Ok. So V and I had gotten back to the hostel after 2:00am early Monday morning. We slept till 9:00 or so. Annoying we had to go down 2 flights of stairs to use the mirror at the stairwell b/c they don't have them in the bathrooms.
Ate at the restaurant next door again for breakfast; we both got pancakes. The fruit cup was disappointing... not fresh, probably was in the fridge since yesterday.
Then we were off to MoMA. It was a quick (1.5 hr) visit, but we saw famous paintings, like Van Gogh's "Starry Night," and ones by Gaugin, Picasso, Chagall, and Kandinsky. I'll have to go again with an audio guide.
I went with V to the bus station, and we said our goodbyes. She may be back in the States next year when her friend will be studying in Philadelphia. From there, I took the subway in the wrong direction, but decided I'd explore the W side. I just walked.. without direction. Asked a policeman Lau the best way to get back to the E. Managed to take a bus in the wrong direction, farther west instead of across Central Park. At that point, needed a bathroom. The French resto "Alouette" I saw was closed, so I went to Hunan something or other. Was a mistake to order taro bubble tea: it was just gross. The scallops I ordered came pan-fried and seasoned, pretty good, with brown rice and vegetables. I hate eating at restaurants alone! Then I caught the bus in the right direction, thru Central Park, and went back to the hostel. Took the subway to Chinatown, and figured I had time to get some Chinese snacks and dragonfruit. When I asked a Chinese woman on the street where to buy fruit, she thought I said "food." Then I said "shuiguo." The dragonfruit were $3.00 a piece (could I have negotiated?), and to my dismay when I peeled one a few days later, not sweet. So I thought I was set, waiting for my bus. Guess I was there 4:30. That was a mistake right there, because I remembered afterward how they have two locations, and try to fill up the bus, which they did, without me. I don't see how they can't not keep track of online and on-site purchase of tickets. I kept hearing buses for Philly. Then they said there wasn't room for D.C. -Richmond bus. I asked when the next D.C. (mistake) bus was, and was told in an hour. So I listened to my iPod and watched people go in and out of the gross bathroom. At 6:00 when the next D.C. bus came, I asked about Richmond, and was told frantically, "No, not til 11:00pm." That was a blow right there. I had dropped V off at 12:30. I had expected to be home after 11, and instead wouldn't be leaving til then. I was upset, and called my mom, starting to cry. Then I decided to make light of the situation: I was in NYC, afterall, albeit with a backpack. So I decided to go to Top of the Rock, which V and her friends had done last time. They didn't have a coat check, so had to carry backpack thru there. Unfortunately, my sis' old dig cam with me isn't great, so couldn't take good photos of the city. Then the battery started to die on me. I heard a father and daughter, about 18, speaking French, and spoke with them briefly. I'm rusty, and didn't "stay" with them b/c was intimidated I wouldn't know what else to say. I think they were happy to speak to a francophone American, nonetheless.
Then I had the goal of going to Serendipity, the ice cream parlour after which a movie was named. Don't remember how now, but in my wanderings, came to an across the water "subway" cable car ride, which was good fortune. While waiting, I got hungry. I had read the sign in big letters "NO EATING, DRINKING, SMOKING on this platform" a minute before, yet took out my Chinese snacks and starting munching. Better yet, I was standing against the sign. Great short-term memory I have. Hey, when the need for food arises.. I wondered why a woman kind-of glared at me. The cable car went to Roosevelt Island, where they had an outdoor movie screening of "Hairspray," which I saw in D.C. 2 years ago and didn't care for. French tourists also on that cable ride. I didn't feel like talking anymore.
I made it to Serendipity, but there was a wait line, and since it's a small place, would feel funny eating alone. Viviane joked that I could meet the man of my dreams at the parlor and more chance of that than grocery shopping in Chinatown.
From there I walked a LOT with my backpack, making my way south. I regretted not having bought the unlimited subway pass for $.25 more because I had to refill it multiple times that evening due to my unanticipated extended stay. I found a huge Whole Foods not too far from Chinatown, where I knew I could use the bathroom, brush my teeth, and take out my contacts before the bus ride. Instead of ice cream I could have had, I got Wallaby pear yogurt and cinnamon-flavored water.
