Yet another thing to love about New York City! Two words- Rooftop Parties.

Last night we headed down to the Gramercy and Murray Hill area to meet up with some friends of my roommate. First, of course we stopped by a pizza bar to pick up a couple slices before heading to the subway and downtown. I think I could (but probably shouldn’t) eat New York pizza every day it’s that good! 

Another thing I might never get sick of? The views in the city. When you’re going about your daily routine it can be easy to ignore the “aw factor” that is the city. Then you step onto the rooftop and the view takes your gaze and the “aw factor” hits you right in the face. You stand there, do a 360 looking around, and realize, “Wow, I really live here!” I’ve only been here for 3 weeks, but I think my thoughts will remain the same a year from now. Especially if there are more rooftop parties to attend!

The night couldn’t have been better. The weather was perfect, warm but not too humid with a nice breeze. Everyone was really friendly, and popping champagne off the roof didn’t hurt the ambience either. 

Cheers to the weekend!

The best comparison I can come up with for how New Yorkers cross streets in the city is to the game Frogger. You know, the game we used to play back when we were kids? If you haven’t played, the goal is to get your frog safely to the other side of the river by dodging cars and semi-trucks crossing the street, hopping over the lily pads and into the safety zone. New Yorkers cross the streets much like that. It doesn’t matter if the little white man is lit up or if the hand is solid red. If they think there is enough time to cross the street before a mass of taxis rush through the street they go for it. 

I’m still a little apprehensive about crossing the streets here even when the sign says walk. I’ve rode in too many taxis to realize that the rules of the road don’t seem to apply to them, or so they think. I think it also has a lot to do with the fact that my Mom was always so outspoken about crossing streets. Every time we were at a crosswalk she would make us stand no closer than 6 feet from the curb. I can’t tell you how many times I was told to stand back, even if I took even one step closer. To this day, my Mom still hassles me about crossing streets. I guess her words stuck because being in a culture that not only doesn’t wait for the walk sign, but that also basically stands in the street while waiting has been a little uncomfortable at first.

After being here for a couple of weeks it starts to make sense why they do this though. It’s not so much that they have death wishes, but rather that New Yorkers walk on a mission. Whether it’s to the subway, to work, to lunch, or to the grocery store there is an end mission and a plan to get there in as little time as possible. In my experience, even more so in the morning hours when everyone is trying to get to work. To outsiders, waiting an extra couple of minutes to cross the street doesn’t seem like a big deal, but here it seems to be a little different. That extra couple of minutes could be the difference between getting a seat or standing on the subway, making the 8:30 bus instead of the 8:40 or getting the last maple bar donut at the shop. Of course this is a generalization and not everyone is dodging cars for the last donut, but there is definitely a method of madness walking the streets here regardless of the specific reasoning.

All I can say is, I’m doing my best to “adapt” to this new way of crossing streets while (Yes, Mom!) still keeping my Mom’s words of being careful in the back of my mind.

Two weeks in, and I have to say I’m becoming a pro at this commute! Keys to my success?

1.) I pod- Today was the first day I actually used my I Pod on my walk to the subway (borrowed a charger at work after leaving mine in WA) This made my commute I’d say 90% better. Not that I really mind the walk anyways, but music makes everything better. Especially when you’re a music addict like me. Pop on some Erin McCarley, One Republic and The Bird and The Bee and you feel like you’re walking through the set of a movie on a sunny morning. I have to say I definitely had a flashback to the beginning of Definitely Maybe. Aww, perfect! The only thing missing was Ryan Reynolds..

I’m actually surprised there aren’t more people on the subway that are using I pods.. just make sure to not have them on too loud so a.) you don’t bother other people and b.) you are alert and can hear for your stop

2.) Comfortable shoes- After murdering my feet last week I learned the hard way that this is key! Don’t be fooled either it isn’t only heels that kill your feet. Flats are not always your friends! Your comfy shoes don’t always go with your business attire though right? So, bring an extra pair. In my case, one of my comfy pairs of flats with a pair of wedge heels in my briefcase. