Molesting a Mannequin

Thursday was a sunny day and standing on the platform waiting for the 6express, I suddenly got a wave of love for what I am doing. The last few days had been somewhat difficult for me emotionally; I had a few other, more secure opportunities, open up recently and I was torn at the thought of possibly having to make such a big decision so soon. Sonia had also sent in an email for us to bring our laptops to work...but ugh, I don't have one, and honestly can't afford one. I may buy an old one off a friend or just ask Tio for his to borrow next week. But truth is I am kind of embarrassed to ask. It got me down a bit...but for today I decided just to focus on what was in front of me and conquer it as best I could. I knew it would be a long day, but I was optimistic.

The approach of the 6 looked like a metal caterpillar, slithering closer with each unit contracting in a smooth unison, up and around the turns. I thought about how once the train got underground, it would look more like a speeding bullet then the insect it resembled now.

I ended up getting to work about 15mins early again. The trains lined up perfectly. I sat outside the suite and fixed my boots. I made the mistake of wearing ankle sucks that my boots swallowed at every opportunity.They were Ugg knockoffs that my cousin gave me. I swore on life I would never own a pair (and technically I still don't), most likely because the girls I saw in Tallahassee wore them with bare legs and skirts, undermining their purpose. I have to admit, they are warm though. After fidgeting with them for about two minutes, I noticed it was ten to ten. I vacillated over coffee for two minutes and finally gave in. I managed to get my white chocolate mocha and make it back right on time.

When I came in and started taking off my extras (coat, scarf, etc.), I noticed a dog bed and water bowl. I stopped and stared for a second, a tad confused. Minutes later my answer arrived. Cathy, the head of the office, walked in with an adorable dog, a big 8month old labrador-collie-looking mix. This in a strange way made my day. The thought that this was not normal in an office only crossed my mind for a second...his presence was comfort. I missed having Mona at my feet and trotting about all day. So even if he was just sleeping, I felt more natural when he was there. He was clutsy on his feet and had an apprehensive curiousity. What seemed like her boyfriend came in for a few hours around lunch time. He commanded the dog to do simple tricks and we chatted a bit about dogs in general while I worked on a task. I even had a chance to conversate with Cathy while I waited for print outs.

My tasks for that day were varied; of course, there was the mailouts that still weren't finished. Completing these presented a new adminitrative task I had never done: changing an ink catridge. Some may wonder why a 23 year old who has had varied job experience never changed an ink catridge. The only real explanation I can provide is that I maybe had a working printer in college for about a month. Of course, I never let on that this was a new and strange experience for me. I just looked at the display pictures and replicated them and then, success! An administrative milestone, I had to laugh at myself.

Afterward they said I could go to lunch since they had nothing else set up (thanks to my inability to provide a laptop...great). I wasn't practicularly hungry, so I decided to wonder a bit. I asked the security guard if there was an internet cafe nearbye and he told me there was one that was part of a bookstore and gave me directions. It was independtly owned and charming. I wanted to read everything I saw, but that always happens with me and bookstores. I didn't realize how long I was in there (about 30mins) and still had to eat something. I grabbed some independent newspapers and magazines on the way out and stopped at hotdog stand. I had found my first favorite place in NYC.

When I got back I had to change the shoes on the male mannequin. Another new task. This one was particularly hilarious, especially if you happened to catch a glimpse of my struggle. The shoes were a brand we no longer represented, so we had to switch them for Pointers. The first set of Pointers refused to go on, even without laces. At one point I tried to stand him up and force his foot in but failed. Upon lowering him down to the floor I lost my grip and well...dropped him some. The drop made a loud thud and drew some "what was that"s...I yelled that we were okay, even though I dislocated his shoulder. I finally gave up and said they didn't fit, so they got me another pair. This molestation was not as bad. The shoes came on with a few bangs on the heel, a technique I learned as a trainer to check for broken bones. I had broken a sweat. The other intern laughed and said I look like a mortician. The boyfriend gave out a "wow that sucks." I was very relieved when it was over. The shoes turned out to be my first free perk of the job; they were my cousin's size so they said I could have them.

More folder duty called and I answered. I also helped Sonia contact stores whose emails were bouncing back. While she gathered names I helped another intern put together the huge print out of the seating chart/arrangement. I was eating an apple and noticed Winslow (the puppy) watching me when I first started eating it. Sure enough, when I got up to help, Winslow took a licking to my apple. Mia laughed and asked whose it was because she was going to throw it away thanks to recent slobber fest he gave it. Though I was hungry at that point and the apple was delicious, the whole thing was cute and reminded me of Mona.

And just like that the day was done...well that part of the day at least. I still was going to help Tio at the club that night with email sign ups and door work. I bumped in the "dancing guy" on the train ride home again and found he is only a stop before me. As much as it is a little weird, at least he takes full advantage of his time. I worked at the club until 10:30pm. I came home exhuasted, but at least got a few free drinks, dinner, and some money out of the day...oh yeah...and a free pair of shoes thanks to the cooperation (more like the slight cooperation) of a molested mannequin.