2 Years in NYC

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Two years ago yesterday, my brother drove me from Wisconsin to NYC in a U-Haul, and two years ago today we rolled up to my sight-unseen, crazy covid deal, 400 square foot one-bedroom apartment in SoHo (with a dishwasher!). The past two years have been some of the happiest years of my life so far. I feel like myself more than ever, and I really, really like my life. 

I'm realizing I didn't recap year one in NYC, which I'm kind of happy about. It was very "freshman" year vibes... trying to figure out my spots, make friends, and feel situated... year two was so much better. I feel like I have amazing friends here, I know where to grab a drink and where I like to work out, I know which Bodegas have a sandwich I like, and my laundry people know how I separate my piles. I know which coffee shops have lavender for my latte, where to HGW to fit my mood, and most importantly, I know a lot more about myself than I did two years ago. 

And I think all of this happiness and joy is both a testament to this city, and to myself. I was watching a tik tok yesterday about sidewalks being the social fabric of a community, and it resonated. I love living in a walkable city. I love that all of my friends live within a mile of me, and I can walk pretty much anywhere, I can take a taxi home, I can access everything I want within 25 mins. Being the last-minute girlie I am, I can find an outfit for an event day of, which is actually one of my favorite things about living here (lol, it's saved me so many times). I can grab Thai for dinner on my evening walk, or end up at a jazz bar at 2am whenever I want. I don't need to go on and on about New York itself, I think it's pretty obvious it's an amazing city, but I just love so many things about living here, and I don't always take a moment to reflect on that.

And then there's me: I don't think I feel like I'm in a great place in life just because I live in New York. I think it also has to do with the ways I've intentionally tried to alter my life to make it better for myself over the past two years. I try to keep my apartment clean, with fresh flowers, and I cook, and try new recipes, and I go on walks and go to workout classes and read books and meet new friends and new people... I really try to be intentional with my energy, my time, and the people I spend it with. I'm happy that this is all happening in New York City, though, because I think a lot of people my age here try to do the same thing. I feel like I'm just sinking further into good relationships with amazing people, and further into hobbies and activities that spark joy for me. It feels good to be happy and have a nice little happy life, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now, honestly.

All of this to say, it's been a great two years. I have endless things to be grateful for. Not only my apartment and the fact I live here, but I'm grateful for my job that affords me this lifestyle, the new friendships I've made and the old friendships I've maintained, my relationship, my family, my blog for keeping me creative, and all of you for following along, which honestly is one of my favorite things; without this, I just know I wouldn't have the zest for life that I do (dead serious!), so thank you. 

And on a similar note, if you have not yet seen my NYC Apartment Tour that went up on IG this weekend, check it out here!

To many more years in NYC, 

xoxo