Part 2 of my arduous journey home:
So I boarded my train 20 minutes later and caught the connection from 30th Street onward to the airport. I quickly rush over to the Southwest baggage dropoff/check-in area and wait in the surprisingly short line. Maybe things were starting to look up for me huh?
This thought soon became a false alarm however when the man at the check in counter informed me that my bag was 2 lbs overweight. He said if I could not remove the extra weight and store some of it in my carry-on duffel that he was going to charge me $50. Really? Ok, so I wasn't going to dig for the key in my backpack to unlock the main part of my luggage and open up all of my clothes and underwear in front of spectators, so I opened the outside mini-zip-up compartment on the front of my luggage and proceeded to remove 3 scarves and some papers.
He then claimed that it was fine. Really... 3 scarves were 2 lbs overweight?? In the first place, I had a hard time believing that my bag weighed 50 lbs. However this did give me an ego boost knowing that I had been carrying/lugging around 50 lbs worth of weight. I guess all those push-ups paid off!
Anyway, after that annoyance was settled I ran upstairs to wait in the security line and when asked by the man who checked my ID how my day was, I replied honestly and told him that it could have been better. His cheery attitude dimmed my frustration level a bit though. That is, until I got up to the security area.
An intimidating woman asked whose backpack had just passed through the converyor belt and I was forced to claim it as my own. Wondering what could have possibly set off their suspicion I hurried to put on my shoes and jacket, my last shreds of dignity in a plastic bin before me. I went over to the counter where she gave me 'a look' and asked if I had any sharp objects in my bag. I didn't recall putting any knives in my backpack so I replied no. Then she reached in and pulled out a half-used water bottle and raised her eyebrows at me. Seriously? She knew where it was the whole time and could have just pulled it out. I realized I had just been careless and left it in there. I was really planning on throwing it out before I got in line, but the craziness of the previous 3 hours had left my brain a little bit jumbled.
My backpack was forced back on the conveyor where they examined it again, to see what else they could get me for. Thankfully they didn't need to humiliate me twice and I was sent on my way. At this point, I was almost in tears out of frustration. It was one of those days where if something CAN go wrong it WILL go wrong!! I made my way to the closest women's bathroom and just took a breather in a stall. Yes I picked the handicapped one I needed the space.
Overall, that was it for the most frustrating part of my day. After all that had happened not even listening to the yelping/screaming/crying dog sitting in the row in front of me for four hours on the flight could compare. My focus was just on getting home, and really, that's what it should have been on the entire day.
If we tend to focus on things in the moment, we feel like we aren't missing anything and we are getting the most out of our situation. Sometimes, though, to get through the present, we find that focusing on the future, can be the best coping mechanism.
-Stephanie, WWT
Monday, May 16, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Traveling: Train Ranting
Dear readers! I am finally back home in sunny, lovely California. After a cold night sleeping on a mattress with just a jacket for comfort and no heat in my dorm, I finally left for the airport early this morning at 6:45. I only had three hours of sleep because of the freezing temperature of my dorm, but that couldn’t put a damper on my spirits! I was going home.
However, my thoughts and life outlook was soon interrupted when it came time for me to haul my huge piece of luggage (along with a duffel bag and backpack mind you!) down the flight of stairs and up again to the other side of the train tracks. As I slammed the wheels down the first flight of stairs and began to walk through the tunnel I felt and heard the train come to a stop above me on the track! In my despair, I stopped and prayed for help trying to lug this monstrosity up a flight of stairs. All of a sudden, I hear a rush behind me and a man’s voice saying, “‘scuse me!” I had hoped this man would be willing to help me with my bag, yet when I turned I just caught a glimpse of his collared electric blue shirt, glasses, and briefcase running past me in my predicament without a second glance and no care seemingly, for anyone but himself. I stood on the stairs, shocked. I mean, I hadn’t asked this man for help directly, but I knew my body language was probably conveying a sense of distress and helplessness. I mean, isn’t helping someone out the right thing to do?
