The Original Manhattanite : Vacation and trip that changed everything for me

Hello my dear readers I have missed all of you terribly. I have been going through a lot of different changes personally and professionally. All for the better though so these past 2 months this summer have changed me in many different ways. So let me tell you what happened and why I have been gone for so long. I usually write almost every day and try to get up to 3-4 posts if I am working then I know I have to post on weekends. So sorry if my loyal people thought I forgot about them. Hey life was happening and making some big changes too. I noticed my numbers were decreasing (LOL!) I am like “Oh no hell naw….lol!” I can’t forget about you all the faceless beautiful people who are keeping me going on everyday to keep on pushing and keep on writing when I see my numbers jump to 70-100 views I know I am doing something right I have to keep striking when the time is right and keep going.

So what was I doing since June 26^th…..okay now what I didn’t tell you all. You know I share a lot with you. I had some extra free time this year. From May 27-June 8^th I took a vacation from work to enjoy Memorial Day weekend and the beginning of the summer. Now what I didn’t know was when I came back from my vacation . My life was going to change drastically all in a matter of a week. I think my theme for this summer is the Kaleidoscope Rollercoaster Summer….it has been changing and changing every single minute for the better but in some ways that grew me too. Okay so here we go here’s what happened….I got laid off along with 2,000 employees from my job. I worked for Hudson’s Bay Company specifically for

Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue. I started off as a temp employee first. I and was making an hourly pay range. When I left my job I was an executive and became the Facilities Financial Coordinator. I was making a really decent salary and had benefits too. I loved where I worked and it was a great place to be. I was there for exactly two years we were just getting ready to party and celebrate that I had been there for 2 years. We had just celebrated the 347^th anniversary for Hudson’s Bay too. I bought cupcakes too and was so proud to be apart of the company. Now what I didn’t mention well not to everyone was that behind the scenes since October of 2015 there had been some layoffs from my job. A lot of good people got cut off actually. It wasn’t a major alert to me at first not until I saw a couple more people leaving then I knew something isn’t right. I kept feeling this weird vibe that something was coming too. I kept fighting against everything being thrown at me. I kept trying to keep my options open too. Unfortunately even after the move I wasn’t going to be able to save a little more time while I was there.

I actually told my boss in November of 2016 I wanted to take a vacation I told her early, I told the head of my department too so they would know that I would be taking a trip so they would know way in advance before anything came up. In December one of my co-workers left first she and I were pretty cool actually too. She found something really fast too which was great. Now when she left that was one thing but then a domino affect happened. Everyone started leaving actually and it was a bit disappointing and heartbreaking too. The crazy part was that my office we were on the high level the 22^nd floor which faces Vesey Street (which I shared with my boss too) we had huge glass windows and the whole exterior except the door was made out of glass. We could actually see people being laid off too. It was crazy and couldn’t believe it was happening literally right in front of us. It was hard to watch but we knew we had to remain calm and maintain professionalism too. So while people were dropping like flies and leaving. Here’s what I did……I decided to take a vacation and leave. (I highly recommend this to college students do not leave…don’t leave until it’s your time and your Human Resources department tells you to leave). What I am saying is try to postpone your vacation or if you take a vacation make it short and sweet. I took my trip for about a week and a half. I did this but my boss, the head of my department, and my HR Manager knew this too. We discussed it about 3 or 4 times actually. My trip was almost 2 weeks so it was a little long. That’s aside the point though…..Let me tell you what happened on my trip and the crazy journey.

My vacation “The Golden State” and “Sin City” visited California and Las Vegas my second time in Sin City was better than my first time. I had been planning this trip since I left New Orleans in 2015. I had 2 years to plan my trip and I was struggling too. I was able to do this trip, pay for it, plan it, and prepare for two years. Luckily during my two years at my job I became permanent and I earned a salary too. So this came in handy. I also hit a couple of bumps in the road too and I did have some luck too. So I arrived to Newark International Airport first I took a car service (shout out to Dial 7 car service you guys are awesome and you rock). Now when I got to the airport and went through security I starting feeling a little anxiety and nervous. Usually I am calm and cool when traveling. This trip I was a little on edge actually this time. When I tell you what happened you will understand that my anxiety was just a sign that it was not going to be a 123 easy trip.

