It's getting serious

I think I feel in love with the city again today. Ironically enough it started at 8:23AM just outside of Trader Joe's when I saw a middle aged dad get arrested for pulling over, exiting his car (mind you wife and kids were in the back, I'm guessing on the way to school) and shouting at a cab driver. At 1st I of course laughed but then I realized- the passion this dude had, though irreverent and clearly uncontrollable, was like a piece of this city. Something we couldn't do without- something that just makes it so quintessential NYC. Moving to midday, as I hopped onto the subway to head to my spinning class I actually enjoyed the ride. It was one of those off peak times where I was able to get a seat and dive deep into my book as the plot thickened; as if nothing was going on around me (which can be quite a shocking feeling when you live in a city filed with people). And finally, at spin class- I am telling you I am convinced (maybe it's my New York attitude) that you can have experiences here that you might not be able to have anywhere else. Granted, soul cycle is on the east and west coasts but it's one of those new (to me) and crazy experiences that I am so happy to be exposed to here...and it really hits my soul. It also made me think about my faith- that when moving here I was lucky enough to find my church that is literally like no other experience- and quit frankly scares many 1st timers. As I made my way back to the office there was a hint of sun, a touch of wind, and a lot of noise. But good noise- like things were alive and happening around me. Good things are happening here- and I just took it all in- remembering 'damn NYC, our relationship is pretty serious'- and I'm grateful for that :)
xoxo AA

5 boroughs in 1 day

This past sunny Saturday a certain feline friend and myself (again, she's a real person, not an animal- we've been over this) decided to embark on the 5 borough tour. Thanks to TONY (Time Out New York) we had a strict list with stops, directions, and suggestions. The day started a little wobbly as plans got shifted around a bit. We checked Manhattan off the list immediately because we are lucky enough to gallivant through that borough on a daily basis. 1st stop- Staten Island. Not a place I've ever been before, and if we are going to frank, not a place I had been dying to go to thanks to some of the delinquents portrayal of life on the island in their performance on the hit show, The Jersey Shore. BOY WAS I WRONG- after a quick (and free!) ride over, we got off to what seemed to be a beautifully untaped and most serine part of NY. As we walked along the historic district of St. George, I noticed that I could actually hear my own thoughts and went a whole block's length without seeing another person in sight! It was a truly a moment of quietness I think we both needed. As we hopped back on the ferry, hunger overcame as usual and instead of hitting up the Bronx, Queens (which had already sort of slid off the list because I am there many weekends to see my grandmother) and Brooklyn- we hit up our favorite Manhattan Mexican restaurant for some staple tacos and beer. Later in the evening, I unexpectedly met up with some close friends that I hadn't seen in quite some time. As I headed home around 12AM the day started making sense to me. As an excessive planner, I came to my senses and realized that sometimes the best days are those that are unplanned. Sure we didn't 'reach our goal' of making it to all 5 boroughs in one day, but we got to spend some quality time with some quality people. Since that sunny Saturday, I have started making a conscious effort to plan less- even down to my walk to work. Taking the road sometimes untraveled can open up new doors and new opportunities. Or at least provide you with a change of scenery and an altered perspective :)
xoxo AA

Watch out for that moving...SUV?

Well folks, yesterday morning on a casual 6AM run my roommate and I drifted along the NYC streets with the crisp morning air in our lungs and sleepy dreams of the night prior in our minds. As transplants from (most recently) CT, I would be lying if I said we watched every time we crossed the street because quite frankly when you drive a car for so long, these things don't just pop into your mind regularly. Right as we came across 81st I saw that we did not have the right of way, my runner buddy...did not. My poor zealous friend collided with a huge black Escalide- I don't mean she just got hit, but she hit him! It was a mutual smash up in every sense of the phrase and quite frankly the noise may never leave my audible memory. Thank GOD she was OK- a few nasty bruises, a sore body, and hopefully an OK knee but I was semi shocked by my own reaction to the situation. During most times of crisis, I immediately enter mommy mode and know exactly what to do, when to do it, and the level of calmness it will take. This time, I almost lost it. At the moment of contact, I was not only so shocked by what was happening, but my fingers were literally inches from grabbing her shirt in an effort to help her avoid the whole thing. But I couldn't. I was completely powerless. I had to sit back and watch as the whole thing happened in front of me. For the almost weak moment that I almost lost it, I immediately snapped back into it and mommy mode presented itself to me again, thankfully. Yesterday's debacle, which quite frankly is a blessing because my best friend is still alive, made me realize 3 things. 1- this person is my best friend and I love her- more than I realized-and the thought of losing her was absolutely unacceptable in my mind. 2- the usual, you only live once. God literally plastered the image of my friend getting hit right in front of my face saying "HELLO- DO YOU SEE HOW QUICKLY THIS CAN ALL END?" 3- this is a big one for me that I just realized as I write this. Ultimately, we have no control. Yes, you control what clothes you put on in the morning, the words that come out of your mouth, the food you decide to make for dinner. But big life choices- love, family, friendship, even big career moves- we may have a hand in but in the end, what is meant to be is going to happen. Yesterday was another re-jolted reminder to stop trying to control everything, or worry about the outcome of situation, but just LIVE IN. Because the longer we wait to live, the sooner it is going to pass us by. And it is kind of a freeing feeling once you realize the control of these big life events, is out of your hands. It is especially freeing when you have faith that it will all work out as it should :)
- xoxo AA

