Prime-time prep.

I have been on a very preppy streak lately – my Foursquare check-ins, my choice of TV shows and even where I dine (it’s not everyday you go to a restaurant where the servers are required to where Vineyard Vine)… and you know what? I don’t hate it.

10, 11, Twelve.

Taking big risks sometimes leads to getting big rewards. Author Nick McDonnell has probably figured this out by now. The first of his three novels – Twelve – is being released as a movie later this month. McDonell’s books (the other two being The Third Brother, and An Expensive Education) are some of the best I have read in awhile and even if this indie movie is a total dud (which reviews say it is), I won’t be too upset. Combining an intriguing book with the face of Chace Crawford will make any girl happy…

My reasons for liking McDonell’s novels – each is entirely different yet the same. Be it the story line of a drug dealer, ivy leaguer, or international spy, he finds a way to twist together and interconnect the world of trust funds with places foreign to wealth. Call it Gossip Girl meets Babel…

But back to why McDonnell should get the whole “risk and reward” theory – he wrote Twelve at age 17. Nothing like putting your first work out there and having it come back with critical praise. Why didn’t I try that… oh right, there is a talent factor to take into consideration, hmmm.

Empire state of mind.

“In New York,
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
Theres nothing you can’t do. Now you’re in New York,
These streets will make you feel brand new,
The lights will inspire you.” (Jay-Z/Alicia Keys – Empire State Of Mind)

Chuck Bass I've been watching you too - Gossip Girl reruns are prepping me for NYC, because, we all know, the way things are on television are just like they are in real life.

In just a few weeks time I will be on a plane headed for the ‘concert jungle’ and for a summer in THE city, New York City – can’t wait!

So is the Jay-Z/Alicia Keys anthem the theme song for my summer? Too soon to decide, but it is a good lead-off song for the playlist. The motto for this playlist? Work hard, play hard…

Work hard:

I am so lucky to have the opportunity to be one of 50 editorial interns for Time Inc. and to work in the Sports Illustrated for Kids department. There is no opportunity in Missouri that can compare to this; I will get to work with experienced professionals, at a reputable publication, and in a professional atmosphere. I am excited for whatever journalistic opportunities I will be given this summer and I will jump to take on any project out there. The internship is my ticket to an amazing summer so I will make sure I do everything possible to earn it.

Play hard:

St. Louis to New York – culture shock right? With only three months to experience the greatest city on Earth, you can bet I will be busy. Dave Matthews says to “Stay up late and make some memories,” in his song So Right.

I don’t know if that quote actually is the best approach to take toward college, but it will be my approach for this summer. Sleep is not an option when you have a limited time in a city that never sleeps. I will never be younger and more full of life than I am right now – time to take advantage of it and take advantage of an experience I will not get again.

I will fake the Ivy Leage cred while living at a Columbia University dorm and I will walk the ‘working girl’ walk while slaving away in an office in Rockefeller Center – what more can I possibly ask for?

… Maybe a map for the subway, hmmm.