12 days

It's been 12 days since I last posted! What is wrong with me? Well, sit back, grab some coffee and let's dive in.

Ideas are often really good in theory - and sketchy in actuality. So when I had the thought that I should go up to Massachusetts for a few days, visit my parents (and grandmother, who is here from England) and also pack a suitcase with some winter clothing, I thought I was quite brilliant. I didn't have work, so I booked a Megabus ticket and set out with my large, empty suitcase. Pulling it through the subway turnstalls and then dragging it a mile to Megabus meeting spot wasn't hard. Yet, as I was doing those things I thought about the return trip. I shrugged it off and decided it couldn't be that bad.
I had a wonderful visit with my family. I got to see an old battleship off the coast of Mass (my dad was like a kid in a candy shop and he showed me all around these old ships and I had so much fun exploring with him) and on Saturday we went to an aquarium where I touched a starfish and a crab. My grandmother bought me a lovely winter coat. We went to Target and I loaded up on the "essentials" (thanks Lisa & Andrew for my gift card)! My mom and I loaded up quilts, coats, sweaters, boots and other things into this suitcase, which I eyed skeptically the more full it became...
Sunday morning dawned bright and early - I caught the 6 a.m return bus and fortunately made it back in time to attend corporate worship at Gallery that morning. It wasn't a problem walking half a block to the church building from the bus. And I tried to discreetly hide the bulging suitcase and messenger bag I brought in a corner. But you can't hide forever. Oh yes, I tried to sneak out after service and head back with this big bag, but I ended up chatting and then - YIKES!- agreeing to go to lunch with some people. With my huge suitcase. I may have dislocated my elbow pulling this suitcase behind me and carrying a messenger bag and tote. I walked 8 blocks to get to lunch - which put me 8 blocks further away from my subway station. Alas, hunger won over pride, and so I walked the distance. Others had gone before me, so apart from one girl who walked with me (and helped carry a bag) I was going solo. I did discover it's easier to push the suitcase rather than pull.
I was laughing at how ridiculous the situation was and internally panicking about the impending trip back to the Bronx and the 7 blocks uphill. Someone threw out the suggestion that I get a taxi to take me to the subway, but I scoffed. What a waste of money! And also, I've seen some scrappy New Yorkers (remember all those people carrying home goods a million and one blocks?). Do you know of a better way to develop those New York muscles than to lug 50 pounds through the streets of Manhattan?
Well I'll have you all know, someone from lunch just happened to be going to the same train as me. And as it would be rude to refuse help, I allowed him to develop his New York muscles by wheeling my suitcase the 15 or so blocks to the train.  I learned that an emergency door can be opened in the subway station and large bags can be brought through. An alarm will sound, but worse things have happened.  There was no way that suitcase was going through a turn stall!! And yes, I made it back alive. I'm sure you were all very concerned for a moment. A girl helped me get my bag down the steps of the subway and I slowly but surely lugged that stupid bag uphill 7 blocks. Honestly, I still don't know what made it so heavy. Could be the heating blanket. Or the boots. Perhaps the coats? Or the 5 lb "necessary" bottle of lotion I purchased at Target...? All in all, the experience was hilarious, ridiculous, and just so... me!

Concluding points/summations: 

~I am still on the job search. I have applied for several different jobs and I'm just waiting. Which is when I get the most impatient and usually grow the most in my trust of God and His plan.
~My small group launches tomorrow night. It's at 7:30 in Gramercy. I'm excited to get to know a group of people at Gallery and learn and grow together. Gallery has yearly groups, so they change frequently which will be a change from what I'm used to (this is my shameless IDC Growth Group shout-out. I miss y'all. Who are you making gluten free food for now?!?). Also thank you for putting together a care package for me! M&M's, sweet cards and a splash guard for my Nalgene. You all know me so well ;-)
~The weather has been heavenly! I did some see colors on a tree the other day.
~It was Fashion Week here.I noticed some men wearing skirts/dresses/tunics.* I'm not making it up.
~The 12 year anniversary of 9-11 was last Wednesday. The city seemed quieter. Reflective. I still haven't been down to the WTC site yet, but I plan to soon. 
~My friend Emily has tickets to see Jimmy Fallon recording on Thursday. She may have an extra ticket; and if she does I will be going. Perk of unemployment-ish.
~I am also meeting with my World Vision connection Wednesday at 2 p.m. Prayers are appreciated and I will keep everyone updated on that.
 ~I also read 3 books in 4 days. I'm a voracious reader but I think that sets a new personal record. I read the Hunger Games - and you should too and then you can call me and we'll talk about them, okay? And if you want to plan a strategic time to come visit NYC, the second movie comes out Nov 22, so we can go together.**

That's the last 12 days. Your coffee is either gone or cold by now. Don't be ashamed to get a second cup. It's my favorite part of the morning.

Instagram feeds to follow:
~humansofny
~fashion
~exploremycity
~season_spirit


*for some info, follow this link: http://globalgrind.com/2013/07/02/celebrity-men-in-skirt-dress-shirts-trend-photos/

**In case I failed to convince you, view this and you'll be on your way! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAzGXqJSDJ8