I can’t believe that Monday of this week was already our one-month anniversary in NYC. In one sense, it has gone by so fast. I feel like we’ve been here just a week. In another way, every day has felt so full and productive. Life feels so much more accessible here, so it’s amazing the work/life “balance” (using the word loosely because I’m not sure I’ve mastered it) I can have due to the convenience of getting around. I wanted to jot down a few thoughts I’ve had about city life one month in…
personsal & life
Where to even start! From the first day I arrived in NYC, I felt an unimaginable sense of calm. Amongst all the boxes and not being able to find a thing I needed, I had never felt so at peace. I sat, staring out my new bedroom window, taking in the moment, and remember feeling so overwhelmed with joy. I’ve had such a shift in mindset already being here. I talked a bit about it in my Currently post, but I feel like anything is possible. I’m no longer so worried about ‘just making it to New York’. I’m here. I’m ready to tackle what’s next.
Apart from the change in my perspective, I’m also SO happy here. I can’t really say one thing I dislike. I do miss my family, and actively look forward to our calls, but I can say I’m 100% sure we made the right decision by giving this a try. It’s been everything I wanted and more. Lots of people have asked how Ryan is adjusting — and he feels the same! Moving here was just as much his dream as it was mine. He loves being able to walk out our front door and have a new adventure awaiting us every evening. A few other random tidbits from this month…
– The weather has been manageable. Apparently I missed the bulk of the cold days, but the cold ones we’ve had haven’t been too bad. They require a thick coat and socks, and gloves, but nothing I can’t handle.
– I LOVE walking. It feels so good to use my legs and to walk everywhere. I actually get excited when I have a meeting across the park – it’s one of my favorite walks!
– We’ve learned our neighborhood and found some favorite regular spots much quicker than expected. It’s funny how once you find something you like, you quickly go back to it over and over again. So far we love Oaxaca Taqueria for street tacos, La Vera for cheap Italian delivery, and H&H for my weekend bagels.
– NYC actually feels very safe Covid-wise. We are, of course, taking every precaution and not putting ourselves at unnecessary risk, but overall I feel safe here. Places are great about taking temps, enforcing masks, and limiting store capacity.
social
One of the biggest impacts the city has had on me is my desire to be social. I’m a complete Introvert – and have always been happy being that way. However, people in New York have been SO kind and welcoming, it’s been so easy to meet new people and always have something to go out and do. The majority of people here have been new to the city at some point, and know what it’s like to not know anyone, so they are amazing about introducing you to their own social circles. I joke that Ryan and I have traded places – I’m now the social butterfly while he stays home all day. I’m not sure if it’s the people, or the accessibility (aka I don’t have to drive anywhere), or just my NYC confidence kicking in, but being out and socializing has become the highlight of my days here. It’s almost impossible to get me to stay in!
work
So, let’s talk about that work/life balance thing. At home, I was ALL work ALL the time. Here, I’m finding it hard to actually stay in the office. There is always something that sounds more fun waiting just outside my doorstep. I allowed myself to take it easy my first month here, just so I could soak in all of the social opportunities. However, my “honeymoon” phase is over, and it’s time to buckle in and get back to the hustle. That said, I’m actually looking forward to it though – the city has me all kinds of inspired in new ways.
I’ve chatted to a few friends about this – but feel professionally, I’m at a bit of a crossroads. With so much more life around me, I’ve noticed a shift in what I’m feeling compelled to share. I’ve also noticed spending a lot less time on my phone and on social media. I’m pretty sure that’s great for my mental health… not so much for my job. I’m currently working on finding a balance of what it is I really want to share and how I want to share it.
I made a list of about ten things the other day that I can honestly say spark joy for myself and make me feel alive (all things I’ve heard feedback that you love seeing, too!). I decided at the end of the day, if what I share includes one of those joy-provoking things, then it is worthy of posting. It may look a little different from the curated lifestyle content you were used to seeing, so thank you to those of you who are along for the journey, and thank you for your patience while I figure it out!
our home
Saving the most exciting for last! I LOVE our apartment. Like, LOVE. Usually when you move to NYC, you compromise location for space, space for amenities, amenities for charm, and so on. I honestly feel like we got it all, and feel SO lucky. I can’t believe our first NYC apartment is this nice. If you missed it, check out our empty apartment tour here.
As far as updates go, we’ve done about half of what we have planned. We’ve begun painting our space in Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore, and that has warmed it up quite a lot. It definitely feels much more like us now! We are (of course) adding picture frame molding — I can’t live without it. We’re also planning to add a few more touches that will play off its existing pre-war character.
Our kitchen will be the first room that will be complete – the peel and stick tile is just about done, new hardware is on, and the makeshift pantry is up! I’m just waiting on the barstool and runner for the area. A full tour will be coming soon, as well as highly-requested organizational posts.
I’ll be sharing room my room DIY’s/tours over on my YouTube, so stay tuned there for updates!
That’s all for now — but I can honestly say it’s been the best first month I could have asked for!
x Marianne