Living in Manhattan | It's Always An Adventure

Posts Tagged ‘Living in Manhattan’

Oh Hi! It’s me, can I be honest?

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged 2018 reflections, end of year reflections, honest reflections of 2018, Life in NYC, Living in Manhattan, new year's post, Pics of NYC on December 30, 2018| 6 Comments »

I am tired.

2018 has been exhausting.

Raising teenage daughters, exhausting.

Navigating the NYC high school process for the second time, exhausting.

Trying to eat healthy and stay fit, exhausting.

Keeping up with the orange monster and his daily horror show, exhausting.

Doing shit on your own, exhausting.

A little too much entitlement at work, exhausting.

Dipping toes in to the American college process, exhausting.

Figuring out what the hell to do next in life, exhausting.

Grieving unexpectedly at odd times about your lost family of four, exhausting.

Worrying about real and imagined crap, exhausting.

Sorry, (Canadian apology) I am not meaning to make this last post of the year all doom and gloom. I guess I just wanted to say that if you are feeling a bit out of sorts, I get it and you are not alone. You are NEVER alone. I am sending ALL the love and courage. Looking at the NYTimes Year In Pictures and damn, we have all had A YEAR!

As the year draws to a close it is the time to reflect back and look forward. Reflecting back I am just glad that I have such a strong support group to laugh, cry, talk and be with. Looking forward, I am going to remind myself that I am doing just fine. I am far from perfect. Thank god. I am doing the best I can and that is enough. I have amazing friends, daughters who challenge me daily and at the same time make me so proud and happy I could burst, family I love dearly, my health and a pretty darn good life all in all.

2019, I have no idea what you have planned, I have learned that life throws dodge balls and to always be ready for anything, so bring on the new adventures. I may be tired, my cape may be a bit dented, but my heart is full, my smile is ready and I accept the challenge. Let’s fucking do this!

Love, laughter, warmth, health, happiness and more laughter to all of you, my dear, sweet friends xoxo

I leave you with a few of my fave pics from 2018…

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Poem Of Brotherhood on MLK Day

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged experiencing MLK day from child's point of view, hope, human rights, Life in NYC, Living in Manhattan, love, Martin Luther King Day, Mlk day2018, NYC, peace, unity on January 15, 2018| 1 Comment »

This past Friday I was cleaning out the supply closet with a couple of colleagues. We came across a publication of the “87 Observer” from 1960. While going through the newspaper we were struck by a poem written by a 6th grade girl named Debbie Green. I am going to publish it here today to offer up some hope, light and love in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. It is through the eyes of children that we can remember the true meaning of being united, being equal, setting aside hate. So, thank you Debbie Green, wherever you may be now, for a little reminder, especially in these trying days.

“A Poem of Brotherhood”

Human Rights- Debbie Green 6-5

When thinking of human rights,

A phase oft comes to me,

“All men are created equal”

And should be equally free.

Most of us have been made to realize

Just what human rights are,

If only the world would awaken

We might go much further than far.

Someday this whole world may unite,

Unite as never before.

With every land, we’ll clasp a hand

To signify freedom galore.

Someday I’ll glance over my shoulder

And display a widening grin.

For I’ll notice that all are ignoring

The difference in race, creed and skin.

Well, I’m thinking of human rights,

And that phrase is coming to me

“All men are created equal”

But what ever will be, will be.

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Peace Out 2017!

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged goodbye 2017, happy 2018, Happy New Year!, life in Manhattan, Life in NYC, Living in Manhattan, pics of London, trip to London on December 31, 2017| Leave a Comment »

Well, here it is, the end of another year. Is it just me or are these years flying by faster and faster?

I am back home in NYC. Very happy to be back together with my girls and Mr. Memphis. Santa even dropped in last night and we had a wonderful morning opening gifts and having a delicious breakfast.

Tonight the girls and I are planning to snuggle on the couch, devour some special treats, watch movies and I will hope to stay awake until midnight. The perfect way to say goodbye to 2017 and ring in 2018.

