It’s been waiting for me! After visiting New York City for the first time my sophomore year of high school, I just knew I would live here one day. More than a decade later… I DID IT! There are so many things that make living in the city that never sleeps so special, challenging, and rewarding. If I had to sum it up in three words so far, it would be these!
Entertainment: Since coming to the city, I’ve seen more than a dozen Broadway and theatre productions in town. Being able to snag last minute, discounted tickets to see some of the most dazzling shows in the world has been such a treat. It’s been one of my favorite things to do with my boyfriend who is an actor. I have so much respect for the casts and crews of these shows we’ve seen so far, and I can’t wait to keep up my musical mayhem! Other big entertainment highlights were a concert at Madison Square Garden and a baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Next on the bucket list: a New York Giants game at Met Life Stadium!!!
Exercise: I knew New York was known for being an avid running city, and I have seen that proven true. From Prospect Park to the West Side Highway, people are always moving here. Seeing Leo run the New York Marathon was one of my favorite days so far. I found him 4 different times along the race route! He finished it in just over 3 hours, and I am so amazed!!! I finally got in on the action, and I have had a lot of fun the past few months as a member of a run club training for the Brooklyn Half Marathon in May. I’ve met some really nice friends, seen my body grow stronger and more capable of running long distances, and enjoyed the goal setting aspect of it. I’ve learned that when my tiny apartment is feeling too small, a run makes this place open up and feel really special. It has been challenging, but I am excited to see if I can beat my time goal for my second ever half marathon (my first was the Disney Princess Half Marathon two years ago!)
Endurance: You might be confused why I chose this word after talking about endurance, but here goes on why I picked it! Having spent my whole life in various states across the South, I knew there would be some learning curves in this huge city in the Northeast. Some of the biggest adjustments I expected were using subways and walking instead of a car, figuring out how to get grocery shopping and laundry done, and connecting with friends who lived across the city who weren’t close. What I didn’t anticipate was traveling every single week for the first 18 weeks I lived in the city on top of that. I realized I was a bit more acquainted with LGA and JFK than I was my neighborhood during my first fall here lol! On top of that, it was the coldest winter NYC had in years. I am still defrosting, but I am really proud of how patient and resilient I have been during this huge life transition. I have seen myself get more and more comfortable each year. My endurance has grown, and I am better for it!
I feel like I have hardly scratched the surface, but I really am so in love with this city. It cast a spell on me in 2013, and I am so giddy that I am living out this dream FINALLY! Thank you to the Big Apple for a wild start… Let’s keep the fun going!
