This Week at the Valero Residence...

In the second week of unemployment I was determined to reach out and apply to a number of positions posting on LinkedIn. I also started hunting for a part-time job in the area to do in the meantime. Its amazing what someone can achieve if he/she puts in the effort. And thats what is necessary to get the results one wants at least in my case. Hoping to hear back from some of the organizations in the coming week, remember to follow up!

In addition to my professional accomplishments I was introduced to this volunteer website called volunteermatch.org I will definitely apply and reach out to some of these organizations looking for people who are as people friendly, passionate and determined like myself. But the reality is they need people to help for free.

Started a Yelp account and made a few reviews on places in North Carolina close to school and a bunch for places in NY/NJ area. More recently I raved about the Brownstone Pancake Diner in downtown Jersey City. Surprisingly they have a great bar menu ontop of the pancakes-food thats equally impressive.

Havana and Sour Apple Martinis

Tuesday night we ventured out to Liberty State Park to see free music thanks to our city councilman of cultural affairs. Soulfinger consisted of 6-7 member band of 40-50 somethings groovin' to songs and rhythm of the 70s disco and today's pop. They really made the crowd energized and really had some fun. The restaurant's scenery was so professional and thoughtful - especially the life-sized chess set and pieces for kids to play with out in the garden area. It was so beautiful outside, not too humid or threat of rain clouds. We had front seats to see the change from the afternoon sun to the pastel hues of dusk to the midnight dark star studded background behind the New York downtown skyline. 

The next night I went to another music venue down the street on Palisades Avenue for an open mic. The Trolley Car Bar & Grill is this small dive bar with a outside patio, boxing bags, dim lighting and friendly people. It was an okay joint for an open mic with the exception of the organizer starting nearly 1 1/2hrs after the time on the email sent earlier that day. But that's music for you, unless you go to a Coldplay concert. Them Brits start on-time!

Friday instead of making a holesome nutritious breakfast I settled for this new flavor Pop Tart. Its a great combination - chocolate and peanut butter - especially since the two are favorites of mine but who'd ever think it would be a Pop Tart flavor?!?! I remember when my Mom was asked by her former superior about the Doritos flavored taco for Taco Bell and that sounded pretty weird but apparently attracted enough support from regular customers to make it become a reality.

Later that afternoon I was supposed to head out to Brooklyn to see a free show - Trampled By Turtles among other bluegrass bands - at the Prospect Park Bandshell in honor of their Summer Concert series. But my stupid idea to wear high wedges I came back around the corner and gave up. Instead we went on the light rail to get a drink at the Cityside Bistro. I did not realize until we came through the door that I had been there last summer for one of the Downtown Jersey City meetups. White and red sangeria was hard to pass up and glad we had our share - 2 rounds. 

Two hours later we came home, ordered Chinese from Good Year on Central Ave and ate a late night dinner before hitting the pillow. Pu Pu Platter - now I hope that means something more in Chinese but its a hilarious name in English. But a well worth buy for a small appetite: 

Lil bit of everything!

Chilling By the Wayside

Not unemployed I've tried to enjoy coming back home. Jersey City has been through a lot of changes as so many people I've known throughout my life. What a fascination phenomena to see a place grow and experience so many new cultural shifts over a short amount of time. I appreciate my hometown for all its endured and for all its potential. In the last few years I've embraced the newness of the downtown scene. Meetup has been the go-to resource center to connect with people who live/work here. I joined this Downtown Jersey City Social Group on Meetup last summer and met someone there who in one night showed me the 'lay of the land'. Being some years older than me and having lived in the downtown area awhile she had a unique insight to the dos and don'ts of the urban nightlife among other  interesting neighborhood activities.

After moving all my belongings from my 3rd floor, tiny, crumbling and uncomfortably annoying apartment in New Brunswick on Friday I needed a little getaway. So off to Zeppelin Hall - Biergarden for Currywurst (memories of HJ Study Abroad in 2011), spaetzle and good beer! Dennis, Mom's boo, came with us in the hopes to hear some good live music. To our dismay the live music was cancelled but the food was good and I did have the chance to watch the Yankees-Red Sox game...well maybe that wasn't as good since they played disgracefully. Between appetetizers, beer and our meal I was stuffed!

Waking up the next morning was tough which explains why I took a three hour nap later that afternoon. Sleep deprivation is a serious problem gone astray. Need to be better about that. I was happy to finally use our fully functional renovated upstairs bathroom. The shower has a huge rain shower head that feels oh-so-heavenly! So what do you think? Trust me, this is so SO amazing especially at the price we did it for. Imagine the before with loud wallpaper, a pink porcelain tub with a toilet and sink to match with horrible lighting. Now you can see the benefits and pleasure of making the bathroom your own:

THE BEFORE

THE AFTER

Finally some lasting SUNSHINE!

