Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Posts Tagged ‘NYC’

My Quest to Find My Beloved Hair Spray in NYC!

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , on September 15, 2010| 4 Comments »

I started off my morning in a bit of a panic, I still did NOT have my usual finishing spray and I desperately needed it.  Those of you with wild, curly hair will understand that hair products are like gold.  Once you have found something that actually works to tame the beast you will go above and beyond to find it again!!  I have not been able to find my “gold” anywhere near my apartment and believe me, I have tried a few other products this week with not soo glamorous results.

Yes, that is my REAL hair!

So, off I went on my quest to search and find the elusive hair spray.  See, here’s the thing… I couldn’t actually remember what the name of the store was, only what side of the street it was on and I had no idea how many blocks up it was.  In NYC, this could be a disaster.  I could be walking forever. The store could be closed or under renovation. I did not even know what time it opened. Thankfully, I reminded myself that there was a Starbucks on every other corner and I would not die of dehydration of my journey.

Here are a few things I observed on my morning walk:

1.  Allergies in NYC in the fall, SUCK, big time.  Who knew that in the concrete jungle there would be soo much pollen and well, other stuff bugging my eyes on this fine September morning.  Ugh.

2.  People actually still use pay phones.  And, that there is sometimes a line for the phone.  Who knew? Personally, I am not sure I want to ever use a NYC pay phone, probably because I would actually have to TOUCH it. But the advertising IS kind of hot.

Random Pay Phone on Broadway

3.  There is fabulous artwork all over the City and usually when you least expect it.  Here is a the beautiful mosaic piece on the storefront of a restaurant called “Two Boots Pizza”.

Two Boots Pizza (UWS)

4.  There are a surprising number of LandRovers in this City.  Surprising because I don’t foresee that there is a lot of rough terrain to maneuver through in Manhattan.  I haven’t seen too many off-roading opportunities.  Although I guess for many people, bigger means more status, right??!!

The Mighty LandRover

But, I digress… I did finally make it to the store I was looking for, it was only a mere TWENTY blocks!  And.. of course I forgot to write down the name of it, so the next time I try and remember where it is I will have to walk down the street and hope for the best again.  However, I did buy FOUR bottles, so hopefully I won’t have to go back any time soon.

As my wonderful hubby reminded me this morning, when all else fails there is a little thing called AMAZON where they will do the walking (and the thinking) for you 😉

Read Full Post »

September 11, 2010- I LOVE NYC in pictures

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , on September 11, 2010| 6 Comments »

We all remember where we were and what we were doing September 11, 2001.  We must never forget.

Today, as a newbie to New York City, experiencing all of the emotions that this day brings, I am quite simply honoured and proud to live here.

I would like to share with you some of my favourite pics of my new home.

American Flag, Wall Street

South Street Sea Port

Riding the Subway- The D Train

A Stubborn Tree Hanging Over the Intersection of Hester and Grand

I Learn I Go To School

Street Performers in Soho

Columbus Circle as the Sun is Setting (From the Time Warner Building)

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Entrance

Mercer Street (Soho)

A Picnic in Central Park

Empire State Building

Upper West Side (From the East Side of the Resevoir)

Home.

Read Full Post »

There Is A Hint of Fall in the Air in NYC…

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , on September 10, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Yesterday we woke up to an absolutely glorious weather day in NYC.  Well, it was glorious for me.  There was no humidity and the temperature was in the 60’s, high of low 70’s.  A perfect day for a light sweater or a hoodie. Yes, my absolute favourite time of year- crisp mornings, warm days and cool evenings.

There are other clear NYC indicators that the Fall Season is right around the corner. The traffic on the sidewalks has nearly doubled since Labor Day, the uniform of the colour “Black Only” clothing is emerging on the streets, Fashion Week is in full swing and the New York Film Festival is starting in mere days.  Also, who could forget the multiplying billboards advertising new Fall television shows.  There is a definite buzz in the City. The energy and pace has moved from semi-relaxed (I am not sure New Yorker’s ever really relax in the City) to LET’S DO THIS!

I know I am being a little optimistic and by this time next week we will be sweltering in the 90’s +, but yesterday we got out and enjoyed a day off from school and embraced the Fall like weather. Since it was one of their last official days of “summer” before the first real week of school started, I let the girls decide what they wanted to do.  Naturally, they wanted to be surrounded by friends, eat lunch at the Shake Shack and go to one of the coolest spots in Central Park, Adventure Playground. Off we went, here are my favourite pics of the day:

Ahh... the Shake Shack. I might just have a cheese fries addiction.

The kids waiting ever soo patiently outside for their lunch

Adventure Playground (@CPW and 67th)

Love all the space in this playground

The walk home took forever as the kids explored EVERYTHING!!

Ahh, the beauty of Central Park. Can't wait for the leaves to change...

It was a truly wonderful day even if my friend Carol (NYCityMama) and I were exhausted by the end. We figured it was a success, we may have lost a few sand toys but we did make it home with all six kids!

