I took a trip back to the sunshine state this past weekend for my friend Holly's wedding. I decided to make a mini vacation of the trip so my mom came down and I stayed until Tuesday.
I flew in Friday, my flight was only slightly delayed, thank goodness. I know finally no airport drama to post about. Guess I shouldn't speak too soon, I am typing this while sitting at the gate to go home.
Saturday morning I attended Holly's wedding. She was so beautiful and I got to see a lot of my girl friends from college. All though our mini reunion was short I was so happy to see everyone and catch up for a little. Of coarse I cried the entire ceremony and during Miriam's toast, but all in all it was smiles for most of the time.
The Sharp's drove down to visit on Sunday, and we all went to Sea World. My mother has been talking about how much she wants grand kids, so I told Michael and Erika to make her honorary grandma for the day. She was in charge of pushing Morgan's stroller and got designated sleeping baby watcher. Hey that is what she wants so she needs a taste of it, lord knows I'm not popping any kids out any time soon.
Sea World hasn't changed too much since the last time I visited. Most of the shows and attractions are the same, but it is totally different watching it through a 2 year old's eyes. We were on the people mover in the shark exhibit and Addison went from calling it beautiful, to spooky, then back to beautiful. Gotta love it.
After we ate our $30 sandwich and chip lunch we went on the Kraken (one of the roller coasters), twice. My mom watched the girls while Erika, Michael and I rode the roller coaster. I should of only gone once, but we did it twice in a row. I should of known I am too old for that crap. My stomach just wasn't the same for the rest of the day. I let Michael and Erika go on the other roller coaster while I took Addison to see the one armed sea turtle. She was more interested in the roller coaster that mom and dad where on, so we ended up just watching it go around and around. She said she can't wait to be big like Mommy to ride the big blue roller coaster. I'm sure Erika is still hearing about that dang roller coaster :) Hey I just entertain them while I got them, sorry if I leave a lasting impression :)
We were pretty beat after Sea World so we headed for soup and salad at Olive Garden, then hit the sheets early. The next day we were all about the outlets and Florida Mall. I actually did pretty good at the outlets, but when I hit that Florida Mall, all hell broke loose. They had a Christmas store the size of Macy's and I was in heaven. I only dropped about $60 there though, which ya'll know is good for me in a Christmas store. My aunt was in town for a hair show so we met up with her for dinner so all in all it was a family filled day for sure.
Back to reality tomorrow. It has warmed up a little bit in New York so at least I am flying into 60 degree weather and not 40 like I left. Thanks to everyone who made the trip to see me. I love and miss all ya'll already!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Only Me
Most of you know today was my birthday. Yes the big 31. So let me tell you how my day started. About 7:00 Erika and Addison called to sing me happy birthday. It was the best present ever. I finished getting ready for work and headed out. That is when all hell broke loose and my day started going down hill.
I GOT HIT BY A CAR ON MY FREAKIN' BIRTHDAY. Yes a car ran my pedestrian ass over!!!!! Now I should say that I have been close to being run over about 6 times since I have moved here. Even last week I had a brush with death as a car almost flipped trying to avoid me as I walked in the cross walk, with the right of way. Today however, I was jay walking, but anyone who has been up here knows that it is just a way of life. The light was red and the cars were stopped so I crossed out of the crosswalk between the cars. The light changed while I was half way across the street. Most drivers would of slow down, but no people from Jersey speed up as if they are trying to tell you you are in the wrong from crossing on a green light. Bam! This idiot sped up and tried to go around me, but he missed! So as I lay sprawled out in the middle of the street, who the hell gets out of the car, but a damn Chinese man. Guess that was Gods way of getting back at me for making fun of them. He barley speaks English and says to me, "why you step out in front car." I replied, "Why the hell did you speed up, you saw me trying to cross!" I guess I should be happy he even stopped. I checked myself out and overall I was just a little scrapped and bruised up, so I just got up and continued on my way to the train.
I know what all ya'll are thinking, you should of gotten his name and tag number. Trust me I got an ear full of it from work. I thought because I was jay walking I was in the wrong. Needless to say pedestrians always have the right of way. Oh well, I promise next time I get hit by a car, I'll get the drivers info!