The bus ride back was better than the way there.. the guy next to me got off somewhere before Baltimore, and I slept most of the time. We got to Richmond around 5:00am. My dad wasn't there yet. An African guy waiting said his phone didn't have service and asked to use mine. He left VMs with two people who were probably sleeping. I felt bad leaving when picked up, like maybe we should have offered a ride. I got home and slept til 10. The end.
8/27/09
Going to a concert today
I met with a counselor yday who I liked and made me more hopeful after I left. Best of all, she's free (for 6 sessions) with the Employee Assistance program at work. She thinks I should be on by own again; that's what I want, but not practical until I find a better job in a different area. My goal is to have a day job and live around D.C. (or elsewhere with prospects) by December. Let's hope I pull it off.
At the staffing agency Tuesday, the agent answered the phone and asked the guy if he had committed a felony, at which she referred another agency! My dad doesn't think it will come to anything (lower wage jobs), but could be worthwhile to do temporary work to get more of a feel of what I like.
At the staffing agency Tuesday, the agent answered the phone and asked the guy if he had committed a felony, at which she referred another agency! My dad doesn't think it will come to anything (lower wage jobs), but could be worthwhile to do temporary work to get more of a feel of what I like.
8/25/09
Interview for which I haven't prepared
..with a staffing agency that I visited twice while taking classes this summer.
Oh, I went to check my grade yday, 3 weeks after the course ended, and it's no longer online. I should request a transcript for future reference.
Woke up early with imaginary work request again.. I really hate that. My cousin's dog didn't want to come in last night (why does he not like it inside?), so he barked a few times after 7am.
On a positive note, I got an email from a Chinese friend in Suzhou, which was a nice way to start my morning. Correspondance over time definitely makes life more meaningful.
Oh, I went to check my grade yday, 3 weeks after the course ended, and it's no longer online. I should request a transcript for future reference.
Woke up early with imaginary work request again.. I really hate that. My cousin's dog didn't want to come in last night (why does he not like it inside?), so he barked a few times after 7am.
On a positive note, I got an email from a Chinese friend in Suzhou, which was a nice way to start my morning. Correspondance over time definitely makes life more meaningful.
8/23/09
NYC Day 2
I'm house-sitting at my cousin's now, and didn't think I'd need a mini-mouse; therefore, my keyboard is on top of the laptop keyboard (which doesn't work well), which I move aside when I want to use the touch-pad mouse.
Ok, from memory, day 2..
Last Sunday we had plans to visit Mme Tussaud's wax museum, which we made it to after 11:00am. I slept rather well at the hostel. Their breakfast of toast and watery coffee (which I didn't consume) left more to be desired, so we bought yogurt at a shop in Times Square. There were SO many wax figures there, 5 levels, I believe. By the 2nd to last level, Viviane was tired of posing. I wasn't in the mood to do interesting poses, so just smiled next to each one. I will upload the photos on Fbook (along with NYC pics from 3 months ago before I started classes!). I insisted to Viviane she had to pose with certain important American figures she didn't know, like FDR, Babe Ruth, and Bruce Springsteen. After 1.5 hours or so there, we were headed to Coney Island but needed lunch before the long subway ride. We stopped in Little Italy and had a nice outdoor lunch under a red umbrella with courteous staff at Palazzo. I like sitting at cafés and people-watching, something that can be done in cities. I heard a lot of Italian tourists this trip and wondered how many come to see "Little Italy," which is basically one street of restaurants. I hag gnocchi, which was good, but of course too generous a portion; no room for gelato! When I left, I forgot my plastic bag with flip flops for the beach, and the waiter ran after me, which was nice.
Then off to Coney Island, which takes 45 minutes or so. Unlike last August there (we were there closer to noon), the beach was packed! There was a Coney Island flea market going on, whose ad I cut out of a newspaper back in May. There weren't many vendors, but V and I were glad to get smoothies on such a hot day. I could have mixed mango with watermelon, but simply got watermelon. V got strawberry (her favorite) and kiwi. We put our feet in the water, and felt we had seen enough. Less than an hour at Coney Island, but it was so hot, and we had to get back to hostel to change before going out for dinner and drinks.
