I smell 5:00

And hopefully the end of my day! I'm sitting in my defacto partner's office...for now partner. Nice dude, very "California!" hehehehe (translated...that means MELLOW!) I'd say almost Mark Holden mellow...very cool (miss ya big guy!)

Anyway, we executed some print for the OTHER guy's campaign. I actually really like the work we came up with...super fun. But there are a lot of cooks in this kitchen, so we'll just wait and see. 5:00 is when we have this big meeting with all the super pimps in the agency (like V.V.V.P's and stuff) so who KNOWS what's going down...whatever. Just keeping my fingers crossed that I don't have to work over the weekend. It's never fun losing out on YOUR time, especially when it's for SOMEONE ELSE'S idea. Boooooo. Send the good vibes people! Geez, I'll have to make a button for that, seems like I ask often enough.

Regardless...looks like Mr. Defacto (that's my new nickname for my sutto partner) we're gonna be kickin' it Dove style. Good times...

Oops, gotta work. More later,
Lisa C

Unimpressed

I'd say...hands down...this is my favourite picture of my dad EVER!!! But that's not the point of today's post (although seriously...how wicked is this photo???)

Nope...today I am mourning the loss of 5 days worth of work. Yes, my Six Flags stuff is D.E.A.D. RIP. BUT other stuff (weird...inside jokey stuff) is moving forward (joy) and here's the best part...I GET TO WORK ON IT!!! (please note the sarcasm). Whatever. I'm just bummed. Anyway, just waiting for my "sort of" partner (I guess for now?) to come down so we can go over to the guy's office and get briefed (or see how we can do their work for them!) Uuggghhh. (reference photo...I'd say that's pretty much how I feel!)

Oh and why does it say, "Wrap it up" on the piece of paper? That's cause we were at this wedding and the speeches were going on FOREVER...so Dad held a silent protest. God love em'!

Enjoy all, more news/bitching later.
xoxoxo
Lisa C

It's Thursday...

And I'm working. That's about as exciting as today gets. Sorry dudes...maybe something magical will happen later. In the meantime just trying to get this Six Flags stuff done (incidentally...it's KICKASS, I'm SOOOO proud of this campaign. Now we just need the client to echo those same sentiments and we'll be laughin').

Good vibes people!
Talk soon
Lisa C

P.S. There is NOTHING all -new, I'm just a shameless Blog Image Stealer (hmmm, perhaps a new support group I will start?!)

Inquiring minds want to know

Oops...I've been neglecting my comments section. Sorry.

Kathy asked a few questions. First...from the LDWW

"What's a Misto?"

Good question, since it is a drink NOT on the Starbucks menu. I like to refer to it as the Poor Man's Latte. But what is REALLY is...is coffee with steamed milk in it. Or how Starbucks refers to it as...

"A one-to-one mix of fresh brewed Starbucks® coffee and steamed milk. Also known as Café Au Lait or Café Con Leche."

Another question...
"Is there a Six Flags close to NYC?"

Hells ya!! We went to the one in New Jersey, about 90 minutes away from Manhattan. BUT there's a Six Flags near you. Check the site for deets.

Keep the questions a comin' and I'll try to answer them (or more importantly try to remember to).

Cheers,
Lisa C

I need the Internet at home

So sorry I haven't written sooner. Man...if i had the INTERNET at home I could write you ALL DAY about my adventures (or just the TV shows I watched) either way...there'd be communication. Instead we're backlogged and have LOTS to catch up on. And even MORE bad news...I don't have time to do it now (got briefed on a new campaign for Six Flags, well...most like we have to COME UP with the new campaign for Six Flags. So yeah, a wee bit stressful) seeing as it's due Thursday!

Uuggghhh Anyway...here's pics of Glyin's $300+ hotel room (and yes, that's a single bed!) I'd say it was around 150 square feet...SERIOUSLY! The shower also doubles as a toilet and a sink...all in one space. MENTAL!

