Pick a Train

Pick a train, any train. Today is full of random trains of thought.

Train of Thought 1

I have a love/hate relationship with laundry day. I love having clean clothes. I love the warmth of the clothes when they come out of the dryer. And the smell of the detergent and dryer sheets. It makes me feel clean, and who doesn't like to feel clean?

But...I hate feeling like I gained ten pounds in one night. I'm serious. When you wash your jeans, do they not feel like you're about to bust the seams? It makes me feel bad about myself. But then I realize that while I have been eating enough donuts and chocolate for three people, I have not gained ten pounds in one night...it was just laundry day.

And before anybody thinks it, I'm gonna say it. Yes. I did do laundry on a Friday night. And you know what? I always do. Cause the laundry room on Friday nights is deserted. Usually anyway.

Last night there were a couple of guys from somewhere Spanish speaking. And they had no idea what they were doing. It was pretty hilarious. They kept asking me questions, but they didn't know very much English and I didn't know how to describe doing laundry in Spanish. But in the end I think they figured out what to do. And if not, at least they had fun taking pictures of themselves doing laundry to show to their friends.

Train of Thought 2

In my next life I hope I'm richer than Donald Trump. Not really because I want all the money and the huge houses and the boats and the buildings names after me and the TV shows and everything else, but because I want to have experiences like the one I had the other day at work.

I was running some errands and I had to run a personal errand for one of the designers. I had to go to a hair salon to drop something off. A bit of a strange request, but whatever. Before I left she was telling me what the building was going to be like. That I'd have to sign in when I got to the lobby. And that i had to go to the second floor. And that there would be people with clipboards there and that I should tell them I had a package for one of the stylists. And then she mentioned something about how it was like something out of Gossip Girl, but I didn't really believe her. Because I didn't believe places like that existed.

Oh. But they do. True to her words, I signed in with the lobby receptionist and went up to the second floor. Where I saw the most amazing thing. People sitting and waiting for their turn. With coffee in their hands. Not Starbucks cups. But real cups. Cups that had been served to them by the staff at the salon. Unreal. And sure even a clipboard girl came up and took the package for me.

If that's not enough to tell you how swanky of a place it was...when i got back to work the designer was telling me that a lot of people take their dogs to this place. Not just to have them by their sides. But to get their hair cut. And colored. She even mentioned that one of the stylists that is her friend refuses to do the dogs hair. Why? Who knows. I would sure love to groom a dog...

But anyway. That's why I want to be rich in my next life. I want to be able to see all of this ridiculous stuff. The dogs getting their hair cut at an uber fancy salon. And coffee being served to me everywhere. Cause let's face it. I may not like coffee in this life. But if I'm incredibly rich in my next life, I will love it.

Train of Thought 3

New York smells bad. I'm not talking haven't taken a shower for two days bad. I'm talking forgot to take the trash out for a month bad. It's unreal. And the funny thing is that it depends on where you are in New York. Some places smell far worse than others. It also depends on the time of day. And the way the wind is blowing. And if you haven't taken a shower in two days.

But over all. New York smells like there are millions of people living here. So the next time you stop by this grand ol' city, make sure to prepare your nose. Maybe do some smell exercises. Like going over to a dumpster and smelling it for ten minutes. Or cleaning up your dog's poo and then standing beside it for fifteen minutes. Just to prepare yourself for the crazy amount of bad smells like seem to hug New York city like a blanket that it's had for a hundred years.


I hope you found a train that to you to your desired destination.

สวัสดี.

Kim.

Be Who You Want

This is for all you poor college folk. Like me. Those of us who can't spend $100 on a sweater, but would really like to buy that $500 jacket. Those of us who have a problem.

Well here's what I have to say to that...

It's only a problem if you make it one.

Today while I was at work the greatest thing happened. I was feeling a little unhappy about the outfit I picked out for the day. It just wasn't quite working for me. But then it was 5 and  while I was standing at the printer the greatest thing happened. A coworker that was wearing a top that probably did actually cost $500 turned to me and said "I like your sweater." Nice. Simple. To the point. What she didn't know was that I got that sweater from a thrift shop. Actually. I didn't even do that. I got that sweater from a friend. And that friend got the sweater from a thrift shop. Yep. Second hand thrift shop sweater got a compliment from a $500 fashionista.

So I'm going to take this lesson and apply it to the rest of my days. In life. I love that sweater. So I'm gonna wear it. Cause it makes me feel good. So I'm going to forget what other people might think about my style and do what I want.

