Snow City

I love to watch it snow.  There is something so peaceful about it, and it makes you incredibly relaxed.  You almost feel like you are floating on a cloud, and words like serene and tranquil are appropriate adjectives for this natural wonder.  Peaceful, that is, until you hear that snow plow right outside your window, and twice as many taxis as usual honking incessantly.

I am sitting here by my window, watching the beginnings of my first New York blizzard...a projected 16 inches by morning, I believe.  And I still have to go to work.  I will spend my day calling on accounting and finance managers who are not in the office, but who are rather at home with their families.  But the show must go on!

I'm not sure if I've mentioned much about the setup in my room, but I think I will be just fine spending my winter in here.  I got a desk for Christmas, and it's a gorgeous mahogany wood with a white (princess) chair to go with it.  I have my favorite lamp on it, along with some of my books, Bible verses, a candle, and my "Dream" plaque that I was given when I moved.  It has a quote from Walt Disney, which reads  "All dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them."  I also have a book that my sister got me for Christmas called Drita, My Homegirl, which I cannot wait to dig in to.  It's the perfect arrangement for me to write, read and reflect.  Although, I will not be reflecting much while reading Drita.

I am excited about my agenda for Saturday.  I get to spend the afternoon playing board games with a group of seniors at a retirement home in Brooklyn, through New York Cares.  I have been brushing up on my canasta skills, for such an occasion.

Cowboys in Chaps and Penthouse Pianos

Friday night I had another New York first.  Make that two firsts.  I didn't expect that my first time to go to Madison Square Garden would be to see my first bull riding competition, but what a combination that was. Honestly, I wasn't too excited about it initially.  I'm not really into the whole country western type crowd, but I can honestly say that has all changed.  I was strangely attracted to these crazy cowboys, and the whole process intrigued me.  My favorite bull name was Wee Willy.  Every time I saw the name, I laughed out loud.  My date didn't really share my appreciation.  It was also nice to see cowboy hats, boots, and chaps everywhere.  I am now an official fan of the rodeo, and was thinking that my next project should be Nascar.

Today I met my friend Rich in Chelsea to eat at this fabulous little place called Westville.  Seriously, some of the best food I've had here yet, and very reasonably priced.  I am a big fan of the sweet potato fry, and have found the mother ship for mastering them.  After lupper (we ate at 4:00), we went to Chelsea market, located in the old Nabisco cookie factory.  They have converted it into clothing, home furnishing and food shops, and it was really neat.  Reminded me a lot of the Factory in Franklin.  To end our evening, we did some window shopping at a strip of designer stores and walked along the High Line, an elevated park spanning almost two miles.  It was lightly snowing, and was the perfect way to wrap up a Saturday.

I have always had such good luck in New York, and tomorrow will only prove that it continues.  A friend who I met through Best Buddies New York is a concert pianist.  When I asked her if she knew of any places I could practice around the city, she made some calls, and referred me to an artist friend of hers.  He manages a hotel, and offered the penthouse baby grand piano to me anytime the suite is not being used.  And the best part is, it's less than thirty paces from my apartment, at the Roger Smith hotel on 48th and Lexington!  I get to use it for the first time tomorrow.  So excited about that!

2011-HERE WE GO!

Words can't describe how much I enjoyed being home for Christmas.  It was so good to see everyone both in Georgia and Tennessee, and it was the perfect amount of time.  I was originally only supposed to be there for one week, but it turned into almost two.  THANK YOU SNOW STORM!

You’ve got to love those restaurants that can’t decide on a theme.  I ate at my first Greek Italian restaurant on Christmas Eve in Atlanta.  There were paintings of Santorini spanning the entire wall, right next to a replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa which I think was an ashtray.  Keep it classy, Atlanta.

I thought it would be really tough to come back, and it was to an extent.  Although I was ready to get back into my routine, and also be in single city once again!  Work has gotten off to a great start, with some very productive client meetings that will hopefully result in productive relationships.  My boss went on one with me today.  I love when he does, because he always shows me random New York spots while we're out that I have no clue about.  For instance, apparently my office is right next to the Federal Reserve.  I thought that was so cool.  He is originally from Long Island, but lived in Atlanta for ten years.  We always are discussing restaurants and things to do there , as he lived in the Highlands.  When I told him I was from Stockbridge, he said "Collective Soul!"  Always a good conversation with him!

I found out today that I will be getting a tour of the New York Stock Exchange next Wednesday.  I recently met the vice president of sales for NYSE, and he offered so I accepted.  Maybe I will even get to ring the bell!  In addition to that little activity, I have a play audition next week.  The production is called The Meltdown, and it tours five states I believe.  I will be reading for "actress # 4".  

This Friday I plan to attend a rodeo at Madison Square Garden with a fireman friend of mine.  Never in a million years did I think cowboy boots would come in handy in the big apple, but I get to break mine out.  Fingers crossed that they will have sweet tea and the announcer will use terms like "ya'll", "fixin" and maybe even throw in a little "this barbque is so good it makes you want to slap your mama".  It will be like I never left home.

So there you have it folks!  The first two weeks of my New York City 2011 have gotten off to a great start, and will hopefully be an indication of all of the adventure and excitement that is headed my way this year.  I remain incredibly aware of the blessing it has been to live here, and maintain my gratitude for the opportunity.  It's definitely not a place I plan to settle long term, but will hopefully be a place where I can learn more about myself.  I will end with a thought I heard from one of my friends today, that I instantly fell in love with.  "Follow your heart with no doubt.  If it's right, you'll succeed.  If it's wrong, you'll learn. "

I'll be home for Christmas!

