Day 32: Look at Me, I'm Sandra T.

Day 31: Griselle

01.31.14

Today was one of those busy days where meeting a new friend just seemed like an impossible task. I went into my local Starbucks and hung out for a bit in hopes that someone who looked like a good new friend prospect came in. It only took a couple mins before Griselle R strolled up to the counter and order her green tea (latte? Frappe? I couldn't tell) with a big, welcoming smile. I awkwardly approached her - first of all because she just looked so nice - and luckily she was happy to chat for a few minutes. Turns out she also lives just two blocks away from me! 

Griselle is a professional make-up artist who made a bit of a name for herself back home in Puerto Rico, but when she moved to NYC 7 years ago she had to start all over again. Working in the magazine industry in the US is more about fashion. And the folks here don't care who you worked with in Puerto Rico if they're not the superstars. But Griselle has persevered and found her niche here! (You can check out her website at www.grisellemua.com) 

Wonderful to meet you, Griselle! See you around the neighborhood! 

Day 30: Vianet

01.30.14

Vianet is pretty awesome. I'm constantly reminded why I'm doing this project when I meet such inspiring people. 

It was quite late (early, really) and I found myself in Pie Face in Hell's Kitchen. Vianet was working and we started chatting (as you do when it's 2:30am). She moved to NYC nearly 20 years ago from San Antonio to help her father. She didn't elaborate on what that meant, but at one point she was a certified nurses aid, so I assume it was something health related. 

When she was younger she played volleyball, basketball, and ran track - now she supervises 8 Pie Face stores in New York City and caters on the side.  It was wonderful to watch Vianet at work. She clearly loves what she does - the people she works with and the customers she gets to interact with.  I met her when she was in the middle of an overnight shift (Pie Face is open 24 hours) and doesn't mind working the crazy hours (I was able to visit her again later in the day because she was starting ANOTHER overnight shift at 10pm) because she's an insomniac and usually only sleeps about 3 or so hours each night. At one point she clutched the coffee maker as tightly as one would hold any close friend who helps them stay awake all night. 

While Vianet works a lot, she's still able to spend time with her family - her two children and her two grandchildren! 

When Franklin and I went in to visit her later in the day, without missing a beat she turned to her coworker and excitedly shared "These are my new friends: Jason and Franklin!"

Glad to have you as a new friend, Vianet!  We'll come help get you through one of those late-night shifts again soon!

Day 29: Bryan P.

01.29.14

Bryan has been in NYC for 6 years and currently holds 4 jobs!  I met him at one of them - at Junior's in Times Square. I was with my coworker Nikki and we were on a break grabbing dinner - she was so excited to see her friend Bryan was working! I'd seen him around the theatre before (he used to be an usher at the New Am and we have many mutual friends), but it was nice to actually meet him and chat for a bit. 

Day 28: Joanne D.

01.28.14

Joanne works at The Disney Store in Times Square and according to her name tag, her favorite Disney character is Tinkerbell. 

Originally from Florida, Joanne majored in health services at UCF and spent some time working in the food industry before moving to New York to pursue her passion for acting. Now she's taking classes at the New York City Dramatic Academy. 

Joanne was so happy and genuine as she was greeting guests in the store I wanted to meet her for myself! It was so great to meet you, Joanne!

Day 27: Rachel S.

01.27.14

I've been hearing Rachel's name for years at this point. My good friend Kristen turned to me during a happy hour that she organized asking if I knew Rachel and gestured to an unfamiliar face. I said no, but really we each felt like we were old friends even though we had never met before. 

It was so fun to chat about all of our mutual friends and how our paths have crossed throughout the years. We talked about getting a drink in the coming weeks to accurately catch up. 

So great to finally meet you, Rachel!

Day 26: Aly F.

01.26.14

It was so great to run into Hannah from Birthright at Starbucks in Union Square where she was there with her girlfriend Aly who I had heard so much about on the trip!  Obviously, Aly made a perfect Friend of the Day.

Where's is she from? Chicago! Aly is a paralegal living in NYC and just got to go to London for work. Though she wasn't able to enjoy the city too much, it still sounded cool.

I can't wait to get to spend more time with Hannah and Aly in the States!  Great to meet you, Aly!