So I am sitting in my window – which has become a desk of sorts- and I am listening to someone’s phone alarm that has been going off for about 4 minutes.  They must have the same Blackberry because its my wake up call ring too.

Went running today in Central Park.  Just saying that sounds so novel to me, a true sign that I am completely a tourist in this city.  However, through this job, I get the feeling I will have a much more detailed interaction.  Yesterday, I started the morning with a meeting in Union Square.  It took me three trains to get there, but I made it on time and I actually found the spot.  By lunchtime I was in Harlem, and last night I walked all over to explore the upper west side… in fact so upper that I’m sure I was somewhere else.  I was so exhausted that by the time I returned home, I fell asleep by 830.

My roommate is a 2nd year law student at Columbia who is interning at the one of the courthouses.  I saw her Tuesday night when I arrived, but that’s been it so far.  It’s only Thursday morning.  She is very much the college student as reflected in her groceries… beer and cup of noodles and an alarmingly large bowl of potato salad, our furniture – the ubiquitous papadam chair – I haven’t seen one of those outside of Pier One in ages, and toiletries – Bonnie Bell (I didn’t know they were still in business) and the Garnier equivalent to Prell.  None of this is necessarily bad, it’s just interesting to see.

Work was great – there is so much to learn, but I don’t think I have worked with such an insanely dedicated staff in a while.  The burn center came close, but these people take it to a whole new level.  Their addiction to the mission and values of the organization is something to be admired and respected.  And, they are so enthusiastic and warm, it can be a bit overwhelming.  I think back to an interview I once had with a Disney person who talked about a pixie dust quota.  Pixie dust wouldn’t be far off, but it is hard to find fault with a group of individuals who are so determined to improve our communities.  I’m pretty thrilled to be a part of it.

Well, I am reaching the point when 1) that damn alarm has gone off again and it’s pretty annoying and 2) I really need to finish getting ready for work.

As ever,

K. Quinn