Cheers

Having quickly learned that New York City is insanely crowded, I usually complain about it. Granted, I knew it would be a shock to my personal bubble before I moved here, but I didn’t realize that it would be a constant omg-can-you-please-stop-touching-me-and-stepping-on-my-toe-and-blasting-your-headphones-and-making-mouth-sounds-and-are-you-seriously-eating-a-raw-onion? kind of crowded. So, on the weekends, Zack and I like to hole up in Brooklyn to avoid the craziness that is the island of Manhattan. This weekend was no exception: low-key, did some cooking, local shopping, sewing and enjoyed some time with friends from out of country, checked out a new restaurant, ya know, the usual. This morning I even woke up in time (shout out daylight savings time!) to watch CBS Sunday Morning.

This morning, I woke up to people cheering, the sound of people encouraging other people, most of them they don’t even know. I ventured outside in the cold to go pick up a few things, and I stopped to watch the marathon which happens to route half a block from our apartment. I’ve seen it before, two years ago, and was excited to see it then, but it was a much different feeling this time. This time last year we were staying in Brooklyn because we had no choice after Hurricane Sandy, and the marathon was cancelled altogether. I saw all the same people I see on a daily basis: mothers, bodega owners, the extremely cheerful people that hand out the AM New York, the grumpy people that ask if you would like a free medical massage, neighbors, friends, but today, it was different. Today, it didn’t feel crowded, though there were more people on our block than I see in one full week of commuting to and from Manhattan. It was inspiring. Everyone was cheering on the sidelines. Runners were singing and smiling. Thousands of people were zooming by me. It’s moments like this that I love New York City. There’s something special about seeing so many people doing something so difficult to reach a common goal, for whatever the reason. Sometimes, in the midst of the day-to-day annoyances of living in such a crowded place, I forget that these millions of people are people. We’re all peeved that the train is late, and we’re all just trying to get to wherever we’re going. We all choose to live here, and it’s days like today that I remember why we do.

 

 

‘Til next time!

Moods & Seasons, Seasons & Moods

Great. I’m one of those people that started a blog, and then never wrote another entry. Sigh. Sorry peeps. So, a lot has happened (cliché!). Blah blah blah, I just got sooooo busy in my silly Texan-in-a-big-city ways, that I didn’t write anything. Well, that’s not true. Sometimes, I’m too self-conscious for my own good, so I didn’t actually post anything that I wrote.

The truth is, I’ve had a hard time finding my way lately, you know, my Zen, the sweet spot, my happy place, hakuna matata, what have you. In this huge city full of millions of people, at times, I tend to feel a little bit…small. In the morning, I rush out the door, herd into a smelly subway car full of other complainers who have way cooler clothes to get to work. At lunch, I avoid going out because then it becomes the mad dash of avoiding the tourists taking pictures of the wrong “famous Wall Street flag”. Then, at 5:30 pm, I shove my way back into the sardine can, and ride home to quickly get back to my binge-watching of Orange is the New Black on my couch.

That’s right. I’ve become cynical. It took a little over a year of being here, but a few weeks ago, I actually body-checked someone out of my way and thought, “ugh, people suck”. Hey, at least I haven’t taken up smoking! But seriously, what happened? I guess, for me, New York is a hard pill to swallow at times. When I got here, I didn’t have the toughest skin. It’s never been my personality. Granted, I’ve learned a lot about not giving a shit about what other people think, but sometimes, the little timid girl is back sitting on my shoulder, telling me to take a nap because the big city is scary. When you are constantly stimulated by movement, people, breathing, smells, sounds, lights, taxis, dogs, trendy restaurants and outrageously priced everything, it gets to you. Sometimes, I become overwhelmed with the need to run around and not see one other person.

It’s funny though, and I think I’ve even mentioned this in another blog, as soon as this place gets you down, it does something to cheer you up. It’s always when the seasons change, I think. Right now, for example, my windows are open, there’s a crisp breeze blowing through my apartment that I adore, and I’m listening to my landlord and her lady friends discuss how to make “the best fuckin’ meatbawls ya’ eva’ had!” (Seriously. I must install a hidden recording device.) Another weekend is ahead of me full of trying to avoid overpriced cocktails (never successful) and complaining to my friends about the mile walk home with groceries from Trader Joe’s (it’s fine because Zack carries it all anyway), but they know, and I know, we love it here.

