Home for Thanksgiving

Well, over the Thanksgiving break I was lucky enough to be able to return home to Texas for the holiday weekend. I was very happy to see my dad, mom and brother, and lots of cousins! (and my little doggie Annie and fat cat, Faith :) The weather was great, pumpkin pie was everywhere, and laughs were abundant when I got to see many friends.

It was interesting, however, that I started to make observations about home in the same way that I had made observations about New York when I first moved here. I never would have imagined that I'd adjust so quickly to NYC, but I guess I shouldn't complain!

So now, in contrast to my earlier post of observations about New York City, I now post my observations about home.

• Speed limits: I start seeing all these speed limit signs when driving back from the airport and it made me realize- there really is no "speed limit" in the city. Cars just drive as fast as possible.

• Showering without shoes: I don't have to shower in flip flops at home! My tub has never felt so slippery to my feet!
• Silent nights: My first night in my room at home, there was a deafening silence that I haven't heard in quite a long time!
• Trucks: Don't see too many of these in the city. See quite a few too many of these in Texas.
• Roadkill: Yep, good old squashed squirrels and raccoons can be found along the streets. I guess squirrels in New York are smarter?
• Young drivers texting: First off, in the city you really never see young people driving because most of the cars are either taxis or rich middle-aged/old people. Sure, some of them might be texting...but I highly doubt it- you would definitely crash.
• Scatteredness: Everything is so spread out!
• Grass ditches: I kinda miss these, they were fun to run on.
• Large coffee pot: The first time I went to pick up the coffee pot at home I almost dropped it because I was so used to picking up my 4 cup one that the 12 cup one felt so heavy! Nevertheless, it runs out much faster when all members of my family are fighting for it

So, I shall conclude with that for now. I'm sure I have failed at keeping you throughly entertained with these random observations, but that's usually what happens when I try to entertain people with something besides viola.

Love,

Violamad

P.S.- come back for next week's special: Yale Work gets interviewed!

People watching

As I write this, I am sitting just across the street from the Lincoln Center which includes the New York City ballet, the Metropolitan Opera and Avery Fisher Hall (the home of the New York Philharmonic). Looking straight ahead I see cars and taxies zip by in the intersection where Columbus Avenue crosses Broadway. I just stopped in Starbucks to grab a coffee and drop off my application to manager Francisco (I should’ve spoken in Spanish to him!) and as I was walking back to the dorm, I felt compelled to sit here on this island of concrete and write a blog about…you guessed it- people watching.

I’ve always enjoyed people watching, but nevertheless, I always feel like it’s “judging” people and of course, that is a known vice. However, I’ve noticed that maybe there is an art to it, a way to make it beneficial to the people and myself.

So let’s go with the couple crossing the street. They look happy, holding hands, having a conversation together, no rings visible on their hands. Let’s wish them the best in their relationship.

Next, the girl struggling to carry a huge (and probably) heavy bag from Bed Bath and Beyond. Maybe she’s new to the city and just moved into an apartment. I pray that she will adjust well and find her place in this crazy city.

Oh, we have to do this one: husband and wife, holding hands with a toddler in pink walking between them, and a stroller with an infant being pushed by the right hand of Mom. So cute! I pray that the parents will be able to sleep through the night (haha) and find joy in the simple minds of children.

Andddd a guy just walked up to me and said “I take it pink is your favorite color.” I look down and see a pink computer, pink computer bag, a pink corduroy jacket and pink tennis shoes. My response: “yeah, just a little bit.”

The guy photographing the sun reflecting off the buildings- I hope he can capture exactly the image he is looking for!

So, you get the idea- be positive, not negative. It’s really refreshing and you might just find yourself smiling as you walk down the street.

Love,

Violamad