Sandy

Hi, everyone!  I'm going to start by saying I'm really proud of myself for actually writing an update a couple of weeks after my previous post.  Maybe I'm getting better at this.  Haha.

I don't really have something in particular I want to say or focus on; so, this may just be a stream of consciousness.

I guess the thing at the forefront of my mind is Sandy and how to explain to all of you what it was like.  I've uploaded a picture of a tree that was completely uprooted and laying across the sidewalk.  This was just a few blocks from my apartment.

Sandy was very bad for a lot of people, but I'll be honest.  I was soooo lucky.  I had power the whole time and went to the store prior to Sandy to get food ($2 Ramen Noodles y'all!).  I was definitely prepared.  My mom's friend is from Miami and made sure I knew what I needed to do beforehand.

I will say it was definitely scary.  I was at my friends' apartment, and the wind was so loud.  We heard a large crash and ran to look out of the window.  The awning for the deli below their apartment had blown off and hit a cop car, which was parked on the street.

For the next few days, you'd go outside and things were just crazy looking.  Because of where we live, I could see the blackout in one direction and lights in the other.

Tuesday morning (the day after Sandy) everyone from downtown who didn't have power walked uptown.  Literally, every restaurant was packed.  The line was so long at Subway, it was outside.  Little delis that seem to never have people in them were full of people.  We went to lunch and had to wait for 1.5 hours because people weren't getting up after they were done eating.  There was literally nothing else to do.

I didn't go downtown, but my friends who live there said cops were checking id's to see if you actually lived down there before letting you go.  There were a lot of looters.  I saw pictures of Abercrombie and Ann Taylor's storefronts where the doors/windows were all smashed; so, people could raid them.

A lot of the bars were still open. They were cash only, and they had candles to light the inside.

I will tell you one of the strangest things was a few days later just remembering I couldn't go downtown.  My nail salon was inside the blackout area, and I would have to remind myself that part of the city was closed.  Essentially, it was shutdown.  You could see where the line started, like where the city just stopped.

The city is pretty much back to normal now, but the surrounding areas aren't.  People in Jersey, Staten Island, Rockaway, etc. are still very much feeling the effects.  Not to get preachy on you, but some people's lives have been changed completely from this. 

I guess this blog post was about Sandy and not just random thoughts.  Haha. 

Halloween

A good friend of mine just asked me whatever happened to my blog.  I'll be honest, I completely forgot about it until he asked.  I also wasn't really sure if anyone read it.  I signed into blogspot and saw that my last post was the end of April.  SO MUCH HAS HAPPENED SINCE THEN. 

I'll start with the fact that I have now been in NYC For apx. 9 months.  I feel like time has gone by so fast.  I really can't believe it has been 9 months.  At the same time, I feel like I've been here longer than that.  I have 100% adjusted to the city and lifestyle. 

For those of you that know me pretty well, you probably know that I'm a clique kind of girl.  I get in a group and get really comfortable with said group.  I've found a group of guys and girls in NYC that I really enjoy spending time with and feel like I connect with.  This is very important to me since I function best/prefer group friendships.

This weekend we're celebrating Halloween.  Like most things, Halloween is BIGGER in NYC.  My celebration started last night with a ghost tour of Greenwich Village with my friend, Erica.  I bought a ghost tour voucher on Living Social and thought the best time to use it would be right around Halloween.  There are three different neighborhoods they offer tours of (Lower Manhattan, Greenwich Village, and Hells Kitchen).

Initially I wanted to do the Hells Kitchen tour the most, but the times of the tour didn't fit with my schedule.  I ended up choosing the Greenwich Village tour and am so glad I did.  First of all, Greenwich Village is a gorgeous area of the city that I don't frequent.  There are old and beautiful brownstones throughout the area. 

We met at Washington Square Park, which is absolutely gorgeous and surrounded by beautiful homes.  Apparently it used to be used as an Indian burial ground.  After the Dutch settled here, it became a place for shallow graves for yellow fever victims. 

From the park, we walked throughout the area for about 2 hours and saw a home Mark Twain used to live in, where Sid Vicious died, the bar where gay people were attacked and beaten by police, and any many more spots.

I really enjoyed the tour and thought it was a great and different activity.  Not only, was it a way to lead into the Halloween weekend, but it was a chance to be a tourist.  I think living in this city and not experiencing the unique things it has to offer as well as learn about its history is a waste.  I've done the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Staten Island Ferry, etc. several times.  They're all great, and I recommend experiencing them.  I'm just ready to start seeing and doing more of the niche tourist activities.

