do you see the way that tree bends?
First things first: I am sick and tired of not receiving e-mails through my jess@purljamjes.com mail. I am also sick of the server being down. Therefore, I am offically
making sugjesstion@gmail.com my main e-mail address. jess@purljamjes.com will still be active...but since it's so sketchy lately I would just prefer it if you would e-mail
me at sugjesstion@gmail.com. Even though that's not foolproof because their pop mail is not stellar at this point.
ANYWAY...
Last night turned out to be a decent time. Erin wanted to see all her architecture friends from school...so we went down to Greektown and ate at Niki's (two Saturdays in a row
at Niki's...hella yum!). About half the group were people who I went to school with (meaning the class I would've graduated with) and the other half were people who started school a
year later than myself (and everyone else). We walked to the Ben & Jerry's that recently opened in the Compuware Building. There isn't even a Ben & Jerry's in the burbs around here...so
I am smug about the fact the only Ben & Jerry's in the area is in downtown Detroit (ok so there's one at Great Lakes Crossing but does a mall count? I say no).
We stood around Campus Martius for awhile. I have passed by Campus Martius about 18 bazillion times since it "reopened" but haven't actually walked in the area. Was kind of cool to see
some grassy areas in such a rugged city with seats and tables for everyone to use. The atmosphere is amazing at night. Minus the sounds of the crazy/homeless guy trying to make everyone scream, "Whoopty WOO!"
One of the guys with us (that was in my "class" but never in any of my studios) works in the Guardian Building. He decided he would try to see if he could take us up to the offices on the
36th floor. Amazingly the women behind the desk allowed us to go up there (it was 10:00 at night and there were 11 of us). It was breathtaking. It's not everyday you have the opportunity to
go in one of the most incredible buildings downtown and see the sights. It was amazing to see Woodward...chasing out to the suburbs. I became instantly jealous that this guy gets to work
in an office 1. in Detroit 2. in a great building and 3. with such beautiful views of the city and its surroundings EVERY DAY!
This guy's girlfriend works at another firm in the Penobscot Building which is two buildings away. I think that is just too neat. Every architect in the group has a job...one in particular works for a
firm that I was just blown away by. It made me wonder...if I persued the whole architecture thing...where would I be today? I have no regrets...but it's interesting thing to ponder. Would I be
working in the Guardian Building? Spending my 40+ hours a week in my favorite place in the world?
Afterwards, we walked to the river front. On the way there, though, I got into a really good conversation with the guy that took us to his office in the Guardian Building...about the state of Detroit and
the buildings and what needs to be done and yada yada yada. I don't think I've ever really discussed the topic with someone who is as interested in the city as I am...probably ever. It was really nice.
I just wish I could do more. I'm sort of in my job...a job I like...but has no impact on the city of Detroit what-so-ever. That was one of my romantic ideals when I was searching for a job...
to work somehow in the city or for the city...helping it gain strength. But apparantly the world of fashion and retail isn't so important in Detroit because there bigger issues...like getting everyone to
shout, "Whoopty WOO!" on street corners.
does it inspire?
