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Posts Tagged ‘Life in NYC’

Snowy Saturday

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , on January 21, 2012| 1 Comment »

SNOW!! The kids were beyond excited when they woke up and Manhattan was finally covered in a blanket of the white stuff. They have been feeling a bit homesick for wintery Ottawa weather lately and I can’t really blame them. It has been an odd winter, weather wise in NYC with incredibly mild temperatures and no snow in sight. Finally today we awoke to big soft flurries falling from the sky. The kids couldn’t wait to get out and play in it. Their enthusiasm was infectious and pretty soon we were rifling through the closet looking for our buried snow pants and boots. We headed down to Riverside Park where tons of other families had the same idea and were seeking out hills for sledding. There really is something beautiful about freshly fallen snow. It makes everything fresh and clean.

I know that in a few hours the temps will rise and we will be trudging through slush and sleet but right now I am enjoying looking out my window at the gently falling snow that seems to add a little softness to the concrete jungle 😉 Hope you are enjoying the day.

Good Morning NYC!

Taxi!!

Catching...

Snowflakes!

Gearing up for a little snowball fight 😉

Street View

Walking the dog

Here...

We...

Go!!

Woohoo!!

Even Daddy got in on the fun 😉

Full hill

Red & White

Winter beauty

Peaceful landscape

Winter Walkway

Doorway

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Chasing Away the January Blahs

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , on January 17, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Ho, Hum, it is January. Right now in NYC it is damp, gloomy, sort of winter like but not really. It is raining/sleeting and it seems that mother nature doesn’t really know what kind of weather to give to us. Our temperatures have been up and down. One day barely wearing a jacket and the next day freezing. A bit of a change from last year where we were bombarded with tons of wintery white weather.

Remember This??!!

It is at times like this, post holiday, depressing weather and a growing to do list that I find the January blahs creeping in. I know they are lurking when all I really want to do is crawl under the covers and hibernate. It gets especially bad when I think to myself “I have nothing to do”. Um, hello, I live in NYC, how could there possibly be nothing to do??!!! But alas, it is the January rut and it looms large. The blahs make every task seem daunting and grouchy mommy threatens to sneak in and nobody likes grouchy mommy 😉 So, I have decided that I am going to do my best this year to try and ward off the January (and ya, I see you February) blahs.

1. First of all, I am going to continue with the running and spinning. No matter how much I would rather just sit my butt on the couch, I will drag myself to the park and run. Thanks to my ladies who motivate me and of course, the hot chai latte that dangles like a carrot at the completion of the run! My Wednesday Warrior soul cycle is a real pleasure, a true full body workout as well as a boost of energy for the spirit. Thanks J!!

2.  I am going to continue to seek out and find cool spots to explore in this amazing city. My first stop is the New York Historical Society. We went there as a family a few weeks ago and the newly renovated building is amazing. I can’t wait to go back on my own so I can really delve into the history of New York. It is not to be missed and is a perfect solution to a cold day!!

3.  Retail Therapy- The other day I finally ventured out to Barney’s. I had never been before because I have to admit I was a little intimidated to walk through the doors. Well, a couple of girlfriends took me along and I had tons of fun browsing through the racks of beautiful designer clothing. I am no longer a Barney’s virgin. Manhattan has some amazing shopping experiences and I think the dreary winter weather is a perfect time for a little wandering through the aisles. Tip- leave your wallet at home and just enjoy the scenery 😉

And I may have bought a little something- VERY on sale 😉

4. No matter what the weather, get out of the apartment!! It is a perfect time to explore the city. All of the holiday tourists are gone and NYC is largely back to normal. I am using the next bright sunny day to my advantage and am getting out there and hitting the streets. After all, I do have Canadian blood running through my veins, I should not be scared off by a little cold weather. And, there is a Starbucks on almost every corner for heat seeking moments.

My little Sktrgrl doesn't care how cold it is, she wants to get out!

5.  Hope and pray for a snow day! Nothing makes the city come alive or seem a little brighter than a big dusting of the white stuff. My kids are wishing for some snow and who can really blame them, it does make for tons of fun. Plus, this city seems brand new and clean for at least ONE day.

