Interview Queen

I have been a New Yorker for 3 weeks and I really think it is setting in. I now know when to cross the street without even looking at the walk signal. Two people in the past week have asked me for directions, and I steered them in the right way. I still choose to walk to most places rather then Subway, but I am much more comfortable on the Subway system.

Last week was Ali's birthday, which involved a week long celebration. On her actual birthday we were meeting up around her work, which was too far for me to walk. This was going to be my first "transfer" experience on the subway. With confidence I got on the L train, got off at the right stop, and onto the 1 train. Except once on the 1 train, I realize a problem. On most subways I have been on there is a computerized screen that shows what stop you are at, and the upcoming stops. Also there is either a person announcing the upcoming stops, or an actual subway map that you can reference. Except on the 1 train there was nothing. I suddenly realize that I have no idea how I am going to know when my stop is. Two police officers on the same train as me must have sensed my panic. They sit on either side of me, and ask if I need help.  Picture this: I exit the Subway with two HUGE police officers on either side of me. They walk me up the stairs to the street, and even a few blocks before we parts way. The faces people gave me as they walked by... they must of thought I was either someone really important who needed protection or I was about to get arrested.

Other parts of Ali's Birthday Celebration consisted of: bowling, glow-sticks, mini-cupcakes, and a Music Video Wrap Party for Jack's Mannequin. On this past Sunday we spent the entire day walking around the city, eating outside on a patio, and then spending the rest of the night sitting on our stoop: listening to music, talking about life and hanging out with "The General" (our hermit crab).

I am still in the process of looking for work. I have been asked a million times if I moved to New York to pursue Broadway and singing. Music is very important to me, and will always be a huge part of my life. For the past 5 years I have solely focused on performing, and it is all I know. What is best for me right now is to do something different. I need consistency. Unfortunately I feel like I got to a point where I was only singing because people told me I should, and it is something I am good at. I want to fall back in love with it.

With that being said, I have gone on a few interesting interviews. I was sent on one (with 2 hour notice) for a position with a hedge fund. I had my Dad give me a quick Fiances 101 on the phone while I was walking to the interview, and I also read an article about the current CEO of the company. The interview lasted for 3 hours!! First, I met with the office manager - passed round one. Next I had to take a test....an actual test with Math problems. Thank goodness I brushed up my excel skills before I went because I had to do everything without a calculator and on the computer spreadsheet - passed round two. Then I interviewed with another member of the company, which consisted of explaining the entire Miss Minnesota experience. Much to my surprise the CEO then walks into the room, I recognized him from the article I read. He introduces himself, and I decide to tell him about the article I read, major brownie points. We spent the next 20 minutes talking about the music scene in New York, and he even gave me the names to a few piano bars I should go to for fun - passed round three. Round Four was a terrifying woman from Human Resources who spent an hour grilling me on any question that popped in her head, it felt like a regular Miss America mock interview.

I am also currently interviewing with a legal recruiting firm here in the city. This was one of my favorite interviews since one of the main recruiters went to Notre Dame for undergrad. We spent a solid 10 minutes discussing Notre Dame football and Brian Kelly's coaching habits. What I have come to realize is that the jobs I am interviewing for will help either one of my brothers in the future. Sean wants to go into investment banking, and Mike is in his first year of law school. I am just always thinking of my brothers :)

As much as I enjoy interviewing on a daily basis, I am looking forward to finding the right job and starting a routine. Something will come my way soon, and in the mean time I get to explore this incredible city every day. I think tomorrow... I will walk to the Upper West side to buy a packet of gum, just because I can.

Always,
Brooke

First Week Down!

I have only been living in New York for a week and I already feel more at home then I ever did in Los Angeles. So far I have successfully taken the Subway three times by myself. I have found my Starbucks and go-to frozen yogurt place and learned the hard way to always carry an umbrella with you.

I usually pack at the last minute when I am traveling. But for this move I had all my suitcases packed three days before I left. Although, 30 minutes before I need to leave for the airport, my mother and I are repacking all of my suitcases on the kitchen floor. I ended up with three suitcases that were all tipping the scale past 50 pounds. Thankfully at the airport the delta employee looked the other way when the scale said the following... Bag One: 51 lbs, Bag Two: 53 lbs and Bag Three: 63 lbs. Did I mention that my apartment does not have an elevator? And that I live on the 4th floor? I should have video taped Ali and I pulling up my bags to our apartment. Side note: I have the best roommate ever. Ali and I met over 4 years ago at The Boston Conservatory. One of the first things I ever posted on her facebook wall was: "I have a feeling we are going to be best friends." Who knew I could see the future?







The first week consisted mostly of me getting settled into my apartment. A DJ lives above us, and I always enjoy a solid salsa/techno mix in the middle of the day. On my fourth day here all of my packages arrived from home. After signing for the packages, I asked the UPS man if he was going to help me carry my 5 packages up to my apartment. He laughed and left. I then proceeded to carry up one package at a time up one set of stairs. Then I stacked them up on the next floor, and repeated. I did get to meet a lot of my new neighbors during this process. They would smile and welcome me to the building and then walk by. Until I met Marcus. He looked like he walked out of a 80's workout video, sweatband and all. I was on my last 2 packages when he offered to carry one for me. I had already sweated through my t-shirt but I appreciated his help. Marcus then told me that he actually lives right above me.... bingo I have met the DJ. Our conversation ended by him giving me his business card. He told me I could text him if the music was too loud, he has yet to respond to one of my requests.

On the sixth day here my bed was scheduled to be delivered. The delivery company told me it would arrive between 9am-1pm. I had planned my day accordingly so I could stay in during the morning and then leave once my bed was delivered. 1:15 rolls around and still no bed... So I decide to call the company to check on my order. Turns out the truck delivering my bed was pulled over for a random inspection but not to worry he would be there between 1:30-2:30. Then 3pm hits and still no bed. I call the company once again. The story is now that the truck delivering my bed broke down. I explain to the woman on the phone that I cannot wait around all day. She tells me that I can go about my day and the driver will call me when he is close so I can be home. Just as I am about to leave my apartment, the driver calls me to tell me he will be there within the hour, it is now 4. It hits 6pm and still no bed... I call the delivery company for now the 3rd time, they assured me the driver is on his way. My bed finally arrived at 7:30pm.



The great thing about New York is that I will never need to buy a gym membership. I live on the 4th floor of my apartment building with no elevator. Also, with my lack of knowledge for the Subway system I choose to walk everywhere. The third day I was here I had walked 6 miles before 2pm.

Also, today is Ali's Birthday! For the past few days I have been trying to think of the perfect gift for her. Since we are not allowed to have a cat... yet, I wanted to get her a different pet. At first I thought a frog, but after some research I realized neither Ali nor I would be willing to feed a frog live crickets. Instead I bought Ali a hermit crab. He has a pumpkin on his shell and his name is "The General." If he is really good we will buy him a girlfriend and name her "The First Lady."

Always,
Brooke