6 Year New Yorkiversary!

Each year it’s become a tradition to blog on my New York Anniversary. I can’t believe it’s been 6 years and the amount of big life changing events that have happened. It make me so fortunate for this life path and makes me think of how everything could have been so different.

Last year I completed my first half marathon and got engaged on the same day. Went to Ireland, Savannah, and lots of trips back to Florida. Got a new job. Was in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade again. Still have the cutest cats on the planet.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from the past year.

Every year, I try to take away an important life lesson that I’ve learned. This past year it’s tough. I’d say being at my old job was very challenging. I had no management or guidance, the commute to the city everyday was exhausting. I also felt that I wasn’t achieving my full potential, only pushing paper. In my new job I absolutely love that it’s not only closer to home but I’m doing event planning which is my dream job. Yet, maybe it’s the timing of things, but I’m currently taking on multiple responsibilities at the moment, leaving me back to feeling exhausted.

My lesson here is to try to listen to the signs. When I had one of my biggest meltdowns at my old job, I was on the phone with my dad, taking my usual commute and had heard gunshots behind me. A drunk man welding a knife at a police office was shot right outside my office. If I was literally a minute earlier I would have been in the crossfires. It was a huge sign, and I then took every ounce of energy to looking for a new job. I’m much happier where I’m at but again very tired. I’m hoping to get back into more meditation, reading, writing, walking. Things that will bring me more joy and calm.

As for this year, I’m excited for more trips, brunches, seeing friends and family, and marrying my best friend. xoxo

My Journey in Trading in New Year’s Resolutions for 30 Day Challenges

We’re probably not thinking about or sticking to our New Year’s Resolutions by mid-March, but I am.

This year instead of making that infamous New Year’s resolution list, I decided to break down my goals and made 30 day challenges. Here’s what I’m on track for this year. [Will be updated each month]:

January: Work the Brain.

Practiced French lessons via Duolingo and trained my brain with Elevate app. Along this journey I was also introduced to NPR’s Invisabilia and National Geographic’s Brain Games, both are fascinating and have kinda changed my life.

February: Photography. Take a photo a day and share it on Instagram.

I love this challenge because it reminded me of when I did the 100 Happy Days Project last year and countless of Project 365 Challenges I used to do in college. It makes me excited to find something new or unique or something that makes me happy in the everyday.

Potluck Brunch with friends
Potluck Brunch with friends
Art Inside 1 World Trade Center
Art Inside 1 World Trade Center
Tenement Museum
Tenement Museum

 

Made My First Acai Bowl
Made My First Acai Bowl

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March: Talk to Strangers.

This 30 day task was especially hard. Who actually wants to talk to strangers in NYC?  However one encounter with a stranger I met at an event really stuck with me. I was in the process of moving, a major change and next chapter in my life. This woman gave me a great analogy for life. (I know, that escalated quickly!) She had said life is like driving from the East coast to the West coast at night. You know you’re going to get to your destination, but with the headlights at night you can only see 20 feet at a time, that’s life. You’re going to get there but can only see or do so much at a time.

April: Cook More, Try New Recipes, Eat Healthy (No Junk, Less Sugar)!

Here are some of my favorite new recipes I tried from April’s challenge:

Blueberry Banana Bread
Blueberry Banana Bread
Brown Butter Spaetzle
Brown Butter Spaetzle
Banana Bread
Banana Bread
Skinny fettuccine Alfredo
Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo
Hazelnut Crusted Salmon
Hazelnut Crusted Salmon

May: Catch up with friends, family, and acquaintances.

Caught up with a bunch of old friends. I was most surprise when I tried to reach out to acquaintances from NYC. Everyone seems “too busy” with lots of loaded excuses and “let’s try in a few weeks to get together”, which never happened. Nothing short of a surprise with New Yorkers though. :-/

June: Yoga / More Mindfulness

July: Learn a new skill. Coding, calligraphy, or storytelling are on my list.

August: Read everyday for an hour.

  • Books read: Big Little Lies

September: Write/Journal every day for an hour.

October: Practice happiness and start a gratitude journal.

November: Finances & Savings. $$$

  • Have already started a 401K!

December: Random acts of kindness and giving. Donate blood, volunteer, make someone smile.

Internet Inspiration: Living the most productive, healthiest life + vacation!

This is simply a post on things I’m getting excited about. Starting with…

Vacation and scoring this Foursquare badge….

Foursquare Las Vegas City Badge:

Foursquare Las Vegas Badge

App & Devices

Honey.is

Honey.is:

Keep your team informed without the spam. Group mailing lists that automatically build and maintain your intranet while you work. Honey stores everything in the cloud for easy reference. Share once with everyone who will ever be involved with your project.

I’ve been currently using this with my team members to share articles and ideas found while browsing the web. Although, like the description says I’m sure it can be used for many other projects. There’s a plugin to use on your browser and find it more useful than when I tried using Stich/Evernote.

Pulse.me:

Pulse

Pulse takes your favorite websites and transforms them into a colorful and interactive mosaic.

My seamless way to read all my favorite industry and inspirational articles, websites, and blogs. You can also save and share articles.

Up by Jawbone:

Up by Jawbone

UP is a wristband and app that tracks your sleep, activity and food—then helps you use that information to feel your best and stay motivated with teammates.

Focusing on my health led me to this recommendation. It only works with iPhones and iPads right now, but the best part is that it tracks everything — you’re sleep, food, and activity. Knowing more about how I sleep, move, and eat have been so fascinating and helpful. New York is stressful enough, take care of yourself!

Applauze:

Applauze App

Applauze helps you discover, plan and attend the best events around you. 

Just discovered this app and love the interface. You search your location and it pulls up both free and paid events in your area. Best part is you can purchase tickets right through the app with no hidden charges.

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That’s all folks! I’m now officially starting vacation. BUT I always love productivity and apps. Please send recommendations my way!