I think being by myself too again I could do it but I kept feeling like “Damn, I wish someone had come with me though”. Now here’s the first little hiccup I almost lost my boarding pass! I am like noooooo wait a minute did I drop it. I dropped it in the perfect place by security and where the conveyer belt is too. Thank god I found it. I got on my flight and was relaxing and the flight was smooth and easy. I actually like Virgin America is great and a great way to travel. I was so nervous I wasn’t going to be able to pay for my hotel room though. I kept worrying :”What the hell are you going to do until your room gets charged sleep in the airport again (I did this back in 2012 heading to my late great-grandmother’s 90^th birthday party). No I couldn’t do that so I got to the hotel I stayed at the Sheraton by LAX Airport and thank you god I didn’t have to worry about paying until I checked out anyway. So when I was able to get to my room and just lie on my giant king size bed it was amazing! I was so happy my check cleared and I was good. So I did a happy dance and got ready to enjoy relaxing and having fun. I only had 4 days in California too I was supposed to see some family but I promise you all I will be there to see you next time. I had 4 days to see and do whatever I wanted to do. My first stop I just browsed actually and just walked around for a minute, but then I knew stick to my itinerary. I went to the Graumann’s Chinese Theater, downtown LA I checked out the malls, shopping centers, souvenir shops, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and took a Hollywood Beverly Hills Tour too I loved it. I was in the car with this really cool woman who gave me a tour taking pictures of me in the middle of the street. About to get run over lol! I had a great time Los Angeles was beautiful the air has this beautiful floral fragrance, kind of like lavender and magnolias. The night was beautiful we had a full moon up in the sky. I discovered “El Pollo Loco” Mexican and chicken restaurant one of my favorites now the food was so good. They gave me two bags of a whole chicken that food lasted me about 3 days.

So seeing one of my dream places was incredible too. One area I love being in was Koreatown actually it was close to Beverly Hills! Who knew lucky me after doing research looking for a cheaper hotel I ended up staying at the East-West Hotel . I loved being there it was quiet which as a writer/blogger we need that to really take in what the hell we are doing lol. So that helped actually and I found some great places to visit while I was there. I visited The Grove, downtown LA I ran into a Target after being on a bus getting distracted and lost. I was texting one of my best friends and got so distracted one night was hilarious I missed my stop. So I miss my stop and I look it’s dark, I am alone, and I realize where the hell I am. I am downtown in Los Angeles where all of the shelters and homeless people hangout. Mind you it’s about 9:30-10pm West Coast time. I am like “Hell no I am going to get me a cab back to my hotel room or something”. I think they actually filmed a few movies where I was actually it was kind of funny. Now the hotel I stayed at in Korea town I was actually literally down the street from where “LALA Land the 2016 film and 2017 Oscar and Golden Globe hit” was filmed which was pretty crazy. The Langham Apartments is where the movie was filmed if you go back to the scene of Emma Stone’s room and apartment. That’s where the movie was actually filmed. So it was kind of cool and the apartments actually are decent prices too. Loved that block great apartments and affordable rates. I probably would have moved there actually too.

Now back to my trip…thank god everything worked out cause I wasn’t too crazy about being right by the airport. Now on my last day of my trip I went to the Beverly Hills Saks Fifth Avenue I loved it I went there for my store. Special shout out to the store operations manager, Adrian! I had a ball he took really great care of me. I loved it so much my job hooked me up with a tour of the Beverly Hills Saks Fifth Avenue store. 3 things I love about the store.

1. The men’s department the décor, the way it was styled, the interior decorating was on point, and just loved how they make their male customers feel like very important people just as their female customers too. I would love my friends and relatives to see it. It was pretty incredible to watch.

