Why April 1 was a sweet day

I had a lovely experience this afternoon. It was one of those New York moments that you absolutely have to write down so that you remember it when you wonder why on earth you put up with this place.



I left work early to go to a doctor’s appointment on the Upper West Side. I took the train to one of my old subway stops and walked up the steps just as school was letting out, peppering the sidewalks with high school students flirting away. Seeing this scene in the afternoon light reminded me of graduate school. I would take a quick run on the same streets, into the park and around the reservoir in the afternoon to clear my head. The freedom that comes with a student’s schedule!

I finished up at my doctor’s appointment, then I dipped into a hardware store that sits around the corner from my first apartment in the city. I walked the aisles looking for a spray bottle, but I instead remembered a weekend nearly three years ago that I went to that same hardware store to build bookshelves, feeling so proud that I could do that on my own. (Stubborn independence is an empowering side effect from divorce).

After leaving the hardware store (with no spray bottle), I started making my way to the subway stop. I strolled by a building where my friend Natalie lived before she up and moved to Canada. I smiled as I walked by Carmine’s, where my husband and I had our wedding dinner with our family and closest friends almost one year ago. A few blocks later, I looked up at The Melar building where another friend, Kelsea, used to live. She and I only crossed paths in the city for about four months, but Kelsea K. is one of those people you connect with immediately and love forever.

As I approached the subway stairs, I felt so much gratitude: gratitude that I get to live in this city, gratitude that I have memories here and gratitude thinking, dreaming of what’s to come.

Running in the rain is not always pretty

Saturday morning was not pretty.

[caption id="attachment_1408" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Me with my running group...before the rain.[/caption]

I'm doing something crazy on November 2. I'm lacing up my running shoes and running a marathon with a bunch of other crazies in New York City. I've been running with a group in preparation and on Saturday, our coaches had us down for a 14-mile run in Central Park. Central Park is beautiful. Central Park is also a six-mile loop of hills, but ain't no thang. I've been running that green beast for two years, so I showed up Saturday morning ready to run two-and-a-half loops of the park - and with the crazy idea that hey, I'll throw in another two and run 16 miles. Yeah, that's what I'm going to do. (Running makes you crazy.)

But here's one thing we didn't know was coming. Rain. Pouring rain. Not just like, oh it's raining out. It was a DOWNPOUR, as if God just opened the clouds and continually dumped buckets on that park for two hours. My girlfriend and I started laughing after six miles as we trudged up a hill sloshing through rivers of water. After eight miles, we weren't laughing. We were quiet as we focused on trying to think of anything else besides feeling our toes sloshing in our socks. The fourteenth mile? My body just wanted to have a good cry. (Yeah, that 16-mile thought was saved for another day.) Oh, the best part: I wore a white bra with a white shirt. #wettshirtcontestwinner

I'm now typing this a few hours later wearing glorious sweatpants, no bra (which was pretty much how I ran errands today and I don't regret it), sipping orange juice and praying that I don't get sick. Oh, and that November 2 brings partly cloudy skies, 65 degrees and no rain. Join me in that prayer, please.

New series on TODAY

The TODAY show team gets to go inside your home every morning, but now the tables have turned.

I am knocking on the doors of our anchors and correspondents to bring viewers into their homes in a new TODAY original series, "At Home with TODAY." Check out the first post in the series - and prepare to have major kitchen envy - as Natalie Morales welcomes you to her favorite room in her New Jersey brownstone.

[caption id="attachment_1403" align="aligncenter" width="730"] Credit: Lance Booth/TODAY[/caption]

Jared & George

We have settled into a specific weekend routine this summer. I wake up at the crack of dawn to run for a few hours (marathon training). We meet up at our favorite bagel spot, run errands, then usually settle at home for a nap and maybe hit up a movie later. It's been nice...but we feel like we haven't been taking advantage of all the amazingness our city has to offer.

It was time for a change.

So yes, I still woke up earlier than any sane person should last Saturday and I still ran for miles, and I still hit up our favorite bagel spot for a raisin bagel with walnut tofutti, but then we decided to stop at The Metropolitan Museum of Art to pay George a visit.

"Washington Crossing the Delaware" is breathtaking to see in real life. We stared at it for 10 minutes, then tried peeling ourselves away to go to another exhibit, but I kept coming back to George. It's inspiring...and quite humbling. As we walked away, Jared and I promised one another that we would come see him again soon.

And we of course had to talk a stroll on The Met's rooftop before heading home.



That may be one of my favorite spots in the city.  It feels as if you could dance across the treetops, hopping from one to another. It's magical.

(Here are a few tips if you care to give the rooftop a visit!)

 

The Week of Our Wedding

This post is more meant for my journal, but that little book is packed away in a box, so we're sending it out on the blogosphere for friends, strangers and potential employers to read. Hey everyone!

The last five months have been a complete whirlwind. Well, let's face it. The last three years have been a whirlwind, but ever since Jared put a ring on it, life seemed to slam on that gas pedal.

