Southern in the City

Greetings from my closet-sized bedroom in the world's teeniest apartment! As most of my posts have been strictly business thus far, I’ve decided to get a little more personal this week and let you in on some of the juicy details of my life. As I mentioned in my first post, I love all things southern and was pretty worried about the transition to life in NY. But aside from my Chic-fil-A withdraws (it’s normal to have shaky hands, right?) and inability to master the subway system, I’m absolutely loving the city! In fact, I've decided I'm staying here no matter what.

Going from a big house with a yard to a very small apartment with no living room, washer/dryer or dishwasher was definitely an adjustment. But as a wise professor once said, “With so much to do in New York, why would you spend time in your apartment?” And she was right. Concerts, picnics, museums and late night strolls have dominated my free time, and I can feel myself growing in every way possible. People complain because NY is expensive, and I’ve definitely chimed in at times (Six dollars for cereal…seriously people!?), but I’ve also found that there’s so much free entertainment! People-watching in the East Village is enough to keep me entertained for an entire Saturday. Two highlights of my time in NY have been Rainbow City, a crazy art installation in Chelsea (pictured above), and the Gay Pride Parade.

NYC Pride was particularly moving because the state passed a law legalizing gay marriage the day before the parade. Especially coming from the south, where homosexuals aren’t (for the most part) as accepted in our culture, it was a really amazing experience to witness all of the love, support and celebration of individuality that embodies NYC Pride. Couples marched down the streets carrying signs reading “31 Years”, and preachers followed behind in support. I love Tennessee, but let's be honest, that would never happen there.

Rainbow City is an art installation at the lot on 30th street in Chelsea. It’s one of the neat cultural attractions that makes me so happy that I’m able to be here, experiencing everything the world has to offer.

What have been your favorite experiences in NY so far, edsters? Would you move here after college?

XOXO,
Fitness Intern

My Dream Internship Starts Now

I never pack ahead of time. Just two weeks ago, only 24 hours before I was supposed to leave for the airport to fly home, my room at school was decorated by sweaters and t-shirts strewn randomly over chairs and doors, books dumped on the bed, desk, dresser and floor, and copies of the school newspaper buried among piles of blankets, while my two suitcases sat empty in the middle of the floor.

But now I’m sitting at home, a full four days before I leave, and my suitcases are packed. I’ve read through my packing list five times. All the items on my “things to do before I leave” list are checked off. The airline won’t let me check in and print my boarding pass yet, but other than that, I’m ready to leave. Seriously – right now.

In four days – four long days – I will be on my way to one of my favorite cities to work at one of my favorite magazines. I will be an editorial intern at the major national mag that is the reason I got into journalism in the first place. I could ramble about how excited I am for ages, but in short, this is basically my dream internship.