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Christmas in New York

The streets of New York are strangely empty today. It seems everyone has left the city, and the only ones left are tourists. The sky is bright blue, the temperature has dropped to freezing, but there are no signs of a white Christmas.

I was worried I’d feel lonely this Christmas. Being far away from friends and family. But I awoke this morning feeling at peace. So I got up and wandered the streets. I saw the Christmas tree at Rockefeller, took pictures of random Christmas decorations, and read a book at Starbucks.

As I walked all I could think about was how fortunate I am. Fortunate that I have friends and family all around the world that love and support me. Fortunate that I’ve had the opportunity and the guts to follow my dream and go to New York. Fortunate that things turned out the way they did.

So I walked, and I smiled, and I enjoyed having New York all for myself.

Tonight I’ll be having Christmas dinner with Petrina and her mom. Petrina is American/Norwegians and lives in the city, while her mom has come over from Norway to visit for the Holidays. Unfortunately the customs confiscated the Pinnkjøtt (I’m not even gonna try to translate that), but Petrina is known for her cooking skills so I’m sure it will be delicious anyway. Tomorrow I’m celebrating with my “cousin” Christine.

I’ll leave you with a true Christmas story. A story describing a simple act of compassion that really warmed my heart:

Yesterday, as I prepared myself for a lonely Christmas, I was texting with Anna and I happened to mention that I was sad to be all by myself in New York over the holidays. I was feeling sorry for myself and failed to mention that I actually had plans. It took no more than ten minutes before her sister from Washington DC called and asked me to come down and help her prepare a Swedish Christmas dinner. Anna had of course suggested this to her sister, and her sister openheartedly invited me into their home for Christmas. Even though I had to turn down the offer because of other plans, this simple act of compassion was one of the greatest gifts I could have received this Christmas. And it only goes to show how great friends I have. A big thank you to Anna and Malin.

So in return - my wish for everyone this Christmas is love and compassion. I hope you have a great time with your families and loved ones. And I hope to see you all again in 2012!

Merry Christmas from New York!

Work

The first two days have flown by. Monday was all about getting set up. Intro with HR, intro with IT, new computer, paperwork, trying to set up a new (real) mobile subscription. 

Then today while I was updating my resume, one of the partners asked if I could help with a project. It’s not likely to kick off before Christmas, but there should be enough to do until then. Exciting!

So I’m back at it.. Getting up at 6.30 to go to the gym, then off to work before 9. I know it sounds funny, but It feels really good to be back in a ‘normal’ routine again. To much time off was driving me nuts, but now I’m back, and more motivated than ever! Good times!

Back in the suit

Today is my first day of work! It’s 8am, and I’ve already been to the gym and enjoyed a good breakfast. People are gonna hate me, being all fresh and happy on a Monday morning :)

Friday I went to the company party, and got to meet most of the crew. It was a really nice gang and I’m looking forward to working with them, and getting to know everyone better. Not knowing what to wear I came to the party fully suited for Christmas. Black suit, white shirt, red tie and handkerchief, oh and of course my new Allen Edmunds shoes… Turns out I was a bit overdressed, But I’d rather be overdressed than underdressed, and knowing that it looked good, I dont really mind. At least I made an impression.

But anyway, today I’m back in the suit. But the tie is safely packed away in my bag (just in case I need it later. Man it feels good to be back! This is the day I’ve been waiting for, so wish me luck!

NY - Watch out.. Here I come!

My Christmas Wish List

Last night, Santa’s helpers whispered into my ear “Kenneth, what do you want for Christmas?”. Well, being in New York and all I thought that instead of providing my normal list (mainly consisting of socks), I’d go digital.. So this year I went window shopping at Amazon! 

So - Dear Santa, in no particular order, here is what I want for Christmas:
http://amzn.com/w/17ABYOB020UTA - It’s two full pages, so dont forget to scroll!

Think of this more as suggestions than a definite list. You are more than welcome to substitute items with whatever brand or style your elves are currently working on. You could even come up with something on your own. I’m happy either way. Remember Santa, it’s the thought that counts.

I know your busy flying around the world and all, so the easiest way might be just to order online, and outsource delivery to the postal service. You’r call…

And oh.. Merry Christmas!

Joke(s) of the day

Ok, this was to funny not to share…

Why doesn’t Tarzan have a beard when he lives in the jungle without a razor?
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Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
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Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
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Whose idea was it to put an ‘S’ in the word ‘lisp’?
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Why is it that people say they ‘slept like a baby’ when babies wake up every two hours?
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If the temperature is zero outside today and it’s going to be twice as cold tomorrow, how cold will it be?
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Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?
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Why is there a light in the fridge and not in the freezer?
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Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They’re both dogs!
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If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, then what is baby oil made from?
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Why do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?
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» Stop singing and read on……
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Do illiterate people get the full effect of Alphabet Soup?
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Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog’s face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him on a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?
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Does pushing the elevator button more than once make it arrive faster?
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Admit it, you read everything didn’t you? And it was pretty funny, right?

Got the offer, and it’s looking good!

When a consultant says “I’ll send it by Friday”, what he really means is “You’ll have it on your desk before you arrive to the office Monday morning. Which is exactly what happened to my offer letter.

I woke up this morning (6am, cause I’ve started this new routine) checked my email, and found a nice little offer letter waiting for me. Now all I have to do is print, sign and return the letter, and I can proudly call myself Engagement Manager at Acquis Consulting!

What do you guys say? Should I sign it? :)