Day 9:

A few days ago I went to Central Park. A word to the wise, if you even download walking tours to your iPod, make sure you pint the map that goes with it. Because when it tells you to take the path to the Alice In Wonderland statue, there aren't always signs and back tracing in Central Park can lead to a lot of extra time you were not planning on spending in the park. I also spend some time reading and taking a nap in front of Belvedere Castle. For lunch I attempted to buy a hot dog and eat on the steps of the MoMA like they do in Hitch, but they are repairing the front entrance and it was all boarded up :(

Two nights ago I went to meet a married couple, friends of a friend. Joanie is a residence hall manager and Ryan works with iron moldings. They are two of the coolest and nicest people! I loved hanging out with them and actually went over to their place last night for the 4th. We had a potluck. Couldn't actually see the fireworks but it was still fun. I also met this totally cool girl named Kerry.

Today started out slow. I had plans but flakiness changed that and I ended up staying home. However, I did meet up with Kerry and two of her friends for lunch. I'm very glad that I am starting to meet some Christian ladies my age. And then when I got home and check my email, I got an awesome surprise. Six of the best friends EVER bought me a 6th month pass for Netflix. Thanks you guys! I also got my first letter in the mail. It's cool to have mail in my little box :)

Randomness:
Saw my first subway rat. It was a big one too.
Wholefoods is BIG here. They are as big as back in Az. Everyone loves WF here.
You can kayak on the Hudson for free.
There is a discount on movies if you go before noon.
After a week, all the tourist get old.

Day 6

Had some fun last night. I went out last night with some American Humanics students. For those who are unaware, American Humanics is what my certification is in. Kenneth, Jamie, and Eila are from Baruch College in the middle of Manhattan. It was fun. We walked around for a bit and grab some grub at Chat ‘n Chew.

Today I went on a walking tour of the financial district downtown. Lindsey gave me this book called NYC Free & Dirt Cheap. It’s pretty darn amazing. The tour went as followed:
Federal Hall National Memorial –First built in 1842 and the drafting of the Bill of Rights, Washington’s inauguration, and the first stirring of rebellion against British authority all happened here.
The Police Museum –This was the First Precinct Station House. Did you know that “Cop” comes from the copper badges police used to wear?
Lovelace Tavern –During the building of the skyscraper a wall was found from 1670.
Fraunces Tavern –Originally built in 1719, but multiple fires have since caused for reconstruction. A lock of George Washington’s hair is here and this is where he gave his farewell speech.
Staten Island Ferry –It’s a free ride, but I shall save that for when someone visits. It’s supposed to give a great view of the city from the water.
Castle Clinton –Also has a portion of its original wall and has free concerts during the summer.
The Sphere –Designed as a symbol of peace, for 30 years it was at the Plaza of the WTC. It survived the towers falling down and now is at the start of Hope Garden in Battery Park. There is a metaphor in there I’m sure.
National Museum of American Indian –Beautiful building with 4 large statues of women representing Asia, America, Europe, and Africa. There are also 12 statues on the top representing seafaring regions. Inside there was actually an exhibit from the Smithsonian and, check it, the Heard Museum! It was way cool.
Trinity Church –Known nationally from National Treasure, this Gothic Revival church was built in 1846.
Saint Paul’s Church –This is the oldest building still occupied in NYC. It’s bright inside and is filled with 9/11 memorials. It became a little overwhelming after 5 mins.
WTC –The building of the new memorial is taking place. Check out the design at www.wtc.com
Battery Park City –A great overview of the current construction of WTC Memorial and a free concerts are also played here during the summer.

Tomorrow I will be taking walking tours in Central Park, I downloaded two from the web and I’m very excited to learn about the art in the park ☺

Day 4: Hotel/Hostel Research for Visitors

Close to me:

Comfort Inn Long link so just click here
Ramada Inn/The New Yorker http://www.newyorkerhotel.com/
Chelsea Star Hotel http://starhotelny.com/index.php
Chelsea International Hostel www.chelseacenterhostel.com/

Farther but well priced:

Big Apple Hostel www.bigapplehostel.com
Whitehouse Hotel of New York www.whitehouseofny.com
Radio City Apartments http://www.radiocityapartments.com/index.cfm


If you read this and plan on visiting, please comment on the days you would like to come so I can start planning for work etc.
Ladies you can stay here for $60 a night includes own room, sheets, towels, and dinner. Yes, I know it's not fair for you guys, but if you wanna pull a "bosom buddies" I'm all for it.


This is what I did for an hour instead of doing photos work. Distractions and procrastination...follows wherever you go...

Day 3: All Moved In

Friday went around NYC and saw many things including Apple Store off of 5th ave, Danny Strong (Who in the world is Danny Strong?!), and yummy family dinner on the West side.

Saturday went to Target in NJ to pick–up those lovely things I left/forgot at home (thanks for the giftcard Grant) and then went into the city to move into my apartment. It was a mad dash move let me tell you! Signed papers, got key, went upstairs, dumped out all of my luggage, and went to lunch. Then met up with some friends of a friend. We went to Brooklyn to the Botanical Gardens, then back to SoHo to a pub. Of course I was having so much fun I forgot about the clothes covering my bed back at my apartment. So I was up till 1am putting things away.

Today I had my first breakfast and dinner in my apartment complex. It’s funny how everyone sort of just spreads out and sits alone. It’s feels like everyone is the new kid. To sum up the food: refer back to your camp days. Enough said.
I finished unpacking went to B&H and Kmart. There is one two blocks down from me. It’s three levels. I forgot to buy hangers at Target so I need to shop a bit. I also went to church at Redeemer. It was held in a church just West of central park. They had jazz music fro worship. It wasn’t bad, but I think I will try the location East of central park next week. I then went and walked around Riverside Park then over to Natural History museum.

So, I like NYC so far. I still feel like I am just on vacation and I’ll be going home in two weeks. I think once the internship starts it will feel different.

Pictures of place to come.

Day 1: Moving in Progress

It is 1pm here in Newark, NJ. My parents and I flew in early this morning about 4am. We checked into our hotel, ate breakfast, and grabbed some sleep. We are getting ready to venture into the city for some bumming. There are really no plans for today, just relaxing.
Tomorrow I will move into The Webster after 1:30pm and my folks will be off on their two week vacation touring baseball parks of the East.
I've already come to the realization that I forgot somethings at home. I guess that means I need to find a Walmart.... or a corner grocery store? Now, for those who are thinking, how much did she take? I brought four bags. You have to understand, however, that two of the bags weighted 10lbs or more by themselves. So I could fit very little in them. And yes, I brought almost all my shoes.

Graduation

Graduation was wonderful! It was nice to get to celebrate with my family and friends. However, it went by way too fast. Thank you for those who came and those who weren't there, we shall celebrate in June :-)

5 Days till Graduation

There are five days left till I graduate. Today, for the first time, it feels real. I tried on my robe and cap and as I stood there looking in the mirror it all finally hit me. Soon my college career will be over and I will start a real job. Granted it is only an internship, but I will have so many responsibilities and so much will be expected of me. I am no longer a kid going through school, but an adult making real decision that will effect an entire organization. This is also the first time I felt a true sense of the possibility of failure and all the "what ifs" start going through my head. I have no idea what to expect from my time in NYC, but I pray for the best experience I can have.
Lord give me strength, peace, and hopefulness.