Work CAN be play..

Why do so many people frown? I spend a lot of time watching people get on and off the subway, and very rarely do I encounter anyone who looks even remotely happy. I mean... be it morning or night, it doesn't really matter. People look pissed-off more times than not.

I mean, subways are sick--I get it. Riding on a stuffy underground train isn't really the most glamorous part of my day, but I don't think that I look like I want to jump in front of it, either. And their frowns really make me question their happiness... whether their jobs are really that miserable, or if it's just that bad at home.

I mean, who knows what's really going on with people and their unhappy faces... I still have yet to ask. But whatever their reason, I have concluded one thing:

Whatever I decide to do with my life--wherever I end up and with whoever I go home to--I refuse to live in routine. No thank you-

I don’t want to be a robot.

If you're unhappy enough to frown that much... change something about your life! I know, I know--easier said than done. But really, we're all in control of our own happiness. Something's got to give.

And that's my soapbox for the night. Moving on...

Things at work are fantastic. I interview about one "celebrity" a week, which is probably my favorite aspect of the job. No... not because they're famous or whatever, but because I genuinely love our conversations. I don't usually walk into a session with preconceived notions (mostly because I don't know that much about them...whoops), and yet they still manage to surprise me; they're never what I even remotely expect.

I don't know... it's all just pretty cool.

Aside from that, I've been doing a lot of transcribing (typing out interviews into word documents), and researching stories for my editors. I write a ton of blog posts (which I've come to really enjoy), & I should probably note that these aren't your typical blog posts (such as these.) Instead, they are filled with "tween" lingo and can be pretty entertaining. (Here's the site if you need some reference: Mmm-Mag.com)

Knock yourselves out.

When I'm not at work, I'm usually roaming the streets with the girls. I spent last weekend with Lyndey, Christy & Paige, wandering around Chinatown and getting harassed by vendors. And by harassed, I mean,

"Coach, Gucci, Chanel purse?????"

being whispered (or yelled) in my ear every three or four steps. My "bubble" was violated for a solid two hours.

I know, pretty intense.

Anyways, there's a lot to be said for the past couple of weeks, but of course I slacked on the updating and am now overwhelmed. I'm sure you'll live. But, I do have some pictures to share with you... of course!

Brunching on a Sunday afternoon: We love this, although I've come to find that having to choose between breakfast & lunch food is (assumingly) like having to choose which child you love most. Decisions, decisions.

Our train ride to Long Island Beach for the 4th of July.
It was well worth the effort.

Literally IN the ocean... and I'm happy.

The beach has a way of making everybody happy... even if it costs $10 to enjoy.
Which is still a questionable fee...
My sisters make for amazing company...
especially when adventures are involved. We walked around for hours.


It's easy to forget that I'm in the city...

Work can be play... if you do it the right way :)
The first is from Beyonce's press conference;
the other is at a Hey Monday show (a band I Interviewed for M)

I always love spending time w/ my roomie, Paige.
Def. check out her blog if you get the chance, she's awesome...
Me laying on a bench outside my apartment after a bad day.
Even in a city of 6 million... it's not impossible to be alone.
& that's a good thing.

So things are (obviously) going great. Oh, except one thing. Have I mentioned that I bought my plane ticket to Missouri today?! That's right... our time is almost up here in the city. Can you believe that? Unreal.

...Unreal and depressing.

Anyways, I'll be heading back on August 8th... and despite my lack of eagerness to return to Missouri, I do miss familiar faces. And driving :)

Okay, that's enough for now!
Until next time, I wish you well-

Xoxo,
Cas

for my grandma...i love you.