Put some south in yo mouth

I've realized that having a healthy dose of "south" in my life in the city is crucial to maintaining a positive attitude and loving this city. The city life can be tough, Northerners are brash, chivalry is virtually inexistent, and it's hard not to get homesick for Southern hospitality, and the wonderful things about North Carolina. I definitely don't want to move back anytime soon, but I do miss it.

chapel hill meets NYC

My solution = game days at Brother Jimmy's.



Yesterday, I got a group of my dear Carolina friends together for the UNC vs. UVA game. Not only was it a great opportunity to see some of my favorite people, but it was like being temporarily transported to the south for a few hours. Truth be told, we didn't really pay attention to the football...we just wore our Carolina blue, ate southern food, and drank beer out of "He's Not" cups (trademark cups shipped up from a UNC Bar). I felt so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people, and though it made me really miss my UNC friends who aren't here (THE JAM), it made me really appreciate my UNC friends who are. There's something very special about this group of people who knows me better than anyone in this city...they're really more like family than friends, and I am so thankful for them.

great people, great fun

love these friends.

we look like we're ready to tailgate.

my favorite couple

Where did August go?

So many things have happened since August 12!! I don’t even know where to begin.

I’ll start with the constants that haven’t really changed… I’m still auditioning, it’s still going well.  I’m still working at Brother Jimmy’s, and I still love it! I still live on the Upper East Side, and I still don’t have laundry or a dishwasher.

Now on for a little more “excitement.”

I have a new roommate, Sarah, and she is FANTASTIC! We have the best time together. She is so laidback, and it’s such a treat to come home to a positive environment. Her cheerful attitude is infectious, and seeing her discover Manhattan for the first time is giving me a new appreciation for this city that I’ve totally taken for granted the past few months. Her relaxed attitude has helped me relax (always a good thing), and as a result my auditions, my acting, and my quality of life have all improved drastically. I love living with her, and feel so blessed that we just happened to both need roommates at the same time. She just turned 25 last week, and we had a great celebration!

Sarah and me on her 25th birthday!

party time!

I’ve been babysitting “for fun” here and there as supplement to my hostess work at Brother Jimmy’s. I say “for fun” sort of jokingly, because babysitting is a job.  However the main two families I’ve been babysitting for are both such pleasures to be around. One family with three kids never fails to keep me laughing! I love playing games, and hearing the hysterical things the kids say. We have a blast together! My favorite conversation so far went something like this:

Emily: Bye Buddy! See you tomorrow!

Four year old: What? You’re leaving me?

Emily: Yeah, but I’ll be back.

Four year old: WHERE are you going!?

Emily: I’m going home for the night!

Four year old: Man, Emily, you’re going to miss a good time… a real good time tonight.

The other family I sit for occasionally is my favorite baby ever, Henry.  He is more fun every time I babysit for him. He’s six months, and so he’s starting to really respond.  I hate it when he’s napping because I just want him to wake up so we can play! :) 

I got to go home for 5 days in August, and it was AWESOME. I made it out of the city just before Hurricane Irene. I stayed with my parents in Raleigh, spent quality family time with them, saw several good friends, ate at my favorite restaurants, went to see two shows downtown, shopped with Mom, ate lots of Chic-fil-A, and generally had a great time. I also got to spend a day in Chapel Hill where I visited former professors, stopped by ADPi, saw some wonderful younger friends who are still in school, got to go to a class (my former voice studio!!!), ate at Sutton’s with Ross, ran through my entire repertoire book with my former accompanist, and rehearsed my song for Celeste’s wedding with Dr. Rhodes! I love North Carolina!

Other highlights from the past month:

Seeing Lion King with Marsha and Ali, and going out to dinner with Marsha, Ali and Claire in the city!

Cousins!

Coaching with the incredible Bob Cline… a casting director and friend who never fails to impress me.

Having lots of girls nights with Bridget! So glad we live in the same neighborhood now!

Going to the US Open with Will, our annual Labor Day tradition, and seeing three matches!

at the U.S. Open

Eating at Times Square Applebees with William and Geoff. Quality tourist move right there.

Seeing Sherrie and Matty’s Stevie Wonder Cover Band, “The Shades,” perform live at Ella Lounge!

"Signed, Sealed, Delivered"