"Reality" Trip

The word reality seems to mean something much more than the plain definition of real. What is real anymore, the basis of many television shows is based around this one single concept. Reality shows document real people in every day life, but is this even real. These real people have now become celebrities that involve a fan base, body guards, publicists, photo shoots, and gossip stories. All of which are now included on twitter, facebook, gossip blogs, magazines, and various television shows (real gossip news shows are now reporting news on "reality" show stars). Where does it stop, and how are you able to decipher between something that is real and something that is all an act of publicity? For real life does not involve fans along with star status. We laugh at reality shows, but being upon face to face with one of these "reality" celebrities we feel a rush of excitement, thus encouraging this whole "reality" concept of entertainment. This is where my "reality" trip starts. Being in the presence of celebrities in the actual real, not televised, world.

The first celebrity trip starts at Madison Square Garden, MSG. Attending a long awaited Enrique Iglesias concert was a dream. However, with all the hype that immerses your body upon entrance into the arena, I look around and wonder how does one person make this many people, if even for one night, go crazy with excitement. The concert was an overwhelming experience of singing and entertainment to say the least. Between all the "fashion" statements fans were making, to the actual making out that took place between Mr. Iglesias and a random fan pulled on stage, I begin to wonder is this normal behavior? If this type of behavior took place during the every day life, without a celebrity being present, you may look as though you have gone mad. Yet, add a popular singer and a room full of screaming fans, and you become a part of a world where anything could happen, anything goes. No regrets. No restrictions. No holding back. And everyone goes crazy for this spectacle. Still, moments after the concert reality begins to sink in. As you walk out, and notice that all the over priced souvenirs are now sold out, you realize that you yourself have become a part of all this hype that lasts only for a few hours, yet somehow it was worth every minute.

The next two celebrity trips takes place due to the popular "reality" show Jersey Shore. The first took place at a Mandee store where Sammi "Sweetheart" was doing a meet and greet. It was a Friday night, and was taking place near work, so why not. I made a night out of it with dinner at a new restaurant nearby that included happy hour, and then headed over to the packed clothing store. Being 5'2 I instantly fit in with all the overly excited 13 year olds. As I stood in the cold for just about two hours, contemplating whether or not it was worth it just for a glimpse into this "reality" stars world, I realized that between all the over dramatic tweens and their outspoken moms, that maybe this was not the place for me after all. However, I had already waited this long so why not just stick it out. My initial response was right, it was not worth the wait. Upon entering the store there was a DJ along with dancing employees, and an actual sweet Sammi from Jersey Shore who was only allowed to take one picture with each fan, photographs only taken by hired staff. It was an experience, not the best and not the worst, but it was an experience I at one point did look forward to. As they say, never regret something that once made you happy.

The second Jersey Shore meet and greet was a book signing with Snooki. This time the signing took place at a nearby Costco and it was a nice day out. Even after the last disappointment, I was still excited. I took my place in line amongst the Snooki look-a-likes all dressed in leopard and leggings with poofed hair and sunglasses. Has a "reality" star really turned Jersey girls into snook-a-likes? Is this really the next big fashion trend? This crowd at least did not only consist of tweens, but actual adults. This time I felt as though I fit in a little better, even though I did not dress in leopard print. As a fan of Jersey Shore, I enjoy watching the episodes on a weekly basis, but I do not enjoy meeting people who actually question whether or not Jersey residents all act like tanned guidos and guidettes. Growing up in Jersey, I don't know if I should be offended or just laugh at this idea of "reality." Being in Jersey, I luckily don't always encounter such ridiculous opinions about my home or the people who live here. Back on line, with a new copy of Snooki's book, A Shore Thing, I am happy that upon the stars arrival the line moved quickly, a lot quicker than the Sammi meet and greet. Snooki dressed in a large leopard print sun hat, sorry no poof this time, and gold leggings. A part of her entourage were her dad and boyfriend, Gianni. Getting a book signed by Snooki in Costco was a very surreal experience. Again, this is a familiar face I laugh at on television every week, yet in person I become overwhelmed with all the hype of meeting a celebrity once again.

So again I ask, if these people are allowing their real lives to be documented for all to see, then why are they now celebrities? Celebrities who are now attending award shows with some of the most well-known actors and actresses, partying with the most talented people, and being publicized in magazines and websites. Whether we like or not, "reality" shows will continue to grow as well as the popularity of such "reality" stars. Even as a fan, I realize that "real" television is not in fact reality, but in any case who wouldn't want to see their favorite celebrity making mistakes? A publicity stunt or just intriguing entertainment, either way it is a guilty pleasure for many!

Quick Day Trip

The most recent interview I have gone on was in New York City, for a public relations position. I should mention that I absolutely love the city, and hope to work there one day. While in school I had three different internships all in the city, all with magazine companies. Even though the internships were for credit only and no pay was offered, I enjoyed every minute of it. Friends may remember that I often complained about my one fashion internship due to the long hours, over-crowded subway stations, along with waking up at 6am on Friday mornings while trying to obtain sleep in a dorm room, but still I wouldn't trade one minute of the days I spent taking the subway into Manhattan and working for the magazines I grew up reading. The celebrity related events also drew me into this world of fast-paced, high fashion, low-carb, glamour lifestyle.

But this blog is not about my past internships, which I could write about for hours on end. It is about my most recent interview and short day trip back into the city. After waiting in the freezing cold for the bus, I finally arrived 45 minutes later in one of my favorite places, New York City. Like any other person seeking a job, I arrived early to allow time for finding the right building without being late. That took about 10 minutes if even upon arrival. Now in times square with time to spare, I just wanted to be somewhere warm and out of the way of all the tourists. I knew the later would not be possible, it being times square, so I wandered into the new Disney Store. The two-floor magical shop served as my calming down space. For some reason I am always excited as well as a little nervous before any interview, especially since I've been on so many without being offered a position, I begin to wonder why not?

Before I knew it, it was time to head to the building of the interview. I waited in the lobby of this floor to ceiling windows new york style office building, until the interviewer took me into a small office room. After a brief fifteen minute time span, the interview was over. The position seemed to be the perfect fit for me, but it was not meant to be, for the very next day I received an email stating they went with another candidate. I can't say the day was a complete waste. On my way out of the building, as I was exiting the elevators, Snooki from the reality show "Jersey Shore" walked right by. While I smiled and politely kept walking, for I am used to seeing celebrities during my internships and knowing to hold back from asking for a picture, I still felt happy to have seen one of the stars from a reality show I am addicted to.

As I journeyed home and got into my car, I realized I also received a parking ticket. I never receive tickets, but unfortunately I had no choice in the matter. Snow was piled filling up any empty parking spaces left, and with the bus coming soon I had to park where I could find fit in the park and ride lot, not exactly a legal space. Even though I did not get this job, and received a ticket, I still enjoyed my day in the city. Every trip to the city, small or big, is always an adventure. From giving directions to a western accent tourist with a cowboy hat to stopping at my routine Starbucks before heading home, I will not give up my dream of one day working in the busy city.