Of all of the things I love about New York City, my absolute favorite thing is the amazing collection of people that have gathered here. Now, I'm not talking about people like our friend the Crazy Key Man, or the Ukulele Guy (don't worry, that story is coming, I'm just waiting until I can get a good picture), although they do make for a colorful canvas.
No, I'm talking about the many smart, savvy, interesting, cultured, accomplished, fascinating people who have come to Manhattan to make their mark upon the world, and are busy doing just that. They graduated in acting from Juliard, they come up with ad campaigns for American Express, they are employees of the financial institution formerly known as Lehman's and looking for new opportunities. They are law students at Columbia, medical students at NYU. They are authors, journalists, artists, musicians, and critics. They are open minded, open hearted and decidedly opinionated. They are the next generation on Wall Street. They are the future occupants of Fortune 500 corner offices. They are future Billboard-Chart-Toppers. They are the individuals who will shape the world and define their generation.
So rather than keep them all to myself, and since this blog is about sharing the New York experience, I'll be doing a series of profiles on some of those dynamic and remarkable people so that you can get to know them too.
Stay posted...
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The Women
The Relief Society is an international organization of women united in their desire to provide relief where there is suffering, light where there is darkness, faith where there is doubt, and hope where there is despair. From the first group of 18 women that gathered together in Nauvoo, Illinois in 1842, it has grown to include more than 5.2 million women in over 170 countries. It is the largest organization of its kind.
The Relief Society was heavily involved in the women's suffrage movement in the late 1800's and committed to ensuring that women had the legal right to vote and to hold public office. They provided extensive relief aid during World War II. Since 1888, the Relief Society has also been a charter member of the National Council of Women in the United States, who's purpose is as stated:
"We, the women of the United States, sincerely believe that the best good of our homes and nation will be advanced with our greater unity of thought and purpose that an organized movement of women will best conserve the highest good of the family and state, do hereby band ourselves together in a confederation of workers committed to the overthrow of all forms of ignorance and injustice, and to the Golden Rule of society, custom and law."
The women of the Relief Society mourn with those who mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort; they stand for what they know to be good and right in a world where truth and virtue are incresingly frowned upon. They care for one another, inspire one another, and support one another. In my experience, they are an electic and diverse group of women - from all imaginable backgrounds and all walks of life - but they are bound together by their love of God and their desire to serve. Their motto is "Charity Never Faileth."
Once a year, there is a General Relief Society broadcast, where those 5.2 million women gather to receive inspiration and instruction. As I sat in the chapel tonight, during the broadcast, I looked around the room at the incredible women with whom it is my pleasure to associate, and I felt honored to be one of them, and blessed to be part of this organization of Sisters. Particularly in New York City, where the culture is so anti-family and anti-marriage - I was so impressed with the women here who fight for both marriage and for family.
Even though I'm here New York City, thousands of miles away from most of those 5.2 millions women world-wide, I know that we're all in this together, and somehow that makes it easier.
I saw that movie that's out in the theatres right now, The Women. I liked it. It made me feel like being a woman meant that I was a part of something. Tonight I felt that again - but better and stronger and deeper - and this time, in addition to that feeling of community, there was also a sense of purpose and a clarity of vision too.
I love being a girl, and part of the incredible legacy of all of the women who have come before me.
The Relief Society was heavily involved in the women's suffrage movement in the late 1800's and committed to ensuring that women had the legal right to vote and to hold public office. They provided extensive relief aid during World War II. Since 1888, the Relief Society has also been a charter member of the National Council of Women in the United States, who's purpose is as stated:
"We, the women of the United States, sincerely believe that the best good of our homes and nation will be advanced with our greater unity of thought and purpose that an organized movement of women will best conserve the highest good of the family and state, do hereby band ourselves together in a confederation of workers committed to the overthrow of all forms of ignorance and injustice, and to the Golden Rule of society, custom and law."