Like I said...I'll elaborate further on this and other adventures soon. Right now...I got some brands to build (hehehehe)

kisses
Lisa C

The LDWW

Happy Friday Folks. Here it is...the LDWW (or Lisa's Daily Walk-to-Work). No naked people. No crazy mugers, just a pleasant, sunny Friday morning in NYC. I'm not gonna lie. My entusiasm today is a wee bit low, what I thought were allergies have matasticised into a full blown cold, a HEAD COLD at that. Uugghh. Send chicken soup...please. Hopefully an afternoon of sleeping is just what the doctor ordered (yes the new folks here at the big O are sweet enough to give me the afternoon off. Bless them). Just gotta do a 1:00 brief (for some general Six Flags work...so that should kickass!) and then I'm free to curl up and pout.

But before ALL THAT, let's experience the LDWW (wow, a lot of build up. I hope it's not TOO anti-climatic).

We start in my apartment building (sorry, not INSIDE my apartment, it's a TOTAL mess and void of any pictures or organization or anything for that matter, so please, let me get some stuff in there...so it looks a little less serial killer'esque and then I'll take some pics!) Rich is in town this weekend, so he'll be my model for most shots!My Apartment Building (or at least most of it...Jonah I need your styly' photography skills).

Yes, I realize I took this pic directly INTO the sun, not the most clever photography technique...but it IS my street (don't worry, I'll take better shots later, maybe an evening.

This is 9th Ave. I realize that in the second picture the world is slightly tilted. I assure you this is just the photographer in need of coffee and has no real-time reflection of the world's axis tilting here in Manhattan.

The BIG O!

Last but definately not least, the most important part of the LDWW...my coffee! Ahhh, Bless You mighty Starbucks. And incase you're wondering...it's a Grande Non-Fat, Extra-Hot, Mild Misto. Umm Umm Good!

There you have it, the LDWW. More exciting (or just maybe more...) posts to come. I have pictures of a 150square fooot hotel room that my friend Glynis was staying in (for $300 a night) and will posts pics of my friend's wedding that I'm attending this weekend in Central Park. Good times! Till then...have a great weekend and send Benadryl!
xoxoxox
Lisa C

Workin' 9 - 5

Hells ya bitches!!! I got a brief (a boring one...some dull Google Ad words) but I don't care...I got something to do so I don't feel like a complete tool. AND I got chairs and bookshelves for my office (well...waiting for one more book shelf, so will take a pic once I get everything all sorted. It ain't pretty so if you guys could send pictures or suggestions as to how to decorate that'd be swell.

Also...there's been a request to see what my apartment, workplace, neighbourhood...etc, etc. SO tomorrow I will do "Lisa's Daily Walk to Work" (or the LDWW) So consider that your Friday treat!

More good news...I found out the girl who sits beside me IS my partner (WooHooo) so I DO have a partner (and apparently we're getting briefed on some Six Flags stuff soon...so the good news doesn't end!

Right...more pics later (I'll try to post as many as possible, since after all, it is ME in NYC so I suppose I should show a wee bit more of the city and not be such a lazy, steal pics from the Internet, kinda "blogger.") Dear God...I said it...blogger. Ewwwww!

More soon,
Lisa C

P.S. That pic is for you Paul F. Enjoy...

Waiting Game

So it takes me two weeks, countless lawyer phone calls, headache, drama and stress and now that I'm here...I'm doing sweet bugger all! Uuggghhh, I know...day three, so gotta chill out a bit. But I'm coming to the realization that I don't have a partner. Hmmm, not good. It's like being the last girl standing against the wall at the gym, and all the other girls, even the nerd from the library club, have been choosen. Booooo. BUT the good news is, I'll probably get to INTERVIEW my partner. COOL! See my group has just won a LOT of new business, so they need to staff up (enter me) and I'm guessing...my new partner. BUT, in the meantime, I've got NO IDEA what the hell I'm gonna do. Suggestions?! Please leave a comment!

By the way, big ups to Dondy , Jason and Kathy for being such good commenters! Now the rest of you can show off your typing skills by jumping in! WooHoo!!!

What else is going on...other than work. Well, I think my sinus cavities are being eaten away by ragweed or whatever other allergens are floating it the air. Booooo. OR maybe it's a head cold? WOW...now THIS is high-drama, forget watching Kid Nation tonight...THIS is the debate of the century.

Speaking of debates. I took this pic over the weekend. Seems like America's political power won't be decided at the polls, but instead at the local Borders. Who will sell the most...I'm on the edge of my seat.

