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!

Another Day, Another Museum

Hi friends!  I guess I assumed that Texas heat and humidity was the worst I had experienced, with the exception of Puerto Rico and New Orleans.  Well, New York is doing a pretty good job of competing.  It has been in the 90's and incredibly humid.  It's just not fair, considering how far north we are.  Can't we at least have cooler temperatures with this humidity??  I need to find that special deodorant again.

A few weeks ago, it was the perfect Saturday to wear a glorious hat and head to the Met.  It's such an amazing museum with incredible history.

I came across this gorgeous Monet.  It would fit perfectly in my apartment.  :)

I had to see the special exhibition.  It's all about couture clothing and technological advances.

LOVE IT!

I found my little black dress.

And on to Egypt.  Here is the Temple of Dendur.  You can go inside of it, but the line was too long for my patience at the time.

I haven't seen a Broadway show in a few weeks and was feeling that tug, so when I heard that one of my best friend's friends was in Aladdin, I booked a ticket.  SO AMAZING!! I highly recommend it.

Tiny avocado, $1.50 each.  'Nuff said.  Welcome to New York.

This adorable bronze sculpture is by my church.  :)

I finally finished another blanket!!  My hand was sore for several days after feverishly trying to finish it.  Time to start another!

I have to say that I'm loving living in New York.  Everything is at my fingertips, even if most items costs 2-3x as much.  Great, cheap public transportation helps.  Today I'll be receiving my first delivery from FreshDirect, which is a company that delivers groceries to your door.  I get free delivery for two months, and it's completely worth it for cheaper prices (along with them delivering heavy items that I don't feel like lugging home).

Thunderstorms and New Jersey

Thunderstorms are strange here.  Half of the time I don't even realize it's raining if I am in my apartment, since I can't hear the rain on the roof or the windows.  A storm hit while I was running errands a few days ago, and luckily I found an alcove against a building to share with several strangers.  I swear they must have built those alcoves specifically for that purpose.

I went to Hoboken, NJ recently with a friend to check out Carlo's Bakery (the famed Cake Boss on TV).

After about an hour of waiting for my number to be called, I ordered three delicious pastries (tiramisu, cheesecake, and lobster tail).  The woman at the counter said "That's it?"  So I added on a strawberry shortcake.  :) Here's my tiramisu.  So delicious!

We walked over to the Hudson River and saw the most beautiful view of Manhattan!

Hoboken is the complete opposite of Manhattan.  I didn't hear a single car honk and did not fear for my life when I crossed the street.  Quite peaceful.

Here are some more photos of Central Park when I was running there recently.  I found a great pond and some beautiful rock formations.  I love the gazebo!  I also came across a fair for kids.

And I forgot to add this photo last time, but it's worth putting up.  When I was in Washington Square Park, there was an amazing pianist on the sidewalk, playing incredible music.

I can also testify that I have seen the naked cowboy.  I was in a hurry, trying to get to a Broadway show, when I saw him, so no current picture, but I will do my best to make that happen again.  :)

Across the city

I enjoyed an amazing run recently, in which I thought I was circling around back to my 72nd street entrance.  At one point, this critter ran across the road and ran up a tree.

I passed a transverse road, that I assumed was 67th street, yet it looked completely different.  It turns out it was the 97th street transverse road!  At that point, I had run 2.5 miles and I was not up for continuing my run....thus, I decided to walk the 30+ blocks home.  I happened upon some amazing locations that I will need to revisit in the future!  

That's the Guggenheim!

And the Neue Galerie! Has anyone else seen Woman in Gold?  I will have to visit the Galerie soon.

My buddy M visited town and we had a great time!  I took her to the 9/11 memorial, then we headed to a biergarten.  Delicious German food and beer!

 And who doesn't love a great Beastie Boys reference?

Then we visited the high line.  It's an elevated rail that is now a gorgeous walkway with gardens, statues, great views and delicious food.

And then there are these signs....luckily, there was nothing shocking after.

I concur.  Turtles are dope.

I was wandering through the East Village and saw an interesting, modern building.

My favorite part was that this was the building across the street.  Two contrasting styles, just feet away from each other.

He seemed important.  ;-)

I love Washington Square park! It reminded me of Paris.

I was tempted to jump in this fountain that day.  It wasn't Texas hot, but humid enough to cause distasteful sweat stains!

I'm not quite sure what this creature is....I just happened upon it in Central Park.

 This was my view this morning.  Quite relaxing.

I had to take a stroll to Zabar's, the famed marketplace.

And tonight I will wander a few blocks east to watch the fireworks along the East River!  Happy 4th, everyone!