If the children don't grow up/Our bodies get bigger, but our hearts get torn up.

Back in Texas.

One of the first things I noticed on the plane from Charlotte was the accents. It seems to me that, in many cases, you either completely love the accents of the people who live where you are from, or else you are attracted to any accent that DOESN'T resemble the accents formerly described. I fall into this latter category. I loved the "Joisey" accents, the Long Island accents, the random international accents I would run into in and around New York City. There was something a little dirty about being around the people with southern accents again. I think, more than anything, it was just this instant reminder that I was back.

I'm grappling with the notion right now that I am still, indeed, the girl who lived in New York this summer, who interned at Rolling Stone. I'm having to really remind myself that these experiences are still with me, that they haven't disappeared just because I've changed locations. There is a great sense of loss, a sense of being at a place and time where I'm treading water. So I'm just going to have to come into these last few months at the University of Texas with the same eagerness I approached NYC with. Realistically, it won't be the same, but I will still strive to find the same exciting experiences I found in New York. I'm in a bit of a rut right now, kind of loping around every day, seeing San Antonio buddies here and there, spending time with my dad and our dogs, but mostly just exercising and doing not much else. Talking to my mom today, I realized that this is a natural reaction after so much activity - I need to be lazy and recharge my batteries. The problem is, I'm not enjoying it, because I know there's such a short time limit on this free time. I start school a week from tomorrow, and I want to fit in so many books, so much guitar practicing, so many other activities before then. I just have to work on the balance of everything. Balancing life - it's a tricky thing, and seems to take a lifetime to figure out how to do it.

My last day in New York was a good one. I got up semi-early, and exercised to wake myself up. I did some laundry and started to pack. Then it was off to the movies. I caught "It Might Get Loud," the documentary with Jack White, the Edge and Jimmy Page, and it was stupendous. Plus, during the previews, the trailer for "Where The Wild Things Are" came on (an extended one I had never seen before that doesn't seem to be posted online), and I wept. Openly and in a big way. It felt amazing, especially since I was attending the movie alone. It felt free and rejuvenating, just a really nice moment. After the documentary, I rushed home, had dinner, did some more packing and cleaning, and walked briskly the twenty-five miles and 4ish avenues to the entrance of Central Park where Summerstage was. Unfortunately, the venue was already full, but I could hear a song I recognized playing. I walked around to the back of the venue, and stood by the gate and just listened to Ms. Martha Wainwright sing her beautiful tunes, and I could just see the ballet dancers' hands waving in the air as they accompanied her music. There was an intermission, during which they let some more people inside, so I rushed in hoping to just catch a glimpse of that lovely fresh Wainwright visage. No dice - when the dancers came back on, they were being accompanied by a CD track, and I couldn't wait any longer - had to run to the dorm to check out. I did that, bought some water, and tried to get a little sleep. After about an hour of the stuff, I woke up, showered and dressed, grabbed my things, and headed for the shuttle.

The shuttle to Newark was crazy, but it got me there bright and early at 4am and I was grateful. I leisurely checked myself in, settled into a seat, and read a little, trying to stay awake. The trip back was uneventful, which I completely appreciated. And here I am.

I move to Austin on Thursday. Initially, it looked like I was going to have to make 2 trips, so I wouldn't be moving back for good until Saturday. Those plans have changed, so I'll be back on Thursday. I won't lie, I'm not really excited. My heart still aches for New York. However, it's good to see family again (wish I could see my mom before Labor Day weekend!) and there are friends I'm dying to see, too. Also, it'll be good to get a feel for my neighborhood, and hopefully carve out a safe bike route to campus. I'll get to use Gregory gym, meaning I'll get to run (it's too damn hot to run outside right now, so I've been restricted to my elliptical), and I'll just generally be able to gear up to get back into the swing of things. One more semester - it's kind of crazy, really.

I miss my friends from New York. I especially miss Caroline and Chris, because they were such good pals to me. I miss work and the rest of the people there. I miss the city itself. I miss the double anonymity and attention of it all - I rarely feared walking out my front doors, because I could shove my iPod earbuds in and be immersed in my own world, while turning heads all at the same time. I hope to recapture that confidence in the next two days, because I want to bring the healthy and amazing changes I've made in myself back to Austin. For now, it's time for sleep!

'Cause tramps like us, baby we were born to run.

Today was my last day as a summer 2009 intern at Rolling Stone.

