Halloween, Hairdressers and Hobos

I knew before I moved to New York City that October 2007 was going to be a scary month for two reasons: one, I would celebrate my first Halloween; and two, I would have to find a new hairdresser.

HALLOWEEN
For those of certain religions, Halloween celebrates the eve of All Saints Day, which was formerly known as All Hallows Day. For those of other religions or of no religion at all, Halloween is a great excuse to dress up, trick-or-treat and if you're old enough, get pissed and party.

The celebrations in my neighbourhood started early in the day with folks of all ages dressing in costume and rather entrepreneurial teenagers trick-or-treating in the shops along Broadway (bakeries seemed to be pretty popular). Jack-o-lanterns (hollowed pumpkins), cobwebs, witches brooms and other ghoulish items decorated building stoops. And in my secure doorman building, a note was stuck to the inside of the elevator letting everyone know which apartment residents were going to be home to greet the kids and fill their plastic pumpkin buckets with candy.

I had been told that 'the' place to be on the night of Halloween was in Greenwich Village for the 34th Annual Halloween Parade. I didn't have a costume but I figured if I was asked, I could fudge it as "an Australian tourist". I took the subway downtown and was an instant spectator to the few floats and many costumed party-goers parading up 6th Avenue. To me it was like gay Mardi Gras, but for straight people. Quite a disappointment, but I was happy to be able to tick it off my "list of things to do before I die".

The evening's highlight was stopping by the very famous Gray's Papaya on 72nd Street for a takeaway hotdog. I enjoyed my dog so much, I almost walked five blocks back to get another one! But I refrained, at least for the next two nights when I returned for another fix. Mmmm... how can sodium taste so good?

HAIRDRESSERS
Every girl's impossible dream is to find a hairdresser that consistently does a great job and stays with you for life. Leaving my Perth stylist Sarah was slightly traumatic, but I figured that if I was going to find a good hairdresser anywhere in the world, I'd have a good chance in New York City.

I also knew that my NY friend and former Perth girl, Sandra, would be a sure bet for referrals. And she was. Sandra has worked in the modelling industry here for more that 10 years so knows a thing or two about the best places to go. Also the most expensive places.

Having Googled her list of suggestions, I chose a hip looking salon on 57th between Lexington and Park Avenue. With my colour codes in hand, I headed there a week ago on a reconnaissance tour. You know, to make sure they met my standards. Satisfied with my consultation, I scheduled my appointment and psyched myself for my new look. The result? HOT. I did freak out when 'Dina Scissorhands' sliced 3 inch pieces out of my crowning glory, but you know I love a good balance between rock chick and diva glam. The weird thing was tipping! Unlike restaurants where you add your tip to the bill, tipping a hairdresser is done via cash in an envelope. Kinda like Chinese New Year, but yellow envelopes instead of red.

HOBOS
This week was one of the first in ages when I gave myself reason to question my morals. On my way to the yuppy Meatpacking District for dinner with the doctor before he left for California, I was approached by a drunken hobo. "Sshhllll...scuse me m'am, hhaave you got some money I caannn have to git shlome food?" Without hesitation, and in a broad Australian accent that would have made Kath and Kim sound like the Queen of England, I said, "Nah, sorry mate. I'm unemployed." I couldn't believe what I had just said! I mean, it was absolutely true, but c'mon, I'm going to dinner in one of New York's trendiest districts! What was I thinking by making a comment like that? I felt a lot better about it when the doctor paid for dinner. Oh, and for the cab home. It's nice to be treated occasionally when you're , ah hem, out of work.

I am officially half way through my 3-month job search stint. I did make slight progress this week, but nothing major to report at this stage. There is a reasonable amount of work around but I am being very specific about the type of work I want and about the companies I am targetting. THAT'S the challenge! So keep those fingers crossed and I promise I will have good news soon.

Until next time remember, the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

Kaylie