Christmas in the City

Despite the soon-to-be cold temperatures, this is my favorite time of year. Especially when I live in New York City. Store windows create Christmas displays, Christmas carols play throughout restaurants and shops, and lights adorn trees and lampposts. While decorations can be found throughout Manhattan, the centerpiece of the season is without a doubt Rockefeller Center and its enormous Christmas tree.
Tonight was the annual tree-lighting ceremony. The Rockefeller Center welcomed celebrities such as Sheryl Crow, Carrie Underwood, the Goo Goo Dolls and Regis Philbin to entertain with a medley of Christmas favorites. Finally the crowd counted down- 10, 9, 8... and the tree was lit. I was there, standing in the crowd to experience it all. Sure, I would have had a better view had I stayed at home and watched it on my personal TV. But I wouldn't have experienced it- live, in person, in Rockefeller Center. After the countdown, the crowd began to thin and we were able to make our way to see the famous, Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. It really was beautiful.
While leaving the Center, the crowd again began cheering. This time it was for a couple that had just gotten engaged. I swear, her ring was as big as that tree. And if that wasn't exciting enough, I had my first celebrity siting. As we were trying to make our way back to the subway, police stopped us so that the Goo Goo Dolls could get in a van to take them away from all the chaos. The rest of our walk involved navigating our way through police barriers and closed roads over to Broadway and the subway. What a relief- I was cold, tired, and anxious to get home and watch LOST.
Sometimes its nice to stay home and watch my favorite show, but I don't want to miss Christmas in the City. I'm looking forward to more city experiences- at Christmas time and beyond.

back in the city

After a slight delay (at 5am the 2 hour delay due to mandatory crew rest was a mixed blessing), I arrived back in New Jersey. I finally retrieved my luggage and somehow managed to lug my two very heavy bags onto the New Jersey transit, get through the turnstile at Penn Station, transfer to the subway, again struggle not to get caught in the revolving subway exit, and walk 4 blocks back to my room.
The next morning I was feeling sore from carrying heavy bags up and down stairs and through aiports and train stations. I decided to forgo working out and instead went grocery shopping. As I walked to the store, I took time to appreciate the busy streets. My neighborhood at home was so quiet. I didn't know that I would miss the noise and crowds of New York City. But I liked seeing people walking to various places, waiting for the bus, and enjoying lunch in small restaurants.
I really do love this city.

highlights of my Thanksgiving break

Wednesday:

• lunch at Chick-fil-A
• Mexican food for dinner
• watching LOST with 2 fans from my LOST email discussion group
• resurrecting Two Rows and drinking bad $1 beer

Thursday:

• seeing all my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents on my mom's side of the family
• Champagne Toast to honor my grandmother (and grandfather)- chocolate dipped champagne flutes with peach champagne... so good!
• turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, mac n cheese, cranberry dressing, layer salad, rolls, PLUS, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, apple pie and pumpkin cheescake

Friday:

• watching Texas A&M make UT play hard for the win
• watching Nebraska upset Colorado temporarily eliminating them from the Big 12 Championship
• attending the Stars' game in a suite in the Platinum Club courtesy of my sister

Saturday:

• visiting with my grandmother on my dad's side
• watching Kansas beat Iowa State, thus putting Colorado back in the Big 12 Championship game
• coffee with a friend
• happy hour with my former boss and her recently engaged daughter
• Mexican food dinner with my family
• Karaoke with my friends- the singing was fun, but it didn't beat having all my favorite people in the same bar

Sunday:

• enjoying the steak my dad cooked on the grill
• putting up the Christmas tree and decorating the house for Christmas
• going to Journey, followed by dinner at Chipotle, followed by good beer at the Old Monk

The break was too short. I didn't get to see everyone, and those who I did see, the time was too limited. But I'm glad I went home for Thanksgiving. Maybe Texas isn't so bad...

cam gives thanks

I recently had two different people wish me a Happy Turkey Day. This made me think, have we gotten so focused on eating turkey (and way too much) that we've forgotten the purpose of this day? Don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to eating turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and much more. It's fun watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. But I think it is important for me to remember to be thankful.

