I went to a hiring fair at M's on Monday. Not just M's, but THE M's on 34th Street in Herald Square. For all of you who've seen the movie, and I'm assuming all of you have, it is that Macy's.
After 2 hours and three interviews I was hired for part-time seasonal help. There were what I'm guessing to be hundreds of people there. I spoke with some people in my training class on Tuesday who had spent 8 hours waiting to be interviewed. The hiring process in New York is not easy.
So now I am a sales associate. After training all day Tuesday, Orientation on Wednesday morning, they put me on the floor on Wednesday afternoon in Fashion Watches. I spent 3 hours in Fossil, then received a call from my manager to come to her office. I was then moved to the watch section in the men's department. It's away from the other watches and jewelry in a section less busy than where I was originally, which is great. They put me as the point person for !!'s new line of watches, as well as their less expensive line of !. (Which really means that their rep isn't there often enough to keep the displays filled and stocked and they needed someone to help--also, M's can get !! to pay me.) I also get to review their product line and be the 'expert' at M's. I am very happy with the move.
Now, if I can survive my first Black Friday working retail at the busiest store in the country, if not the world, I think I'll be fine.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
I was talking with Jason today, and I discovered that everyone isn't immediately familiar with the novel by Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. There was also a TV movie and a musical based on the book. I thought I was so clever to come up with my blogger name somewhat based on that book/movie.
As I looked online to get the author, (sorry Betty Smith) I discovered that I didn't know the book either! When I remembered A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, I actually thought of Barefoot in the Park! (A movie with Jane Fonda and Robert Redford.) The two movies are not similar at all!
Then I read a bit on the description of the book, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, and discovered the following quote:
"She was made up of all of these good and these bad things...She was the books she read in the library...Part of her life was made from the tree growing rankly in the yard. She was the bitter quarrels she had with her brother whom she loved dearly. She was Katie's secret, despairing weeping. She was the shame of her father staggering home drunk...She was all of these things and of something more...It was something that had been born into her and her only." Chapter 8, pg. 71
Now I am more intrigued than ever and am putting this book on my 'to read' list.
As I looked online to get the author, (sorry Betty Smith) I discovered that I didn't know the book either! When I remembered A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, I actually thought of Barefoot in the Park! (A movie with Jane Fonda and Robert Redford.) The two movies are not similar at all!
Then I read a bit on the description of the book, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, and discovered the following quote:
"She was made up of all of these good and these bad things...She was the books she read in the library...Part of her life was made from the tree growing rankly in the yard. She was the bitter quarrels she had with her brother whom she loved dearly. She was Katie's secret, despairing weeping. She was the shame of her father staggering home drunk...She was all of these things and of something more...It was something that had been born into her and her only." Chapter 8, pg. 71
Now I am more intrigued than ever and am putting this book on my 'to read' list.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Unexpected Conversations
What cool night I had tonight. After working all day at Macy's (yes, I'm employed part-time seasonal!) I walked to small group. I had a time to stroll, have dinner, grocery shop and have coffee before the meeting started. It was an awesome group, full of great insight.
But my favorite part of the night was the 'meeting after the meeting.' On my way home, I stopped with two Communitas members and one of the guys' friends who also joined our small group this evening. Three of us live in Brooklyn and one rode the train part of the way. On our way, we stopped for pizza. What a lively discussion (debate) it turned into, with me mostly listening.
What made it so cool is that I almost did not go for pizza. I had already eaten, it was after 10pm and I have to get up for work tomorrow at 6am, and still had a 40+ minute commute. I was going when Brigsy said, it'll only take 15 minutes or so to throw down a slice. (Actual time was more like an hour.) So I said ok.
Best decision I made today! I got to sit with three young Christian men, discuss their thoughts and feelings about certain scriptures. It was really such a gift to be with them, and to think I almost missed it because I was focused on 'my task' or what I thought my task should be.
This is one of my biggest struggles that I am really aware of and trying to change. I get focused to the future and forget about the right now, or the divine appointments I'm supposed to have. This is also something I thought would be easier for me to do after moving to New York because I wouldn't have as many responsibilities, family, friendships, etc. that I had in Michigan. Unfortunately, when I moved, I brought myself with me! I know that I must remember the church in Acts, the as he went along he saw idea we're trying to create in Communitas.
Who will I be, Martha or Mary?
But my favorite part of the night was the 'meeting after the meeting.' On my way home, I stopped with two Communitas members and one of the guys' friends who also joined our small group this evening. Three of us live in Brooklyn and one rode the train part of the way. On our way, we stopped for pizza. What a lively discussion (debate) it turned into, with me mostly listening.
What made it so cool is that I almost did not go for pizza. I had already eaten, it was after 10pm and I have to get up for work tomorrow at 6am, and still had a 40+ minute commute. I was going when Brigsy said, it'll only take 15 minutes or so to throw down a slice. (Actual time was more like an hour.) So I said ok.