Thanks NYC <3. ‘Til next time!

P.S. I have opened a little Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/texinthecity. Check it out! J

Spring has Sprung!

Welp, it’s FINALLY here. Seriously, I tried to ignore the fact that winter outside of Texas existed, let alone lasted SO LONG. It’s MAY for Pete’s sake. (I know I will bite my tongue when I’m constantly complaining in the dead of summer sweating on the subway.) We have been hibernating all winter, trying to make it from our apartment to the subway to the next building without freezing or stepping in what used to be white snow that has just turned into gray slush mixed with trash. The days are short. This, also, didn’t happen in Texas as dramatically. The sun sets much earlier here in the winter. You get sleepy earlier and don’t want to wake up in the morning. It’s freezing and windy out. I know I’m being a little dramatic, but come on--I have not experienced this before!

Then, something happens. The sun comes out one day. A leaf sprouts on a tree. Grass pokes out between the sidewalk cracks. The days become a little bit longer. You come home from work and the sun is still out. Ice cream trucks are playing their tune, kids are playing, restaurant patios are opening and everything is blooming. Everyone sheds their all-black clothes and smiles and talks and walks. The tree in front of our apartment is full and green. Oliver can't get away from the window since he's too busy pretend-hunting all the birds outside. From that point on, it’s all any of us can talk about: how beautiful this city really is.

 

For me and Zack, we know it’s officially spring when all the neighborhood Italian women have brought their fold-up chairs to sit in front of our apartment. “There’s a nice breeze here since you’re on the cornah!” They sit out there every night for hours, gossiping, laughing, telling the same stories over and over, and oogling at any baby that passes in a stroller. They love me and Zack, and are always telling us to check out a restaurant down the street for a date night. “The porkchops ova there are cut this thick I swear on my motha!” as they hold up their fingers to show a gap 3 inches thick.

We kicked off the season by visiting the Brooklyn Botanic Garden during the Sakura Matsuri festival. First of all, beautiful! Cherry blossoms! Grass! Trees! Secondly, I tell you what, New Yorkers know how to attend an event. There were people dressed as Ninjas, Geishas, Anime characters, Pokémon, Harajaku girls, and even plenty of others dressed up as things that have absolutely nothing to do with Japanese culture. Ain’t New York the best? There’s certainly something very special about being surrounded by hundreds of people who are all trying to take in any nature the city has to offer. Looking at trees and flowers and birds with city buildings behind them provides a strong contrast that makes you appreciate both individually.

We even had some friends pop in to stay. It’s a wonderful feeling to shake off the cold of winter with those close to you. Spring in New York is the time for farmer’s markets and street fairs, for baseball games, for late night barbecues on Travis’s rooftop and for the anticipation of summer’s fast approach. To be honest, there are times when I don’t fully appreciate this city I’ve come to call home, but as soon as I have my doubts, something happens that lifts my spirits right back up, and I realize, again, that New York City is wonderful. Even with its sometimes stinky air, its cold winters and cranky commuters trying to get to work, it’ll always provide you with just what you’re looking for right when you need it most. Plus, everyone else is going through the same thing, and it makes me welcome the warmth of spring that much more. Nothing says New Yorkers are over winter and ready for spring more than seeing all of us pour into Prospect Park on the first warm day with our picnic blankets trying to claim some real estate on the lawn.

Now, time to hunt for a good margarita in this city! ‘Til next time!



Photo By Travis Tips



Paint My Spirit Gold

What. A. Week.

As I’m sure many of you reading this can't help but thinking after this week, this world is in a constant state of flux. People are awe-inspiring one day by showing their beauty and heart-breaking the next when revealing their malice. I began my week like most lately, as a New New Yorker, trying to maneuver through the crowds, avoiding touching anything with my hands on the subway and taking in the tall buildings on my walk through Rock Center to work. Then, I saw the news in Boston. Having lived in Texas when most other attacks like this have happened, this was a different experience for me. The tension felt higher here, obviously because of past threats and realities. It hit much closer to home this time, literally and figuratively, especially since one of my best friends lives one block from the marathon’s finish line. I realized I’m now a citizen of this big city and was hoping for comfort for those who were harmed in another.

