Props to the Parents of NY

I have the greatest respect for those who choose to parent in this city, because there is no way it is an easy thing to do.  Not only must it be exhausting to lift strollers up and down stairs in and out of the subway, but you have to find a way to maneuver through massive amounts of people without your baby getting trampled.  Also, where do you put all of the stuff that comes with a baby/kid?  It's not like you can just be a hoarder, and throw your junk in the garage or attic.  My neighbors put their daughter's tricycle and playhouse in the hallway, and having more than one kid in a bedroom is incredibly common.  It's all about being smart with your space, and making a back yard out of anything you can.

I spent the morning on the upper east side at a movie, and then on a walk around the JKO Reservoir in Central Park.  There were strollers EVERYWHERE!  And these babies are trained to just look straight ahead, keep all arms and legs inside the vehicle, and not look at, smile at, or talk to strangers.  They are machines!  I do find it a bit disturbing to see so many children with their nannies on a Saturday, for crying out loud.  But there are of course things that New York parents do that are endearing and familiar to me.  There are fathers who teach their little girls how to ride a bike and catch them when they fall every five feet.  There are mothers who lovingly and attentively care for scrapes, cuts and bruises that are collected on the playground.  And there are grandparents who eagerly offer their assistance by taking these little people to the ice cream truck on the outskirts of the park while their parents catch their breath.

The last few weeks have been both exciting and exhausting.  I was able to see Amos Lee perform last Friday night at Irving Plaza.  He was an absolutely amazing singer, writer (a male version of Norah Jones) and so incredibly humble.  Elvis Costello made a guest appearance at the beginning of the show, because he was playing for a sister venue right down the street.  I went with my friend Brenda, from church.  I was blessed by her company, and the night was one of my favorites in NYC.  I also got invited to a dinner party last weekend with about eight single ladies who all shared one mutual friend.  I had the greatest time with them talking about their life experiences and listening to music that reminded me of middle school (Ace of Base, baby...woop woop)!

I am SO excited about going to Nashville next weekend to be in a dear friend's wedding.  I've definitely had a case of homesickness recently, and I know this will cure me of it.  Living here has been such a great thing for me in so many ways, and making the move will probably go down as being one of the best decisions I ever made for myself.  However, it has made me even more grateful for and proud of my roots.  I love and miss the south often...the culture, the kindness, the people.  I am who I am because of the people I have known and loved in my life and because of the environment in which I was raised.  This is just another chapter.  My roommate sent me the best inspirational message in an email recently, which I will include in this post.

"We didn't come here to fit in, we came here to be who we are.  (a southern girl who loves to laugh)
  We didn't come here to work, we came here to live our dreams.(to be surrounded by culture & creation)
  We didn't come here for the stuff, we came here to love each other. (the wonderful people of NY)
  We didn't come here by accident, we each came with a purpose that is uniquely our own." (which I seek to discover daily)