Best decision I made today! I got to sit with three young Christian men, discuss their thoughts and feelings about certain scriptures. It was really such a gift to be with them, and to think I almost missed it because I was focused on 'my task' or what I thought my task should be.
This is one of my biggest struggles that I am really aware of and trying to change. I get focused to the future and forget about the right now, or the divine appointments I'm supposed to have. This is also something I thought would be easier for me to do after moving to New York because I wouldn't have as many responsibilities, family, friendships, etc. that I had in Michigan. Unfortunately, when I moved, I brought myself with me! I know that I must remember the church in Acts, the as he went along he saw idea we're trying to create in Communitas.
Who will I be, Martha or Mary?
Sunday, November 23, 2008
The Brooklyn Tabernacle
This past Sunday I went to the Brooklyn Tabernacle for the first time. It was an awesome experience and I was so overwhelmed the whole time I was there. Everything seems to be led by the spirit, and although there were some things that really put me outside what I usually feel comfortable with, it was comforting.
At the end of the service, Pastor Cymbala led us in an amazing prayer after commissioning two young women who gave up their jobs and families to become missionaries in Africa. I can't remember the words of the prayer, but I will always remember the emotions it evoked in me. He asked that if anyone was here today who was ready to give up their family and their lives to come up front. I felt so moved that I went. We were all anointed with water by an Elder.
While waiting at the front of the church, Pastor Cymbala had us pair up in twos (two women or two men)and pray for each other. The woman I partnered up with prayed such an amazing prayer for me--everything that was in my heart. As I prayed for her, I felt a teardrop on my hand. I've never had anyone cry when I prayed for them before. It was unusual and so...I can't think of how to explain it other than that it was holy.
I'm not sure if I'll go to BT every Sunday or not (I'd like to check out some other churches in the area too) but I do know I will be back, and I will remember and treasure that particular service.
At the end of the service, Pastor Cymbala led us in an amazing prayer after commissioning two young women who gave up their jobs and families to become missionaries in Africa. I can't remember the words of the prayer, but I will always remember the emotions it evoked in me. He asked that if anyone was here today who was ready to give up their family and their lives to come up front. I felt so moved that I went. We were all anointed with water by an Elder.
While waiting at the front of the church, Pastor Cymbala had us pair up in twos (two women or two men)and pray for each other. The woman I partnered up with prayed such an amazing prayer for me--everything that was in my heart. As I prayed for her, I felt a teardrop on my hand. I've never had anyone cry when I prayed for them before. It was unusual and so...I can't think of how to explain it other than that it was holy.
I'm not sure if I'll go to BT every Sunday or not (I'd like to check out some other churches in the area too) but I do know I will be back, and I will remember and treasure that particular service.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Home Depot
I have to say there wasn't much going on yesterday during the day, so I volunteered to pick up some paint and supplies for my roomie, A. She has a friend coming in this weekend who was going to paint our living room. So, of course, I said yes.
Now, I love the Home Depot. I spent enough time in that store buying supplies, shopping for and with clients, checking out things for home projects, etc. No store is more exciting to me (well, office supply stores are a close second!) And they have power tools, too; what could be better?
But this trip to Home Depot was different. First, I don't have a car, so I have to walk. I take the large hand cart we have at the apartment to haul back two gallons of paint and supplies. Thankfully, HD is just across the street. But it was my trip there and back that made it interesting.
Walking down the main street, quite busy at 3 in the afternoon, I am about 6 feet away from the gate when I notice a man urinating right there in the corner, inches away from where I need to enter. So I had to just stand there and wait for him to finish before I could get near the store. That is something that never happened to me in MI.
Then walking home, there were a bunch of children, maybe 8 or 9 years old, who just got off the bus. Two girls started fighting--hitting and calling each other some really nasty names. The crossing guard broke it up. What did I do? I stood there saying nothing, doing nothing, staring in disbelief. I spoke with the guard for several minutes after. She is an older woman, a Jehovah's Witness, who I've seen a few times now. I hope to act as quickly as she did the next time I'm faced with a similar situation.
I know there is definitely a lesson here for me. I need to be more intentional, more about action than watching, (although I think I made the right call with the public urinator.) Sometimes I can't help but to wonder if God chose the wrong person to send here. But since I am here, my goal is to learn to be more bold, not an easy goal for me.
Now, I love the Home Depot. I spent enough time in that store buying supplies, shopping for and with clients, checking out things for home projects, etc. No store is more exciting to me (well, office supply stores are a close second!) And they have power tools, too; what could be better?
But this trip to Home Depot was different. First, I don't have a car, so I have to walk. I take the large hand cart we have at the apartment to haul back two gallons of paint and supplies. Thankfully, HD is just across the street. But it was my trip there and back that made it interesting.
