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
Monday, December 17, 2012
Sunday, November 18, 2012
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!
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.
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."
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 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."
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Shop Music
Throughout my lifetime, I've come to realize that I am a fall spirit. Not completely sure how to describe it, except that fall has always meant new beginnings. Fresh orange pumpkins on the side of the road, the scent of cinnamon wafting from coffee storefronts, new warm clothes (complete with scarves), plans for the months ahead, and fresh starts.
When I was younger, fall meant a new school year with clean notebooks, sharpened pencils and a teacher rearing to begin classes. As the years progressed, fall had more of a social meaning. It meant that I would once again be reunited with friends who had spent their summers in other places. I remember everyone coming back so much happier, as if the separation from the tedious day-to-day was rejuvenating. Fall is rejuvenating.
And here I am, a bit older, and fall takes on an even different meaning. Fall this year means a beginning of a new job. A new life ahead in a larger city. New friends to meet. New experiences to feel.
Here it is, finally October-- my favorite month out of the year and I am eager for all of these new experiences. October will be spent packing for a tiny apartment. And celebrating another birthday.
I have tried to write a post several times in the last month, but I felt like nothing seemed quite adequate. Sure, I have a lot to say about my past month-- lessons learned, new places found, new relationships built-- but I'm looking for the words and still working on that reflection.
In the meantime, you know I love my music. Here's my playlist from this week:
1. I Will Wait, Mumford & Sons
2. The City, Joe Purdy
3. The A Team, Ed Sheeran
4. I Can Lift a Car, Walk the Moon
5. Hall of Fame, The Script
6. Have a Little Faith in Me, John Hiatt
7. Feel Again, OneRepublic
8. Sail, Awolnation
9. Heart of the World, Lady Antebellum
10. Home this Year, Virginia Coalition
Happy Wednesday,
Carrie
When I was younger, fall meant a new school year with clean notebooks, sharpened pencils and a teacher rearing to begin classes. As the years progressed, fall had more of a social meaning. It meant that I would once again be reunited with friends who had spent their summers in other places. I remember everyone coming back so much happier, as if the separation from the tedious day-to-day was rejuvenating. Fall is rejuvenating.
And here I am, a bit older, and fall takes on an even different meaning. Fall this year means a beginning of a new job. A new life ahead in a larger city. New friends to meet. New experiences to feel.
Here it is, finally October-- my favorite month out of the year and I am eager for all of these new experiences. October will be spent packing for a tiny apartment. And celebrating another birthday.
I have tried to write a post several times in the last month, but I felt like nothing seemed quite adequate. Sure, I have a lot to say about my past month-- lessons learned, new places found, new relationships built-- but I'm looking for the words and still working on that reflection.
In the meantime, you know I love my music. Here's my playlist from this week:
1. I Will Wait, Mumford & Sons
2. The City, Joe Purdy
3. The A Team, Ed Sheeran
4. I Can Lift a Car, Walk the Moon
5. Hall of Fame, The Script
6. Have a Little Faith in Me, John Hiatt
7. Feel Again, OneRepublic
8. Sail, Awolnation
9. Heart of the World, Lady Antebellum
10. Home this Year, Virginia Coalition
Happy Wednesday,
Carrie
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Be a Passionate Cookie
I've seen passion played out in many places recently.
I watched as Michelle Obama spoke passionately about her husband, declaring him courageous, strong and capable of carrying our country another four years.
I've read about a new favorite band excited for the release of their newest album.
I've seen people post about their favorite NFL and college football teams on Twitter.
What would our lives be without passion?
But nothing compares to the passion that I felt this weekend in Richmond, Virginia at a citywide bale sale event benefiting Cookies for Kids' Cancer.
I'd been working for Cookies for about three days when I got asked to make the trip to Richmond to meet the founder and to visit the bake sales to see what the organization was all about. I was excited to road trip up there and had an idea of what to expect, but my expectations were quickly exceeded.
Beginning three years ago, a group of moms decided to begin raising money for Cookies for Kids' Cancer after hearing the founder's story. The founder, Gretchen Holt Witt, had experienced the loss of her son to pediatric cancer. Simultaneously, she began the organization in order to be able to fund pediatric cancer research-- research that simply could not happen because of lack of funding. Cancer claims the
lives of more children annually than any other disease " more than
asthma, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis & AIDS combined.
A group of women in Richmond, Virginia heard Gretchen's story and immediately wanted to help her make a difference. They wanted to hold a bake sale. But citywide. With over 35 locations and 1 day, the group has raised over $135,000 in just three years.
I got the opportunity to go visit this citywide bake sale this weekend and I was in awe at how passionate these individuals were. I met mothers whose children are currently going through chemo. I met mothers whose children are in heaven and yet, they passionately continue to fundraise for this cause. Nothing can quite compare to the motivation you feel just witnessing first hand what their strength looks like.
Most of these bake sale hosts got little sleep this week in preparation. They put labels on bags of cookies, painted homemade signs, strategized new ways to communicate the cause and, ultimately, raised more money than last year for Cookies.
I'm not a mother. Nor have I experienced cancer the way these mothers have. But from experiencing this citywide bake sale, I am motivated and energized to begin my work. I'm excited to become just as passionate as these folks in Richmond. Fired up and ready to make a difference.
I feel as if the greatest emotion one can feel is passion because it means you are living your life and living it to make a difference, to do good. Whether you are passionate about being a teacher or passionate about driving a truck, both are important and necessary to make this world a better place.
