Let's talk about it

Summer hasn't exactly gone as I had planned. In June I received a great job offer to work as an assistant for a financial company. I was sought out by the company and knew all the people in the firm because they were leasing office space from the company I had been working for. I happily accepted the offer and put in my two weeks notice at the real estate company. 

One week later I learned from the real estate company that I couldn't work for the financial firm because of a no compete clause in the lease between the real estate company and firm that hired me. So in short I was out of a job because I had already quit my job and decided to take a position I wasn't legally allowed to have but no one ever told me I wasn't allowed to take the job and the real estate company wouldn't allow me to have my old position back.

The next month I did a lot of waiting hoping the two companies would be able to work something out or simply overlook the clause. It seemed strange to have a no compete clause for an entry level  employee . The financial firm stayed in contact with me and assured me that my job was still available whenever I was legally allowed to take it. 

I decided I would go back to Indiana for a couple weeks at the end of July to get my mind off things. The whole situation has been really stressful. I can't help but think about how many different ways the situation could've been handled. I worked really hard for the real estate company and they did nothing to inform me of the clause and wouldn't allow any exceptions to the rule? 

While in Indiana I decided I really needed to leave the entire situation behind and look for new opportunities. I came back to the city with intention of finding a new job and not looking back. I was able to get in touch with a couple great recruiting firms that have helped me get into interviews with great companies. 

I know the process isn't over yet but I'm feeling a lot more hope than I was a few weeks ago. Hopefully I land in the right position eventually. 

the clocktower

The Berne Clocktower is finally a reality. I've been in my hometown for a few days and had the chance to attend the clocktower dedication on Saturday night. The tower project has been in the works for the past 8 years. 

Summer Vacation 2010- My first Staycation

...we visited our friends office overlooking Times Square..

..witnessed a Yankees game -Alex may have maxed out his memory card on his camera...

...sampled the melon gelato at Chelsea Market...

...had Asian fusion food at Spice Market and Tao...

...snuck in a Broadway show- Next to Normal- and even met an actor...

....and even had time to visit Colombia- actually just Little Colombia in Jackson Heights, Queens! 

Paul the Octopus picks Spain over Netherlands to win World Cup

A Family Affair

Ahop's family has come and gone. We had a grand time and it was a good chance for me to get to know his family better. His mom, dad, and sister stayed in our 500 square foot apartment with us for a little over a week so it was cozy but fun. Ahop spent the majority of the visit working but I was able to do a lot of the touristy things with the family.

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is the oldest suspension bridge in the world and was the first structure built connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Taking approximately 13 years to build the bridge was completed in May of 1883. A must for visitors and popular for residents a like is walking from Brooklyn to Manhattan to take in the city skyline.   

We decided to walk the bridge last week- maybe we picked a day that was too hot or maybe my Colombian counterparts are more acclimated to hot weather?

We started in Brooklyn (we took the train to the Borough Hall Station) and ended in Manhattan (the bridge ends at Brooklyn Bridge Station). First we explored Brooklyn Heights and then strolled the Promenade. The Promenade provided great views of the city and bridge too!

conquering central park in one day

Central Park is full of hidden gems and stretches from 59th St to 110th St in  Harlem. Exploring the park can be a daunting task- especially on foot. This week we rented bikes for 3 hours in the afternoon giving us ample time to explore a few things within the park. Jen and I did the entire loop from 59th St up the East side to Harlem and back down the West side. Whehhewww we were tired! It took us a bit over an hour- including the time we took to stop and look at a few things a long the way.