I don’t really think I have any “BIG” resolutions for the new year. I have decided to just look forward, be more in the moment, enjoy this time. Be true to me and the people I love. To try and let the things that don’t really matter, go… To have fun, keep smiling, be open and always be kind. Here’s to 2018 and all of the new adventures that lay ahead!

May all your wishes for 2018 come true my friends. I wish you happiness, health, laughter, love and light! Happy, Happy New Year!!!

(Here are a few more pics from my Christmas adventure in London 😊)

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Good Morning From Central Park

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged Central Park, good morning, happy weekend, Life in NYC, life is good, Living in Manhattan, Pics of Central Park, snowy pics of nyc, snowy walk in central park, walk in central park, Walking through Central Park on December 16, 2017| Leave a Comment »

Taking Memphis for a walk in Central Park on Saturday mornings has become one of my favorite things to do. No matter what the weather we are out there. He has a chance to run off leash and chase squirrels and I get to enjoy the quiet beauty and chat with a friend. It really is a perfect start to the weekend.

Today, with a light dusting of snow, was incredibly beautiful. Cold, but so beautiful. The park was packed with people and their dogs. I think a few tourists were even braving the chilly walk.

The calm in the holiday storm =)

Just thought I would share the pics. Have a wonderful day. Stay warm, stay sane and enjoy some time with the people who mean the most to you. Happy weekend xox

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Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged 5th Avenue, christmas in the city, Holiday windows in NYC, Life in NYC, Living in Manhattan, Macy's Holiday Windows, Manhattan, NYC, NYC at Christmas, Pics of NYC, Pics of NYC at Christmas, Pics of NYC in the snow, Pics of NYC Snow, Rockefeller Centre Tree, Sak's Fifth Avenue, The Grey Dog Restaurant NYC, Union Square Holiday Market, Winter Wonderland on December 11, 2017| 2 Comments »

‘Tis the crazy season! With two weeks to go until Christmas (and Hanukkah starts tomorrow!!) it seems like things are moving at lightening speed. The streets are packed, stores are bustling, tourists are wandering and lets not even talk about the post office. Yikes! I am reminding myself to stop and take a breath every so often- between making cookies, wrapping presents, writing cards and organizing a packing list, oh and working!

But, on Saturday night I did find some time to hang with a cherished friend and sneak away to see the lights and decorations in the City. It is one of my favorite things to do and I don’t always make it a priority. This year I am so glad that I did.

It just so happened that on Saturday we also had our first snow fall of the season. Every time it snows in NYC, I really feel like the city is transformed in to a magical whirling snow globe. The fresh snow makes everything seem beautiful and I swear it is a bit quieter somehow.

We started our adventure off at the GreyDog for dinner on 12th Street and then headed to Union Square to check out the Holiday Market. From there we walked up 7th Avenue past the Flatiron District to Macy’s. From Macy’s we walked up 6th Avenue to Bryant Park and then headed to 5th Avenue to check out the windows along 5th, including Sak’s Fifth Avenue and of course the tree at Rockefeller Center. Our tired and cold feet jumped into a taxi at 59th street and headed home.

Whether you are a tourist or have lived in NYC for all of your life, I highly recommend finding time to do a nighttime walk to see the sights at the holidays. Yes, the crowds can be a bit crazy but there is nothing wrong with fortifying yourself mid walk with a hot chocolate or something a bit stronger to keep your energy up. There are lots of restaurants and pubs along the way! Get out there and then hurry back and get cozy on the couch with your favorite holiday classic, might I suggest “Love Actually”? 😉

Hope you enjoy this year’s pics. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season. May you find some time over the next couple of weeks to do something just for you. Love and hugs, S xo

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There is always something to be thankful for…

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged American Thanksgiving, being thankful, Central Park, Family, Friends, Happy Thanksgiving, life in Manhattan, Life in NYC, life is good, Living in Manhattan, living in NYC, Manhattan, Pics of Central Park, Pics of NYC, Thanksgiving on November 23, 2017| 2 Comments »

Taking the time today for a bit of personal reflection. The sun is shining down on this spectacular city. The dog and I walked through Central Park and currently the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade plays in the background while my little family lounges. Life is certainly not perfect, it never is, but there really is always something to be thankful for.

