A Southern Girl in the Big City-Introductory Post

I plan on starting a weekly post or column if you will, of life in New York City. This is my introductory post. I want to share with you what it's like to live in such a bustling, chaotic city. I'll share anecdotes, stories and anything else relevant to New York life. I've been living in New York since 2006, when I moved here for college. I grew up in North Carolina and didn't think that one day I would be living in an apartment under 1000 sq feet. I also never dreamed of living with no washer and dryer in my apartment and no dishwasher either. I certainly never pictured having one bathroom that is the size of a hall closet either. Did I ever think I would be carrying my own groceries? No way! I look back on my life now versus living in the suburbs and declare myself spoiled! Despite the flaws and lack of space this city offers, it makes up for it in various other ways. There is so much opportunity in this city. You never know who you'll walk into when you turn down any given street or what job opportunities you might find. Your dreams could made or broken in an instant.



When I moved to Manhattan, I had no idea what was in store for me. I had just recently been on a Sex and The City kick so I pretty much thought that my New York life would be just like Carrie Bradshaw's. It was only like hers based on one aspect; the $500 credit card bill that I racked up shopping. Yes, the $500 was bad but it was my first week in NYC, I had to be fashionable, right? Shopping in New York is the ultimate dream for a shopaholic. There are stores on every corner in the city. I was living in Midtown East at the time and was surrounded by H&M, Victoria's Secret, Bloomingdales, Urban Outfitters and much more. I could walk into Urban Outfitters at any given time and you can bet I was very tempted to spend. It was so easy to indulge too. All I had to do was give a quick swipe of plastic into the credit card machine and that gorgeous new winter coat was mine!


The food here is extremely tempting. On every corner are gluttonous treats to indulge in however your heart desires. A slice of fabulous pepperoni pizza that's the size of your head? Yes, please! A chocolate chip cookie from the bakery that's been in business for 40 years? Of course! You can worry about that diet later. Take out and delivery is available 24 hours of the day. You can have a hamburger and fries at 2am. There's multiple restaurants on every street. Every type of cuisine is available anywhere. It's dangerous! Luckily I've developed some sense of self-control over the years. The keyword is SOME. :) Despite the fantastic treats this city offers, many individuals here are very health-conscious. We have state of the art gyms that offer classes for every new exercise regime or fitness craze that's popular at the moment. Hey, nobody said hot yoga would be fun but that's what you get for wanting that cookie. ;)



Culture is everywhere. You can hop on a subway and be in front of the Museum of Natural History in a short time, or take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty whenever you'd like. It's truly incredible. This city offers so much history and sheer wonder, that I sometimes forget that those tourists I am so quick to roll my eyes at when they stop to take pictures was once me. It's easy to get wrapped up in daily life but I like to stop sometimes and take it all in. There's no other place in the world like Manhattan and I consider myself quite fortunate to call this city my home.



I've learned a lot from this city. I knew what a guido was long before Jersey Shore became popular, and I've seen my fair share of hipsters too. Sometimes I think those skinny jeans might have to be surgically removed because they are so tight! I've met many people over time who have entered and even exited my life. I consider each chapter in my life a learning experience. Manhattan is full of hopes, dreams, and goals. I've done my fair share of growing up here as I started the end of my teen years and flourished into adulthood. I feel that this city has helped to shape me into the person that I have become now. One day I would like to offer my wallet some relief from all of the insane prices and costs and move back into the suburbs, but until then I look forward to loving life here.

*I will be writing these posts every Friday. I'll update you with life in the big city and let you live vicariously through me!* :)