The women of the Relief Society mourn with those who mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort; they stand for what they know to be good and right in a world where truth and virtue are incresingly frowned upon. They care for one another, inspire one another, and support one another. In my experience, they are an electic and diverse group of women - from all imaginable backgrounds and all walks of life - but they are bound together by their love of God and their desire to serve. Their motto is "Charity Never Faileth."
Once a year, there is a General Relief Society broadcast, where those 5.2 million women gather to receive inspiration and instruction. As I sat in the chapel tonight, during the broadcast, I looked around the room at the incredible women with whom it is my pleasure to associate, and I felt honored to be one of them, and blessed to be part of this organization of Sisters. Particularly in New York City, where the culture is so anti-family and anti-marriage - I was so impressed with the women here who fight for both marriage and for family.
Even though I'm here New York City, thousands of miles away from most of those 5.2 millions women world-wide, I know that we're all in this together, and somehow that makes it easier.
I saw that movie that's out in the theatres right now, The Women. I liked it. It made me feel like being a woman meant that I was a part of something. Tonight I felt that again - but better and stronger and deeper - and this time, in addition to that feeling of community, there was also a sense of purpose and a clarity of vision too.
I love being a girl, and part of the incredible legacy of all of the women who have come before me.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Pouring Buckets
So it's pouring down rain today in New York City. Everyone on the street is wearing those big Wellington boots (never needed THOSE in California) and I actually saw a dog in a rain coat. No joke, little dog in a little yellow rain coat.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
I love the 80's
I have a hot pink t-shirt that reads: "Love is a Battlefield," which I can seldom find occasion to wear. Last Friday, however was the perfect occasion - a concert by an awesome 80's cover band called "Tainted Love" at the BB King Lounge in Times Square.
Sarah, Amy, Craig, Jeremy, Melissa and I lined up with the neon-and-sweatband-bedecked masses outside the venue. It was so bright from all of the lights that it felt like the middle of the day, rather than 11 o'clock at night. Once inside we lined up right in front of the stage - I'm talking front and center. The crowd filled in, and the band kicked off two hours of all the stuff you just love to sing along with: Pat Benatar, Def Leppard, Journey, Van Halen, The Police, Brian Adams, Guns'n'Roses - just as much poppy, sing-along, hair band music as you can possibly stand.
The band:
Sarah, Amy, Craig, Jeremy, Melissa and I lined up with the neon-and-sweatband-bedecked masses outside the venue. It was so bright from all of the lights that it felt like the middle of the day, rather than 11 o'clock at night. Once inside we lined up right in front of the stage - I'm talking front and center. The crowd filled in, and the band kicked off two hours of all the stuff you just love to sing along with: Pat Benatar, Def Leppard, Journey, Van Halen, The Police, Brian Adams, Guns'n'Roses - just as much poppy, sing-along, hair band music as you can possibly stand.
The band:
Goodbye Shea, Hello Delgado
Just to be clear, I am first and foremost, a Yankees fan. However, I am also becoming a loyal New Yorker, and if the Mets are up against anyone but my beloved, pin-striped ball players, I'll cheer for the Metropolitans.
Kyle:
Ashley:
Melissa:
So, this being the last week the Mets will play in Shea stadium and all, some friends of mine thought it appropriate to attend their game against the Cubs on Wednesday. Specifically, these friends:
Channing:
Kyle:
Ashley:
Melissa:
Yes, Kyle made us all balloon hats, and yes the guy behind us was totally drunk and obnoxious:
It was a good game. Delgado hit a Grand Slam (Home Run with bases loaded) in the bottom of the 3rd inning, which put us ahead, but the Cubs caught up and after a some close calls they went into a 10th inning in which the Cubs scored three runs and ended it. There were some truly great moments when the entire crowd was on their feet, and I thought I'd lose my voice. Who knew baseball was so much fun?
Goodbye Shea! :
On the bright side, they'll be auctioning off pieces of the stadium for baseball collecting enthusiasts. That's right, you can have your very own little piece of Shea - the only question is, where would you put it?
