It's an Alexander McQueen RTW embroidered tulle gown with silk lining - I bet it feels like heaven. I guess at $1,998.00 (marked down from $12,915.00) it should feel like heaven. Ahhh... Now, I'll just dream of luxurious gowns and beautiful parties.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Dreaming ---
I really wish I had reasons to wear dresses like this:
It's an Alexander McQueen RTW embroidered tulle gown with silk lining - I bet it feels like heaven. I guess at $1,998.00 (marked down from $12,915.00) it should feel like heaven. Ahhh... Now, I'll just dream of luxurious gowns and beautiful parties.
It's an Alexander McQueen RTW embroidered tulle gown with silk lining - I bet it feels like heaven. I guess at $1,998.00 (marked down from $12,915.00) it should feel like heaven. Ahhh... Now, I'll just dream of luxurious gowns and beautiful parties.
Monday, April 27, 2009
A diagnosis.
My father has leukemia.
It's a statement that doesn't get less strange each time I say it. My father has leukemia. It's called Chronic Lymphocitic Leukemia (CLL) It's a blood cancer, where the healthy blood stem cells develop abnormal lymphocytes and don't become white blood cells. In turn, people with CLL don't fight infection as a normally healthy person would. This, actually, explains why my father has been continually sick (unable to fight off even the smallest infection) for an entire year. With this type of cancer, the lymphocytes increase in the blood and bone marrow, which leaves less room for healthy white and red blood cells.
While it's a strange concept to me, this type of Leukemia is the most common type for adults. And, the chances of developing this type of cancer increases with being white, male, and over 50.
In the "Leukemia and Lymphoma" world, this type of cancer is known as the "watch and wait" cancer because treatment is postponed until the chromosomal mutations occur. So, depending on how long my father has had this cancer (without knowing) will determine when treatment will begin. (I'll know on Thursday how advanced his case is)
It's such an odd thought - knowing that the blood that is running through my father's veins is contaminated. The very thing that is keeping him alive is also killing him. Irony. heh.
In truth, I feel numb about the whole thing. When telling people of this diagnosis, the words sound like lies coming out of my mouth -- in a way that I haven't convinced myself that it's real. Not that cancer is something that is extremely rare in my family, but just that it's my father - MY FATHER! My father, who is caring and kind, witty, and a bit of a smart-ass. The man who can find humor in any situation. The one who can fix anything. My father has leukemia.
Of course, it's difficult for me being away from my family during this time - but what is more difficult is trying to talk to them about it. It's like my family has gone in to "Crisis Communications mode channeled by Mr. Rogers". I understand that they want to paint a pretty picture of the situation to help us all feel better - and I understand that until we know what the treatment will be (and when it will begin) there's not much reason to be completely engulfed in emotion, but feel SOMETHING, please?! I can handle crisis. I can be upset and still be okay - but it seems that my family is trying to protect me from feeling anything with this diagnosis.
Call me crazy (and some have) but I think that it's okay to be upset, it's okay to be scared - in fact, it's probably healthy to feel that way. But why can't my mother and father admit that they're scared? I'd rather know that they're worried than to get the "Oh we're fine! Don't be upset, we're all just fine!" when I know it's not completely true.
The thought of one day losing my father was something I wanted to bury in the back of my mind for many many years - now, the realization that my father will eventually be taken by cancer is in the forefront. I understand that he's got time - depending on the diagnosis and treatment, he could live 30 or 40 more years! (This, is what I'm hoping for) But it's still crippling to imagine a life without him in it. I don't want to.
For now, I will continue to pray for his heath (both physically and emotionally) and do whatever I can to help him in this journey - it's going to be a long one.
It's a statement that doesn't get less strange each time I say it. My father has leukemia. It's called Chronic Lymphocitic Leukemia (CLL) It's a blood cancer, where the healthy blood stem cells develop abnormal lymphocytes and don't become white blood cells. In turn, people with CLL don't fight infection as a normally healthy person would. This, actually, explains why my father has been continually sick (unable to fight off even the smallest infection) for an entire year. With this type of cancer, the lymphocytes increase in the blood and bone marrow, which leaves less room for healthy white and red blood cells.