It was a busy day, really almost a day like any other. Except this day began with me checking in with Human Resources to make sure all my papers were in order, and ended with me turning in my Rolling Stone badge to them. I said goodbye to my boss-in-the-office, Caryn, and almost wept. This summer has just been so mind-blowingly amazing, I couldn't help myself. These people have changed my life. I wore the same outfit I wore on my first day at work - not necessarily on purpose, but I realized this morning and it seemed right. After work, after the brief almost-teary goodbyes, after waving to the fabulous Rob Sheffield one final time, I got my things together and headed out with my lovely co-interns. We went to dinner at a nearby burger joint (that had veggie burgers!) and we chatted and settled into the idea that the summer is almost over. I'm still getting used to the idea that I'm going back to Texas in just over 24 hours, really. It's hard, it's sad, it's exciting and fun. It's lots of things all at once.

I'm sure I have updates for you, like spending time with Jason Soudah wandering around New York and getting delicious hot chocolate, like rapping with Caroline yesterday for some crazy project that I pray doesn't make me a sadly-unfortunate viral internet star, like soaking in the last of the city. I'm getting a bit sick, and I'm hoping it holds off for one more day - tomorrow I'd like to hit up Strawberry Fields/the Dakota apartments, see "It Might Get Loud," do my laundry and pack, and see Martha Wainwright at Summerstage. If I don't get to do all of it, it's ok, 'cause I'll be back. There's tons more to say, but it's bedtime.

Leap and the net will appear.

I'm leaving this city in less than a week. As a matter of fact, at this time next week, I'll be sitting around with my dad in San Antonio, probably doing laundry and petting the dogs and trying not to be too heartbroken. Today, some scary things happened that reminded me that New York City isn't perfect, and it's a little dangerous, but some other things happened that reminded me that when you take the leap, the net will appear. Tons happened this past week, and unfortunately, I can't go into super-detail with some of it, because I think it's supposed to be a little secretive. Still, I'll give you what I can.

The work week was great this week. I met up with Erica and talked about how she got to where she was, plus any advice she could give me for my own future. I'm going to stop by HR this week to make sure they have all of the paperwork they need to keep me on file for a possible position in the future, should one open up. I'm also planning on getting a l'il somethin' for Erica, because she has been the best boss I could possibly ever imagine. Working with her is stupendous, because she's super supportive and sweet, but she also has high expectations of us which pushes us to do our best. We had our last luncheon this week, at which we got tons of hilarious and fascinating stories about the stars behind the Rolling Stone covers.

Thursday was unreal. All I can disclose is this: Adam Lambert walked by me while I was sitting at my desk, and then another celeb was in the office because he was in town, and if you want to know more, you'll have to ask. Even then, I can only say so much until stuff from that interaction becomes public. I know, super cryptic and I am so sorry, but just know this - it was the best imaginable cap to this incredible summer at Rolling Stone. I've still got three final days, but I consider Thursday's events to be my send-off, and what a send-off it was.

I woke up at 1:45a.m. Friday morning to go with the roommate and her pal Pam to wait outside of the Today show for the second time - this time, it was for Jason Mraz. He performed beautifully, despite being a bit sick/losing his voice a little, and he was so generous and sweet to fans, signing autographs and taking pictures. Toca was still Toca, which made my heart happy, as he is the only one from the original clan to be with Mraz. For those who missed the show, the J-man performed "I'm Yours," a reggae'd-out "The Remedy," and "Make It Mine." Freakin' awesome. Then, I trudged home, slept for three hours, and headed back out to meet Caroline. We met up outside of the RS office, and then took the F train to Brooklyn. I love the trains to Brooklyn, because they take you above ground, which is always my favorite part. We hopped off at 7th Ave, and wandered around looking for a good-looking pizza place with seats. We found one, chowed down, and then wandered back up to Prospect Park. The neighborhood we were in was fantastic, really beautiful brownstones. Caroline guessed they were 12 million bucks, which is just PAINful. Still, gorgeous! Anywho, the park was beautiful and there were chairs set up for the "free" ($3 "donation" they pretty much guilt you into) Celebrate Brooklyn! show, and we ended up as close as we could possibly sit, in the smack-dab middle. Sitting on chairs felt SO nice, and then the music began. Jones Street Station was pretty OK; there were 5 guys who could each play their instruments very well, but they were a little too cutesy and the lyrics were a little airy. Then, the band we were kind of there for came on - Deer Tick. They were the same kind of folk rock/alt country band, but with much more grit and more life-stained lyrics, which is exactly what I wanted. They were fantastic, just brilliant, and the best part was that the lead singer proposed to his also-singer girlfriend when she joined him to sing a duet. SO. CUTE. I've never seen something like that before, and it was magical being a part of it. Then, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals came on, and Grace is amazing. She's like Duffy, if Duffy sang Jenny Lewis' tunes. She has this incredible voice that just booms out of her, but her music is much more Nanci Griffith-ish (instead of bluesy pop like Duffy's.)

