It's a way to make a livin'!
Another success at GLSEN! I really don't know how much I'm aloud to say, but here's what I do know:
My supervisor and I met for a one-on-one, which all the staff have, to discuss any issues I might be having. She assured me that all my concerns are very valid, and that I should feel very comfortable asking for help; I'm not expected to jump right into it doing everything right. I then assured HER that I will. I will learn how to navigate these offices and official types. I will be comfortable in my outreach. I will master excel spread sheets. Oh yes!...
"Have you been to the Center, yet?" she asked as if this ominous Center loomed in my memories.
"The... CENTER?" I replied. Obviously I wondered if it was some testing facility. We'd just been talking about the concept of ethics and requirements for using humans as subjects in a test (for the National School Climate Survey, which you must take if you are an under represented young person.
"Yes, the Center. [pause] The LGBT Center in Manhattan. You have to go!" My heart jumped. According to the Youth Program on the site, there are weekly meetings and discussion groups, movies -- and people! And... Free Popcorn. I'm a sucker for butter and salt.
Like I said, this city seems strangely detached for as many people that live here. It's amazing how many people I see in one day, and the proportion of conversations I have with them! My ideal moment is to be on the subway, reading my book -- Nice Big American Baby -- and have someone comment on how they've read it before, and for us to discuss how amazing and inspiring these stories are!
In the mean time, I'm trying to finagle a way for Jake to come visit. He's never been to the city, and I'm excited to see how he takes it all in; for a man who's traveled the world, I wonder if he'll feel right at home. In a way, Jake being here will give me an excuse to indulge in some of the touristy things I've been wanting to do, but not alone.
I desperately need to do my homework. I'm thinking about taking it to work and then going to pier after work and working on it. Work. Work. Work. It's certainly a way to make a living. Dolly Parton would be proud of me.
CONRAD'S MUST-DO'S:
** WATCH 30 ROCK AND VISIT THE ROCKEFELLER CENTER.
** ORDER A BACON CHEESE BURGER TO INDULGE IN YOUR CARNIVOROUS SIDE.
** LAUGH WITH YOUR CO-WORKERS.
CONRAD'S MUST-NOT'S:
** PRETEND NOT TO NOTICE SOMEONE LOOKING AT YOU.
** CARRY AROUND A LEAKY WATER BOTTLE.
** FORGET YOUR LUNCH AT HOME.
Must do's and Must not do's, please!
ReplyDeleteAt least swing by the Forum Gallery (small and quick) and the Met--even if if just's for two or three hours. You can do both by yourself and I think you would like the Met better than MOMA.
ReplyDeleteThey have an entire section of Asian art---big Buddhist statures. I've never gotten to visit that section because I've always been looking at so many other things but you might really like it. The Tibetan art is so profound---I always says it's remarkable how they are able to add the entire cycle of life to one piece of art.
Hope Jake gets to come soon. I've mostly walked around NYC by myself---it's lots nicer to have people to share it with.
Love the "9 to 5" reference and photo. That was a fun movie. Lily Tomlin is great, and, of course, what can we say about the fabulous Dolly that hasn't been said?
You should see if you can get into the audience to watch a show being taped at the Rockefeller Center--Daily Show, Jerry Springer---Is Ellen taped in NYC?.
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