Crazy Key Man
I stepped off of the F train this morning at the 23rd Street stop, just like I do everday on my way to work. And right in front of me, walking down the platform was the Crazy Key Man.
Hey had a HUGE bundle of keys slung over his shoulder. I'm talking hundreds of keys all tied together with string, hanging down his back and down his chest, just flung on his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
Other than the abnormal affinity for locking (and unlocking) mechanisms, he seemed pretty average... Which is striking because the people in the subways who collect strange objects usually also talk to themselves.
So there's a little New York moment for you on a Thursday morning. And if you've lost your keys recently, I think I may know where to look.
Hey had a HUGE bundle of keys slung over his shoulder. I'm talking hundreds of keys all tied together with string, hanging down his back and down his chest, just flung on his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
Other than the abnormal affinity for locking (and unlocking) mechanisms, he seemed pretty average... Which is striking because the people in the subways who collect strange objects usually also talk to themselves.
So there's a little New York moment for you on a Thursday morning. And if you've lost your keys recently, I think I may know where to look.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Go West, Young Man
"Go West, Young Man," is a phrase that was popularized in the nineteenth-centurty by journalist Horace Greely, though it was originally authored by the writer John Soule. The phrase was commonly used to refer to the abundant opportunities on the expanding American frontier.
In June, when I arrived in Manhattan, I was debating about whether or not to start a blog, and aside from the time it would require, and whether I felt like I had enough to say to keep it interesting, my number one concern was what to call it.
All of this I confessed to my friend Brian over IM one night, and Brian (who has extensive blogging experience and several cleverly named blogs - my favorite of which is called "Diet Coke for Breakfast") came up with the "Go East, Young Woman."
I grudingly admitted that it was terribly clever, and perfectly suited to the idea and the purpose behind the blog, which was to share with friends, family, and whoever else was interested - just what it was like to pick up a life and move to the most dynamic city in the world.
So, I'll give Brian his nod of credit (even with his brilliant contribution, I'm not sure he reads it much), and that's the story of how the blog was named.
"Go East, Young Woman"... yeah, it's pretty much perfect.
Fine Brian, I'll say it: You were right.
... This time.
In June, when I arrived in Manhattan, I was debating about whether or not to start a blog, and aside from the time it would require, and whether I felt like I had enough to say to keep it interesting, my number one concern was what to call it.
All of this I confessed to my friend Brian over IM one night, and Brian (who has extensive blogging experience and several cleverly named blogs - my favorite of which is called "Diet Coke for Breakfast") came up with the "Go East, Young Woman."
I grudingly admitted that it was terribly clever, and perfectly suited to the idea and the purpose behind the blog, which was to share with friends, family, and whoever else was interested - just what it was like to pick up a life and move to the most dynamic city in the world.
So, I'll give Brian his nod of credit (even with his brilliant contribution, I'm not sure he reads it much), and that's the story of how the blog was named.
"Go East, Young Woman"... yeah, it's pretty much perfect.
Fine Brian, I'll say it: You were right.
... This time.
Crash Goes the Market
"The Market" is kind of a big deal around here. Some of my favorite people in the city live on Wall Street, just a block from the New York Stock Exchange. A lot of people that I know work in finance, many of them at Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse, Lehmans, Merrill Lynch... maybe you've heard of them?
So it isn't surprising that the number one topic of conversation these days revolves around the economic mayhem sweeping the country. (Well, at least sweeping Manhattan. Quite honestly, if it swept the rest of the country, I'm not sure we'd notice.) I can't tell you how many times in the last two weeks I've been grateful that I studied finance as my MBA emphasis. I would have been LOST in 80% of the conversations this week without it.
The good news is that, other than a sense of outrage at the government, no one seems to be taking it too badly. Both of the guys I know that work(ed) for Lehmans seem to have a good sense of humor about it. In fact, they seem to be enjoying their relaxed schedule and the opportunity to search out other opportunities. Go figure.
