Kindness

Hi, friends.  This post will be more heartfelt than previous ones.  I have heard many negative comments about people from New York, especially New York City - they're rude, mean, angry...you get the idea.  Despite the little time I have lived here, I beg to differ.  I have had plenty of people hold open a door for me.  On Friday, the bus I needed was leaving the curb when the driver noticed me, and he actually stopped the bus to let me on.  People smile here and give compliments.  I found an amazing church that is filled with the Lord's spirit and abundant kindness.  Last night, my waitress at an Italian restaurant on Staten Island gave us free cookies when we left, just because (she had not even seen our tip).  My 80-something year-old neighbor reminds me often to drop by if I need sugar, eggs, or even a rug.  Another kind 80-something year-old gentleman in my building always inquires as to how I am.  I have had plenty of random conversations with strangers, whether at the bus stop or in an elevator.  I have repeatedly seen strangers help women with strollers get up/down the stairs for the subway.  It is not uncommon to see kids in my neighborhood selling lemonade for charity.  My colleagues are some of the warmest physicians I have ever met.  And these are just the examples I can think of right now.  Sure, the honking is incessant here (the many meanings of the honks will be a future post, I'm sure), and not everyone is friendly, but I have met plenty of unfriendly people in the other places I have lived.  It's important to look past the inflammatory personas of this vibrant city, and look at the kindness that is overlooked.

On that note, on to the photos.

Deliciously fresh oysters from my local seafood market.  Yummmmmm.....  And as a bonus, they shucked them for free!

This is the view from the hospital near the ORs.  When I'm needing some decompression, I love sitting at the window and enjoying the serenity.  Even if occasionally a barge of trash goes by.

Little boats at Central Park!

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis reservoir - I forgot how much I love sunrise runs.  It was the perfect temperature to run with hundreds of my fellow runners.  

I went to Staten Island last night for an Italian meal with a friend, and we took the ferry at sunset.  Amazing views!! Lady Liberty is my favorite, but Manhattan looked pretty good as well.

This guy (or maybe it's female - read about what female praying mantis' do to the males some time) must be trying to make it to either Staten Island or Manhattan, but he was halfway down the ferry, so he has a long way to go.  If you can zoom in, the praying mantis is looking right at me.  He's quite the poser.

Until next time, share some kindness!