We made it to Astor Place subway stop just 10 minutes after planned; sucks my phone doesn't have service in the subway. There we met Donna and inquired whether 5 people could be accomodated at Angel's Share bar; alas, no.. strict 4 pax maximum at that small place. (I had invited a childhood friend, Nick, who I wrote it was fine if he brought his friend). We looked for a restaurant and decided on a Vietnamese pho place (cheaper than the Japanese restaurants surrounding it). I got seafood pho, like usual, but the broth was blander than what I've had in Richmond. Mmm, I want some more now. After that, we decided to go to Angel's Share to have one drink before Nick and his friend arrived. It was a nice, intimate "speakeasy" as the Yelp reviews said. Donna made a fine suggestion, and I'm glad we went together. My drink was "Royal Flush," which was a cucumber-infused cocktail with vodka and sake, I believe. The other drink I considered had champagne. When the waiter served it, there was about a minute delay before he poured the drink, so I thought for a moment I had ordered $13 vodka-infused cucumber! ha. Nick was still on his way, so we decided to check out another place that allowed more people.
We chose a Mexican restaurant, where from outside, we saw pitchers of sangria. We ordered white wine sangria. Then Nick and his friend came. They were amused by Viviane, which is often the case of a pretty, foreign girl w/o perfect English. Guess it was the combination of alcohol and her native German tongue that made her pronounce "willage," which Nick repeated a few times in jest! Poor guy, he's balding.. isn't that one of the worst things to happen to a young aspiring actor? Of course, there are many actors with sparser hair, but you lose a sex appeal factor, somewhat.
We decided to move on, and it was time for Miss Zhen to take the subway home before her work day later that morning! The four of us went to a place that was actually a 24 hr diner. Nick wanted to order breakfast food, but that didn't start until 2am. I got a mango martini, which I tasted garlic in a few sips. I should have complained, but was too far gone. V got electric lemonade. Nick's friend said twice he liked her, because she can be blunt. She told me afterward that alcohol makes her talk more, uninhibited, and hopes she wasn't too impolite! "Nonsense," I said. "They liked it." I, on the other hand, like Donna, can be less inhibited at first, but then I just get drowsy and quiet and don't have much to contribute to the conversation. V told Nick the name of her "willage," which he said he would look up. I was about to say you can do it now, or save it on your phone, but it was tipsy times, and more like a test, that he could remember the name. Before taking the subway back, Nick was hilariously proved wrong when he said the black cube statue on its side at Astor Place couldn't be moved. The tipsy, young women trying to make it budge were having difficulty, but then they got it. Funny moment.
So, rather cool to see a childhood friend (there's a photo of us as babies in CT on a blanket) who I hadn't seen in 5 years, and as always, Donna, one of my favorite people from college.
Whew, long blog! This one definitely less of a summary. Day 3 (tribulation involved) to follow.
Ok, from memory, day 2..
Last Sunday we had plans to visit Mme Tussaud's wax museum, which we made it to after 11:00am. I slept rather well at the hostel. Their breakfast of toast and watery coffee (which I didn't consume) left more to be desired, so we bought yogurt at a shop in Times Square. There were SO many wax figures there, 5 levels, I believe. By the 2nd to last level, Viviane was tired of posing. I wasn't in the mood to do interesting poses, so just smiled next to each one. I will upload the photos on Fbook (along with NYC pics from 3 months ago before I started classes!). I insisted to Viviane she had to pose with certain important American figures she didn't know, like FDR, Babe Ruth, and Bruce Springsteen. After 1.5 hours or so there, we were headed to Coney Island but needed lunch before the long subway ride. We stopped in Little Italy and had a nice outdoor lunch under a red umbrella with courteous staff at Palazzo. I like sitting at cafés and people-watching, something that can be done in cities. I heard a lot of Italian tourists this trip and wondered how many come to see "Little Italy," which is basically one street of restaurants. I hag gnocchi, which was good, but of course too generous a portion; no room for gelato! When I left, I forgot my plastic bag with flip flops for the beach, and the waiter ran after me, which was nice.
