ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

Happy Anniversary to me!

Truth be told, I forgot yesterday was my one-year until about 10:30 am when I was walking down Lexington Ave, and I thought, "Wow this is a gorgeous day. It may be the prettiest day since I lived here... wait a second... I moved last August... Oh WOW today's my one-year." I had already scheduled auditions, and I had to work that night, so I didn't exactly do a big celebration, but it was fun nonetheless! I met up with a few of my favorite girls at Brother Jimmy's after work (they were so sweet to meet me out at 11:30pm during the week), and had drinks.

Celebrating at Brother Jimmy's!
Love these girls
(hate how dark this picture is!)

While I didn't party all day, I did a lot of thinking and reflecting. I thought about whether or not I have accomplished my goals for myself, and the answer is "yes" for about 90% of the realistic ones, and "sort of" for about 50% of the reach goals. (For example, I'm not starring in Priscilla Queen of the Dessert on Broadway...bummer. HAHA) Then, of course, so many things have happened that I didn't even foresee enough to make goals regarding them. All things considered, I'm pleased with where I am, and look forward to see where I am in a year! It's amazing how much can change in a year.

When I texted my parents, informing them that it was my one-year anniversary, my dad responded with "Yee haw!! Have a happy day!" My mom texted me and said, "Wow! Does it seem longer or shorter than a year?" I responded with, "I feel like I've been through enough shit for 5 years, but time has moved quickly." She responded, "I get that." My text was the jaded New Yorker side of me coming out, and I think a more eloquent way to express that is: "I've learned more in the past year than I did for all of college, but time has flown by so quickly." To be completely honest, I've learned many things the "hard way," but I think that's pretty common in one's first year out of school, and even more common in a city as challenging as New York.

I've learned a lot about:
myself
acting
show business
New York
people
shoes
friendships
public transportation
scheduling
relationships
kids (SO MUCH ABOUT THIS ONE)
money
accents/losing one

I could probably write a book, with each chapter being about what I learned in those categories this year, and in actuality, I probably will. For now, I'm going to stop blogging, and go begin the second year in my life as a New Yorker.

So many celebrations!

Frying Pan with my UNC friends!

The second half of July was celebration central in NYC! So many friends of mine had birthdays, got engaged, got promotions... nothing too exciting happened to me, but it sure was fun going out and celebrating with everyone!

dancing with the birthday girl,
Katie Jane, at Libation

Katie Jane's Birthday

Julie and Stan's belated engagement party! They're so cute.

Equally exciting was Leslie's return to the city after going on tour in "Wizard of Oz." It is GREAT to have her back.

moving Leslie from storage unit to her
new apartment, in my neighborhood!

Starting my job at Brother Jimmy's has been awesome. It's busy and crazy at times, but it's by far the best restaurant I could have ever asked for. Everyone has been so welcoming. I told my friend that training felt like Bid Day at Carolina, because all of the girls were introducing themselves and welcoming me! There is no shortage in attractive (often Southern) guys that come in, which is a nice little perk. The managers are kind, everything is organized, and the food is great!  I'm really happy to be working there!

Meg moved out officially, and took the majority of the apartment with her, so I've been doing a lot of rearranging. I've purchased a lot of things to replace what she brought home with her, and still have a long way to go. It's been a lot of work, but fun getting to choose the color schemes for the different rooms, and decorate a little bit. So far, my favorite is my blue and white bathroom, with the blue seersucker shower curtain. Otherwise, I am waiting on a lot of big decorating decisions until my new roommate arrives, because I want her to feel like it's her apartment too!

swimming in the ocean with William

As an early birthday celebration for William, William, Geoffrey, Alexis and I went to Long Beach for the day on Saturday. It was wonderful to be out of the city, relaxing and enjoying the sunshine. It won't ever compare to an NC beach, but it's pretty fantastic for the north.

beach bound on the train with Geoff!

Summer has been great, but I'm ready for fall. It has been SO hot here, and nothing is worse than sweating in the subways, underground, where it's 15 degrees warmer than on the street. I know this month of August will be a scorcher, but September is going to be fantastic, I just know it!