New Puppy & Considering Adoption

Nope, not even a little bit. We keep catching KR googling pictures of puppies and talking about small British children. We're keeping a close eye on that one, but I can't make any promises.

In case you have not seen the news, read the paper or gotten on the Internet this week- we had two presidents in New York this week. This meant that every NYPD officer and orange traffic cone was out in full force, making a center lane in the blocks leading up to the U.N. It’s really reassuring- walking into Grand Central and seeing motorcades of black suburbans with men in sunglasses holding guns and staring at you through their open windows. I’m also fairly confident that the same people protesting the president of Iran just changed shirts and protested Bush the next day. Retired hippies have way too much free time.

We tried our hand at the New York apartment hunt this week- we got the number of a referred broker, met with her, and spent an afternoon viewing openings on the Upper West Side. No one exaggerated about the difficulty of finding a good place here- that’s pretty much the only thing we found to be true. It is every bit of the headache it was promised to be.

The first place we went to was a converted hotel behind the Lincoln Center-, which had the smallest closets and most non-existent living area/kitchen, we saw all day. The second was in a nice neighborhood, but it was under construction, and kind of depressing inside. The third was our favorite- the kitchen and living area were actually separate which was a bonus. I don’t know where we would do laundry or buy groceries, but maybe we will just have to live without food and clean clothes. Sometimes sacrifices have to be made. The fourth place I almost don’t even want to talk about. We had to climb seven flights of stairs because the elevator was not in service (red flag), and I was inclined to think it could have a pest problem. I’m not knocking the pre-war buildings, but I do have a standard of cleanliness. It’s negotiable- but it I do have one.

We started joking about our different options, and one of them was getting a nice studio where we could line up three twin beds orphanage- style. What we would sacrifice in privacy, we would gain in nicer appliances and a doorman. I’m really not sure which is more important at this point.

After AV filled out an expandable folder full of paper work for her new job and KR and I continued our job search, we took some time off yesterday morning and set off to lay out in the Central Park sunshine. On our way to the bus stop it began raining intermittently, which was fantastic considering my laptop was in my messenger bag. I should pause to mention that our subway passes also work for the city buses, which are the preferred method of travel for sassy old New York women. So there we were, umbrella-less in the sprinkling rain, looking at two buses with bus drivers who would not acknowledge the fact that we were waiting. The blue hairs of 42nd street were getting their feathers ruffled, and we knew from experience that we did not want to be around for that, so we went to our back up, which is always Bryant Park.

Since we obviously couldn’t win for losing, it made perfect sense that when we found a table in the sun (yep, ten minutes later it was sunny), we were immediately surrounded by a 6th grade class that had settled in for their lunch break. The boys of the class decided to start throwing something, which turned out to be a baby carrot, for the duration of the break. The girls of the class (taller and more awkward than the boys) joined in until one of them got her hair stepped-on. There was also a class of little private-school kindergarteners, who were hilarious. Our level of amusement was probably enhanced by the fact that they were not our responsibility to watch. The kids were yanking up the squares of grass they were supposed to be sitting on, and even with a teacher and two chaperones it took about thirty minutes to get them to stop kicking each other and actually sit and eat something. Oh yes, and AV and KR both got grass stains, which made everything better.

We met up with some girls from our Bible study this morning to deliver food to the “frail elderly” of the Upper East this morning. It was great- the people were really appreciative and it was a beautiful day. We got home just in time to watch none of the football games we wanted to see. We also decided that T.V. really leaves something to be desired on the weekends. Since they don’t show Big 12 games in New York, we just turned on what we thought was America’s Funniest Home Videos on Animal Planet. I can’t decide if they are trying to be funny- we just watched a child playing an accordions in a stable while pigs chewed at his shoes.

You can’t make this stuff up.

Nacogdoches, Texas: The City That Never Sleeps

After four flights, two three-hour car trips and one long weekend, I am back in New York. I arrived in Dallas before noon on Friday, and was in Nacogdoches in time to throw on a dress and make it to the rehearsal dinner on time in my friend JS’s Astro van of bridal party members.

Fortunately for us, everything in Nac was about five minutes from where we were staying. Where we were staying, by the way, was an adorable historic baby blue house that is a bed and breakfast that our friend HC’s parents had reserved for us in the downtown square area. Translation: a house with big comfortable beds, a stocked refrigerator, friends I had not seen in months, and a partridge in a pear tree. We sipped champagne late into the night on Friday, catching up with each other and enjoying the good company.