While it's a strange concept to me, this type of Leukemia is the most common type for adults. And, the chances of developing this type of cancer increases with being white, male, and over 50.
In the "Leukemia and Lymphoma" world, this type of cancer is known as the "watch and wait" cancer because treatment is postponed until the chromosomal mutations occur. So, depending on how long my father has had this cancer (without knowing) will determine when treatment will begin. (I'll know on Thursday how advanced his case is)
It's such an odd thought - knowing that the blood that is running through my father's veins is contaminated. The very thing that is keeping him alive is also killing him. Irony. heh.
In truth, I feel numb about the whole thing. When telling people of this diagnosis, the words sound like lies coming out of my mouth -- in a way that I haven't convinced myself that it's real. Not that cancer is something that is extremely rare in my family, but just that it's my father - MY FATHER! My father, who is caring and kind, witty, and a bit of a smart-ass. The man who can find humor in any situation. The one who can fix anything. My father has leukemia.
Of course, it's difficult for me being away from my family during this time - but what is more difficult is trying to talk to them about it. It's like my family has gone in to "Crisis Communications mode channeled by Mr. Rogers". I understand that they want to paint a pretty picture of the situation to help us all feel better - and I understand that until we know what the treatment will be (and when it will begin) there's not much reason to be completely engulfed in emotion, but feel SOMETHING, please?! I can handle crisis. I can be upset and still be okay - but it seems that my family is trying to protect me from feeling anything with this diagnosis.
Call me crazy (and some have) but I think that it's okay to be upset, it's okay to be scared - in fact, it's probably healthy to feel that way. But why can't my mother and father admit that they're scared? I'd rather know that they're worried than to get the "Oh we're fine! Don't be upset, we're all just fine!" when I know it's not completely true.
The thought of one day losing my father was something I wanted to bury in the back of my mind for many many years - now, the realization that my father will eventually be taken by cancer is in the forefront. I understand that he's got time - depending on the diagnosis and treatment, he could live 30 or 40 more years! (This, is what I'm hoping for) But it's still crippling to imagine a life without him in it. I don't want to.
For now, I will continue to pray for his heath (both physically and emotionally) and do whatever I can to help him in this journey - it's going to be a long one.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Instability.
Last night, I woke up every 2 hours -- just like the night before. Something is unstable within me.
Monday, April 20, 2009
The Let-down
This past week/weekend was my first in "back to normal" state here in the city. I thought that it would be a welcome relief - to get back into my normal routine, but what I found instead was a letdown of massive proportions. When I was home for Christmas, I felt a huge weight lifted when I got back into the city after the new year. I was back to anonymity, back to being on my own. But this time, I didn't feel the same enjoyment. I felt sadness - sadness about being back in the "concrete jungle" - knowing that I would go back to being alone in the masses. I knew that as I made the trek from airport to apartment, I wouldn't run into someone I knew and no one would be waiting for me to return.
My sadness upon return quickly morphed into another emotion altogether - I was angry! Angry at what? Specifically, I don't know. I just know that Tuesday-Friday of this past week, I was surly... I didn't snap at people, and outwardly, I'm not sure if anyone could tell that I was fuming on the inside - but still, I didn't feel content. I thought maybe it was the weather... since I had just spent the weekend enjoying 70 degree days, complete with sandals and sundresses, then came back to 40 degree rainy days. Gross.
Ultimately, I'm sure my malcontent came from many different sources... the weather, my family's absence, friends no longer coming to visit, being alone in my apartment, nothing good on tv, and no upcoming plans to look forward to. Still, it makes me wonder if my feelings of coming back to the city are a sign of misplacement. Is New York City not where I'm supposed to be?
Maybe I'm putting too much of my thoughts and plans into the "fate" category. I guess because I tried so hard to plan my life according to what I wanted before, and watched it all crumble around me, that I feel that there's no use in fighting what is meant to be. But at what point does allowing what is "meant to be" become laziness? Am I doing myself a disservice by not trying to take control of every situation? Or am I simply giving up control as a way of coping with the past?
Ugh. I think too much.
