Focusing on Me

After my visit to Dallas a couple weekends ago, I realized that just as life has gone on for my friends there, I must move on with my life here and not spend as much time pining away for what I left in Dallas. I still miss them, but I decided that I can either focus on grieving or I can focus on what's my new reality.

I had a busy weekend. I went shopping on Saturday. The stores here are having boot sales, and after wearing my favorite black ankle-boots on Thursday in a downpour, I discovered the right shoe was no longer waterproof. I also had another pair of ankle-boots (in brown) that are quite shabby and need retiring, and I found great deals on some comfortable new pairs.

I also went to the farmer's market at Union Square. It's great, bustling with people and lots of fresh fruits and veggies. There's also a local winery (I haven't yet tried it) and honey, jam, cheese and farm-fresh lamb!

My big excursion this weekend, though, was with a new friend - L. My boss casually mentioned a few weeks ago that one of his old colleagues -- also a single thirty-something -- had moved to the City when I did and was also finding it hard to make friends. I insisted he introduce us right away! We hit it off, and we actually have quite a bit in common, not the least of which is being new to NYC. L and I met an acquaintance of hers and had a nice Italian dinner, followed by bar-hopping in a somewhat gay neighborhood with a gay friend of hers. There was lots of laughter and a good time was had by all.

L and I also spontaneously stopped in to a neighborhood psychic and had our palms read! It was interesting. I was told that I need to focus my energies on me right now, that I'm a little too scattered. :-) There was also the hope of a "soul mate" maybe next year and the possibility of two kids. I was also told I will have a long life and die of natural causes.

A Weekend of Parks

As expected, my cousin Rob arrived from West Point on Friday. I took him to an Indian restaurant for dinner since he had asked me about it. I ordered a variety of dishes, including Chicken Vindaloo, their spiciest dish. The waiters couldn't believe I would order that for someone who had never had Indian before, but Rob loved it!



On Saturday, after sleeping in, we met two of my coworkers (who are sisters, how cool!) for brunch. The restaurant wasn't quite open when we got there, so we walked around Washington Square Park and NYU. These pictures are from the park.



The brunch was divine: I had Proscuitto Eggs Benedict and Rob had Creme Brulee Vanilla French Toast. Both were delicious!



























Rob went to meet up with a buddy from West Point for the afternoon. I went to Union Square and came upon a street fair. I bought some handmade jewelry and visited one of the bargain stores, Filene's Basement, which happens to be on the third floor! I got this great view of Union Square from their windows.

On Sunday, we went to church, then headed uptown for lunch and Central Park. We walked around for three hours or so, exploring the different areas and enjoying the beautiful weather and greenery. The Lake is full of boats, and I was surprised to see a gondola!







Here, Rob talks to Grandma. We gave her a call just to say hello and check in on her. She also allowed us to talk to Sudie!















The Reservoir, at the north end of the Park, was breathtaking. There's a running path that encircles it, and the views of the city across the water were just asking to have their picture taken.