Saturday came and there was a prayer breakfast for H, complete with tiny cinnamon rolls, pajamas and lots of tears. It was one of those times you just look around and think “good grief, we’re such women.” We had some free time in the middle of the day, then all met up in the later afternoon hours to eat lunch and get dressed and ready. Even in a house with about five large bathrooms, there was still a frenzy of red tulle skirts, heels, hairspray and Diet Dr. Pepper. We had pictures taken at the B&B, then transferred the party to the church. The ceremony went off without a hitch, and H&A (the happy couple) were finally married.


I have to pull over onto a side-note for a moment to say that I was actually in the linguistics class as H&A where they met and started dating (along with our friend MG and H’s older sister MH). I sat right behind them all semester, watching all the flirting and romance unfold, and then reliving all of it after class everyday as I would walk to Brit-lit with H everyday after linguistics. Not only did H meet her now husband in this class, but MH actually got the International Phonetic Alphabet tattooed on the bottom of her foot to get an ‘A’ in the class after our professor had told us she would give anyone that grade if they did so.

Back on track: to the reception. Our friend AR made us die laughing as she hooked her arm over her groomsman partner when walking down the aisle. It was a memorable exit, to say the least. The reception was at a ballroom on the SFA campus, and included a classic rock band, mashed potatoes in martini glasses and several of my favorite people. It felt a lot like one of our sorority date parties, just without the superfluous yet obligatory date.

We sent the happy couple away in a tunnel of sparklers; their car decorated in purple and white (SFA’s colors- obviously), and onto their honeymoon in Jamaica. We ended the evening at our friend KS’s house in Nac, chatting with everyone one last time before parting ways again until the next wedding.

I was at home for a few hours before leaving for the airport again on Sunday. As much as I enjoyed returning to Texas for a few days, I was so relieved to return to New York to continue building my life here. I jumped back into the job search yesterday- the two people I have primarily been trying to meet with have been out of town and both return this week.

We have a lot going on this week- KR and I had interviews today, and we are now searching apartment listings online. AV got a job on Friday(!!!) and so she is becoming quite the Craigslist expert. She actually found an apartment listed as a two bedroom in Murray Hill for $1800, which turned out to be something posted by a disgruntled Subway sandwiches employee (he listed their address and phone number), which was funny but annoying.

I walked about 40 blocks this morning, so I think I’ll give my feet a break until we go view another apartment later. There’s a lot going on in the city this week, so I’ll be sure to keep you posted.

Until next time…

Texas On My Mind

I’m leaving to go to Texas for the weekend in approximately six hours. Obviously I’m still not packed and I have found many different distractions to occupy my time. I definitely already deemed it necessary to pack no few than six pair of shoes… all equally important if unequally comfortable.
Packing distraction #1: Texas A&M football. Whoop. I would maybe offer more enthusiasm if we had actually won. This was the first game I have gotten to watch all season, and of course it would be the first we lost.

Packing distraction #2: T-t-t-t-t-tasty tasty! We have a calendar of the daily frozen yogurt flavors of our favorite new place, Tasty Delight, and today’s flavors were mint chocolate chip and cake batter. Being female, we obviously went. Each time we pay a visit, we always walk in to find it completely empty and fight our way through a hoard of women by the time we pick our flavor and topping. AV and KR usually stick to the flavor of the day topped in Nilla Wafers…it’s dependable.

Packing distraction #3: Fireworks. Right after sunset, we spotted fireworks over the East River. We’re talking 4th of July-worthy. KR and I even sang a tribute medley including but not limited to God Bless America, America the Beautiful, and Fergie’s hit single Glamorous.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish my brother a happy 21st birthday. We chatted for a while and I got to impart some of my 22-year-old knowledge to him. That’s what I’m here for.

Central Standard Time Zone and Mexican food here I come.

Re-runs & Rentals

We hit the pavement again on Monday, beating down doors and fielding job offers like you wouldn’t believe. Alright, so power suits were not part of the equation. More often than not we field calls from potential employers while checking e-mail in our wrap-towels, bobbing our heads to Rooney and frantically searching for the remote to turn down the volume on whatever Hills or Newport Harbor rerun is playing in the background. Less than two weeks ago, I knew nothing of Spencer-Lauren drama, Chrissy’s overprotective parents, and I didn’t have any job leads. Now, I have interview experience, I offer my condolences to Chrissy, and I totally side with Lauren. Glad we have that established.

