It's a Bird, It's a Plane.. No, It's a Hurricane!

January and February brought some of the coldest temperatures and record breaking snowfall levels New York has experienced in years. August felt that it needed to trump those winter months so we were blessed with an earthquake then a hurricane a few days later. Now, the earthquake, I didn't even feel at all and was not the least bit phased by. The hurricane however, well, let's just say I actually had to google it to find out what I should expect. Fortunately, I had my close family friends, Jim, Kelly, and John Banach in town to help pass the time as the storm passed through. Typically one would stock up on water, bread, canned goods, and candles just in case the hurricane causes major damage and completely shuts the city down. I however, accepted a dinner date with the Banach's at a nearby steak house but managed to grab some wine and cliff bars in slight anticipation that stores would be close the next day.

Sharing a bottle of wine with Kel, and good conversation with the guys, we completely forgot there was a hurricane outside. John was in town for the Fire/Police Olympics so after dinner we headed to an Irish Pub to meet his friends for some Beer Pong, Flip Cup and fun, fun, fun:) Completely soaked by the time we got there but with no regrets. We had a great time and I was so happy to be spending time with loved ones.

Sadly, there was an issue with my phone and all of the pics I took that night were deleted... but the memories will last a lifetime!

The Dog Days of Summer

Growing up, summer in the South Bay was mainly spent at the beach and usually included many vacations, family road trips, and weekend escapes with friends. After months of concrete, sky rise buildings, and a roller coaster of extreme weather, I needed to get out of the city. So when the offer came to dog/house sit for my friends Jill and Joel in New Jersey, I was ready and willing!

Waiting for my train at Penn Station, I couldn't help but be amused at how majestic the East Coast is. Walking through the station, it reminds me of an airport, with shops, restaurants, and the 'suspicious luggage' security announcement.  There are people running to catch a train, friends saying goodbye, others saying hello. Though all similarities dissipate as I enter a small elevator that transports me to the train. After triple checking with the train crew that I was heading in the correct direction, I took a seat on the train. A little over an hour later I arrived in Bernardsville, New Jersey. A small town buried in the hills and trees of The Garden State. I walked through the town and found my way to the Silver's home. They live in a three story, three bedroom house with a nice backyard and their two sweet dogs, Humphrey and Olive. My first night there I relaxed in their living room, watching movies and playing with the dogs. Luckily, the dogs have designated sleeping areas and I had rights to the guest bedroom. However, around 7am I awoke to the scurry of paws rushing up the stairs, bursting though the door to have Humphrey run around the room and Olive hop on the bed. They are like little kids, so cute! After a morning walk around town and grabbing coffee at the town diner, it was time to get moving on my day. I had a lot to do in preparation for my cooking debut.

Jill and Joel's house

The town... yep that's all of it

The train station in Bernardsville 

Having heard rave reviews of P90X, I decided to take advantage of the fact that I had it at my disposal for the weekend. After one workout in Jill's basement I was hooked. Sadly, my bedroom is not really equipped to carry out the program but I am determined to find a way to make it work.

With my morning workout behind me I was able to focus on dinner... and by focus I mean freak out about ahaha. Remembering that my good friend and former housemate Marisa used to make dinner all the time I called her for help. After a couple alterations to her dish I was able to create a normal, hot, and hopefully delicious meal: Chicken Tortellini with sun dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and artichoke hearts, along with salad and bread.... Yes, for those of you who cannot believe it, I made this, and was told that it was good. I'm just happy that neither one of us died lol.

The final production 

"You Nork"

After receiving a message from my youngest niece, Sara, asking what I was doing in "You Nork" I started to think that maybe there was a hidden meaning to her mispronunciation. As if this city was here, waiting for me to make it my own. Or if every city in the world is exactly what we make of it. As much as I believe in fate, you can't let destiny do the work for you, you have to make your life what you want it to be. Life is there for the taking, but how much do we ever really take? It is so easy to become a creature of habit- to become the good girl, the bad boy, the reliable one, the flake, the sweetheart, the funny one etc. However, at some point, at any point actually, isn't okay to reinvent yourself? To re-establish your place on this Earth, your role in the world? Moving to a city where no one knows you gives you the opportunity to be exactly who you are. You get to be yourself because there are no expectations of who you are supposed to be, no loyalty to anyone but yourself, and with a world of chaos and hurry surrounding you, you become your best friend. You learn that you really cannot count on anyone else for anything. If you want something, you make it happen. There are no excuses, just do it.