2. The Café “Snaks” inside the Beverly Hills Saks Fifth Avenue store is incredible and convenient. I dined and had a really great lunch before continuing on my vacation and trip. Salmon grilled tacos were on point. I cannot wait to come back =)

3. The Bridal Department in the Beverly Hills store is incredible loved and would love to go back again in the future very soon. It was kind of like an out of body experience when Adrian took me up. I was in for a really beautiful surprise. First thing told me “Chloe come back here” this is where you need to go. Somewhere different for something original one day so we will see in the future.

That was the best way to end my vacation I went up and admired the rest of Rodeo Drive and then went back to my hotel and had a great night. Ready for trip#2- Las Vegas!

So when I woke up and got ready I couldn’t take a cab that morning so I had to take the train. I got stuck and thankfully this time someone rescued me I was at the Los Angeles Bus Station sitting there like who can help me get back to home. Thank god and shout out to my stepfather helping me with this actually. I was able to make it back to the airport just in time. I purchased my ticket and the crazy thing is when I put the money in I somehow got 2 tickets. You know when people say “God makes no mistakes….” well sure enough he didn’t. So I walked outside to the Flyaway & Megabus bus stop to the airport and there was an Asian man with his daughter on his way out too. He needed a ticket to board and I was able to give him that. Timing truly is everything I believe and it happened so perfectly. He gave me 5 bucks and we both boarded and were on our way. Now here’s the catch though after I went through Virgin America check in and boarded my flight. Funds were decreasing rapidly and fast. I needed to get to make sure I could get to my hotel room. Taxis, Uber, or Lyft would probably charge me about 20 to get to my hotel. My flight was quick an easy (Now for those of you who really want to conserve on your dollars here’s a trip tip: Take Megabus instead of spending 80-150 dollars for a one –way flight to Las Vegas). It would be longer but wouldn’t take you but a few hours to get too. So as I went on my way I was praying the whole time how am I going to make it to this hotel now. I landed and I was supposed to arrive at my hotel room by 4pm let’s try closer to 1am. I am going to explain some of the bus drivers had to guide me and figure out a “convenient and cheap way “ for me to get my hotel room without spending anything extra. I didn’t have it I had to call family again. My family really helped and blessed me with this trip. My brother I reached out to him I needed help and knew I would have to pay him back pronto. (I did) lol but still I couldn’t make it to the Elara. So what I ended up doing was asking actually there was a heavy set black man with glasses waiting for the bus. He told me what I would have to do to get there. Around this time it was getting late (I was supposed to arrive early I wanted to actually go see Trey Songz perform lol). I was so late in Vegas there was no way I could make it. The trip was just getting more challenging. My eye sight was getting dim to my left eye was getting irritated too. I had on old contact lenses and needed to change them immediately. The later it was getting the more my eye was getting bloodshot red and irritated too. Plus I had a 35 pound suitcase, two bags, a jean jacket, and a purse. Let me tell you something you want to talk about strength, tolerance, patience, drive, and being passionate. All of these qualities kicked in when I went to Vegas. The first time I went was a little long it took us a while I was younger though. It took me the whole night to get to Vegas but here’s the catch I had money on me though that was different it went smoother. This journey took longer because I was struggling literally and had to be really patient. I caught the bus but couldn’t get down South Las Vegas Boulevard. The hotel was about almost 2 miles away. I had to drag my poor suitcase down the street. The wheels got damaged I have had it about 5 years it’s been on quite some journeys with my mom and me. So I think this time the suitcase may have to be replaced now. I was so frustrated, angry, and a bit disappointed too from taking the suitcase with me everywhere. I wound up putting on my ipod and blasting Beyonce the whole time. When I get in tough situations trust me this woman is the one who can pull me back up and get me through tough times when I need strength, resilience, and to trust myself too. Usually that works for me actually and I can channel my inner Sasha Fierce. This works for me since college and I just transform and go into beast mode. It’s like I am Wonder Woman, A female soldier, and a warrior in a battle. Everytime she was singing from her song, “Freedom” ….”A winner doesn’t quit on themselves” then I knew don’t stop walking with the suitcase, push through and keep going.