And you should too.

If your $1 pair of pants fits you like a dream and makes your butt look out of this world, then who cares that you weren't the first person to own them. And if your $15 jacket makes you feel like you're wearing $1000 Burberry, then you go ahead a rock that jacket even though it's probably not Burberry at all. And heck, my free shirt that I'm going to wear tomorrow might not be from this season, or from the last eight seasons, but it still makes me feel like hot stuff. So I will wear it. And it will be great.

So even though you might not have the money to afford the Prada bag that you're dying for, that doesn't mean you can't still be stylish. As long as you feel like a million bucks in your clothes it doesn't matter if you only spent two.

Αντίο.

Kim.

For those who are interested...

Design Project 3! Inspiration : Snow Crystals

Design Project 2! Inspiration : Clouds Made From Explosions and Storms

Design Project 3! Inspiration : Dancers and Their Muscles

If you want to see more...look on Facebook or just ask me :)

Heading Back

Hey all! I wrote this from the bus home from Philly that...made it's way pretty quickly to New York City. So...Ahem...Here it goes...

"Why Philly?" you might ask. Because I had the Greatest Weekend Ever! Well, except for the last couple of hours, but we'll get to that later. Moving on...

I visited my friends Cebul and Elizabeth this weekend at a magical place called Haverford. No. I didn't mean to write Harvard. Harverford is like a movie set that got forgotten about so it was turned into a school. Or a ski lodge...only they never got the memo that there are no mountains around. In other words. It's gorgeous. And seriously, imagine a ski lodge on none mountainous ground and you will have pictured Haverford.

Once I got past the beauty I then moved on to rating the food in my mind. To put this is perspective. I've been eating Easy Mac, chocolate candy, and granola bars for what has felt like forever. Partly due to Sandy messing with my grocery store and partly due to the fact that I have a chocolate addiction.

Now. With that said. The food at Haverford was great. I got all my food groups. And a couple of donuts (the greatest food group of all in my opinion). But I now feel very full. I think I managed to eat two full meals with each meal that I ate. I had forgotten what it was like to have a buffet at your disposal all of the time. But boy did I sure take advantage of it this weekend.

And of course we went to a part on Saturday Night. Luckily it was literally 20 feet down the hall. So we didn't have to walk into the not-so-cold night. But once I got there I realized that I need to get out more often. I forgot what college parties were like. And while I had a great time, I felt incredibly overwhelmed. So many noises and smells and visuals assault you when you first walk in. And it doesn't let up til you leave.

And don't forget the dancing. Now...no offense, Haverford, but you are a giant group of nerds. And it shows in your dancing. And it was awesome and I felt right at home. People just went for it. It was hilariously entertaining and made me feel perfectly uninhibited. Enough to rap Nicki Minaj Songs. Word for word and feel totally okay about it.

All in all. Haverford was a great time and a great break from busy NYC. And I actually saw grass. Lots of it. And trees.

But sadly. Something had to go wrong. It was only fitting for a Kim outing into the world.

I missed my buss back to NYC.

Dun dun dun.

But "how" you must be thinking, am I writing this on a bus. Well. You see. After feeling like a complete idiot for waiting in the wrong bus line long enough to miss my original bus (because it was in the wrong color, people) (who makes a black and white Bolt Bus anyway) I managed to get myself together and get in a standby line. Now, my original bus was for 7:30. I got in the standby line at 8:30 for the 9 bus.

As my luck would have it. Nobody in the standby line got on that bus. Since the next bus was at 10 though, a bunch of people got out of the line. Wusses. So I ended up 5th in line.

The 10 bus got to the pick up early. Which was exciting, but nerve wracking as people trickled one by one onto the bus. All of us standby people were practically holding hands with our fingers crossed hoping that we could get on that bus. Finally it was 5 til and they asked if any of us had missed an earlier bus. Finally, luck was on my side. Cause two people in front of me didn't. And they only let five people on. So I barely got on the bus. But I made it! Woo! I made up for being an idiot! And I got to finish my book and wander around a train station.

So the Greatest Weekend Ever ended up with a happy ending after all. Well...if you call sitting next to puffy vest guy and getting back to NYC at midnight happy.

Til next time.

Doviđenja.

Kim.

Elevators, man. Elevators

Elevators make me happy. They mean that I don't have to walk up stairs. Cause really, walking up stairs is terrible. I mean, awesome for your calves, thighs, and butt, but I life on the 16th floor. That'd be a ridiculous amount of steps to walk up. I'd probably die. But elevators also let me meet new and interesting people all the time.