After weeks of not meeting anyone I was interested in, I gave in to the requests of a few of my friends to join the OKCupid website, an online dating network that surprisingly has proven to be very successful for many of my friends. Since I am new to New York, I decided to turn this into You Nork and live it up in the dating world. A few days into my account and  I had numerous responses requesting dates and phone calls etcetera. A couple of weeks went by before I took the time to respond though when I did, a few guys, one in particular, wanted to meet up...Went well and we have our third date scheduled for this Saturday- I'm supposed to cook for him to which Carrie said "oh really, what are you making, hummus and celery or almonds and dried apricots?" lol As many of you know, I am NOT the greatest cook in the world but AM the pickiest eater :/ Ahhhhh I think for the first time ever I may need cooking advice from Mom! lol

A recent walk through Central Park on a Sunday evening

Operation Tan and Tone

After reviewing pictures of my Cali trip, I realized how pale and sickly I looked. Going from daily workouts at Lee's Fitness in Redondo Beach and running errands in the California sun to an indoor office job and sporadic runs in Central Park, my physical appearance had taken a turn for the worst! Operation Tan and Tone commence! I decided to step up my runs and take it to the East River. Providing a more versatile terrain and the opportunity to catch some rays, the East River Esplanade is my new spot:) I also decided to hit the beach. My friend Michelle offered to escort me to Coney Island- the only free beach around. The train ride alone was like a live Jerry Springer show providing comical and at times scary entertainment. Alas, we arrived at Coney Island- a run down, dirty, ghetto version of Venice Beach with a side of Circus Circus meets County Fair. I'm not sure what made me laugh more- the shady people selling Corona out of a purse or the ice cream truck playing Christmas carols. Nevertheless, I finally got a tan!

East River Esplanade

My Dad? You Mean My Bag?

An all-inclusive trip to Cabo for five days of sun, sand, and margaritas.... I'll take it! Oh, wait, that is the trip my sister and brother in law are going on so in turn I get to fly to LA and stay with their girls... I'll take it;)

Thanks to the Gods of New York for summer hours, we end our work week at 2:00pm every Friday. A 50 block power walk, an hour train ride, and a six hour in flight nap later, I arrived at LAX. I would need the fingers and toes of at least two other people to count how many times I have flown into this airport. This was by far the most humorous of arrivals. As soon as the pilot gave us permission to use electronic devices, I messaged my Mom, who was picking me up, to let her know we had landed. She responded and told me to look for my Dad. "My Dad, do you mean my bag?" Since I had not checked any luggage I bypassed baggage claim and made my way outside to find my Mom, sister, and two of her kids. They told me to go back inside and find my Dad, who had driven in from Vegas as a surprise. So exciting! Once we all collided and drove back to the South Bay we made a quick stop at In n Out for some dinner. Sitting at my sister's house with her husband, her eldest child, and both my Mom and Dad at 2am eating, talking, and laughing was one of those moments that just make you feel like all is right in the world. No matter how far I go, or how much I grow, life is always better when we're together.

This week was filled to the brim with Auntie duties. A midst packing lunches, school drop off, school pick up, doctors appointments for my oldest niece that was sick, lugging around my youngest niece that just didn't want to go to school, and trying to figure out crazy hair day vs. crazy sock day, I was also in town for graduation ceremonies of high school, elementary school, and kinder-garden. Needless to say, a hectic and worth every second of it, family filled week:)

My Amanda Panda was sick and couldn't go to school. My SareBear had a serious case of 'I want to stay home with Auntie' to which I of course was a complete sucker for! 