Honestly, if I get up to anything today (not likely) I'll certainly let you know (hey...it's a slow news day!)

Talk soon,
Lisa C

Ogilvy - Day Two

Here it is...officially day two and so far, so good. I know where my office is (yes I get an office) and I know where the ladies room is, so really, I'm ready to start work. That's the only thing I HAVEN'T gotten around to yet. NO WORK! Uugghhh, how I hate the first few days, weeks, months of a new job. There's never enough stuff to go, then you don't want to be pestering your new bosses TOO much, and you're still trying to figure out who you talk to about what. ANNOYING. It's the period where I wish I could just fast-forward two months and be into the thick of it. Oh well...

Good news, the people are really cool. My new ACD's took me (and another new hire) for our "first lunch" yesterday. Yeah, nearly forgot, another writer started on Monday so we've been helping each other out (mostly making sure the other one doesn't feel COMPLETELY alone, seeing as everyone is having meetings and lunch dates and WORK...and we just surf the web and write in our blogs (also fun...especially when you're getting paid to do it...but I can't help but wish I had a BIT of billable work to do). I know...it'll come soon enough!

Hmmm, what else. Oh I don't exactly know who my new partner is. I kee pthinking it's the art director that sits beside me but then in our status meeting, another writer PROUDLY stated that HE was her partner. Hmmm, interesting. Hey, it's not like I'm working on anything...so I can afford to kill a bit of time on my own!

More excitement when it happens. But to all the Ogilvy Toronto peeps (if ya'll are reading) the offices are BIG...the people, so far pretty chill. The work...well...see above!

Talk soon,
Lisa C

Sunday to Tuesday - UPDATE

O.k. lot so of stuff to get you guys up to speed with. It's been one HELL of a busy time. Started the new gig (yesterday) had a SUPER fun weekend with Rich (he was in town before his week long trip to Chi-town). WOW...what else. LOTS! Here's the recap.

SATURDAY NIGHT
I did some "live blogging" (Jonah aren't you proud?!) On Saturday night from the Living Harbor project (where these divers went to the bottom of Pier 40 and showed us all the creepy crawly things that lurk on the bottom of the river. Was cool...and we got interviewed by a reporter from the New York Times, so might be in today's Times. Of course you always think of the clever stuff AFTER the reporter leaves.

Like my answer to her question "What compelled you guys to come tonight?"
- REAL ANSWER "Well...we were curious."
- COOLER ANSWER THAT I DIDN'T THINK OF UNTIL AFTER "To see Jimmy Hoffa."

I know...sucky, but we'll see what (if anything) got printed today...more thisa aft!

O.k. still going back in time. (don't worry, will start picking it up a bit).

SATURDAY AFT - visited Yankee Appreciation Day at Lincoln Square (not that I DON'T appreciate them, but whatever...the "highlight" if you can call it that, was some kid from American Idol signing. If you actually KNOW who this is, please end the suspense for everyone else


SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY
Went to the Brooklyn Book Festival. Good times, saw the two "Jonothan's" (the guy who wrote Everything is Illuminated and some other guy, who wrote something equally awesome I'm sure). Did the "lit fest" with my buds Jeff and Rachel.

THEN...went walking, exploring beautiful Brooklyn and the surrounding aresas.

Got home...his the sheets and got ready for Monday - official first day at Ogilvy.

There, now you're up to date...now time to write TODAY'S post...
Lisa C

Looking for my cement shoes on the bottom of the Hudson

NYC the city where you can do everything, even spend a Saturday night watching a live research dive of the bottom of the Hudson. SERIOUSLY right now Rich and I are at Pier 40 waiting for the big show to start (I LOVE this live blogging thing) More pics from my camera Mon (when I start work AND get a computer) But if anyone can help me up load photos from my BlackBerry please leave a comment. Thanks and happy Saturday night
Lisa C

Visa'ed

WooHoo I'm in! And officially the proud owner of a brand spanking new I-94 card (that's the "visa" that's been plaguing me) AND to make life that much more exciting, I'm reporting this news to you from my Blackberry on the train from Newark to Penn Station. It doesn't get anymore "cinema verite" then that! Now just got to figure out how to upload a pic from my google'berry onto my blog (seriously when did I turn into such a geek)?