Fun in the snow (last year)

6.  I have decided to spend a little less time on the computer and iPhone (we shall see) and get back to one of my true loves- reading. After seeing the movie “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo”, I immediately started reading the second book (“The Girl Who Played With Fire” Stieg Larsson) and have just finished it, moving on to the third book “The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest”. There is nothing better than getting wrapped up in an amazing story to chase away those winter blahs.

Helps if you have a friend to warm your feet.

7.  And finally, I am going to surround myself with positive people. It is hard to chase away your own Blahs if you are constantly surrounded by other people bringing your down with their negativity. So, I am hanging out with the friends who encourage, suggest fun things to do, support you through the dreary to do list and offer a glass of wine when those blahs get a little too close for comfort. I hope you find the things that chase away your blahs too. You can always resort to daydreaming of beautiful beaches and warm sunny destinations. Good luck =)

Wish I was here...

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A Little Bit of Football Madness: Giants VS. Jets

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , on January 9, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Well, there is definitely some football madness in the air. Did any of you watch the Denver- Pittsburgh game last night???!!! Unbelievable. That Tebow really is quite amazing. At this time of year it is hard not to get caught up in the energy and excitement of the Football Playoffs, especially if you live anywhere near a sports bar and we happen to live very close to more than one. I can lie in bed knowing the score of the game by listening to the moans and groans or the cheers from the sports bar a couple of doors down. Yesterday, people were lined up before noon at these establishments eagerly awaiting a spot near a t.v. and an ice cold beer. There really is something to be said about watching an exciting game with a large group of people rather than in your own living room.

On Christmas Eve Ron took me to my first home NY Jets game. It was an incredible experience, made even more fun by the fact that the Jets were playing the NY Giants. Classic. New York vs. New York on Christmas Eve, what could be better really?? Ron and I, BIG Jets fans, got all decked out in team spirit and made our way down to Penn Station where we would board a train to the new Meadowlands Stadium (MetLife Stadium) to see the game.

Go Jets!!

We arrived at Penn Station and I seriously have never seen so many people trying to get to one place in all my life. It was actually the first time since moving to NYC that I felt nervous in a crowd of people. There were thousands of people trying to make their way to the train platform through one double door. I am slightly claustrophobic and was not comfortable being squished between all the football fans and the poor people just trying to board the train to get home or to the airport. What a nightmare! There has to be a better way. Thankfully everyone kept calm and orderly and we all made it to the train. I shudder to imagine the alternative.

Not sure if this picture can even come close to conveying the crowds!!

Once we were on the train all ran smoothly, Jets and Giants fans traded good cheer and tossed insults back and forth. The atmosphere was jovial and relaxed. This is what I love about New York, strangers talking, sharing laughs and even beer. Good times. As we pulled up to the stadium we could see all of the fans tailgating in the parking lot. Whoa. This tailgating is serious business. One bbq looked like they were roasting a pig! The stadium itself is  beautiful and we spent time wandering around, checking out the merchandise and of course indulging in stadium food and drink. We made our way to the seats and sat down for a few minutes taking in the incredible electric atmosphere of a Jets/Giants standoff. And that is where the seating ended. We stood for the entire game. All of the fans in our section stood and watched the entire game. There was too much cheering, excitement and frenetic energy to even imagine sitting down. I also think there was too much pride. There was no way that the Jets fans were going to be outdone by the Giants fans and vice versa.

The View From Our Seats

As you well know, the game did not end well for us Jets fans and our season is over but as for my first football game in NYC, it was a blast. It was also not a bad way to spend the afternoon on Christmas Eve. We are sure that Santa is a Jets fan too, see for yourself 😉 Guess I better get pumped up for the Superbowl. Already chilling the beer…

Santa, a Jets fan, who knew?!

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2012: The Year The World Ends And I Turn Forty. Huh.

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 1, 2012| 2 Comments »

Well, hello 2012, looks like you arrived with a bang. It seems just like yesterday that we were ringing in the year 2000 and now look where we are. It has not escaped my notice that the year I turn forty is also the year that the Mayan’s predicted the world would end. Coincidence? Maybe. I am going to run with the theory that those of us born in 1972 are such “wild child” types that the world can’t handle all of us heading on in to middle age together. Yep, that is my theory. It makes me feel better, so there!

