A Few of My Favorite Things

Friday, May 27, 2011

I Left My Heart in New York

So we're counting down the final hours now. I will be leaving fabulous NYC Sunday morning and I'm completely overwhelmed with emotions. For one, I am incredibly excited to move to a new city, San Francisco. I've always dreamed of living there since my first visit back in college. I love that there are so many exciting things nearby to experience, the wine country, beaches to south, and mountains to the east. The architecture, the food, the views, San Francisco has so much to offer me. Not to mention, a handsome boyfriend that will be picking me up from the airport June 6th to experience all of it with. We haven't seen each other in over a month. It will be such a great feeling knowing that he won't be dropping me back off at the airport a few days later. I get to stay! And we will no longer be long distance, how fun but also how scary, it's a big step for us! And one we haven't taken lightly. Lots and lots of long talks have finally led up to this and I know now, this is absolutely the best decision for me and "us."

Even though I'm sure of my decision, that doesn't make leaving New York easy. I've come to discover after almost 5 years of living here, that New Yorkers actually develop a relationship with the city. I'm not sure that exists in other places, I hope so. In a way, I expect this move to feel similar to a break up. I'll certainly miss all of our favorite places and of course all of the friends I've made through this relationship. Last night I met my friend Kate down at Shake Shack for drinks and burgers, followed by gelato and gourmet "shopping" at Eataly. I feel so lucky to have met Kate. She and I get along like we've known each other for years and we met, of all places, right here! Through blogging and commenting on each others blogs, we developed a friendship that I know will last the distance. We can both agree that we met for a reason, and it is somewhat sad that we only just cultivated this friendship in January. I hope you'll check out her post here, she has a better way with words than me :) She also has a much better camera, see!

Shroom burgers and fries, whoa!

The charming lights as the city enters dusk.

The hazelnut gelato is that good!

I came straight from work, please don't judge my "corporate wear."

(Which I hopefully won't be seeing much of in SF!)

So this will be my last post written from New York. Of course I'll keep up the blog in SF, and I hope you'll keep following me as I know I'll be able to share some fun adventures! I've hesitated to write this post because there's so much I want to say that I really didn't know how to type out. My heart is so full and heavy and happy. I am proud of myself for moving here in September 2006, not knowing anyone, no job, and moving into an apartment I had never seen. It was a leap of faith I guess and I know that's exactly what I'm about to do again. To summarize, buying a one-way ticket to San Francisco was nerve-wracking and scary, but I have the comfort of knowing that if I can do it once, I can do it again.

Signing off New York, let's not think of this as a break-up, but a "break." I'll visit you hella soon.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Sunday Sweets

My treat for surviving The Rapture.

Soy Latte and a humongous cinnamon bun from TLRH.

And yes, I bought this knowing I'd be squeezing into both a swimsuit and a bridesmaids dress next week (although not at the same time), and no, I don't care :) If there's one thing the silly non-rapture taught me, enjoy your life! We never know when it's our last day. I have been stopping at bodegas all over NYC to lean down and literally "smell the roses." It's a wonderful way to live and I'm making a concerted effort to remind myself daily.

(Apologies for the cheese-ball post, I'm giddy today because of the sunshine, finally!)

Monday, May 23, 2011

Lucky

I am a lucky girl. I have had TWO, not one, but two! going away get togethers thrown by lovely friends. Fun soirees like this make leaving NYC harder but also make me so thankful for the experience of living here. I moved to this city almost five years ago without knowing a soul. And now, seeing all of my beautiful friends' faces toasting ME gives me an incredible warm, proud feeling.

The first was given by a few of KTW's friends' wives and girlfriends who I can now call my sweet friends as well. We met at our new West Village favorite, Bar'Rique. Which, if you haven't yet tried, is a must! Their food, service, ambiance, and wine does not disappoint. It was one of the warmest days we had this month so we sat by the open window, it was perfect. I was even given a book on the California Wine Country which I cannot wait to put to use!

The second was given by a sweet highschool friend that also lives in the City. She invited around ten girls to meet for drinks and dinner at Peasant in Nolita, and then we moved on to another favorite, Freeman's for more celebratory drinks. Peasant is a really neat space. We were seated downstairs in what felt like our own private den. After a yummy meal, complete with complementary desserts, we had one more round at Freeman's, pictured above. I loved this little mantle decoration with potted succulents and moss. I was given another sweet gift at this party, a "I left my heart in New York" tshirt. I'll be wearing it on the plane ride to CA :) Lovely Kate also gave me this book, which I'll for sure be putting to use!

I know I'll make friends in San Francisco too, but these girls will be tough to beat. I need to wrap this up without getting teary so I'll keep it short. Each of you has made my experience in New York better and more fulfilling than I could have ever hoped for. I am lucky and proud to call you friends and know that the distance will not keep us from staying in touch. Please come visit me, I promise wine :)