Tiny Cities Made of Ashes

The past two days have been sort-of hectic, and I'm still trying to process everything that's happened.  I've always felt that my memory naturally works to remember things by association of events, rather than recounting events chronologically.  But this is a blog, and it's time to set those memories in their respective proper places.

the wormhole machine from 'Contact'

Monday nothing really happened.  Check.

Tuesday was my first actual day of work for my internship.  I admit I was nervous walking into the building in SoHo.  It's always bizarre starting up something totally new, everyone's talking to you and explaining things and all you can do really is say "Okay", "Right, I gotcha"  and "Yeah that makes sense." Anything that you say beyond that immediately becomes pretentious, so it's better to just shut up and listen, smiling when appropriate.  Another cool thing about first days is how your limbs don't really work that well.  It's just a part of getting comfortable in a new setting I suppose, like when Bambi was born.  But it's just a strange thing where as much as you think, 'damnit, don't feel awkward.  It's just an office', you look at your arms resting on your lap like 'what are these doing here?  can I get rid of them?'


Despite the original uneasiness, I very much enjoy the office, and my superior Lauren is super cool and extremely friendly.  I've only met one other intern, and I would tell you her name if I could spell it, but she is also very nice.

Today when I went into the office I was doing a lot of grunt work, which I don't really mind so much right now.  Life of a PA I suppose...  But they had me working with the Zale's group - you know, the diamond store - and I had to prep a bunch of payroll timecards.  As I was sitting there I wanted to make small talk, but the only thing that kept popping into my head was 'So have you guys seen Blood Diamond?'  I just kept my mouth shut (again), they were pretty busy anyway.

Despite the stories I have given thus far, I am not a mute, and I'm already starting to feel comfortable with the people I work with.  They're all very anti-NY-stereotype-type personalities.

I haven't seen friend or family since Saturday, which is strange because I see enough people in one day to occupy a year's worth of acquaintances.  I don't like not trusting people.  But I'm quickly learning that you absolutely need to be distrusting of mostly everyone, otherwise you'll get stabbed.  Likely by a dog-walker.  (or worse, ex-pelled!)  <-- hey there family!

I've been wondering for a while now why they leave the doors at the end of metro trains unlocked.  But now I realize, they're designated for public speakers.  That has to be it.  I've already seen a number of people who, while the train is in motion, will pass between cars.  And they always have something to say.  ALWAYS.  First time it was a drunk guy who wanted to sing to all of us.  He was probably thinking you know what, that metro car over there doesn't look very cheerful.  I reckon I should bust through those doors and brighten their day with a song, and while I'm at it, I could lean over everyone and scare the shit out of them.


And shit scare he did.
Point and case, minimal trusting and zero conversations on the metro.  Ever.

oh, hi mark.

Highlights:  Last night I went out and had a drink with this guy from my hostel named Manil, from Barcelona.  We talked a lot about the differences in culture and politics and sports between the US and Catalonia.  It was a good time, and nice to have somebody to talk to.  **For the record, he just came in the room chanting 'mike mike mike mike!'  And I ended my night today by going to Little Italy and hunting down the best cannoli on Manhattan.  I found it and pounced on it with my face.

and you'll sing 'vita bella'