This brings us back to my earlier point of the ghost tour starting off Halloween weekend.  Tonight and tomorrow night my friends and I are going to a few parties.  Sunday I am doing a Halloween themed scavenger hunt throughout the city.  Weather permitting on Wednesday, we're going to go to Halloween parade in the Village.  This is supposed to be the biggest Halloween celebration in the world.

Everything really is bigger, longer, better, etc. in NYC. 

Filler Post

I realize it's been awhile since I posted.  If history repeats itself, it looks like I'll be updating this blog a couple of times a month...

Sorry my updates have been so sporadic.  Initially I thought I would sit down and type about my life in NYC on a more regimented schedule, but that hasn't happened.  Nothing about Manhattan is really regimented.  As much as I think about getting into a routine, I've come to the conclusion that New York isn't the routine kind of place.

I did have a smoothie for breakfast yesterday and today, and I attempt to spend atleast one night during the work week in my apartment relaxing, painting my nails, cleaning, etc.  I think it is really important to have some "me" time. 

I usually reserve Thursday night for my "me" night.  It's a great breather leading into the weekend; however, I am now meeting up with a friend instead of doing my original plan of relaxing and watching last night's Revenge.

I guess what I'm getting at, is while it isn't necessarily easy to have a routine, it is imperative and realistic to set aside some "me" time.  It just might not always be on the same day or at the same time. 

This weekend is the first in quite awhile that I won't have to work the majority of the weekend.  With the festival and concert season fast approaching, I am really looking forward to having a weekend to do whatever with whomever.  Unfortunately, the weather isn't great right now.  :/

A friend and I were talking about going to the Brooklyn Flea on Saturday, which is supposed to be a really fun, outdoor flea market with a ton of indie and vintage booths with clothes, jewelry, and awesome street food.  http://www.brooklynflea.com/  Apparently it is every Saturday, and there are some really cute and affordable items there. 

I guess this has been more of a filler post.  I feel like a lot hasn't happened lately.  I've just been really busy with work.  Nothing too exciting or noteworthy has happened. 

Reconnecting

This post is going to be about reconnecting. So far, this has been a pretty big theme in my time in NYC.

Because NYC is such a tourist destination, I feel like I've gotten the opportunity to catch up with a lot of people from my past.

Even the fact that I've been spending a lot of time with Emilie, who lived on my floor freshman year of college, is an example of reconnecting with someone from the past. In this particular instance, Emilie and I went from Facebook friends and acquaintances to good friends. Thanks, NYC for reconnecting us. :)

There are several other people who I've gotten the chance to talk to or catch up with thanks to this crazy city.

Brittany, this girl I worked with at Victoria's Secret when I was 19 0r 20 was in town for a week with her dance company. She still lives in Memphis; however, I haven't seen her in years. We were good friends at work but never really hung out outside of work despite our intentions to do so.

When I'm in Memphis, it's usually for a short amount of time (4-5 days), and I barely have time to see my best friends and mom let alone all of the people I would love to catch up with and have the opportunity to see.

I think that's part of the beauty of my stay in NYC thus far. I have a few friends (not many) whom I am very grateful for; however, I'm extremely open and willing to see and meet more people. If I see on Facebook that someone I know from the past is coming to town, I jump at the opportunity to see them!

This brings us to my cheesecake outing with Brittany. I met her and some of the people in her dance company at Junior's Cheesecake (http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/) to catch up. Let me start by saying this is the first time I had cheesecake since moving to NYC (astonishing right?).

We got to hang out and spend some time talking about life. She's in Memphis finishing up her degree at the University of Memphis and teaching at the dance school. I feel like if it weren't for NYC, we wouldn't have had the opportunity to meet up in person. We may have had the intention of doing so in Memphis, but unfortunately I don't think it would have happened. :(

The next person I reconnected with was Hollie, who was my best friend in preschool. Our parents were friends, and we grew up together. She moved away, and we lost touch. I honestly don't think I've seen her in 15 years until this past weekend.

She is staying in PA for a few months for work and came to NYC to visit a friend. She, her friend, and I met for dinner at this really cute Italian restaurant in Hells Kitchen (http://www.carbonenyc.com/). The food was good, and the company was just awesome.

After dinner, she and her friend went to see Mama Mia. After the show, I met her and her friend and her friends at this bar/lounge in Greenwich Village.We had a couple drinks and danced and caught up, and it was a really great time. I really feel like I had the opportunity to reconnect with someone who was a really important person in my early childhood.