Although it was only for a few hours, I always have fun and cherish every minute I spend with my friends in the South Bay. I busted away from the family on Friday night and made my way to the Bay House with Jules. Luckily some of my very special friends were there and joined us for some cocktails when they got off work. You know you really love people when you can go three months without seeing each other then hang out for a few hours like not a day has gone by. I am so lucky to have them in my heart and my life. Sadly, there were many friends that I was not able to see on this trip. It just went too fast! (Deja, I dedicate a full day on my next trip to you;)

Broke Ass Vacation

As it turns out, I moved to NY the year of the worst winter in 26 years... and apparently a record breaking spring and summer are to follow. While many people headed out of the city for a long Memorial Day weekend, I, with absolutely no dispensable cash available, headed to Central Park. Time to get my free fun on. I spent my time walking around, laying out on the grass... and sweating. With no body of water anywhere in sight to cool off in, my sunbathing hours were cut short. Still, I enjoyed these lazy days exploring the biggest park in the world. Well, I don't actually know if it is the biggest in the world, but it probably is;) Aside from green grass and trees as far as the eye can see, there is a carnival, horse carriages, skating rink, balloon makers, face painters, popcorn, cotton candy and a zoo, just to name a few.

A few nights later, Sofia Davis came to NY on business and I was able to meet up with her for a few hours. Sofia's friend Marjorie hung out with us too and, just as Fia had anticipated, we hit it off and had so much fun together. I 'm excited to have another friend in the city! It was so nice to have a loved one around. As we walked down the street we caught a glimpse of The Empire State Building. Who would have thought that her and I would ever be hanging out in New York together? And there we were, drinking cheap wine in a small cafe/liquor store until midnight. Ahhh, feels like home, lol. 

As my money issues grew more intense, so did the stress of figuring out what I was going to do to fix it. And by money issues I mean, the lack of money was the issue! My only option was to find a different job. I contacted the Recruitment Firm that had sent me for the interview for TPR. They said they would notify my boss and start trying to fill my current position, then after that they would find other options for  me. The following Friday, the President of TPR called me to his office and explained that he understands I want to find a job that pays more, but, he doesn't want me to leave, so.... they're giving me a raise! Yayyyy! Now I get to stay at the job I love AND make the money I need. This city has been kicking my ass but I'm finally on the scoreboard: NY-5, Jamie-1... I'm makin a comeback :P When I got off work that day I took a walk and found myself at St. Patrick's Cathedral, one of the most beautiful, comforting, and inspiring places I have ever been. Pure serenity.

Soul Mates, Swag, and Smoothies

Cinco de Mayo- a time for tequila and lime... but not when you have to work in the morning. So, I had no plans of doing anything on this salt rimmed holiday. Until, a friend from work asked if I wanted to grab a margarita when we got off. SURE! So we headed to Sutton Place, a midtown pub with a roof top lounge- now that reminds me of home. Half way through the delicious lime concoction and I look down and notice an orange tattoo on her foot- kind of looks like waves, then I realize, it's the aquarius sign- just like mine on my ankle! I ask when her birthday is to which she replies with January 29th. I lift up my pant leg to reveal my tattoo and say "February 3rd!" "Soul mates!" We laughed forever and drank our margs then headed home.

Aside from the fact that I am making fabulous new friends, I also love my job because of the swag bags- free goodies from Kristen and the Public Relations closet. My company owns and operates various brands in the beauty/fashion industry such as French Connection United Kingdom Fragrance, Promise Me-the Susan G Komen beauty line, and Sweet Breath. During my first week, they shoved some stuff in a bag and told me to enjoy the swag... I LOVE this place:)

On  a completely different note, there are times when my stomach looks pregnant.... and I'm not! I think it is for sure a gluten/wheat thing but am not 100% positive. So as of Sunday, I am on a liquid only diet for one week. (Luckily wine is a liquid;) ..Surprisingly, it's not that bad! It takes the stress out of deciding what I am going to have and worrying if I'm allergic to it, and it's also quite delicious. I use fresh spinach, blueberries, cinnamon, egg whites, and a little soy milk. Honestly, I really like it, and after just two days my stomach is looking better:) Of course this is only day two- I'll let you know how much I like it on day 5 lol...

