Workin' woman.

What a day...I don't even know where to begin?

It felt great to wake up at 8, shower, get ready and make my way down the quiet streets to the subway stop at Utica. I took the A train to the 6. The 6 train gets PACKED because it's on the way to grand central station and I realized very quickly that that is a VERY popular stop. For about 9 stops, multiple hands were touching body parts that I didn't even know I had. I stood in a huddle of steaming bodies until we passed Grand Central Station. After that I had an entire seat to myself for the remainder of the subway ride! It was the same feeling you get when you suddenly realize that no one is occupying the seat next to you on a long flight. Mmmm. I arrived to the upper east side a bit earlier than expected so I stopped into this little cafe and bought my first bagel and coffee. I really wanted to talk in my fake New York accent that I always do but then I realized that it wouldn't be as funny as it was in Austin considering everyone speaks that way out here. I also realized that New Yorkers don't believe in lines...ESPECIALLY when it comes to food! Three or four people butted in front of me. When a 70-something-year-old 4-foot-tall woman pushed me aside, that was when I decided to draw the line! It was time to be a little more assertive. I stealthily slid through a small crack between two men with large brief cases and ordered my bagel with lightening fast speed before anyone even realized I had cut in front of them! It was invigorating...and my first New York style bagel was doughy, huge and delicious. No cream cheese necessary.

The day at the store was overwhelming, but in a good way. I have a ton to do..an insane amount, actually. I know that it will take time to get the store organized and running smoothly...and to be honest, I'm not worried about it at all. I know that the numbers will go up once I get in the groove and get the staff trained. I think the previous manager was more overwhelmed than I was when she realized the changes that are about to go into effect in order for me to get the store back on track. Eeeek.

After a longggg afternoon of organizing and selling, 5:45 came around and we hopped onto the 6 train (I think? I'm trying to remember all of these subway lines!) and headed down to Soho to go to Betsey's 30th anniversary party. I couldn't believe how many photographers and press there were. There were so many people in the SoHo store that at some point the entire AC system went out! It was interesting to watch the glamorous models and socialites try to figure out strategic ways to remove sweat without looking like "sweaty girls". I spoke with Betsey and Chantal and I met a TON of people who seemed to already know about me moving up to NYC, so it was a huge boost of confidence. I was beaming by the time I hopped back on the train and couldn't stop thinking about how I was in Texas just TWO days ago. I never thought I'd ever be in a position like the one I was in this evening at the SoHo store. It is coveted by so many employees of this company, I will never take this for granted. I just can't believe how surreal this all is.

I'm exhausted and ready for bed!!!! On a side note, I still need to figure out how to deal with all of this walking. My feet are throbbing. I'm just considering these blisters to be battle wounds! Yeah! Perfect.

Until tomorrow.