So that's my report from the economic red zone. 10-4, over and out.
So it isn't surprising that the number one topic of conversation these days revolves around the economic mayhem sweeping the country. (Well, at least sweeping Manhattan. Quite honestly, if it swept the rest of the country, I'm not sure we'd notice.) I can't tell you how many times in the last two weeks I've been grateful that I studied finance as my MBA emphasis. I would have been LOST in 80% of the conversations this week without it.
The good news is that, other than a sense of outrage at the government, no one seems to be taking it too badly. Both of the guys I know that work(ed) for Lehmans seem to have a good sense of humor about it. In fact, they seem to be enjoying their relaxed schedule and the opportunity to search out other opportunities. Go figure.
So that's my report from the economic red zone. 10-4, over and out.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Randy Stern and O'Flaherty's
A few weeks ago, I was on the 1 train headed uptown from Union Square after the CES fireside broadcast. A few stops up, a white guy with floppy hair got on the train with his guitar and started playing. At frst I didn't pay much attention, because crazies randomly walk onto the subway and start singing and playing for money all the time.
But after a few seconds, I realized this guy was actually GOOD. He played and sang, "Here Comes the Sun," and I was really impressed. I wondered why a guy who was so clearly talented would be playing in the subway... When he was done with the song, I kinda wanted him to keep playing. He explained briefly that he had a CD coming out and that he played in a bar on the West Side every Thursday night. So I took one of the cards that he was passing out with the address of the bar and his name and schedule.
So this Thursday, when Melissa and I were looking for something to do, I remembered Randy!
We made our way down to restaurant row in time to grab a bite at Bourbon Grill (really fun place with a New Orleans theme and a hip-but-chill vibe), and then scooted over to O'Flaherty's in time for Randy's first set.
O'Flaherty's is a great place. As Melissa and I sat down at a table in the drop lounge, we both commented on how it didn't really feel like New York. The place felt like half old-town pub, half grandpa's-old-library, relaxed, kick-back, no pretentions. Loved it. There were book shevles lining most of the walls, with dusty old volumes and random knick-knacks crammed in between. The bartender looked like he'd been doing this every night for 30 years.
You can see some pictures of the place here: http://oflahertysnyc.com/media/oflahertys.html
Randy played a great set - I was pleased to find that he was just as talented as I thought. Melissa and I mostly just kicked back and enjoyed it. Then there was a group of guys playing pool, so we made friends with them as well. One of them even sings reggae, so he got in on a few songs with Randy. After his first set, we got to sit and chat with Randy for a bit. He was really excited that we came after I heard him on the subway. He started his second set and we played another round of pool. We were having so much fun we accidentally stayed out a little later than we had planned on - but if you can't be stupid and stay out late on a week night in your mid-twenties, then when can you?
This is Randy, by the way:
And Randy's website: http://www.randystern.info/
So now I'm a groupie for Robbie Gil and Randy Stern.
I LOVE this town.
But after a few seconds, I realized this guy was actually GOOD. He played and sang, "Here Comes the Sun," and I was really impressed. I wondered why a guy who was so clearly talented would be playing in the subway... When he was done with the song, I kinda wanted him to keep playing. He explained briefly that he had a CD coming out and that he played in a bar on the West Side every Thursday night. So I took one of the cards that he was passing out with the address of the bar and his name and schedule.
So this Thursday, when Melissa and I were looking for something to do, I remembered Randy!
We made our way down to restaurant row in time to grab a bite at Bourbon Grill (really fun place with a New Orleans theme and a hip-but-chill vibe), and then scooted over to O'Flaherty's in time for Randy's first set.
O'Flaherty's is a great place. As Melissa and I sat down at a table in the drop lounge, we both commented on how it didn't really feel like New York. The place felt like half old-town pub, half grandpa's-old-library, relaxed, kick-back, no pretentions. Loved it. There were book shevles lining most of the walls, with dusty old volumes and random knick-knacks crammed in between. The bartender looked like he'd been doing this every night for 30 years.