Then today, I got up early so I could work out and then head to Greenwich to meet up with my pal Jason Soudah. It's always a complete treat to spend time with him, and we waxed poetic on life while we wandered around the city. We tried on numerous hats, and one fit me PERFECTLY and was SO begging for me to buy it, but I didn't have the cash on me and I am really having to pinch pennies here at the end, so I'll just have to wait until I get home and find something equally stupendous. I definitely feel like I'd like to start wearing a hat or something - just some kind of accessory, since I never wear anything but jeans and tees and stuff. The scary parts of today were these: apparently, a plane and helicopter collided over the Hudson, which is super sad and scary, and then when I was just about to walk into my building this evening, a block and a half away, two cars hit each other and I think possibly even hit a pedestrian (it's hard to say, but an hour later I walked past the collision on the way to the grocery store and got chills when I saw a baseball cap just lying in the street). It definitely reminded me to be aware of my surroundings.

I am definitely a bit exhausted from all of this activity, so tomorrow my plan is to sleep in, take it super slow in the morning (read/stretch out/watch TV/other relaxing things) and then, if I'm feeling up for it, go for a run, and then grab what will hopefully be my last batch of groceries. On the list: cereal, yogurt, bagels, spread. The first two are for breakfasts, the second two for lunch. I've tried to pack sandwiches, but I've just ended up hating the types of bread I've been buying. Hopefully the bagel idea will help me out with this. My brain is all kinds of scattered right now. I have loved this summer more than I can stress, and I will miss this place terribly. On the other hand, I'm incredibly excited to see where life will take me next. Will I move straight back here? Will I end up in a brand new city that I've never explored before? Will I travel around? Will I write for a big publication, or do everything at a start up? Will I work for a record label, or managing a band? Will I be in a band? Will my drum lessons lead to a crazy and incredible music career? The only things I can guarantee are, I will do something I love, I will spend as much time as possible with the people I adore, and I will be open to it all. "There is no 'someday,' life is now. This is it."

Make way, whatever will be will be...

My mind is a blur of past events. This week was insanity, as I've been to three free concerts within the past three days. INSANITY! OK, so I believe we left off near the beginning of the week...

Work was good this week, although I can't remember anything crazy happening. I also don't particularly remember what I did AFTER work this week. Laundry, and reading, I think. It's been nice to just kind of come home and mostly RELAX. I've been pretty good about keeping up with my internship-course journal, although I'm one entry behind at the moment. Still, I have the rest of today and tomorrow to write it up, and then just ONE more week to write up before I ship it off this upcoming Friday. Then it's one more week...