On Saturday, NYC experienced it's first spring-feeling day of the year. Because of the 70-degree weather, I, like everyone else in Manhattan, decided to spend some time in Central Park - laying in the grass, reading, and taking some walks. I always enjoy Central Park - it's large enough to surround yourself with nature so that you don't feel like you're in the city, but crowded enough so you don't feel alone. On Saturday, Central Park felt more like a Festival of sorts, with all of the people hanging around, groups performing for the masses, and the vendors walking around selling hot dogs and sodas. But, it was nice to see a different side of this city. The photo above is the Jackie O. Reservoir, tucked right in the center of Central Park. (sorry about the quality, taken by camera phone - and crappy camera phone at that!) The buildings seen are on the Upper East Side.
I wanted to go to a different section of the park than I normally frequent, and I'm really glad I did. I saw an entirely new image of the Park - one that is rocky and trail-like instead of the section set for a movie-scene. (as seen to the left - photo not by me) Though, I will admit, I love the mall area of the park. My favorite passage is seen here, with the windy trees making a canopy over the walkway. It's just beautiful, I could walk up and down the path for hours. I eventually met up with Carrie and Ryan in the Park (at a section known as "Sheep Meadow")
After leaving the park, I went to the grocery store at Union Square and lugged all of my groceries 11 blocks back to my apartment. I made myself some dinner, watched some TV, then met Carrie and Ryan downtown at a bar for one of their friends' birthday party. It was a wasted attempt to make some friends, since not a single other person spoke to me (besides Ryan and Carrie) - what is it about people in this city? They don't really like to reach out of their comfort zones. Once a friend circle is made, it is rarely breached. So I went home alone (I'm getting pretty tired of that), read a bit, and went to sleep.
I basically slept all day on Sunday, waking to read a bit, then falling asleep again. It felt like a wasted day, but I probably needed it - to catch up on the lack of sleep I sustained over the past 2 weeks.
Currently, I'm at work - but the server is down on our floor, therefore, I can't use the program needed to do any of my daily work. So, I'm sending my thoughts out into the blog-o-sphere. Not that anyone really cares how I felt coming back into the City or how I spent my Saturday, but it's there if you want it. Enjoy.
My sadness upon return quickly morphed into another emotion altogether - I was angry! Angry at what? Specifically, I don't know. I just know that Tuesday-Friday of this past week, I was surly... I didn't snap at people, and outwardly, I'm not sure if anyone could tell that I was fuming on the inside - but still, I didn't feel content. I thought maybe it was the weather... since I had just spent the weekend enjoying 70 degree days, complete with sandals and sundresses, then came back to 40 degree rainy days. Gross.
Ultimately, I'm sure my malcontent came from many different sources... the weather, my family's absence, friends no longer coming to visit, being alone in my apartment, nothing good on tv, and no upcoming plans to look forward to. Still, it makes me wonder if my feelings of coming back to the city are a sign of misplacement. Is New York City not where I'm supposed to be?
Maybe I'm putting too much of my thoughts and plans into the "fate" category. I guess because I tried so hard to plan my life according to what I wanted before, and watched it all crumble around me, that I feel that there's no use in fighting what is meant to be. But at what point does allowing what is "meant to be" become laziness? Am I doing myself a disservice by not trying to take control of every situation? Or am I simply giving up control as a way of coping with the past?
Ugh. I think too much.
On Saturday, NYC experienced it's first spring-feeling day of the year. Because of the 70-degree weather, I, like everyone else in Manhattan, decided to spend some time in Central Park - laying in the grass, reading, and taking some walks. I always enjoy Central Park - it's large enough to surround yourself with nature so that you don't feel like you're in the city, but crowded enough so you don't feel alone. On Saturday, Central Park felt more like a Festival of sorts, with all of the people hanging around, groups performing for the masses, and the vendors walking around selling hot dogs and sodas. But, it was nice to see a different side of this city. The photo above is the Jackie O. Reservoir, tucked right in the center of Central Park. (sorry about the quality, taken by camera phone - and crappy camera phone at that!) The buildings seen are on the Upper East Side.