Next my brain wanders to the thought that maybe this guy will hold the train for me since he saw me struggling, down just 5 steps from the top! Yeah, that’s it! While these thoughts were passing through my brain a man-child Villanova student passed me and went on his merry way. Him, I can ALMOST forgive. I mean, his maturity level is probably hideously low; he is a college student after all. In my hesitation however I missed the train, watching it roll past me, just my head visible above the stairs. 4 steps were all that was standing between me and my way home. Now, I had another 20 minutes to wait. There was some comfort in finding my bias against college boy-men opposed when another Villanova student asked if I needed help. At this point I needed quite a lot of things. Namely, reassurance that all men out there aren’t total douchebags and may have an ounce of chivalry, respect, and care for their fellow human beings, let alone the fairer sex. I denied his request for help, feeling foolish if he would have carried my bag up three steps.
As I sat on the bench waiting for my next liberator from the confines of campus, I pondered about my situation. I wasn’t even that mad about missing the train. Hell, maybe if I had really booked it and ran I could have made it in time…my bad. What bothered me more was the depressing interactions, or lack of them, that I had with strangers. I guess I just had more faith in the social glue of society that would motivate complete strangers to help each other out, due to moral and ethical instinct. This event and it’s outcomes ultimately set the tone for the rest of my day, which would bring even more nightmares.
To Be Continued…
*I know this post said "this morning," but I actually wrote it like a week ago and just never got around to posting it! I've been enjoying my time at home and it takes a while to settle in, so I have forgone my blog.
Anyway, thanks to anyone who is actually reading this blog, you are much appreciated!
Stephanie, WWT
However, my thoughts and life outlook was soon interrupted when it came time for me to haul my huge piece of luggage (along with a duffel bag and backpack mind you!) down the flight of stairs and up again to the other side of the train tracks. As I slammed the wheels down the first flight of stairs and began to walk through the tunnel I felt and heard the train come to a stop above me on the track! In my despair, I stopped and prayed for help trying to lug this monstrosity up a flight of stairs. All of a sudden, I hear a rush behind me and a man’s voice saying, “‘scuse me!” I had hoped this man would be willing to help me with my bag, yet when I turned I just caught a glimpse of his collared electric blue shirt, glasses, and briefcase running past me in my predicament without a second glance and no care seemingly, for anyone but himself. I stood on the stairs, shocked. I mean, I hadn’t asked this man for help directly, but I knew my body language was probably conveying a sense of distress and helplessness. I mean, isn’t helping someone out the right thing to do?
Next my brain wanders to the thought that maybe this guy will hold the train for me since he saw me struggling, down just 5 steps from the top! Yeah, that’s it! While these thoughts were passing through my brain a man-child Villanova student passed me and went on his merry way. Him, I can ALMOST forgive. I mean, his maturity level is probably hideously low; he is a college student after all. In my hesitation however I missed the train, watching it roll past me, just my head visible above the stairs. 4 steps were all that was standing between me and my way home. Now, I had another 20 minutes to wait. There was some comfort in finding my bias against college boy-men opposed when another Villanova student asked if I needed help. At this point I needed quite a lot of things. Namely, reassurance that all men out there aren’t total douchebags and may have an ounce of chivalry, respect, and care for their fellow human beings, let alone the fairer sex. I denied his request for help, feeling foolish if he would have carried my bag up three steps.
As I sat on the bench waiting for my next liberator from the confines of campus, I pondered about my situation. I wasn’t even that mad about missing the train. Hell, maybe if I had really booked it and ran I could have made it in time…my bad. What bothered me more was the depressing interactions, or lack of them, that I had with strangers. I guess I just had more faith in the social glue of society that would motivate complete strangers to help each other out, due to moral and ethical instinct. This event and it’s outcomes ultimately set the tone for the rest of my day, which would bring even more nightmares.
To Be Continued…
*I know this post said "this morning," but I actually wrote it like a week ago and just never got around to posting it! I've been enjoying my time at home and it takes a while to settle in, so I have forgone my blog.
Anyway, thanks to anyone who is actually reading this blog, you are much appreciated!
Stephanie, WWT
Monday, May 2, 2011
Magnolias, Pistachios, and Bananas, Oh My!
Starting off my reviews of New York is the fabulous Magnolia Bakery!
