Coastal Brothers and Sisters: It's been too long. . .

For mom, on Mother's Day:

After LDL's post, I opened up my own book of love letters and browsed a few before having to put them away because it got a little misty in the apartment. The running theme was my adventurous spirit and tenacious attitude, gifted to me and supported by my most amazing mother. So mom, since all you wanted was a blog update for mother's day, here you go.

Inside the Woolworth Building Lobby

Since it's been 6 months since the wedding and the last major blog from me I'll probably skip over a lot of things. It was winter. A long, freezing, hard winter. While I was thrilled and ecstatic to be Spencer's wife and starting a new life together in New York City, I was also grieving the loss of proximity to my most faithful and trusted companions (and the sunshine and warmth). I struggled to find my way in a new city, felt vulnerable trying to find new friends, new grocery store, new church, new hobbies, a new gym, and a new career. I felt alone in a crowded city. And cold, I was really, really cold. But I was and am also really very happy. Spencer and I started developing our own partnership and learning more about each other and our dreams for our family. NYC, while freezing, also began to show me the vast world of opportunity available for those of us who live here. Short story to the long winter: I was missing Orlando, the Dalton/Loflin clan, and the incredible community we established there. But at the very same time I felt secure, and loved, and welcomed to a new adventure, excited to see what God has in store for me. Also, just as an aside for those who think that I complained to much about how cold it was, the NYTimes ran an article that described Winter 2015 as the coldest, harshest Winter in 80 something years. Welcome to the Big Apple, right?

Views of One World Trade on a typical dog walk

Manhattan Views from Brooklyn Bridge

But the winter wasn't all bad. I tried my best to take advantage of not having to go into the office every day and made myself a tourist, experiencing an extended staycation. From January until May I job hunted, friend hunted, and adventure hunted. I explored with Pax, with Spencer, and alone. I walked historic streets, and developed a love of the Waffle truck across from the Brooklyn Bridge. I found respite from the city noise in museums, the Ford Foundation atrium, and in the middle of the Park. I took the train to Connecticut to find comfort in a forever friend. I made a nest of the apartment, ensuring proper Christmas decorations, a comfortable bed, and art work; learning to make a house a home. Family came to visit and were game for venturing out in the freezing wind or snow to find a new experience or snuggle up in blankets and just enjoy each others company. S and I began keeping a list of adventures to do separately and together, so we've managed to do quite a bit in the 6 months we've been married!

Real Citizenship: a NYPL card

So far, we have toured Grand Central Station and The Woolworth Building. We've seen Beautiful: The Carole King Story, Jersey Boys, You Can't Take It With You, Matilda, and The Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder on Broadway. We've walked The Brooklyn Bridge many times to explore the waterfront, rock climb, and be foodies in a hipster neighborhood. We toured the island via air when S flew us down the Hudson River and back up the East River. We saw some of my favorite musicians Lake Street Dive at Terminal 5, as well as Galactic and The Revivalists at Best Buy Theater in Times Square. We've enjoyed early access to some of the new developments around the Financial District, namely the new Brookfield Place, and Pier A - an excellent place for beers and pretzels as you gaze across the river at the Statue of Liberty. We've had cocktails with a view at the Mandarin Hotel, with Barbara Walters at the Carlyle (with CMD), and with fellow winter warriors at the Dead Rabbit.

Bowery Mission Fundraiser at The Plaza

I've started a new job now in the world of advertising technology, working to keep internet content free. ;) It's a brand new industry for me but I am learning quite a bit and am thankful to be surrounded by very bright co-workers and people who are genuinely interested in the success of others. It is an answer to prayer. S and I are learning to adjust to our new routine. Pax has a dog walker again to make sure he gets exercise in the middle of the day. He is starting to show his age a bit, as he sleeps more often than he is awake. I continue to be impressed by his resiliency and loyalty as I move him around from city to city with me. I can tell he missed the commotion at 1127, especially when we get visitors. He hasn't forgotten how many people loved on him while we were in Orlando and greets with with much enthusiasm when they visit. I think the noise and crowds of the city overwhelm him occasionally - he loves to sleep under the table or at my feet. Pax and S have welcomed each other into their individual lives, which is really fun for me to watched. S throws the ball farther and for longer than I do usually so they've begun to cherish their evening play dates (especially when I was too cold to venture out at night).

Picking up some Georgia Peach Jam on our 3rd road trip to/from Florida

Spring / Summer is like new life in New York. People are coming out of hibernation so I know there are more adventures to come. I'm grateful for the incredible support I've gotten from LTD in the form of advice, ideas for excursions, and just generally a pillar of strength on which I constantly rely. Thanks for that mom. You really are a best.