NEW YORK! NEW YORK!

I have been talking about going to New York for a while, but on Monday it all kind of happened. I finally realized the only way I would ever make up my mind and move on would be a trip to the Big Apple. So here's the timeline: Monday night - booked a flight, Tuesday - called a friend for a place to crash, and Wednesday morning - Ontario to Dallas to NYC.

It was kind of a whirlwind. I didn't have time to really process what was going on, but when I saw the Statue of Liberty below as I flew into the city it kind of hit me. I was like, "That's the actual Statue of Liberty!" All my New York friends I'd met on the flight were very supportive.


Did I mention that Times Square is absolutely amazing?!? This is my friend Candace Davider...she was pretty much born to party.

Yesterday was the big day. I'd scheduled appointments with department heads and professors for the MS in Public Relations and Corporate Communications and the MS in Industrial/Organization Psychology at NYU.


Me in the subway. I spent a lot of my time here.

My first appointments were with professors from the PR/CC program. It was very impressive. They run a quality program, and it focuses on building practical skills that will make us an asset in the market place. And the program's location definitely gives it a strategic advantage, students frequently visit large companies in NYC and the program welcomes lots of executives as quest lecturers.


This guy is in Washington Square Park and a symbol for NYU. I actually saw part of a filming near here for Nicholas Cages new movie.

My second visit was with the I/O Psychology department. (I/O Psych is similar to Organization Behavior, but a little different.) Students in this program work with companies during almost all their classes--identifying problems, creating organizations plans and presenting to clients. The program is small and held in very high regard.


Don't be deceived! It may look sunny and beautiful, but it's just a trap to get you outside into NY's frigid wind.

After I took care of my life planning, I had to go see the city. The Statue of Liberty is amazing. I was a total sucker. I was just swept away with patriotic pride as I listened to the audio tour. They were just talking about how the Statue is arguably the most widely recognized international symbol for freedom. Kind of makes you proud, don't it?

Anyway, in the end, New York is an absolutely enchanting city with more to do than could ever be done in one lifetime. (Those of you who have visited the MET know what I'm talking about.) I love the city and really want to apply to the programs at NYU, but I need to get some work experience and really decided what I want to do before I sign up for grad school. My story is still being written.

Oh Nordstrom, Where Has Your Customer Service Gone?

I've always been very impressed with Nordstrom's friendly employees and customer service. I realize that this is in large part due to the commission that employees earn on all their sales, but, just the same, I enjoy it. Well, that was until last Friday. During my little excursion to Utah I had a very alarming run in with a Nordstrom employee at the University Mall. And I though Orange Discrimination was dead!



The following scene is my best recollection of how the events and dialog transpired:

[Me wandering into the men's formal clothing section. I was walking slow and just trying to kill time while I waited for my friends.]

Employee: Wow, you're getting to be quite the regular here.

Me: [With my sarcastic voice] No, I don't think so. I actually live in California.

Employee: Oh, um...yeah, well, it must be someone that looked just like you.

Me: [Awkward smile and trying to walk away]

Employee: We don't get that many redheads in here.

Me: [Still trying to get away and wondering if someone could actually be this stupid]

Employee: Yeah, we actually had them all terminated. [Picture one of those moments when a person tries to be funny but fails miserably.] (And, yes, he was actually speaking about redheads.)

Me: [I gave him one of those disgusted looks that says, "Did you actually just say that?"]

Employee: [Realizing what he said] Oh, um, I was just kidding.

Me: [Walking away as quickly as possible.]

Now for a little commentary.


I just don't get it. Why do poor little redheads have to be profiled and then mocked. It just isn't right. Next time you see or meet a redhead, don't tell them they look exactly like one of your friends. Chances are they don't, and honestly, you sound like a total idiot!

Guess What? I'm in UTAH!

OK, so riding into Provo last night was a little intense because it felt a little too much like home. Oh well, I guess that happens after living in a place for so many years.

Anyway yesterday, woke up for a phone call invitation to the temple with Drew Dellenbach (Dane's dad). He needed more people for the sealing session. On the way to the temple, I found out Chris (Dane's mom) was going to Utah in a couple hours. During the sealings I got to thinking. (I realize I probably should have been thinking about more spiritual things, but what are you going to do).

I realized that I could ride up and have so much fun with all my friends in Utah, and I got really excited. After the temple we called Chris and persuaded her to wait. (Thank you so much, BTW) The trip up was great--I read and slept. Lsat night I arrived on Vess and Angie's door step. Vess thought I was a robber.

Anyway, moral to the story...I'M BACK!!!!! (Well at least for a little bit).