That strength comes in and I took that suitcase and even though I was in a lot of pain. I made it through and I made it down two miles. I got to my hotel the Elara the Hilton Grand Vacations resort. (I am thinking of naming my daughter, Elara after that experience lol well I love the name anyway lol). I love the hotel and resort because it had everything a woman needs Starbucks (for those late nights after partying you need a breakfast or caffeine pick me up), very cool shopping stores like Aldo, House of Celeb Boutique, and H&M it’s all part of the Miracle Mile Shops, and then also the casinos and the concert venue, “The Axis” remember I was there for JLo so I had to keep going when you’ve spent about 300 on front row seats you want to continue going no matter how heavy your suitcase is too.

(PART TWO)

Getting to the Concierge Desk I got up there and I completely forgot I still had to cover the incidentals for my room. So I tried to explain to the hotel staff my situation and that I would have the money the next day. The staff negotiated and I felt so bad. I had to figure something out they told me they would allow me to sleep inside the lobby. So I walked over to the bar and sitting area. I sat there literally praying and hoping what to do next. What do you do when you cannot afford to pay for the incidentals. I felt horrible I think feeling anxious and upset because I had a few doubts about the trip but I needed to get away. I went to the bathroom and I cried stressed out, annoyed, and feeling like why isn’t this going the way I imagined. So I took out my lenses, cause my eyes were really bloodshot now, and just sat down by the sitting area. I texted an old friend of mine first and could not figure out who else to call it was 1am Pacific Time in Las Vegas and 4 am Eastern Standard Time in New York City most people were either sleeping or out partying. I checked my bank account actually and I saw it said “-26.96” I am telling you the struggle was real that day. I was still expecting a little bit of money to come in though. I am not lying to you I laid my head down praying to God please figure something out. About 10 minutes later I looked at my account and saw 500.00 dollars. I am not lying to you it was exactly the amount I was going to need for the trip. A miracle literally before my eyes I took out 200.00 dollars from my account right away. I figured there must be some money that was re-transferred back into my account. So I took what I could but I knew even if I spent it all I would just have pay my bank back overdraft fees (Which I ended up doing anyway). I went back to the concierge desk I gave the staff $100.00 dollars for my room. I was overjoyed and they gave me my hotel room keys, a bag with the Hilton Honors member logo with two bottles of water, information, tourist information, and off I went to room 1506. I went to the guard and passed him the electronic key and went straight up to the set of elevators and to my room. I had to wait for my bags the bell hop would bring them. I couldn’t believe this was going to happen actually. I couldn’t believe I could actually see still at this point. I walked into see this gorgeous Hollywood themed (how perfect for me) king size room. I had electronic shades, I had a beautiful red leather couch, and whole fully stocked kitchen, with a mini refrigerator, a microwave, every thing was really top of the line. I walked into my bathroom was just stunning the lighting there was even a make up mirror with lighting over the sink. It was just stunning I literally thought I went to heaven at this point of my trip. The flight, the walking, and dragging my poor suitcase was all worth it. I went to the bed that night and just prayed that I could get a doctor the next day. I woke up about 9 Pacific time called my parents up and told them what happened. I got ready and went right to the nearest doctor’s office I found a taxi walked the very sizzling hot strip, I put on my jeans shorts, and a Forever 21 yellow mustard shirt that says “Have a Golden Day” and went straight to the urgent care office in Las Vegas. They told me they would not accept my insurance so I would have to pay out of pocket. Thjs was convenient because I had the money now. So I went to go see the doctor and she prescribed me Ciprofloxacin for my eye she gave me oral tablets and also eye drops. Now here’s the tricky part and some of you may not want to hear the next part when you are in Las Vegas. You are not allowed to drink alcohol when you are taking oral tablets or the eye drops can cause poor judgment, lack of concentration, vision impairment like blurriness and just really not good when you are on medication. So it was okay with me I chose not to drink this time. I also read some other things on my prescriptions were saying not to eat dairy. So when my pharmacist explained it was tricky especially the day of the J-Lo concert….