What's your passion? What drives you?
Cookies for Kids' Cancer is a national organization that just this year, has given over $4 million to fund research trials. With just one small bake sale, you can make a huge difference in the life of a child.
Interested in holding a bake sale? Want to learn more about Cookies for Kids' Cancer?
Visit our website at www.cookiesforkidscancer.org.
Follow us on twitter and instagram: @cookies4kids.
Like us on Facebook.
"So today, when the challenges we face start to seem overwhelming -- or
even impossible -- let us never forget that doing the impossible is the
history of this nation." -- Michelle Obama
Thursday, September 6, 2012
You Makin' My Dreams Come True
I swear when I got off the plane on Friday evening in New York City the hallelujah angels were singing. I almost expected for something similar to this to start happening at any moment:
At least....I heard the song playing in the background. I don't think New Yorkers dance.
I did not miss a beat. All of the subway systems, the street names, the tricks of the trade were held in the back of my mind secretly waiting to be used again one day.
Cookies for Kids' Cancer has been an amazing experience and so rewarding. I'm motivated everyday. More to come in a later post about the great things we do everyday.
Anywho. (That's for you, Liz and Val).
I went up to the city this weekend to look for housing without too much luck. Some wanted too much for an apartment. Others wanted a longer commitment than I was willing to give. Some looked and felt sketchy and unsafe. So I've opted to wait until November to move to the city once I have a place with two awesome friends. Thankfully, my job is graciously allowing me to do so!
Hopped on a plane with my gal pal, Sally. Was greeted by my friend, Sarah, with a free ticket to Mamma Mia. For this musical girl, what could be better?
My friend, Shannon, caught a train to the city from Long Island. It is always amazing when I get to hang out with this girl, who is not only a friend, but also someone to admire. She is such a strong and wonderful person, that girl. And with Shannon and I, it's like we never missed a beat. We just always start right back where we left off.
We got silly.
We found North Carolina. (Check out Brother Jimmy's restaurant near Penn Station next time you go-- it rocked)!
We saw Central Park. Of course, it closes at sunset so we hopped a fence in order to leave.
I stayed in Brooklyn this time and I really had not had the opportunity to really explore before. So explore we did. Thrift Shops. Food and beer festivals. Good views. What a quirky, magical place-- that Brooklyn.
Sunday we finished off with a Caribbean Parade, which brings almost three million to Brooklyn. Street vendors galore. Floats. Music so loud you feel your eardrums rumbling. The culture that made you so grateful to be there to learn and to experience a small taste of what their lives are like.
I saw many famous people while I was there.
I'm so excited to have a double whammy: a future in NYC and an amazing, motivational, inspiring job!
The city is so alive. Constant movement. Constant sound. Constant excitement. Perfect for a 22-year-old free spirit.
Job training this week in Charlotte and a quick trip to Richmond this weekend to attend some fundraising events. SO exciting! So much potential! Packing up and leaving Greenville to move (hopefully) to Charlotte for a couple weeks.
That's where I am at this point. Can you keep up?
More later. Pictures galore. Sorry for the distance in posts--I'm trying to get better!
Always,
Carrie
At least....I heard the song playing in the background. I don't think New Yorkers dance.
I did not miss a beat. All of the subway systems, the street names, the tricks of the trade were held in the back of my mind secretly waiting to be used again one day.
Cookies for Kids' Cancer has been an amazing experience and so rewarding. I'm motivated everyday. More to come in a later post about the great things we do everyday.
 |
| Photo Credit: Cookies for Kids' Cancer |
 |
| Photo Credit: Cookies for Kids' Cancer |
I went up to the city this weekend to look for housing without too much luck. Some wanted too much for an apartment. Others wanted a longer commitment than I was willing to give. Some looked and felt sketchy and unsafe. So I've opted to wait until November to move to the city once I have a place with two awesome friends. Thankfully, my job is graciously allowing me to do so!
Hopped on a plane with my gal pal, Sally. Was greeted by my friend, Sarah, with a free ticket to Mamma Mia. For this musical girl, what could be better?
 |
| The guy who took this said that this picture was fantastic of the two of us. Liar. |
We got silly.
We found North Carolina. (Check out Brother Jimmy's restaurant near Penn Station next time you go-- it rocked)!
We saw Central Park. Of course, it closes at sunset so we hopped a fence in order to leave.
I stayed in Brooklyn this time and I really had not had the opportunity to really explore before. So explore we did. Thrift Shops. Food and beer festivals. Good views. What a quirky, magical place-- that Brooklyn.
Sunday we finished off with a Caribbean Parade, which brings almost three million to Brooklyn. Street vendors galore. Floats. Music so loud you feel your eardrums rumbling. The culture that made you so grateful to be there to learn and to experience a small taste of what their lives are like.
I saw many famous people while I was there.
I'm so excited to have a double whammy: a future in NYC and an amazing, motivational, inspiring job!
The city is so alive. Constant movement. Constant sound. Constant excitement. Perfect for a 22-year-old free spirit.
 | |||
| You woulda thought this was the royal wedding or somethin'! |
Job training this week in Charlotte and a quick trip to Richmond this weekend to attend some fundraising events. SO exciting! So much potential! Packing up and leaving Greenville to move (hopefully) to Charlotte for a couple weeks.
That's where I am at this point. Can you keep up?
More later. Pictures galore. Sorry for the distance in posts--I'm trying to get better!
Always,
Carrie
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