SOUTHWEST PORCH

Southwest in Bryant Park

A beautiful day in New York City and not sitting in the office. Yes, unemployment can be a wonderful thing, especially when your friends are around and want to go out for lunch :) Summer, Katie and I decided to go to Bryant Park where everyone in an office within a three mile radius also gathered to bask in the sunlight not available to them while trying to send out another email, analyze another spreadsheet, or waste company time by logging onto facebook or twitter. But, as for us - the unemployed and those that are lucky enough not to work 12 months a year, we sat in tranquility at the Southwest Porch in the heart of Bryant Park in shoes and tanks having sandwiches and discussing life.  It's moments like these remind me of why I love this city and its endless newness at a little over two hundred years old.

Summer enjoying the views before our lunch arrives

Summer's Toilet Paper Photography Exhibit

Summer (in green) showing off her photos at PhotoManhattan

Yesterday,  I had the pleasure of attending Summer Edell's photo project on toilet paper. Cheese, fruit, wine, and great photography with friends, check. But, after 5 minutes in the studio - I noticed the absence of air conditioning and the extreme presence of shiny sweaty faces on everyone, including my own. But, with wine abundantly available and friends having pseudo-artsy conversations we continued to sweat in the name of art. Though none of the photographers were professional, these amateur artists proved their passion and inspiration with truly striking takes on pictures ranging from portraits to food. In the words of Ansel Adams, "You don't take a photograph, you make it."
 

In trouble at the New York Public Library

Today, I decided to start the week off differently. I woke up at 8, as I usually do, but instead of sitting at my computer in my little apartment and looking at job posts -  I had an epiphany to head out to Bryant Park and check out the NYPL where wi-fi is accessible in certain areas. I felt amazing and re-energized as I walked towards Lexington Ave. to catch the subway and grab an iced coffee (a summer morning tradition). As I neared the library - I started feeling smarter. Is there something in the air or perhaps just a mental trick that all those books play on you? hmm... Once inside, I took out my computer and headphones and did my work for hours....when suddenly I was tapped by the male librarian and given the following note...

I didn't realize I was in the North Hall...I guess this is when my lack of navigation/direction can really hurt ;)

Two Roads...

graduated  & happy ;)

It started after endless days and nights in February '09- while I was counting down the hours, minutes and seconds till I left my then job, as an associate at a boutique investment bank in the heart of grand central terminal. The only thing that kept me there (beside the paycheck) were the wonderful co-workers and supervisor. One day - out of no where, I don't usually take such risks, I took the biggest risk to date. I recall, the first lesson I learned as an undergrad in Boston University School of Management - was risk and reward go hand in hand. I could have taken another path pursued another job at a different finance firm but I just never felt right, complete, and it reflected on all facets of my personal life. I have always loved fashion and how it can change how you walk, feel, and even transform an entire room. That's when I left and decided to head back to school to really understand the business side of this amazing feeling and see what the billion dollar business was all about. I loved it, I was a new and happier person being surrounded by creative types that were also in the same place - wanting to pursue their dream. It was the right path - I knew it, I felt it.