New York New York

In New York, there are definitely those "die hard New Yorkers"- people who may or may not be native New Yorkers- who say they are addicted to New York and could never imagine living anywhere else. Although I have always said that I don't necessarily have my heart set on living in New York for the rest of my life, I have actually lived here a pretty LONG time- since around the mid-90s, excluding my 6 years in Taiwan (2001-2007), so I've lived in New York for nearly 10 years in all.

I do love New York. There's always an endless number of things to do and experience. I've built a new network of friends, I am comfortable here (I no longer get lost in the lower east side or chinatown) and I'm good at being a New Yorker. I love the energy, the pace, the glamor, the diversity, the convenience, and the raw ambition in the air. I guess that there has never been anything, any opportunity, or anyone (dare I say) that has made me feel compelled to move.

Why would I ever consider living anywhere else?

I dream of having a large kitchen- since I love to cook and I'd like to have more space to entertain- since I love hosting dinner parties and social gatherings... and that to me means having a house.

New York is not necessarily the center of the universe, though it can certainly sometimes feel that way. But there are always lots of options in life, different lifestyles to experience with new opportunities and possibilities.

I am such a people person.

I just got back from this monthly networking event that I help organize and I realize that it really energizes me. I love meeting and talking to new people.

But, the thing is, I am actually an introverted person. When I'm at social events, I'm definitely not the outgoing gregarious type striking up random conversations with people. When I'm in these "cold" social situations (in which I don't know anyone), I much prefer having someone else initiate a conversation with me, or if I overhear a bit of conversation and I feel welcome to add my two cents in, I may start up or join a conversation. Sometimes simple conversations are started with people who happen to be standing around me. Other times, I will simply talk someone who seems in need of some company.

But when I'm hosting an event or party, like tonight, that's a different story. Then, I am in my element. Tonight someone kindly commented that I had a nice way with people, the way I circulated and talked to people throughout the night. It's not the first time someone has given me such a compliment, and I'm glad to hear that I'm projecting the image of a hospitable hostess, making people feel welcome at my events.

It is interesting to me- sometimes I'll have a 10 minute conversation with someone new, sometimes there will a "continued" conversation with that person later, or not. There may be a conversation with someone I've met at previous events, a conversation with someone in my social circles, but who I haven't gotten the chance to know all that well yet, and on and on. It is interesting to me how these conversations and relationships evolve.

I bought these daffodils yesterday because I needed a "pick me up." Flowers are always just the thing to brighten up my mood; they brighten up my day, and they always brighten up a room.

I'll never understand women who say they don't like flowers, unless of course they are horribly allergic to flowers.

Yes, simple as it sounds, flowers always make me feel better. I'm sorting things out, finding my strength within, and making room for better things to happen. I feel a shift, things are already beginning to happen...

OPEN

One of my friends once asked me, if there was one word that you would use to describe yourself, what would it be?

I thought about it and said "open." At the time I chose the word and thought it was apt because I've always tried to be an open-minded person and open to new things.

That was quite awhile back- over 7 years ago.

I think this word is still fitting. I see it as a sort of basis for my "life mantra." I always try to be open to new opportunities, meeting new people, learning new things, new experiences, hearing different opinions and to be open to what's hidden- the energy in the universe and possibilities waiting to be discovered or noticed.

It's important to me, especially as a creative person, to stay open to all that is around me, which means being aware and attuned enough to pick up on promise and opportunities- which are always floating around- if you'd take the time to notice. You just never know where a connection that has been made, a seed planted, idea sprung, or any life experience will lead you.

The finality of it all

When a relationship ends it's important to have the support of close friends and family who know you, really know you and understand. But the "real work" is when you are left alone, just as you were before the relationship began, but now mourning this loss.