Lucky 3,000

Almost 3,000 views on my blog- woot woot (I hope I am not 2,995 of those haha)! In the past week, I have been 1 lucky gal. I got to: sit in some of the most insane cars at the NYC auto show, dance the night away at the International Ball in Annapolis with my (the most handsome ;) ) man in uniform, go to a Yankees game, find out some EXTREMELY exciting yet secret news about a very close friend, go to a Knicks game, go on a run (it's been over a month!!), and catch up over bubble tea with another close friend. To some of you, a few of those things may not sound so great- but of course there is a point to all of this. Regardless of how good the seats were or how short my run was, that was not what stole my attention at each of these events. It was the people around me. At the auto show, there was a Jaguar concept car on display with red rope around it (clearly off limits to the public). When I looked over, I saw one of the Jaguar representatives helping an elderly man (with his family) out of his wheelchair and into the seat of the car. After a few pictures, and some more maneuvers to get him back into his chair- the look of pure glee and happiness on his face brought a smile to mine. It was such a small gesture but something that meant so much to this man- and quite frankly my favorite part of the auto show. At the IBall in Annapolis- we were lucky enough to get on stage with the DJ and  dance in front of the whole school. Neither of us lacking in any sort of shame, I was not only so excited to be up there in front of everyone, but was so grateful to be dancing there with my man with another big fat smile on my face. At the Knicks game- we met an attendant in the elevator who gushed over our candy but when asked, explained to us that she did not get a discount on food by working at MSG. Baffled, we went and purchased her a huge bag of Reeses Pieces and found her in the same elevator to deliver them. Her graciousness and level of excitement made me so happy to just be able to share this interaction with her. And finally, bubble tea with a friend- I nearly felt terrible that I hadn't followed up on the engagements of her previous evening with a new male suitor. I was SHOCKED and so excited to hear that she had been 'secretly smiling' to herself all day because the date went so well. FINALLY- I thought, I was so excited that my friend was able to find and connect with someone in this crazy big city. At the end of all of it- I am so grateful for not only the experiences I am able to have here (and beyond the city walls)- but more so for the amazing people I have around me and get to spend them with. It made me realize again that it really doesn't matter what you are doing or where you are doing it, but that when you are doing it WITH love WITH the people you love- great memories and joy can only result :)
- xoxo AA

Breakthrough

This post was originally supposed to begin with my Easter weekend but I just had a breakthrough. It will be explained at the end of the post- but I am literally so excited I had to spoil the surprise. At this point in my 20-something life, I have had a myriad of religious experiences. Reason being is that officially one year ago I joined the Christian faith (yaya!). Raised as a traditional Catholic school girl- my family still remains within the Roman Catholic community (with a few falling by the agnostic way side). Somewhere in between last year I was on a journey to find my faith- visiting everything from Catholic, Christian, Southern-something-or-other, and every thing in between. This year, more settled into my Christian faith, I still found it was as important to me as it was to my grandmother that we attend Easter service together. So I made a point to spend Good Friday worship at my church with a good friend from home. Clearly there were vast differences between the 2 services but there were a few key things I experienced worth noting. On Friday night I was filled with hope and joy as we celebrated the death and what would be the eventual rising of Jesus in saving us from our sins. Religious or not- I was so relieved to hear from our pastor that we would be taking communion together as a family from our seats. No one perceived as higher up or more 'close to God' would be handing it to us from a Chalice (Catholic church's new phrase- similar to the Stella commercials?), but that we were a family-united in faith, and consuming together. Something that even some biologically related families may not experience together because they don't sit down to enjoy dinner as a family on a regular basis- something even I have seen. Come Sunday, the tides had turned...The Priest immediately began with phrases such as 'The Lord has struck his power, be prepared' and 'Friday was the worst day in Christian history,' and a repetitive favorite 'If you don't believe this, you are not a Christian.' At one point, we were told to get our $$ ready for the collection, but given no reason why. And finally when children (still children of God mind you) were screaming and crying in discomfort from the back pews, the priest actually yelled out 'Pay attention to me!' With shock and aw I realized I was a Christian at heart, and not the type he was describing. I realized that no 2 people are alike in belief and thought, but that in the end, if you do believe in something- God (or whatever you call it) will come to you. Sometimes it can be in the most odd of ways (such as a re-awakening in the mass of another church) or as you are taking the subway into work. The real breakthrough here: a close friend who told me today that she finally realized if she showed God she cared, He might show her He cares too and that she felt like He had finally given her a second change. Sitting here in near tears (yes people I'm at work, and yes I am going to be stepping out for lunch shortly to pull it together)- I am so grateful at how good God's work is- he has now affected my life in ways I never imagined, and continues to affect the lives of others. I could not be more grateful- and in the words of my new personal anthem: "too many sunsets, I haven't seen yet." :)
- xoxo AA

