Fleur

Happy Friday and Happy Memorial Day weekend! Guys... We leave for Paris tomorrow! Aaahhh. I have been looking forward to this day since when we planned this back in January. Since we are renting an apartment rather than staying in hotel, I have a feeling we are not going to want to ever leave, since it will feel like we live there! I have been obsessed with Paris and French culture ever since my dad used to read the Madeline books to me as a little girl. I mean, how cute were those little girls and their uniforms, living in an old boarding school in Paris? Simply adorable. Meanwhile, I'll be dreaming of future buttery croissants, stinky cheeses, and fruity wines, all while I try to fit my entire life in a small carry-on. For now, let's just admire the flowers (taken in Central Park) below:

 

              

The High Line + Lately

Wandering the city in the spring time--such a beautiful sight, with all the greenery and fresh flowers mixed with street art and dirty streets and old buildings. Springtime allows me to fall back in love with the city, release the breath I have been holding in from being shut in all winter, and finally smile again, so so much. I guess the long winters force me to appreciate when spring does finally arrive.

This past weekend was spent getting brunch (twice!), walking through parks, meeting up with friends, laughing lots, and watching the Mad Men finale. aahhhhh. I still can't believe it's truly over. We leave for Paris in 5 days, and I cannot contain my excitement. I started reading A Moveable Feast to prep myself mentally, along with some random french phrases although I don't remember most of them. I've also begun jotting down all the parks, restaurants, shops, and museums I want to visit. So, there is a possibility I may be missing from the blog for a couple of weeks. I still haven't decided if I want to bring a computer so I can download all the millions of pictures that will be taken each and every day..

I don't like getting too personal on here, but there have been a lot of exciting changes happening for both Kyle and I lately. Some things are coming to an end, but other doors are opening up. It is all so exciting, and all things we have prayed for for months and months. I am learning never to underestimate God's faithfulness. I am also learning that praying daily with your spouse works wonders in your relationship. I am in constant shock of how we were able to move to New York and have things work out the way they have. I am so incredibly thankful for the life I have, and the people in it. Hope everyone has a wonderful week. Find something to be thankful for today <3

What I Love About NYC (part one)

A quick list of things I love about NYC, in no particular order. 1. Keep to Yourself. You don't have to say hi or smile to everyone you see. People are not overly friendly here, and I kind of like it. You can be in your own bubble and do your own thing, but you can also enjoy the friendliness of people if you need directions. (New Yorkers are nice, despite what everyone told me. They can just be impatient at times. : D)

2. Food! So. Much. Food. Every culture of food exists here, and it's all incredible. You can walk down any street and there is a new unique set of restaurants (or food trucks). My favorite kinds of food I've eaten here have to include Vietnamese, French, Middle Eastern, Thai, and Greek.

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.