Then off to Coney Island, which takes 45 minutes or so. Unlike last August there (we were there closer to noon), the beach was packed! There was a Coney Island flea market going on, whose ad I cut out of a newspaper back in May. There weren't many vendors, but V and I were glad to get smoothies on such a hot day. I could have mixed mango with watermelon, but simply got watermelon. V got strawberry (her favorite) and kiwi. We put our feet in the water, and felt we had seen enough. Less than an hour at Coney Island, but it was so hot, and we had to get back to hostel to change before going out for dinner and drinks.
We made it to Astor Place subway stop just 10 minutes after planned; sucks my phone doesn't have service in the subway. There we met Donna and inquired whether 5 people could be accomodated at Angel's Share bar; alas, no.. strict 4 pax maximum at that small place. (I had invited a childhood friend, Nick, who I wrote it was fine if he brought his friend). We looked for a restaurant and decided on a Vietnamese pho place (cheaper than the Japanese restaurants surrounding it). I got seafood pho, like usual, but the broth was blander than what I've had in Richmond. Mmm, I want some more now. After that, we decided to go to Angel's Share to have one drink before Nick and his friend arrived. It was a nice, intimate "speakeasy" as the Yelp reviews said. Donna made a fine suggestion, and I'm glad we went together. My drink was "Royal Flush," which was a cucumber-infused cocktail with vodka and sake, I believe. The other drink I considered had champagne. When the waiter served it, there was about a minute delay before he poured the drink, so I thought for a moment I had ordered $13 vodka-infused cucumber! ha. Nick was still on his way, so we decided to check out another place that allowed more people.
We chose a Mexican restaurant, where from outside, we saw pitchers of sangria. We ordered white wine sangria. Then Nick and his friend came. They were amused by Viviane, which is often the case of a pretty, foreign girl w/o perfect English. Guess it was the combination of alcohol and her native German tongue that made her pronounce "willage," which Nick repeated a few times in jest! Poor guy, he's balding.. isn't that one of the worst things to happen to a young aspiring actor? Of course, there are many actors with sparser hair, but you lose a sex appeal factor, somewhat.
We decided to move on, and it was time for Miss Zhen to take the subway home before her work day later that morning! The four of us went to a place that was actually a 24 hr diner. Nick wanted to order breakfast food, but that didn't start until 2am. I got a mango martini, which I tasted garlic in a few sips. I should have complained, but was too far gone. V got electric lemonade. Nick's friend said twice he liked her, because she can be blunt. She told me afterward that alcohol makes her talk more, uninhibited, and hopes she wasn't too impolite! "Nonsense," I said. "They liked it." I, on the other hand, like Donna, can be less inhibited at first, but then I just get drowsy and quiet and don't have much to contribute to the conversation. V told Nick the name of her "willage," which he said he would look up. I was about to say you can do it now, or save it on your phone, but it was tipsy times, and more like a test, that he could remember the name. Before taking the subway back, Nick was hilariously proved wrong when he said the black cube statue on its side at Astor Place couldn't be moved. The tipsy, young women trying to make it budge were having difficulty, but then they got it. Funny moment.
So, rather cool to see a childhood friend (there's a photo of us as babies in CT on a blanket) who I hadn't seen in 5 years, and as always, Donna, one of my favorite people from college.
Whew, long blog! This one definitely less of a summary. Day 3 (tribulation involved) to follow.
8/20/09
NYC résumé Day 1
What I did in NYC last weekend, en bref (or maybe not so bref):
-Upon arrival at hostel around 8:30am, because I couldn't check in until 3, I took a walk down Lexington, Park, and Madison Avenues. On Saturday mornings in the summer, they close off sections of Park Ave so people can ride their bikes, jog, or walk safely; that was neat to see. Stopped at the Asia Society Museum, but it was mainly film showings, and I felt I needed to get back for when Viviane arrived. Stopped at "La Maison du chocolat" and thought of getting a drink, but it is $9.50 for a frozen chocolate.