I have neglected to mention that I have become quite accident-prone since arriving in New York. It might be the latitude or my proximity to sea level or maybe it’s the phase of the moon. Whatever. I have managed to poke myself in the eye while removing a contact (even though I’ve worn them for 11 years), leaving me with a blood-shocked retina reminiscent of Freddie Krueger. Less significant but also noteworthy would be the burn mark from the oven on my right wrist, the massive suitcase the package of four D-batteries I dropped on my foot while unfolding my air mattress, tripping over the cellar doors that stick out of the sidewalks next to restaurants, and the multiple collisions with random furniture and bumps in the subway.

KR had a promising interview yesterday(!) I think the most encouraging thing about it was that it’s not a job that could be found in Texas. When it comes down to it- that’s why we are here, and while none of us expect to walk into an office barking orders, I think I can speak for all of us when I say it would be nice to be in a position with a respectable level of responsibility and to be able to learn from someone who knows how to do their job well… and it would also be nice to find a reasonably priced three-bedroom apartment. Is that so much to ask?

We browsed the online apartment listings for our favorite neighborhoods today. Finding a place here is quite the daunting task- from what we have heard. In addition to your first -born, right arm and life savings- you must produce (in our case) guarantor information, a recommendation from your previous landlord, proof of employment, a valid W-2 form, recent bank and credit card statements. All of this to apply to rent an apartment that may or may not have hot water, rodents and working electricity (we’ve heard all the horror stories you can think of.) Of course- we’re still on the job front. This is only looming on the horizon.

We picked up pizza last night and headed to Bryant Park for supper and our favorite free activity; people-watching. I love Bryant Park; walking into it feels like being transported to a scene in Paris. There are millions of tiny circular tables surrounded by chairs that look like green toothpicks sticking out of the ground, a nice restaurant covered in ivy, a patch of look-but-don’t-touch grass, and an outdoor bar that is always hosting the same corporate-looking meet and greet event. The entire scene is protected by a frame of thin trees, leaving it the perfect little secluded spot in the city.

We power-walked to Gramercy Park this morning to check out the area and find a building on Park Ave. where AV has an interview tomorrow morning. There were a lot of stroller-pushing nannies and guys sporting 80’s sunglasses and lip rings, which was just confusing. The park itself was locked, and there was no Gramercy Park Welcome Center that I could find, so I was not about to hike the fence.



I’m now waiting my turn to use the new Ethernet cord we found in the studio yesterday- the old purple one was about 18 inches long and you had to use your laptop in a secluded corner. We are now making use of the white one we found- it’s pretty much the length of an anaconda, and since we are stretching it across the headboard of the bed, under the coffee table (that weighs 80 pounds, by the way) and to the couch, I’m fairly confident that someone will either spill something on it, trip on it or get tangled in their sleep.

Okay, my turn with the Internet and then I’m getting these three to bed to rest up for some very important interviews and an accounting exam in the morning.

No money, mo' problems

Last weekend in the city felt temperatures rise to the high 80’s, which meant that the Speedos and humid subway terminals were in full swing. A week later, it is 65 outside and we are scrambling to find anything long-sleeved and closed-toed that may or may not have been packed. It’s amazing how I knew and anticipated for months the fact that I was moving here, and somehow I seemed to pack like I fled in the middle of the night. At least I did not forget jeans, like my landlord MK. On that note, we are firmly committed to refraining from spending money on clothing until we have jobs- which means we will freeze before we starve. KR and I actually had the audacity to wander into an Upper East Side boutique yesterday afternoon, only to flee after the saleswoman chased us around the store with some adorable black T-straps with subtle metallic accents and red heels.

Fortunately for me, I will be flying home for the weekend this Friday, so I can raid my closet for anything autumn-friendly that I own, since it is not much of a season in Texas. No, I am not returning home for good, only to attend that blessed event in which my dear friend HH will become Mrs. HC. My wedding count for this year thus far is six, three of which were the same week in two different cities in January. Needless to say, I have managed to amass quite a collection of little black dresses. This does not help at all with the fact that the two weddings I am participating in this fall both require brown dresses. I’m really not complaining; either way you spell it, I’m getting new dresses. Some might call it a win-win-win situation.

I need to find a pedometer at home this weekend, because I’m very curious to see how far we walk everyday. That has probably been one of our biggest adjustments; is the realization that anytime you want to go somewhere, you have to walk. Even if you want to take the subway, there is significant walking involved (and always stairs). This serves as my explanation as to why we are always so ravenously hungry at every meal. I made the mistake of wearing heels when we went trucking around the Lower East Side on Friday night- one that will not be soon repeated, regardless of how much better they make your legs look. KR and I actually went in a shameless pursuit of Taco Bell a few nights ago, only to find that their website’s location listings were mistaken. We were severely disappointed, and we still yo quiero very, very much… Is it obvious that I refused Spanish in high school and college? I opted instead to take German, which is so unbelievably useless. I think I have used it a grand total of eight days of my life.

