Running

For this New York wannabe there is no such thing as a New York minute. Instead of maintaining an intense workout regiment I insist on literally running five minutes late, all the time.

This part of my blog is called "Running" because since I have lived in New York I have never ran so much in my entire life; chasing cabs, chasing the subway, chasing... my dreams. Just this morning on my lovely morning commute, I ran. I could feel the rumble of the subway, my subway, beneath me; this prompted my feet to pick up the pace. Moving in and out of the cone-like pedestrians trying to keep my big red bag from smacking one of them in the face I made it to the entrance of the subway station. As this point I grabbed the warm and germ infested handrail (I never do this, however; desperate times...) and moved down the stairs. My white tennies have never moved so fast. Second flight of stairs, metro card in one hand, 1,000 diseases in the other, the breaks of the subway screeching, echoing throughout the tunnels. The subway stops, the doors open and people start to move. I had made it... I swiped my card and go plowing through the turnstile as though it meant my life.

Boom! The metal arm stops me. "Insufficient Fare." I could never remember what day I bought my 30 Day Unlimited Subway pass; apparently I bought it August 15th. I quickly go to the kiosk to buy another metro card only it appeared someone had covered my wallet and debit card in butter. Slipping and sliding I couldn't get a firm grip. I finally got my card, ran down the final staircase and got to the door of the subway as it was closing.

I took the next subway, running 10 minutes late, and continued my morning with a brisk sprint to work. New York, New York... it keeps me running.

Polo Anyone?

This weekend I learned that Polo is not only the entirety of a Fraternity Guys’ wardrobe. I had the unique opportunity to attend an actual Polo match, starring non other than Prince Harry and Mr. Polo himself, Nacho Figueras. The match took place on Governor’s Island and was accessible by fairy.

It was one of those experiences you have in life where you feel like you are floating above watching yourself as if you were watching a film. Around me stood women in beautiful hats and dresses drinking champagne, and men in their tailored seersucker suits modeling sophistication. It was all such an experience. On the less glamorous note... I am anticipating this week to be a very profitable week for New York City drycleaners. The heat was almost unbearable and the once beautiful garments were drenched.

Truth be told, the event may not have been as glamorous as I remember. The heat put me somewhere between reality and utter delusion. If it was delusion I am thankful that is the memory that has stuck.

I now see the appeal of witnessing any sport involving man and animal. I have been inspired to attend the Kentucky Derby for other reasons than my friends from college have suggested. It is truly amazing to see man and animal work together with such dexterity. The horses knew where to go and what to do; no direction was needed. I relished the added personality and beauty of the horses.

The horses and players were magnificent and accounted for a day that will go unmatched. The fairy, the dresses, the champagne, the Prince and the model/athlete, Nacho Figuras, all made for a day of sophistication. Polo simply defines utter elegance.

Of course, I should mention the pinnacle of the afternoon... Prince Harry fell of his horse.

Unfortunately, my day could not end in the manner it began. The stairs from the subway welcomed me to a parade that for one day turned the people of the West Village into the Village People. It was raining men, but there was nothing "Hallelujah" about it.

The Itch Factor

I am pretty sure it is common knowledge that the worst thing you can do when you have a painful itch is to scratch it. Of course metaphorically speaking, I scratched an itch tonight, that until I gave it proper consideration did not even know existed. I have always been one to plan every charted course, tonight is different. I made an impulse buy; now let me clarify that this was not like a gossip magazine or mints impulse buy. This was a purchase that is going to shoot me back to the world from which I came, a world that I have been missing. In a week, Dorothy is on her way back to Kansas.

Fortunately, this day in age with credit cards and online airline booking; it was as easy as clicking my ruby slippers together. I am anticipating no end to my emotional rollercoaster as I see friends, places, and the main attraction that sparked this endeavor. For a moment, I must pause my love affair with New York and rekindle an old one...Lawrence, I have missed ya.

There's No Place Like NYC

A girl in pigtails once set out on a yellow brick road to prove that there's no place like home. About a month ago a girl with two suitcases set out in a yellow cab to prove that there is indeed no place like New York City. It has been a journey to say the least and I have found myself in what may become the most volatile relationship of my life. A Six Flags roller coaster doesn't have as many ups and downs and my emotions as of late, yet I am here and ready to take the City on until one of us is kicked into submission.

This is the beginning of what I hope will be a tale of our story, and by ours I mean mine and New York's. So far it has been good to me and always given me a reason to love it at the end of the day, in spite of the occasional rat sighting in the subway or the fact that I am thousand's of miles from those I care about most.

Yes folks, there will be laughs, cries, successes and failures. A beginning with no end in sight only streets saturated with people and concrete. It will take brains, heart, and courage, unfortunately three qualities I rarely possess at the same time. Dorothy isn't in Kansas anymore yet she is ready to keep you all updated on her quest to prove that there's no place like New York City. Stay tuned...