Like the Italian man that looked as if he was incredibly disappointed that the NY Marathon was cancelled. How did I know he was Italian? Well that's an easy one! Mostly because of the accent. But he also looked a lot like someone on the Italian Olympic swimming team. Anywho. The real reason I know that he was Italian is because I asked him if he was supposed to run in the race and he responded in Italian. Only Italian. Saying something that I'm pretty sure meant that he only spoke Italian. And then I didn't know what to say. So I said "Ah...Okay...fwaeliunf." The awoefn was a bunch of nondescript sounds that spilled out of my mouth. I'm pretty sure I left that elevator experience with the Italian Man thinking that I'm an Idiot American.

Then. On Election Day. Woo. After buying some seed beads so that I could finish my design project while watching the craziness, I rode the elevator with a man and a woman. Unattached to one another. The man asked if we had voted and I said yes. Then he proceeded to talk about how his dad, who's probably 90 years old by the way, put on his suspenders and his bow tie and went to the polls to vote. Made a super cute image in my head. I even added a little hat to the man's head and made the pants high waters. precious. But after the man got off the elevator I realized the woman was being very quiet. Then she spoke. And she was Australian. And hilarious. She told me how she didn't think that they would let her vote in America. And I told her she should try anyway. But it was a nice reminder of home and all my Australian friends, one in particular.

But really. The best was today. I rode the elevator with Elvis. If he was alive today, 50 years old, with blond highlights. I wasn't completely convinced though. Not until he got off the elevator and while the doors were closing to take me up to work I head him begin to sing. And not just any song. A very Elvis sounding song. Not one that I've ever heard before, which means that this new Elvis has been working on some new material. And let me just say, I think there are going to be a lot of hits.

I've also found that elevator rides give you just enough time to catch your breath. Cause everyone walks fast in the city. Well everyone except everyone that forces you to practically stop cause they're moving so slow. But we wont count them because they bug me. Anyway. You walk so quickly so that by the time you get to where you're going you're on the verge of embarrassing yourself with panting and, dare I say, sweating. Don't worry though, I never sweat. I'm a lady. So while you're on the elevator you can grab a swig of water and fan yourself every so gracefully, since you're a lady too.

So take advantage of elevator rides. And if you're in the real world and not NYC and you only have to ride a couple of floors up. Take advantage of it quickly. Very quickly.

Nakemiin.

Kim.

RIP

Yesterday was a sad, sad day. I lost something very important to me.

It all started when I woke up. I was suddenly fully aware of the fact that I didn't have anything to eat for breakfast. So I left for work and headed down to the corner store. I decided while there, to get not just one, but two donuts. Because it was Friday, a day for celebration. I was then enjoying my donuts while walking to work. The first one, a delicious custard filled, chocolate covered donut with sprinkles was amazing. It made me happy that I got the second donut. A regular donut, with chocolate and sprinkles. Delicious.

But to my horror. As I was crossing the street my donut began to jump around. I bobbled it for what felt like thirty seconds before it committed suicide and fell to the ground. The gross, gross ground. Now, if I was in doors just about anywhere, I may have picked up my donut and eaten the rest of it. I mean, that was half a donut, on the ground. But I guess I have to draw a line somewhere. And on the street in the middle of New York City is where my line was drawn. So I picked him up and took him over to the trashcan and threw him away.

I couldn't even have a proper memorial service for him because by that time I was late for work. So I took one last look over my shoulder in his direction and walked away.

I still think about him. I wonder if he's in a better place. I wonder if he made it to the city dump, or if someone dumped some water in the trashcan and he disintegrated. I'm hoping that some hungry person found my half donut and ate it, so that it wasn't a total waste. But don't worry about me, cause we have a project due on Wednesday and that means I get to get another celebratory donut on my way to class.

Aloha.

Kim.

Coincidence Tuesday

I almost forgot! This was my last Tuesday morning. I was just minding my own business and this Heineken truck pulled up beside me. Coincidence? I think not. I just hope their are more coincidence in my future.

Chocolate Clouds

Welp. It's been awhile. I've missed you all dearly. But I've been a little busy. What with school, and work, and sitting on my butt and doing nothing in between. I'm back though. And hopefully I haven't lost my touch.

