I went to see my first New York doctor today. I had no idea what to expect, especially once I found out that their office was located in the port authority bus terminal west of Times Square. I was referred to them by a coworker who did nothing but sing their praises, so I braved it. To my surprise, I was actually quite impressed. Before I was able to take a seat in the lobby and pick up the latest issue of Parents Today, they escorted me back to the exam room. Everyone was so friendly and accommodating, and I was out within half an hour. What type of doctor, you might ask. Dr. Steve Landman is a podiatrist, and I saw him because I officially have bunions. It runs in my family, but I was hoping to be that generation it skips. However, I've had some pain in my right foot and his suggestion was surgery. My first thought was "how am I going to fit my new D&G heels into that boot?" I may hold off until the end of the summer to do it though, because I cannot bare no beach for a month. So there you have it....I've been wearing a nighttime bunion stabilizer for a few weeks now...I already wear a mouth guard...no wonder I'm alone. (kidding)
I may have mentioned before that it is pretty common to see homeless people in subway cars asking for money in between stops. I also may have mentioned how I have had several encounters where I run into someone randomly in the city who I know. Today those two worlds collided, and I saw a homeless man I knew from a previous train ride on a completely different train at a completely different time of day. He's definitely easy to spot, because he reminds me of what I think Moses would have looked like if he would've been a sumo wrestler. As he passed my seat, I reached down to change the song on my ipod, and he thought I was reaching down for money. So..he lingered. Once I looked up, I panicked, and shouted..."oh no, I was just trying to find a different song." It was so awkward, but he graciously flipped over his cardboard sign to the opposite side that said "thank you" and gave me a thumbs up. If I ever see him again, I will do my best to not make a song change and find him some actually change instead.
Tomorrow night has been long anticipated, as it is the first official night of fleet week!!!!! My single girlfriend and I are planning to have dinner at the Delta Grill in Hells Kitchen (next to Times Square) so we can be available to serve as the welcoming committee for all the soldiers!!! All that we plan to do is look, possibly waive, maybe show some ankle if they get lucky...who knows, the world is our oyster!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Marley Monday
You know it's going to be a bad day when you wake up to the whistles and screams of protestors outside your window. I have no idea what their message was, except that they weren't winning any friends or followers with these barbaric tactics. I live really close to the United Nations, so this type of behavior in this area isn't unusual. It's just the first time it has served as an alternative to my alarm clock. Last week, I actually got (unintentionally) caught up in a protest/march against Mayor Bloomberg and his budget cuts. Thousands of people gathered downtown where I work, to march around Wall Street with their signs and whistles (who knew the whistle was such a powerful thing). Their proposition was that the bailed out banking institutions pay for the city's deficit. I was just trying to make it to my gym, and couldn't find a way to cross the street. So, I just jumped in, waded my way through them, all the while screaming something about Bloomberg being a boob. It was quite the rush.
Can we just talk about street etiquette for a minute? I know that I have mentioned this in previous posts, but since I spend most of my days walking around this city, it is a topic that is close to my heart. I believe they should divide each sidewalk into two lanes, fast and slow. For those people who just want to casually stroll around with their Starbucks, they should walk closest to either the building or the street. These people are typically tourists, but also may sometimes be New York residents who are either elderly, maimed or intoxicated. The interior lanes should be reserved for those of us who have places to be, and know where we are going. We do it on an escalator (slow to the right, fast to the left), so I seriously do not understand why this can't be adopted in other places. Also, I am considering wearing some type of protective armor while walking outdoors...or using a shield, perhaps. This way, when you get body slammed, you will not be as affected as the person who saw you coming plain as day, and refused to move into the plethora of space available to them.