Thursday after work, I bought groceries, made dinner, and went to sleep IMMEDIATELY after eating. My alarm went off at 11:30 and I managed to only hit snooze once. Then I was up and showering, packing my purse with the goodies I wanted (Wheat Thins, a bottle of water, two magazines and a Sudoku book) and I met up with Kate at the subway. We headed to the Today show area at around 1:15 a.m. and were there by 2. We got into the "fan pass" line, and there were only 3 people in front of us. We sat down on the sidewalk, and rested, chatted and slept on the ground in the middle of New York City for the rest of the night, into the morning. It was the first time I ever camped out for anything, and it was AWESOME. We met so many kooky characters! There were two guys who approached us, kinda bro-ish looking fellows, and told us they had a condo and we could come up and watch the show with them if we wanted. They said they were awaked to early-morning soundchecks every single Friday. It was funny, but we declined. My only regret was not asking them to use their bathroom, because it would have probably been cleaner than the McDonalds restroom I ended up using around the corner (eeeewwy). Then, three German guys (probably in their late teens) came and sat on the street with us, asking us if they had missed the party. Adorable. We chatted with them for a while, probably an hour - turns out, they were on their way to Jamaica for vacation, and originally were going to fly out of Frankfurt straight there, but had either missed their flight or weather had forced them to switch, so now they had flown into NYC at 9pm and were grabbing a connecting flight at 4am to Miami, and from there, they'd get to their final destination. They had decided it didn't make sense to get a hotel room, so they were out exploring the city. While they were with us, a trash guy came up to ask us who we were waiting for, and when he hadn't heard of the band I showed him my copy of Rolling Stone with the Kings of Leon on the cover. He shook his head and said, "Nope, I just don't know!" After the Germans left, Kate and I laid down and she napped. I closed my eyes and listened to the summer night sounds, and felt a little grimy but totally content. At 5:30am, they checked us in and let us into the venue, which is basically just an open paved area that they organized with tons of gates. We were super close in front of the stage, and then of course it began to rain. At first it was light enough, and I had been warm and sticky enough, to where I enjoyed it and left my umbrella in my purse, but when it started to pick up, I took my umbrella out. I stayed dry for as long as I could, but when the Followill boys took the stage for a sound check, everyone called for umbrellas to come down so they could see, and I went ahead and obliged. Unfortunately, taking one's umbrella down meant water that had collected on it pouring down on everyone in the surrounding area. We were soaking wet, but singing every lyric at the top of our lungs. Fabulous. The guys played all three songs they would play for the show, and then left the stage hurriedly to change clothes and probably drink or do whatever else rockstars do before shows. The show came on at 7am, and when you're standing in the filming area, you can watch the show on TVs up on the side of a building, and there are speakers surrounding you so you can hear everything. People freaked out when Al Roker came out to do his weather thang, and of course there was one last downpour that soaked me through to the bone before the weather finally decided to get awesome for the rest of the show. I saw Meredith Vieira and all the others up close, which was fun, and we even managed to collect a silly foam microphone as a souvenir. Before we headed into the venue, I forgot to mention that they gave us poster material, and so Kate and I made signs. Hers was for her mom - it said "I <3 Terri Grady," and mine said "Austin <3s K.O.L." The Kings are all Sooners, which I think adds a special bit of irony to my poster:-P I ended up doing a write-up of the show, which I didn't think would get posted, but it was totally posted. AWE-SOME. Then, exhausted me got my butt in gear, put on some fresh clothes, and headed to the office to meet up with my co-worker and friend, Chris, to go to an acoustic Silversun Pickups performance that he won tickets for. We got there a couple hours in advance, and managed to make it inside before the rain hit again (thank goodness!!) The room was SUPER tiny, as there were only 200 of us there. It was SO great, and the crowd was good - there was just a great vibe there. There were also pictures taken, and they snapped one of Chris and me. We matched, which was pretty hilarious to my other RS co-workers. Anywho, the Silversun Pickups were AMAZING. Dead-on, sound-wise, and such a GREAT repore with the audience. It was just a fun show, and Chris' write-up made the website, too! After this, I headed home, ate dinner, and SLEPT.

Yesterday was awesome as well, because after sleeping in, working out and takin' it easy, I headed to Central Park's Summerstage and sat in line for three hours to be right up against the stage for M. Ward. We were SO close, which made it UNBEARABLY awful that we weren't allowed to take any photos. But the sound was great and it was great to be near. The opening band SUCKED - "Floored by Four," Mike Watt and Nels Cline(from Wilco)'s experimental group. Excruciatingly boring. It was this weird psychedelic crap that just went on and on and on. But then Ward absolutely destroyed. He played one of my most favorite tunes, "Chinese Translation." He also did a bunch of covers, the rockin'-est being Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven." It was a beautiful night, I was hanging with two fab ladies (Kate and Angelica) and then I headed home, had some sweet ice cream, and passed OUT. Today, it's super rainy so I'm doubting I'll get to do any of the other free events I was planning to hit up. I'm about to go for a run, and then just play it by ear, methinks.

I'm devestated that I've got just two weeks left here. It's unimaginable to me. It's flown by so quickly, and although I'm definitely looking forward to things back in Austin, I'm going to be homesick for New York. It's so strange, I was even telling Kate this morning - I've been following the Austin American-Statesman on Twitter, and there have been so many shootings and fires and everything else there, it almost feels safer here! (Crazy, no?) I'm gonna miss beautiful Central Park, I'm gonna miss hiding away in my room when I feel like it, but going out and doing fun crap whenever I dont. I'm going to miss work most of all, although I am starting to almost feel closure there. Don't get me wrong, I'm DYING to get a steady job with RS, but as for this summer, I have accomplished everything I set out to - I have one reporting credit, and an actual story credited to my name. I've done really excellent work. I've met Rob Sheffield and chatted with him about crazy stuff. I saw Conor Oberst on the 4th of July from very close range. I've been to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex. Those were the "must do"s. And along the way, I've grown so much and learned so much more about myself. I know that no matter where I end up when I graduate, if I love working there as much as I've loved working here this summer, life is going to be amazing.

As the days keep turning into night.

