The last time I wrote, I was stressed and frantic about getting ready for the US Olympic trials. While I am still very busy, things have truly taken a turn for the better.
I will go into more depth later, but bottom line - the trials were magical. Absolutely a once in a lifetime experience. Between Gymnastics in San Jose and Swimming in Omaha, I was on cloud 9. I met some of the most incredible people and developed some great relationships, both personally and professionally. Just to name a few: Kerri Strug (Gymnastics) and her coach, Bella, Matt Biandi (8x gold medalist, swimmer), Debbie Meyer (2x gold medalist swimmer) and some of the most remarkable people working for the USOC (US Olympic Committee) and IOC (International Olympic Committee). I was given VIP passes to all backstage olympic events, sat in suites surrounded by Olympians, was fed amazing food, given a backstage tour of the venues, had the chance to hold and wear 2 gold medals and truly just soaked it all in. I definitely was not cool enough to experience all of that, but I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to. Everyone loved the Chobani and I was able to see our booth up close and personal. It was very cool to see the athletes lounge filled with yogurt. They loved it.
More details and photos at a later date...
I came home to NY and was very pleased when I flew over Manhattan and a smile came across my face. I'm really starting to love it here.
July 4th was a lot of fun. I had some friends from UVM visit on the night of the 3rd and went to a big party in midtown for the fireworks on the 4th. I became friends with a great girl in San Jose, who works for the USOC and she invited me to a party on her friends rooftop (overlooking the Hudson). Leela and I spend the day relaxing by the West Side Highway, wandered around midtown for some beer and ice cream and joined the party in the early evening. We were so glad we decided to join, as we met some of the nicest people. Most people were involved with sports marketing in one way or another. We had an incredible view of the fireworks and had an amazing night.
This last weekend was spent in Long Island with one of my closest childhood friends, Josie. Josie is living in LA, but came home for a photography internship this summer. Her aunt and uncle have a house in East Quogue, and they were nice enough to invite me to join for a relaxing weekend at the beach. The weekend was amazing - we ate, laid on the beach, shopped and explored South Hampton, drank bloody marys and caught up on everything that had happened in the past few months. It was so great to see a friend from home and finally make it to the Hamptons. Miss her already.
I returned home after a long drive into the city to a busy week at work. Monday night I went for a long, beautiful walk around Central Park. I was in complete awe over how beautiful the park was at night. Everyone was out running, there was a baseball game in the park, people were picnicking, playing volleyball and soaking up the amazing weather. It was very easy to forget where I was. Unbelievable that the park lies in the middle of the city and somehow makes you feel like you're a world away. I finally saw the Central Park Boat house and was completely smitten with the small boats and beautiful layout of the restaurant. This long walk was followed by a fantastic dinner at an asian fusion restaurant on the LES. Amazing food and even better company.
Tomorrow morning I am headed to Traverse City, MI for the National Cherry Festival. I am working at the event for three days, returning home on Sunday. Chobani has a "CHOmobile" truck that drives around to different events (festivals, marathons, food shows, etc) giving out free product and talking to people about the brand and our Olympic sponsorship. The hopes are that this trip will expose me to Chobani activation. I'll have first hand experience giving out yogurt, mingling with consumers and learning more about the CHOmobile.
More updates soon!