In the past coupled weeks I managed to turn in a design project, almost finish another one, clean my work office to a shine, and almost get blown away. But all I've been able to think about lately is eating chocolate. Why? I'm not really sure. But  whenever I'm eating, or in between eating, or thinking about eating, all I see is chocolate. I can taste it on my tongue. I can see it in my mind. Yet it's nowhere to be found. Occasionally I mosey on down to the vending machine on the 9th floor to get a Butterfinger or Reese's Cups, telling myself that I have to walk the six floors to do it. Alas, the walking up and down steps does nothing to stop me from getting what I want. So if any of you are feeling generous. Please, feel free to send me some chocolate.Of any kind. I promise, it'll help me with my school work.

Apart from my recent obsession with chocolate, I have realized that if you want to see cops wandering around every block in groups of four or more, all you have to do is create a hurricane and have it disrupt the city. Seriously, guys. I saw more cops in ten minutes than I have seen the entire time I've been here. Well, as long as we don't count the day that I saw about a hundred cops standing on the steps of the post office, getting their picture taken. But really, I've never felt so safe in my life. It was like I had body guards that changed with every block that I walked. I could get used to that...

For those of you who were worried about me while Sandy was running amok, no need to worry. Where I was we had absolutely no problems. Occasionally my windows would shake and I got terribly tired of sitting in my room, but other than that, nothing happened. I was a bit disappointed, but also glad. What made me sad was that my windows are the worst for storm watching. I missed the big windows in my family room at home that allowed me to sit and watch the rain and wind. Oh well. At least I didn't actually blow away.

It's really strange though. I've always noticed the calm before the storm in regards to nature. How you can smell the storm before it gets to you, and see all the animals hiding, but wow. New York City people really brought a whole new meaning to this. I went out on Sunday, to grab some ice cream for dinner of course, and there was nobody out. Now, nobody is relative, so there were some people, but I could actually move without running into anybody, and I was able to ride the elevator up and down from my room without anybody else. Now the ice cream was delicious (Cookies 'n Cream...mmm) but really I could not get over the fact that everybody was just...gone. I wasn't nervous about the storm until then. And once I got to the Drugstore to get my fix, it was packed! Completely. The line could have gone all the way to North Carolina and back. Okay. Maybe not. but it sure felt like it when I was only buying three things.

The ice cream was worth it though. You should replace your meals with frozen delights more often. It's delicious and filling. And delicious.

I came to the conclusion recently (not the one that I'm completely ADD) that my mom and sister and i should open up an organization business. For real. last week all I did at work was organize and clean, and it was great. I got to throw things away that weren't being used and use lysol wipes to clean and disinfect. It was therapeutic. I've never felt better then the day after the cleaning, walking into the office and not feeling like I'm walking into a war zone. My head was clear and I didn't feel itchy from the dirt. So if any of you think this idea is plausible, let me know! That way it'll be easier to convince my mom and sister to join me. And I'll have an excuse to go to IKEA and the Container Store. So please. RESPOND. Or send me a text. Or something.

I'll try to be better about this whole blogging thing for you. Just for you. :)

Do pobachennya.

Kim.

Please Do Your Hair Like Dolly Parton

This blog is entitled "Please Do Your Hair Like Dolly Parton" for a reason. It's not because for the past couple of weeks I have managed to ride the elevator at work with a Dolly Parton wanna-be, but is because her hair is awesome. If any of you disagree, just go look at Texas. Everybody's got hair the size of...Texas there. So please, I'm begging you. Do your hair all big and blown out. If not for the thumbs up and cat calls you'll get, then for the ability to block people's views.

On a side note. Ride the subway whenever possible. Or walk. Or take another form of transportation. But the subway is the greatest. Not only is it fast. But it has the ability to make you feel like you're in a movie. Yes. I can hear the soundtrack now. Something fun and upbeat. And most likely hip hop. Because let's face it. When four guys walk on the subway and start dancing while flipping a hat and flipping themselves, there's probably going to be some super amazing hip hop beat playing.

Oh wait. No. That's what happened to me in real life. Yes, people. Four guys walked on the subway and began to dance. It was the best subway experience of my life. I thought for sure there must be a hidden camera somewhere, but alas, I was unable to find it. Lessen learned though, ride the subway all the time.

But of course. If you want a little piece of TV, all you have to do is walk down the street.  I can't even tell you how many Spanish news shows I can be seen walking through. It's amazing. I never thought I would have to opportunity to be a background star. I feel beautiful with my hair blowing in the wind and my cheeks a little pink from the cold. And once I hear those Spanish words my hips start to sway a little bit more and I'm on top of the world. At least for ten seconds while I walk by.