This past weekend was spent close to the workplace and summer apartment in Edison, NJ in Tom's backyard in the pool and sitting out on the patio. Who knew saving money could turn out to be such a sweet deal! After hearing about possible issues with my feet (on-going) from the foot doctor in Somerset, NJ on Friday I needed to stay away from all other complications.

The pool felt really nice and cooled me down after weeks upon weeks of mugginess and ungodly heat. Although the offer to drink beer out in the sun by the pool was appealing I knew better. So hydration is key therefore I reverted to H2O! And let me say although I was so relieved to be away from the apartment in New Brunswick (less than desired...EVER) sleeping on the couch is not comfortable. It was a chushy couch at first but for a on-the-stomach sleeper who often gets annoyed when hot while asleep. 

Saturday we did put up a line of CDs in front of all the vegetables growing in Tom's backyard. Why CDs? A stupid groundhog has been eating up the vegetables and potential vegetables. BBQ and more pool time ended a perfectly pleasant day. Sunday was almost a repeat of Saturday with the exception of any work and Mom coming to hang out. Went to CVS to get ice cream and Watermelon Twizzlers (craving you cannot do without for too long) was a nice touch to end the weekend. 

Praying Mantis on the pool ladder

The veggies now protected from the greedy groundhog

Fun in the City

Went into New York City a few weeks ago for free admission to the Guggenhiem Museum. The perks of being a Bank of America customer. I think I might have a problem with caffine specifically coffee. Its been a habit that has progressively gotten worse throughout college. I know this because after withdrawal if I pass a shop or cafe selling coffee I have an urge to purchase and chug. Example while in the city we stopped into a bakery around the corner from the museum. Ooo that coffee was smooth and looked great next to the Elephant ear cookie I bought.

While at the museum - which was packed - we waited to see the newest exhibit by James Terrell. Unfortunately I was impatient and did not see the need to stay in a dark room with dim lighting to wait for something (if anything) were to happen. Interesting idea though. Check it out for yourself: Guggenheim Museum

Also during my visit to Jersey City for the weekend I cut my hair and had a great surprise bite at Zinburger. Mom wanted to introduce me to their delicious and outrageously flavored milkshakes. It was a food-filled weekend! Monday morning before driving to New Brunswick for work we went to a local diner in Jersey City and had pancakes :)

 Don't forget the sweet potato fries :)

 Salted Caramel and Creme Bruele milkshakes

Rally in Trenton & Fun with Co-workers

Into my forth week at the Fund and I've learned so much about this job, my position and how the office runs. My second week some of the canvassers - Tim, Eddie and I - drove down to Trenton to meet Doug, Regional Director for Environment New Jersey. We were among many other NJ citizens and groups rallying against fracking. For those that don't know, fracking or hydraulic fracking is a method of drilling into the rock below the ground that is often mixed with groundwater. The mixture is injected at high pressure into a well along which fluids such as gas, petroleum and groundwater. In other words this method of retrieving resources from the ground is poisoning our water.

It was so inspirational to see all these people together; verbally and physically making their presence and feelings known to those in Trenton.

 Co-workers Tim and Eddie with Regional Director Doug

 League of Women Voters support the Ban Fracking Amendment

 Legislators came out to voice their support 

First-hand testimony of the bad effects and aftermath of well water 

for local Pennsylvania native 

A week later I was in the office on a Saturday to make up my day off with ole friend Keith. We went to the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank the evening before to see David Byrne and St. Vincent perform (Check out my music blog HERE for more info). It was such a great (high energy) and fun show! Three encores!!!! I really loved the brass used on their most recent album. Everyone on and off stage seemed to be having a good time.

Saturday canvassing early in the morning isn't that great. But this particular Saturday in Middletown not only was there no chance or sign of rain but I also made $420! I achieved what the office recognizes as a "spicy night" - $350+ and 10+ petitions signed. I felt really good along the drive to Princeton to drove off the Zipcar I used the evening before with Keith (to go to southern Jersey) and waiting for the extremely delayed train to Secaucus was irritating. I eventually made it to the station where Mom picked me up and we spend the next few days lounging around not doing much of anything. We did, however, go and check out "Great Expectations" from the Main library downtown. Having never read many of the classics or Charles Dickens I thought it would be appropriate to do so now. 

Playing around in the office on a Saturday. One of our directors 

has a panda-shaped cookie for a head. 

Stay tuned for updates on July 4th in the office and other craziness.