I wanted to go to a different section of the park than I normally frequent, and I'm really glad I did. I saw an entirely new image of the Park - one that is rocky and trail-like instead of the section set for a movie-scene. (as seen to the left - photo not by me) Though, I will admit, I love the mall area of the park. My favorite passage is seen here, with the windy trees making a canopy over the walkway. It's just beautiful, I could walk up and down the path for hours. I eventually met up with Carrie and Ryan in the Park (at a section known as "Sheep Meadow")After leaving the park, I went to the grocery store at Union Square and lugged all of my groceries 11 blocks back to my apartment. I made myself some dinner, watched some TV, then met Carrie and Ryan downtown at a bar for one of their friends' birthday party. It was a wasted attempt to make some friends, since not a single other person spoke to me (besides Ryan and Carrie) - what is it about people in this city? They don't really like to reach out of their comfort zones. Once a friend circle is made, it is rarely breached. So I went home alone (I'm getting pretty tired of that), read a bit, and went to sleep.
I basically slept all day on Sunday, waking to read a bit, then falling asleep again. It felt like a wasted day, but I probably needed it - to catch up on the lack of sleep I sustained over the past 2 weeks.
Currently, I'm at work - but the server is down on our floor, therefore, I can't use the program needed to do any of my daily work. So, I'm sending my thoughts out into the blog-o-sphere. Not that anyone really cares how I felt coming back into the City or how I spent my Saturday, but it's there if you want it. Enjoy.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Family-
Okay, so part two of my fabulous two weeks. I went home for the first time since Christmas - a much needed break from this city. So, I took Thursday - Monday off last week. While, I have taken a huge hit in the pay-day department, the chance to see my family and get back to my "comfort zone" was well worth it.
The traditional "cousins on the stairs" photo
See? Tradition -
Cousin, Adison, showing me her Easter Eggs
Kimberly, Katrina, Me, Laura Beth
Adison with Paisley (Katrina's dog)
Can you tell I spent a lot of time with a 2 year old? I wouldn't have it any other way!
Just some photos on this post - thoughts and feelings about my visit home and NYC coming soon --
Cousin, Adison, showing me her Easter Eggs
Kimberly, Katrina, Me, Laura Beth
Adison with Paisley (Katrina's dog)Can you tell I spent a lot of time with a 2 year old? I wouldn't have it any other way!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Friends!
Alright, alright! I need to update! The past two weeks have been AMAZING!!! Two weeks ago (as you can see from the below post) some of my bestest friends came to visit the city (and me!) and I had a wonderful, but exhausting weekend with them! Of course, we couldn't see everything in the city, but we did hit some of the major sights! (Chinatown, Times Square, Central Park, FAO Schwartz, Tiffany's) : ) Because my words will do no justice to the weekend, I'll just throw some pictures down so you can see the fun that was had by all! (I hope!!)
Top: Mebane Friends out for the night in the East Village
Left: Elizabeth, Anna, and Sarah in the "van cab"
Right: Elizabeth, Ashley, Virginia at brunch in Midtown West
We found some pretty interesting people in Central Park -
Exo-facto.
Elizabeth, Sarah, and Ashley - so Vogue in the park!
It was so great having them here for the weekend. It was proof that NYC has the potential to be a fun place. You should all MOVE HERE!!! Yaaay!!!
Maybe, if I stay here, I could get a larger apartment, so we wouldn't have to sleep like this:
Come again soon, friends! I miss having you here!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Antsy!!
Though it will be a short weekend, I'm thrilled to have people in the city that I know and love - and those who understand what it's like to come from small towns : )
This week is going to be the best week.. My Mebane friends are coming RIGHT NOW - I only work 3 days next week, and then I'm on a plane headed back to NC for a long weekend! What a refreshing break that will be - to be back in a place where I'm comfortable, around people I love and people who understand me. I miss my family so much - I never had the transition period most do, when their first year at college is also their first year away from home and family. Hello? I could get from my front door to my dorm room in 18 minutes. (If I needed to - ha!) So, I never really had to sever the cord of close relationship with my parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Now, I'm having to do just that. I am away from everyone - and it's very hard. Especially when you tack on the responsibility of having to take care of myself too (emotionally, physically, and financially).
Though, I will admit, it's getting easier.
But, for now, I'm head-first into a wonderful weekend with home-town friends! I'll definitely post some of our adventures when it's all said and done : )
Until then, readers. Adieu!
