January’s Standstill

January 18

It was a cold and blustery day, but that didn’t stop me from heading into the city. Summy invited me to join her, Esther and Mindy for lunch on her last day before her big move to the West Coast.

Lunch was at Nick and Stef’s Steakhouse by Madison Square Garden, which was participating in New York’s Restaurant Week. It’s a chance to sample dishes at higher-end restaurants around the city for a set price ($25 for three courses at lunch).

I wasn’t aware that you are only offered three options for each course, so I guess you’d better hope you like what’s available! The choices certainly weren’t items I normally would have chosen, but they were still tasty.

Summy, Esther and Mindy had participated in Restaurant Week in the past, and found the experience at this steakhouse to be mediocre compared to the others. I said that my lunch was better than the soggy peanut butter and jelly sandwich I would’ve eaten in my apartment, so I couldn’t complain.

 

After running through piercing winds and ducking in and out of buildings for warmth, we all met up in Koreatown with another friend of Summy’s who also wanted to bid her farewell. The afternoon flew by, and before I knew it, I was heading back to my apartment for the night.

It’s only been a couple of weeks, but I miss her already.

January 23/24

Just days after our lunch date, news broke that the East Coast would be hit with a potentially record-breaking snowstorm. I quickly realized that I was in no way prepared for such a blizzard, so I went to Walgreens after work on Friday to stock up on necessary supplies: batteries, bread, a blanket, Kettle Corn…

When I woke up the next morning, I could barely see out my window, and Manhattan had completely disappeared out of view.

I didn’t mind being snowed in that day since I had reading and cleaning to do, but I did worry about the power going off. (Or cable. You know…priorities).

The snow finally stopped that night and from what I could see out my window, things were not nearly as bad as meteorologists had predicted.

I was wrong.

Sunday morning I finally decided to venture outside of my apartment. I decided to forgo the laundromat knowing I’d never be able to move my cart on the street or sidewalk. Instead, I ended up walking down the street to the grocery store as I watched the entire community try to shovel out.

Let’s just say I’ve never been happier to not have a car.

Naturally, having no car meant public transportation was an absolute nightmare long after the blizzard disappeared, but I’ll spare you the details.

January 30

After a failed attempt at making plans through GoFindFriends, I decided to just head into the city so as not to spend the day sitting around my apartment.

Since I had just finished reading the book Time and Again, much of which is set in nineteenth century New York, I thought it’d be fitting to explore the New-York Historical Society.

The museum was certainly not what I was expecting. I was hoping for a focus on the history of the city, but instead, it was mostly a random collection of exhibits.

I actually preferred the Children’s Museum in the basement, which felt more like a showcase of history to me. It was also very colorful and eye-catchy, a bonus!

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I was able to see the entire museum in a short amount of time, and left a bit unsatisfied with my visit. I spent more on admission than the American Museum of Natural History next door, but that trip felt worth the high ticket price.

At that point it was only 2:00 in the afternoon, and I couldn’t bring myself to head back to New Jersey just yet (Even if I did feel slow and groggy). Instead I wandered into Central Park to snap a few pictures at the reservoir and later down at the ice rink. I guess winter can sometimes be photogenic.

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My day was, to say the least, highly uneventful. I’ve found another website that posts meet-ups around the city, so I’m hoping to find some success with that in the future.

Let’s face it; dragging your feet around the Upper West Side all by yourself on a cold, winter day is no way to spend a Saturday.

 

 

 

Finding Friends

In my last blog, I mentioned that I was considering trying Match.com this year. After reading customer reviews, however, it was clear that the company just tries to scam you to make money. Not worth it!

Instead, I turned to a website called Go Find Friends NYC, which is a free website people like me can use to meet others in the city and do activities together. (And can probably serve as a free dating site if you so desire!)

I have a long and complicated history when it comes to making friends. I’m very much an introvert (though I wouldn’t say shy) and it just doesn’t come easily to me. When I do make a friend or two, I have a tendency to stick to that person like glue instead of continuing to expand my circle. This pattern has been going on with me since kindergarten, so unfortunately it’s nothing new. Plus, since I spend so much of my time at work or in my apartment, you have to meet people somehow!