Actually today was pretty standard, and ended up having some really fine moments. For example, when I was calling into a new company with a sales lead I had received, I had a little treat for me on the other end. The lady I had reached was hesitant to speak with me since it was a cold call, as people usually are. Before she had the chance to hang up, I said "If you don't mind me asking, where exactly are you from?" Maybe it was the fact that she sounded genuinely sorry that she didn't have the time to speak, or the fact that I heard her say "fixin", but I knew something was different about this woman. She paused, and then replied "Well...I'm from Brentwood, TN." I swear I almost jumped through the phone to hug her. We proceeded to talk for about half an hour, and are actually having lunch on Thursday. Also, we had a new guy start at work who is from Florida, but played football for Ole Miss. We had a great conversation about the SEC, and I think he would've been more impressed with my knowledge about it had I not been holding a Mississippi State cup (my roommate has a bunch). Regardless, it was a great day of connecting with people who don't think I sound ridiculous when I talk! The only other thing that gets me through the day on Mondays is my Bob Marley playlist. I like to refer to them as my "Marley Mondays."
Can we just talk about street etiquette for a minute? I know that I have mentioned this in previous posts, but since I spend most of my days walking around this city, it is a topic that is close to my heart. I believe they should divide each sidewalk into two lanes, fast and slow. For those people who just want to casually stroll around with their Starbucks, they should walk closest to either the building or the street. These people are typically tourists, but also may sometimes be New York residents who are either elderly, maimed or intoxicated. The interior lanes should be reserved for those of us who have places to be, and know where we are going. We do it on an escalator (slow to the right, fast to the left), so I seriously do not understand why this can't be adopted in other places. Also, I am considering wearing some type of protective armor while walking outdoors...or using a shield, perhaps. This way, when you get body slammed, you will not be as affected as the person who saw you coming plain as day, and refused to move into the plethora of space available to them.
Actually today was pretty standard, and ended up having some really fine moments. For example, when I was calling into a new company with a sales lead I had received, I had a little treat for me on the other end. The lady I had reached was hesitant to speak with me since it was a cold call, as people usually are. Before she had the chance to hang up, I said "If you don't mind me asking, where exactly are you from?" Maybe it was the fact that she sounded genuinely sorry that she didn't have the time to speak, or the fact that I heard her say "fixin", but I knew something was different about this woman. She paused, and then replied "Well...I'm from Brentwood, TN." I swear I almost jumped through the phone to hug her. We proceeded to talk for about half an hour, and are actually having lunch on Thursday. Also, we had a new guy start at work who is from Florida, but played football for Ole Miss. We had a great conversation about the SEC, and I think he would've been more impressed with my knowledge about it had I not been holding a Mississippi State cup (my roommate has a bunch). Regardless, it was a great day of connecting with people who don't think I sound ridiculous when I talk! The only other thing that gets me through the day on Mondays is my Bob Marley playlist. I like to refer to them as my "Marley Mondays."
Sunday, May 22, 2011
A Few of my Favorite Things
I just love The Sound of Music, and I have ever since I can remember. I must say that I am not a fan of musicals at all really, but that one has always been the exception. My grandmother used to have these curtains in her dining room that reminded me of the ones that Maria made play clothes out of for the children. I pulled those things over my head on more than one occasion and sang "My Favorite Things". When no one was around, I would sneak my mother's wedding dress out of the closet, put it on (age 8) and pretend I was marching down the aisle towards Captain Von Trapp. I also thought that Friedrich was cute, but that's another issue altogether.
Anyway, I have been thinking a lot about that song recently. I even made a list of my favorite things on a sticky note and plastered it to the wall in front of my desk. I look at it everyday and think of ways I can work in one of those areas on a regular basis. Out of the five items listed, one of them was music. I absolutely love music, and have a fairly diverse collection of it. I could sit for hours listening to it live, and I attribute that to my parents.
Before I was even born, my mom would go to my dad's shows quite frequently (he was and is a rock star). She tells me that I would go crazy in her belly, bouncing all over the place. After I was born and became a little girl, my first loves became Michael Jackson, Peter Gabriel and Huey Lewis and the News. I remember dancing around to their records, propping their album covers up on our couches and chairs, and running around kissing them. And of course there was an all girls band in our living room from the Fairview COC. I was always the drummer (aka pot and pan player).
Since moving to New York, I have been very lucky to be able to see some fantastic shows. Although these artists tour all over the country, they will always come to New York, so it seems like there is a never-ending line up of my favorites. It has been quite taxing on my credit card, but worth every penny. NeedtoBreathe, Amos Lee, and the Allman Brothers got me through the winter months. Now I can look forward to Kings of Leon, Jonny Lang, the American Idol tour (don't judge me) and hopefully Pearl Jam...not to mention all the free shows in the park!