Right now I am thankful for my girls. They are challenging and exhausting but they are also smart, determined and hilarious. I am thankful for my family, who no matter how far away are always available for a chat and a positive word or two of support. I am thankful for Mr Memphis who shares my love of walks in the park. I am so damn thankful for my friends, especially my girlfriends who just understand. All of it.

I am thankful for another day to explore, experience, question, to be angry, to fight, to love, to care, to be kind, to have adventures.

Wishing all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am thankful for you ❤️

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A Saturday In January

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged Life in NYC, life is good, Living in Manhattan, Pics of snow in Manhattan, Pics of Snow in NYC, Riverside Park, riverside park in the snow, saturday in january, snow day, Snow in Manhattan, walking the dog, Winter in Manhattan, winter in nyc on January 7, 2017| Leave a Comment »

For some reason my body and mind do not like to sleep in anymore. I guess by default that makes me a morning person. I have been embracing this early wake up on Saturday mornings by heading to Central Park with Memphis where he runs off leash and I get some exercise walking at the most beautiful time of the day. Today it was enjoying the calm before the snow.

I spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon putting away all the Christmas decorations and tidying up the apartment. The snow did begin to fall. I love looking out my apartment window watching it blow all around. It is like being inside one giant snow globe.

There really is something magical about fresh snow, or maybe that is the Canadian in me talking 😉 Whatever it is, I always feel like I need to get out and go for a walk. So I grabbed Memphis’ leash and off we went. It is the Southern Gentleman’s second time in the snow. I do not think he shares my enthusiasm quite yet. I would say that he tolerates it.

It was quite blustery down by the river and we are both happy to be back home in the snow globe watching the white stuff fall outside. Time for a cup of tea, a warm blanket and a good movie. Memphis has already found his spot for the afternoon =)

Happy Saturday my friends, stay warm and safe. Happy Snow!

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2016: “Look Around, How Lucky We Are To Be Alive Right Now”

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged 2016: a reflection, bedford hills, Christmas in NYC, Family, Friends, goodbye 2016, hamilton: an american musical, Happy 2017, Life in NYC, life is good, Living in Manhattan, living in NYC, Macy's, memphis dog, new year's resolution, New York City, pics of Christmas, pics of christmas in nyc, Pics of NYC, reflections, Rockefeller Center, Rockefeller Centre Tree on December 30, 2016| 4 Comments »

The line from “Hamilton: An American Musical” keeps running through my mind right now as I sit here reflecting on the insanity of the year that was 2016. This year has been a whirlwind of ups and downs. And yes, there have been many downs but we are still here. We ARE lucky to be alive right now and to enter 2017, fierce and strong and ready to meet challenges like the badass people we have proven to be. Yep, I am talking about YOU! Go get it my friends!! =)

Sorry, I haven’t written in awhile, one of the resolutions I hope to keep is to get back to my writing. It really does soothe my soul and make me happy.

I have spent the last few days of 2016 with my girls and Memphis. I was lucky enough to get the week off of work and we spent Christmas in Bedford celebrating with good friends and meeting new people in a beautiful setting. We have also had some quality time chilling at home binge watching “Gilmore Girls”.

This time of year is still a bit tough, I find myself with a bit too much time to think and reflect. Not necessarily a bad thing unless I start being a little too hard on myself. I have to remind myself to take a deep breath. I am exactly where I am supposed to be. This year we said goodbye to Dopey dog but it also brought us Memphis. The girls and I have become closer, we are our own little family unit. I have a job that I enjoy, it is chaotic and crazy, it forces me out of my comfort zone. I don’t see my extended family and out of town friends as often as I would like but they are doing a-okay and that makes me smile. Here in the big city I am surrounded by my NYC family and these friends are the glue that hold all the pieces together. My heart is full. For that I am so very humbled and grateful.