I sit here now typing in my Upper West Side apartment on the week of our wedding. On Thursday morning, the movers will come and move my things to Jared's apartment. I'll wave goodbye to my view of the most charming water tower you have ever seen, blow a kiss to Matt Damon's (former) building across the street and close the door to my little piece of Manhattan. I have lived here longer than I have lived anywhere in the last 10 years, and this little spot has been so special to me during the last two years. I started graduate school with this home. I worked late, late, late nights typing away in this room. I dressed up for dates, rode out a hurricane, collapsed on the bed after red-eye flights, finished graduate school, interviewed for jobs, accepted my position at NBC and so much more surrounded by these walls. This place is a piece of me and I ache to say goodbye.

Hours after moving, my momma will land, followed by the rest of our families, including my brother all the way from China and our dear friends from California to Mississippi. Jared and I will be family by the weeks' end. And that is just crazy to me sometimes.

One thing my first marriage taught me is that marriage is crazy. I walked away thinking I never, ever wanted to do that again. And those memories still tug at me. So why go for another round?

Because Jared is my best friend and I want a family with him. I see that. I want that. And God willing, that's an upcoming chapter in my life. Those tidbits are the sweet parts of doing this. I also know that the painful growing pains, they will in fact be growing pains. I am stepping into a lifetime of practicing choosing love and compassion in countless circumstances.

I don't think I feel as put together as I thought I would be at this point. I'm still figuring out how to take care of Amy and have a few walls remaining from round one. The engagement has been mostly fun, special and loving, but the last two weeks have been particularly difficult as anxieties set in. But I'm also marrying a guy who is as patient as they come. He has stood on the sidelines for two-plus years waiting to step up.

Marriage can be terrifying, but this week (and for weeks, months, decades to come), I am choosing to be brave. I am choosing love, compassion, courage, hope all wrapped up in that tall, sweet man of mine. 

Update on the insanity

Aside from my relationship status, a lot has changed in the last 30 days! So a quick run down on the insanity seems to be in order.

First of all, I am now a master of journalism! And I will only be addressed as such. Kidding, kidding. But I did finish my graduate program in mid-December and can (finally) check that dream off of my bucket list (yes, I have a bucket list and yes, getting a master's degree in journalism is on there). During the ceremony, I walked through the doors and immediately spotted my parents with Jared. It all felt so much more significant than a piece of paper and a new line on the resume. When I was living at my parent's house a few years ago, I would wake up early, say good morning to my dad as he read the news in his office and head to the basement, where my mom had set up a study area to cram for the GRE. Even when I was accepted and had moved to New York, she would listen to me vent and even sometimes cry from graduate school exhaustion. And Jared, oh Jared. At one point last winter the poor guy was giving me pep talks on an hourly basis. We both still talk about a night in March when he called me from the Wall Street subway stop to find I was having a breakdown, and the sweet man gave me some serious tough love. That guy won't let me get away with doubting myself. Graduate school was the hardest thing I have ever done. But I did it! With a lot of help, I did it.



And I have a job! Four days after walking across the stage to get my degree, I started working as an associate editor for TODAY.com. The job is better than anything I hoped for moving to New York, so I'm still pinching myself. Follow me on Twitter to see what I'm working on there.

And yes, I sing this song to myself daily as I walk to 30 Rock.

Cheese Wedding Cake

Jared and I have barely dipped our toes into planning our wedding...But I spotted this stroke of genius earlier today before work. A cheese wedding cake!



Would you do something like this? While I would go for this any day,  Jared and I are thinking of ordering our guests our favorite red velvet cheesecakes from here. During our first year in NYC, we would use any excuse to stop by and pick one up to share.

Hercules

We've been hit by Hercules over here! And he's beautiful. At least he is when I'm sitting at my window with a mug of tea in the middle of the night watching it fall. Commuting to work in an hour may be a little less beautiful, but nothing my boots and I can't handle.

Have a great first of weekend of 2014! Jared and I are headed to midtown tonight to watch the Orange Bowl (Buckeyes!). Tomorrow, lunch in Brooklyn with girlfriends and "Scandal." Lots and lots of "Scandal." Stay warm and safe out there!

Happy New Year!

Happy 2014, friends!

A year ago, I predicted 2013 would be a year of hard work.

I was spot on.

But folks, the hard work paid off and I'm kicking off 2014 with a full-time job at the "Today" show, engaged (what?!) and tickled to still be living in the greatest city in the world. It feels very surreal. Too good to be true, frankly. But I'm taking deep breaths and trying to soak it all in.

I think 2014 is going to be about setting new beginnings, new goals, new chapters. Here's to a new year, folks! I hope it's a grand one.

(Photo: WeHeartIt.com)

New York Print

I have loved this Sugar Paper print ever since I spotted in it one of Jillian Harris' rooms.

Best Subway Performance

Subway music can be...well...less than stellar. But these guys blew me and everyone else away when they busted out in Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball." I wanted to miss my train and stick around to hear more! Keep an eye out for them on the platform at Bedford Avenue.

Smorgasburg

Jared and I made our way to Smorgasburg in Brooklyn over the weekend. It's essentially a giant food festival and I'll tell you what, New Yorkers know their food. After we stuffed ourselves with grilled cheese, barbecue sandwiches and ice cream, we sprawled out on the grass and stared at the Manhattan skyline. Go. Do. And grab a mint ice cream sandwich on your way out for good luck.