Only In New York

Walking down 5th Avenue, completely absorbed in Beyonce on my iPod, when all of a sudden some random chick stops me in the street. She proceeds to tell me about a spa package that she, and the five guys sporadically placed around her are selling as a marketing campaign for the new luxury-chic Salon Renait. Now, it really is a great deal- a cut and blow out, facial, waxing, manicure, massage, plus, my favorite part, endless wine! All of that for an attractive total of $69.00??? Had I not been living the unemployed life of gypsyville for the last two weeks, I would have purchased it. But just as I told her, there was no way that I could buy at this time, though would love to track her down the following week after I start my new job. Up until now this story is a fairly common run down of city life and grassroots marketing, but here is where the romance of NYC kicks in. "Hey do you want to watch the Knicks game with us?" the manager of the group asks. My newly acquired 'Yes Man' attitude forces me to accept. We stroll through the streets and land at The Galway Hooker, a slightly swanky two story Irish Pub on 36th between 5th and Madison. Hellooo, can we say great drinks, hot guys, and big screens? Perhaps my new after work spot! Cut to six hours later as I am saying goodnight to my new friends and heading home. Yes, I hung out with complete strangers for six hours. After the first 20 minutes though, they weren't strangers anymore, they were friends, and we had a blast. As I hugged them good-bye and walked away, I thought to myself... ONLY IN NEW YORK!

Somewhere Between Flip Flops and High Heels

Finally I was set up for an interview with an amazing company: TPR Holdings- successful and rapidly expanding, yet a completely unknown territory for someone who knows nothing about investments. Though I do know a lot about people, and have tons of experience investing myself in some wise and some incredibly not so wise 'assets'... And really, when investing money, you are actually putting your faith into a person, so, since I know people, I can do this job... I hope;) Luckily TPR owns and operates consumer products in the beauty/fashion industry, and that I KNOW!

After the interview I walked to Central Park to soak up every last ounce of sunshine the day would bring. I have found myself a nice little spot atop a large rock, with views of the city and the sky that make my thoughts drift away. As I sat there and looked to my left I could see the hustle and bustle of Midtown East Manhattan, I could hear the cabs and feel the energy. To my right lie the endless views of grass, trees, and children playing in the warm spring air. The West side seemed like miles away. So there I was in the middle. I realized this was mirroring my own life as I am in limbo between life as a responsible adult with a 'real' job and corporate attire, and the youthful, spontaneous, beach city gypsy. I am stuck somewhere between flip flops and high heels. After all, I am thirty, and as much as I hate to admit it, there really is a clock. I don't see it, I don't hear it, but all medical books tell me it's there. Unfortunately, when it comes to guys, I am a magnet for unavailable men. Whether they are committed to their job, have commitment issues, or actually in a relationship yet choose to tell me this later, they are no good for me- yet I pick them-??? Whyyyyy???  Well, maybe not quite as dramatic and extreme as it sounds, but you get the idea.

When It Rains, I Pour... Tears

As the rain hits my window sill, my tears hit the pillow and it feels as though the rain Gods are mimicking me. There is a crazy thunder storm in the New York sky tonight and an even more unsettling storm in my heart. On an island with almost 2 million people, how can someone feel so alone? Why is it that when we think we have figured out what we want, we don't get it, and then are left to figure it all out again. It was just a job. A job that I, as intelligent and personable as I am, wink wink, do not have enough experience for. So now a new plan is needed. I mentally cannot serve in a bar here any longer. Going to sleep at 5am, getting up to go to work again, missing the daylight, not working out, not living, not laughing... I had completely forgotten why I moved to this amazing city in the first place. I need to see the sun, meet people, be a part of the lively hood that this city offers. Thanks to a visit from two women back home, I was able to explore with them and remind myself that there is an exciting world here and I need to make myself a part of it. This job would have allowed me to do this- but that's done now, feel it and let it go Jamie- make a new plan and get on it. As my mom said to me today- "the difference between a dream and a goal is a plan" so I better get 'er done! Through my tearful vision I received very touching (and sometimes funny) messages from the most amazing of my loved ones:

Gina: I know you're very sad today, it's okay to cry, kick, scream, let it all out! Tomorrow will be a bright new day perfect for finding the job of your dreams. Oh don't think of yourself as unemployed, you are a free spirit college graduate! Now go walk down Wall Street, find yourself a sugar daddy & start your own innovations company that will blow that other non job offering company out of the water! Hey you are in NY, anything can happen! Love you tons.. oh and if you need me to kick some ass, I'll be on the next plane, XO!


Stef: That just means there will be something better that comes along or at a better time. Anyway you're not supposed to have a real job yet. Trust me there is no turning back after that. You have your whole life to have a real job. Chin up... move it:) 


Michael: LOVE IS NECESSARY! A strong person knows how to keep their life in order. Even with tears in their eyes, they still manage to say "I'm okay" and smile. Change is coming. Sadness and hard times are over. Live, laugh, love, and don't let anyone steal your joy. I love you kid! You'll be OK!


Cherish: Listen, what you have done already in your life is an accomplishment. Do you know that most people don't even graduate from college! Remember when I tried to get that job with ITT? Thought I nailed it, but no, needed more experience. Well listen bitches, if you don't hire us, how can we have fucking experience? lol You haven't been in NY for much more than 3 months, you gotta give it time. You went there for an experience. I never once heard you say career! Live it girl.. your age means nothing! And smile...cuz you're cute!


Ten hours of crying and a bottle of wine later, one of my most favorite people in the world called... Deja:) Ending the night with a long conversation with her and I was able to fall asleep, tear free.

Show Me Your GAME FACE!

Totally random but it's my blog so I write what I want;)

We all have things that we have been 'meaning' to do, but if you really 'meant' it, then you would have done it! A 'game face' is that look you see in a person's eyes when they MEAN business. If that person says they are going to climb Everest, you know they will. Or if they say they are going to lose every pound they need to, or get out of a horrible relationship, learn French, finish school, whatever it is, you can see in their eyes that they WILL do it. Recently, many of my loved ones are dealing with issues that they came to me about over a year ago, myself included! "I need to lose 20 lbs, I need a new job, I need a new house, I need to get out and date, I need to fix my finances..." How many times have you told yourself that you will do something and you don't? If someone else told you ten times that they would do something for you but still hadn't, would you trust or believe in them? We keep promises to other people a lot easier than those we make to ourselves. It leaves us doubting our capabilities, not believing in ourselves, forgetting that we CAN do it! This is your life, your health, your happiness, so find your reason- your burning desire to make those changes and GET YOUR GAME FACE ON! If from your soul to your skin you're determined-nothing will get in your way!

Happy living my loves!

FOREVER 21 is only a clothing store-

First, let me say, I am a gypsy, not a blogger! Almost two months since my last post, how is that possible?!?! Well, since then we have moved into our new apartment, I saw Sarah Michelle Gellar walking on the street, I have been shut out by the train door twice, almost stepped on a dead rat, therefore almost had a heart attack.  I went on a couple of interviews (deets to come), helped some drunk woman on the subway get home safely, had a surprise visit from DEJA (possibly the best surprise ever!), met up with an old friend from Hawaii whom I had not seen in seven years, experienced a true Irish New York St. Patty's Day (sober though because I was working) and went back to LA to surprise my mom for her birthday... That will be the LAST surprise she can handle-she literally almost hyperventilated- I could just see us on some talk show for good ideas gone bad! Luckily she survived and I was able to enjoy a fast few days with family and friends. What did I learn from this trip? I am NOT 21 anymore.. hell, I'm not even 25! Take 46 hours of no sleep, mix with a salad and popcorn over a 3 day period, add Vodka Martinis and Red Wine (thanks a lot Kristie;) then Aspirin on an empty stomach... Sounds like a few different Vegas trips I made it through fine when I was 23, but NOT NOW... My sweet grandparents came to take me to lunch and I was so sick and tired I had to sleep in the car, so SAD! I owe them on my next trip! ...Still I loved going back to visit. Just being able to hug my family, play with all of my nephews and nieces, and catch up with dear friends refilled what my heart had been missing... dropping the kids off at school, picking them up from school (at Amanda's relentless request;) and having Nolan remember me makes me smile every day!

I am now back in the Big Apple and lookin to take a bite! I was called to interview for an Administrative Assistant position with ?What If! An International Innovation Company. The interview took a slight turn and the interviewer decided that I was a fit for a different (better) position and asked if I would like to continue the interview process for that position instead- uhhh YEAH! So, I have my next interview in two days- please oh please I need/want/have to get this job! Fingers crossed...

..sidebar...

Quick note! I forgot to mention that I have a new job and we found a new place to live. While I really enjoyed Windfall, the money sucked and through a strange course of events I landed a position at Vintry Wine and Whiskey off of Wall Street in the Financial District. By far, the coolest place to work and the money is awesome! ...Can't say I am not looking forward to getting a "real" job though. Not stoked on sitting at a desk everyday but definitely need to feel normal and work normal hours again.