I decided the beginning of a new year was a good excuse to branch out and meet new people, as well as continue to hang out with Summy. Unfortunately, she delivered the news to me last week that she had accepted a job on the West Coast and would be leaving in two weeks. I will definitely miss her! We had a lot of fun in the city on weekends and she’s been a great cube mate at work, as well.

With that said, the timing was definitely right to give Go Find Friends a try this weekend. I suggested going bowling yesterday and only got one response. I was admittedly a little nervous about the situation. I mean, you’re basically meeting up with a complete stranger to go on a “play date” together. Let’s call it Blind Date: friendship edition.

I met up with Liz in the afternoon near Grand Central Station and I immediately felt comfortable with her. We were both in similar situations, having had a hard time meeting people to hang out with in our free time. I think being able to relate in that way helped us feel more open with each other. She even made a joke that making friends in such a huge city is nothing like on TV.

We made our way to a bowling alley near the Hudson, only to discover that there was a 45-minute wait time for a lane and they were closing in an hour for a private event. I remembered reading that there was another alley right in the middle of Times Square (who knew?!) so we decided to give that one a try instead. 

The two of us were both in awe that this elaborate 3-story bowling alley even existed. Apparently it’s a hot spot for celebrity events, as they had a bunch of bowling pins that have been signed by famous people.

There was a short wait at this alley too, but we both were able to pass the time playing a few games at their arcade. I’d say the two of us definitely enjoyed some friendly competition.

Bowling was not a close game. I’m not great at it by any means, but my score was probably a personal worst. It didn’t help that Liz said she played on her high school’s bowling team.

Even though we both agreed it had already been a pricey day, we ended up grabbing dinner at the nearby Ruby Tuesday. Our time together had actually flown by for me, and I was glad I decided to do something uncharacteristically extroverted for me. I was also out of my apartment past *gasp* 5 p.m. There’s a first for everything.

After such a positive first experience with Go Find Friends, I’m hoping I’ll only have success with it moving forward!

Holiday Wrap-up

It’s that time of year again where I’ll be signing everything as 2015 at least until June. Happy New Year!

Let’s journey back to the magical time before Christmas.

There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays

I was finally heading home for the first time in seven months. As ecstatic as I was, I was also a nervous wreck about the process of getting there.

After the 7+ hour drive here from Ohio with my dad back in May, I knew that I’d only be taking the bus back home as a last resort. (Not that sitting on a bus for roughly 12 hours wouldn’t be a blast). Flying certainly isn’t cheap, but for the amount of time it saves, I hoped it would be worth it.

My family hasn’t flown since 2001, and it was before 9-11. I was also only 8 years old, so I don’t remember a thing about the experience, except getting airsick on the way to Florida. My mom and I learned the hard way that we need to take Dramamine when flying.

Since the three of us have such little experience with air travel, it was up to me to do all of the planning for my Christmas trip home. Google was my best friend throughout the entire process and I researched every detail and scenario imaginable to ease my fears. I was convinced that items like mints should be left home so as not to get a pat-down  by the TSA.  I also arrived at the airport three hours ahead of take-off to cut down on necessary stress.

Luckily, I got through security and baggage check unscathed, and was able to relax in the terminal and enjoy a ridiculously pricey sandwich before boarding. Once on the plane, I opened my book, blinked, and we were landing in Cleveland. I couldn’t believe it. The trip was equal to that of my commute home from work. 

I finally found my parents at baggage claim and I admit, it was actually more emotional than I anticipated. It felt like a century since I had seen them, but since we find ways to talk every day, it also felt like no time has passed at all.

Our drive back to Madison was pleasant and I was able to admire the snow that Northeastern Ohio had been blessed with that day. (Dec. 1-25 it’s a blessing, Dec. 26 it’s disgusting.)

My arrival at home was an experience to say the least. I was thrilled to be reuniting with our original three cats, who all seemed quite happy to see me again. The two new kittens (Dobby and Winky) that my parents had adopted since my move, on the other hand, acted as if I were part of a SWAT team invading their home. (Even though I’m sure my scent is all over the house).

