This week has been pretty normal so far...nothing too exciting going around here. We are supposed to get 4 inches of rain tomorrow because of the tropical storm, so tomorrow will not be a fun day in the city. The Yankee's have made it to the playoff's! Even thought I'm not a huge MLB fan, it is exciting that the team in the current city I'm living in made it to the playoff's. Everyone in the city (except for the Met's fans) are showing their Yankee's gear off wherever they go.
My supervisor at Universal is in Nashville right now with one of our writers. Before she went to Nashville, she asked me if I knew any songwriter's in Nashville that would like to co-write with her writer. I sent a couple of e-mails out, and ended up setting up a writing sessions with another writer I know! It felt really good to be able to use some of my connections I've made in Nashville to help me out in NYC. It really goes to show you that the Music Business really goes co-exist between L.A, NYC, and Nashville.
I've really been thinking about my friend Kristen lately. All day today I have been reminded about her and about little secrets and things we have shared. I really do miss her. It's funny that when someone is gone, you really do realize how much you miss their friendship and the ability to still communicate with them. Even though I can't call her or text her, I still find ways to talk to her and I know she is always up there listening. I'm doing the " Light for the Night" walk here in NYC in honor of Kristen. All the proceeds directly benifit the Leukeumia and Lymphoma research. If you would like to check out my team website and donate to the cause, I'll include the link at the bottom. My team has earned a little of half of our goal!! Only 2 weeks left!
http://pages.lightthenight.org/nyc/Manhattn10/JUreckis
Light the Night Walk 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
John Legend and The Roots/ Roof Top Party/ Arkansas Game
Man this weekend has been packed!! I guess my weekend started on Thursday when my friend Barbara received 2 tickets from her internship to the John Legend and the Roots concert! It was at a venue in NYC called Terminal 5. Very cool venue, but it was general admission seating which can be a pain at times, especially for someone who is 5 foot. However, John Legend put on an AMAZING concert! At the beginning of the concert he actually entered through the audience and I was able to touch him! He also had Jennifer Hudson, Common, and Estelle make special appearances! Check out his new CD! It's really worth a listen.
Friday night I was invited by my internship to a show/party that was feat. a band that one of our writer's had 8 cuts on their newest CD. They are called Fitz and The Tantrums. Really fun music! The venue of the party was in SoHo--very NICE part of the city. The place was called SoHo House. It is a very exclusive, member only place to have dinner and relax. The show was on the roof top, which included a full bar, a pool, tables, nice pool lounge couches, and of course a little place for the band. The band put on a great performance! The sound wasn't ideal, but they made the best of it. I was joined by 2 women I work with, one of their roommates, and one of their sister-in-laws. It was so nice to have a nice conversation and drinks with them! They really made me feel welcomed, and the whole night just felt like we were girlfriends hanging out. After the show we ended up staying a couple more hours (because we most likely will never be able to come back to this place!) , so we took advantage of our time their and enjoyed the roof top.
Saturday I found a bar that would play the Arkansas Vs. Alabama game (since we don't receive CBS in the room). I must say seeing all the fans and facebook status' made me wish i was there!! I made a couple of friends in the bar though that were from MO. They helped me call the Hogs and comforted me when we lost. I'm still proud of my Hogs though!
Here's a couple of pics from the Yankee's game that I promised!
Friday night I was invited by my internship to a show/party that was feat. a band that one of our writer's had 8 cuts on their newest CD. They are called Fitz and The Tantrums. Really fun music! The venue of the party was in SoHo--very NICE part of the city. The place was called SoHo House. It is a very exclusive, member only place to have dinner and relax. The show was on the roof top, which included a full bar, a pool, tables, nice pool lounge couches, and of course a little place for the band. The band put on a great performance! The sound wasn't ideal, but they made the best of it. I was joined by 2 women I work with, one of their roommates, and one of their sister-in-laws. It was so nice to have a nice conversation and drinks with them! They really made me feel welcomed, and the whole night just felt like we were girlfriends hanging out. After the show we ended up staying a couple more hours (because we most likely will never be able to come back to this place!) , so we took advantage of our time their and enjoyed the roof top.