As I ponder Forty and a new year, a few thoughts come to mind. Does Forty make me feel old? The answer is yes and no. I definitely feel old when I see my former students on Facebook reach milestones such as 25th Birthdays, University Graduations, First Jobs, Marriages and Babies (!!). Yep, that definitely makes me realize that I am heading towards the rocking chair. But on the other hand, former students still talk to me, I know what Facebook and Twitter are, I have a Blog, can keep up with social media and pop culture references AND I went to the JayZ/Kanye concert. I can’t be THAT old, right… right????!!!!! *Sigh*

So, as I head as gracefully as I can to the age of Forty in this new year of 2012 I guess I can’t help but reflect just a little bit. I am not a big resolution maker, I think that resolutions are just a way to set yourself up for failure. “I resolve to cut chocolate out of my diet”. Sure, it sounds good in theory on the 1st of January but there is no way that it is still going to be happening by (if we are honest), January 2nd! So, instead I am going to reflect.

I am going to try really hard to not sweat the small stuff this year, knowing full well that I will. Because that is what I do, just ask Ron. I can’t help it. Someone has to and it is me. I like to worry. Cut me a little slack, I do live in NYC and there ARE a few things to worry about. “Seriously, where DO they take the garbage??” But I am going to try and worry a little less. Sometimes you need to just let some things go. It is what it is. I realize that. Woooosaaaa!

I am also going to keep up with this whole running thing. I am not going to resolve to get skinny this year. It is not going to happen. I have never been skinny, EVER. Even when I was in the best shape of my life I was not skinny. Not going to happen. Instead I am going to concentrate on being strong. Running with fabulous women and feeding off of their incredible energy and friendship is powerful. We are healthy and running and that is definitely something to be grateful for.

I am going to continue to do a few things that scare me. I just got into the NYC 1/2 Marathon. This is equal parts terrifying and exhilarating. I am in the middle of my training and this will be one of the most challenging yet rewarding fitness goals I will ever achieve. I still can’t decide if I might just be a wee bit insane 😉  This is the year I have to get back in the job market. Also a daunting and exciting task. Nothing moves slowly or comes to you in NYC, I had better step up my game!

Finally, I am going to remember that there is a lot of fun to be had and to keep the laughter alive. There are days when it is easy to take one’s self a little too seriously. We are all guilty of that. I am going to try and pause and find the joy in small moments, everyday. Because, if the world really is ending, I would really hate to have spent the last moments worrying about the last 5 pounds I wanted to lose instead of having that wonderful piece of dark chocolate 😉 Happy New Year family and friends!! I wish you all the best for a fabulous 2012. You are ALL invited to my Fortieth birthday party in June!!

Here are a few pics from our latest NYC adventure as we rang in the New Year by participating in the Emerald Nuts Midnight Run in Central Park. It was an unbelievable experience. A few thousand people running in the park, fireworks and people cheering you on as you did a 4 Mile loop in the park. Awesome!!

Before the Run

Running with just a "few" other people!

Julie, Jessica and I

The confidence and crazy that comes with youth!

Post Race- we are still standing and smiling 😉

Sweet, sweet reward!! Happy New Year!!

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Wordless Wednesday: Christmas Day in Manhattan

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 28, 2011| 1 Comment »

After a wonderful Christmas morning, opening presents, counting our many blessings and feasting on a yummy brunch we decided to get a bit of exercise. Christmas Day was quite mild here in Manhattan with beautiful blue skies. We hopped on the subway and ventured into midtown, strolling along the sidewalks with all of the restless New Yorkers and tourists. Here are my pics from the day. Hope you enjoy them and are having a spectacular holiday season 🙂

Two excited little girls on Christmas morning!

Large red ornaments near Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall

Bright Lights, Big City

Festive Street Vendor

The Tree at Rockefeller Center

Looking through the flags

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Tiffany's

Swarovski Snowflake

Window Dressing

If none of the stores are open to get a real one, how about a fake?!

Posing for a Pic 😉

The Plaza

The City's Largest Menorah

Lower Central Park

The Wollman Rink

Carriage ride through the park

A little time for Christmas...