What a week!! I did so, so much, and am using today to unwind and relax a bit. I'm gonna go for a run soonish, and then will shower and hopefully get a chance to meet up with Raquel today. Definitely psyched for that, I've missed seeing her. Really, this whole week was pretty much Trip-centric, which was awesome but I kept telling him, "You probably think I have no friends here because we've hardly run into any!!" He did get to meet 1/2 of my roommate situation, Melissa, and we had dinner with Jade last night which was way too much fun. It was great sharing my city with another Austinite, but I'm also glad to have it to myself again for these last three weeks.

Wednesday. was. incredible. Caroline and I hit up the luncheon early (right at noon) and were the first two people to sit down. Natch, we sat on either side of the table, right next to the three speakers, and wished that *we* would be the lucky ones to sit next to Rob Sheffield. Austin Scaggs sat in the middle of the trio, and Jenny Eliscu sat next to Caroline, leaving Rob's seat next to me. He came in late, but when he did arrive, he pulled his chair out and was literally sitting right alongside of me. It was crazy and awesome. I asked a question, which made me feel good because I did want to interact more with Scaggs and Eliscu, too; they were SO AWESOME! When they described what qualities a good music journalist should have, I felt like they were describing me. It made me so excited, and also more determined than ever to learn more about the history of rock and pop music. After the luncheon, I turned to Rob and said, "Hey there, I was wondering..." He stopped me and said, "Hey, how are you doing?!?" I was so overwhelmed, I said, "I'm really great, thanks! How are you??" and he responded "Awesome!" This made me feel sure that he recognized me from our first meeting, which made me really happy. I asked him if he could possibly sign my copy of his memoir, Love is a Mixtape, and then Caroline headed around the table to have her book signed, too. We laughed and told him, "You've got a fan club in the online department!!" Sarah came over at that point to be included in the fan club, and then Rob turned to me and said, "Caitlin, how do you spell your name?" I almost wept when Caroline and I were leaving the luncheon. He REMEMBERED MY NAME, for goodness' sake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Siiiiigh. We chatted about various Lifetime movies and other things, and then I tried to corral the group away from him so he could go about his day's work. Before the four of us who stuck around left, though, he invited us to befriend him on Facebook. So, yes, I'm officially Facebook friends with Rob Sheffield. I can die happy (but I hope I live on to meet more amazing people like him! Also, need to earn the friendship of Austin and Jenny now, too!)

Thursday was a good day where I got to bond with Chris during work, and then Friday, Trip and I hit up the Met, which was epic. I loved the Egyptian and modern art, although I could do without Francis Bacon, to be honest. We had dinner at a Mexican restaurant, which was pretty tasty. Then Saturday, we hit up Grand Central and the Brooklyn Bridge, the latter of which was super cool. We had dinner at "our" place again, Two Boots Pizza in Greenwhich, and then we hit up Strand books for a third time. We ended up in Washington Square after that, and watched some street performers do their thing. Sunday was the Guggenheim, which made me realize I'm not really a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright at all. I like a few things he did, but since he seems to be the inspiration behind so much of the boxy architecture of modern America - no thanks, no thanks. I like that he opened up the inside of houses, dislike that structures turned angular. I preferred the ornate and delicate.

Then we went to Times Square to pick up some souvenirs for his buds, and then we scrapped plans for a trip to MoMA because of exhaustion. We grabbed dinner with Jade at a burger place (they had veggie stuff, natch,) and then headed home. He went out again at around 11 with his friend Badger, and then he left early this morning.

It's been a crazy week for me, mentally. I am still settling into the lifestyle I know that I want and need to lead, but it's still difficult when I see so many pictures of what I "should" be around me. That's super cryptic, and I apologize - if you're curious, you can ask me.

OK, I think I need to get my run on so I can be ready for Raquel, should she have time to meet up! Then I've got plans to get a little grocery shoppin' done, and then get to bed early for work tomorrow. These days go by faster and faster.

I think you're lonely/But I could be wrong.

I've been feeling super creative lately, but I haven't taken the initiative to write down any of the thoughts or phrases that have come out of my brain. Too bad, too bad. Hopefully I'll be motivated to start doing that more often.

Trip is visiting right now, which is a real treat. We've done all sorts of walking around. We found a great, giant disorganized bookstore in Union Square that we've already been to twice, we found delicious pizza in the area, we went to Crumbs (a cupcake place people have raved to me about). I was a little disappointed in my choice; in retrospect, I should have gone classic vanilla but I went "cookie dough" because it sounded and looked exciting. Not so much. Still, I'm not writing off Crumbs just yet.