As for our new apartment, it is a spacious two bedroom with a chef's kitchen and huge living room... HA! True, there are two bedrooms and that is really what we needed. As for the rest of it... it's a shoe box, but it is a clean and recently renovated box, and it's ours. Well, as of February 27th it will be ours:)

ANOTHER YEAR OF FABULOUS

Thirty, the big 3-0, dirty thirty, thirty-flirty and thriving... any fun way you say it, I'm THIRTY... and surprisingly fine with that :) Birthdays are funny in that you make wishes, blow out candles, drink some cocktails and 'cheers' to the new year to come. If you think about it though, your first birthday comes once you have lived for that whole first year. So really we are celebrating the year that has passed, the year you just lived through, the joy, the sadness, the triumphs and trials, the relationships you've made or even those that were lost, every previous experience in your life that has brought you to this moment now. So if being thirty means that I have loved, I have lost, I have been loved, been adored, hurt, appreciated, touched the lives of others and had the same in return, taken risks, followed my dreams, followed my heart, set goals, made great choices, made mistakes, cried til I couldn't breathe, laughed til I cried, said goodbye, said hello and am now living in New York City... I'LL TAKE IT! I have the most amazing family and friends a person could ever ask for, some of whom are by my side in this crazy city, and many more back home that I long for every day. I was lucky enough to have Cherish, Wendy, and Carrie here to celebrate with me, and received over 130 calls, texts, and facebook messages from loved ones in places ranging from Hawaii to Sweden. It was the best birthday ever! The only sadness I felt was not being able to hug and kiss my seven nieces and nephews but got to hear their voices as they sang to me on the phone. I miss them more each day but know that someday, they too will have to chase a crazy dream and I will be calling to sing to them... So to my family and friends, I thank you for being a part of my past, and I look forward to what my thirties have in store for us!

Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters

"And now I know, Spanish Harlem are not just pretty words to say. I thought I knew, but now I know 

that rose trees never grow in New York City

Until you've seen this trash can dream come true, You stand at the edge while people run you through

And I thank the Lord there's people out there like you, I thank the Lord there's people out there like you

While Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters, Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers, turn around and say good morning to the night, 

For unless they see the sky, but they can't and that is why, they know not if it's dark outside or light

This Broadway's got, It's got a lot of songs to sing, if I knew the tunes I might join in, I'll go my way alone, grow my own, my own seeds shall be sown in New York City

Subway's no way for a good man to go down, Rich man can ride and the hobo he can drown

I thank the Lord for the people I have found, I thank the Lord for the people I have found"

This really is the city that never sleeps! One half of Manhattan is up at 5am with their tall skim double shot capps, making deals, buying, selling, trading and tricking. The other half ends some restaurant industry shift around 4am, then heads home to get a good 'nights' rest. So there on the subway sits a Wall Street guru leaving his luxury high rise, to his left is a bartender en route to his five floor walk up shoe box, and across from them is a homeless man just trying to stay warm. Being here has forced me to really think about my life, life in general, and the possibilities that this city holds today, and has represented for over one hundred years.  People came from everywhere, suffering through illness, poverty, and loss, for the chance to live a life of freedom and opportunity. There is no telling where you may end up, how you get there, or who will be there at the end. What really matters is today, where your are, what you are doing now, and who is by your side or in your heart...

Facebook messages that I never want to forget:

Cass Nash:

Hi Jamie!! It was so fun hanging out with you guys yesterday! You are so awesome! I still can't believe you are actually moving to NEW YORK! I'm so excited for you and can't wait to come visit!! Good luck girl!! Remember...ANYTHING can happen. :) Love you lots...

Danielle Morris:

Okay James, I guess this is my "goodbye" I love you VERY MUCH and wish you luck. I know you don't need it, though......You are an AMAZINGLY AWESOME woman and you will LOVE it out there, when the snow is gone! New York is the PERFECT place for you. Good Luck in school. You will do AWESOME! We will all plan a trip out when it gets a little more warm! HAHA! LOVE YOU! ♥ ♥ ♥

Michelle Morris:

Hi Cousin, I am so going to miss you!! We will plan a trip out there soon, hopefully we all can come at the same time... a cousin thing. THAT would be awesome. I love you and have a safe trip and good luck in nursing school, your going to be great!! ♥♥♥

Carrie Neiman:

Hello my favorite gypsy! Me and my six bags will be seeing you tomorrow evening! LOL I am so excited for our adventure! I don't think I could've chosen a better partner in crime ;) I'm so thankful we are in it together and I just cannot wait to get there! Love you to pieces :)
♥, your nomad

Jessie Martin:

I will be missing that smiley face of yours ♥ :) Have a great time! Post post post. Xoxo

Stefanie Haggerton:

Just read your first blog to Amanda and Sara and when I finished Sara got teary eyed like she missed you and I looked at Amanda and told her this was the way we would be able to hear about all aunties adventures. Amanda was just looking at me and I couldn't read her face, so I finally said, "What's wrong, you miss Auntie?", and she said, "I'm just happy she followed her dream." Ahhhh!! After a few minutes, Sara sat on my lap and said, I'm glad Aunties following her dream too!

Janna Denhart: 

I was just thinking about those precious little ones missing their auntie. She is the best aunt ever and so loves her nieces and nephews.

Sara Sullivan via Stefanie Haggerton:

Sara: "When is auntie gonna come back Mommy?" Me (Thinking...is this just Day 4 w/o her?) say...."I miss her too, baby, we'll see her soon." We miss and love you Auntie Jamie!!!

Kristie Kretchman Linhares:

Love you Jamie!!! It was so nice to hear your voice! So glad your living your dream. Miss you like crazy, enjoy every step of your adventure!! Xoxo

Gina Meyers:

Nurse Auntie Help, Marina had a very loose tooth, told her to pull it before she fell asleep, its morning and the tooth is gone, cant find it! I think she swallowed it!

Susie Lopez Walsh:

Enjoy your last week of your 20's. It only gets better in your 30's : )

It's A Dance Party

...to everywhere! We have got moves you've never seen before- The Scarf Toss, The Ugg Stomp, Mitten Pump, and don't forget the Muff Nod (get your mind out of the gutter, we're talking ear muffs, people). With a little singing and dancing, we stay warm on these streets!

I must have the New Yorker look down because someone asked me for directions yesterday. Well, actually he said "This train is going downtown, right?" Hey, I had the correct answer so that's good enough for me;) As long as I stick to this side of the park I can find my way around. I've become quite accustomed to my routine though it is still somewhat nostalgic to take the train everyday, even more so when trudging through snow to get there. I am definitely not in Cali anymore...and the midnight snow plows are a loud reminder of that! Still, loving everything about this place.

Work is going great so far. This non-corporate business style is crazy, yet a huge breath of fresh air.  The training lasted about nine hours total and basically consisted of the other servers showing me the table numbers and computer (or non computer) system then giving me a section. They even gave me $60 for training! CRAZY! Plus, you get a free meal on every shift.... which I partly take home and use for my next meal as well, this place rocks! The most unusual aspect of Windfall is that due to the location and business clientele, they are closed for the weekends. I have been in the hospitality industry since I was sixteen and have never encountered this before. I'm hoping the weekly income will be good enough to maintain this schedule and stay at this place.

On the school note however, more challenges arise. When attending for a nursing program that is designed for those that already have a Bachelor's, I would not expect to be required to take random writing and cultural diversity classes. I have a degree, clearly I can write. I come from Los Angeles, how much more culturally diverse can I be? LOL, let alone the fact that California schools require those as well. So this probably adds another semester and thousands of out of state tuition dollars to my plan, but at this point, whatever. If I want to live in New York right now, and become a nurse someday, this is what I'll have to do.

We checked out another apartment this morning. Fairly small, and only a one bedroom, but with a huge, private backyard, fully equipped with a grill. I think only two Cali girls would contemplate giving up a bedroom for a sunbathing and barbecue area... So of course we're thinking about it! I still could not be happier with my partner in crime, the wifey, Carrie. There are mornings when we are each doing the exact same thing but not even saying a word to each other... just a well oiled machine, or as her mom calls us, the perfect married couple:)

The World Is My Oyster

...grains of sand and all! It's a good thing that I like a good challenge because life is full of them. Serving here is not the part time gig it is in Los Angeles, it is a full time career in New York. Apparently most of the restaurants and bars here only want to hire people that have absolutely no other obligations. Clearly, with nursing school on the horizon, I do not fall into that category. Could it be that where I want to be and what I want to do are contradicting each other? Going from the comfort and joy of substitute teaching everyday and serving at night, to the dreaded fear of job searching through unknown territory, I couldn't help but feel estranged, and as if I was taking a huge step backward... Aside from the fact that I had just taken 3,000 huge steps to the right.