I am loving life right about now, sitting in my rocking chair in the Baltimore airport.  I’m on my way home for Christmas, and I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited to see the south.  New York has been really good to me so far, but I am ready for some sweet tea and southern accents. 

My bag was way over the weight limit, so I had to pay the additional fee.  It’s all because of those Christmas presents that I intended to wait and buy when I got home.  I decided that New York gifts would be better.  I’m glad I did a little shopping though.  While in the Chelsea Best Buy, I got this huge ego boost by some random stranger.  I was looking at the television series dvds, when he walked by and pointed at one of the covers and said “that should be your face instead.”  I could’ve kissed him square on the mouth.

I love the airport at Christmas.  There are kids and dogs everywhere, and people have generally been in good spirits…even after the security line that took an hour and a half.  I’ve been fortunate to see my family over the last few weeks while they have been visiting, and now I get to see my friends too!  Yay for vacation!

The Sound of Music

It's amazing how influential music is over your mood.  A song can make you feel like you can conquer the world, or make you curl up into a ball and rock yourself back and forth while crying hysterically (never done it).  Music does provoke all kinds of emotions, and that's exactly why I love it.

I recently changed up the selections on my ipod, and intentionally chose more uplifting songs.  On my way to work this morning, I just couldn't stop smiling.  I honestly don't know the title or the artist, but the lyrics of my new favorite "on my way to work" song are about nothing being impossible for God....and about He holds my world in His hand.  Those are some pretty powerful statements that reminded me that nothing matters in this world without Him.  He is the reason to get up everyday, and face all that life throws our way.

This week in New York, I plan to explore multiple musical venues, genres, and performances.  Last night I went to Trinity church on Wall street, to hear Handle's Messiah.  I honestly just went to hear the Hallelujah choral song that mom used to play in our living room while she was working out to Charlene Prickett.  After the first two hours with no Hallelujah chorus, I was afraid I had made a terrible $30 mistake.  Finally, at the end of the second act, I got to hear exactly what I had come for and it was beautiful.

Tomorrow night I am going to hear Dave Kellan at Backfence in Greenwich Village.  Dave is a friend of a friend, and has played in Nashville many times.  The venue he is playing in is apparently listed in the book 1000 Places to See Before You Die.  I'm really excited about hearing him, and being at a legendary club in the village.

Finally, on Friday night I'm hoping to go to Bill's place in Harlem.  Apparently Bill is a world famous jazz musician and has opened a venue in his brownstone for Friday night performances only.  It always sells out, and is in his living room, so seating should be interesting.  Regardless, I am ready for a week of music in the city!

The "New York Moment"

New York is not an easy city to live in.  Everything is expensive, nothing about it is laid back, and you are in constant competition with people who are either your equals or superiors in talent and ambition.  It can be exhausting in so many ways, and there are times when you wonder if you have chosen wisely by making it your home.

And then you have a "New York moment"...

Such a moment confirms that your decision is probably one of the best of your life.  It can be anything from participating in the filming of a movie, to finding a fabulous new restaurant that was probably in a movie, or encountering a celebrity on the street.  These moments are distinctively unique to New York, and provoke thoughts of awe and wonder to a new resident.  They remove all doubt and make you think"so this is why I live here."

I've been really lucky to experience many New York moments since moving here.  Most recently (this evening actually), I was walking around in Greenwich village looking for the Chick-fil-a at NYU, and ran into Meg Ryan.  She passed me at the intersection of Broadway and Astor, and was with a man who I did not recognize.  She had her City of Angels hair-do, and really big lips.  Definitely not the same face as in You've Got Mail (one of my favorites).  But it was really cool, and totally made up for the fact that Chick-fil-a was closed.

Another World-not the soap opera

New York is filled with a plethora of sightseeing options, but none of them can quite compare to the happenings occurring daily on New York City public transit.  The next time someone asks me what they should see when they visit, in order to have a true NYC experience, I will direct them to the nearest 4,5,6,7,1,2,3,N,Q,R...etc...etc. You are assured the biggest bang for your buck in this whole other world, affectionately known as the subway.

I have visited many cities in the country (and world, for that matter) that have public transit, but none can quite compare to ours.  There are incredibly pleasant experiences, such as the one I had this afternoon.  While commuting to a client visit, a group of about six men started walking through the car, shaking money cans and causing a commotion.  The jaded almost-New Yorker in me just rolled my eyes, and kept talking to my colleague.  This type of scenario is usually followed by a speech requesting a monetary donation.  But instead, to my surprise, they started singing Christmas carols and they had unbelievable voices.  My coworker told me that they have actually make television appearances, and are fairly well known.

Tonight I sat across from a mother and her baby heading downtown from Morningside Heights/Harlem area.  It was endearing to watch them interact.  It looked as though she was on her way home from work (this was around 10 pm), and they were both equally ecstatic to see each other after being apart all day.  Sitting next to me during all this, was an elderly Asian man who found joy in making faces at the baby.  He, too, was on his way home from work and was carrying a bag full of Chinese newspapers.

The only thing that I find incredibly obnoxious is when people play on their phones NON STOP while riding the train.  I literally had to look away from a woman last week who was so obsessed with whatever she was doing on her phone, that she missed her destination.  I mean, can't you just stop looking at something electronic for a fifteen minute commute?  Bring a real book or magazine, listen to music, or here's a thought....maybe even have a conversation with someone next to you.   I bet when the first subway was built in 1904, people spoke to their neighbors, men gave their seats to women, and the floors were urine free.