Not a Creature was Stirring... Except for a Mouse

We first spotted the mouse on Saturday morning. We heard a bit of rustling on the counter, only to look over and see something we hoped we'd never have to see.

Three days later, the exterminator came and the end of the mouse we loathed (affectionately named "Millie") was a goner. She ate through some granola bars and a chocolate bar or two, but she left our humble abode for the big mouse hole in the sky. Thankyouverymuch. Mice are the most disgusting creatures, but apparently all 9 million New York residents have or will deal with them. Glad we aren't alone. Our apartment is now booby-trapped and I'm hoping I don't forget where they are located as not to fall victim to the TomCat MouseTrapz.

Anyways, HappyMerryNewYearChristmas. December was a month of visitors and new traditions. New York City lit up with an array of reds, greens and golds. My friend, Anna Beth, traveled up north from the land of the pine to see the decorated city. Mom also came to visit me to help bring some Christmas spirit.

From Chelsea Market...

 To our (live) Christmas tree...

To the Rockefeller tree... 

 

To Elf, the musical! How amazing is this city?

Mom and I saw the man himself. Even though he looked perturbed to see us. 

One of Santa's helpers! 

Three more of Santa's helpers during Santacon. 

Anna Beth and I saw Chicago and it was amazing! 

My backyard! 

New York is fabulous anytime of year, but Christmas time is one of the most beautiful.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

After a long  first month of living in the city, however, I was excited to take a break and go home to North Carolina. My family decided to change up traditions this year and go to Boone. We cut down a real Christmas tree, hung out around the fireplace and hot tub and celebrated my favorite holiday in a cabin.

#coneheadproblemz

 We also went tubing for the first time. I'm a fan. Especially after I knew I survived.

We decorated a beautiful tree in just an hour. Collin helped to hang the ornaments.

The best un-wrapper. EVER. 

 So beautiful. With the snow falling, it's an amazing place to be.

Don't worry. Even though we started a new tradition,  the pajama tradition continued...

"Be Cross!" Collin says. 

2010

Always such a trooper through these...

Shorter bangs were so in those days! 

Over New Years, we took a trip to the opposite side of the state: the beach. Cherry Grove is the most beautiful over winter, I have determined. Collin came to visit there, too! 

Good Morning! 

Good Night!

2013 is looking to be a great year! Can't wait to see what it has in store. New resolutions. New traditions. New reasons for being here. 

Best, 

Carrie 

"As someone told me lately, everyone deserves a chance to fly!"-- Wicked

A New York Rambling

Who has been the worst at posting since moving to NYC? This girl! 

I've started and stopped so many posts in the last few weeks. I have all of these experiences, ideas and lessons learned all jumbled in my brain. I've lived in NYC for seven weeks now. Count 'em. And in those seven weeks, I've learned more about what it's like to be an adult than I certainly care to share, which is why there's been an incredible hold up on sharing. Things have been tough. But I am a tough cookie.

Some days, I sit at my computer and just write. Inspired by the people I see, the things I smell, the experiences I feel. I am an adult now-- living on my own (sorta, thanks mom & dad) and getting a first-hand glance at what it's like to not be in school and to not have complete structure in my life.

...okay, okay...enough of the vague commentary...

So I moved up to the big city to conquer the world and to begin a new chapter away from North Carolina. To experience life in a different setting, one that would forever challenge me and encourage me to try new things, foods and make new friends. The latter being the most challenging.

After about four weeks of living here and working from my apartment, I openly decided that something needed to change. So I left my job and decided to look for a new one. I simply wasn't happy to not be around people. Gah, I miss(ed) people. I am surrounded by them 24/7, but it's... different. From sitting incredibly too close to someone on the subway to walking through crowded, tiny aisles at the grocery store, people are just everywhere. But connections are few and far between. I will admit, it's the hardest part of living in such a large place-- the moving here without knowing anyone (minus the roommates)-- is challenging and I'm trying to figure out the best way to get around it.