Summer Job & Life in New Brunswick

Before graduating Elon I had tirelessly searched for jobs part-time, full-time, internships - paid or not, fellowships and volunteers opportunities available post college. I applied to many organizations and postings but there were many different (and random) opportunities that arose while waiting to hear back. One was coming across the Fund for the Public Interest. Its a non-profit agency that has locations all throughout the country and corporate being in Boston. In addition the Fund has adopted smaller, local non-profits for each of the offices across the country. The New Brunswick branch consists of NJPIRG - a local non-profit currently working on a campaign to prevent further toxic spills by introducing other forms of chemicals that are less harmful (and have less catastrophic outcomes if a spill were to occur) to the environment during transport and Environment New Jersey - another local non-profit currently working on a campaign to clean up the Jersey Shore.

My heart was always for preventing further pollution, degradation of shore life and strengthen our shoreline so that in the event of another major storm we are more prepared. Since my first day canvassing (people who go out to the public whether it be on the phone, street or door-to-door to gain support through membership and contributions made to the causes/campaigns they address) Tuesday, June 11th I have learned so much. I've also grown to have more admiration and appreciation for those who do this as a career. It is very hard work but does pay off in raising awareness to local concerns and issues that the state continues to ignore. Now I know some people might say - like some I've met while in various central Jersey neighborhoods during canvassing hours - that I am some college liberal kid fighting for the same environmental issues they fought back in their day. Well, your probably right. The problem is that these are STILL issues that have gotten worse. And yes I am still somewhat innocent and naive but I'm full of passion. I believe that if everyone did their part both financially and physically that these issues would not reoccur.

I also believe that older people with that philosophy are really selfish. Yes the issues might not be different but because they haven't been resolved and in most cases gotten worse, my generation including myself suffer and will have an even more challenging time making it better. This will be my life and my legacy. Unlike other generations who failed to make these issues disappear (no offense) its my turn to make it better for the next generations especially my children.

 I won't put it into a global context since most would say it does matter or effect us (but understand it does). What I will say is that doing this work has made me realize that there are good people out there that want to help and make a difference but in most cases don't know how to go about that. So when people like me come up to someones door with knowledge on the issues and ask for help there are people who grab that opportunity.

Blah Blah Blah...I know I'm going off on a rant but this is why I've stayed with this organization. Not to mention how well I've been able to connect with my work colleagues. They are very diverse and unique individuals, most of which are younger than me still in college (mainly Rutgers). Its definitely been a great experience meeting and getting to know each of them more intimately. Socials with the work crew are fun too. We have a consistent schedule:
Mondays - Frozen yogurt at Truly Yogurt
Tuesdays - Stuff Yer Face: boli and beers
Wednesdays - Free pizza
Thursdays - Tumulty's
Fridays - BBQ

Last week I went to Stuff Yer Face and had a giant original boli as we watched Game 6 Spurs and the Heat duke it out. It was so hilarious watching some of my work colleagues get so into the game especially Ben and Loren. I hope to make it to Tumulty's this Thursday to rock out the close of my week before Keith comes from Philly. We're going to see David Brynn and St. Vincent play at the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank Friday evening. It'll be a blast!!!! Saturday is a make-up work day aka canvass day and then Sunday is PRIDE!!!

So much to look forward to. I'll keep you posted lol :)

Cross-country Roadtrip Part 5

As we waved goodbye to the beauty in Arizona we were off to our last stretch and destination on our two week cross-country roadtrip: Las Vegas!!! Although I knew from the start that coming to Vegas would mean the end of our trip but at the same time I was equally intrigued to see what all the fuss was about this "sin city." Need I tell all that going to Vegas was none other than a destination that was conveniantly matched with our roadtrip route. During our planning sessions months prior to the trip we thought going to Vegas would be fun and since neither one of us had been we might as well check it out. Besides we've both been to Los Angeles and didn't care for it so this was the next best thing.

Heading into the high heat entrenched desert lands of Nevada we sighted dust tornados - tons of them - along Route 66. We stopped in Seligman, the so-called birth-place of Route 66 but it was sad to see how depressed most of the towns were along the route including Selgiman. However, each town has their own gemic so Selgiman advertised their status by decorating the roofs and doorways with colorful plastic models made to look like funk-da-fied people from another era in time. I guess thats what they thought would be a eye-catching point for us tourists.

All I'll say is that if you don't have gas in your car driving on that route you are screwed. There's hardly any towns let alone gas stations out in the middle of no-where. We did get lucky about 20 outside of Kingman (which is 75 miles from Seligman) to find a small working gas station where a kind gentleman "Chuck," "Joe,"...he said he has a lot of names since he'll take on any name someone chooses to call him. What was even more interesting - besides the friendly gas attendant giving full gas service like in NJ - was when a lady in Seligman mentioned before we left that she has to drive to Kingman for groceries. That's 75 miles west and another to go home!!! I cannot imagine what that is like other than feeling so remorse.

