A routine begins...

MIAMI IS FLAT. Running around here is a totally different experience because of that geographical characteristic. The only inclines are where tree roots have tried to pop through the sidewalk creating little minuture mountains in the concrete. These don't do much to the glutes, but boy, running in the sand sure does.

Today I had orientation for my new job. I sat among 5 other people in a tiny little office and learned the ins and outs of this tightly run ship. In fact, we'll even be quized at the end of the week on all the information we'll hopefully gather throughout the week. My fellow trainees come from all walks of life. Some are older, some look younger, some from South America, some from New York. It's funny how once I state that I'm from NH and have only been here for a few weeks, people are suddenly divided into two different groups. Group 1 seems very impressed and usually comments on how brave that was. Group 2 takes the opportunity to educate me on every detail that they feel I must know, and couldn't have possible figured out on my own. Like "honey the parkin down here is impossible." Figured that one out the first night I was on my own and had dropped dad off at the airport. Or there's the "Oh yeah, Miami's different. It doesn't snow here ya know." Wait, really? I came down here for the excellent skiing! I suppose it gives some people a feeling of importance to bestow these tidbits on me. Of course some people are very helpful and those are usually the ones who don't realize it.

Yesterday when I was running I headed down my usual route: up Euclid to 15th street, turn south down Meridian to 1st street, then down to South Pointe Park, which is under construction 85% of this island. Here I take a left and head towards the beach. Theres a path that takes you to the farthest south point of the island. Here is where the Intercoastal Waterway meets the Ocean and it's absolutely stunning. This is the most beautiful spot, especially around 4:30-5pm when the sun is setting and the cruise ships are departing for their caribbean destinations. Yesterday when I got down here the Norweigan Dawn was departing. I thought about the bimini bar, and the jacuzzi on the top deck. So many memories were floating past me as I stood there. When I run down here I usually walk out on the jetty and take in the beauty of Miami Beach. The line of hotels and highrises on my left and the vast, beautiful, turquoise Atlantic on my right. This really is an absolutely stunning area and I feel so fortunate to call it home.

So I actually have a routine. I've been craving this since I got down here. It's not exactly what I was expecting but it will be an experience that I'll grow from, like many others. Tomorrow begins real training. I have to show up in uniform: white button down shirt, black skirt or pants. I need to ask Roxx if I can borrow a tie. Which reminds me. I know there's been some confusion in my reference towards Roxx. Sometimes I write Rodrigo and sometimes Roxx. Honestly, it's not that our friendship fluctuates at all, it's more my feelings towards him at the moment. For now, we're on good terms. I feel comfortable calling him Roxx. A few days ago, he was not in my good graces. I got up and went to open the blinds around my desk and I heard him whimper and realized he was shielding himself from the bits of light coming in. Keep in mind our unit is on the bottom floor so it's not like we were being flooded with sunlight. I asked him if he was aright and he mumbled he was really busy and could I please keep those closed. Yeah because we all know the darker the area, the faster one can work. So that day I stuck with Rodrigo.

Ode to a bathing suit the day after Thanksgiving

The first thing I thought when I woke up this morning and saw it was another beautiful sunny day maybe I'll hit the beach for a little while with my new book. Then I realized that today is the day after we gorge on food and drinks and pies, and this may be the first time I'd ever consider slipping into a bathing suit the day after Thanksgiving. I guess the pilgrims had it right when they decided to land on Plymouth Rock and be able hid under their winter layers after feasting on turkey and corn.
Anyways I had an absolutely wonderful time celebrating Thanksgiving in South Miami with the Lazala family. It was the first for many things, including eating Thanksgiving on the deck. Silvia's family was incredibly friendly and generous and an all around good time. It was so nice to be around a family on a Holiday where we should take time to remember what we are so fortunate to have in our lives.
Back to today, though, I think that roxx is mad at me. It started when I heard him get up at about 8am this morning, he NEVER gets up before noon. When I got up he didn't say anything to me. Now in anyother situation with anyone else this might not seem out of the ordinary. But I was immediately caught off gaurd when 10 more minutes went by and he still hadn't intiated any sort of conversation. Not that I have any idea what he could possible be mad at me for. It's just very uncharacteristic and making me nervous.
Well thankfully the sky has clouded up and it seems the opportunity to sport a two-piece has passed me by.

Things are looking up!

