.where in the world is christine? + nyc trip.

Here I am! If you read my blog, I sincerely thank you. :) And, if you’ve checked back for updates and noticed it’s felt like FOREVER since I’ve posted, I do apologize. I’ve been working on some really unique events that have kept me pretty busy.

Before we get to the storytelling about one of those events, let me give you a couple of updates so we can reconnect. In case you are wondering, yes—I’m still on Twitter. I’m actually starting to consider myself a *twitterbug* because it’s kind of become a part of my daily routine. Call me crazy but it’s actually turned out to be a fun way to stay connected to folks who actually appreciate what you have to say. Weird but true. I’m not sure if you heard but Twitter went “down” for a morning (actually almost a whole day) a couple weeks back. People were freaking out. Although I wasn’t freaking out, I could understand the frustrations that people had. You see, when Twitter wasn’t working, you quickly realize that you aren’t able to connect with your followers and the people you follow. The best way for me to describe it is a feeling similar to losing your address book. Ok, maybe not THAT extreme but, I kid you not once it was back up and running EVERYONE was tweeting about what happened, why it went down, and even what they were doing while twitter was out of commission. It’s like a whole other world that exists without speaking, all via texting and web updates that disappeared for part of a day. For some, that could be kind of traumatic I guess.

On a side note, I’ve also started to try and become more consistent with my workout routine. I’ve been trying to go several times a week and I even take a cool Turbo Kick Box class that makes me feel really good after. The more I hit the gym, the more I look forward to going again. That's a good thing, right?! I’m also trying to eat better so don't let me eat anymore chips! :)

Ok—so a cool thing that happened to me in June was I got to go out to New York City and work with a really great guy. This guy wasn’t someone who was a big deal to me prior to my trip. Although I’m a big sports fan (as you may know), he was actually not even on my radar as someone of HUGE significance only because I’m from San Diego (almost complete opposite of where he lives). I mean for work, he’s important to me but personally—I took it as any other event. After meeting him, I realized why this guy is so important and means so much to the city. This guy was Derek Jeter. Yes, THE Derek Jeter, Shortstop and Captain for the legendary New York Yankees. How crazy and delusional was I not to be excited about meeting him? I mean I was looking forward to it but I wasn’t starstruck excited if you know what I mean? Anyway, my flight out to NYC for the event was direct from San Diego which was AWESOME! When I arrived to New York, I was greeted by nice, cool weather (slightly rainy). I stayed at the Affinia Shelburne on Lexington Avenue. It was a quaint hotel that was an older remodeled building. My room was cute and comfy, similiar to a very modern studio. It was in Murray Hill, a Manhattan neighborhood. I always get jet-lag when I fly out to the East Coast. You’d think that 3 hours shouldn’t mess you up too badly but it gets me every time! My co-worker Carrie and I decided to grab an early dinner before calling it a night. We walked a couple of blocks and found a pizza joint which was exactly what we were craving. We had our NY pizza and cheesecake which was the perfect way to feel welcomed by the city. I'll admit, we made a quick run out to 5th Avenue to visit the world renowned NYC Tiffany & Co. My favorite part (besides the jewels) was the elevator attendant. :) Afterwards, I went back to my room and slept.

The next morning, instead of taking the limo over to Yankee Stadium for the luncheon, I opted to try out the subway for the first time ever. Grand Central Station was a few blocks away and I thought it would be the perfect experience to walk to the subway and take it all the way to the ballpark. When I got to the station, it was really crowded. It was a Tuesday morning so the commuters were going about their business hurrying to work. I on the other hand was searching for the signs and trying to make out which train to take to the stadium. Thank goodness for friendly locals who pointed me and my co-worker the right way. I will never forget sitting on the subway for the first time. I people watched mostly and noticed that almost everyone slept on the subway and had their bags/belongings wrapped completely around their arms and/or shoulders. It made me hold my purse much closer too, lol. As we approached our stop, it was really neat to see the “old” Yankee Stadium right next to the “new” Yankee Stadium. They were literally right next to one another except for a road in-between. I thought about how great it would have been to see a game at the old stadium. After getting off the subway and walking out of the station, there it was… standing like a huge castle—Yankee Stadium. It was pretty from the outside, very clean and really big. Getting inside was really annoying because it wasn’t open to the public yet for the game that evening—so many security clearances. Now I know why they say it’s just like Fort Knox.

Once inside, it was pretty amazing. It was so new and full of inspiration from the old stadium. I remember seeing the field and thinking it looked smaller than I thought it would be but still pristine. Our luncheon with Derek took place at NYY Steak (per Derek’s request). The steakhouse restaurant was located inside the stadium. The event was for a group of contest winners that had won a trip to meet Derek and have lunch with him. I made my way into the restaurant to set up our private room. Everything looked great. One of Derek’s reps arrived, she was very sweet. A few minutes later after all of the finishing touches were complete, Derek calls and is ready to go. She and I are escorted to the players parking level where Derek is waiting. As soon I stepped out of the elevator, there he was—standing at the door holding his cell phone (I think it was a blackberry) looking much taller than I expected. He was with another rep. They introduced me to Derek and that was when I realized how personable and charismatic he was. We walked into the elevator together and as we made our way to the restaurant, I gave him the run down of every important detail he needed to know before he stepped into the private room. He listened very closely and nodded at everything I said. He asked me questions and I answered, he smiled a lot. He was an obvious a professional. The moment we stepped out of the elevator and entered the restaurant, I realized what a presence he had. Everyone stopped and looked at him and became mesmerized by seeing him in person. He smiled and greeting everyone hello to those he passed by as I walked him into the private area. The luncheon turned out to be one of the best events I’ve ever had the pleasure of working on. The media we invited were cordial and Derek was great with them. He was extremely well spoken and when the cameras stopped rolling, he became very comfortable and candid with the guests. He answered every question they asked. He ate with us and was even presented with his own steak knife by the restaurant (personalized & engraved) as his meal was brought to him. Following lunch, we had an hour with Derek for an online appearance with kid fans from all over the globe.

After the 2 hour event, I instantly became a Derek Jeter & Yankees fan. Derek impressed me so much. He was genuine and loved being around his fans. He was extremely likable and by the answers he gave during the lunch, you can tell that he is a very down-to-earth person. It truly was an honor to meet and work with him. We attended batting practice and the game that evening (which they won). It was definitely unforgettable. I even stopped at the Yankee’s store and picked up my very own NY hat. In all honesty, I hope one day I get to attend another game at Yankee Stadium. And, since my Padres can’t make it happen, I do hope Derek is able to win the World Series this year. ;) Go Jeter, go Yanks!

Love,

Peace, &
NY Yanks,
-c

P.S. Much thanks to Carrie (Online Community Manager) & Terry (Public Relations Manager) pictured above with me for your help in making this event so successful. And of course to Derek Jeter who made this all possible (even on a game day)! Teamwork~