A Real New Yorker - 10 years Today

Today I celebrate 10 years living in New York City. This is definitely the longest I've ever lived in one city and in one neighborhood.  Its kind of insane especially given I thought I'd only be here 2 years.  

So in honor of my 10 years, I thought I'd share with you some of my most favorite people and times in New York (through pictures only).  I'll let them speak for themselves. They are in no particular order.

Looking back, I wish I had put these into years but that's too much to redo now... Also, there are TONS more so maybe I'll share those with you another day. Alot has happened in my 10 years here.  I look forward to 10 more!

THANK YOU NEW YORK FOR BEING SO GOOD TO ME!

I Heart NY

Its hard to believe that 10 years ago tomorrow I moved to New York City.  Before March of 2003, moving to New York was never on my list. Chicago, London, South America, yes, but never New York.  But fortunately God had another plan for me and New York was apparently in that plan.  

When I moved here I legitimately thought I'd be here 2 years and then I'd move to one of the places listed above.  But a 2 year contract became 3 years and then I was permanently hired by the church I worked for.  After that, moving wasn't an option, I was hooked. OK lets be honest. I was hooked on Day 1.

So here I am 10 years later and I have absolutely no desire to leave.  My plans for life are definitely not what I thought they would be 10 years ago but for now, I am content with where they are.

Ironically enough, the last week... month, I've had more people ask me about fun things to do in the city than I've had in a long time.  My only issue is, as a resident, what I consider fun and what non-New Yorkers consider fun are totally different.  So its taken some brain power to think through what I would recommend to other people.  I thought, in honor of 10 years in the city, I would share with my New York friends and my non-New York friends some of my favorite sites in the city. (these are in no particular order and yes I took all of the photos below) 

Don't worry tomorrow I'll share some more personal memories of my 10 years in the city.  

Central Park

Central Park is a great, laid back place to visit.  It is Manhattan's biggest park. The park begins at 59th Street (midtown) and goes all the way up to 110th Street (Harlem).  There are lots of places to visit within the park such as Bethesda fountain, The Lake (canoes available and prices are not bad), Strawberry fields (John Lennon memorial), Belvedere Castle, Conservatory Gardens, Central Park Zoo etc.

Natural History Museum

The museum is one of hundreds of museums in the city.  Most people don't know that they have a suggested donation, which means, pay what you want.  If you aren't seeing an exhibit and just enjoying the museum you can pay what you want. It is located at 79th Street and Central Park West (across from Central Park)

Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is a great FREE option for the city.  It takes you from the southern tip of Manhattan to Staten Island and then you can get a ferry back.  Its totally free.  You see the statue of liberty and the city from decent views.  

Brooklyn Bridge

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is a must. Its a nice walk and you get great views of the city.  AND ITS FREE.  The Brooklyn Bridge is at the south eastern tip of the island and leads to Brooklyn.  

Grand Central Station

They are celebrating 100 years this year but it is a great stop on any walking tour.   Its beautiful and has rich history. There are some must sees in the station, such as the main concourse and the whispering arches.  Grand Central is located at Park Ave and 42nd Street (Midtown). 

George Washington Bridge
I have lived blocks from the bridge for years now and until this summer had never walked across. Its a shame because its one of the best views of the city!  I am totally hooked and even more in love with the bridge and the neighborhood.

These are just a few of the great things to do in the city.  I could list several more but I think that is enough. Come back tomorrow for a walk through my life in the BIG CITY!

What are your New York Favorites?

I {Love} New York

I moved to New York almost 10 years ago. When I moved to the city it hadn't been my first choice nor did I think I'd be here more than the 2 year job I was taking.  Flash forward 10 years and I am as close as a lifer as i think i can get. 

New York to me is a person, family even.  I talk about her like she's a person.  I feel about her like I would a close close friend.  So it shouldn't have surprised me when I got offended when someone put her down.

I was walking to the subway last night when I overheard someone say "I really don't like the city."  You could tell the comment was made by someone who lives here or around here and not a tourist.  When she said it I had a physical reaction.  I almost turned around and glared at her.... but then the rational side of me realized. "Kim, she's entitled to her opinion."  

I don't get upset when people visiting the city or those who don't live here say they don't like the city.  I mean I feel sad for them :) But I don't have a reaction to their dislike but coming from someone who lives here I was deeply offended. It equated emotionally to her saying "I hate your mom."  I wanted to argue with her and tell her all the reasons she should love the city.  I felt bad for the city that this person said a mean thing about her.  

Ok I know I sound a touch crazy right now... and I kinda am... but it surprised me as much as its confusing you I am sure.  I've always known I had a deep love and affection for the city but I didn't realize just how deep it went until that moment. I get that people don't like the city but I just love it so much that I apparently have instant reactions to it :)

Now, I do like the suburbs. I secretly want a house with a yard and the ability to get in my car and drive 5 minutes to the store.  It took me an hour and a half to go 1 mile uptown to pick up dinner for a friend and then back down a mile to deliver said meal.... if i didn't live in the city it would have taken 20 minutes TOPS. I miss the convenience of living outside of the city.  I also need a vacation once or twice a year to re balance... but I do love the city... The funny thing though is what i love about the city is not really NYC related but the community of people here.  Yet I still get offended when people put it down.  

The city is a pretty great place and in many respects I kinda grew up here. I might have been in my late 20s and 30s while I've been here but I learned more about who I am here than I did before.  When people ask what i love about the city I can't tell them this museum or this show or this attraction. Although lovely, what I love more about the city is the feel, the people, the heart.  Something you can't really taste until you've spent time here.

Have a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by!