THE DAY FINALLY ARRIVED-JUNE 3^RD…..Woke up that morning after eye drops hoping my eye would heal itself and it was getting better, lighter actually, I still couldn’t really wear my contacts but I figured because it was going to be at night it wouldn’t be so bad actually. So what I did was I waited until the evening to put them in and that actually worked. I had about an hour and a half to kill some time so I was trying on this outfit it just didn’t feel right at all. It was an olive green jumpsuit with a crop top. The top looked great but the pants were too long for this occasion. Something told me to switch the pants and try to find a skirt. I went downstairs to H&M I figured budget find something cute but still sexy too. This was Vegas now and I am going to see one of the fiercest divas of them all. So I found a dark forest green two-piece outfit with a crop top and a tight skirt with a slit. I decided not to get the crop top but mix it with the skirt and this worked! I loved how I felt and looked much better I paired it with black strappy gladiator flat sandals. I took my red bucket bag purse off I went I was excited I was going to go to Drai’s Nightclub to have a good fun night Big Sean was performing. So that worked I would have a really late night. What’s funny when I walked down the Miracle Miles Shops I had people staring and give me high fives when they saw my outfit lol! I felt like damn I needed that especially since I was by myself that night. I think God knew okay she needs to have fun and enjoy herself. I needed that extra boost of confidence that night. Considering I didn’t get back to my hotel room until 5:30 in the morning. That night after the concert J-Lo killed it I took video, photos, and will cherish this forever. So I went off to Drai’s and had a great time dancing and I spotted this chocolate brown tall 6 foot 4 inch man. I was getting hit on my a few guys that night. I wasn’t trying to even entertain the thought of being with them. Some of them were just crass, nasty, sloppy, and just players too (sorry I have to be honest). I saw this man though something drew me to him for some reason. Although I didn’t really want to be bothered I just wanted to lay low and enjoy myself. He actually gave me the look and the finger like “Come here” and wanted to talk to me. He did I found out he was from Philadelphia and he was about 25 actually. He was tall, you can tell he could be a basketball player, a model, or some kind of athlete. His name was Rich and I thought okay I haven’t met too many “Richs” in my day but he was really handsome, very cool, down-to-earth too. He was only going to be in Las Vegas for one more night. So we took that last night and used it and got to know each other. Let me tell you something if I hadn’t been on vacation and feeling so damn good at that moment. I probably wouldn’t have even been talking to him. I think because I wanted to move on too (Remember I broke up with my ex well now 6 months ago but haven’t seen him in almost 9 months anyway)….At this point all bets were off I got to know him college educated, was employed, modeled on the side, family oriented, just cool, easy to talk to too. I loved how we had some things in common too. I loved his energy and I also loved when we hugged at the end of the night how I felt like this small little thing protected with him. It was nice just conversation believe me I thought about him coming up for a nightcap and talking. It was just pleasant and nice to really get to know someone without the strings. I wasn’t sure if he had a girlfriend already considering that he had a couple girls (who were friends I can’t see someone purposely leaving their girl for another person they hardly know) and his boys with him on this trip. Yet he kind of singled me out and wanted to get to know me too. I enjoyed it we stayed in touch for about a month but when my world turned upside down…..we lost contact.