We actually made a trip (walking- of course) to a grocery store a few blocks over to get food for the week this morning- and made a breakfast casserole and fruit and yogurt parfaits for brunch. We’re really sticking to the basics around here. By the way, if you are attempting to sweeten your coffee or tea anywhere in the tri-state area, and you are unable to find turbinado sugar or Splenda, it’s probably because we stole it.

On a different note, we are going to church tonight- (I know, night church is very progressive), which is fortunately in our neighborhood. We have learned the hard way to try and avoid taking the subway on the weekends, seeing as many subway entrances are closed, and/or you might end up waiting 20+ minutes on your train. It is the city’s way of telling you to stick to your ’hood on your days off. Word. We have opted instead to do some laundry, and to serenade AV with many different renditions of Bob Carlisle’s hit single ‘Butterfly Kisses’, which is one of her top five favorite songs of all time.

In the midst of the pre-Emmy’s red carpet show, the breaking news is that O.J. was apparently arrested for armed robbery in Vegas. This takes me back to that bizarre day when my suburban elementary school stopped everything to broadcast the verdict of his murder case in the early 90s. I wonder how well that would go over with the PTA these days…

We are now enjoying the sweet smell of an Anthropologie candle and brownies, and the way things are going I think we’ll pop in season two of the Office and call it a night. This never gets old.

New York, New York: a city so nice they named it twice... Manhattan is the other name.

This is the true story of four Texas girls living in a studio apartment in New York City. Names have been abbreviated to protect the innocent.

After arriving in the city with baggage weighing 78, 67 and 65 pounds, respectively, KR, AV and I have finally moved in and gotten settled in MK’s apartment. MK’s baggage weight could not be accounted for because she is actually at work, unlike the rest of us dead-beat dads (as we now affectionately refer to ourselves.) We have taken the time to enjoy the amenities her place has to offer, most specifically the spectacular view from the corner studio, as featured in my photo…what you don’t hear is the ambulance sirens, cab honking, fire-truck engines plowing through traffic, chainsaws, loud noises, and unnecessary commotion. The lax security is also a bonus, considering that they give us her room keys and mail without so much as an I.D. check or a nod.

So how did we get here? Glad you asked. Well MK, the working girl, actually works in Dallas, but was sent to New York for a few months for job training. KR, AV and I have all considered and dreamed of living here, so when she offered to house us during her stay here, we took her up on it. The four of us are currently rotating use of Ethernet cord in the apartment, after throwing in the towel with the Starbucks locations on Third Avenue… if you only knew. Starbucks here translates to dinky closet crammed with two barstools and iPod- wearing business-people all wanting ‘the usual.’

We are now getting acquainted with the different areas of the city- it’s a huge puzzle of neighborhoods that all blend together, yet have their own distinct personality. KR returns to the apartment daily with ‘Orphan Annie feet;’ looking as though she spends her days roaming the subway tracks with bare feet and kicking puddles of dirty water on her way home.

Our job search continues daily- but in the meantime we are maintaining a steady diet of PBJ’s, cheap pizza and cereal. One almost universal truth I have noticed is that people in New York are not overweight, (albeit many of them smoke) and everyone is active. This past Sunday afternoon we strolled through Central Park and eventually found a shaded park bench to watch joggers and roller-bladers. Instead of participating in the aerobic activity, we made up scenarios for the people passing by us. Our joy was made complete when a late 50’s-ish man teetered down the hill we were sitting near, and despite desperately grasping his wife’s elbow, crashed to the pavement.

AV and I are eating blackberries…only the essentials here. I wish there was a way of telling which ones are sweet and which ones sour, the suspense is brutal.

So after nearly a week in the city, our adventures have included tuxedo-wearing room service at a swanky hotel, the U.S. Open, Washington (and Brooklyn) Heights apartments, the end of fashion week, three interviews, three girls and 17+ bags stuck in an elevator, the most expensive carton of milk any of us have ever seen, Texas A&M football knowledge via the scroll at the bottom of ESPN and whatever USA Today publishes, and seasons one and half of two of The Office.

Okay, the blackberries were abandoned for hummus and carrots, much better. Since we spent $11 each to see The Nanny Diaries this afternoon, we might not be eating later. Maybe that’s how the women here stay so skinny- they run out of money.

And that’s only week one.