I Now Have A Usual

My weekends have quickly acquired a usual routine-- that feels nothing much like a routine except in that it's become habitat to enjoy outtings with good friends and even better cocktails. I suppose in college (which still sounds strange to say) I longed for weekends comprised of social outtings in sophisticated, swanky bars that boast overpriced cocktails...and by the looks and sounds of preceding entries I've come a long way from the sweatfests I once looked forward to in 80s nights at XS. Gator City really is Gator-shitty.

Last Thursday (June 14) I celebrated my one-month in the working world. It's flown by much quicker than I could imagine or remember. I suppose it's the consistent busyness of being in a new city, the acclamation to a new role and the need to take it all in one day at a time. My anniversary was coinsided with a colleagues departure to Duke's MBA program. He had been with the company for 4 years and decided to pursue high education (me in 4 years??). We celebrated by taking over a posh bar on Park Avenue named the SilverLeaf Tavern. The place in all its decadence was typical of a lounge with oversized mohagony furniture and pricey cocktails-- but price has little bearing when it's going on the corporate card. The outting brought a large crowd of office dwellers--and a fantastic opportunity to get to know my co-workers in a setting the solicits casual (perhaps borderline inappropriate) converational and a glimpse into their personal lives (whether intentional or not). I tend to get a little overzealous when I know I am not paying for my drinks-- hence my rapid intoxication at the company event (I'm still blaming it on the fact that I did not eat dinner). Perhaps the best relevation that occurred was my acquisition of a "usual" at bars around the city.

"I'll have a gin and tonic" has become this weekends motto. While not a stretch, creative or pretentious by any standards I've come to appreciate a well contrived mixture of gin and tonic water with a lime wedge. Contrary to my belief-- not all gin and tonics are created equal. A well mixed gin and tonic can do the job well, while tasting pleasant (a rarity in drinking for me considering I find liquior to taste awful). Perhaps pacing is my biggest fallback when it comes to drinking with my peers. I got hammered with my superiors, however the act seems tolerated and expected of a few individuals as I've been told the Christmas party usually leaves a few with some embarrassing stories to tell. Not to mention the CFO was ordering everyone shots of Patron tequila (x2). It got blurry. The most impressive thought of the evening, however, was the tab that read more like someone's rent ($1700). We followed the drinks with some fine dining (all on the company). In true London tradition we started early (6 p.m.) and ended early (12:30 a.m.). One of the night's occurrences that dawned on my yesterday (Sunday) was that as I crossed a cross walk (DRUnk) a taxi cab cut in front of me and as it made its way in front I tapped playfully on the trunk of the car (as my co-workers warned me not to do that--as it appeared what my intents were). This act prompted the cab driver to halt the car (mid street) and get out. He began yelling at me: "Why the fuck you knocking on my car-- what's your problem." In which my co-workers stepped in to explain my belligerance and New York inexperience. I was ushered into the restaurant because it appeared the driver wanted to attack me. That was embarrassing come to think of it and I can't believe I remembered that 3 days later.

New York has a way of keeping you fit despite your desire to actually be proactive. My down time has been spent-- spending my paycheck. I decided to treat myself to a luxury item (a Jack Spade backpack) with my first sum of money that did not go to bills. This made me realize that I cannot continue splurging on fine items to entertain me on the weekends and I've therefore succumbed to the $89/month gym membership at New York Sports Clubs. Fortunately, there is a gym on every corner (possibly just as convenient as a Starbucks in this city). I've said it to myself many times before-- I will stick with it, but this time my motivation stems far beyond my inner desire to gain some weight...it's costing me a pretty penny to be a part of the gym (and my frugal side will make my ass work out). In a recent conversation with my friend, CJ, I realized that while we do a lot of maturing and personal growth in college-- it isn't until after college that you really begin to develop your true persona. I've begun asking myself where all my time and energy has gone into these last couple of years? I mean-- I don't have a hobby, sport or activity that I particularly excel in...so what have I been doing? This has prompted me to dabble in new activities in the last couple of months (i.e. rockclimbing, yoga) until I can find something that I can call my own. Something I find entertaining, relaxing and that I can excel in.

This weekend I've also come to appreciate those friends I can immediately fall into a friendship with even after so many years, months or days apart. It makes me appreciate the fact that I have made some really great connections with people throughout the last couple of years. In particular I had two of my friends from my semester in London visit with hopes of moving to NYC next month. It was as though we hadn't spend an entire year apart since we left London--but rather had seen eachother just last week. The same goes with friends from high school (MA and DB).

So, this weekend I learned that while you make think you've hit this ceiling of entertainment, knowledge and activity-- you've only really begun discovering the possibilities. I think I'll try painting or learn to play the guitar.