Three Days in the Valley

...is exactly what it's felt like not having internet, but we have wireless in the apartment! Huge props to Juan over at Verizon for being a great bilingual customer service rep and really helping me out.

Today was tame, so we'll bring you up to speed concerning yesterday's activities. Abell and I went job hunting down in Times Square. I filled out an app at Hard Rock Cafe, then we went to some other place that said they weren't hiring, but to fill out a questionaire and they'd get back to us. The aforementioned questionaire was basically wine, liquor and food knowledge, which wasn't much of a problem for me, thanks to the good folks at Oceanaire in Atlanta, GA. They even served oysters that I recommend to everyone (Blue Points, which are East Coast, and Kummamoto, which are West Coast. Never fear, they get along swimmingly...eh? Eh? Nah? Oh, come on, that's funny). Corny jokes aside, the guy called us both back (Matt, I got a call back! Good stuff!), and told us he was actually looking to hire one more server, and that he'd be in touch. Afterwards, we headed down to where Abell works and grabbed some pizza. She had to go to work, so I decided to continue my job hunt. I hit Tavern on the Green because Stack told me to, and I filled out an app there. For those of you who don't know, Tavern on the Green is the end all, be all restaurant in New York. They grossed well over $40 million dollars last year, so needless to say, they stay busy. After I filled out my app, I talked to the guy (nice guy named Angel, also come to find out he's a huge fan of history and a poly-sci guy). He was a straight shooter, and I think I impressed him, because after I told him what I was looking for, he said "Walk with me." We started talking a bit, and he got into some history stuff. He said "So, you're from Georgia. They still fighting the Civil War down there?," to which I responded, "Absolutely. In fact, we refer to anyone from up North as a 'Lincoln Lover.'" He liked that. He showed me the entire restaurant, and asked if I ever worked in a kitchen that big, to which I responded no. He pointed out the gift shop to me, to which I responded, "listen, I know I'm from down South, but we're not that slow." He laughed again. He's a no BS guy, and I was respectful the whole time, but I was also me...OK, not too much me, I'm good in small doses when you first meet me. He was looking around for one of the senior managers to introduce me to her, but she must've been gone for the day. After that, we went back to his office, and talked more about what I wanted to do. I was honest and told him I'm a good server and that's where I think I'd help everyone, and help myself in gaining money and keeping food on my plate and a roof over my head. He explained the set up to me (captain, waiter, and wait assistant...if anyone knows what a wait captain does, please enlighten me), and asked if my number was the best place to reach me, which I said yes. We shook hands, and he said "Brian, it's been an absolute pleasure," and I said, "Likewise, and I look forward to hearing from you." In the grand scheme of things, it'd be great to work here starting off while I'm manifesting my goal. I then headed down to UCB Theaters, and picked up some info on their improv troupes and talked to a few guys in the box office. I have to pause for a moment and take this all in. I just really see everything coming together, and I haven't been this happy in a while. I'm happy, because I have the best friends and support systme in Atlanta, and I miss and love all of you guys like you wouldn't believe. I also thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers for me up here in the Big Apple. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: God has truly blessed me with the most wonderful friends anyone could ever ask for, and I think Him everyday for bringing all of you into my life.

OK, back to more hilarity. I unpacked yesterday evening and just chilled out. Today was internet/grocery shopping/laundry day, and 2 out of 3 tasks are completed (A gold star to the first who can guess it). I'm going to nerd out tonight and watch "Lost." Tomorrow, I'm going to see if I have better luck at the New York DMV and get my New York license, to make it super official that I'm a New Yorker. And for those wondering, pictures will be up soon.

Much love to everyone reading the blog. Later taters!