Saturday I found a bar that would play the Arkansas Vs. Alabama game (since we don't receive CBS in the room). I must say seeing all the fans and facebook status' made me wish i was there!! I made a couple of friends in the bar though that were from MO. They helped me call the Hogs and comforted me when we lost. I'm still proud of my Hogs though!
Here's a couple of pics from the Yankee's game that I promised!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Time in Fayetteville/Yankee's Game
So sorry I have been M.I.A for about a week and a half! I went home last Tuesday to be with friends and family when I heard about the death of my friend Kristen Graham. It was really good to be home. I think everyone who lives in NYC would agree that it is nice to get away from the city once in awhile. While I was home, I was asked my the Graham family to speak at Kristen's funeral service. I cannot tell you how much an honor this was! I was so worried about not knowing what to say as well as keeping it together on stage, but in the end everything worked out perfectly. The service was perfect and very Kristen. We honored and remembered the life of a person who brought so much light into the world.
While I was home I also had the opportunity to visit and re-unite with a group of friends that I had not talked to in what seems likes ages. It was so great to be able to pick back where we had left off and to be with them knowing that they were going through the same grieving process as I was. We were able to spend a night out together and brought up old times and good memories of Kristen. It was such a blessing. It made me realize that we really do only have a short time on this earth and that we should take advantage of every day. Such an easy thing to say, but a hard thing to do! I must say that it was hard leaving Fayetteville to go back to NYC ( i know crazy right? But true!) , but when I came back to NYC I was welcomed with open arms by my friends here. They said it felt like I was gone for SO long! ha.
My friend Barbara told me about a " Light the Night" walk they are doing here in NYC. " Light the Night" is a program that is geared to fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. On Oct. 14th, I will be participating in the walk that is going to be on the Brooklyn Bridge. Each walker will carry a different color balloon that will symbolize if the person they are walking for is currently going through treatment, passed away from the disease, or is in full remission. It is going to be a truly amazing experience. If you would like to help me reach my fundraising goal, click on this link Light The Night-Jordan Ureckis Fundraising and you can click on " Make a Donation".
On Monday, we were able to get tickets to a Yankee's baseball game! The Yankee's are number one right now, so it was awesome that we were able to get tickets! We sat in the bleachers, and had great seats! It was such a fun experience and a great stadium to watch a baseball game. Even though I'm not a big Yankee's fan, I had to experience the stadium as well as buy a cheap $5 hat from the street vendor! I will post some pictures from the game once I get home and have my camera with me!
Here is my speech for Kristen's Service for those of you who were not able to attend:
Today I'd like to share with you a few things about my friend Kristen. When I first met her in 8th grade, i knew she was going to be a handful;full of energy, laughter, and spunk. She was also one of the most talkative girls I had ever met. I knew from that minute we would get along just fine. We experienced a lot in our several years of friendship from boys, choir, AP block assignments, church, and small group. We experienced mission work in Mexico, school transitions, break up's, but most importantly we experienced fun. Kristen was always so full of life! I remember spending many nights driving around in her white Honda, with the windows down, blasting Aqua's "Barbie Girl" and dancing---and boy did that girl have some dance moves! I also remember laughing with her till we were both rolling on the floor crying. Kristen had such a zest for life even during these last couple of years. I remember having multiple conversations with her asking how she was doing and she always replied, " GREAT!" It's just cancer! no Big! When she experience hair loss, she made the most of it with fun wigs of all styles. I sent her a bright pink one once, don't know if she ever wore it, but I'd like to think she modelled it in the hospital. She cared deeply about her friends and family and would spend intentional time listening to problems and giving advice.She was always there for people when they needed a hug, a shoulder to cry on, or just a smile and a " cheer up baby doll". She passed no judgement and loved all people. It's these traits and memories that I 'll remember most about Krissy and the time we spent together. We will miss her greatly, but rest assure because I'm sure she is already causing trouble up there in heaven and is enjoying being the life of the party and center of attention. Kristen, everyone who was touched by you was lucky, but now you 're the lucky one because you are with the almighty father. Kristen we love you and miss you and can't wait to see you one day.