You can see some pictures of the place here: http://oflahertysnyc.com/media/oflahertys.html
Randy played a great set - I was pleased to find that he was just as talented as I thought. Melissa and I mostly just kicked back and enjoyed it. Then there was a group of guys playing pool, so we made friends with them as well. One of them even sings reggae, so he got in on a few songs with Randy. After his first set, we got to sit and chat with Randy for a bit. He was really excited that we came after I heard him on the subway. He started his second set and we played another round of pool. We were having so much fun we accidentally stayed out a little later than we had planned on - but if you can't be stupid and stay out late on a week night in your mid-twenties, then when can you?
This is Randy, by the way:
And Randy's website: http://www.randystern.info/
So now I'm a groupie for Robbie Gil and Randy Stern.
I LOVE this town.
Leaving for church
Roommate Sarah and I walked out our front door this morning, all dressed up for church, and ran into our fantastic neighbor Thomas (he's stylish, good-looking, chivalrous, polite and gay), who was hanging out in the sunshine on the front steps. Conversation went like this:
Thomas: Well you ladies look lovely.
Sara and Sarah: Well thank you.
Thomas: Headed to brunch?
Sarah: No, church actually.
Thomas: Ah, well that's a different kind of nourishment.
Sara: Sure is. (grinning)
Thomas: Have a good day.
Sara and Sarah: You too. (wave)
Thomas is great, love him; and it's SO Manhattan to assume that we were brunching. Why else would someone dress up on a Sunday afternoon?
Church was fantastic by the way. My ward is wonderful. More on that to come...
Thomas: Well you ladies look lovely.
Sara and Sarah: Well thank you.
Thomas: Headed to brunch?
Sarah: No, church actually.
Thomas: Ah, well that's a different kind of nourishment.
Sara: Sure is. (grinning)
Thomas: Have a good day.
Sara and Sarah: You too. (wave)
Thomas is great, love him; and it's SO Manhattan to assume that we were brunching. Why else would someone dress up on a Sunday afternoon?
Church was fantastic by the way. My ward is wonderful. More on that to come...
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Saturday on the Upper West Side
Happy Saturday Blogosphere.
Fall is creeping into the air in New York, and today was lovely.
I slept in, did laundry, and wrote in my journal over lunch at the cafe on the corner. I get a little bit giddy inside when I go through this little routine. Maybe because it's what I always imagined life in New York to be like, and its one of those rare times in life when something turns out exactly the way you expected. It has become my favorite way to spend a Saturday.
The cafe on the corner is called Zanny's. They have a steady stream of students and locals all day, stopping in for their coffee, muffins, omlettes, wraps and salads. The two walls that face the two streets have huge windows and a window seat that makes a big L-shape in the corner. There are maybe six tables in the whole place, and most of them wobble. The wall by the door is covered in a collection of photography, taken by the owner, I believe. The pictures are mostly of exotic landscapes, and each is labeled with its location - Tanzania, South Africa, Yellowstone. The music they play is catchy, but not trendy. A lot of people sit and read the newspaper, and occasionally very large text books. The menu board above the counter is drawn up in brightly colorerd chalk, and the "L" in salad is a big carrot. Inside it smells like coffee, alfalfa sprouts and mango chutney - don't ask me why.
I always go in around noon, get a wrap and sit in the window and scribble a little bit about my week. Mostly I get distracted from my writing by all of the people watching.
Afte the laundry was folded I cleaned the bathroom, and now my hands feel all rough from the bleach. Now I'm going on a walk through Riverside Park and then I'm going indulge and watch a cheesy movie. Happy Saturday indeed.
Fall is creeping into the air in New York, and today was lovely.