Thanks for the good vibes. Now onto the real adventure...my first day! LisaC

It's go time!

Yep, today is the day. (o.k. Friday, but I'm writing this Thursday night...planning ahead). Excited and nervous, but my lawyers assure me that everything is peachy keen. BUT that doesn't mean you guys are off the hook. I'm still asking for positive vibes. I'd say between the hours of 3:00 - 5:00 pm. A solid two hour commitment is necessary! Will try to get on a computer when I get there and post the results (please let me in...please, PLEASE!)

Anyway...that's the latest and greatest. Good vibes people. The effort is much appreciated.

Cheers,
Lisa C

The lady who lunches

That's me! Yep, my dreams have become a reality. Now my days are spend chatting and chewing. Ahhh, unemployment. Today's lunch was courtesy of Trish. Thanks...lovely to see you, and very sweet of you to treat me. Next one's one me!

Now just about to head off for dinner with Nikki (lunch and dinner, if I can squeeze in a breakfast I'll have a dining trifecta!)

(sung to the theme from Wayne's World)
It's time for...

Immigration news. Immigration News. It's painful as hell. It's excellent.

So what happened today. Well...the unthinkable. My lawyer's talked to a real live person at Pearson today AND they've admitted that my "withdrawl" was a little bit bananas (ok my words, not theirs). Regardless...seems like progress is being made and HOPEFULLY Friday is going to be a good one.

Off to my dinner plans! Weee...more soon.
Lisa C

T-Minus Three Days and counting

OMG...such a good tune! But yes, we're in the home stretch...72 hours (or so) until I make my move. I've got papers in hand and more on the way. Good times. I LOVE the smell of progress in the morning (or mid-afternoon, whatever). I know...missed my first day (Monday) sorry ya'll. Was bound to happen sooner or later. BUT I'll make up for it with Lisa's take on the Toronto International Film Festival.

Good.


There you have it folks! Thanks to Jonah for the extra ticket. Saw Brian De Palma's Redacted.

WHOA...good, but intense. It's about the Iraq war and a real life event that happened during it. Incredibly powerful movie and wonderful development of characters. I won't lie, it's tough watching real events come to life on the big screen, but Brian's take was both respectful and purosefully alarming - definately sparked discussion.

Tuesday...tuesday.

What's up today you ask? So far coffee with Jason (howdy) and lunch with Nikki (thanks again). Good fun!

Tonight, gonna kick Richard's ass at tennis then eat some humble pie!

More tomorrow...remember, good vibes needed on Friday. But I'll remind you...no shocker there!
Lisa C

A sad day, even sadder if I were in New York. So the least I can do is share a photograph of beautiful memorial called Postcards. It was designed by Masayuki Sono. It's aptly named as both the two wing-like sculptures were created represent large postcards to loved ones.

To see more pictures click here

Sundayzzzzz

Yeah, that pretty much sums up today. Sleepy! Rich and I enjoyed a "Happy Day" where we model our day after what our dog (Happy) would be doing...i.e. sleeping. So what if we woke up at 3:00? It's not like I'm some bum who's unemployed. Oh...wait.

Anyway, booked flight for Friday (and had a 10 minute chat with Mrs. Continental about hurricaines, working in Idaho and her son wanting to be a cop). Hmmm, interesting. Hopefully this is a good omen for Friday at immigration. Maybe the officer will chat with me about weather delays, working at Pearson and how much his wife dislikes football? I suppose we'll just have to wait and see!

Enjoy the Sunday, or at least what's left of it.

Cheers,
Lisa C

I love Friday's

WICKED! We have lift-off...or at least a day. FRIDAY bitches!!! So that's when I'll make my run for the border. All positive vibes can be sent me to via Pearson Airport. Man, keep your fingers crossed, cause I've got NO clue what the hell I'll do if I don't get through. In fact, I don't even want to think about it.

So...how's the weekend treating you? Done something insanely fun that you want to share with everyone and make them jealous of your imaginative and highly entertaining weekend? Then go ahead, leave a comment. Hey, we should reward those who make the extra effort to have kickass things to talk about around the Monday morning water cooler. I say why wait that extra 24 hours when the bragging can begin now!