While I was home I also had the opportunity to visit and re-unite with a group of friends that I had not talked to in what seems likes ages. It was so great to be able to pick back where we had left off and to be with them knowing that they were going through the same grieving process as I was. We were able to spend a night out together and brought up old times and good memories of Kristen. It was such a blessing. It made me realize that we really do only have a short time on this earth and that we should take advantage of every day. Such an easy thing to say, but a hard thing to do! I must say that it was hard leaving Fayetteville to go back to NYC ( i know crazy right? But true!) , but when I came back to NYC I was welcomed with open arms by my friends here. They said it felt like I was gone for SO long! ha.
My friend Barbara told me about a " Light the Night" walk they are doing here in NYC. " Light the Night" is a program that is geared to fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. On Oct. 14th, I will be participating in the walk that is going to be on the Brooklyn Bridge. Each walker will carry a different color balloon that will symbolize if the person they are walking for is currently going through treatment, passed away from the disease, or is in full remission. It is going to be a truly amazing experience. If you would like to help me reach my fundraising goal, click on this link Light The Night-Jordan Ureckis Fundraising and you can click on " Make a Donation".
On Monday, we were able to get tickets to a Yankee's baseball game! The Yankee's are number one right now, so it was awesome that we were able to get tickets! We sat in the bleachers, and had great seats! It was such a fun experience and a great stadium to watch a baseball game. Even though I'm not a big Yankee's fan, I had to experience the stadium as well as buy a cheap $5 hat from the street vendor! I will post some pictures from the game once I get home and have my camera with me!
Here is my speech for Kristen's Service for those of you who were not able to attend:
Today I'd like to share with you a few things about my friend Kristen. When I first met her in 8th grade, i knew she was going to be a handful;full of energy, laughter, and spunk. She was also one of the most talkative girls I had ever met. I knew from that minute we would get along just fine. We experienced a lot in our several years of friendship from boys, choir, AP block assignments, church, and small group. We experienced mission work in Mexico, school transitions, break up's, but most importantly we experienced fun. Kristen was always so full of life! I remember spending many nights driving around in her white Honda, with the windows down, blasting Aqua's "Barbie Girl" and dancing---and boy did that girl have some dance moves! I also remember laughing with her till we were both rolling on the floor crying. Kristen had such a zest for life even during these last couple of years. I remember having multiple conversations with her asking how she was doing and she always replied, " GREAT!" It's just cancer! no Big! When she experience hair loss, she made the most of it with fun wigs of all styles. I sent her a bright pink one once, don't know if she ever wore it, but I'd like to think she modelled it in the hospital. She cared deeply about her friends and family and would spend intentional time listening to problems and giving advice.She was always there for people when they needed a hug, a shoulder to cry on, or just a smile and a " cheer up baby doll". She passed no judgement and loved all people. It's these traits and memories that I 'll remember most about Krissy and the time we spent together. We will miss her greatly, but rest assure because I'm sure she is already causing trouble up there in heaven and is enjoying being the life of the party and center of attention. Kristen, everyone who was touched by you was lucky, but now you 're the lucky one because you are with the almighty father. Kristen we love you and miss you and can't wait to see you one day.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Mets Game/ RIP Kristen Graham
Today we woke up rather earlier to go to a Mets game! We were able to get tickets on the 1st base line for $13! Even though the Mets are really bad this season, we still wanted to go and check out the stadium and experience a Mets game while we are in NYC.
It took us about an hour to get there, but the subway stop let us out right by the stadium! It was a bit chilly and cloudy, but we made the best of it. I ordered an Italian Sasuage with lots of peppers and enjoyed about 4 innings of the baseball and then received a call.
Last night my friend Kristen passed away. As previously posted, she is a good friend of mine who has battled leukemia for about 2 years now, has been through 2 transplants, and recently became very sick with some kind of fungal issues in her lungs. She passed away peacefully and in no pain. Her kidneys gave out, and she passed away at about 11:30 last night. I spent the rest of the game making phone calls to other friends who knew her well and had to be the giver of bad news. I will be going back to Fayetteville for the funeral service and to be with friends and family during this mourning period.