I apologize for not putting more pictures up. But let's face it. I'm having too much fun to stop and take a picture. Also, I would probably get trampled over by people, run over by a car, or simply pointed at because I'd look like a tourist. So bear with me while I try my best.

That's all you get for now.

La Revedere.

Kim.

1, 2, 3!

Okay. Here are some life lessons for everyone.

1. When it rains be sure to have an umbrella.

Also be sure to walk around a lot of people. Because chances are, there will be a very flamboyant straight man that will dance with his umbrella to make you smile and then say a creepy "hey ladies" to you and your friend. Just image a singing in the rain, Broadway kind of umbrella dance. Or you could also compare it to Rihanna dance in her Umbrella video.

2. Make sure your fake nails are glued on nice and good.

If not. make sure that they don't fall off in the hallway. It's just gross. And really, I don't think that shade of hot pink/red suits anybody. So if you must drop them on the hallway floor, at least make them a color that I would like to look at.

3. If you want people to be nice to you, wear a short skirt.

I'm not even talking a mini skirt. Just something short enough to show some thigh. The amount of people who fall over backward to help you goes from maybe half a person when you aren't showing leg, to about 20. So if you're ever running an errand and you know you're going to need some help carrying something, or reaching something, or you're just lazy and don't want to do something....wear a skirt. It's also pretty good for your self esteem when guys call you beautiful and tell you they want to marry you.

4. Exercise.

Simple enough. But really. Do you want to be that person who gets sweaty from a five minute walk to work? Or from walking up three flights of stairs? I didn't think so. Also, there are usually some very cute boys that hang out in work out rooms. Just FYI. for those of you who care about that sort of thing.

5. Don't wear mom jeans.

They just aren't flattering. And guys. Really? Why would you wear anything that resembles a mom jean? I just don't understand. No girl is going to glance at your bum if you are. Unless it's to say, "Really, man? Those look like jeans my mom would wear." NO MORE LONG BUTT!

6. Finally, Donuts are delicious.

But be careful. I hadn't had a donut in months. And now I'm having a problem because about 20 stores in the block radius of where I live sell donuts for less than a dollar.

That's all you get for now.

Do widzenia

Kim.

AMNH!!!

Walking, walking, walking.

Obviously I've been extremely busy with my incredibly important life here in New York City. That and I had a design project due and my body's trying to tell me that I'm getting sick. The first ended up great. I'm super excited about all the design work we've been doing. Our teacher is trying to get us to be as creative as we can be and she helps to show us how to do that. It's very conceptual and drawing the croquis (fashion people drawings) kinda sucks, but it's nice to do things in a different way than usual. Especially since once I head back to good ol' Kent, I'll be doing a lot more technical, commercial work.

Enough of that though. I've been fighting this being sick for three or four days now. And it's terrible. I've been eating well, getting a good amount of sleep, and dressing appropriately, all the things you mom tells you to do to stay healthy. But still I sit here and use tissues like it's my job. Hopefully the watermelon and grapes I just got help with that. If anyone has suggestions of how to beat a cold really quickly, let me know. Cause this is unacceptable.

Moving on. My parents came to visit me this weekend. It was a bit strange, seeing my Ohio parents going around New York City, but it was nice to see them. They actually walked everywhere that they went. For those of you who have never been to NYC, let me tell you. It sucks. I walked with them from the New Yorker all the way to the American Museum of Natural History. That's forty blocks. And on the way their we went to Saks and Barneys first, so three or four blocks out of the way.



After walking that much it was a bit hard to concentrate on all the awesome stuff at the AMNH, but I still managed. For those of you who don't know this about me. I am a museum lover. No. Not just a lover. I'm obsessed. Friday night we went to MoMA, which was awesome. And then the AMNH on Saturday. I was in heaven. And my favorite thing was the reptile and amphibian room at the AMNH. More specifically, the snakes. Weird, since if I ever ran into a snake anywhere that it wasn't dead or behind glass I would freak out. But they are so cool! Seriously! Take a look next time you are around snakes! Their bodies are amazing and they move so cool. Sometimes I wish I was a snake. It'd be awesome. Unless I lived in Texas and a cowboy shot at me.



And now. Let's take a moment of silence for the homework I had to do this weekend. It's called shopping. Mhm. I got to try on $900 sweaters. It felt wonderful. So if anyone wants to donate to the Keep Kim Warm Fund, you can send a check or cash to me. Just ask for my address. And FYI Baby Alpaca is the greatest feeling ever.

