:: home in chelsea ::

I gave myself two years to love or leave New York.
It’s three years later and New York finally feels like “home.”

*****

Thank you all for being here with me.

gansevoort south beachfront, miami

Unless there’s snow, ski slopes, and a fireplace involved, winter is just not one of my favorite seasons. So to escape the nineteen degree December blues in New York, I treated my seasonal affective disorder (SAD) with a weekend of natural sunlight in Miami. We evolved under the sun, and it’s only natural that some fresh sunlight, air and ocean can make any day better.

flying grins & giggles

There are two incredible feelings in the world: 1) being greeted at the airport by a gangful of grins & giggles, and 2) jumping carefree off the grown ups’ bed. My trip was a shorter visit than usual, but worth every stretch of the miles.

crystal covered ceiling, greenhouse

On occasional Tuesdays, Francophiles and other Manhattanites converge by guest list only to the latest champagne spot. No matter how old we get, it’s still fun to be at the see and be scene. Even in New York, you can never take life too seriously.

first floor neighbor, ues

I live on the fifth floor of a walk up on the Upper East Side with the kindest neighbors. On one occasion, I lost my keys and everyone was kind to offer their place, bottled water and to help carry my luggage. On another occasion, the Kris Kringle neighbor across the hall gave me a homemade VHS copy of the movie Juno. But there’s one neighbor on the first floor who I’ve always found intriguing with his freedom of expression.

old field vineyards, long island ny

No matter who you voted for, it’s a new America. Obama made history in one of the most electrifying election years.

P.S. I’m relieved Palin is not VP-elect!

stephan pompougnac party, buddha bar ny

Have I mentioned I love any excuse to dress up? Since my camera battery died and I’m still waiting on embarrassing photos from other folks, here’s a snapshot from last year.

along the east river

I mentioned I hate the subway. Well, I hate it even more on rainy days and forget trying to hail a cab from downtown to the UES. Fortunately, salvation comes in the form of the five dollar X90 uptown express bus. This helps cut 10 minutes off my commute time and drops me off right on the corner. With the subway, I have to walk 5 minutes-subway 25 minutes-walk another 15 minutes. I don’t mind when the weather is mild but the winters and humid summers can be unbearable!

wine spectator event, marriott marquis ny

Nothing like a little California wine tasting in New York to make you feel back at home. I lived in San Francisco for ten years and wish I’d gone to Napa more often. Now if I were single, this would’ve been a great meet market!

rubbing the bull for luck

Economic times are uncertain, especially if you work on New York’s Wall Street – the financial epicenter of the world. Bush signed the $700 billion bail out bill while I think some folks deserve to go to jail for greed and predatory lending.

(photo taken by my 8 yo nephew)