New York State of Mind: Week #12: The tourists are invading!

…which is why I’m sitting here on my computer, even though I have the day off. Midtown is absolute madness, even more than usual—all the tourists are wandering around trying to stick with their giant, slow-moving groups of people. It’s mildly infuriating trying to walk anywhere, but oh well…I was in their position once I suppose.

So, starting with last Sunday, I went to UCB again (surprise surprise). Seth Meyers, Amy Poehler, and Rachel Dratch were all in the show. I scored the seat next to the monologist (story-teller), and I was hoping it’d be John Krasinski or Rainn Wilson or someone equally amazing. It was Andy Miles, who I had never heard of...I think he writes for the Colbert Report? Or the Daily Show? I can’t remember. He was pretty funny though at least—one of the better monologists I’ve seen.

Monday was the Tyra Show!!! Anna, Fallon, and I got to Chelsea Studios a little before 9 and we were some of the first ones in. There was A LOT of waiting and waiting and processing and more waiting before we finally got seated in the studio. We were in the front row of the main section for the first episode, which featured 50 Cent. The girl next to me won one of 50 Cent’s hundred dollar bills when Tyra threw it into the audience, so there’s a good chance I’ll be on camera then (and maybe other times too). I’ll probably be clapping and trying to look happy for that girl even though I secretly wanted to grab the money out of her hand, haha! There was an audience giveaway of 50 Cent’s new book and CD too. Yes, 50 Cent “wrote” a book, which is destined to become classic literature I’m sure. The 50 Cent episode is airing this Tuesday, so check it out! For the second taping we were shuffled toward the back (because they change up the arrangement). Aaaaand I was ALMOST on the show for one of the tapings on Tuesday! I got to hang out backstage before the show and get my hair/make-up done, which was sweeeeet. I ended up not being on because they ran out of time (though I was in the audience again). Fallon was on for the next taping, but I couldn’t stay because I had to go to work. It was kind of depressing because when I got to work I spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning and taking apart bookshelves—woooo, the exciting life of a small press intern! One of the producers said she might be contacting me for another show though?? I hope so!

Thursday a bunch of us went to the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade. The whole thing is a bit hazy because I was so sleep deprived, but it was very cool to see it in person. We got to 42nd St. at about 7am and we were just a row or two back from the edge—not too shabby. We had to wait about two hours for the parade to start, but at least the weather was nice! It was hard for me to see what was going on near the ground, but I could see all the floats and balloons, which is mostly what the parade is anyway. Later, we had Thanksgiving dinner at the 305. I stuffed myself silly with the typical turkey, mashed potatoes, etc.

Today I attempted the Ragtime lottery, but I didn’t win because there were a bajillion people there. I’ll probably try again during the week when there are fewer people. Instead, I went and got a rush ticket to Bye Bye Birdie for tonight. I’ve heard not-so-good things about it, but I think it’ll still be entertaining, and there are two Cedar Rapidians in the show, one whom I remember pretty well from my backstage days at Theater Cedar Rapids, so that’ll be fun to see them at least! On my way home this afternoon I finally tried Junior’s cheesecake, which is sooooo delicious! The slices are HUGE. I got chocolate mousse cheesecake, and even with my unhealthy obsession of chocolate, I only got halfway through before I felt sick and had to stop. That’s more for later though ;-)

And now I will end with some pictures from the parade!