I'll try to do better with these posts from now on. But know that when it comes time to turn in a design project, I'll probably miss some days. But get over it. Cause I'm the one over here working my butt off!

Yasou.

Kim.

Being a Tourist

This weekend has been full of being a tourist. It was a nice break from all the school work and internship work I've been doing lately. Even though both are fun when you're in New York City.

Friday night I went to the Whitney Museum. For those of you who don't know. Most museums in New York have a specific time on a specific day where the price of admission is "pay what you wish" aka. FREE! So. Friday night from 6-9 is that time at the Whitney. It's an art museum that focuses on more contemporary artists. WARNING: this is not a museum for all you people who are on the fence about art. It's a place for people who love art, in all it's forms. The best example of this is the exhibit I went to see. It was a Yayoi Kusama exhibit. Let's just say that her art is slightly psychedelic and obsessive at the same time. I loved it, but then again for those of you who know me, you know I'm weird and I love things that are different, that make you think. And boy did her art make you think. It was great.

Saturday afternoon was much more user friendly. I met up with my friend Diliana down by the Statue of Liberty. No, we didn't actually go out to the statue, but we did see it from Manhattan. I'll have to be a better tourist some time in the future and actually go out to see it. There's a park down there though, where the boats pick you up to take you to the statue, and it's nice. It's nothing like Central Park, but a little bit of green space in this giant city is definitely something to be happy about in whatever form it comes in. There's also some great public art, which brings me to the best part of the afternoon.

As Diliana and I wondered around, on our way to find something to eat, these guys caught our attention. Well, they caught every one's attention. They were obviously setting up for something and trying to get a bunch of people to watch. The looked fancy in their track suits, but all I kept thinking was that they must be really hot (I myself was sweating and I was standing half in the shade). Anyway, they got their gathering and then proceeded to dance and do tricks while the leader would yell funny things out to the crowd and the other four guys would finish his sentences. A common theme was that they were big black guys, but they weren't going to rob us. They did wander around with giant trash bags before the big finale in order to get some money though and whenever someone gave them five dollars or more they would give a shout out to the country the person they were from. There were Brazilians, Italians, Floridians, and Texans. It was great to actually see that New York really is a mixing place for a million different kinds of people.

Back to the show. The big finale was that one of the guys did a front tuck over six people who were bent at the waist with their hands on their legs. Very impressive. And he even managed a round-off layout at the end of it. For those of you who didn't do gymnastics, we'll just say that he did a flip over people and then did some more flips right after, just because he could. Very impressive.

Now I'd like to take some time out for a life lesson.

This one I will call...Purple Leggings. On my way back to my building after my internship one day I found myself behind a girl. I found myself behind a girl wearing purple leggings as pants. They didn't look too bad and it would have been fine, but as I was taking in this sight I realized something. With how tight her leggings were, they became a little bit see-through. Now even that might have been okay....who am I kidding, it wouldn't have been okay even at that. But what made it even worse was that I could see that he underwear had writing on the butt. Now once I realized this I quickly averted my eyes and refused to look at this girl anymore so I can't tell you what her behind said. I did believe that this lesson should be shared though.

So girls, and some of you guys, be sure to wear appropriate underwear with your see-through leggings, or know that people will be slightly disgusted.

That's all for now.

Farvel.

Kim.

Lessons for Life

I just wanted to give you guys a quick lesson for life. It's called the Opportunity Cross.

No. I'm not talking about some stupid job or travel opportunity. I'm talking about using cross walks. Yes. The kind that you use when you are walking somewhere, like to school, or you job, or really anywhere in New York. Now. When walking around a city...like New York, you will notice that giant globs of people tend to stand and wait for the light to change so that they can cross the road. Well! I am going to give you the secret to avoiding this situation. Because let's be real, standing next to that smelly guy who has ridden on the subway one too many times and just ate a $1 pizza while scratching his butt is not a pleasurable thing to do.

Now drum roll!

The secret is the Opportunity Cross. This means that if you have to walk two blocks over and six blocks up, try your darnedest to not stop walking. This means that you opportunity cross. Whenever you get a chance, cross the street. That is until you reach one of the streets you need. If you can't cross the street, turn and walk down until you can jay walk.  If you can turn and cross the street instead of going straight, do it. Don't create a set path for yourself. That is why people end up in the giant globs. If you don't need to walk straight down the avenue for four blocks, causing you to get stuck at four cross walks, don't do it. Keep you feet moving. Not only is it good exercise, but it is also good for avoiding those people who you want to avoid.