What I love about New York: awesome friends visiting for the weekend!
What I hate about New York: Chinatown bus delays
What I love about New York: awesome friends visiting for the weekend!
What I hate about New York: Chinatown bus delays
Sunday, March 29, 2009
I <3 NY?
New York and I have a love/hate relationship. I am often asked if I'm happy living here - and that question is very difficult for me to answer. Yes, there are days that I love New York and there are definitely days where I hate New York. Right now, I'd say I'm at a 30/70 state.
In the same way, I also get very different reactions from people when I tell them that I live in New York City. Some see it as an amazing opportunity, while others, pity me. What is it about this tiny island that evokes such emotions?
First, New York City is seen as the "Backdrop of America" - since it is so often the scene of movies and television shows. So, the prestige of living in the "Heart of America" is a great one. It's almost as if people can't believe that someone would actually live in such a city. (Or maybe it's just someone like me) I often walk around the city, taking in the sights and think to myself, "I can't believe I actually live here!" It's surreal most of the time. I'm sure I will look back on this time I've had here in the City and I'll want to kick myself for not experiencing all it has to offer, and maybe the overwhelming nature of this place keeps me away from most of those things.
On the other hand, New York City is synonymous with high crime rates and unsafe places. With that connotation and the high prices of real estate and renting, I can understand why people would question my living here.
I don't deny that I've had a difficult time living here. But, living here hasn't been completely horrible either. In fact, when I was at home over Christmas, I missed New York! (I know, really!) Mainly, I missed the anonymity of the city. At home, there are people that still look at me with pity - and, I have to constantly be on guard in case I run into those from my "past life". The stress of that is unbelievable!
At the same time, it's hard being in this city and being a nobody. When I walk by myself around this city (as I do a lot), it's depressing and lonely - to feel like you're an invisible being around thousands of others.
Like the varied responses I get when I say "I live in New York City", I have varied responses myself about my current address. This city can be exciting and exhilarating, but it can also be lonesome and dark.
So do I love NY? Yes and no.
What I love about New York: Community gardens tucked between buildings.
What I hate about New York: Dog poop all over the sidewalks.
Maybe I'll do a love/hate section on each blog update??? Maybe.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Need v. Want
Yesterday, I read an article (alright, it was a blog) that talked about struggling in your work life. Since I am certainly facing a daily struggle here, it captivated my interest very quickly. But, it was a little disheartening when I read "struggle is the Universe's way of telling you that you're barking up the wrong tree". The article went on to say,
While I've thought long and hard about my current situation, and what I'm willing to put up with, I had always come to the conclusion that you have to go through the difficult times in order to get to the place you want.
For the past 5 years, I have wanted a piece of the advertising industry. And, I'll admit, I had given up on the opportunity to really work in the advertising industry last year when I had planned to get married and move across the country. Truth be told, I had set myself up for the life of a faithful housewife. With no career prospects, and a husband in the military, I probably would have had children a few years after marriage and would never have entered the ad world. It's a sad thought, knowing that I had prepared to put aside my dreams and desires for a career for someone else. So when my life drastically turned around, I got my chance. I moved to New York City, the advertising capital of the world - hoping to get a slice of the ad world.
The thought of working with a team to conceptualize new ideas for campaigns and watching it come to life has always excited me and I love being around that atmosphere here at Ogilvy. But, the problem here is that I'm working at advertising, not in advertising. Yes, part of my goal has been achieved. I am working at a world-wide agency that is highly respected in the advertising world. But, I am making no contribution and I have no affect on what this agency is putting out there. If that's not frustrating enough, my co-workers seem to strive to make my job as difficult as possible. I don't want to sound whiny, and the last thing I want is for people to take everything I say as meaning "waaah, they're mean to me!!" But it's really getting out of control.
Believe me, I can put up with a lot. I can handle a lot of shit that is thrown at me. I'm really good at the "turn the other cheek" and I even can cope with taking the blame for some mistakes I didn't make. But I've been worn thin. I am a temp. A TEMP! I couldn't even find a real job in this economy. I couldn't even get a real interview with a company! The problem is, they know this. They know that I don't have any other options... and that I will stay in this position as long as it's offered to me because I have to make a living here. So they can ask me to do anything, they use me as their scapegoat, they pile work up for me and I crank it out, only for them to take the credit. (yes, I'm complaining. It's my blog and I'll complain if I want to!)