I will always remember Kristen. She was a fighter and fought a hard battle. She loved life and people. Kristen and I had several wonderful conversations about life, and I will cherish every memory I have of her. She truly was a bright light in this world. Please continue to pray for her family during this time.
It took us about an hour to get there, but the subway stop let us out right by the stadium! It was a bit chilly and cloudy, but we made the best of it. I ordered an Italian Sasuage with lots of peppers and enjoyed about 4 innings of the baseball and then received a call.
Last night my friend Kristen passed away. As previously posted, she is a good friend of mine who has battled leukemia for about 2 years now, has been through 2 transplants, and recently became very sick with some kind of fungal issues in her lungs. She passed away peacefully and in no pain. Her kidneys gave out, and she passed away at about 11:30 last night. I spent the rest of the game making phone calls to other friends who knew her well and had to be the giver of bad news. I will be going back to Fayetteville for the funeral service and to be with friends and family during this mourning period.
I will always remember Kristen. She was a fighter and fought a hard battle. She loved life and people. Kristen and I had several wonderful conversations about life, and I will cherish every memory I have of her. She truly was a bright light in this world. Please continue to pray for her family during this time.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Friday/Saturday
Friday was Fashion Night Out in NYC. All fashion lover/supporters/designers come out to designer stores and check out the latest collections. After having dinner at our teachers/advisors house we decided to check it out. It was crazy! Everywhere you turned there were fashionable people. We were able to catch glimpses of Rachel Zoe and Karl Lagerfeld ( artistic fashion director of Chanel). There were mobs of people just dying to catch a glimpse!
Today Rebekah and I wondered back to the Brooklyn Flea Market. I love this place! I was on a mission to find new brown fall boots that were reasonably priced. Mission accomplished! I found a great pair of brown tall boots, made of real leather for $45! What a deal. After the flea market, we head to another one of our favorite Brooklyn places, The Tea Lounge. We stayed there, did some reading, and came back home.
Lately I have been really having a hard time. One of my good friends, Kristen Graham, is very sick. She was diagnosed with leukemia about 2 years ago and has been through chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and a cord blood transplant. About 2 weeks ago, after the doctors released her back to Fayetteville, she became very ill. They had to put her on a medical plane back to Houston and find out what was wrong with her. They have semi-diagnosed her with fungal phenomena. She is on a breathing machine and is having high fevers as well as an elevated heart rate. It hurts my heart so much that she is going through this and I wish I could talk to her and be there with her. She had just recently talked to me about coming up to NYC and she was the one who told me I should blog about my experience while I'm here. My prayers are with her and her family right now. Prayers for strength, wisdom for the doctors, and a miracle that she will make it out of this.
Please keep her in your thoughts.
Today Rebekah and I wondered back to the Brooklyn Flea Market. I love this place! I was on a mission to find new brown fall boots that were reasonably priced. Mission accomplished! I found a great pair of brown tall boots, made of real leather for $45! What a deal. After the flea market, we head to another one of our favorite Brooklyn places, The Tea Lounge. We stayed there, did some reading, and came back home.
Lately I have been really having a hard time. One of my good friends, Kristen Graham, is very sick. She was diagnosed with leukemia about 2 years ago and has been through chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and a cord blood transplant. About 2 weeks ago, after the doctors released her back to Fayetteville, she became very ill. They had to put her on a medical plane back to Houston and find out what was wrong with her. They have semi-diagnosed her with fungal phenomena. She is on a breathing machine and is having high fevers as well as an elevated heart rate. It hurts my heart so much that she is going through this and I wish I could talk to her and be there with her. She had just recently talked to me about coming up to NYC and she was the one who told me I should blog about my experience while I'm here. My prayers are with her and her family right now. Prayers for strength, wisdom for the doctors, and a miracle that she will make it out of this.
Please keep her in your thoughts.
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| Picture of some of us before Kristen started Treatment |
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| Kristen Today |
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Exciting things!