So I finally got a job! I could say: "I got up this morning with a sense of determination and told myself I wouldn't go home without a job" but that's not quite how it worked. Actually it was a pretty typical morning, except for the fact that while I was running, I took a different route home. I ran down Espanola Way which an adorable, quaint little cobblestone street with small cafes and bars. It's only about two blocks away and I decided to come back here and check out some available positions. I started on one end of the street and worked my way down. I was shown to managers and said the same thing "I was wondering if you were hiring." I got lots of "not yet" and plenty of business cards to apply online. When I got to the end of Espanola Way I decided I'd check out Ocean Drive. I was already out an about, why not? These places are a lot more intimidating. Hostesses standing by a table of saran-wrapped entrees basically pleading with you to pick their menu. It's incredibly disappointing to you when you are interested in a job and not the plastic encased crab legs. So I finally made my way to The News Cafe. Interesting because in the back of my mind this is where I wanted to end up. Lis had told me about this place and I really wanted to check it out. I was shown to the manager and he had me fill out an application. It was sort of like a bar quiz at the same time: Name three types of vodka, how do you make a martini, what steps would you take when serving a table. Luckily I have a pretty good imagination. So after that I was taken to Victor, who I percieved to be the head huncho of the place. He told me he doesn't usually accept applications (which I still don't really get) but mine looked good so let's chat. He described the graveyard shift and how everyone who starts, starts there. 11:00-7am. Brutal. The bartender chimmed in with "that's when I make the most money." He said there were three positions open, waitress, bartender, hostess. I said I'd feel most comfortable with waiting tables for now. He went over a few other things and shook my hand and said "your hired" The words I've been waitin to here since I've been here! I know it's going to be tough and certainly a different experience than I'm used to. But I'm very excited to start working, meeting different people and earning some money. It's right on the beach, right on Ocean Drive in the heart of South Beach so if nothing more, at least I can say I worked there! Well, now that that's taken care of I'm going to hit the beach for a little while. I here it's snowing up in New England. I'll be thinking of you all.

A Challenge

So here's an interesting little challenge posed in front of me: I have no access to my money for the next ten days. It's not that I don't have any money, but rather the money that I do have is in the process of being transferred from Ocean National to Bank of America and according to them that takes ten business days. It was me who forgot to take care of this before I moved so I really can't wallow in my own self pity, I'll just have to figure it out. Fortunately I went food shopping before I encountered this problem and should be fine as far as nourishment goes. My social life, as small as it is right now, might feel the blow. The friends I've met down here all seem to be riding the unemployment train with me and funding another persons social activities isn't really an option. The funny thing is I'm not freaking out. I'm sure that if mom and dad are reading this their worryometer has gone up a few notches, but I'm maintaining a pretty calm demeanor. I guess because I know I'm not actually broke. I just get to play broke for a little while. Fun.
On another note I've realized that the opportunity I find myself in is actually very inspiring. I live in an area where I can walk to the beach, the grocery store, dunkin donuts (thank god for a GC I was given from a Teen Center participant), and some really beautiful parks. I have more time on my hands than I know what to do with. All of those things I have put off until "I had more time to dedicate to them" I can finally dust off and start dedicating to. I can practice my guitar, make jewelry, write, read and really take this time to pay attention to my world and the details within it. I've always wanted a chance to do this. This experience more than anything, is about self-creation/discovery/awareness. I need to embrace the changes going on around me, open myself up to them and let them all in. I need to be patient and take this time I am given as a gift to do all that. I am adding a chapter in my life and I need to take time to do that. I've always known that things work out they way they are supposed and I'm certainly not going to let go of that now.
Am I giving up the job hunt? Of course not. I'll be doing what I can for Rodrigo and if it comes to it I'll work in a restaurant/bar until Christmas. For those who don't know Rodrigo is a website designer and actually does very well for himself. I've taken on the role of writer/publicist as he isn't a very patient listener, nor does he write very well in English. If all goes well and I bring in some clients the pay off will be worth it. Working with a bit of a procrastinator is a little difficult though. For the most part it makes me feel somewhat productive.

Life On The Beach

So every morning when I get up I mark on my calender how many days I've been here. I'm not counting down, I'm actually counting up. I figured this way I can keep track of how long I last. Thus far it's been 13 days. I am still umemployed, however I've been learning the in on Roxx's job. For those who don't really know Roxx is my roommate. His actual name is Rodrigo, but only to friends. I suppose we aren't quite there yet. Getting there for sure though. Roxx is a DJ, Website designer, and heartthrob to the male species. He's certainly an interesting character and quite long winded. I find myself caught in conversations that seem to be endless and repetetive. At least he talks to me right?
The weather is wonderful if you like 80 degrees in November. I guess I'm aright with it, but it definitely doesn't feel like Thanksgiving is around the corner. It sort of adds to the surrealness of the situation. I'm sure I sound like a brat but think about it, I'm a born/bred New England girl. A winter without snow is ODD to say the least. It's like toast without jam, eggs without ketchup, cookies with no chocolate chips. You get my point. The palm trees loose their glam after awhile.
Anyways. in many ways I feel like a visitor here. I go the the beach and look around me and it's all tourists. People on vacation, sipping cocktails, taking it all in, but knowing it's just for a short while. The beach however is beautiful. When I start to feel a little claustrophobic in my apartment, in the city in general, I go to the beach and embrace the vastness of the ocean; or let it embrace me. I remember that I want to be here.
I guess I sort of skipped a lot, but I'm not one to record all the details. My apartment is big and certainly beginning to feel like home. Roxx is on my level with decor and cleanliness which is great. He let's me know when my shoes don't match and when my hair isn't falling quite right. He even came in in the clutch this morning when I had a mini breakdown getting ready for an interview and realized I didnt' have a hair dryer. Lo and behold he had one, along with several other hair products I am lacking, and saved the day.
I don't really have a solid way to end this, I'm brand new at the blogging thing. Just know that I am here in Miami Beach surviving off of UV rays and Lean Cuisine and doing just fine.