Wednesday, April 22, 2009

We're One Year Old Today!

Happy Earth Day! And Happy Birthday to us! One year old. Can you believe it? Does NYC feel more like home a year and 129 posts later? Yes, I can say it does. I know its neighborhoods, its quirks, its activities, what it eats and where it shops a lot better. But we've still got a ways to go. On my wish list for year 2:
  • A home--literally: I have a secret I've kept from all of you. I've been a condo/co-op hunting madwoman. As of yesterday, I have seen almost 80 properties in Manhattan in four months. I haven't blogged about it much because frankly I'm too exhausted when I get home from these open houses and a don't have a lot of energy to write, but I promise to share what I've learned in future posts.
  • A community: I have a patchwork quilt of friendships in this city--a beautiful quilt no doubt with each precious patch from a different part of my life, but a quilt nonetheless. What I'm looking for is a big strong goose down comforter that I can wrap myself up in! Since moving to NYC, I've lost four close friends to relocation, so I always feel I'm starting from scratch with friendships. I'm still dreaming of a "Sex and the City" or "Friends"-type group of close friends but I would settle for a group of people I like hanging out with regularly. So, this year, I pledge to get out there, get more involved and meet more people.
  • Success: The dream that brought me to this city is still unfulfilled. This is another long, difficult journey I've kept from all of you. But maybe I'll find the courage to write about it. Until I reach my goal (or make peace with not reaching it?), I doubt I'll really be able to give my heart to this place.
Just a few thoughts on this anniversary. Now that I look at my list, it seems pretty obvious. Isn't that what everyone wants? But something about NYC makes getting those things harder than it would be elsewhere.

Anyhow, what do you want me to blog about? What do you want to know about my life in the city? About living in NYC in general? Email me or leave me a comment and I'll try my best. Love to all of you.

7 comments:

Denise Rosier said...

Happy anniversary! I'm glad that you are finding your place in that fantastic city!

I hope the coming year will bring you closer to the success you were hoping to find there. We'll look forward to hearing about it when you decide to reveal it.

I think finding that close group of girlfriends is a tough one for anybody, anywhere. I long to find the same thing here in CA. It's hard when we're all so busy. There's always hope, though! :o)

LaFleur said...

Wow - you must have moved to town around the same time I did. Good for you looking to purchase a home. We just went through that process, and we are so pleased. Even just painting the walls has helped! I enjoy reading your blog - keep up the good work!!

provided by, Jennifer S.Fortune said...

Happy Anniversary! My how time flies :) Im so blessed to be apart of your world there in NYC. I enjoy everything you write especially the pictures you post with your blogs!
You have a talent for taking your writers with you on your journeys.
Can't wait for what this next year has in store!

The Girl Next Door said...

Thanks, gals! It's nice to know there are kindred spirits out there in the blogosphere.

Cathy {tinniegirl} said...

I've just discovered your blog via Anastasiac. Looking forward to reading along more, and hope that home, community and success all come your way this year.

Anastasia said...

happy blog-anniversary!!
glad to hear you are settling in and discovering more to love about the city life!

The Girl Next Door said...

Thanks for the sweet thoughts, girls!