We hit up Central Park and walked around the great lawn to the turtle pond. We walked around Times Square. There's been a lot of walking, and he's only been here two days. It's been good!

We also watched "Revolutionary Road" last night, which brought on some bad (and strange) dreams. That was a hard one to watch. So was "(500) Days of Summer," though I loved that one. And I really enjoyed "Harry Potter," though I understand the criticisms I've been hearing.

Tomorrow, I get to meet up with Rob Sheffield again (hopefully!) and I couldn't be more excited. I'm trying to re-read "Love is a Mix Tape" but I doubt I'll get too far (it's already 10:00 p.m. and I've only re-read the first chapter so far). I've had a lot to think about recently, and I like it even though it's difficult sometimes. I like feeling that passionate feeling inside of me when I'm arguing for something I believe in, down to my core. I forgot that feeling, and although it's a little uncomfortable, I want to push for it. It might lead me to try to suppress it, but it's worth fighting for those lively moments. I'm still learning to love myself, and learning what my "style" should be. I've felt this strong rebellious streak in myself recently, and it's made me want a leather jacket VERY badly. However, Edward's voice is right there in the back of my head, reminding me that killing an animal for clothes doesn't make me a badass at all. Still, what other jackets give you that classic sense of rawness? I guess it's time for me to pick my own jacket and redefine it that way. In NOT playing into that trend, I guess I'm rebelling. I am, in fact. Nice one, self. We hit up Urban Outfitters, and although there's a definite part of me that wants to buy into that style, a part of me that looks longingly at the lanky girls with their hippie haircuts and their paisley leggings with their plaid shirts and just wants to BE that, at the end of the day - fuck that. Because I feel on the inside the way they look on the outside, and that's even better. That means that no matter what I put on, it's automatically "indie" because *I,* Caitlin, am indie.

Not sure why I needed to wax poetic on that, but there it is. I cannot believe how quickly the summer is dwindling. Raquel leaves in nine days. I leave in less than a month. I love where I work with my whole being. I hope they love me, too.

I almost closed this post there, but then I couldn't remember if I talked about the Siren Festival in my last post? All I want to say is: sandy beach in New York City, right next to a boardwalk and carnival rides. If that isn't cool, I don't know what is.

Oh no! You just got dealt a low-blow in your forbidden craze.

It's been two weeks, and I feel like life has changed SO much just in that short time. Like Raquel said today, "It's like each day is its own world!" She's been won over by New York, and will quite likely be moving back here in a year or so. I told her that would just make me SO happy, because I'd love to have some friends settled here already when I move back. OK, how can I tackle this?

Last Friday, I went to another River 2 River Festival free concert at the South Seaport. Let me backtrack a little. Before that, Caroline and I actually went into work with the other 3 interns even though it was our day off because Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy for the not-quite-superfans) was in for an interview with Peter Travers, our film critic. The interns and our bosses stood around Travers' office, where the interview was held, and took places dressing in wizard garb and quietly/nonchalantly walking around in the background. It was hilarious and brought us all together as a family, I think. When Eric, our film guy, asked Caroline (who used to intern with him) where our own costumes were, I jumped into action and made paper wizard hats out of the covers of magazines sitting around. They were a hit! We gifted one to our exec editor, and he was tickled by the gesture, I think. Then Caroline and I were off to do some vintage shopping, which was fun but unfruitful, and then we grabbed DELICIOUS pizza (the best I've had in the city so far) nearby in the area of Brooklyn we were inhabiting, and then we headed to the South Seaport for the free concert. The setting was beautiful, and although the bands were VERY disappointing (so it goes, sometimes) it was such a gorgeous night that it didn't even matter. It was warm with just the right amount of breeze, and the ships that were the background of our show were too picturesque to be true. A great day, all in all!