Not only are the mainstream artists something to look forward to, but the local ones as well. Last night I went with some girlfriends to the Red Lion. It is a restaurant/bar/music venue in the west village, and has always had such impressive talent. They have no cover, which makes it unique and right up my alley. It was a duo of these guys from Ireland and Italy. The lead singer sounded just like Eddie Vedder and was Irish from head to toe. His lead guitarist was absolutely unbelievable. The top of his head didn't even quite touch my shoulder (he was not a "little person"), and his faces were quite entertaining to watch. I just wanted to put him in my pocket.
My other favorite things include acting/theater, travel, event planning, and working with the elderly. Hopefully one day I'll be able to land a job in one of these areas, because every time I think about them, I get excited!
Anyway, I have been thinking a lot about that song recently. I even made a list of my favorite things on a sticky note and plastered it to the wall in front of my desk. I look at it everyday and think of ways I can work in one of those areas on a regular basis. Out of the five items listed, one of them was music. I absolutely love music, and have a fairly diverse collection of it. I could sit for hours listening to it live, and I attribute that to my parents.
Before I was even born, my mom would go to my dad's shows quite frequently (he was and is a rock star). She tells me that I would go crazy in her belly, bouncing all over the place. After I was born and became a little girl, my first loves became Michael Jackson, Peter Gabriel and Huey Lewis and the News. I remember dancing around to their records, propping their album covers up on our couches and chairs, and running around kissing them. And of course there was an all girls band in our living room from the Fairview COC. I was always the drummer (aka pot and pan player).
Since moving to New York, I have been very lucky to be able to see some fantastic shows. Although these artists tour all over the country, they will always come to New York, so it seems like there is a never-ending line up of my favorites. It has been quite taxing on my credit card, but worth every penny. NeedtoBreathe, Amos Lee, and the Allman Brothers got me through the winter months. Now I can look forward to Kings of Leon, Jonny Lang, the American Idol tour (don't judge me) and hopefully Pearl Jam...not to mention all the free shows in the park!
Not only are the mainstream artists something to look forward to, but the local ones as well. Last night I went with some girlfriends to the Red Lion. It is a restaurant/bar/music venue in the west village, and has always had such impressive talent. They have no cover, which makes it unique and right up my alley. It was a duo of these guys from Ireland and Italy. The lead singer sounded just like Eddie Vedder and was Irish from head to toe. His lead guitarist was absolutely unbelievable. The top of his head didn't even quite touch my shoulder (he was not a "little person"), and his faces were quite entertaining to watch. I just wanted to put him in my pocket.
My other favorite things include acting/theater, travel, event planning, and working with the elderly. Hopefully one day I'll be able to land a job in one of these areas, because every time I think about them, I get excited!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
My New York Crackhead Cowboy
My Time Out New York magazine came today, and I cannot express how excited I am to have access to the summer's complete line up of concerts and movies at my fingertips. I literally ripped the calendar from the interior of the magazine and posted it on my refrigerator. Summer is one of my favorite times of the year for this very reason...that and the fact that I can get a tan most any day of the week and not look like Powder. I have been bold enough over the last few weeks to wear skirts without tights. On my commute to work, I take one look at my bare legs, shriek in horror and wish I would've thrown in a pair of Legs for good measure. Maybe it's bad lighting...maybe I'm a Cullen...it's hard to say. Even though the weather is still in the 60's here, we have had a few good days that give me hope of sunshine and warmth. I shouldn't complain about the cool weather, because I plan to go to Vegas for July 4. I'm sure I will fry like an egg.
Feeling very grateful tonight for the recent development in friendships with some fabulous women that I have met through my small group here. I had dinner with one tonight at Brother Jimmys, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to eat in the city. I think the owners must be from North Carolina, because there is Tar Heel paraphernalia everywhere. It's the best bar-b-que in the city, and comes with your choice of sweet potato fries, baked beans, fried pickles, fried green tomatoes, cole slaw and of course....sweet tea! The music played is southern rock, and they give a 25% discount on Wednesdays to anyone with a southern I.D. It's pretty much paradise.
