Six months and counting

It sometimes seems as if we moved yesterday, but then again it seems as if we've been here for years. I am not at all sure when someone can properly call themselves a New Yorker, but we are here body and soul. (Perhaps it is a magical number of cycling delivery persons successfully dodged; if so, I look forward to balloons and confetti dropping from the sky soon)

Some observations thus far:

- We love it here. This came as no surprise to either of us. This city is like a drug, and the inspiration just seeps into my very soul.

- Avoid Time Square whenever possible. We were already doing this on our pre-visits, so certainly not a problem. We are comfortable being the cafe-bookshop-park kind of people; we don't even own a television, why would we want to hang out on a street that has a gazillion of them?

- Glasses are handy. I have had many near misses of fingers to the eyeballs, as tourists point at every single tall building in the city. I love it though. It is a wonderful feeling to live in that city.

- Stop and take pictures for tourists. Perhaps this is the New York version of stop and smell the roses. I am not that busy or important that I can't stop and take someone's picture in front of which ever building or monument they so choose. It is called human connections, and it's good for the soul. Besides, this is our city now, so I want to leave a good impression.

- Get in front of the mob of tourists waiting at on the curb. I've learned this from watching seasoned New Yorkers. You see, New Yorkers cross the street when they coast is clear, not necessarily when the walk sign appears. If you want to run with the big dogs, (and not get trapped behind the group following the multi-colored umbrella) you get to the edge of that street, and ready, set, dart! Now you're going places, literally.

- The sunny side of the street has fewer tourists. (I'm guessing this will be the opposite in the winter.) After elbowing my way through two shady blocks, I realized the lopsidedness of the situation. Win for me.

- Find a place you love and go there often to refresh your soul. I'm discovering new spots every week that make me stop and breathe, but I already have a few favorites in hand. Whether I'm enjoying a cappuccino, reading a book, writing, or just being for a moment, I am a better version of me when I slow down and breathe.

It seems odd that we've come to the city that never sleeps to learn to slow down and be present. Our life is simple and yet full of goodness, laughter, and love. (I cannot even express how much I adore being married to this amazing soul I call home!) The wife has many wonderful opportunities on her college horizon; the book project that I am working on is challenging, rewarding, frustrating, and beautiful. (leavinggodfindingme.blogspot.com) I am loving it and I am loving what it is doing in me.

Peace to everyone, everywhere.