Saturday, I met up with Raquel for brunch in Greenwich, and it was delish and so, so much fun. Angelica joined us part way through, and then we headed off to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Annex in New York. We walked there, which allowed for some nice neighborhood examining. The hall itself was absolutely perfect; I don't think they could have done anything differently. The first room you go into is this kind of holding space you wait in until they are ready for you in the screening room. It has all of the autographs, cast in silver, on the walls, and when certain bands or artists are lit up, their song comes on the overhead. As it gets closer and closer to moving on, the music speeds up and the clips of each song get shorter until they explode into the final chords of "A Day In The Life," my favorite Beatles' song. Brilliant. Then you go into this room that has sort of semi-theater-arena seating, and classic clips from concerts of the legends (Elvis, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, etc.) are screened in front and around you so you feel like you're there. Then you go to the museum, and they give you this headset with a chip inside so that it can sense what part of the exhibit you're in and play music and sound clips accordingly - you don't have to press a thing!! The rock memorobilia they had is too overwhelming to name really, but it includes things like the awning of CBGB's, Bruce Springsteen's first car (!!), letters between Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon, Madonna's cone bra outfit, and SO, so much more. The final room is the special exhibit, which for now is a John Lennon exhibit. It was stupendous. There was old footage of his art films with Yoko Ono, their family films with him and Sean, handwritten lyrics, artwork by Lennon, just amazing artifacts that bring you closer and closer to the artist. Then, finally, on the last wall, there is an "art project" by Yoko that is called "Smile in a Box" that is a mirror inside what amounts to a jewelry box, and a phone that says, "Call for Peace - if it rings, pick it up!" On rare occasions, Yoko herself will call the telephone and wish the receiver peace. I wasn't one of the lucky ones, but it's just such a cool idea. Then, as "Imagine" is playing in your headphones, you get to a canvas where you can sign your name to ask Obama to put more restrictions on weapons to end gun violence. Then you come to a paper sack encased in a plastic bag. Within, John Lennon's bloody clothes that the police gave to Yoko after they finished with them sit. Though you can't see the clothes, you see the blood stains on the tape on the bag. At this point, I started to weep. Then, when I moved to my left, there was a picture Yoko took of John's bloody glasses in the window of their apartment. I sobbed openly. It was just so overwhelming, to think that such a creative soul was lost to such bloody violence. This is how Yoko intended this part of the exhibit; to show people what we lose when we use guns. It was beautifully done, and I really appreciated it.

Sunday was my homework day, if I remember correctly, as was Monday. Then, after work on Tuesday, I met up with my friend Arnell for dinner, which was absolutely wonderful. It was great to see him and catch up (he is also a student at UT, with just one year left, and he's interning at L'Oreal.) I'm hoping we get to go to some concerts together or something, because I definitely want to see him again! Wednesday was incredible. I met up with my Aunt Laura's friend, Bill Van Parys, who used to write for Rolling Stone. When I got to his posh building in Chelsea, I had to wait a few minutes for him to arrive, so I got to know the doormen. They were very friendly and funny, and it was so comforting to see how all of the neighbors knew them and each other. It felt nice. Then Bill came, and we headed up to his giant room (two rooms he renovated into one.) His place is great, and when we went over to his building's rooftop terrace, it was just unreal. I wish I had taken my camera with me, because the view of the city by the waterfront was just unreal. We chatted about his book that's in the works, about his time in Germany, his time at the magazine, and he asked me about how I was enjoying it and what I was doing there. I hope to keep in touch with him, because he was super nice and funny and interesting, and there's still so much I want to know!

Thursday was my flagship day, without question. I had e-mailed my boss on Wednesday to let her know about a surprise free show the Dead Weather (Jack White's new band with Alison Mosshart from the Kills) was putting on in their makeshift two-day label store in lower Manhattan. Erica ran by my desk at noon on Thursday to release me to go check it out. The only problem was, the show STARTED at noon, so the other interns and I knew it was a long shot. Sure enough, by the time we got there (half past noon or later, if I remember correctly) the show had started and there was no way in HELL we were getting in. We went into the store to see what we could see/hear what we could hear ('cause the band actually played in the basement below the store), and we could hear them pounding away under our feet. I decided I wanted to buy a copy of the record, so we went in search of an ATM. Walked around the block, got my money, checked out the listing at the Bowery, and then headed back to the store. People in hipsterish attire were flooding the streets, so it seemed we had gotten back right as everyone was being released 'cause it was over. I interviewed a group of fans to see if there was anything at all we could use, and then headed into the store to buy a CD, and in hopes that the band would make an appearance. They didn't (I found out later they were whisked into a car to get outta there, although our fantastic intern Jonathan, who actually got into the show, managed to get a quote from Alison) BUT. Matt Pinfield, ex-MTV veejay who was interviewed an insane amount (and caliber) of musicians in his life, showed up to help sell some CDs, and I rushed forward to ask him how he liked the show. I introduced myself, said I was an intern at Rolling Stone, and could I ask him how he liked the show? He gave me great quotes, and I strolled out, incredibly happy and hopeful. We met up with Jonathan, and all four of us headed back to RS headquarters. I typed up my quotes and e-mailed them to one of my bosses, and then kept working. After work, Chris, Caroline and I got pizza for dinner, and chatted about ridiculous things. Chris headed out, but Caroline hung out with me as I wandered to the right subway to head straight to the Stellastarr* concert I've been anticipating literally since the first week I was here. I got to the Highline Ballroom just after the openers had begun, and they were meh. The second openers were a little better than meh, but the best were Stellastarr*. They played songs off of all three albums (mostly new and off of the oldest one, only two from the middle CD). They looked happy and healthy and played tightly, and I just wish I could somehow see them again soon. Hopefully they'll hit up Austin sometime in the fall (they're playing there July 27th, but the last time they played Austin in 2005, they played two times within a few months, so it could happen!!) Then, after the show ended and I was super sweaty from all of my dancing, I checked my phone to see Caroline had texted me. She told me that I had been credited on RollingStone.com for "additional reporting" in the story that Jonathan ended up writing on the Dead Weather. I literally screamed down the street about it to anyone I could get a hold of. SO happy!!!!!!!!!!!! My name is now officially associated with Rolling Stone. I really couldn't be more ecstatic about that.