A & R have decided today that we will be heading downtown to Imagination Playground, so I am grabbing another cup of caffeine and am putting on the running shoes.

Do you know what another good thing about this upcoming season is??!! The kids will be in school full time and this tired tour guide will get some much needed alone time… shhh.. don’t tell anyone =)

Read Full Post »

First Day Of School In NYC- in pictures (Wordless Wednesday)

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , on September 8, 2010| 3 Comments »

Back To School Shopping Finally Done!!

Obligatory First Day of School Sister Photo

Walking the Mean Streets of NYC to School 😉

Nervous parents and students hanging out in the playground

Now, it's time for a nap OR a two day holiday... gotta love NYC!

Read Full Post »

Everyone’s Going Back to School Except Me- Weird.

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , on September 7, 2010| 12 Comments »

Today has been a very strange day for me.  All day I have been going through the motions but I have been feeling like I am missing something.  It is the day after Labor Day or Labour Day if you are Canadian, and that is the day that I usually start back to work. But today I didn’t.  For the first time since well, I guess since I was four, I did not start school today.  I have always gone back to school in September, as a student and then as a teacher.  Last night I actually had a good night sleep. Normally I can’t sleep the night before  school because I am excited to meet my students and I have the first day jitters. Not last night, I slept like a log.  It was weird.

My girls don’t start school until tomorrow- It’s a NYC thing.  So, we spent the day in Central Park meeting kids from A’s third grade class.  I felt like I should be somewhere else, doing something else.  It was a weird feeling.

For the first time in my life, since I was old enough to work, I don’t have a job.  I will get to go with the girls to school tomorrow and walk with them to their classes.  I will get to pick them up. This year I will be able to volunteer and be part of the parent’s association.  I won’t miss all of the little things because I am in class at the same time that they are.  I won’t have to take a personal day to see a Christmas Concert or attend a Kindergarten Breakfast. It is a weird feeling.

Perhaps this will be the hardest challenge for me in this big move to New York City.  So often a job defines who we are.  I am not sure how I really feel about it, I am sure it won’t even seem real until sometime in October.  Right now it just feels weird.

A & R Walking to the Bus Stop on the First Day of School Last Year

Read Full Post »

Namaste, it’s Friday!!

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , on September 3, 2010| 5 Comments »

Soo, the other day I made the delicious mistake of walking into Pure Yoga.  Mistake for my bank account that is.  The place is like walking into pure heaven.  It is quiet, relaxing, smells incredible and the people are super friendly.  Did I mention that it is quiet??  A lovely woman at the front desk asked me if I had time for a tour and of course I had time, just by walking in there my blood pressure had dropped and my stress level had decreased.  Ooom, ya! Needless to say the place does not disappoint.  The locker room is gorgeous- brand new, spotless, showers that actually well, work, and there is a STEAM room.  I was sold after the locker room and that was before I had even seen the beautiful yoga studios.  Hell, I didn’t even need to practice yoga, I just wanted to go hang out on the comfy couches and use the steam room.  I walked out with a membership and lets just say that it is a tad more expensive than Hubby’s gym membership- oops!

These gorgeous doors were calling my name...

Now I actually have to practice yoga, I don’t think Ron will be too pleased if I just go there to hang out on the couches and read- then again he wouldn’t really know, would he? I went to my first class the other night.  I had the initial pre-class anxiety of “what if’s”. What if I release a toxic smell during the class?  What if the class is filled with hard body types who look at me with athletic judgement? What if I am totally un-cordinated and can do none of the moves? And worst of all- what if I get into an awkward position that I can’t get out of? And then I walked into the magic cone of silence and did an amazing thing, I relaxed.

NYC can be a pretty intense, action packed, overwhelming place.

Trying to get into Fairway on the Friday before a long weekend. You thought I was joking yesterday, right?

Sometimes you just need a place to go where you can calm the voices in your head and tune out the never ending sirens (not that I don’t appreciate the men in uniform). Oh, and sometimes I just really need to get away from my children too 😉 Did I mention that it was quiet?  Wishing you all a wonderfully peaceful Friday and a fabulous long weekend.

Read Full Post »

It’s Been Two Months Since the BIG Move…

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , on September 2, 2010| 6 Comments »

And here are 10 Things that I have learned about NYC (in no particular order):

1.  If you have enough money you can buy ANYTHING or get ANY SERVICE here.  Case and point:  Your dog is having a hard time adjusting to doing his business on the concrete sidewalk instead of  the cushy grass in a backyard, don’t stress, hire someone to teach your dog to do the deed.  No joke.

2.  People are strange and wonderful, that is what makes this place soo incredibly interesting.  The other day I saw a woman walking her bird in its cage, along the river.  She was talking to it. Who am I to judge?  I talk to myself and wait for an answer.