Reflection 😉

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Wordless Wednesday: A Tour Through Eataly

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on December 21, 2011| 1 Comment »

On Saturday afternoon Ron suggested that I take my friend Chantal, visiting from Canada, to Eataly. Chantal is a huge food network, cooking show junkie and foodie so I knew that she would LOVE it. The only hesitation I had was the crowds. It was merely a week before Christmas and I was afraid that it would be so packed we would not be able to move. We were pleasantly surprised and had a blast perusing all of the wonderful sights. So, just in case you have not already stuffed yourself full with holiday treats here are a few pics to get your mouth watering! Enjoy 🙂

Located right across from the beautiful Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park

Chantal with her delicious Panini 😉

So very true!

Fruits and Veg

A plethora of mushrooms

Shall we start with cheese? Yes please!

Some bread with that?

Over to the meat section...

Wowza!

Hand made pasta, my weakness.

Something from the sea?

Or shellfish maybe?

Don't forget the Vino!

And of course, dessert- truffle anyone?

Perhaps a pastry or two??

Some handsome dudes enjoying their meal and who graciously let me take their pic 😉

After a meal like that you will need to put up your feet and relax in front of the fireplace =)

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Celebrating The Holidays With Friends

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , on December 19, 2011| 3 Comments »

One of the things both Ron and I have missed since moving to NYC is entertaining friends. It is a bit harder to do in Manhattan without the added advantage of a backyard, basement, large kitchen or well, you know, extra space, period. We still have friends over and we have tackled both Canadian and American Thanksgiving,  but we have yet to do a cocktail party. So, when my friend Meilan and I started talking about a holiday party to celebrate our friends during this crazy season I immediately got super excited about the idea and said “Let’s do it!!”.

Meilan and I conspiring... What could possible go wrong??!! 😉

We decided that the perfect party for our mom friends would be a holiday brunch during the week, so the majority of the gals would not have to worry about childcare as the kids would be in school. Meilan and I wanted a chance for our friends to get together, eat good food, treat themselves to a glass of bubbly and be able to mingle and chat about other things besides their husbands, children and the school. We asked everyone to bring a small plate of food to share and basically to just come on out and enjoy some time to relax among a great group of interesting, intelligent and fun women.

Meilan working her magic in the kitchen. Wow, that woman can cook and bake up a storm!

We hosted the event at my apartment and Meilan and I soon realized that we were a great team. While she worked her magic in the kitchen- incredible quiches, caramel monkey bread (!!) and other divine baked goods, I cleaned the apartment, organized the table and made sure that the logistical stuff was taken care of- coats, first drinks etc. We also had the incredible good fortune to have my friend and former student Chantal visiting who not only cut and diced like a pro also made the guests feel at ease AND best of all did dishes!!! Have I mentioned lately how much I adore Chantal?!

Chantal and I =)

Setting the table with tons of yummy goodies!

I absolutely LOVED co-hosting this party with Meilan. The spread of food was unbelievable, it certainly kicked off the whole eating for the holidays. Good thing we are still running! Also, it reminded me just how much I love getting good friends together to celebrate the beauty of friendship. I feel very fortunate to have met these great women over the past year and a half. Truth is, last year at this time I am not sure I would have been able to host this party as I was just getting adjusted to NYC and recently meeting all these fabulous ladies. I feel lucky to have found such a great group of mamas. This time of year is a time for reflection and I can’t help but reflect on how although the big move to Manhattan has had its ups and downs, we have been very fortunate to weigh heavily on the up side.

For the gift of friendship, I am blessed.

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Wordless Wednesday: Finding Sanity During Holiday Crazy!

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , on December 14, 2011| Leave a Comment »

With less than two weeks to go until Christmas, things are definitely in high gear. The “to do” list seems to be getting longer rather than shorter- parties, baking, shopping, wrapping, Lanape Indian project (!!), laundry, meetings, cards, thank you’s, emails, blogging, cooking… And of course, Ron is traveling. Some days I feel like my brain and the rest of me is in overdrive! So, I am really trying to keep it all in perspective by keeping my sense of humor, trying to be patient with the kids (I really am trying), exercising and reminding myself about the true meaning behind the whole season. Love, friendship, hope, sharing, remembering, believing.