Friday, I slept in (sort of) and got a LOT of homework done. Then Caroline and I met up for a late night showing of the new Harry Potter film, which was awesome. Today, I hit up the Siren Fest at Coney Island (which is a three hour round-trip from where I live, because it's on the tip of Brooklyn. Phew.) I saw the band I really wanted to see, plus a bonus band, and took a picture or two of the beach there. If I ever have the energy, I'll try to go back and hang out on the beach. It's beautiful! (Albeit a little crowded.) I feel bad that I didn't stay at the fest for very long, because Raquel is leaving in 12 days and I want to spend as much time with her as possible. But I was exhausted and grumpy, so I decided it was best for me to get home. Now I'm trying to relax. I only have ONE assignment left and then I'll be done with summer school!!!!!!!!! I was going to jump on it tonight, but it's time for sleep. Hopefully, after I finish this damn summer school, I'll have more time to go into greater detail about my summer, and more often, on here. On the other hand, I refuse to give myself things I "HAVE" to do after I finish school (apart from the internship) because I want summer to just happen:) I'm gonna see (500) Days of Summer tomorrow, and Trip is coming for a week starting Monday!!! This is going to be a good, good week. Love to all, and I'll be back soon!!!

I know New York, I need New York, I know I need unique New York.

I'm settling in! It's been a week STUFFED with activity. I wanted to keep better track of everything, but I think (with all of the stuff I still need to do, i.e. begin my online history courses, do the work for the internship course, sleep and work out someday?) I will stick to a brief recap, touching on highlights that I can remember.

I love where I work. I'm not always super busy, but now that I know this is the case, I'm going to bring my schoolbooks with me to work. During downtown, I'll knock out some chapters or something. And then, of course, when I end up bringing books and suddenly am busy every second of my day...that'll work out, too! Anyway, the location of the RS office is PRIME. I love being in the Rockefeller Center/Times Square bustle. The subway can be a little crazy, depending on when I'm riding it (the ride home is always insane). But it's all a part of the experience! And now that I have learned to listen to my iPod on my ride, it's much more pleasant.

Loving the roommates, they are fantastic ladies. I'm still meeting people and getting to know people, and there are high points and low points with that. Sometimes people surprise you in a good way, and sometimes, they surprise you in a not so good way. It's OK, though, because it all helps me figure out myself a little bit better.

Speaking of that, I haven't really had ANY "me" time yet, so I'm really hoping to find that. I know I'll get it when I exercise, at the very least. I'm going to run tomorrow, probably just on the treadmill in the gym, but maybe at C. Park if the weather is nice enough.

I really, really enjoy my co-interns. I finally met my third today, and he is just as nice as the first two. That makes the work environment a lot better, of course. He's a HUGE fan of The Smiths, which made me think of Edward.

That's the one drawback, I guess. I think of people I love back home, and I miss them so, so much. I wish I could just magically transport all of you here to be with me. Then it'd be just perfect! I guess that makes the busyness welcomed, though - I haven't had a whole lot of time to think about who and what I'm missing. Cheap stuff is a big one, though:P

Tonight, I am going to dinner with some residents, and then who knows? Part of me wants to get to bed early because I'm exhausted, but the other part says, I don't have to work tomorrow!!! Time to live it UP! We'll see which part wins out.

David Byrne plays a free show Monday that I'm going to try like everything to get into, and I'm going to see Josh Ritter play a free show with Jessica and and friend -

OK, so I was writing this up at work, and had to get BACK to work, so I know that was an awkward and abrupt place to end, but it's time for me to get some rest.

'Til next time!