Not to worry...I'll have another post where us mere mortals can post our boring, banal weekend adventures. Here, I'll start...

- I did laundry

Now off to a Cabbagetown party. (The Cabbagetown festival is on this weekend, where people in the neighbourhood have garage sales, attend the local craft fair and I generally feel bad for not putting more effort into making my house look quaint and historic...oops!)

Then off to Keith and Keri's for more drinking fun. Not too sure if that counts of bragging rights come Monday morning, so you decided which category I fall into!


Happy Saturday ya'll,
Lisa C

We have a plan!

OMG I love these cheesy posters. If I could, I'd wallpaper my living room with them. But that's besides the point, I've got news to report. Drum roll please....

Friday, September 14 is THE DAY! Yep, I'm going to hold my breath, throw some paperwork at the immigration guy and hope for the best. Perhaps clip a $100 bill to the application? Who knows...but at least I know when I'm going (or at least TRYING to go!) So that's good!

What else have I been up to? I'm glad you asked. Today was "visiting Ogilvy day." Weeee, great fun. Was awesome seeing everyone. Wicked! Went for coffee with Mark and Dondy, then coffee turned into visiting with all the other O peeps, which turned into lunch with Mark, Dondy, Joe and Rick. Good times indeed! Thanks guys...


More visiting fun for the rest of the week. And yeah, Cabbagetown festival madness. Come on' down and buy some crap from some other people! I think that's my favourite part of the festival, the garage sales (minus the garages of course) that people have every year where they just swap the same junk back and forth. After all, it is the neighbourly thing to do! Smells like a great weekend.

More soon,
Lisa C

Time isn't on my side...

Yep, more waiting. Although I did hear back from "da peeps" (that's what I'm now going to refer to my lawyers/Ogilvy people/anyone else trying to make this immigration thing happen) and there's some good and bad news.

Good - things are moving

Bad - they're moving VERY slowly!

Yeah, not going back tomorrow as originally planned (boooo) but hopefully next week I'll be on the plane, visa in hand!

Hey...let's talk about the things I should do to CELEBRATE my visa? Thoughts? Just add them in the comment section and I'll fullfill your wishes dutifully when I get to New York. That's right, WHEN...because I'm being optimistic!

Other than that, to all those who are following, I successfully conquered Guitar Hero on Medium. WoooHooo! Take that Free Bird!!!


More soon...
Lisa C

We have contact!

WoooHoooo....small victory today, FINALLY my lawyer was able to find a real live PERSON at the other end of the immigration phone line at Pearson. Man, what do those guys DO all day?? Anyway, now at least we have some movement so HOPEFULLY today will be rather productive (and if I could conquer Free Bird on Guitar Hero then we'd REALLY be getting stuff done!)

Your good vibes are OBVIOUSLY working, so don't stop now. Keep on...vibing...or whatever it is that you do. Thanks...I really appreciate it. I still don't think I'll be leaving tomorrow, but at least if stuff is in the works, then I won't complain.

So...since this is suppose to be a blog about NYC. I decided to write about stuff I've already DONE while in the big apple.

Today's post...I saw a taping of David Letterman.



Yeah, totally fun. The studios are just at the end of the block from my apartment (well...two block away, but who's counting). Anne Hathaway (and yes, she IS that gorgeous in person) and some comic guy from "My Boys" were the guests. Good fun. My friend Jeff came with me. AND the most exciting part, we got moved to the FRONT ROW...right on the aisle. I was convinced that we'd be those people that get asked to play "Name your favourite cuts of meat" or something. But alas, it was not that kind of night. BUT Dave was a blast, Paul, very funny and the band surprisingly peppy!

Good times indeed.
More PAST NYC adventures later (and hopefully more news from the land of Limbo...i.e. immigration hell...when I get it!)

Cheers All,
Lisa C

Welcome to Limbo

GOD...what does it take the pick up the phone nowadays?! Geez...waiting for word from my legal peeps (so funny...I have peeps!) hehehehehe So don't know whether that's good news or bad news. Hmmm, what do you think?

My deluded mind has already surmised that there's some dude down at Immigration writing me an appology note (how sweet) with a present of my I-94 card inside (that's the oh so coveted visa that's currently ruining my life!)