So on top of all that, when I get on the train I realize my purse is leaking. I have to back up a little for this one. I bring Natalie from work the Tazo Chi Tea Latte concentrate from my Target. Hers in Queens stopped carrying it and she has a bad shoulder making it hard for her to carry anyway. Me being the sweet southerner I am offered to get it in Jersey and bring it into work so she wouldn't have to hurt her shoulder. Well after I got run over this morning I guess one of the boxes split open and was leaking in my purse. Needless to say I had to throw my entire purse away and now my cell phone is acting up. Not sure it was because of the accident or the Chi Tea, but a new cell phone and purse are now in my future.
So after I cleaned out my purse out and wiped down all the items in it, I decided I needed a Diet Coke to calm myself down. I got one out of the vending machine at work and went back to my desk. Next is just the icing on the cake. I go to open the can and damned if it didn't explode all over my desk! If this is how 31 is going to be I don't want it!
I GOT HIT BY A CAR ON MY FREAKIN' BIRTHDAY. Yes a car ran my pedestrian ass over!!!!! Now I should say that I have been close to being run over about 6 times since I have moved here. Even last week I had a brush with death as a car almost flipped trying to avoid me as I walked in the cross walk, with the right of way. Today however, I was jay walking, but anyone who has been up here knows that it is just a way of life. The light was red and the cars were stopped so I crossed out of the crosswalk between the cars. The light changed while I was half way across the street. Most drivers would of slow down, but no people from Jersey speed up as if they are trying to tell you you are in the wrong from crossing on a green light. Bam! This idiot sped up and tried to go around me, but he missed! So as I lay sprawled out in the middle of the street, who the hell gets out of the car, but a damn Chinese man. Guess that was Gods way of getting back at me for making fun of them. He barley speaks English and says to me, "why you step out in front car." I replied, "Why the hell did you speed up, you saw me trying to cross!" I guess I should be happy he even stopped. I checked myself out and overall I was just a little scrapped and bruised up, so I just got up and continued on my way to the train.
I know what all ya'll are thinking, you should of gotten his name and tag number. Trust me I got an ear full of it from work. I thought because I was jay walking I was in the wrong. Needless to say pedestrians always have the right of way. Oh well, I promise next time I get hit by a car, I'll get the drivers info!
So on top of all that, when I get on the train I realize my purse is leaking. I have to back up a little for this one. I bring Natalie from work the Tazo Chi Tea Latte concentrate from my Target. Hers in Queens stopped carrying it and she has a bad shoulder making it hard for her to carry anyway. Me being the sweet southerner I am offered to get it in Jersey and bring it into work so she wouldn't have to hurt her shoulder. Well after I got run over this morning I guess one of the boxes split open and was leaking in my purse. Needless to say I had to throw my entire purse away and now my cell phone is acting up. Not sure it was because of the accident or the Chi Tea, but a new cell phone and purse are now in my future.
So after I cleaned out my purse out and wiped down all the items in it, I decided I needed a Diet Coke to calm myself down. I got one out of the vending machine at work and went back to my desk. Next is just the icing on the cake. I go to open the can and damned if it didn't explode all over my desk! If this is how 31 is going to be I don't want it!
Monday, October 5, 2009
1 year
It is hard to believe that a year ago yesterday I became a Yankee. Oh how does time fly. I remember sitting in my apartment looking for jobs on the Internet and praying for a change. Boy did the good Lord answer.
I never would of thought in a million years I would leave the south, let alone be working in Manhattan amongst the honking horns, sirens and god awful smells. It has been an interesting transition but I have learned a lot about myself.
I learned I can survive in the snow. It is funny that when you aren't really around it you don't realize it is wet. I know that sounds dumb but I swear I just thought of white fluffy flakes falling from the sky. No one informed me that they melt, turn to ice, and turn to a nice muddy slush within a few hours.
I learned that ya'll is indeed the best word in the english vocabulary. Those that don't choose to use it don't know what they are missing! When I first moved up here I was afraid to show my southern roots and bust out ya'll as frequently as I did in the past. People didn't really know I was from the south until they heard it come out of my mouth. I was trying hard to fit in, but then decided, damn it that is who I am! You can take the girl out the south, but you can't take the south out of the girl. Now I use ya'll more than ever. I even hear a couple of co-workers saying it every now and then. I promise ya'll, I'm gonna turn these Yankees on way or another.
I learned I am more independent than I ever thought. I mean seriously how many people can move to a big city like NY, not knowing a single person. Maybe I was a little crazy or desperate for a job, but I look back now and am so proud of myself. I do admit that the city was pretty intimidating for the first couple of months. It is a whole different world up here and it can be a bit over whelming. I eventually learned that not everyone is an asshole up here. It might take you a couple of chances, but someone will eventually help you. Now don't get me wrong, they aren't going out of their way to become your next BFF, or ask you how you are, but I have found that the majority of NYers will help if you need them. You just have to be confident in your approach.