While I did have an offer from a place that a friend's sister manages, I decided to try and find something that would be a better fit for my personality and interests... and really, as much as I rock I deserve to be a little picky;) So this week consisted of walking, interviewing, walking, and more walking. It may be freezing outside but all that walking (in heels, nonetheless) keeps you warm! Finally, an interview that I had been eagerly awaiting went very well and I got the job. The manager claims that they stay busy so let's hope he's right and that the money is good! The place is near Times Square on 39th Street and is called Windfall. By definition that means: A sudden, unexpected piece of good fortune... Coincidence? I feel that coincidence is just a word that was created to take the magic and romance out of destiny...

In the mean time, I have delved into the streets of this amazing city. An evening stroll from 19th to 85th nearly froze my fingers but was well worth it. With my ipod in and my jacket on, I danced my way up Madison Avenue, ahhhh. Not only are the buildings gorgeous but so are the guys. As they say, the West Coast buys cars, the East Coast buys clothes... and they know how to wear them! (I may have stolen that quote from someone, sorry and thank you;) A hot tea, 66 blocks, and one "How you doin, blondie?" later, I arrived home to the 'wife' (friend/roommate and currently sharing a bed with Carrie, lol) and we headed out for some fun. The greatest thing about this city is that you can walk out your door and find a plethora of options within a 5 block radius. 


You can also meet a lot of people within those five blocks. Some random and hilarious Genine Gerafalo look alike sound alike chick assumed that I was 24 as Carrie is. So when we asked her age she said  "Oh, I'm 29. Ugh, the day I turn 30 I'll shoot myself" to which I laughed and informed her that I am 29. She then laughed and revealed that she was 34! Wait, what, who does that? Attention New York, we're just two fun gals hanging out in a bar, you don't need to lie about your age to us, especially if you're a chick, we don't want to date you so we really don't care. Another acquaintance worth mentioning is our new friend Finn, the adorable Irish bartender at our new spot Doc Watson's (side bar: there are a lot of Irish here). We've only been there twice but he already feels comfortable making fun of the crazy stuff that flies out of my mouth, LOVE IT! Quick note to the Haggertons, we have been saying our last name wrong. He taught me the correct Irish pronunciation. I claimed it was the American Indian half that made us change it, lolol!


We finally made our way to Central Park for a Sunday afternoon. GORGEOUS! Nothing like the snow on the ground, the sun on my face, and the wife by my side... Loving life and love living in NYC. 

I Fell In Love

...with New York on my first visit in April of 2009. Exactly one year and nine months later I got off the plane in the Big Apple with no plans of leaving anytime soon. My heart broke with every 'good bye' and it still hurts to think about my loved ones that I will not see for a while. To those I say this: I love you with every ounce of my heart and think about you every day. I did not move here to leave you. This is just something that I want for myself and need to do now. For those that are too young to understand, please know that Auntie loves you and misses you. Some day you will want to venture out and I will support you all the way. This blog is for you, for me, and anyone that ever had a dream. I hope my stories entertain you the way that living them has for me.

My partner in crime, Carrie, and I spent our first day here turning our apartment into "our" apartment. A cute one bedroom in a three floor walk up on the Upper East Side. A fairly large living room, nice kitchen and a washer and dryer IN our apartment. It's awesome and certainly starting to feel like home... though I sure hope the air mattress and futon arrive soon! We went to Banc (apparently pronounced as 'Bank', yet I think 'Bonk' sounds better) for dinner and drinks to celebrate our arrival. Whoa, the cucumber martinis go down way too easily!

Woke up to the bright sun rising in the East and blazing through the window. Growing up in Southern California, I've always enjoyed the beautiful sunsets and the relaxing sensation of another day coming to and end. Yet there is something so romantic and inspiring about a sunrise and the new beginnings that it represents. It feels like I am starting over, and the sun is right there with me.

We are getting used to the subway and walking, a lot of walking. Aside from a minor mishap with directions, we found our way to Trader Joe's! Ahhhh feels like home. I've got my cereal for the morning to fire me up before we head out on the job hunt. Hopefully it will only be a one day search!