Any Spare Change For The Homeless?

Hello world! I know, I know, its been a while. Been busy with my new job and the most painful task of finding an apartment. Lets start with the good first, shall we?
So I'm currently on my 3rd week of the new job and absolutely love it! Unlike my last job where I just did all the drawings, I'm now learning all aspects of design. I was never as interested in the other part (furniture, finishes, fabrics, etc.) because I always associated that with the more "decorating" side of design. Those of you who I've had that scary talk with where I almost tear off your head with the difference between a decorator and a designer know what I mean. BUT when it comes to commercial design its not like that at all. Its all about the cheapest price and durability (but still has to look pretty ;) ). This project is a super huge hotel in Atlanta. Its a renovation so its going to be awesome to see a typical boring/ugly hotel transform into pure awesomeness.  Anyway, because of my France trip quickly approaching, my first deadline is a week sooner and its double the work than ive been used to! Its super scary but if you know me at all, it will get done one way or another. I just may be calling my office my new home for a few nights. And what a perfect segway into housing! Now for the not so nice part....
So apartment searching in New York City is probably one of the worst experiences of my life. Talk about a buzz kill. I thought my big increase in pay would help but not a chance! I was told by one broker I had a student budget...wow... And there are all sorts of protocol for how renting works which makes it that much more difficult. It essentially costs you AT LEAST 3xs your rent to move into a new place if you use a broker. And of course Craig's list is full of scams. Now I know why people resort to the things they do just to afford to live here...dont worry Ma, I won't! But seriously, it's the most ridiculous and depressing thing ever. So if you want to donate to the Valere's Homeless Fund or know someone who has space (in a non sketchy area...believe me, thats hard), holla at me!!! I can use any help I can get. Thankfully Im not in any rush BUT living with your grandmother longer than necessary is not ideal. I will say though, every time I get down because of this search and feel like I'm never going to find anything, I see the beautiful skyline that is New York City ot take a walk through Central Park and remember why I'm here. It's all worth it!

New York City: Not For The Faint of Heart

As I was taking the bus to work the other day, a girl came aboard and asked the driver to tell her where the subway stop was. She looked as lost as I did on my first day. Like a new kid at school, it just takes time to get acquainted with a new place and new people. Seeing her brought back all the memories of when I first got to NYC and how much I've grown and learned. Some of them include:

Don't look em in the eye .... something that is extremely difficult for me as I looovw people watching.

There is no such thing as a normal subway ride. When they are quiet its creepy. 

Sketchy is completely relative.  What would have made me uncomfortable in Florida is completely normal here.  The first time at my subway stop completely sketched me out....and my dad told me to get over it. Hahaha...it turns out its really not bad at all.

Gotta blend. If you loom like a tourist you will be targeted as one. So essentially you gotta look impatient and pissed all the time.

Have an issue with people who can't speak English? Get over it... foreigners take over this place. Kind of cool actually. 

Gotta get over closterphobia.  Buses and subways get ridiculous and having someones gut in your side is completely normal. And if they don't smell you're lucky.

Essentially you have gotta be one strong and tough person to live here.  Besides be brutal financially and competitive careerwise, there's a lot of things out there that can make a person run for the hills. If you're scared or made uncomfortable easily, get outta here!!

This is one of the craziest yet most awesome city I've been in and I love it. So much to do and ao many different sides to it. Seeing a homeless man outside of a swanky restaurant filled with the uber wealthy is a sight and feeling unlike any other.  The grittyness of New York mixed with its exuberant amount of classiness and richness is what makes it something special.

Anyway, back to the chick on the bus...she ended up asking me about the subway and I was more than happy to help. What I would have given to have someone help me... we chatted on the train and found out she's an au pair from Israel. Super sweet girl. It's those random people and conversations that I love. You never know who you will meet. I can honestly say this place has changed me....for the better, don't worry :)