Hayli and I had a fabulous dinner, and what was even more enjoyable was our conversational topic. We both recently completed the Daniel Fast, and were so impressed with how effective the process was, that we have collectively decided to adopt the principles in another area of our lives...dating. It is not as difficult to be a single woman in New York as it seemed to be for both of us back home (she is from Texas), but it still is an issue that consumes our thoughts more than we would like. Given our mutual desire to eliminate this distraction from our lives, we are in the process of deciding on an appropriate time frame in which to refrain from dating. Whether it be six months or one year, I feel like this will be a productive use of time for both of us.
It would be wrong of me to complete this post and not mention the jewel of a man I saw on the train on Monday. I was taking the 4/5 up after a visit to Brooklyn during rush hour, so needless to say, it was packed. There was a gentleman sitting across from me who appeared to be on crack. A sweet man, but a crackhead, nonetheless. He was so jittery and kept offering his seat to women as they would board the train. When he finally sat down, he looked straight at me (bare in mind, I have my ipod on) and screamed "Hey you...Smile! It ain't that bad. You know why it ain't that bad...because you ain't dead." Well, Mr. Rhinestone Cowboy (he was wearing a cowboy hat with these words across the top) I thought, you are right. So I did what any good natured southern woman would do, and I smiled. I was hoping this would be enough to pacify him, but no, no...he continued on with his conversation. He told me that money would not make me happy, and that he had more money than anyone on the train. He also told me not to get married, because my husband would just cheat on me. He said "I have two wives, and six children between them. They both know that if I see an attractive woman, I'm not holding back." I didn't know what to do...look down...look up...look at my Blackberry. Everyone was watching me for a reaction, but all I could do is nod. I learned so much that day on the 4 train. So much about life...so much about love...so much about the long term effects of crack cocaine. I will treasure that memory forever.
Feeling very grateful tonight for the recent development in friendships with some fabulous women that I have met through my small group here. I had dinner with one tonight at Brother Jimmys, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to eat in the city. I think the owners must be from North Carolina, because there is Tar Heel paraphernalia everywhere. It's the best bar-b-que in the city, and comes with your choice of sweet potato fries, baked beans, fried pickles, fried green tomatoes, cole slaw and of course....sweet tea! The music played is southern rock, and they give a 25% discount on Wednesdays to anyone with a southern I.D. It's pretty much paradise.
Hayli and I had a fabulous dinner, and what was even more enjoyable was our conversational topic. We both recently completed the Daniel Fast, and were so impressed with how effective the process was, that we have collectively decided to adopt the principles in another area of our lives...dating. It is not as difficult to be a single woman in New York as it seemed to be for both of us back home (she is from Texas), but it still is an issue that consumes our thoughts more than we would like. Given our mutual desire to eliminate this distraction from our lives, we are in the process of deciding on an appropriate time frame in which to refrain from dating. Whether it be six months or one year, I feel like this will be a productive use of time for both of us.
It would be wrong of me to complete this post and not mention the jewel of a man I saw on the train on Monday. I was taking the 4/5 up after a visit to Brooklyn during rush hour, so needless to say, it was packed. There was a gentleman sitting across from me who appeared to be on crack. A sweet man, but a crackhead, nonetheless. He was so jittery and kept offering his seat to women as they would board the train. When he finally sat down, he looked straight at me (bare in mind, I have my ipod on) and screamed "Hey you...Smile! It ain't that bad. You know why it ain't that bad...because you ain't dead." Well, Mr. Rhinestone Cowboy (he was wearing a cowboy hat with these words across the top) I thought, you are right. So I did what any good natured southern woman would do, and I smiled. I was hoping this would be enough to pacify him, but no, no...he continued on with his conversation. He told me that money would not make me happy, and that he had more money than anyone on the train. He also told me not to get married, because my husband would just cheat on me. He said "I have two wives, and six children between them. They both know that if I see an attractive woman, I'm not holding back." I didn't know what to do...look down...look up...look at my Blackberry. Everyone was watching me for a reaction, but all I could do is nod. I learned so much that day on the 4 train. So much about life...so much about love...so much about the long term effects of crack cocaine. I will treasure that memory forever.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Serenity, Sightings and Summer
You know that feeling you get when you pull into the driveway after you've worked hard all day, and it's suddenly easier to breathe because you are in your peaceful place? Well, I don't have a driveway to pull into anymore. BUT I do have this amazing courtyard in my building that somehow has the ability to make me forget all of my troubles as soon as I see it. Our apartment complex is essentially 3 different units in a "U" shape, with the courtyard in the middle. Our garden of tranquility is adjacent to what used to be a pretty popular Chinese restaurant called Chiam (now vacant). The building has entrances at both 47th and 48th street, and both lead you into this area filled with trees, plants, and seating areas. In the center is a water fountain (Christmas tree during December). It is literally like a whole other world, because as soon as the doorman buzzes you into the door, you can no longer hear street noise...just water bubbling. You look up and can actually see the sky (and of course a few skyscrapers). Today everything looked so green and vibrant, and I was reminded of how glad I am that spring is finally here.
