One of the crazy things that I love about life is that it is totally unpredictable. I can be going 100 mph in one direction, and then suddenly something comes up and I have to completely veer in a totally new direction. There's a part of me that loves routine and stability, but there's another part of me that loves the exhilaration that comes with sudden change, and the feeling of not knowing exactly how everything will work out.
The 'big' news is, we are moving! We are leaving our life in New York City of 2 1/2 years, and making the move back to what has always been home, Texas.
I've mentioned a move on here recently, and that was when we were still planning on moving within the city, to a different (probably much smaller and more expensive) apartment in a different neighborhood in Manhattan, once our current lease ended at the end of the month. But, once we went on vacation out of the country and came back, completely refreshed and with new perspective, we ultimately decided it was time to move back to be closer with our families. It made sense with Kyle's schooling, financially, and all around seemed a better place to begin putting down our roots.
I will miss a lot of things about New York, including Sunday afternoons in Central Park, public transportation and walking everywhere, access to so many different food options, and especially all of the special friends we have made during our time here. But there are also things I won't miss, such as the crowds, cost of rent, long winters, and the distance from family. It was a tough decision, and a topic we have constantly talked about for the past few months when we knew our lease was coming to an end. But I am so excited to be back in the Lone Star State!!
Like pretty much any big decision we seem to make in our marriage that seem to be always last minute, this one gave us just enough time to put in our 2 weeks notice at our jobs, discuss our crazy plan with our parents, schedule last minute meet-ups with our close friends to say goodbye, and frantically begin packing (and schedule a moving truck, etc.). But whatever, it's all going to work out, right? If I've learned anything in my life, it's that God has a plan for me and that all I need to do is trust Him to provide for me. And so far, He has delivered ever single time.
It seemed only fitting for one of my last things to make in my New York kitchen was a complete bagel spread. If you ever visit NYC and want to eat something "new york," I 100% recommend the bagels here. The pizza is alright (Shhh don't tell anyone I said that), the hot dogs are fine, but if you want something amazing go to a popular NYC bagel shop and get the works (preferrably an everything bagel with scallion or veggie cream cheese, lox, tomato, and red onion). It's definitely a major thing that will be on my food list when we visit NYC now!
Here's what you need for the perfect NYC bagel spread!
- a dozen or so NYC bagels (a few great bagel spots include: Absolute Bagels, Ess-a-Bagel, Murray's, Tompkins Square, and Russ & Daughters)
- a package or two of smoked salmon
- Sliced red onions
- Sliced tomatoes
- Capers
- Cream cheese (feel free to buy a variety or buy plain and mix in your own toppings; veggie, fresh herbs, jam, fresh strawberries, or scallion!)
- Sprouts
- Sliced radishes
- Cucumbers
- Zesty Z za'atar and olive oil spread
3. Public Transportation. The subway system in NYC is one of the best in the world. You can get anywhere in the city without driving and it's GREAT. Riding the subway can be fun and entertaining. I love not having to drive and gas up the car and get angry at drivers who cut me off (I might have some major road rage). There are also some downsides to public transport (like...delays due to "sick" passengers, armpits in your face, people stepping on your toes...), but I think it's all in how you approach it and your attitude.
4. City Parks. My favorite place for people watching. You can sit on a park bench or sprawl out on the grass, and there are so many different kinds of people from all over the world and all over the country and its cool wondering where they are all going or what they are doing. There are sometimes street performers, musicians, or local artists in the parks. I have had many "NY moments" here, and they are just generally very beautiful public places.
5. Shopping. This is great but bad for our bank account, heehee. So much good shopping here, from name brands to cute boutiques in Brooklyn to knock offs in random corners on Canal street. The city fashion scene makes you want to be more fashionable too--I feel really underdressed going to the store in a t-shirt and sneakers. In fact, I got rid of over half of my tshirts after we moved here, you simply don't want to wear them when everyone else looks nice!
6. Four Seasons. While I actually hate winter and the snow, it's pretty cool experiencing all four seasons here. It really breaks up time and forces me to truly appreciate sunny pretty weather. Spring is literally the happiest time of year for me here! Lots of flowers in bloom that I never saw in Texas, and no more heavy coats! :)
7. The NYC energy. I don't know what it is, but there is something about living in NYC that pushes you to do things you wouldn't normally do. It makes you want to do better and be better. There is a drive and inspiration and energy that comes with stepping off the subway in the morning, looking up at all the skyscrapers, all the hustle and bustle on the streets, all the people-rushing to wherever they are going, yellow taxis, and it fuels you to push your limits. No cup of coffee can give you the energy that living in NYC can.