New York City!

A few updates since I last wrote this blog post. I moved to New York City and, now that I have lived through all four seasons in the city, I can can confidently call myself a New Yorker. Living in New York for a year has been a whirlwind. I took the train for an hour each day (surviving this will be an accomplishment I carry with me until I die), grew to completely adore sixty 5th graders in Brooklyn, realized a kitchen that is less square ft. than my coffee table in Texas is actually completely usable, made new friends, ate every type of ethnic food, and mostly continue to experience the magic that is New York.

 Living in New York City can be hard. Really hard. Below are activities that when I do them I think to myself, "I can't believe I made this work. I can't believe I am living here." Every New York transplant knows this feeling.  So, here are a few things below but stay tuned for more. I don't want this blog to be kept in some digital dusty corner, but I'd like to continue using it to document my experience and share my favorite parts of the city. Please continue to reading and stay tuned!

1. Running through Central Park. This may sound cliche, but I am in awe of the park every time I am there. I lived two blocks away from the park this year and am moving right next to it this year. Every time I go for a run, I can't believe how beautiful the city is and how this big park is so expansive, filled with people doing a variety of exercises and available for me to start my day.

2. So many other parks! I knew about Central Park, but I didn't realize New York City is filled with so many public parks that are all worth exploring. Riverside and Prospect Park are the two others where I spend my time. Prospect Park, in particular, is a gorgeous refuge from the craziness that is Manhattan.

3. Local coffee shops. One of my favorite aspects of the city is that there are so many independent shops. On Sunday morning, I go for a run and then the same coffee shop a few blocks away from me. The charming stores and consistency of a routine have kept me sane. I am so excited to living near Silver Moon Bakery next year and plan to incorporate this delicious and welcoming shop into my Sunday morning routine.

4. Going to museums by myself. I know that sounds sad and does not really send a message of hope to people feeling lonely in this gigantic city. Still, why do you need to go to a museum with someone? It's so much better to go at your pace and see where your interests take you. There are so many museums in the city, one for every type of person. An obvious choice, but my favorite is the MET. The visiting exhibits are always always amazing and thoughtfully designed. Spending an afternoon taking advantage of NYC's gem truly makes me feel connected to the city and gives me much needed solitude in an amazing space.

5. New Yorkers. Anyone that knows me knows that I am not a fan of the typical Tri-state area person that grew up going shopping once a week and thinks the only place exploring outside the city is Florida. Ughhhh. But there is something special about people coming to New York, and some very notable exceptions to the born and bred New Yorkers, of people coming from wherever they are from and building a life here. So many people chasing their career goals, passions and starting anew. Not to mention the immigrant communities that historically and today have left their home country for a new one in America. I have met so many interesting people and the fact that we all live in this crazy hustle and bustle is a bonding experience. You have to be tough to live in New York, but below the exterior, this city attracts dedicated, ambitious, interesting, thoughtful group of people that make living here really quite special.