Thus I begin the journey of looking for a new job. A journey that about killed me when I got out of school in May, but I know in my heart that I made the right decision to leave. And I am happier. Happiness is the most important thing because life is incredibly too short to not enjoy what you're doing.

Bravery and courage are just a few things I've learned. How to have the courage to be independent. How to be brave to decide that what's going on in your life is just not something you want to be a part of any longer. How to have the courage to ask friends to support you during what's proven to be a tough transition. Many tears, but strength from those tears.

I digress, as not to be negative.

Tomorrow I begin a part-time job at a local cupcake shop. Excited to learn how to be a barista AND bake incredibly delicious sweets, I'm hoping to learn a few things. Most importantly, I'm excited to be around people and interact with the community, something for which I am passionate. Sometimes courage is as easy as walking into a bakery and asking for an application when everything else seems to be difficult.

Christmas is just a few short days away and this enthusiastic holiday lover has made her rounds in the city to see all the attractions. The air is becoming crisper and I know the man in the big red suit will be visiting this girl in Boone, NC very soon.

More tomorrow on holiday traditions and how we're spicing it up this year.

Remember, happiness is a choice. let your love fly.

Best,
Carrie

This is Your Life.

Apartment 14 has a manifesto:

It's hanging in our living room to remind us that this is our life and our time. 

Apartment 14 has been Apartment 14 for only two weeks. In the midst of not blogging in the last month and a half, much has changed, ladies and gentlemen. 

I've turned 23. I've moved from Charlotte to Kinston. From Kinston to New York City. I've seen family that I never get to see. I've had my first ice skating experience. I've discovered that happiness truly is something you create. Sandy Hit. So did a snow storm. And I've fit my entire wardrobe into a tiny dresser and an even tinier closet.

Let's start from the beginning...

A Cookies for Kids' Cancer bake sale! 

I turned 23 even though absolutely nothing exciting happens at that age. The snail mail from friends was amazing. 

The election happened. Thanks to North Carolina, I was able to vote before I moved! 

Sandy hit our home. Collin, my favorite froggie, was prepared as always. 

Dad rented a giant van and we made our way to the big city. I packed way too much. What's new?

We passed through Maryland...

 And Delaware.... 

 And Jersey....Until...

We reached my new home. A home that had gotten a beating from Hurricane Sandy. 

But look was waiting to meet me in our new apartment (with beer)! 

After a few hours of setting up and going up 4 flights of stairs, we decided to stop setting up and go out in our new home.

Yes, we have no shame.  

The next day, I set up my room and was happy to have everything organized and decorated. 

Sandy had just left New York City, when Athena came to town...

It's going to be a cold, bitterly cold winter. 

Homecoming weekend came and went and even though I wasn't able to go back to North Carolina to take part in the festivities, I found my own Chapel Hill thanks to Brother Jimmy's. 

And got to see some breathtaking views. The city at night is unbeatable. 

Meanwhile, Christmas came to New York City. It's going to be an unbelievable next few months here. I can't wait. 

 Central Park is a 5 minute walk from my apartment. I am excited to have this as my backyard. 

I keep telling my roommates, "I can't believe we live here." I am in love with the energy of the city. It's absolutely breathtaking. Plus, many celebrities live in New York and you can often spot them just taking part in everyday activities. Like sitting in Central Park...

And ice skating for the first time. 

It's all fun and games until a 6-year-old comes and knocks you on your tail bone.

The wall along the rink has never been held so tightly. Of this, I am sure. #deathgrip



The Rockefeller tree has been put up in preparation for the lighting next week. Can't wait to see it!

That's the tree with all the scaffolding. 

I am loving this city. I am creating my own happiness. And it starts right where I am. How lucky am I? I'm heading back to the Land of the Pine soon because I've heard that a little boy misses me....

Promise to blog more about my adventures. It's been a month! A new chapter. Manifesto on. 

"This is your life. Life is short. Share your passion."