Coastal Comparisons

I've always thought of New York as being this massive, sprawling city - and have become overwhelmed just thinking about the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced New York lifestyle. Meanwhile, across the country, I have for years loved San Francisco for it's "7 x 7" small-for-a-big-city vibe. And while the whole of New York City (all boroughs included) is large, Manhattan itself is surprisingly small... coming in at exactly half the size of my beloved City by the Bay. One thing that New York definitely has over anywhere else I've been is the amazing subway system. Is it dirty and crowded? Usually. But you can get just about anywhere in a jiffy (read: New York Minute). If you choose to walk, you can count on an easy, flat terrain... unlike the hills of SF. And while I am especially appreciative of this on days of extreme weather, I deeply miss the exercise and amazing views that those SF hills provide. I still feel a bit lost here from time to time, but am gradually finding my niche... thanks to friends old and new.

As much as I'm loving this amazing new city and actively making the most of my time here, the waves of sadness and longing for home remain a constant. Home is home, and nothing will ever compare. But, as opposed to letting it get me down, you can bet your bottom dollar that I am painting the town red while I'm here. I'm leaving my mark... just watch me.

A Foodie's Frenzy

Everything tastes better in New York. Savoring a bite here and a sip there, I could easily eat my way through this city. And based on the satisfaction that I've found with each passing meal, it might even be worth the physical repercussions associated with such gross over-indulgence. The most difficult part of approaching any meal here is determining the destination. With over half of my meals leaving me longing for more, I am presented with a persistent dilemma: Do I return and treat myself to a guaranteed enjoyable experience, or do I risk disappointment and try something new? Manhattan alone holds over 10,000 restaurants, bakeries and cafes. Overwhelming? Absolutely. But in the best possible way.

Don't you worry, Reader, I hear myself. It's borderline embarrassing... knowing that I speak of past meals in a way that many reflect upon a long-lost love. I can't help it. Food is and always has been one of my greatest passions in life. Grocery shopping, cooking, baking, eating, serving... I love it all! And this city is exploding with dishes that will make your taste buds dance as though they were two-stepping with Fred Astair.

I'm beginning to compile a comprehensive list of all of the places I've been with notes on the dishes, service, and overall experience. Upon completion, this said list will be shared. Think of it as your own little black book of the hidden gems of New York dining. Cuban, Morroccan, Mexican, Italian, Japanese... I'm covering it all. I'm on a mission - determined to leave no stone unturned, no roll left behind.

Speaking of which, it's time for dinner. Bon Appetit!!!

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.

Ritz-Carlton Featured in Green Blog!

How pleased was I to arrive to work today only to be notified that two Ritz-Carlton properties were highlighted in the widely followed blog, Green Daily. Loving it!

As they said, "Luxury and Green CAN Coexist". Enjoy - xo.

http://www.greendaily.com/2009/09/16/ritz-carlton-shows-that-luxury-and-green-can-coexist/

Composting in Style!

Here's the situation: You're at work, and you need to blow your nose. Or toss your coffee cup. Or throw away the quarter of a bagel you aren't going to finish. What do you do?

• A) Get up to find the nearest compost bin (which is, to be honest, not so near...) - or -
• B) Chuck it into the trash

If you're like most people, you'll choose the later option. Nobody wants to get up time after time again to throw out one tiny tissue, and I can't blame them. Time is money and we all have better things to do than making multiple runs to dispose of these items. Even I, the "Composting Queen", have been known to throw out a tissue or two in my day. That's why I'm SO excited about my newest "green" initiative. Check this out, friends: I'm ordering a bunch of these for my co-workers in an effort to solve the above dilemma:

This bucket (which anybody can fit into their office as it's only 10 in x 8 in x 8 in) is ventilated on all sides, including the top and bottom. It allows food waste to breathe which reduces the foul odor that other composting bins are unable to mask. It's genious, really. Just empty your biodegradable bag once a week into the nearest large composting bin, and re-line the small bucket with a new BioBag. (BioBags are only $3.29 for a box of 25 bags).