- Back at the hostel, was pleasantly surprised when hostel staffer not only said I could check-in early (after noon), but that instead of the 8-bed female dorm, he placed us in a 2 bedroom by ourselves for no additional cost! The blasting A/C was welcome after I went up the 3 flights of stairs (good for the glutes and calves).
- After a shower, I wanted to lay down and sleep a little since I had taken the overnight Chinatown bus, but Viviane was due to arrive and hadn't called yet; I wondered if I were dialing her intl number properly. I finally got through to her, and learned she was lost, possibly on the other side of Central Park. I quickly got dressed, forgetting my day Subway card, and thought I'd have to take a taxi to find her. Luckily, she arrived soon after.
- Lunch at the nice little establishment "The furry dog" (?) next to hostel. Got "brunch" salad of spinach, hardboiled eggs, and cheese.
-Chinatown: Viviane hadn't found a purse her last time in NYC in May. She found one and was still happy with it the following days.
-SoHo/NoHo- Clothes shopping. I got a elbow-length sleeve shirt for $3.99. Viviane got a nice denim strapless sundress.
- Back at hostel, then walk to Central Park at sunset. The female Romanian tourist who took our photo said "So romantic," at which V and I looked at each other. The woman then said "You don't have to be lesbian for it to be romantic." Funny a Romanian said that.
- Then we got confused in the subway, and waited for trains that didn't come. So we didn't arrive at Indian restaurant until 10:00, taking a $5 ride in a hybrid taxi. We were the only diners at that time. We ordered paneer saag and lamb madras for old times sake. V got a sweet lassi. We were very full, and I felt sorry to not take the leftovers back, but it's not convenient when visiting a city.
-Upon arrival at hostel around 8:30am, because I couldn't check in until 3, I took a walk down Lexington, Park, and Madison Avenues. On Saturday mornings in the summer, they close off sections of Park Ave so people can ride their bikes, jog, or walk safely; that was neat to see. Stopped at the Asia Society Museum, but it was mainly film showings, and I felt I needed to get back for when Viviane arrived. Stopped at "La Maison du chocolat" and thought of getting a drink, but it is $9.50 for a frozen chocolate.
- Back at the hostel, was pleasantly surprised when hostel staffer not only said I could check-in early (after noon), but that instead of the 8-bed female dorm, he placed us in a 2 bedroom by ourselves for no additional cost! The blasting A/C was welcome after I went up the 3 flights of stairs (good for the glutes and calves).
- After a shower, I wanted to lay down and sleep a little since I had taken the overnight Chinatown bus, but Viviane was due to arrive and hadn't called yet; I wondered if I were dialing her intl number properly. I finally got through to her, and learned she was lost, possibly on the other side of Central Park. I quickly got dressed, forgetting my day Subway card, and thought I'd have to take a taxi to find her. Luckily, she arrived soon after.
- Lunch at the nice little establishment "The furry dog" (?) next to hostel. Got "brunch" salad of spinach, hardboiled eggs, and cheese.
-Chinatown: Viviane hadn't found a purse her last time in NYC in May. She found one and was still happy with it the following days.
-SoHo/NoHo- Clothes shopping. I got a elbow-length sleeve shirt for $3.99. Viviane got a nice denim strapless sundress.
- Back at hostel, then walk to Central Park at sunset. The female Romanian tourist who took our photo said "So romantic," at which V and I looked at each other. The woman then said "You don't have to be lesbian for it to be romantic." Funny a Romanian said that.
- Then we got confused in the subway, and waited for trains that didn't come. So we didn't arrive at Indian restaurant until 10:00, taking a $5 ride in a hybrid taxi. We were the only diners at that time. We ordered paneer saag and lamb madras for old times sake. V got a sweet lassi. We were very full, and I felt sorry to not take the leftovers back, but it's not convenient when visiting a city.
8/13/09
Feeling I need a retreat into wilderness again, away from daily deadlines, client requests, and fruitless calls to China
I'm plain frustrated right now about work and my situation, and because I work this god-awful schedule, don't have good friends to talk to about it when I get off of work.