As I was walking down 47th on Friday night, about to turn into my building, I passed Tea Leoni. She was walking with a friend, and I'm assuming was coming from dinner at the Japanese restaurant next door. For those of you who may not know who that is, she is married to David Duchovny and has starred in multiple movies, including my favorite, The Family Man. I definitely recognized her right off the bat, but stood stiff as a board in the street as she walked towards me just to make sure. This random man standing outside a bar saw me with my mouth hanging open, and said "That's right, it's her." I know she's not A list by any means, but I never fail to be shocked whenever this happens to me here. Of course, I didn't have my camera, and didn't have time to fumble around for it anyway. But nevertheless, it was the highlight of my day.
I spent some time at my penthouse piano today, making my first attempt at songwriting. I already have lyrics, and now just need to decide on my chord structure. I love spending Sunday afternoons up there. No one is ever around, and I have this entire floor all to myself. I don't know how I got so lucky to have such a hook up, but I am grateful for it. A friend at church asked me today to join a book club with her, which I was glad to do. I also start improv classes this Tuesday, and am looking into cooking classes as well. Summer is definitely going to be much better than winter here, that's for sure. I already have tickets to see Johnny Lang in June, Journey in August and have a laundry list of free shows in the park on my to-do list. Long Beach is a great place to go on weekends, because it's only an hour away and commutable by train. Fleet week is at the end of this month, which is a time when naval sailors are docked here for a week and are swarming all over the city. Pretty much heaven, if you ask me.
As I was walking down 47th on Friday night, about to turn into my building, I passed Tea Leoni. She was walking with a friend, and I'm assuming was coming from dinner at the Japanese restaurant next door. For those of you who may not know who that is, she is married to David Duchovny and has starred in multiple movies, including my favorite, The Family Man. I definitely recognized her right off the bat, but stood stiff as a board in the street as she walked towards me just to make sure. This random man standing outside a bar saw me with my mouth hanging open, and said "That's right, it's her." I know she's not A list by any means, but I never fail to be shocked whenever this happens to me here. Of course, I didn't have my camera, and didn't have time to fumble around for it anyway. But nevertheless, it was the highlight of my day.
I spent some time at my penthouse piano today, making my first attempt at songwriting. I already have lyrics, and now just need to decide on my chord structure. I love spending Sunday afternoons up there. No one is ever around, and I have this entire floor all to myself. I don't know how I got so lucky to have such a hook up, but I am grateful for it. A friend at church asked me today to join a book club with her, which I was glad to do. I also start improv classes this Tuesday, and am looking into cooking classes as well. Summer is definitely going to be much better than winter here, that's for sure. I already have tickets to see Johnny Lang in June, Journey in August and have a laundry list of free shows in the park on my to-do list. Long Beach is a great place to go on weekends, because it's only an hour away and commutable by train. Fleet week is at the end of this month, which is a time when naval sailors are docked here for a week and are swarming all over the city. Pretty much heaven, if you ask me.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
NEW New York
As much as I wish I could be with family this Easter, this weekend has been filled with exciting NEW New York adventures with NEW friends. I have a friend at work who is about to get married, and this weekend was her bachelorette celebration. She chose the North Fork of Long Island as the destination (very close to the Hamptons), and reserved the penthouse of a hotel right on the water. A NEW place for me to visit in New York!