Rap City Chic

Life in the big city is like no other. Yes, I know I have addressed this on numerous occasions, but my experiences in this crazy yet wonderful place never cease to amaze me. And something I seem to learn quite often these days- face your fears. From down in the hood to up on the haughty east side- here in NYC I am constantly encountering great people in great and what can sometimes be considered 'not so safe' places. On just the right rainy- Harlem can actually be one of my favorite secret spots here. During a recent adventure, dressed  down as much as possible with no makeup in broad daylight (I know my grandmother is reading this so I want to assure her I am safe)- I gallivanted around the streets taking everything, engaging each of my senses. Not only did I hear the constant idle chatter in Spanish as if everyone knew one another, but the blaring music, flashing lights from small street vendors, and sizzling ethnic foods wafting from street trucks made my experience all the more enriched. This neighborhood was not scary, but rather filled with life, love and noticeable happiness. Granted there is grief and distress in any town, city, or home but it is the connectedness of a community of people that made me a lot less fearful of this place. Days later in another not-so-hot neighborhood, my cabbie passed by a large congregation of homeless people. Stopped at a red light in traffic, my natural reaction was to ensure that my right side door was locked, but I was instead in awe of what I saw. A homeless man, who had just received a cup of soup and a roll of what from what I now realized was a soup truck (hence the large congregation) was enjoying his meal for what seemed to be like his 1st in days. What was most shocking to me was that he was sharing his roll with a group of birds (pigeons, yes I know flying rats) that had also formed a small circle nearby. Instead of fear, I was overwhelmed with a feeling of compassion- realizing that this man who literally had NOTHING was sharing food, his possible only source of nourishment for the day, with an animal. The point of both of these experiences is that sometimes when you have a fear- face it. Whether it be a neighborhood, a group of people, or a new experience (please note I am not telling you to stare danger in the eye here) you will never truly know how great it can be unless you give it a chance. Open eyes, eye mind, open heart :)
xoxo AA

Enjoy your time

Last weekend I was lucky enough to attend a company dine out in Annapolis and the Navy Marine Corps Relief Ball with my man in uniform in our nation's capital. Both nights being very different from one another- each experience opened my eyes, mind, and heart to a great community. Night #1- essentially a gathering of the USNA's finest men from 1st company outfitted to the 9s in their dress tux uniforms. As soon as we were seated I was informed of a list of rules (1 page filled top to bottom) that if not followed, would result in your consumption of the grog. Rules ranged in everything from not 'murdering the Queen's English' to asking for permission to use the bathroom because 'military protocol always overrides any call of nature.' Nervous, but ready- I tried to be on my best behavior. Oh and the grog- well that is a vat of the most disgusting drink you could conjure up. It included (this is an incomplete list): ketchup, yogurt, non-alcoholic beer, and of course a dash of salt, pepper, and hot sauce. As the night went on we heard from the midshipman that had organized the dinner as well as a Navy retiree who had served in Mexico and beyond. I even had to sing a Disney duet upon requesting and being relieved to the restroom. As I sat there a began to realize I was in the midst of a band of brothers- normal guys who loved to have a great time just like the rest of us, but were bonded in a way we can't understand. Not to mention that their level of respect, attention to detail, and honor for our country is higher than most. It was a great experience, but it in no way prepared me for the next night. Night #2- 500 of your closest friends from the Navy and Marine Corps. The group included Navy and Marine Corp retirees, 1 2 and 3 star Admirals, and even foreign navy representatives and their wives of course. Who I was not expecting were the actual wounded warriors who the ball was held in benefit for. At 1st, I was thrown off because between keeping up with the 'sirs' and dealing with the constant voice of my grandmother in the back of my head saying 'be a lady,' holding it together in front of some of our nation's heroes seemed like a juggling act. After dinner and an amazing speech by a visiting nurse, it was time to hit the dance floor. The navy band had quite the line up- from golden oldies to the Rihanna hits of today. For those of you in my generation- dancing without grinding is a lot more difficult than you might think. Not because of the lack of skills in the appropriate dance moves category, but just because of the complete change in motion- my body was confused! During the last song- the electric slide- 1 of the wounded warriors actually dragged us onto the dance floor. At that moment I realized- these are real people who we were to be celebrating that night; not to be fearful of. The entire weekend I was exposed to some of the most successful, courageous, and honorable people I had ever met. I got a glimpse of how strong the bonds were between the families in the community, and saw that regardless of what the news or your poli sci proff said in college- these people are real and have a no bullshit job. And for that, I commend every single one of their efforts and feel so lucky to be able to support one (1 at the moment, 2 when little bro ships off to boot camp this summer) of their men in uniform. One more thing- when you think you're having a bad day- think about having 1 less limb, eye, or not being able to pick of the phone to text the person you love. You will soon realize your sacrifices are so less greater than those who protect our country and all that we stand for :)
xoxo AA