Stumptown and More

My first week in New York was all fun and much like a vacation. But in the back of my mind I knew I needed to start job hunting while I still had time to find work before the holidays began. I spent several days in the Schwartzman library sending out resumes and researching possible job opportunities. In the midst of my 3 day effort I had a response from a Four Barrel Coffee Roaster contact and I had an interview set up for Thursday in the afternoon in Brooklyn. I continued to send out resumes since I was not sure how the interview would go. I happened to bring my resume into the first Stumptown cafe in New York hoping that my experience would at least get me a second glance at my resume. To my surprise I received a call back the same day from Stumptown and they wanted to interview me on Friday. I was so excited and almost in disbelief. Both interviews went very well and I was offered both positions but I accepted the position as barista at Stumptown because they offered more hours and opportunity to move up in the company. I must say I was really glad that I took the chance to even apply because it was really perfect timing. I really like all of my new co-workers. They all seem cool and different. Almost all of them live in Brooklyn except for a small handful who live in Manhattan. I think its kind of funny but at the same time I understand the appeal of Brooklyn. I think it is pretty great, at least the parts I've had the chance to visit.

My first day was really hard and it is a very busy store but I think I did fairly well. It was fun to say the least because of some friendly helpers who are quickly becoming my favorites there so far. Kevin is great, he is friendly, easygoing and a lot of fun. Emily is sweet and very helpful. She is definitely one I go to when I have questions. I'm on the schedule now and I'm working my way up. This job is not for the coffee dabblers. Its definitely for those who love coffee and don't mind a lot of hard work. There will be more to come in the next few days as I look forward to spending Thanksgiving with Gina who will be visiting from DC and we will be watching the Macy's Day parade from the hotel room or something like that. And I have no idea what Black Friday will be like here in the city. I will soon find out since I do work that day. Yikes! All these things are yet to come. So stay posted. I love and miss all my friends and family in California, Portland and Seattle!

First day in NY

I'm so excited to be here in New York. This feels so much like living for me. I keep thinking this doesn't seem real. My arrival to city was jam packed with immediate sights of the city. I was warmly greeted at 128th street by an excited Janae. She helped me bring my stuff into the apartment and we quickly met the roommates before we took off to see the city. My first experience with the subway system was pretty cool. The entire time I was really just trying to take in every feeling and sight. Janae said she was taking me somewhere but it would be a surprise. Finally we arrive to out destination and we are in Time Square. Talk about electric and a little breath taking. We marched off down the street and found ourselves at Madison Square Garden ha, go Knicks! I was so hungry that we decided to try to find something to eat. I was to the point that I didn't know what I wanted and couldn't make a decision. We walked around a little longer and saw Radio City until we finally landed inside a little pizza place. All I can say is garlic rolls and pizza saved the evening as we sat inside catching up on life and planning out next two days together exploring the city. We rode back to her little Art box of a room and went to bed.