I do feel a little uncertain as to what 2017 holds, but I do know this, together, we will be okay. Kindness is key. And love really is the answer. Be well my friends. Happy, Happy, Happy 2017!! -Sandra xo

(I leave you with a few pics from the last few days of this year- Enjoy!)

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It’s Been Awhile… Checking In!

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged being positive, catching up, Central Park, fall in NYC, Family, Friends, life changes, Life in NYC, life is good, Living in Manhattan, living life, Manhattan, moving forward, reflection, starting a new job, starting new, writing again on October 10, 2016| 9 Comments »

Wow, I just realized my last post was July 20th… time sure is flying by. I have missed writing and so, here I am, checking in with all of you.

The other day I had a very cool experience. I was standing in Alice’s Tea Cup (the best tea shop in NYC- go already!!) talking with a friend, when a woman approached me, she said “you’re the woman who writes the blog ‘It’s Always An Adventure’, aren’t you?”. I was kind of blown away and it also confirms to me that my crazy curly hair IS that recognizable. So, it turns out that she was visiting from Australia and used to live in NYC (I won’t bore you with the rest of the details, mutual friend, etc..). However, she was incredibly nice and said how she and some friends read my blog in Australia- wow- what a compliment! HELLO AUSTRALIA, thanks for reading all of my crazy thoughts and keeping up with my adventures =) And it also prodded me to get my butt in gear and start writing again.

Things have been busy in our family. I started a new job. I am working in a school again which makes me extremely happy. I love being back involved in education and working with families, children and administration in my role as a parent coordinator. Not going to lie, it has been a big adjustment for all of us having me back at work but I think the change is good for me as well as the girls. The big kid started high school this fall and the little one started middle school. Between the three of us we are navigating three school schedules, meetings, extra-curricular activities and personal growth. No wonder I feel so damn tired. Maybe I would write more if I could stay up past 9:30 😉

Overall, we are doing well. Positive change, steps forward. Fall is my favorite time of the year and I am enjoying the cooler weather. Memphis and I are taking lots of long walks in Central Park. My achilles is still not super happy with me but Soul Cycle is keeping me sane and healthy. Good friends, connecting with old friends, warm mugs of tea, belly laughs, episodes of Gilmore Girls, binge watching new tv, dreaming of my upcoming Thanksgiving trip to California… all of these things are helping to distract from the insanity of US politics, a finalized divorce and a general heaviness in the world.

Today is Canadian Thanksgiving and a perfect time to reflect. Ultimately there are so many things to be grateful and thankful for. Right now I am thankful for the peace I find just regrouping and working on life’s simpler things. It is not all sunshine and lollipops but damn, it is life and it is meant to be lived. I guess I have been in my head a lot lately trying to find perspective, answers or simply just daydreaming. And I am a-okay with that. I am grateful for a new day.

Thanks for hanging out my friends. Hope you are all well. Be good to each other. Here are some of my favorite pics from the past few months. Enjoy and rock on with your beautiful, badass selves!

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Wordless Wednesday: Sunshine, Heat and Happiness

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged Life in NYC, Living in Manhattan, Pics of NYC, summer, Summer in NYC, summer in the city, Wordless Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday Pics on July 20, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Sorry, I haven’t been around in a couple of weeks, I have been enjoying the unstructured days of summer 😊

The girls are at camp and I am desperately finding ways to counter balance the heartbreak in the world right now and the insanity of politics with the simple things that summer brings. I am distracting myself with quiet moments, new shows, long walks, new reading material, dinner with friends and even trips to the dentist and eye doctor. Mostly I am just taking time to breathe.

Summer, a time to slow down a bit, relax, look around, appreciate.

Here are few pics from the past couple of weeks. Hope you enjoy them. Happy summer my friends! 😎💜