.

I'm not going to go into the whole weekend because I simply don't have the energy to describe the whole thing! Honestly... I have the best friends on the planet. I don't know what I did to deserve them, but whatever it is, I need to keep doing it. Pictures to follow, but Katie made me a kickass cake, Rachael SHOWED UP TO SURPRISE ME (video on facebook), and everyone came out (or flew in) to be with me. This weekend was literally epic. You people are everything I could possibly ask for.

I did have my first really emotional goodbye. Alex left, and while we really only see each other a couple times a year, it hit me that his next "trip home" won't involve me. I'll be SO far away. People promise to visit all the time, but rarely follow through. I know a select few that actually will (Alex included) but still. The reality of what I'm about to do, and what I'm giving up is really starting to set in. My whole world, and everything I know, is about to crumble. Breathe, Carrie... breeeaaaathe.

I have the best coworkers!!

I had a coworker suprise me with flowers from her garden today!! It was so so sweet. She totally made my morning. I also happen to know that my officemate is planning something for me that she won't give me details on. I'm so excited to find out, but not quite ready for my last day to be here.

Official Countdown: 15 days

Reality is Setting In...

Last night, I had the first of what I can only assume will be a few meltdowns before my departure.

I'm preparing for my moving sale on Saturday, and last night involved taking everything off my walls and taking down my many pictures. I walked around my apartment slowly plucking my life apart, piece by piece.

I was overcome with a wave of panic and doubt, in which I called my best friend wailing "OhmygodwhatamIdoingwhyamIdoingthis??" to which she simply replied, "Well... why ARE you doing this?" This obviously forced me to put on my big girl panties and think logically. I am going to pull myself out of this professional rut. I am going to do what I've dreamed of doing in the city where my industry is most fertile. I am trusting in blind faith.

It's hard to look at my content Santa Barbara life and watch it come undone. It's scary. I've definitely built myself a life in a happy little bubble and it probably seems crazy to walk away from it. But, at the advice of others, I am envisioning what it will be like to rehang all of my pictures on a brand new wall in Brooklyn.

Official countdown: 20 Days

Updates!

I clearly suck at remembering to Blog. I was never good about journals and diaries either. Oops.

My moving sale this weekend got rained out by rain that never came. Dammit. I really wanted to get some of this crap out of here, because it looks like my closets and drawers exploded. My mom is coming up this weekend to help with the moving sale and the woman could sell sand in the desert, so I'm really hoping I'm not left with much. She's also generously offered to have another yard sale for me after I leave to sell whatever is leftover from this one.

I sent my deposit for my room today!! I have never parted with money so merrily, let me tell you. I cannot WAIT to step off that plane!

Rachael is meeting me in the city!! Happy Birthday to ME! I arrive at 7 pm on Wednesday night and she arrives at 10 am Thursday morning. It's perfect and I get 3 days of wandering the city with her. I am so ridiculously excited... Hopefully I won't be an emotional basket case since she'll be there with me.

Ok, off to organize. I have SO much to sort through to sell this weekend. Plus, they're showing my apartment tomorrow, so I need to have it in presentable shape. Oy.

Official Countdown: 23 Days!

Common Knowledge

I've officially told pretty much everyone I can tell! I wasn't hiding it, per say, just cautious as I hadn't told my employer and didn't want them to find out from a third party. My boss was so supportive and kind. I couldn't have asked for my resignation to have gone better. Put my 30 days in with my landlord, and my extended family knows.

I actually used this to get back in touch with an aunt and uncle that I hadn't spoken to in years! It feels really good to have them around again. I'm not even sure why the distance was wedged in there in the first place, but thankfully, it's gone. I may also see them this weekend!

Official Countdown: 5 weeks, minus one day.

Booked my flight!!

I just booked my one way ticket to NYC! This is really happening. Something about having that confirmation makes this exponentially more real. I was trembling as my finger clicked the mouse. No "confirm" button has ever sealed my fate in such a definitive way before.

I must be excited, because I'm in detail planning mode. Those that know me best know that this is where I will begin to meticulously plan every detail. How many suitcases will I fly with? Will I take a cab from the airport or the subway? Should I ship my things or attempt to pack them? So much to still decide with less than 6 weeks to go!!

Breathe, Carrie... breeeaaaathe.

Official Countdown: 5.5 weeks remaining