Now that I've let you in on the greatest revelation of my life it's time to go.

Proshyai.

Kim.

Fashion Shows and Walking Woes

Well. Thursday night was Fashion's Night Out. For those of you who don't know what that is I will explain. It is a night where stores give you an excuse to shop by staying open later than usual. It's great. There are sales and makeovers and people to style you. I got to walk around Macy's and see a ridiculous amount of people. But when aren't there a crazy amount of people around you in New York?

Even at ten at night, people were still going strong and shopping til they dropped. Literally. I saw many people sitting on the benching on the shoe floor resting before getting up to shop some more. The funniest part of FNO was Famous Footwear. Yes, famous footwear. There was a DJ outside of the store. Playing mad beats loud enough that I could still hear it when we got back to our room. Who knew that Famous Footwear of all places would be jamming til the sun came up. Not me.

Moving on to the most important part of the day. Lincoln Center. I got to go to a fashion show. A real one. In the Mercedes-Benz tents. I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I walked inside, but it was better than anything I could have come up with. There were Mercedes sitting inside the lobby as well as a place where you could get your hair done and free Pepsi. I felt like a star and I was just there for a student runway show. With a standing ticket no less. It was all very exciting. And the people watching was phenomenal. A girl wearing an outfit made up of the weirdest prints imaginable. A woman wearing a giant wig. And far too many men wearing more make up than me.

After finally getting into the "Studio" where the show was being held. I was standing and waiting when all of a sudden, one of the workers asks if I would like to sit down. "Why yes. I would love to." And with that I got a prime seat. In the second row. I was so close that I could feel the breeze as they rolled up the plastic that was protecting the runway. But alas, it wasn't meant to be. A hot second before the show started the man who's seat I was in walked in the door. So I got pushed back to the fourth row. Still pretty good, but not second row good.

Needless to say. Sitting in the audience and getting to see the garments walk down the runway was great. If it was an Elie Saab or Oscar de la Renta runway show I would have died and gone to heaven. Let's just say that I'm going to be hanging around Lincoln Center for a good part of this next week just to see who I can catch a glimpse of.

On a side note. Walking around in New York City is ridiculous. My blisters have blisters. And it doesn't help that I keep getting to run errands for my internship. Sure, I get to go to Bergdorf Goodman and Saks, but still. Couldn't places be closer? Or couldn't my shoes be more comfortable? If you have any suggestions for cute shoes that are good for walking around the city, let me know. Cause all of mine hurt my feet after I wear them for one of my walks around the city. Here's a piece of advice. If you live in NYC, invest in a subway pass and a better pair of shoes than mine.

Adios.

Kim.

THIS JUST IN!

THIS JUST IN!

While walking aimlessly around New York City tonight I was approached by a man. Said man was shirtless, with said shirt draped around his shoulders. He was probably 40 years old and had tattoos everywhere. He said "Excuse me. Can you tell me something. Do I look sexy?" After pausing for a couple seconds I replied with a smile and a "No." And walked off.

The lesson that was learned here is that you should always have something clever to say in any situation. You never know when something will happen that will make a good story later. Next time I will be better prepared so that my stories will make you all laugh hysterically.

                       

Homework is the best!

I never thought this day would happen.

I love doing my homework. Of course, when that means going to stores like Bloomingdale's and Barneys and looking at the gorgeous clothes, who wouldn't love doing their homework. It would just be a million times better if I could afford the clothes. Alas, I am a college student and can not afford to drop $300 plus dollars on a shirt, no matter how gorgeous. I do have to eat. But then again, after two days of pretending to shop for clothes, maybe I'll go on a diet.

But more importantly. The window displays at Barneys were amazing. One was for the Barneys 500. For all you NASCAR fans out there, this was awesome. A Manolo Blahnik was racing around a miniature track. It was hilarious. And for the record. I think the Manolo Blahnik did win, and not just because I liked it the best.

The other was for Louboutins. They were swimming with the fish! I'm talking real fish! Fish that matched the color of the shoes that were in the tank! There was even a little note about how the fish go to sleep at 8, so we needed to be courteous when that time came. I can't wait to see all of the displays at Christmas time. If this is what they look like now, they are going to be amazing then.