Ultimately, I don't want to work with these women anymore. And, hopefully I won't have to do it for much longer. I know I've been saying this for a while now. Hell, in December, I was thinking that I would be a full-time employee. Then I thought "surely by the end of March, I'll be full-time!" Ha, yeah. I know what you're thinking... "Virginia, if it's so bad, why don't you do something about it? Why don't you quit?" and here's my answer: I could quit. Yes. But if I did, what would I be giving up? Would I be able to find something else quickly? And, if so, would it be within the advertising industry? No matter what happens or how horrible this job is, I will still have Ogilvy & Mather Advertising as my first job out of college. And that name is invaluable.
"If you're struggling in your career right now, and not getting any where but frustrated, perhaps it's time to look at going down another path or creating another plan of action. If what you are currently doing really was the best course, you would be moving in a direction of flow and least resistance. Get your creative juices going. Your dream is yours to have. It just may be a different picture than you imagined."
While I've thought long and hard about my current situation, and what I'm willing to put up with, I had always come to the conclusion that you have to go through the difficult times in order to get to the place you want.
For the past 5 years, I have wanted a piece of the advertising industry. And, I'll admit, I had given up on the opportunity to really work in the advertising industry last year when I had planned to get married and move across the country. Truth be told, I had set myself up for the life of a faithful housewife. With no career prospects, and a husband in the military, I probably would have had children a few years after marriage and would never have entered the ad world. It's a sad thought, knowing that I had prepared to put aside my dreams and desires for a career for someone else. So when my life drastically turned around, I got my chance. I moved to New York City, the advertising capital of the world - hoping to get a slice of the ad world.
The thought of working with a team to conceptualize new ideas for campaigns and watching it come to life has always excited me and I love being around that atmosphere here at Ogilvy. But, the problem here is that I'm working at advertising, not in advertising. Yes, part of my goal has been achieved. I am working at a world-wide agency that is highly respected in the advertising world. But, I am making no contribution and I have no affect on what this agency is putting out there. If that's not frustrating enough, my co-workers seem to strive to make my job as difficult as possible. I don't want to sound whiny, and the last thing I want is for people to take everything I say as meaning "waaah, they're mean to me!!" But it's really getting out of control.
Believe me, I can put up with a lot. I can handle a lot of shit that is thrown at me. I'm really good at the "turn the other cheek" and I even can cope with taking the blame for some mistakes I didn't make. But I've been worn thin. I am a temp. A TEMP! I couldn't even find a real job in this economy. I couldn't even get a real interview with a company! The problem is, they know this. They know that I don't have any other options... and that I will stay in this position as long as it's offered to me because I have to make a living here. So they can ask me to do anything, they use me as their scapegoat, they pile work up for me and I crank it out, only for them to take the credit. (yes, I'm complaining. It's my blog and I'll complain if I want to!)
Ultimately, I don't want to work with these women anymore. And, hopefully I won't have to do it for much longer. I know I've been saying this for a while now. Hell, in December, I was thinking that I would be a full-time employee. Then I thought "surely by the end of March, I'll be full-time!" Ha, yeah. I know what you're thinking... "Virginia, if it's so bad, why don't you do something about it? Why don't you quit?" and here's my answer: I could quit. Yes. But if I did, what would I be giving up? Would I be able to find something else quickly? And, if so, would it be within the advertising industry? No matter what happens or how horrible this job is, I will still have Ogilvy & Mather Advertising as my first job out of college. And that name is invaluable.
I have spoken to Human Resources at Ogilvy (today, actually) and though I won't go into great detail on here about what was discussed and what was determined, I left today nervous, but optimistic about my future with this company. And, like I've said many many times before, "We'll see".