Hollie and me

It was really great to see what she is up to these days. She looks the same as she did when she was little, which is rather refreshing. She was so friendly and sweet, and I am so glad we got to meet up.

The third person I've reconnected with, I haven't yet hung out with in person. Stephanie lived across the hall from us freshman year of college. She was such a sweet and fun person; however, we lost touch after that year of college.

She recently contacted me of Facebook asking questions about NYC. She was planning a trip and wanted to know where to stay, what to do, etc.

I was so excited to hear from her! I texted her yesterday to see when she was coming and found out her trip to NYC didn't end up happening. Even though it got canceled, and we haven't gotten to hang out in person, I feel like I've reconnected with someone I lost touch with.

I also need to share a bit of our conversation because it is just HILARIOUS:

Stephanie: How is life in the city?

Me: The city is sooooo much fun!!!!

Stephanie: OMG I bet... I'm so jealous... you're kinda like Carrie Bradshaw, we just need to find you a Mr. Big.,,,

Me: Hahahaha! Hopefully a non douchey one!

I don't know if it's because i have Carrie Bradshaw hair or what... For those of you who know me pretty well, you know I didn't come to NYC to get my MRS or find a serious boyfriend. I moved to NYC for the experience and to work on my career.

All in all, I guess this was a really long post about how NYC has helped me catch up with old friends. It's another reason why I am grateful to be living in this great city. I'm 24 years old and loving every minute of it.

Trip to DC

Last weekend I went back to DC for the first time since moving to NYC. I was a little nervous. I was so excited to see my friends, but I wasn't sure how it was going to feel.

It ended up being the best possible combination. I was so excited to see my friends and had a really good weekend; however, it was apparent to me that NYC really is where I am meant to be at this stage in my life.

On Friday night, Libby and Ryan picked me up at Union Station. Libby had made homemade lasagna and made ceasar salad and bought my favorite kind of Ben and Jerry's. When we got to the house, it was like returning home. Everything was so cozy, and I knew where stuff was. I really enjoyed the 1.5 years I lived in that house, and I really felt like I wasn't a guest.

I spoke to my mom after the trip, and she pointed out that returning to Libby's house probably feels more like home to me than when I go to Memphis since I never actually lived in the house my mom is in now.

Saturday morning, Alex picked me up, and we spent the day together. We went to brunch at a restaurant where our friend works. We then went to her brother's house and played games, hung out outside, and ate abunch of food and drank green beer. It was a super festive and gorgeous day. It was great seeing people and getting to catch up with friends.

Later that night, we went to Alex's coworker's party and then to our favorite bar in DC. Our good friend, Chris, drove us around all night. He was a great sport, and it was awesome to have a safe way to get around the city.

It was a little strange having to think about where to leave the car and how to get safely from point a to point b. That's one of the best things about Manhattan. There isn't the stress of having a car. I think this is part of the reason why there are so many happy hours. Having a car is a pain. Yes, I said it. My 16 year old self would be ashamed I just admitted a car can be a nuisance.

Sunday, I went to the movies and saw 21 Jump Street. It was hilarious. I highly recommend seeing it. I then went to get Thai for lunch with some friends. This was when I got to catch up with Sylvia and Southee, whom I didn't see earlier in the weekend.

After lunch, Libby, Ryan, and I just went back to the house and relaxed. Libby and I fell asleep on the couch with the animals in our laps. It was perfect.

For dinner, I went over to Alex's parents house. It was great seeing them. I love that family, and the Weishars are the nicest most hospitable people. I feel so blessed to have gotten to know this family.

All in all, I had a wonderful weekend of catching up with friends and getting 2 homecooked meals!

Getting back and forth to DC is really easy and affordable, and I plan on going every 2-3 months.

Having spent the weekend with such good friends, I was reminded that I am very greatful for everyone I have to hang out with in NYC.

In NYC, I tend to hang out with people on an individual basis versus in a clique like I have in the past. I am having so much fun with the various people I am getting the opportunity to reconnect with and know on a deeper level.

It's hard to believe I have lived in NYC for 2 months. The adventure is just beginning!

I just reread my last blog post. I have gotten much better about eating meals at actual meal time and having smoothies and trying to eat better. That said, I did have dinner last night at midnight. It wsa a slice of pizza. I guess you can say it's a work in progress. I also have yet to buy fruit from a fruit stand, but it is on my to do list! I'll get to it one of these days. :)

A lot of you have been asking about my living situation. In order for people to understand/relate, I compare it to living in the doorms (but more expensive). It's an adjustment getting used to sharing close quarters with someone else. I really love my apartment though. It's in a great area and a good value (by New York standards).