Now there's really no excuse for trashing all of your compostables. No more "I don't have time to run to the compost bin 10 times a day"... because now, you don't have to!

But wait... it gets better! I've done extensive research on pricing of both the buckets and the biodegradable bags. The best deals can be found here: http://www.buygreen.com/biobagmaxairiicompostingbuckets.aspx.

There. You're now only a click away :) Go Green!!!

Greening by Gavin

I'm LOVING Gaving Newsom these days. Like most politicians, it's no secret that he's made a mistake or two in his day... some more public than others. None of his mistakes however can keep me from basking in the glory of his most recent achievement: passing the most aggressive composting and recycling law in the country. Not long ago, Portland was often referred to as the "greenest" city in the United States. In recent years, San Francisco has jumped ahead and taken the throne it so clearly deserves.

A few facts about our lovely city:

• San Francisco was the first city to ban plastic bag distribution.
• We sport the largest city-owned solar installation in the country... a 75-kw solar array atop the Moscone Center.
• At 70%, San Francisco already has the largest waste diversion rate in the country. This new law will only increase this percentage.
• Gavin newsom pledges that by 2011, San Francsico's taxi cabs will all have been converted to hybrid vehicles.

Read more about the new law here: http://tinyurl.com/nuukde

Go forth and go green :)

xoxo

Your SF Green Gal

Remember me?

Well... I've been negligent and have not kept my blog up to date. Of course there's only one person that I know of who reads it on a regular basis (you know who you are!), but that's beside the point as the reason I really started this was to use it as a creative outlet. It really all comes down to this: There's no getting around it... I've been a bad blogger.

But I don't like to dwell on the negative, so I'll just get right to it. Yes... the half marathon has come and gone! It was the most challenging of experiences but by far the most worthwhile endeavor I have taken on to date. The week and a half leading up to the race, I came down with strep throat and sinusitus. Needless to say, it made the run even more difficult than I had anticipated. Luckily, I woke up (at 3am mind you!) the morning of the race and felt better than I had in days. The weather was perfection: overcast with a chilly moist drizzle that was nothing short of refreshing as my feet pounded the pavement for a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes. Yes readers, you read that right. I am a VERY slow runner. There were moments I literally doubted that I would make it to the finish line. Ultimately, it was the unwavering support of my family and friends that pushed me across that finish line. I have never sported a wider smile than in that moment. Waiting for me at the end were my mom and friends including Meredith, Nick Foster, Jennifer Privett (who flew down to surprise me!), and Danielle Van Asch Prevot. I have never in my life felt more supported or loved.

Now for my little announcement.... I must have caught the running "bug"... because I've signed up for the San Francisco half marathon later this month! Yes... your little (semi-absent) blogger is at it again!

XOXO

The Countdown is Officially ON!!!

I've been a very bad Blogger... entirely MIA! As most of you are well aware, there are times when life simply gets in the way. And there has been a lot of life to live! Training for the half marathon has certainly played a massive role. The long-distance runs leave my body stiff yet entirely satisfied. It is, however, very difficult to get back out there when all your body wants to do is soak in a hot bath or curl up in bed. The trick (apparently) is to keep at it. I'm doing my best to maintain a healthy balance of both.

It is impossible to believe that the race is (gulp) only 17 days away!!! I am confident that I will cross the finish line sporting the largest of smiles - and can't wait for that moment and sense of accomplishment.

My family and friends have gone above and beyond in their support - both emotionally and mentally, as well as with my fundraising. I reached out to those near and far, and remain touched by all of the warm wishes and deep sense of encouragement. I can say with certainty: I would not be where I am today without their love and support. Taking on this challenge has helped me to realize how fortunate that I am to have such amazing people in my life - I am rich in friendships and remain humbled and grateful for each one of them.

Above all else, this experience has taught me that, as in life, running really comes down to one simple rule:

"If you continue to place one foot in front of the other and give each step your best, you will reach the finish line to find that you haven't left any room for regret"