Count down: 3

I am going to a little series of the next 3 days. My last 3 days in New York City. The last 3 days of my first big adventure in this little game called Brandi's Life. I am going to recount the things that I will miss about New York and then the things I will not miss about New York... The next 3 days will be a little interesting because I am never good at goodbyes. I hide them with jokes and laughs- but inside, I am a wreck. Hopefully with the 6 pounds of extra body this city has put on me, I will be able to hide my awkwardness a little better, but doubtful.

*Just a funny side note- at the gym tonight, there was a larger woman (larger than my extra 6 pounds) eating MacDonalds in the gym- INSIDE THE GYM, right next to the treadmills. I thought it was a joke, but there she was, munching away, smelling up the whole room. 2 things wrong with this- first, RUDE. second- GROSS. who does that???? If you are going to eat MacDonalds, at least do it before or after you work out, not WHILE you work out. That is a joke.*

Anyways.....

Tonight I went on my last friend date with a guy who has become one of my best friends in this city. Him and I started these friend dates back in September and have continued until our last one tonight. They consist of meeting outside my gym and walking to 9th avenue to find some cheap small place to eat dinner (these dinners being the first cause of my current extra padding). Tonight we had the traditional sushi. Delightful as usual and we chatted about everything but the fact I am leaving on Sunday. He has been a big part of my city experience- so friend, you know who you are, thank you for everything- and thank you for introducing me to the addicting Thai Food. You are something that I will miss about New York City, but I am not worried, we will see each other again.

After we parted ways, I headed back to Queens to do my laundry one last time so I can have some sort of fresh start in Atlanta (and because I start my new job on Monday- kind of a quick transition). While walking back from the subway- I pass Martha's bakery that I only stop at on special occasions- my mom in town, my boyfriend visiting (I tried to take my best friend there when she visited, but we were a little too preoccupied and at that point, I was still in my can't eat that because I didn't want to gain any weight- which I gave into obviously... it happens, food is just a part of me and experiencing the goodness means a little give and take- or a little cushion for the pushin).

Tonight I decided was a special occasion and I stopped for a kitchen sink cookie- a cookie Martha's is known for with every kind of cookie ingredient possible. What was I celebrating you may ask? Well- I was celebrating and brain storming on how I was going to actually pack all my left over belongings that I did not ship last weekend. Basically I was pre-congratulating my self, because let me tell you- This whole packing thing is going no where. I have too many clothes and not enough space. Something I did not account for in my packing, is winter clothes. When I moved up, it was summer so I packed all my summer clothes, but now that its colder than the north pole, my sweaters take up 3 times as much room and space is a little bit of an issue. If I have to wear 3 layers of clothes on the plane, that is just what is going to have to happen.

I have 72 more hours to figure out this puzzle I have gotten myself into....

Overall Life Lesson from Living in New York:

Honestly, as much as looking like a super model would be great- eating the food I want and tasting up life is more important, more fun and more colorful. As long as I can still run the same amount at the same speed and my clothes still fit, I will eat what I want. Being healthy and enjoying life require a little added poundage, and I have accepted that. So thanks New York for letting me eat everything possible and enjoy every second of the amazing food up here. The food I will truly miss.

Peace, Love and life tastes pretty sweet,

B

You Never Know....

Just thought I would share this video with yall... my co worker sent it to me and it really shocked me. It really shows you that you never know what talents people have- I just only wish my voice was this good...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_DLEysEqSM&feature=player_embedded

Other wise... today has been one of those days where I wish the sun was shining- but its not. Instead its icing. Yes, thats right, icing. Maybe I need to rent ice skates for my last 5 days in New York. One hand and counting. Reality is starting to finally set in and I couldn't be happier with my decision to move back down south. I am searching for myself again- kind of got lost up here- learned a lot, but lost myself. I am a happy person who does not push people out of the way for a cab or walks on the backs of peoples feet because I want to pass them. I am compassionate and patient- I am understanding of others and hold doors open, the city has wore me down, not suffocated me completely, but its just time to go back to me. It's time to just take over Atlanta.... Another 6 months, another city.

Alright, its back to work... busy last 3 days.

Peace, Love and hidden talents,

B

Kill them with Kindness

There is something I have learned- in the real world, I will deal with all different kinds of people: fun people, dull people, nice people, rude people and people who there is no word to even describe them other than frustrating. Just within the past 6 months the people I have dealt with could cover all emotions and types. But- something to take away from dealing with everyone: if I stay nice, never let them get me down or let their words bother me, eventually, in time- they will settle.

My mom always told me that you catch more bees with honey than with vinegar and in the working world, this philosophy TOTALLY applies. I have tried to brand myself as the fun one in the office (and in my new office in 6 days...)- fun but will get my stuff done right. My co-workers know the job will be done with a smile and done right, they also know that if I mess up, there is no problem going back and fixing my mistake. But they are aware that I will not be taken advantage of. If I feel something is unfair- I will stand up for myself but in a way that is non defensive. Putting a co worker on the defense is the worst move you could make (no one likes to be blamed). Everyone likes to feel needed, so instead of asking what their problem with it is, I just reverse it (a line I have learned from my parents) "How can I help to release your stress." or my other personal favorite, "help me help you to fix (whatever is wrong)"

The benefits from being the fun one: people respond to me better. I am able to diffuse tension and everyone is just in a better mood.

I think I might have learned these lessons in college while being the standards head for 100 girls, but never really had to deal with people twice my age... I guess being in a sorority helped prepare me for the real world more than actual college classes did. So thanks Sigma Delta Tau.