So, the pic I am going to share today for Wordless Wednesday is a fun reminder to stop and take the time to enjoy the holidays and what is going on around you. I was shopping in the very busy Union Square market the other day and right in the middle of the chaos of people there was a small film shoot going on. I couldn’t help but stop and smile. In NYC you get used to expect the unexpected but this scene of a guy lounging on a couch in the middle of the square reminded me to pause and take a breath. Hope you can find your happy place this season too. I find that wine and chocolate are always helpful!  😉

Grab a seat, take a load off 😉

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Wordless Wednesday: Always Amazed By The Beauty Of Central Park

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , on December 7, 2011| 2 Comments »

On Sunday I decided to take the girls to the Christmas lighting ceremony at the Discovery Center in Central Park. Forgetting about the huge body of water at the top of Central Park, I mistakenly made us get off the subway at 103rd st. instead of 110th. Whoops… it IS always an adventure. Our adventure took us through the beautiful ravine area of Central Park and around the Harlem Meer. It was gorgeous and once again I was awestruck by the incredible beauty found in the heart of Manhattan. I hope you enjoy the pics. Have a great day!

Gorgeous almost WINTER colors!

Stone Bridge

Exploring...

Waterfall

Ravine Pathway

More Beautiful Water

Love

A Furry Sighting- Racoon!

Buildings in Reflection

Look Closely, A Christmas Tree Floats In The Water

Manhattan Sunset

The Discovery Center

Ice Sculpture

C is for Cookie!

All Lit Up For The Holidays

Maybe We Will Have Snow For Christmas...

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Post Turkey Day: Monday Musings

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , on November 28, 2011| 2 Comments »

So here we are, the Monday after a fabulous four day weekend filled with wonderful conversation, much relaxing, great food and the company of cherished family and friends. My stuffy nose aside, it was a spectacular weekend to celebrate American Thanksgiving.

Checking out the balloons for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Watching the parade from the comfort of our couch. Lots of snuggles and plenty of coffee!

Preparing the wine 😉

The amazing chefs in the kitchen!

The Feast!!

Friends and Family

A Couple of Turkeys 😉

Now it is back to reality and the massive pre-holiday list that keeps getting longer and longer even as I try and cross things off. *Sigh* In a sort of an obscure way of procrastinating I decided to take to the computer and let myself muse on this Movember Monday or as some (my husband) might say, ramble…

First of all, I can’t believe that it is the end of November. The weather is not helping. It is a balmy 68 degrees here in NYC today and although I should not be complaining I kind of miss the crisp cool days. The lights are up and trees are lit around the city but it doesn’t really feel very Christmas like without even a hint of the white stuff. This is what it must feel like to live in the warmer climes over the holidays 😉  I know, I know, soon I will be complaining of the cold arctic wind that whips around the buildings and the ugly city black/grey melting snow. You can remind me of this post and tell me to suck it up!

A Tree Hanging On To Its Beautiful Leaves In Central Park

The Girls Playing At The Park Yesterday

I feel like I am having trouble focusing on just one thing lately. I am writing down the things to get done and they all blur together into one big heart racing madness- holiday shopping, baking (I said yes to a cookie swap!!), starting training for a 1/2 marathon (why do I agree to these things??!!), searching for a job (!!!), worrying about middle school applications (not for me ;)), what’s for dinner (ugh), securing babysitters, scheduling, volunteering (must learn to say NO!) and then I am distracted by the price of limes (Matti!!!). Seriously, I know that these are not BIG worries and I am extremely fortunate but hey, try telling that to my stressed out big hair 😉 ‘Tis the season! Wow, I feel much better just sharing my insanity.

Anyhoo, in all honesty, I do love the craziness, I would be bored if I was just sitting around wondering what to do with myself. So, enough ranting, rambling, musing for today. I need to go and fold some laundry, send some emails, peruse the job listings and vacuum. After that I think I will sit down with a big old glass of wine, oh wait, I have to pick up the girls, make dinner and help with homework first! It’s always an adventure even when the adventure is pretty mundane 😉

Have a great week and remember to find some time just for YOU!!

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