^^^ Jman took the responsibility of choosing food very seriously. We had to take one lap to soak in all of the choices. Then discuss. Then buy food and eat it quickly so we can make another round for more. His message to you: Skip the pigs in a blanket. ^^^

The Sphere At The World Trade Center

Another little NYC tip, fitting for this day...

Sitting in the outdoor plaza in between the twin towers was a bronze, 25-foot statue known as the Sphere. The German statue symbolized world peace through world trade and rotated as it sat in the center of a ring of fountains that became a popular lunch spot for trade center workers.

Then the world changed and buildings came crashing down on this symbolic piece. But like this country of ours, it prevailed. Quite damaged, but still standing.



Next time you're in Manhattan and visiting the World Trade Center site, walk a few blocks south to Battery Park. There, you'll find the Sphere sitting in sight of its old home.

Next to the statue, a plaque reads:

""For three decades, this sculpture stood in the plaza of the World Trade Center. Entitled "The Sphere", it was conceived by artist Fritz Koenig as a symbol of world peace. It was damaged during the tragic events of 11 September 2001, but endures as an icon of hope and the indestructible spirit of this country. The Sphere was placed here on 11 March 2002 as a temporary memorial to all who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center."

(Photos: Google Image)

The Rooftop at the Met

A little tip for those visiting New York City: The view from the rooftop at The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must. Fifth floor. Make sure you have a camera on you and plenty of time to gaze a the tree tops and marvel at the surrounding buildings.

Another little tip: The $25 admission fee is a suggested donation. What you actually pay is up to y-o-u.

Best Bagels in New York City

One of my favorite things to do on Saturday mornings is roll out of bed, slap on a hat and head up to Absolute Bagels in Morningside Heights. Not only does this place have the fluffiest bagels around, but the fridge is stocked with Toffuti cream cheeses galore for the lactose intolerant (ahem...). If you come to NYC, you must get a bagel by doing the following:

• Stroll up Broadway


• Grab cash at the ATM


• Stand in line at Absolute Bagel (it moves fast...kind of...)


• Enjoy the fabulous people watching


• Get your bagel and a Diet Coke


• Walk across the street to Strauss Park


• Dig in

^^^Here's the thing...Absolute Bagels might have had to close down for a few days earlier this year because of a failed grade from the sanitation people...So you blow that A a kiss when you walk by because by golly, Absolute Bagels, you pulled it together and earned that A!^^^

The Last While Via iPhone

Oh summertime in NYC, how I'll miss you!

The Best Beach Chairs

I'm kicking myself a bit after our trip to the Jersey Shore. Why haven't we gone sooner?! And now summer's over! [Insert pout.]

We had such a great time over the weekend with our friends at the beach. And let me say, parents really know how to pack for a beach day. If it were just me, I would have a towel and sunblock. That's it. But our friends in New Jersey, they know how to do it right. We're talking snacks, beach toys and what I declare the best beach chairs ever. Not only are they comfortable, but when you're carrying your friend's baby on your hip and holding a three-year-old girl's hand as you all cross the street, you don't want to be juggling a beach chair, too.

These bad boys strap right onto your back like a back pack. With that and a few fruit snacks (and mozzarella sticks and drinks and apple sauce for the babes), you're in good shape.

First Anniversary of the Big Move

Well, it's official! I have been living my dream in New York City for one glorious and crazy year. As I was getting ready for bed last night, I thought about boarding the train from Boston (I had gone there from Denver for a quick wedding before the move) and I had no idea what was before me. I expected to have at least one breakdown, but it never happened! New York City instantly became home.

In true anniversary style, I wanted to round up what has gone down in the last year. I have:

-Started graduate school.

-Covered the anniversaries of 9/11 and Occupy Wall Street, the nanny murder on the Upper West Side, the financial crisis of a downtown dance studio and a struggling Harlem food bank.

-Ran two half marathons and a handful of other races.  With Central Park as my running path, I am a lucky girl.

-Written about what's inside people's refrigerators and learned how to do a perfect squat from Heidi Klum's personal trainer.

-Met incredible girlfriends who pop open a can of Diet Coke with me and walk through Central Park whenever I need a break from graduate school madness.

-Eaten too many servings of Magnolia Bakery's banana pudding to count. And that sounds like just enough.

-Survived a hurricane.

-Gone from a long-distance relationship to having the man only two subway stops away. I never want to take that for granted.

Here's to another year, New York! How about we get me a master's degree and a full-time job next?

(Photo: WeHeartIt.com)

Bryant Park Yoga

Hey New Yorkers! Get your workout in today with Bryant Park as your gym! Athleta is hosting an hour-long yoga class tonight in Bryant Park from 6-7 p.m. See you there!

Baseball In The Park

One of my favorite discoveries this summer is the baseball fields in Central Park. They are always packed with games, making them a great option when you can't head to Yankee Stadium. Jared and I have made it a tradition to pack up our dinner and have Sunday night picnics by the fields for a little b-ball action.

^^^NYC's heat wave was no joke.^^^