I'm happy I'm going to NYC, but I have to make sure I relax. Last year before going I kind-of freaked out; NYC somewhat intimidates me.
Tonight at work I had a hard time breathing during my break, so much so, I felt like going home. When I feel like this, trying to breathe deeper doesn't seem to help; feel only sleeping, a sedative can. I had ctced Hong Kong, a transportation company, for a 3rd time, and they tell me different stuff each time. So I had to email the client once more to get final approval before booking it like she wanted. I friggin' hate helping people with China.. it's just a pain in the ass dealing with it by phone, if you're not there.
I'm not really sure how to make it better. I've been there 10 mo, and my anxiety and inability to relax in certain situations has probably worsened. I'm trying to find a better job, but it's a tedious task, for which I feel I don't have enough energy. That's another thing: I had a huge energy drop (there's another word, can't think of) after dinner tonight. It sucks. I hope acupuncture helps in releasing endorphins.
I'm happy I'm going to NYC, but I have to make sure I relax. Last year before going I kind-of freaked out; NYC somewhat intimidates me.
Tonight at work I had a hard time breathing during my break, so much so, I felt like going home. When I feel like this, trying to breathe deeper doesn't seem to help; feel only sleeping, a sedative can. I had ctced Hong Kong, a transportation company, for a 3rd time, and they tell me different stuff each time. So I had to email the client once more to get final approval before booking it like she wanted. I friggin' hate helping people with China.. it's just a pain in the ass dealing with it by phone, if you're not there.
I'm not really sure how to make it better. I've been there 10 mo, and my anxiety and inability to relax in certain situations has probably worsened. I'm trying to find a better job, but it's a tedious task, for which I feel I don't have enough energy. That's another thing: I had a huge energy drop (there's another word, can't think of) after dinner tonight. It sucks. I hope acupuncture helps in releasing endorphins.
8/5/09
Gearing for interviews, if I can just start networking,..
I bought a suit today! Stylish, gray one for $80.00 at Macy's. The saleswoman, who I've seen working there before, said at the end "Here you go, little one." Also bought a peachy pink shirt with satin bow in the back for $10 at NY & Co.
Yesterday before work I went to the employment center that used to be a public library.. a little nostalgic. I remember the guinea pig they had in a cage in the kids' section. I didn't make an appointment since I figure that's more for people who have lost their job, but picked up a bunch of free booklets on different subjets, like "Making contacts" and "Informational interviews." I need to start doing some of the latter. I basically only did 1 with a R-MWC alumna last year before being offered my current job.
Thought of going to rotary club mtg yday but my friend invited me to lunch at Super King Buffet (pan-Asian food). I said goodbye to Albane, her french ex. student. They have those mtgs weekly, so I'll try to go next wk.
RSVP'd to a women's ntwking lunch. It's in between 2 counseling sessions (which are on same street, so I'll be back and forth). The 2nd counselor is free of charge with work, and hope she can provide work-related advice. I plan to take advantage of any "free" service the company gives before I leave or am given the boot.
Felt a little unmotivated after finishing my course. I have my free time back, but the task of starting networking is daunting. It can be fun, just have to be in the right mindset.
Yesterday before work I went to the employment center that used to be a public library.. a little nostalgic. I remember the guinea pig they had in a cage in the kids' section. I didn't make an appointment since I figure that's more for people who have lost their job, but picked up a bunch of free booklets on different subjets, like "Making contacts" and "Informational interviews." I need to start doing some of the latter. I basically only did 1 with a R-MWC alumna last year before being offered my current job.
Thought of going to rotary club mtg yday but my friend invited me to lunch at Super King Buffet (pan-Asian food). I said goodbye to Albane, her french ex. student. They have those mtgs weekly, so I'll try to go next wk.
RSVP'd to a women's ntwking lunch. It's in between 2 counseling sessions (which are on same street, so I'll be back and forth). The 2nd counselor is free of charge with work, and hope she can provide work-related advice. I plan to take advantage of any "free" service the company gives before I leave or am given the boot.
Felt a little unmotivated after finishing my course. I have my free time back, but the task of starting networking is daunting. It can be fun, just have to be in the right mindset.
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