Nothing but miles of desert and road....

Almost 1 1/2 hours later we made it to the Hoover Dam with the outside temperature estimating 112 degrees. Yep it was the hottest I have ever experienced in my life other than that one day on the beach in Rhodes, Greece. The difference with Rhodes was the presence of wind. Here there was just heat and sunlight beaming from above. But it was all well and good once we went inside for the tour especially walking in the underground tunnels near the Colorado River. We did have enough energy to walk a bit to get a better look of the dam (see pictures below).

 Our friendly and enthusiastic tour guide from TN

Exhausted from walked not nearly enough to really complain - I blame the heat - we drove to the other side of the dam to see Lake Mead and get a bite to eat at the marina. It was amazing to think we created all of this in the last century. Lake Mead was calm and scerne like no other body of water I've seen because really, what place has that kind of asectics surrounding it? It was especially unique. Satisfying lunch and we were once again on the road again this time for the shortest amount of time (ever) it has taken us to get from one place to another. We could see Vegas in the distance after clearing some mountains near Lake Mead. Casino in the middle of the desert, yeah no kidding!

From here on out it was Viva Las Vegas baby! We arrived at Trump International Hotel in such a state that I was not prepared for the vallet to take our car and be hence waiting on hand and foot as soon as we hit the pavement. They did make us feel like royalty especially the gentleman who took us up to the room and told us how everything worked. The problem we had was forgetting to have enough cash on us to give tips. So later that night once settled into one of the nicest hotel suites we've ever been in (five-stars is really sweet - thanks Uncle Jack) we headed out to a Bank of America ATM to get quick cash to tips and then we went out on the town. We had a great dinner at El Segundo, a Mexican/American restaurant, where we ate awesome burgers and....a 42 oz margarita!!! Wish I kept the glass as evidence and a souvenir of our feat!

The suite!!

 "Wasted away again in Margaritaville"

Later we hit the casinos - because Trump didn't have one of his own and we wanted to be creatures of the night. Slots at the Bellagio, Caesars and MGM. It was so interesting to see my Mom's reaction to how outrageously dressed people were, namely the women, on and off the strip. I wasn't too 'caught off-guard' since I had experience than both during my gap year traveling and being at college for the last four years. Girls dress for attention in all the wrong places but what I find is really startling is how nearly naked they have become to do so. But what I didn't like was the obsenity of public drunkenness on the strip. It was embarassing for me to watch and for them to think acting like that is ok since "I'm on va-cay!' or 'I'm in Vegas, wooot!" NO its really not okay people. That is really stupid and in most cases life-threatening. Ever heard of alcohol poisoning?!?!? Well its not a myth its a sad reality and I'm sure it happens way too often in a place like Vegas.

Inside Caesars

 Outside Caesars

 Inside Bellagio

 Mom won $55!

 Walking the strip our first night in town

The next day we chilled out in the hotel. I had a little bit of a breakdown (what great timing) but as a result we ordered room service and went to the spa which was sooooo beautiful and relaxing. We got reflexologies - feet massages that pinpoint your nerve endings that send relaxing vibes throughout your body namely your head. That night we went to Mandalay Bay at the south end of the strip for dinner at House of Blues and to see the Michael Jackson's ONE Cirque du Soleil show (which was AMAZING - recommend highly). We were even fortunate enough to see and heard some of Grace Potter & The Nocturnal's set outside near the pool before ONE. They were amazing and so was ONE. The energy of the performers and the sentimental feelings shared among everyone in the audience throughout the show was unforgettable. All I know is that despite having some fun playing slots and looking at the casinos interior/exterior and going to Cirque du Soleil Vegas is not a place I could spend a long period of time doing anything. Its a nice getaway place but for a limited engagement. Two days and three nights was enough for me.

Our room service came on a cart that turned into a table! 

PS we spurged on champagne in honor of the occassion

 The spa :)

 Steamer, Sunna & Personal showers with complimentary towels, robes, slippers 

and accessories (razors, shaving cream, hair ties, etc)

 Face and body lotions and creams

 This was so cool!!!

Two flights back to the east coast and a drive back to central Jersey I was exhausted. I called out of my first day of work Monday to have a little time to myself before I got back into the "real-world." And since my Mom is out of work it didn't matter. Despite a little car trouble the Tuesday when we were planning to move the rest of my stuff into my apartment in New Brunswick I was feeling pretty good about my experiences since graduation. Now I have the opportunity to live my life free from institutional obligations and start fresh somewhere new.

I should have expected. Casino slots in the airport.

New post about my first two weeks at Environment NJ, my new apartment and colleagues and where I see myself in the coming months....all coming soon :)