Last night I went to dinner with a Belmont Alum named Rachel Perkins. She lives here in NYC now and is doing some part time work until she finds a job. She took me to this AWESOME restaurant called " S'Mack". "S'Mack" is all about macaroni and cheese!!! They have all different styles, flavors, and combination you could ask for! I got the Cajun Mac and Cheese and it included peppers and sausage! It was very yummy. It was so cute too because they serve it on individual skillets! I will definitely be going back there. For dessert we went to the famous "Magnolia Bakery". This place has been feat. in Sex and The City and numerous movies and shows. It was such a cute little shop filled with cupcakes, cakes, and puddings. Rachel told me that the best thing they had was their banana pudding....of course that's what I got! It was delicious! Maybe even better than Paula Dean's...but don't tell her that!
Last night I also bought tickets to my first Yankee's game!!! While I'm not a huge Yankee's fan or MLB fan for that matter, my father insisted that I must go to a Yankee's game while I was in NYC. We were SO lucky and got tickets for $10 in the bleachers behind home plate! How we got this, I have no idea. So on 9/20 I will see the Yankee's play Tampa Bay! The Yankee's are doing well this year too! In the battle for 1st place! I can't wait!
Today has been rather slow...most of the office is out on vacation still. I'm trying to use my time wisely by doing homework, but it is hard to do when you want to listen to new music that is trying to be pitched!
Last night I also bought tickets to my first Yankee's game!!! While I'm not a huge Yankee's fan or MLB fan for that matter, my father insisted that I must go to a Yankee's game while I was in NYC. We were SO lucky and got tickets for $10 in the bleachers behind home plate! How we got this, I have no idea. So on 9/20 I will see the Yankee's play Tampa Bay! The Yankee's are doing well this year too! In the battle for 1st place! I can't wait!
Today has been rather slow...most of the office is out on vacation still. I'm trying to use my time wisely by doing homework, but it is hard to do when you want to listen to new music that is trying to be pitched!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Homesick
Today is one of those days that I realize that I am becoming more and more homesick for Nashville and Fayetteville. I don't know why that is. I really do love NYC and love having this experience, but I can't help miss my friends, my dog, and the city of Nashville. I never thought I would say this, but I really do love country music! Ha! When I first came to Nashville, I HATED country music, but now listening to rock/pop music all the time, I miss it. I also miss having my car. I never realized how much a car comes in handy when you need a place to store simply things, like groceries! I also miss getting to places on my own time and not having to wait for the train.
NYC is just a whole new experience for me. I love the energy, things to do, and people watching, but there are certain things that are very inconvenient. I guess I'm just trying to say that I don't see myself living here in the future. This trip, so far, has been confirmation that I do want to live in Nashville and pursue the music business down there.
I have to remember though that this trip is just not to see if I want to live here, it is about networking. This trip is about opening my horizons to the music business in a different city, seeing how different companies handle their daily operations, and making friendships and business connections in a place besides Nashville. I am very grateful for this, and know that this will help my career. This trip is about exploration and answering the question: How do you know you don't like something before you give it a try?
I am exciting about tonight! I am meeting a recent Belmont Alum for dinner. I'm excited to meet and get to know her better and see a familiar face! It's funny how seeing a familiar face will automatically make you feel better in a city with over 1 million people!
We had a great time this past weekend. My roommate, Rebekah, turned 21 so we experienced the city's night life! It was very crowded, but we finally found a spot where we could converse and celebrate! We also went to a really great coffee shop called " Tea Lounge". It was amazing! It was very spacious and had couches and wonderful coffee and tea. It's places like these that make me LOVE New York.
NYC is just a whole new experience for me. I love the energy, things to do, and people watching, but there are certain things that are very inconvenient. I guess I'm just trying to say that I don't see myself living here in the future. This trip, so far, has been confirmation that I do want to live in Nashville and pursue the music business down there.
I have to remember though that this trip is just not to see if I want to live here, it is about networking. This trip is about opening my horizons to the music business in a different city, seeing how different companies handle their daily operations, and making friendships and business connections in a place besides Nashville. I am very grateful for this, and know that this will help my career. This trip is about exploration and answering the question: How do you know you don't like something before you give it a try?
I am exciting about tonight! I am meeting a recent Belmont Alum for dinner. I'm excited to meet and get to know her better and see a familiar face! It's funny how seeing a familiar face will automatically make you feel better in a city with over 1 million people!