Lesson learned:

Life could be so pleasant if people just let things go and move on, but I guess that's what managers are for.. or maybe a new position needs to be created in offices, "the fun one".... That's a challenge I'd be up for... Just remember, not only bees, everyone likes honey better.

Peace, Love and countdown to a new office in a familiar city,

B

Beware

I am warning you now, boys- this post is NOT for you. If you would like to read how the female mind works for about a week once a month, then continue, but if not and you get grossed out, stop now.

This thing I speak of that comes once a month is called PMS. And for some reason, the past 2 days, I have had RAGING PMS. I don't mean just being a little cranky. I mean crying at the drop of a hat, flipping out for no reason, taking something someone said way to personally, and having the constant feeling that its me against the world. Sound familiar? I am sure that to most of you- yes, even guys (I know for a fact that some of my guy friends have PMS). Mine has taken a turn for the worst this week. On top of all the excitement and stress of moving back, this week happens to be the busiest week of work I have had... ever. Resulting in an explosion of tears at my desk yesterday. It had to be a combination of stress, the weather, PMS, over loaded and just- everything. I was stressed my boyfriend's flight would not get in, stressed about the amount of work to get down, stressed about packing and figuring out how to get everything home, just plain stressed. The weather up here explains it self. It just sucks. No other wording for it. Slushy, black snow is gross. PMS just added to the creation. I cried for no reason. One of my co-workers said something to me and I cracked- as easily as an egg. I cannot even honestly remember what was said or what was happening, I just exploded.

Lesson learned:

When PMS is around... have cupcakes handy. When I told my mom what was happening she told me to get a cupcake, and she was right. It really did make everything all better. Sometimes all that is needed is sugar.

Peace, love and love being a girl,

B

Cosmic Universe

First- even though only 2 people responded to my experiment yesterday (one of them being my own dad- who was number 1)- I'll try another round next time and maybe my mom will actually figure out how to leave a comment (she tried and failed...3rd times the charm, mom), my best friend will respond as my agent again (because she is required to) and I will up my number to 4. I do know for a fact there are more of you- so I forgive you for not commenting. Even my own childhood best friend sent me an instant message saying, "This is me responding." Humorous, yes- but giving me qualitative results to my highly scientific experiment- no.

Anyways- I have to tell you all, 2 jobs in 6 months! Thats right, I am set with a job to start when I move back to Atlanta! This round was a little easier and not as stressful as when I moved up to New York, seeing as my main goal this time was to move back down south. The official departure date is February 6th- 11 days to be exact (not that I am counting or anything...). In those 11 days- I have my boy friend (yes, the special man friend has evolved into the boyfriend) visiting this weekend, shipping and packing, final visits to the museums I want to see, and then its adios bitter cold and hello southern comfort. And don't you worry- I will keep writing, because no matter where I happen to be.... trouble and adventure tend to not be too far behind.

My best friend asked me the other day if I was a little bit sad about leaving. I told her that the only things I will miss are my few friends and work family, but other than that- New York is for visiting, not for living.

After telling her that, I really started thinking about what I will miss and started to feel a little nervous about leaving (I say LITTLE again, like slightly, almost non existent)- but then the 3rd snow storm in a month decided to roll through Manhattan today and all feelings of nervousness flew out the window. Literally- the cosmic universe is actually telling me to get out. Apparently this is the worst winter New York has seen in years. Now what is the chance that the worst winter is the winter I decide to move up? Chance- none, a test? Yes.

Congratulations cosmic universe! You have succeeded in making me never, ever, EVER want to live somewhere that snow is expected every winter. Now, ingrained in my mind: Snow is for skiing, NOT for living.

There was a huge lesson learned in my 6 months living in New York though (More over all lessons to come I am sure now that the reflecting phase is starting...):

You really have to find out what you don't want to find out what you really do want. I would have never known I hated the cold and snow so much and loved the sunshine and space without living here.

Peace, Love and listening to the signs,

B

Experiment

So... I want to try something and I need yalls help....I have noticed that the readership of my blog has gone up by 300 page views since this morning- which is the coolest thing EVER! I didn't realize how many people read it.

First of all- YAY!!

Second of all- if you guys don't mind... I want to know who you are- so if you are reading this, leave a comment- doesn't have to really say anything important, but I want to know if your out there... Just a little social experiment.

Peace, love and I want to reach everyone,

B

Tumble on the E

I haven't had a shocking experience on the E train in a while- I think because I have become slightly jaded by living here for 6 months- but this event was eye opening.

Because of my hate towards riding the subway during rush hour, I go to the late boxing class and get on the subway around 8 because there is room to stand and actually have personal space. Well, last night- I guess people had to work a little late because the E train was a bit more crowded than usual. After getting on the train, a couple of girls come running on the train at the last minute- they tried to push their way through the crowd to find a place to stand. There were two men standing right smack in the middle of the walk way and wouldn't budge- they felt they claimed their area and had no reason to move. The girls kept pushing and finally, one of the girls tripped and landed smack on the floor. Not only did she fall, but she took quite a tumble- and did a forward roll.

After the girl landed on the floor, the men who caused the accident didn't budge- they just stared and said, "Thats why you shouldn't push." And continued with their conversation while the girl laid on the floor. Shocked that no one was helping her.

Now, I am not going to lie, my first thoughts were "great.... Now this ride will take longer than usual." How horrible is that? And a split second after those words floated in my brain, I snapped back into my usual nice self (rather than my hard New York self)- bent down and tried helping the girl off the ground.

Just- What in the world. First to those men- get some manners. Second to myself- Snap out of it- remember who you are and don't let this city make me too hard.

Peace, Love and did that really happen??

B