Walking down the main street, quite busy at 3 in the afternoon, I am about 6 feet away from the gate when I notice a man urinating right there in the corner, inches away from where I need to enter. So I had to just stand there and wait for him to finish before I could get near the store. That is something that never happened to me in MI.
Then walking home, there were a bunch of children, maybe 8 or 9 years old, who just got off the bus. Two girls started fighting--hitting and calling each other some really nasty names. The crossing guard broke it up. What did I do? I stood there saying nothing, doing nothing, staring in disbelief. I spoke with the guard for several minutes after. She is an older woman, a Jehovah's Witness, who I've seen a few times now. I hope to act as quickly as she did the next time I'm faced with a similar situation.
I know there is definitely a lesson here for me. I need to be more intentional, more about action than watching, (although I think I made the right call with the public urinator.) Sometimes I can't help but to wonder if God chose the wrong person to send here. But since I am here, my goal is to learn to be more bold, not an easy goal for me.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Firsts
There have been so many things I've done for the first time this past week, from moving out of state, to finding a Laundromat, to getting on a new train and finding my way around town. Even finding a grocery store and a drug store [Bed, Bath & Beyond at 1st Ave and 61st has all drugstore items- -I am in love with that store!] where I can find reasonably priced items, (reasonable for NY, anyway) has been a big discovery and a challenge. Some of these firsts are obviously more difficult that others. I mean, you can't really compare moving to NY with finding a Laundromat, can you? But underneath, there is that same step or leap of faith I must take to accomplish each task.
I realize how different my life is now, not because of the move, but because of how much trust and faith I now have to step out of my comfort zone. I used to live in fear pretty much all of the time. I was fearful of the future, scared of the past, and so uncertain of the present. I felt mostly all alone, and even remembering how I was makes me sad; mostly, I think, because I know so many people continue to live in that place of fear.
And now I can honestly say that I no longer live in that place of fear. It is still scary and uncomfortable whenever I step out of my comfort zone, but I no longer am alone. I know I have Jesus with me every step of the way, and I feel confident in his desire to keep me safe.
I realize how different my life is now, not because of the move, but because of how much trust and faith I now have to step out of my comfort zone. I used to live in fear pretty much all of the time. I was fearful of the future, scared of the past, and so uncertain of the present. I felt mostly all alone, and even remembering how I was makes me sad; mostly, I think, because I know so many people continue to live in that place of fear.
And now I can honestly say that I no longer live in that place of fear. It is still scary and uncomfortable whenever I step out of my comfort zone, but I no longer am alone. I know I have Jesus with me every step of the way, and I feel confident in his desire to keep me safe.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Homegroup
This morning I trekked about 12 blocks to the only meeting I've found in my new neighborhood. Things are done a little differently, but I have to say, not so different that I didn't feel immediately at home! I have to say I'll always have a spot in my heart for my Sat. night Rochester club, but I'm happy to have a new home!
Interviews
I had my first two interviews yesterday, both unlike anything I have ever experienced in MI.
1. Project Renewal (shelter for addicted men-would love to work there!) for an administrative assistant and a case manager. (Two positions open.) It was a group interview. 8 candidates, me included, and one interviewer, all in the same room, same time, answering questions. I think it went well, but I think you never know until (or if) you get that call back.
2. Starbuck's in mid-town. Picture speed-dating (no, I'm not admitting that I've ever done speed dating, I just know how it works for some reason!) A hundred candidates all waiting for their three minutes with one of 6 interviewers, who then reads questions to you from an index card. My interviewer said it took him 5 interviews before he got his job, and he had to be persistent. Really?? 5 interviews to work at Starbucks??
1. Project Renewal (shelter for addicted men-would love to work there!) for an administrative assistant and a case manager. (Two positions open.) It was a group interview. 8 candidates, me included, and one interviewer, all in the same room, same time, answering questions. I think it went well, but I think you never know until (or if) you get that call back.
2. Starbuck's in mid-town. Picture speed-dating (no, I'm not admitting that I've ever done speed dating, I just know how it works for some reason!) A hundred candidates all waiting for their three minutes with one of 6 interviewers, who then reads questions to you from an index card. My interviewer said it took him 5 interviews before he got his job, and he had to be persistent. Really?? 5 interviews to work at Starbucks??
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Roommates
I've never actually had roommates in my life, unless you want to count the two times I went to summer camp as a young teen for week. (I don't!) I must say the two M's and A have been wonderful to live with and get to know. They had a chance to make a great impression on me by showing kindness when I was unable to show them anything--or too much, maybe--[see my first blog.] After spending a little bit of time with them each individually, I think I'm going to really enjoy this unexpected place in my life.
Welcome to New York!
I arrived in New York on Sunday, November 9th, 2008 in the evening. Sometime on Monday morning I became violently ill. I honestly don't remember being that sick ever! My first day and a half were spent between my bed and the bathroom floor. Things can only go up from here!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
