Back in the Swing

Continuing on...
Monday the 14th I met up with my friend Jenelle from my Applebee’s days. We met at Jazzy Bagels in Gresham. I missed that place. Jenelle is doing really well and I had a great time catching up with her.
In the afternoon I went and watched the movie “Atonement” with Rachel. We both had wanted to see it and somehow hadn’t yet. So we made the time.
The movie was not exactly what I expected but I liked it. I don’t really care for one of the actors in it, (her first name rhymes with my first name), so I had a little extra trouble enjoying the film. It really was beautiful though. It’ll be interesting to see how it does at the Oscars. I could go either way.
After the movie we hit up some “happy hour” at Chevy’s in Clackamas. I love happy hour. When happy hour was over we decided we weren’t done hanging out so we went and sat in a Starbucks. I sure miss having Rachel around. I just realized I’ve been writing that a lot. “I miss…” The truth is I realize now just how much I love and appreciate the friends, family, and even the places I know in Oregon. The trip was really fulfilling in that way. I have always appreciated all those things in Oregon but somehow I know now, more than ever, how lucky I am to have friends and family and a beautiful state to call “home.”
I went to the beach at Lincoln City with my parents all day on Wednesday the 16th. I had so much fun. We found tons of pretty seashells and rocks. We saw two bald eagles, ate some Mo’s clam chowder, and shopped at the outlet mall. I found a great jacket at the Gap Outlet. I loved not having to pay sales tax. Then we checked out Chinook Winds Casino. That was a riot. I won thirty bucks! Haha. (Not a big gambla)
On the trip home I discovered that many of my friends are pregnant or are getting married. Something got into the water while I was gone. I’m not kidding. There are an inordinate number of my friends taking the giant leap. I realized I had to fly back to New York before I drank too much of the Kool-Aid. Ahaha. I did, however, get asked to be a bridesmaid at my friend Katharine’s wedding next year. I’m pretty excited. I’m really happy for a lot of my friends though. They are taking big steps in their lives and I’m excited for them.
The rest of the trip to Oregon was great. I got to do eveything I wanted to do and more. I saw tons of friends and I've never felt so loved. I'm going to visit again in May and I can't wait.

Now back to NYC. Let’s see…

I had a temp job last Thursday (2/1) as a night receptionist. The office was in the Grace Building which is just across the street from Bryant Park. Fashion Week was about to start so I could see the big white tents from way up on the 27th floor. The view was unbelievable. I kicked myself for not bringing my camera.
A girl I go to church with works in the same office I temped at. I had no idea she worked there so when she came out to say “hello” it was pretty surprising to see her. What are the odds? Of all the offices in NYC I temp at the one Ilyse is working in.
On Friday I auditioned for the national tour of “Evita” and the role of Eva Peron. I was really proud of how I sang and the casting director liked me. He paid me a very nice compliment about my voice. I didn’t get the part though. I didn’t really mind all that much, I got a nice compliment so that was good enough for me.
After the audition I met up with my friends Rachel and Denis and we ate some lunch. Then I met up with Courtney and saw the movie “No Country for Old Men.” Wow, that’s a good movie. Creepy, but good.
Then Courtney and I went to “Vintage Bar” in Midtown to take part in the “Good-Bye Party” for my friend Rachel who’s heading home to Texas for a while. Te entire day was rainy but it seemed particularly torrential when we were out walking around. We dodged mud puddles and people with umbrellas and cracked up the whole time. I felt like a little kid. My umbrella was basically useless as the rain was coming at me from all sides.
Saturday I had a showing of “The Soapranos” with the New York Dinner Theatre. We had a particularly hilarious cast that night and we were having blast out there. It’s those nights that I feel like the audience is just along for the ride. After the show I got a ride home with Nick, (who plays AJ Soaprano). He’s another Beatles fan. We sang about 10 Beatles songs at the top of our lungs on the drive. Gotta love another Beatles fan.
Sunday I auditioned for an Acapella choir called Khorikos. The audition went well. I have a callback audition and if I sing pretty I’ll be their newest member. I have missed being a part of a choir.
After the audition I explored Soho a bit. Hadn’t done that since I’ve been in town. I like Soho. While it’s far too expensive for me to afford anything there, I still feel welcome to window shop.
I went to church at night near Union Square at Apostle’s evening service. We meet at St. George’s Church for our night service. The sermon was the first in a series on idolatry. It was eye opening. I can tell this sermon series is gonna change my life. I think everyone should hear the sermons (go to apostlesnyc.com and listen to the old sermons). I read the Benediction in the service and got caught up with a few friends after church that I hadn’t seen in a while.
Then I rushed home to watch the end of the Super bowl and boy what an ending it was. I LOVED watching it. What a game. Those Giants have really made NY proud. After the game the city was humming outside my window. I heard yelling, whistling, car horns, and fireworks among all the noise. That was fun to be around for. It’s not everyday the NFL team from where you are wins the Super bowl. Especially in such an upset!
Wednesday NYC is having a parade for the Giants. That should be fun.
Monday I temped in the Chrysler building! That was fun. I just answered phones all day. I think we’re up to speed. I got a few auditions coming up this week so stay tuned… haha.