BUT let's look on the bright side...I'm just 2 songs away from finishing Guitar Hero on medium (wicked!) and have been biking around town (so can afford to eat all the chocolate and candy I need to cheer me up!)

O.k. I'm not suicidal or anything, just don't like being in limbo...it doesn't look good on me. I'm more of a black and white kinda gal.

So that's that. Man, a blog with absolutely NO New York content on it. Awesome! Well...I can tell you that Ellen (yes the TV show...hey, I'm unemployed what else do you expect me to do!?) She's taping at Columbus Circle which is about 8 blocks from my apartment. Very cool...and yesterday she went to the Alvin Ailey Dance School (one block north of my pad) so it's like I was back in my neighbourhood thanks to the magic of TV. WOW...thanks Ellen!

Right, more news when I get it. Might have to summon those good vibes soon!

Cheers all,
Lisa C

Communication Breakdown

That's what I think we have here. One interpretation of the law isn't necessary the same as another. So...looks like I have a shot (or at least that's what my lawyers are telling me). Will pester you for good vibes when I do attempt my cross.

God, it's like I'm some hardened criminal. Almost makes me wish I was more troubled...so I could be a real "threat" to National Security. Man, I'm just some goofy canuck who likes to write ads. What's so wrong with that?!??!

Whatever, I'm getting lots of practice on Guitar Hero so I suppose my little layover isn't ALL bad?

Talk soon
Lisa C

@#$%^&*

I'd say that pretty much sums up my day. Got denied at the border. I DON'T want to talk about it...I don't even want to elaborate on the retardedness of the border official (Mr. Good Copy/Bad Cop I'll call him). Who at first was INCREDIBLY rude to me...then really nice? Perhaps bi-polar disorter is also part of the USIS job requirements?

Anyway...I'm sure I'll just get in more shit for talking smack about those peeps...(please don't hold it against me officer). It's just blinding rage right now...Breathe in, breathe out.

Well all will be sorted this week, or at least that's what my lawyer tells me. UUuggghhhh. So will keep you posted (or this will be a rather short blog about my NYC adventures). Perhaps we could just change the focus...to what I COULD be doing if I were in New York? Hmmm, now that's interesting!

Tonight, I'd probably be ordering take out from Eatery (a great dinner, well...one of those hip cool new dinner type places, that wanna be retro but in a chic kind of way).

For entertainment I'd be watching my NON-cable (which still gets all the _BC's. You know, ABC, NBC, CBS...yeah, just noticed the change of BC too) and reviewing the itinerary for my first day at work. Good thing I'm not doing any of that. Phew...

Now I get to wait and hope and wish and pray that everything will work out.

Good vibes are needed people...please don't be stingy!

Keep you posted.
Lisa C

Visa Time...

UUgghhh the worst part about starting a new job...applying for your visa. Booooo no fun. Althought the 3 inches worth of paper work should hopefully be daunting enough that they won't give me any hassles. Good vibes everyone. Will let you know (if/when) I get "across" the border!

talk soon
Lisa C

3 months and counting

O.k. so I'm a bit late starting this blog thing, but props go out to my dear friend Jonah who encouraged me to write. Thanks dude! PLUS, Jason was also very encouraging telling me it's not the angle of the blog, but the content. So hopefully I don't disappoint you on both those fronts.

So...where to begin (since I'm officially 3 months late in starting my online diary). Well...I think bullet points will serve us nicely!

- Moved May 29, 2007
- Took job at Digitas as Senior Copywriter
- Worked on Amex and realized I wanted to kill myself rather than go in there another day
- Got head hunted by Ogilvy
- Gave my two-weeks notice Aug 15, 2007
- Now start my new gig (if immigration lets me) Sept 4, 2007

There...now you're up to speed. So really, it's a fresh start...new job, new company, new blog. WOW, it's almost like I planned it...almost!

Will try to keep you posted on all the happenings (exciting and banal) that happen during my time in New York. If there are any requests, don't hesitate to ask me (like importing black and white cookies, standing in line at the Nintendo store, you know...American stuff!)

And yes, the common refrain that all bloggers state...I will TRY to keep my posts timely (every day or so) but please don't crucify me if I'm a bit late.

Cool...more crap posting soon. Now, off to dinner.

Talk soon
Lisa C