We had a great time this past weekend. My roommate, Rebekah, turned 21 so we experienced the city's night life! It was very crowded, but we finally found a spot where we could converse and celebrate! We also went to a really great coffee shop called " Tea Lounge". It was amazing! It was very spacious and had couches and wonderful coffee and tea. It's places like these that make me LOVE New York.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Kindness in New York
Lately, I have been trying to get used to New Yorkers. Most New Yorkers talk fast, don't show emotions, and are seen as bitter and unhelpful. In the South, it is a bit different to say the least. It's hard to get used to, but today I witnessed several instinances on the subway going into work that I must share.
When I entered the F train this morning it was like any other day. I thought about putting my headphones on or reading a book during the commute, but for some reason I didn't. The train was not crowded at that time, so I chose to stand. I should have taken the seat. The train soon became so crowded that I felt like a sardine. It was then, that an older man offered the seat that he was about to take to me. He said, " Excuse me miss, but would you like this seat?" I almost started crying. My heart felt overwhelemed with joy by this simple action. However, I kindly declinded the seat because he was older and frail, but I smiled at him and said "Thank you" and he smiled back. A smile! It's amazing how a smile can brighten your day.
At the next stop, an older man entered the train. He had a boom box around his neck along with a trumpet. As soon as the doors closed, he started to roar on his trumpet for money. This is not the thing people want to hear at 9:30 in the morning. He was a very cute older man though. He reminded me of my grandpa. He hung his hat with strigs around the horn and walked up and down the train for money. I felt bad for him because I assumed no one would give him money. The next moment, a kind lady smiled at him put money in his hat. That smile made me smile again.
Two stops later, a pregant woman gets on the train. It is crowded and hot. A young man soon gets up from his seat and offers it to her. She smiles at him and he returns the smile. It's acts like these that make me realize that New York can be nice. Yes, many folks on the subway do not want to be bothered. They are tired, hot, and just want to be left in peace, but it are moments like this that remind me New Yorkers do care about each other. Although it is hard to see, there is a sense of community here.
Lately, We have been very busy with internships and classes. However, tonight I am going to cook dinner with my friend Mike who is from Long Island. Mike is an awesome cook (so i've heard) and works at a famous restaurant in Long Isanld. We are going to make a classic red sauce with meatballs,and pasta! Hopefully it will be good!
When I entered the F train this morning it was like any other day. I thought about putting my headphones on or reading a book during the commute, but for some reason I didn't. The train was not crowded at that time, so I chose to stand. I should have taken the seat. The train soon became so crowded that I felt like a sardine. It was then, that an older man offered the seat that he was about to take to me. He said, " Excuse me miss, but would you like this seat?" I almost started crying. My heart felt overwhelemed with joy by this simple action. However, I kindly declinded the seat because he was older and frail, but I smiled at him and said "Thank you" and he smiled back. A smile! It's amazing how a smile can brighten your day.
At the next stop, an older man entered the train. He had a boom box around his neck along with a trumpet. As soon as the doors closed, he started to roar on his trumpet for money. This is not the thing people want to hear at 9:30 in the morning. He was a very cute older man though. He reminded me of my grandpa. He hung his hat with strigs around the horn and walked up and down the train for money. I felt bad for him because I assumed no one would give him money. The next moment, a kind lady smiled at him put money in his hat. That smile made me smile again.
Two stops later, a pregant woman gets on the train. It is crowded and hot. A young man soon gets up from his seat and offers it to her. She smiles at him and he returns the smile. It's acts like these that make me realize that New York can be nice. Yes, many folks on the subway do not want to be bothered. They are tired, hot, and just want to be left in peace, but it are moments like this that remind me New Yorkers do care about each other. Although it is hard to see, there is a sense of community here.
Lately, We have been very busy with internships and classes. However, tonight I am going to cook dinner with my friend Mike who is from Long Island. Mike is an awesome cook (so i've heard) and works at a famous restaurant in Long Isanld. We are going to make a classic red sauce with meatballs,and pasta! Hopefully it will be good!
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