I had originally hoped to go here as I had heard about their fantastic cupcakes and banana pudding. Fortunately, I just happened upon the Rockefeller location by chance and stopped in when it was nearly empty around 10:30 am. Although they only had about 5 different selections of cupcakes at the time, that didn't bother me because I knew they were being made fresh. Quality over quantity right?
I had to order a pistachio because I am obsessed with anything green and nutty tasting! Ok, well maybe I just really like pistachio flavored things. Anyway, after asking the wonderfully polite lady manning the cupcakes about some of the other flavors, she graciously gave me a pistachio cupcake and a small container of banana pudding. Let me just start by saying the small was not small at all, however that did not deter me from finishing off the container later that night.
As you can see, the one I ran into was near Radio City Music Hall.
I had originally hoped to go here as I had heard about their fantastic cupcakes and banana pudding. Fortunately, I just happened upon the Rockefeller location by chance and stopped in when it was nearly empty around 10:30 am. Although they only had about 5 different selections of cupcakes at the time, that didn't bother me because I knew they were being made fresh. Quality over quantity right?
Almost gone! = saddest moment of my life! :(
It was fantastic! Best banana pudding I have ever tasted, hands down. No artificial, boxy-jello-pudding container-like taste. The bananas and cookie pieces were just heaven. Where do I start with the cupcake? The frosting wasn't grainy at all, but more like a pillowy, fluffy, airy, blob of goodness atop of a pistachio flavored cupcake. Yes... pistachio flavored cake. That's why I chose this one so I could taste the actual cake. BEST CUPCAKE EVER!! Like, seriously. The nuts on top + the airy frosting + the moist, nutty cupcake = Perfection.
Insider tip: Get a container of pudding to-go and throughout the day while you're exploring the city you have a snack you can whip out and eat on a park bench or something. My pudding lasted a whole day of walking and when I got it home to put it in the fridge it was still fine, like, it hadn't melted or anything like that.
The bakery itself was very fast moving and efficient for so little space and so many people. Although it was nearly deserted when I first walked in, when I had ordered and paid there was barely enough room to walk around. Don't get discouraged! The cupcakes and pudding are definitely worth waiting!
I ate my cupcake at a little counter with barely enough space for my plate, but I didn't care. It was amazing! The atmosphere is really inviting too.
After a long day of walking, it was nice to sit down with my leftover container of banana pudding and write some postcards. Honestly, I was surprised I made it through an entire day without finishing the container. Can you say... ultimate self-control?
Anyway, the moral of this posting is if you are ever in New York, GO TO MAGNOLIA BAKERY!! I also found the location in Grand Central Station underground in the dining concourse. There are various other locations to check out as well.
What is your favorite cupcake?
Stephanie, WWT
Sunday, May 1, 2011
NYC!!
It was super exciting for me because I had never really been sightseeing in NY before. I had just visited a couple friends' houses and seen our Wildcats lose embarassingly to Texas at Madison Square Garden my freshman year.
Unfortunately in the past, my history with NY hasn't been too great. It seemed that every time I traveled across the state line I got sick. This time, I am happy to say I think the trend has been broken! Well, kind of. I ended up getting sick for a day after I got back to school, but I just attribute that to exhaustion and fatigue.
Anyway... I spent 4 lovely days and 3 nights at a hostel in Harlem, yes I know what you're thinking. College girl alone, staying in Harlem, at night = bad idea lol. Most people think I'm crazy or strange for wanting to travel by myself in the first place, but it's actually kind of relaxing/enlightening for me. I can go wherever I want and do whatever I want, not having to worry about pleasing other people.
You have so much freedom and opportunities it's amazing! The only downside is that you are alone. It makes eating kind of limited because you can't just walk into a restaurant, sit down and eat a meal by yourself without feeling awkward. Luckily, NY has lots of cafes and food trucks perfect for single diners!
Overall, I had a great time seeing what I was able to see. I even was fortunate enough to get tickets to a premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival! However I missed out on the Statue of Liberty (it was sold out until like July!) and the Empire State Building. Hopefully, next year will bring another opportunity for me to visit this fabulous city. Over the next week or so I will post individual reviews and such about the various things I did in New York, so stay tuned!
If you want to go somewhere, go! Don't wait for other people to decide to tag along or you will miss out.
-Stephanie, WWT
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