So he went back to Philly I checked out and went to another hotel. I signed up for a competition to win a car and I ended up getting 250 dollars to gamble, dinner, and any Las Vegas show. My luck changed dramatically after meeting Rich actually. So I checked into the Linq which is amazing it’s like an adult carnival honestly. It’s really a great place and spot to eat, shop, and relax from all of your gambling and partying too. My last night I checked in late I actually met another guy too I went to dinner, went to a comedy show, and I went to bed ready for my journey back home. What happened….next I wasn’t expecting. My flight was delayed I was getting incoming text messages from United saying my flight was delayed. Next I also realized I still had 250 dollar vouchers I went downstairs fast and walked away with 200 dollars cash I won about 260 in Las Vegas a big advance from 50 bucks. I walked out of there on such a high but my flight being delayed took me and snapped me into reality. The plane was having complications and engine trouble I had to call United to get them to reschedule my flight and get me to one fast. Thank god this woman found a 1:30pm flight leaving from Las Vegas to Colorado and then Colorado to New York City. I got home about 12am in the morning exhausted, tired, jet-lagged, and happy it was over. Now the only thing was this I didn’t know that my life was about to change in 2 hours. I got to work my boss knew I would be in late and my flight was delayed too. My boss and I continued working she was happy to see me too. The only thing is I felt weird like something was right. We heard lay offs were still happening. My HR Director called me and told me Chloe we have to let you go. I couldn’t believe it. All of my energy, my heart, and everything went out of me. I literally was having an out of body experience where you know what’s happening but you’re in shock. I thought everything was okay actually. My bosses informed me earlier it was okay, I would be fine they knew I was going away but the cuts were still being made. I had a feeling this was going to happen though but I am glad that at least now looking back on it. I was shocked but I didn’t become hysterical or emotional. I didn’t not until I got home actually I was upset, hurt, and my pride was hurt. For 2 months this allowed me to grow emotionally, physically even, and allowed me to realize one important thing. You get to start all over again…two years of growth at an amazing retail brand company, working in a breathtaking office, an office that gorgeous five star restaurants and shops. I am talking about the love of my shopping life Brookfield Place lol. I love that place they gave me such creative inspiration it was insane. I fell in love with a building lol…some of you may have seen some photos of me (that’s how much we were in love). Lol….so when I left it was disappointing and it hurt. It wasn't just about the clothes no it was about the fact I worked really hard at a company that allowed me to grow. I built something that's what made it even more special and unique too.

I am still going back to visit when you find a shopping place you love like that you never let that go. Even if your are just window- shopping. You go for inspiration, just to admire, to dream, to never forget that dreams come true too. So my job was generous gave me a severance package, and I stay in touch with everyone today. I will be back to visit during the fall or winter to check in with everyone when I am good and ready. I cannot wait I am excited but I will tell you I learned about patience, how working hard pays off, building relationships is crucial if you want to survive, stay away from negativity, pursue your dreams despite what anyone says, and listen to your instincts always. I also realized how beautiful it is when New York City comes together too, working by the world trade center for me was a huge gift there are so many reasons. I think also just seeing how much it evolved and rebuilt itself literally that’s the amazing thing. I think that’s one thing I learned how to survive, how to rebuild myself up too, how to come back stronger, tougher, and I found a new person inside me, she’s in there. She’s ready to be unleashed, I have a lot more sense about what I want and what I deserve too. I believe now this new chapter will be a beautiful one full of passion, joy, love, happiness, laughs, appreciation, and just realizing that it’s still good to be alive too. I am looking for a new career with my passions and creativity, coming into my own as a woman, a new relationship too, and more stay tuned. I know this was long but I love you all for reading this. Sorry I was gone for 2 months I had a lot to talk about. You know I always have so much to share with you and there’s more…I promise stay tuned. Go visit Las Vegas, go visit California, go see J-Lo, and go enjoy yourself no matter what.

Update now I am in a new different place new job starting for me and maybe I will have a career closer to my field that's coming soon, still doing my temp jobs at the moment, focusing on branding and taking my blog to another level, and maybe new love coming soon. I will have more information for you all soon.

Shout out to H&M in Las Vegas having such amazing stores at the Miracle Miles Shop and having this sexy green skirt with the slit lol brought me a lot of good luck

So happy to see this sign lol!!!! Great memories =)

Taking last minute photos and getting souvenirs before I head back to NYC.

LOL Holding my vouchers of money from Wyndham Hotel who hooked me up with lunch and $250 dollars worth of vouchers, dinner, and a show I chose comedy lol =)