I learned I am not as directionally challenged as I thought. Now don't get me wrong I still don't know my left from my right, but I have found a way to get around using public transportation better than I ever imagined. Plus once you realize the difference between the West side and the East side, you are good. One other plus is NYC is on a grid, thank God!
I learned to call my mother everyday or she thinks I am dead in an alley some where. She is finally realizing that it is actually pretty safe up here, but I still don't think she will ever adjust to having her only child so far away. Good thing she is on my cell phone plan and we can talk for free!
I learned I have to be a Yankee and Giant fan! Now most of you know I am really only a true Gator fan, but in order to participate in the water cooler chats I am slowly adding the Yankee and Giants to the list.
I learned that Lender's bagels are not really bagels. They are considered hockey pucks up here.
I learned why people rave about NY pizza.
I learned, most importantly of all, who my true friends are. No matter the distance, they are there for me. While I am still having a hard time meeting friends outside of work, my friends back home have kept me sane. There have been moments when I questioned this whole life change, but with great words of wisdom and a slight kick in the ass, ya'll have kept me grounded and helped me see the big picture. I can't say right now that I will spend the rest of my life up here, but as for now, I wouldn't change anything about this last year. It is hard not becoming thick skinned like the rest of the people up here, and trust me I am not as easy going as I use to be. However, I try everyday to remember my southern roots and pass a little southern hospitality onto all those who pass through my world.
I never would of thought in a million years I would leave the south, let alone be working in Manhattan amongst the honking horns, sirens and god awful smells. It has been an interesting transition but I have learned a lot about myself.
I learned I can survive in the snow. It is funny that when you aren't really around it you don't realize it is wet. I know that sounds dumb but I swear I just thought of white fluffy flakes falling from the sky. No one informed me that they melt, turn to ice, and turn to a nice muddy slush within a few hours.
I learned that ya'll is indeed the best word in the english vocabulary. Those that don't choose to use it don't know what they are missing! When I first moved up here I was afraid to show my southern roots and bust out ya'll as frequently as I did in the past. People didn't really know I was from the south until they heard it come out of my mouth. I was trying hard to fit in, but then decided, damn it that is who I am! You can take the girl out the south, but you can't take the south out of the girl. Now I use ya'll more than ever. I even hear a couple of co-workers saying it every now and then. I promise ya'll, I'm gonna turn these Yankees on way or another.
I learned I am more independent than I ever thought. I mean seriously how many people can move to a big city like NY, not knowing a single person. Maybe I was a little crazy or desperate for a job, but I look back now and am so proud of myself. I do admit that the city was pretty intimidating for the first couple of months. It is a whole different world up here and it can be a bit over whelming. I eventually learned that not everyone is an asshole up here. It might take you a couple of chances, but someone will eventually help you. Now don't get me wrong, they aren't going out of their way to become your next BFF, or ask you how you are, but I have found that the majority of NYers will help if you need them. You just have to be confident in your approach.
I learned I am not as directionally challenged as I thought. Now don't get me wrong I still don't know my left from my right, but I have found a way to get around using public transportation better than I ever imagined. Plus once you realize the difference between the West side and the East side, you are good. One other plus is NYC is on a grid, thank God!
I learned to call my mother everyday or she thinks I am dead in an alley some where. She is finally realizing that it is actually pretty safe up here, but I still don't think she will ever adjust to having her only child so far away. Good thing she is on my cell phone plan and we can talk for free!
I learned I have to be a Yankee and Giant fan! Now most of you know I am really only a true Gator fan, but in order to participate in the water cooler chats I am slowly adding the Yankee and Giants to the list.
I learned that Lender's bagels are not really bagels. They are considered hockey pucks up here.
I learned why people rave about NY pizza.
I learned, most importantly of all, who my true friends are. No matter the distance, they are there for me. While I am still having a hard time meeting friends outside of work, my friends back home have kept me sane. There have been moments when I questioned this whole life change, but with great words of wisdom and a slight kick in the ass, ya'll have kept me grounded and helped me see the big picture. I can't say right now that I will spend the rest of my life up here, but as for now, I wouldn't change anything about this last year. It is hard not becoming thick skinned like the rest of the people up here, and trust me I am not as easy going as I use to be. However, I try everyday to remember my southern roots and pass a little southern hospitality onto all those who pass through my world.
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