There are several ways you can get to this area, but I chose to ride the Hampton Jitney. The Jitney is a bus service that has a pick up point three blocks from where I live, and is about the same price as a train ticket. They also have wifi, serve you drinks and snacks, and get you to your destination in the same amount of time. The only complaint I had was that you couldn't talk on your cell phone. I literally had the bus attendant telling me to turn it off while I was getting instructions on where to go from the bride-to-be. Overall, it was a very cool NEW New York experience.
I arrived when the ladies were finishing up dinner at this adorable little restaurant in an old Victorian home. We just spent the evening playing games at the hotel, and laughing A LOT. The next day we toured three different vineyards along the North Fork. Long Island is known for their vineyards, and there are over forty different ones to choose from. We went to Duck Walk, Sparkling Point and Sherwood and they all had very different atmospheres. Another one of my NEW favorite places in New York-the North Fork!
In other news, I recently went to a play called That Championship Season starring Kiefer Sutherland, Chris Noth, Brian Cox, Jason Patric (my favorite) and Jim Gaffigan. The play wouldn't have been nearly as good without such a cast, but they made it worth every penny. Also, I had another audition with an agent whose office overlooks the southern end of Times Square. She is submitting me for some print and commercial work, which is where you can really make good money. When she asked me what types of roles I thought that she thought I was perfect for, I answered the "all American girl" type. Apparently I was wrong, because she said "No, No, No...you are the Corporate Woman." I guess this is what I get for wearing my work suit and bringing a briefcase.
I finally have access to my car up here (thanks to Gina and her wonderful grandmother, for letting me park it at her Connecticut home). Driving there from Nashville with mom was quite the experience. Most of the ride was a breeze, until we got to New Jersey. I had no idea that I-95 would take us through the city into Connecticut, as we were using a GPS and not a map. I guess I should've looked ahead, because before I knew it, I was driving through the Bronx with Debbie Decker. One can only imagine what that was like. Next weekend, a friend of mine from Atlanta and I plan to road trip and I am SO excited about it. We are thinking about Hershey, PA or Philadelphia. I'll keep you posted.
There are several ways you can get to this area, but I chose to ride the Hampton Jitney. The Jitney is a bus service that has a pick up point three blocks from where I live, and is about the same price as a train ticket. They also have wifi, serve you drinks and snacks, and get you to your destination in the same amount of time. The only complaint I had was that you couldn't talk on your cell phone. I literally had the bus attendant telling me to turn it off while I was getting instructions on where to go from the bride-to-be. Overall, it was a very cool NEW New York experience.
I arrived when the ladies were finishing up dinner at this adorable little restaurant in an old Victorian home. We just spent the evening playing games at the hotel, and laughing A LOT. The next day we toured three different vineyards along the North Fork. Long Island is known for their vineyards, and there are over forty different ones to choose from. We went to Duck Walk, Sparkling Point and Sherwood and they all had very different atmospheres. Another one of my NEW favorite places in New York-the North Fork!
In other news, I recently went to a play called That Championship Season starring Kiefer Sutherland, Chris Noth, Brian Cox, Jason Patric (my favorite) and Jim Gaffigan. The play wouldn't have been nearly as good without such a cast, but they made it worth every penny. Also, I had another audition with an agent whose office overlooks the southern end of Times Square. She is submitting me for some print and commercial work, which is where you can really make good money. When she asked me what types of roles I thought that she thought I was perfect for, I answered the "all American girl" type. Apparently I was wrong, because she said "No, No, No...you are the Corporate Woman." I guess this is what I get for wearing my work suit and bringing a briefcase.
I finally have access to my car up here (thanks to Gina and her wonderful grandmother, for letting me park it at her Connecticut home). Driving there from Nashville with mom was quite the experience. Most of the ride was a breeze, until we got to New Jersey. I had no idea that I-95 would take us through the city into Connecticut, as we were using a GPS and not a map. I guess I should've looked ahead, because before I knew it, I was driving through the Bronx with Debbie Decker. One can only imagine what that was like. Next weekend, a friend of mine from Atlanta and I plan to road trip and I am SO excited about it. We are thinking about Hershey, PA or Philadelphia. I'll keep you posted.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
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)
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)
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