On a side note. The Upper East Side...well the Lenox Hill area, which is a little lower on the caste list, is a whole different world than the Garment District. I think I should visit it more often. The sidewalks aren't as crowded, but even when they are, the people are nicer. The air smells fresher, probably because there are trees everywhere. Maybe not big Ohio trees, but trees. Even the steps up to the houses were nicer. They were all architecturally interesting, whether they were curving or the railings were twisted. They were beautiful.

Eventually though. We made it to Central Park. Which is gorgeous. And hidden within a million buildings.

It was nice to actually see a bunch of grass. After living on a farm all summer and being used to having a yard, I didn't realize that I would miss grass. But I did. Now I know that I can just hope on a subway and head on up to Central Park. It'll be nice to see that at Christmas time too. With snow everywhere and ice skating. Really I just want it to be colder than it is now because I'm pretty sure my skin is melting off on a daily basis.

Time to finish looking at the pictures I took while doing my awesome homework.

Auf Wiedersehen

Kim

Running Around The City

Man! It has been a long couple days. I ate some Thai food. I went grocery shopping. It was difficult. I wanted to buy way more food, but then I realized, walking ten blocks with 5 bags of groceries would be very difficult. But my butt will probably thank me. I guess I didn't really need those cookies.

Classes started this week. I'm pretty excited about my classes. My teachers are awesome; they are working in the industry now. My studio teacher even went into detail about how to sneak into a fashion show. I'll have to try it during Fashion Week. :P My design teacher has an awesome Irish accent. I am continually imaging her wearing green and carrying around a bucket of gold. And occasionally a rainbow can be seen out of the window. Let's just hope we can all keep her happy or else she might send her Gremlin friends to get us.

Besides classes I had a bunch of interviews this week for internships. The first was for Von Vonni. Let's just say...okay. I got lost. I was five minutes late. But was it really my fault that they didn't answer the door when I knocked the first time? Or that i had to ask a stranger to help me? Perhaps I shouldn't have followed said stranger into a creepy looking room to another stranger. Probably not that smartest moment in my life, but it turned out okay.

Second was at Kleinfelds. Yes. the Say Yes to the Dress place. I got there early and had to wait. And while waiting I saw a group of people getting mics and getting filmed walking in and out of the store. And I saw Randy. He wandered in with three people following him, wanting a picture, and then it turned into a circus. At least 20 people crowded around him waiting to take a picture with him while the camera crews tried to film the group that was walking in and out of the front doors. Then, once that was over, ten of those people stayed and stood right outside of the sales area blocking anyone who wanted to go in or out. The receptionist wasn't too happy about it, but they clapped for the girls that were trying on dresses. It was cute.

The best part happened on my walk there. I was just walking along, minding my own business and I see the strangest thing. A man is walking. With a small green bird on his shoulder. Just sitting there. And then, when he saw me looking, he reached up and pet the bird, and then continued walking as if nothing had happened. Only in New York.

My last interview was with

I found my way there and went up tot he 21st floor. Yes. 21. It was beautiful inside. The displays looked perfect, the music made me happy, and the view wasn't that bad either. Welp, jumping to the end, I got the internship! Yay! And I started today! The day after my interview!

That is the building that I get to work in. On the 21st floor. I work on a floor that's higher than anything in Wooster. My first job was running to Staples to get a camera battery charger. And. I got lost for a minute or two. But I figured it out and didn't get fired on the first day! After doing super awesome intern duties all day long, and getting to look out of the window at the amazing view, I'm finally done. I survived my first day of being an intern at Magaschoni. I hope tomorrow goes just as well.

That's all you get for today. Since I had to work today I didn't get to do homework. Oops. Time to get on that.

Ciao,

Kim.

First Day High!

Hello from the big city!

I was a little nervous about coming to New York City. In my mind it was going to be like a CSI show with dark lighting and scary background music. I wouldn't have even been surprised to see police tape lining many of the alleyways. Much to my surprise, however, it was like Sex and the City. Nice bubbly music was playing in my mind and the sun was shinning brightly. The $1 piece of pizza that I got was delicious. Mickey Mouse, Woody, and SpongeBob were there to greet me. And I even managed to walk down a couple streets that had trees lining the road. Turns out the big city isn't as terrifying as I expected.

And just to make all of you a little bit jealous, this is the view from the outside of my building.

Yes, that is the Empire State Building. And yes, Madison Square Garden is, literally, across the street from me at this moment.

More to come, from classes to interviews to going grocery shopping. Let's hope I don't make a complete fool of myself in this city.

Au Revoir,

Kim