So, do I agree with what the article said? Yes and no. I think it has to be a balance of need vs. want. If the path for what we wanted came without struggle, would we really consider ourselves as being fulfilled? I agree that there are limits to the amount of struggle necessary for success - but ultimately, it is the struggle of reaching our goals that makes them so precious to begin with. And for what we need in life, everything we've ever learned (as humans) is to fight for what you need. We need to eat, sleep, live, breathe, and communicate - and if one of those is compromised, don't we (naturally) fight to get it back?
So here's the equation -
Need: I need a job. I need money so that I can eat, live, move around in the city (transportation), and pay my student loan bills (ha.)
Want: To work in advertising. To start a career of substance, where I feel like I'm contributing something to the ad world.
So where do they cross? Do I outweigh my want by my need? And how long do I suffer through the "need" section before I take swan dive into the unknown and risk losing to achieve the "want"?
Answer: Being an adult sucks.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Elon at the Plaza - UPDATED
I am so terrible at updating this blog. But I had a wonderful evening this week and I will be so upset if I don't blog about it eventually, so here goes.
In the Grand Ballroom, Elon started the evening with some mingling amongst alumni, wine and beer, and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Then, we all sat down to listen to Leo's speech and watch a video made specifically for the campaign. In true Elon fashion, it was a heart-wrenching, lovely video that makes you want to be back at Elon as soon as possible and to connect to every single person who stepped foot on campus. It's the kind of video that urges you to pull out your checkbook and write away your life's savings, giving it all to the University's campaign. After the video, three alumni performed (music theater majors) and they were all wonderful. One girl, class of 2003, is now performing in Wicked (which I saw a couple of months ago) Elon kids are going places!!
Plaza hotel entrance
I got to feel unbelievably fabulous this week! Elon, my alma mater, is in the process of raising 100 million dollars (yes, I'm serious) for the future of the University. It's a wonderful thing, because as Elon continues to grow and gain prestige, my degree will continue to gain prestige alongside. It seems a bit daunting for the University to attempt to raise so much money during such a difficult financial time. Yet, I think they're on the right track to reaching their goal.
So, for their campaign, they are hosting events for the Elon Alumni in various cities throughout the states to bring Alumni together and convince all of us to give and help to fund scholarships at the University. I was very pleased at how the event was organized and how the evening played out. I'll be honest, I expected to be bombarded with "GIVE US MONEY!!" throughout the event. And, though I would love to give lots of money to Elon, I know that I simply cannot spare any money at this time. So, I was apprehensive about attending the event since I had nothing to give, but decided to go anyway.
The event was hosted at the Plaza Hotel. Yes, the Plaza Hotel - one of the most prestigious hotels in this country. And, with rooms starting at $1000 per night, you can imagine how posh I felt walking into this hotel for an event in the grand ballroom. I mean, look at it! With it's proximity to Central Park and beautiful interiors, it's no wonder people are on a wait-list for YEARS to get married in that place! Just walking into the place is an experience in itself. The doormen, the gloved waiters, and the live strings playing in the dining room, ah, I felt so swanky!
In the Grand Ballroom, Elon started the evening with some mingling amongst alumni, wine and beer, and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Then, we all sat down to listen to Leo's speech and watch a video made specifically for the campaign. In true Elon fashion, it was a heart-wrenching, lovely video that makes you want to be back at Elon as soon as possible and to connect to every single person who stepped foot on campus. It's the kind of video that urges you to pull out your checkbook and write away your life's savings, giving it all to the University's campaign. After the video, three alumni performed (music theater majors) and they were all wonderful. One girl, class of 2003, is now performing in Wicked (which I saw a couple of months ago) Elon kids are going places!!
Plaza hotel entranceI wanted to take the opportunity at The Plaza to meet some other Elon Alumni, maybe to make some networking connections, but also to make some friends. I reacquainted with two girls, both 2008 graduates, at the event! So, I've officially got some "friends" in the city. YAY!!
Caitlyn, Me, and Allison at the Plaza
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
In other news, I had the WORST week at work last week, and I am nearing the end of my rope dealing with these people. I am trying really hard to keep my mouth shut and not to snap and say anything that I would later regret, but they are making it extremely difficult. My plan is to talk to HR to find out what my options are within the company. So, I'm a little apprehensive about working this week - because I don't know what the status of my job will be within the week. Ugh, being an adult really really sucks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)