My roommate is 22 and from China, and I never see her. We have opposite schedules. Honestly, I live in a small apartment with her and probably see her once a week.

Last Sunday was the first chance we got since I moved in to hang out. We walked to Greenwich Village and window shopped and had lunch. It was a really awesome and relaxing afternoon and cool to get to know her.

We walked past this chain link fence that had all of these tiles on it that were painted by little children. They're all about 9/11. They are heart wrenching but that awful event is something we need to be reminded of. This city was torn apart by that event, and walking past Ground Zero and seeing this fence reminds you of that.

Last Thursday, I went to a charity event. All proceeds went towards providing underprivileged girls with all of their prom needs. It was a cocktail event at a lounge near Times Square. The tickets were $35, and there was an open bar from 7-8:30 and then a cash bar after that. There were liquor sponsors (Ultimat vodka and Patron), a raffle drawing, and a silent auction. I'm glad I got to go. It felt very "New York" to go to party for a night, where the proceeds benefit a charitable cause, or maybe that's just the impression Gossip Girl gives of New York...

I went to Dallas for business last week, which was fun. It's amazing how it feels to be in another city after spending days and days in Manhattan. It's like visiting another world. Even large cities seems small and sleepy.

Other than that, things have been pretty lowkey for me the past several days. I worked this weekend and didn't do much.

Yesterday, I went to brunch with Jessie. One thing I've learned is New Yorkers are serious about their brunch. Brunch lasts for hours. What you think/plan/anticipate is going to be grabbing a meal with some friends for a couple of hours turns into an entire day. I've been to brunch a few times since moving here and have yet to return to my apartment in a timely manner post brunch. It's awesome, and I love it.

It's been 6 weeks, and NYC is still awesome. The fact that I live here still hasn't completely sunk in. I mean it's the best city in America (besides Memphis of course ;)), and I am blessed to be able to now call it home.

Getting into a Routine?

I am discovering that having a routine in NYC is really difficult.

In NOVA/DC, I tended to be an oxymoron of myself. I love hanging out with friends and am very social but at the same time I would also be a homebody. Noone in NYC is a homebody.

The whole "City that doesn't sleep" thing can really mess with you. I've discovered unless you attempt to have a semi-routine, you'll forget to eat. You won't sleep normal hours, and you definitely won't have 3 meals.

That said, I really enjoyed my first weekend not working. On top of that, it was a 3 day weekend. I spent the entire weekend socializing.

I had a girl's night on Friday. We had Mexican food and margs and then went to a bar called House of Brews. I had a blueberry beer, which was really good. I was also home by 12:30; so, it was a fun and lowkey evening.

Saturday morning, I went and saw "The Vow" for $6 For those of you not in the know, AMC theatres only charge $6 for movies before noon. It's definitely a great value and fun way to spend a weekend morning. After the movie, I went with a few girls to brunch. We then hung out and walked around the city. I had some gelato, which was delicious! It was at this market called "Eataly", which had various Italian stands. There was a wine station, a fish station, a cheese station, etc. It was really nice and upscale. Saturday night, I went to an 80's coverband party. It was a lot of fun.

Sunday, I spent the entire day hanging out with a friend and her friends.

I've been really lucky to already be as social as I have been considering I've only lived here for 3 weeks. Luckily I already knew a few people living here and am getting to meet people through them.

Last night, my roommate asked me if I was going out. I said no. It was probably 9PM, and I was already in my pajamas reading in bed. I think she has come to expect to me to never be in the apartment.

All of this said, I am really looking to start a routine. I think it will be nice to balance going out and relaxing. I bought a smoothie this morning on the way to work. I'm going to start trying to eat more fruit/veggies. There are fruit stands all over the city, and I plan on buying fruit from them. It's economical and healthy.

I've decided Thursday nights are my nights for being productive. I did my laundry last Thursday. I also got a manicure. I discovered getting a manicure and doing laundry on the same night isn't a good idea. Your nails get smudged.... This Thursday, I will be getting another manicure (no laundry) and catching up with a couple of girlfriends via Skype. It helps to have a relaxing night in before the weekend. It also allows me to set aside a night to catch up with my various friends who don't live in NYC.

Being in a new city (especially one that doesn't sleep, when I am known to sleep 10+ hours a night) is a matter of adjusting. You have to adjust to the city and the expecations of living in it, but you also have to be able to balance. This is what I'm learning so far in my stay in the Big Apple.