I'm thankful for:

• the many opportunities that I've had, including most recently going to grad school
• the people who have supported me even when it means leaving them to move to New York City
• my parents who not only love me, but still love each other even after 30 years of marriage
• my sister who despite all our differences has become one of my closest friends
• my grandparents who have encouraged me and helped me pursue my dreams
• my aunts, uncles, and cousins who make family gatherings special and fun
• my childhood friends, Megan and Cara- after 15+ years they are still good friends
• my college friend, Janai- a friendship of ups and downs that has taught us about life and the importance of good friends; she reminds me to maintain high expectations for myself
• Teri- she encouraged me and helped me pursue my dream school, she listens to me, makes me laugh, and is overall a great friend; like Janai she reminds me not to settle for less
• Allison- one of my favorite traveling partners
• the many friends who when I think of them, I smile: Kerri, Luke, Z, Michael, John V., Emily, nycJulie, Jessica, Eric, Kaitlin, Lindsay, Matt C., John C., Jill, Stacie, Steve, JLay, Mollie, Megan T., Carter, Nick, Jen and the many others who I've likely forgotten
• my suitemates, Jamie and Joanna whose friendship made my transition to life in NYC fun and easy
• my list goes on...

Enjoy your turkey today, but I hope you will also take time to think of what you are thankful for this year.

24 hours

This morning I woke up feeling excited because I'll be home in 24 hours. I've never been one to get homesick. Except for the week when I'm scheduled to go home. Then I get anxious and excited, and everything I miss about home is in my thoughts. I love New York, but I'm looking forward to returning home to what is familiar and being with the people I love. I'm so excited!

I can't run away, but I can run in the park

This morning I decided that I need to work off some of the stress I must face before I can enjoy the Thanksgiving break. So I went to the park to jog. No, not the park. While Central Park might be the most well-known, this city actually has many other parks. I went to Riverside Park, appropriately named because, well it is along the river. As I jogged/walked, I had the river and New Jersey to one side and New York and the not-too-far Broadway on the other. I enjoyed the many colors of the leaves, the cool weather, and some good music. Best of all, I was getting exercise and enjoying a mini-vacation from all the work I need to do. I couldn't run away from the stress all day, but perhaps I'll go back tomorrow. I need to enjoy the parks and the outdoors while I can. I hear it gets very cold and very snowy here...

when you can get what you want

While out shopping this weekend I found a great pair of Steve Madden boots that I just had to have. However, I resisted and reluctantly walked away from them. But I couldn't stop thinking about them. After all, I had to have them. So I called my mom and suggested that the boots would make a great Christmas present to me. She said to go ahead and buy them. Well, I was unable to make it back to the store until Tuesday. My size was gone! I had told myself if they were gone it would be a sign that they weren't meant to be. But at that moment, I decided I didn't belive in signs. I wanted those boots. I sadly went home. However, I wasn't ready to give up just yet. I called around to several other stores and located my size at the Chelsea location.
This morning I woke up earlier than normal so that I could be at the store shortly after it opened in an effort to get my boots. Before leaving my room, I checked Yahoo! Weather to see how I should dress. I was surprised to see that it was 35 degrees. When had it gotten so cold? So, I bundled up in a long sleeve shirt, a sweater and my wool coat. Once outside, I realized I was going to get hot in all my layers. I went back up, changed into a short sleeve shirt, a sweater, and my lighter-weight trench coat. As I walked to the subway, I quickly shed the trench coat. I found myself thinking, "If this is what 35 degrees feels like, I'm going to survive winter after all."
I arrived in Chelsea, a new area of the City for me. I liked the feel of that area. Lots of fun stores, cute shops, not too crowded. I easily found my way to the store. (I could actually see the sun and determine east.) Once in the store, I navigated my way back to the shoe section. It was the moment- would they still have the boots in my size? Not only did they have them in the size I had called about, but they had one size smaller. They fit perfectly. True, they were no longer on sale 20% off, but I had found my boots in the perfect size. It is going to be a very Merry Christmas to me.
Once at home, I decided to check Yahoo! Weather again. Somehow Yahoo! had reset to Texas weather. It was not 35 degrees in New York, but in Texas. Here it was a beautiful 70 degrees, November day.
These are the boots that I just had to have. And now I do.

everybody loves a parade

Yesterday was Veteran's Day. In Texas, I'm sure most people went about their day not hardly noticing that it was holiday. In New York, not only were the kids off from school (consequently I didn't have to work), but there was a parade, too. This city loves parades. As much as I'm looking forward to being home at Thanksgiving, I have to admit that it would be pretty cool to be here in New York to watch the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade- in person. Maybe next year...

4 o'clock: at night?