3.  Do NOT go to Fairway (the local grocery store) at peak hours- EVER!!!! It is a mad house.  People are pushing, swearing, jockeying for position and that is only to get through the door.  Don’t even get me started about the deli line…

4.  Central Park is amazing.  Every time I go into the park I find a new incredible space.  It is a little piece of heaven that is easily accessible to escape to when you need a reprieve from the concrete jungle.

A View of Turtle Pond from Belvedere Castle, Central Park

5. Get out and meet people.  Don’t be afraid to talk to your local news guy, your neighbour, the doorman on your route, the local Starbuck’s barista or the person sitting next to you on the subway.  New Yorkers truly are friendly people and I believe that they give back to you, what you give to them. If you are an asshole, expect a whole lot of attitude back.  And yes, I have actually have heard people say “Fuggedaboutit” as one whole word.  It’s okay, because it makes up for the fact that I still end a lot of my sentences with “eh?”.  I have already met some incredible people who are helping me navigate through the insanity.  To you- you know who you all are, thank you 😉

6.  People in my neighbourhood take their strollers incredibly seriously.  I have seen strollers that cost more than a small car.  This is the mecca for the trendy, cutting edge stroller.  Kids (and dogs- yes, I have seen dogs in strollers!) are riding in style. Check out this bad boy that can turn into a bike for mom or dad if they are getting tired of the whole pushing thing:

All this can be yours for a cool $1500.00

7.  It is HOT in the summer.  And yes, the sidewalks smell like urine, garbage, vomit and everything else that has landed on them in the heat of the day.  You get used to it.  Suck it up princess… the rain will eventually wash it all away.

8.  You need to keep your sense of humour!!  This is essential.  With soo many people invading your personal space it is better to be positive than negative.  If you don’t like people this is the wrong place to be living. I am already finding that I have little patience for tourists and then I remember that this is how I first found my love of the City and yes, it is an awe inspiring place that makes you just want to stop and stare.

No comment.

9. Look UP!!!  There are soo many incredible things to see all around you.  Sometimes I find myself overwhelmed by everything and I forget to really look at what IS around me.  The buildings are truly spectacular.

Empire State Building

10.  Don’t forget to exercise!!!  This might sound strange because you WALK everywhere, but while you are walking there are tooo many tempting things to eat- cupcakes, famous hotdogs, deli sandwiches, pretzels, cheesecake, Shake Shack Burgers, BEER, Margarita’s, ice cream, fabulous restaurants… you get the idea.  So, my September resolution is to pound the pavement in my running shoes, get my relaxation on in the yoga studio and bike my way around the Island.  We will see how it goes… why don’t you come visit me and see how I am doing? 😉

Read Full Post »

Distracted By Shiny Objects

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , on August 31, 2010| 22 Comments »

For those of you who know me, you know that I am a huge procrastinator and can be easily distracted by even the smallest of things. We moved to NYC, see the problem? As soon as I walk out of my apartment in the morning, I quickly forget what I am doing as there is soo much to look at, see and do.  But, I digress.  My mission today was to do some back to school shopping for the girls while they were at camp and would not drive me crazy with the constant “can I have…?”.  So, I set out, determined to get things done.

Back in Ottawa, there are malls where one goes to get back to school clothes.  You wander through the mall, popping in and out of various stores, back and forth, buying different items.  NYC, not so much.  There are stores EVERYWHERE but there is no such thing as a mega mall. I decided that I would head on down to Macy’s (at Herald Square) because I reasoned that they would have a large selection of clothes.  As I got off the subway, I took a wrong turn and ended up in front of JCPenney.  In I went… huge selection of children’s clothes but I soon realized my big mistake of shopping without the kids. While it was nice and relaxing and whine free, I had no idea what would actually fit them. As a kindly woman said to me “It is like going shoe shopping without bringing your feet”.  Right.  Epic Fail.

I decided that I would view my adventure as a recon mission for future weekend with the hubby and the girls to make things go more efficiently and headed on over to Macy’s.  In I walked and was blinded by the purses. It is a woman’s dream come true- rows and rows of beautifully layed out handbags.  I tried to keep my eye on my goal but I just couldn’t resist the wonderful colours and the smell of leather.

A girl can look, can't she?

And is it really my fault that the children’s clothes are on the same floor as the women’s shoes?  I tried to resist, I really did but the escalator was right there!

Dr. Seuss Converse- Educational, no?

In the end, I did manage to remember that I was supposed to be ‘looking’ for the kids and that I had numerous other errands to attend to like ordering dog food, writing my first blog post, getting thank you cards etc.  So, I took the incredibly cool wooden escalator down to the main floor and managed to escape into the searing heat without buying a single thing. (The MAC lip gloss does not count)

.

Macy's Lobby from the escalator

My plan for tomorrow is to go out and buy school supplies, a job that does not require the children to actually be present.  Hopefully I will not be distracted by something more interesting.  I mean what else more exciting could possibly be happening on this little Island of Manhattan? Excuse me, I just remembered there is a shiny pair of rain boots I want to order online.  What?  There is a hurricane coming, right?

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts