A Pearl of Wisdom

"It's been said that love makes the world go round. That may be true, but friendship keeps the world on its axis!"

A call from Allie and an email from my sister, Suzanah, have really kept me going today. I know that the support from my family and friends is a must-have for this summer. Thank you all for your encouragement this past week. It really means the world to me! xoxo

So, here's one of the first pictures of me in the City... I'm at the observatory in the Empire State Building. Behind me you can see Central Park, which I'm thinking my apartment is somewhere at the top right of the Park. From way up there it seems like you can put your finger on it but in real life it is about 60 blocks from my apartment in the Upper East Side.

The internship has been going great so far. One of the most interesting things about the office is that there are 4 different offices in one! For example, you go in our door and then in the back there is a group of architects, one office has an accountant and there's one random desk out in the middle that has a freelance PR lady at it... not including Alice Marshall's staff. Space is not very plentiful up here! ha.

emily

it's the simple things in life...

that are the best.

Today I got off at my subway stop that leads to work, and the best thing was going on. An all-organic "green market" right at Union Square. It was beautiful. Plenty of flowers, fresh breads, honey... on and on. I was looking for some breakfast so, I bought a whole wheat honey-blueberry muffin. It was probably the best muffin I've had.

Seeing this today made me appreciate the culture in NYC. I've always heard that you could "feel the pulse of the city"... well, this little Green Market made me feel that "pulse." It was charming and truly a glimpse of something different than what's in Times Square, it's one thing that makes this place special.

Even more special is my summer roommate, Paula. She is a lovely Finnish girl who is so spirited and full of life. I am thankful to have her company when I'm at home. We sat tonight and talked about the gloomy weather outside today and she asked, "how I was liking my bedroom?" and she told me "that she promises to install the air conditioning soon!" Tonight is the first night since I've been here that I really don't need it... it's a cool 56 degrees out tonight. Is it really 56 in June? As a Florida GRITS I'm definitely not used to this!

now off to get some shut eye,

emily

"my family directly and my people indirectly have given me the kind of strength that enables me to go anywhere" -Maya Angelou, Mississippi GRITS

A picture from 5th avenue, The Empire State Bldg is fabulous.

I am ecstatic to have had a successful subway trip to and from work. I ate breakfast and lunch by myself, I did fine. I got to work an hour early (accidentally) but, I just kept walking until it was time to turn around and go to the office. I misunderstood and then understood instructions from one of the PR execs. I went out for dinner with Stephanie and found a new subway entrance for the 6 train. I'm sitting in an apartment that wasn't mine a day ago, but now it is.

As I am learning about NYC, I am equally learning about myself. Today's experiences taught me "why" I am capable to take on this summer. What is it that "enables me to go anywhere?" This summer my faith lies in my almighty God. I know that my tools have been sharpened and now is the time to put them to use. Today I kept reminding myself that, although unknown to me at times, I have been prepared for this adventure. Whether it be from my parents' teaching or from life experiences... I am ready.

I was realllyyy ready tonight for dinner, so it was off to Dojo with Stephanie. I walked there after work and we both had their "Union Sq" sandwich. It was delish and the company was even better! Stephanie is interning at Country Living magazine (hearst publications) for the summer and we enjoyed sharing our days with each other. One of my favorite things: good conversation.

Until tomorrow,
emily

when a southern girl has nothing else, she still has her manners...

For my first day I stuck with the standards that would get me through the day. A kind smile and good manners always seem to work wonders. I toured the office and met everyone I'll be working with, Cate, Mary Jane, Alice, Janet, Tim and the list goes on. Awkward moments came and went; I could feel the "new girl" jitters. Still keeping my chin up, I organized my desk; which really is a dream desk. It sits by the window over looking 5th Avenue. Across the street I can see the magnificent architecture of years gone by and a few pigeons every once in a while. It was a great day and I keep reminding myself that I will soon be comfortable and AMPR will feel more like home. It just takes a little time...

In other news: I'm excited to start my first blog! I have been encouraged by each of you and I can't wait to share my thoughts on this summer in NYC with you!


emily