For days they would hide under the furniture, come out to eat and use the litter pan, then panic at just the sight of me. It was putting a huge damper on holiday spirit because I wanted them to just go about their normal routine. Eventually they started to come out in the evenings to play but still spent their days hiding under furniture. It was beyond frustrating. I tried everything to win them over: gave them treats, played with them, you name it. But any cat owner can tell you that they are confusing and stubborn creatures that are impossible to figure out.

By my last day I had finally been able to quickly scratch Dobby’s head, who was practically prancing around the house at that point. This means that the next time I come home he and his sister Winky will either be in my lap or forget who I am all over again. I’m guessing the latter.

Our plans that week basically consisted of vegetating, indulging on way too many sweets, and other relaxing Christmas activities. I didn’t need a packed schedule to enjoy myself, I was just happy to be home.

Unfortunately, I had to head back to the airport the day after Christmas. Although I could have left on Sunday, I was extremely anal about getting my errands done before returning to work. I was expecting a huge holiday rush at the Cleveland Hopkins Airport, so I asked my dad to drive me there a few hours before take-off again. So naturally, no one was there and I was stuck sitting around for three hours. My return trip was one hour. ONE HOUR. You would have thought I apparated there.

I was seriously dreading the experience at Newark this time because I had two large suitcases and a carry-on that I had to handle on my own. I was basically stumbling around the airport trying to get a cab. People stared, probably wondering what on Earth I could possibly be carrying that required three suitcases.  Then I had the wonderful experience of stumbling my way up five flights of stairs. Somehow nothing got broken and I also didn’t collapse on the third floor. Double win.

My vacation honestly felt like it was over in the blink of an eye. The short plane trip certainly helped with that. Now that I know what I’m doing, I’ll definitely feel comfortable taking a trip home again in the summer. Plus my mom wants to come visit in the spring, and hopefully I can offer some advice for her trip too.

Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016

My first New Year’s Eve on my own was pretty uneventful. I was quite jealous of my parents who got to try out the new board games we got for Christmas.

I, on the other hand, came back from work and passed out on my futon at 4 p.m. I jokingly texted my mom that I was going to sleep until midnight and had I not set an alarm for my nap, I probably would have. I ate delicious, unhealthy food, watched the movie “New Year’s Eve”, and ended the night watching the ball drop on TV. Yes, I live right across the river from Times Square and watched the event on TV. I know, I know, I’ll get there eventually.

Shop ’til you Drop

I’m probably one of only a handful of females who finds shopping to be exhausting and sometimes a chore. It’s an entirely different story, however, when you have gift cards to enjoy. Suddenly you’re willing to spend five hours hitting up stores in Manhattan because, hey, you have free money burning a hole in your pocket!

I definitely did not need anything to add my  ever-growing collection of stuff. My closet and drawers are basically overflowing, but did that stop me from expanding my wardrobe? Nope.

I also have enough boots to shoe a small army, but when you have a gift card, what’s one more pair?

So even though I probably have enough clothing at this point to not repeat outfits for a year, I was definitely in need of more, um, practical items. When I saw the aisle at The Container Store for laundry needs, I thought “Well, maybe it’s time to stop carrying my laundry to the laundromat in a garbage bag like a hobo,” so I bought a laundry bag. I felt quite fancy today waltzing into the laundromat with my poly-cotton bag.

Despite the fact that I was dead tired by the end of the shopping trip, it was an enjoyable experience. Most of the holiday crowds had left the city and even Times Square, which is usually a nightmare, was rather vacant. This made it easy to get a photo of the New Year display, although it’s certainly not the same in daylight.

The other surprise in my day came when my cashier at Old Navy saw the Ohio State shirt I was wearing and enthusiastically shared she was from Ohio. When you’re in Manhattan, hearing someone is from Ohio is like finding out you’re distant relatives. (And with all of the small towns in Ohio, who honestly knows…)

Well, it’s time to bid adieu to 2015. Here’s to a year hopefully full of happiness, good health, and new experiences! (And since I’ll be giving Match.com a try, let’s hope these new experiences are relatively tame.)