I slept in, did laundry, and wrote in my journal over lunch at the cafe on the corner. I get a little bit giddy inside when I go through this little routine. Maybe because it's what I always imagined life in New York to be like, and its one of those rare times in life when something turns out exactly the way you expected. It has become my favorite way to spend a Saturday.
The cafe on the corner is called Zanny's. They have a steady stream of students and locals all day, stopping in for their coffee, muffins, omlettes, wraps and salads. The two walls that face the two streets have huge windows and a window seat that makes a big L-shape in the corner. There are maybe six tables in the whole place, and most of them wobble. The wall by the door is covered in a collection of photography, taken by the owner, I believe. The pictures are mostly of exotic landscapes, and each is labeled with its location - Tanzania, South Africa, Yellowstone. The music they play is catchy, but not trendy. A lot of people sit and read the newspaper, and occasionally very large text books. The menu board above the counter is drawn up in brightly colorerd chalk, and the "L" in salad is a big carrot. Inside it smells like coffee, alfalfa sprouts and mango chutney - don't ask me why.
I always go in around noon, get a wrap and sit in the window and scribble a little bit about my week. Mostly I get distracted from my writing by all of the people watching.
Afte the laundry was folded I cleaned the bathroom, and now my hands feel all rough from the bleach. Now I'm going on a walk through Riverside Park and then I'm going indulge and watch a cheesy movie. Happy Saturday indeed.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Meeting up with Mitt
I saw Mitt Romney.
Last Sunday, as I was walking into the Upper East Side church building, he was walking out. I mean, I almost ran into him. Then I looked up and saw his wife and his entire family - sons, daughters-in-law, grandkids.
This is New York, and un-famous people mingle with famous people left and right. Everyone I know has seen Sarah Jessica Parker at least once. In parks and in restaurants, walking down the street - they're everywhere.
Celebrities don't really impress me much - if I saw SJP on the street, I'd probably think, "Cool," and keep walking.
But not Mitt. My jaw hit the pavement, I did a triple take and remained speechless for 15 mins. It was very dorky of me, but at least I didn't run up and paw him, asking for an autograph... and I don't need a picture, because I already have one.
See, I got really into Govenor Romney's presidential campaign. I was very sad for a week when he dropped out of the race. I loved his politics, I thought he was highly qualified, in addition to being brilliant, and I REALLY wanted him to be President.
So you can understand why I was so excited to see him. Mitt and me, going to church.
Last Sunday, as I was walking into the Upper East Side church building, he was walking out. I mean, I almost ran into him. Then I looked up and saw his wife and his entire family - sons, daughters-in-law, grandkids.
This is New York, and un-famous people mingle with famous people left and right. Everyone I know has seen Sarah Jessica Parker at least once. In parks and in restaurants, walking down the street - they're everywhere.
Celebrities don't really impress me much - if I saw SJP on the street, I'd probably think, "Cool," and keep walking.
But not Mitt. My jaw hit the pavement, I did a triple take and remained speechless for 15 mins. It was very dorky of me, but at least I didn't run up and paw him, asking for an autograph... and I don't need a picture, because I already have one.
See, I got really into Govenor Romney's presidential campaign. I was very sad for a week when he dropped out of the race. I loved his politics, I thought he was highly qualified, in addition to being brilliant, and I REALLY wanted him to be President.
So you can understand why I was so excited to see him. Mitt and me, going to church.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Taking in a Tennis Game
The US Open, one of the great grand-slam tennis tournaments, and it takes place in a little borough called Brooklyn. During the US Open, New York becomes very suddenly very enthusiastic about tennis.
Now, I love tennis. My dad was a teenage tennis star, I played when I was a kid, and I grew up watching Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi.
So it made my day today, when I walked across the street to Bryant Park on my lunch hour to eat my little salad and they were broadcasting the US Open. They had two sets of bleachers set up and a really big screen. They had even covered the middle of the square in astro turf (which didn't make a lot of sense, because they play on clay in the US Open and they play on grass at Wimbledon, but whatever).
So over my chicken, walnut, cranberry and bleu cheese salad, I took in a mixed doubles game and marveled anew at how TOTALLY cool it is to live in New York.
Now, I love tennis. My dad was a teenage tennis star, I played when I was a kid, and I grew up watching Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi.
So it made my day today, when I walked across the street to Bryant Park on my lunch hour to eat my little salad and they were broadcasting the US Open. They had two sets of bleachers set up and a really big screen. They had even covered the middle of the square in astro turf (which didn't make a lot of sense, because they play on clay in the US Open and they play on grass at Wimbledon, but whatever).
So over my chicken, walnut, cranberry and bleu cheese salad, I took in a mixed doubles game and marveled anew at how TOTALLY cool it is to live in New York.
Feel the Burn
Part of my little, or not so little, excursion home was a quick trip up to Lake Mead to try out the new boat. During this adventure I was made to acknowledge three profound truths:
1) The new boat is AWESOME. It completely rocks.
2) If you have not been in the desert sun for three months and then choose to spend a day soaking it in, you will BURN.
3) Wake boarding is fantastic fun, which I had almost forgotten, since it had been so long since I've done it. However, when you have not been wake boarding in almost three years and then you suddenly go again, your wake boarding muscles will receive a very rude awakening. Burn baby burn.
Oh, and one last thing: Kurt Cobain is a rock genius, because he invented grunge rock and changed the sound of music forever. And although Stevie Ray Vaughn is a great blues guitarist he is neither the most profound, the first, nor the last, to sing about angst. when you really thing about it, they've been singing about angst since the days of Chaucer. Rock legendary status is about the sound you create, because in the end, every one's lyrics are about the same stuff - drugs, sex and rock'n'roll.
Ha.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Home Sweet California
Have I mentioned lately that I'm really close to my family? In fact, being so far away from them is the number one downside to living in New York. And yes, that tops the rats in the street on trash day, as in, I would rather double the rat population in my neighborhood that be this far from my family, but since I don't exactly have the option, I subsist on once, twice... ok thrice... weekly calls with the coolest people I know.
So needless to say, when I had the opportunity to go home and visit the fam over Labor Day weekend, I jumped all over that with out a second thought. Time change? Red eye? 4 hour flight? No problem.
And of course, the weekend was perfect. My brothers tackled me with hugs in the airport terminal, my dad and I talked about work and life in New York City (he gives really good advice by the way, in case you're ever in need of any), my sisters and I talked the way that only sisters can, and my mom and I talked about everything. To top it off, I got the meet the new family dog, Charlie, who is pretty much the cutest thing I've ever seen.
Can you deny it? I didn't think so.
It was a perfect weekend. I laughed until my sides hurt, I got to see Seth's new braces and balk at how TALL Sam is getting. I went to a real California beach and got a great tan. I visited the famous and beloved Gourmet Pizza Shoppe for my fix of Malibu Magic pizza. And best of all I got to be home with the people that make up the best part of my world.
I love being a Haws.
So needless to say, when I had the opportunity to go home and visit the fam over Labor Day weekend, I jumped all over that with out a second thought. Time change? Red eye? 4 hour flight? No problem.
And of course, the weekend was perfect. My brothers tackled me with hugs in the airport terminal, my dad and I talked about work and life in New York City (he gives really good advice by the way, in case you're ever in need of any), my sisters and I talked the way that only sisters can, and my mom and I talked about everything. To top it off, I got the meet the new family dog, Charlie, who is pretty much the cutest thing I've ever seen.
Can you deny it? I didn't think so.
It was a perfect weekend. I laughed until my sides hurt, I got to see Seth's new braces and balk at how TALL Sam is getting. I went to a real California beach and got a great tan. I visited the famous and beloved Gourmet Pizza Shoppe for my fix of Malibu Magic pizza. And best of all I got to be home with the people that make up the best part of my world.
I love being a Haws.
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