Empire State of Mind

After just one week in this metropolitan maze, it's clear that New York is a city swollen with promises of opportunities and success. Like a faint but persistant voice in the night, the words "anything is possible" haunt natives and tourists alike. It's all too easy to embrace the small fish/big pond feeling.... but even so, the city doesn't feel quite as vast as I had imagined, thanks in great part to my iPhone - which I would truly be lost without. Even so, my phone and I are in a love/hate relationship at the moment. With just under 19 million people buzzing about, it's no wonder I'm dropping more calls than Tiger Woods has girlfriends (bad joke, I know). That aside... that little hand-held device has quickly become my trusted companion... always guiding me where I need to be. Thank you, Steve Jobs :)

The city is simply stunning... twinkling with excitement and activity. And while the snow has mostly melted along the streets, the soil of Central Park remains perfectly frosted with winter's touch. Camera in hand, I spent the whole weekend exploring... searching for the next great shot. There is so much to see, and I don't want to miss a single thing.

The long workdays have provided me with a sense of excitement and accomplishment, while also helping to dilute the sense of loneliness that can only be expected when you plant yourself 3,000 miles away from your home and those you hold closest to heart. I have already connected with old friends from college and other past lives, however even the social engagements, neighborhood explorations and the daily fresh linens and other comforts of my room can't distract me from missing those that I left behind.

Not surprisingly, Empire State of Mind has become my theme song... following me wherever my feet take me. Whether riding the subway on my way to SoHo or strolling through Times Square, I know that it will get easier and that everything is going to work out just in the way that it was meant to. As the song goes, These streets will make you feel brand new... bright lights will inspire you... let's hear it for New York, New York, New York........

SF City Girl Greens The Big Apple!

As many of you know..... upon my last day with The Ritz-Carlton I was offered (and quickly accepted) my dream job: to implement an Environmental Conservation and Social Responsibility program at The Palace Hotel in New York City. Aside from providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and amazing resume-builder, I get to enjoy the following perks:

• A room in The Palace for the duration of my time here (Chuck Bass, anyone??)
• A gorgeous direct view of St. Patrick's Cathedral from my room
• Club access offering delectable bites and scrumptious sips
• Free in-house laundry & dry cleaning, and......
• Daily maid service (insert delighted squeal here)

It may sound like I'm bragging (and who am I kidding... sometimes a girl can't help herself!)... but I just can't seem to wrap my head around it! Needless to say, I'm starting to develop welts from pinching myself too hard and too often, as I'm half-convinced that this is all a big joke... which would be a very mean trick to play. Of course, waking up and realizing this has all been a dream seems far more likely than the reality of the situation.

As fortunate and excited as I am about this amazing opportunity, it wasn't easy leaving my loved ones. I only had one week to pull myself together and move to New York... and with the quick turnaround came a whirlwind of emotions. However, I am comforted in knowing that I will be returning to my beloved City by the Bay once I get this program up and running... which should be within a few short months. I am living my own dream: making a positive (and hopefully lasting) environmental impact while exploring one of the most amazing cities in the world. I will have much to keep me occupied between work and exploring the Big Apple... which is truly a Foodie's paradise. And if you know anything about me, you know that food is and always has been one of the greatest loves of my life. Move over Anthony Bourdain.... I already have a running list of places I can't wait to visit... many of which will surely be documented in this blog :)

So stay tuned for updates, adventures, photos, restaurant reviews, and random thoughts. And in the meantime... enjoy the view from my room. I certainly am ;) XOXO

Change

Alright peeps! One of my fans has been (gently) hounding me for quite some time to get back into blogging. These days you would never know it, but writing is and always has been one of my favorite pastimes.... which is why I should be more proactive about dedicating at least a few minutes out of each day to the written word. J - you asked for it! This one's for you :)

Change is difficult, no matter how you cut it or how it is brought forth. And with big change comes a whirlwind of emotions: confusion, fear, and hope, not to mention that persistent queasiness that refuses to loosen its grip on your tummy. 2010 has already brought a great deal of change into this lady's life. As you may know, I tend to take my New Year's Resolutions pretty seriously. Last year I chose to run a half-marathon, and in case you haven't kept up... that proved to be successful as I'll be running my fourth this coming Sunday. It's no great feat as I'm slow and greatly lack consistency in training, but at the end of the day... I have turned one goal into a glowing reality almost four times over. My goal for 2010? To be more fiscally conservative and put more into my savings then I have in recent years. So, I left my darling (though troubled) studio and the comfort of having my own place... and moved into a flat in Russian Hill. In so doing I've taken on 2 awesome roommates and am saving almost $400/month on rent. So... I found the timing to be quite serendipitous when I found out my job was eliminated a couple of weeks ago. While I'd already begun to submit my resume around, timing is suddenly of the essence whereas before I could interview and submit my resume... all at a relaxing, comfortable pace.

I'm now three days away from my last day here at Le Ritz.... and while I haven't solidified my next move, a number of offers have presented themselves. Now while I recognize this to be a positive, I can't help but feel overwhelmed with the pressure to balance choosing the right opportunity without rushing into a position that doesn't provide the necessary emotional and financial well-being. I'm a firm believer in sayings such as "What's meant to be will be" and "If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it".... and have found that reminding myself of these words of wisdom (repeatedly) are about the only thing that can slow my racing heart rate and push back the tears as I fight the frustrations and panic attacks that arise from the feeling of completely losing control.

Yup, 2010 has already brought forth a great deal of change. And for change to prove successful, one must make adjustments and not be afraid to venture out of their comfort zone. Is it easy? Of course not. But, I keep reminding myself that the best things never are.