To make a long story short, I'm unemployed because I wouldn't apologize to a co-worker for something I did not feel I should apologize for.  My boss told me all I had to do was apologize to her in person and my response was "I will not apologize to that b*tch for anything when she has not once apologized to me for any of the crap she's done to me."

"Well, I can't really have you in the office with that attitude." -my former boss.

"Then I guess I'm out." -me

"I'll give you the weekend to think about it."- my former boss.

"I don't need the weekend."- me.

A week later I was clearing out my desk and on my way to an unexpected summer vacation.

Now, over a month later I'm dead broke and I feel as if every single architecture firm in New York City that is hiring has recieved my resume and work samples since I've been pimping myself out like a mad woman. 

With my stock supply of canned soup, rice, and beans slowly dwindling down to nothing...and no money coming in to buy more...of anything...I'm starting to get a teeny bit nervous about my state of affairs... Ok, so I'M TOTALLY NERVOUS. Argh.

So, in times like this I reflect on what life has given me these past few weeks in order to remember, that yes, yes indeed it was-and still is- worth it.

1. I wake up to sunlight streaming through my window and my kitty Kaya poking my closed eyes with her little nose...not to an annoying alarm.

2. I read the free morning paper in Union Square Park and sip on the cheapest cup of coffee available, taking the time to watch squirrels, sparrows, and passersby.

3. Ah, I got to linger in the spiral of the Guggenheim and take all the time in the world to walk through wolves and exploding cars and watch videos of exploding art. http://www.guggenheim.org/exhibitions/exhibition_pages/cai.html

4. My body isn't stressed from sitting at a desk for 12 hours a day, so when I'm out playing lacrosse, I'm playing better than I ever have before. http://lacrosse.meetup.com/19/

5. I entered a citywide scavenger hunt with friends and we qualified for nationals in LAS VEGAS. I've never been and would like to go! That depends on if I get a job and can save the money for flight, and a place to stay. If I don't get to go, at least I'll always have the memories of the four of us sprinting through the streets of lower Manhattan like crazed dogs to keep me smiling for years. http://www.greaturbanrace.com/

5. I was an extra for two days of filming for Law and Order Criminal Intent. The episode is titled "Legacy" and will air August 3rd or so. Its about lacrosse players who beat up a guy.  If you look real closely, you might spot me in the background as a coach with the white polo on. By the way, I think everyone and their mom who lives in NYC will eventually be an extra on any given Law and Order episode at least ONCE in their lifetime. Haha...I'm one waiver away from qualifying to be part of the Screen Actors' Guild. http://www.sag.org/ 

6. I went in to a strip club, totally prepared to try out. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I showed up at the wrong time and was told to come back later when a certain manager would be there. I was also told I needed 3-1/2in heels to go with my gown and non-see through thong. Well, my heels I had with me were only 3 inches, and I ain't got no money to be buying stripper shoes, so I didn't go back. From this experience, I learned that no, no I don't want to be a stripper.

7. I played frisbee in Central Park with a man I'm crushing on, on a Thursday afternoon...and then fell asleep on the grass curled up next to him.

8. I can drink for free in this city that never sleeps. http://nyc.myopenbar.com/

9.  I spent an afternoon in Central Park and found out trampolining is a summer Olympic sport involving hot, hot, young men. http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/

10. I watched Kevin Robinson break the world record for a BMX vertical, at 27 feet. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siT8gLIf4Ck  Yes, I'm a BMX fan.

11. I get to watch free movies! I can actually get there early to get a seat because I'm not stuck in the office with some lame last minute deadline that the project manager forgot to tell me about. http://www.bryantpark.org/calendar/film-festival.php

12. I can actually walk from place to place because I have TIME to walk from place to place...and I can get as sweaty as I want because it doesn't matter.  

Yes, indeed I've been having fun, and barely spending money to have fun. Its the little things that I have to hold on to and remember in order to get through this all. These are tough times...and I don't have anybody or anything to fall back on except my friends who will buy me an occasional meal and the New York City streets.

I'm unemployed. This too shall pass, and I will have something to smile about until it does pass.