I became a Texan again on Wednesday night, after watching footage of the explosion in West, Texas. I pictured myself near there, driving to Austin again as I had so many times before. I felt like the girl in the small town again, unable to imagine such an event happening to those that I love.

Realizing I can never begin to make sense of it all or try to understand why things happen the way they do, I see now what many others have already figured out: nothing can stop the spirit unless you allow it. I saw footage of Bostonians getting together and doing anything and everything they could to help. I saw friends on Facebook posting messages and getting groups together to drive down to West, Texas to offer their support. I witnessed all kinds of people in all types of places uniting to prove that kindness always prevails.

I think Mr. Rogers put it best: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers--so many caring people in this world."

Love you Schmem. I'm so happy that my favorite Bostonian is safe and sound.

Til next time.

My First Year in New York City: A Reflection

Hello blog world! As I was waiting for the subway on my way home from work today, my wheels were turning trying to think of an interesting first blog post. I was standing at a very specific spot on the platform, as I do every day to and from work. There’s a trick I’ve picked up to make the commute just a bit easier. There are certain spots at every platform that ensure you will be at the exact spot on the train to put you directly in front of the exit at your destination station, thus avoiding the bottleneck at the turnstile to get out. Every person I’ve travelled with on the subway knows of these little gems. It’s become just another part of my daily routine. It was then I realized I’ve learned quite a bit in the last year about living in New York City, and I would like to share this with you!

To be honest, when I first arrived here in the city, I was scared. I no longer had a car, I needed a new job, and I had no idea what in the world I was going to do with myself. Moving here was starting over, as if I hadn’t been living on my own since high school. There was something about it that made me feel like I had to re-learn how to live like an adult. To sum up how I was feeling, well, here:

My first challenges in the beginning weeks weren’t too bad: I learned the amount of groceries my mind thinks I can carry home from the store is vastly different than that of my arms. I cleaned my laundry elsewhere, and learned that it’s very important to never, ever drop your clean sock on the ground. I learned to not be afraid of every person that looked at me. My landlady and her friends in particular intimidated me. Every day I would come home from work, and she and her 10 other Italian lady-friends would be sitting outside our apartment building chain-smoking and gossiping. I, being as shy as could be, could barely muster more than a “Hihowareyouokbye” before running into our apartment and hiding, thinking they would surely say I’m just another weird out-of-towner trying to make it in the city to ease some quarter-life crisis.

Then, things got easier. I realized people here are nice! I got a job in a real estate office in Midtown Manhattan. I met more nice people. I watched movies in the park with these people. I went to dinners with these people. These people became my friends! From there, things were wonderful. New York City is wonderful. The parks, the sights, the culture, the museums, the constant movement, the FOOD (oh man…the food!), the music, the hidden holes in the walls, our revolving door of local friends and those visiting us from afar, the hum of the city, all of it…wonderful!

I slowly began to ease up. I enjoyed seeing my landlady and her friends. Seriously, they’re amazing and so funny. I should create a future blog dedicated to the stereotypical and hilarious things they say; too bad I can’t convey an Italian/Brooklyn accent in writing. I dropped off my laundry to Ed, our favorite laundromat owner, who would return my clothes to me clean and folded. I said good morning to everyone I saw during my walk to the subway, and they smiled and said hello back! I grew accustomed to the weird, awkward and strange. I laughed at the complete hilarity that comes out of people’s mouths (a future blog about the homeless man’s thoughts in the subway at my office will happen), I admired the bold fashion choices others were making and I learned that New York City is not about fitting in at all. It’s quite the opposite, and it is so stinkin’awesome.

 

Whew that's better! So, here I am, one year later, reflecting on it and all that I’ve learned and become. I’m such a better person for it, and I cannot wait to see what this city brings me tomorrow.

Til next time!