It is 4 o'clock and nearly dark. There maybe multiple reasons why it is already dark. The forecasted rain, the daylight savings ended, the end of the world. Whatever. All I know is that when I look out my window I see a streetlight on, surrounded by darkness. If I look up, it is a little less dark, but mostly gray.
If I turn out all the lights in my room, it gets pretty dark. For some reason it just doesn't seem right. IT'S ONLY 4 O'CLOCK. It should be afternoon. Not nearly night.

separation of church and state: yes or no?

Today I inadvertently found myself caught in the middle of an email controversy regarding a very sensitive subject: defining marriage under the law-

 Sec. 32.  (a)  Marriage in this state shall consist only of 

the union of one man and one woman.

        (b)  This state or a political subdivision of this state may 

not create or recognize any legal status identical or similar to 

marriage.

I received an email from a girl I don't know very well. I was encouraged by her to vote in favor of the above proposition to stop the "liberal activists who are chipping away at our religious liberties and freedoms." When I read her email, I wondered if she really meant what she was saying. One person responded back and thanked her for sending the email but concluded that he didn't really support her reminder to vote for the proposition (being one of those 'liberals'). Then another person I don't know wrote back addressing his email to "those who are genuine seekers of God's truth." This was starting to sound like the New Jersey Governor name-calling ads I've had to watch. I can't believe these emails sent back and forth between Christians. It makes me wonder- should politics and religion overlap? Christians take religion into politics, but should we take politics into religion?

furthering the pumpkin agenda

It is that time of year when the pumpkin gains popularity. Since August I've been able to enjoy the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks. Though even I have realized that there is such thing as too much pumpkin, and I only order the tall. The same friend who once told me to stop "pushing my pumpkin agenda" sent me an article claiming that "White is the New Orange for Pumpkins." This is disturbing to me for two reasons:
1. I really like orange
2. Pumpkins should be orange
Last year I indulged in many pumpkin experiences. This year it continues. Sure, I'll be among the many enjoying pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving Day. But in the meantime, I enjoy pumpkin in many non-traditional ways. Today I had an omelet with pumpkin. Think vegetable, not dessert and it won't sound nearly as disgusting. Trust me, it was good. Better than the pumpkin soup I had while in Vietnam.
Perhaps if I'm going to be so non-traditional when I eat pumpkins, I should be a little less traditional when it comes to judging their color. But I do really like orange...

experiencing a New York tradition

Today was the annual New York City marathon. This competitive race goes through all five boroughs. I can't even imagine what it is like running in this marathon. But today I did go to participate as a spectator. I went with my suitemate to her aunt's east side apartment. The cute little studio had a fantastic little yard- a rarity in New York City. As we stood in the backyard, sipping on mimosas, we could hear the crowd cheering along 1st Avenue. So we ventured 1/2 a block over to cheer on the runners. It was great shouting as they passed, encouraging them in this amazing feat. If they had their names on their shirts, we acted as if we knew them. I saw several Texans and even did a "hook 'em horns". It was a pretty great way to spend a beautiful Sunday morning in New York. After all, I wasn't running. I was the one on the sideline drinking my mimosa.

low-key:learning to say no

I love the fast-pace, non-stop, whirlwind lifestyle I've found in New York City. I love going out, meeting new people, and experiencing everything the city has to offer. But it can be exhausting. Last week I went out 5 out of 7 nights. It was fun. A lot of fun.
But tonight I decided to make it low-key. I turned down the offer to meet up with a cute guy and the opportunity to Karaoke with my suitemate. Instead, I'm in the computer lab working on a paper due Tuesday. I'll probably be in bed asleep before midnight. I'm trying to be responsible.
After all, a new week is approaching. I never know what sort of crazy adventures await me. I need to be well-rested.

cam's rules for dating in the city

1. a guy who likes me will, in fact, call sooner than later
2. "meeting up" while you are both out is not a date
3. a guy with a plan is a very good thing
4. New York has tons of restaurants and bars that make great date spots- don't repeat
5. take a risk, go on the date even when you aren't sure
6. silence your phone- you don't want one guy calling when you are out with another
7. be sure to say thank you for everything
8. notice the small things
9. enjoy being single and meeting new people
10. make your own rules for dating

looking forward

My midterms are over. I survived. As much as I'd like to do nothing, there is always work to be done. But I manage my time well, and I take time for fun. After all, it's New York City. Time is passing by quickly. I have to enjoy life. Especially the city life. But as much as I love NYC, it is exciting to know that I'll be seeing family and friends later this month.

in thoughts and prayers

I sit here overwhelmed
So many thoughts
There is sorrow and grief
I can't even understand
It hangs over me
I don't know why
It's not my loss
But in this moment, these emotions are very real.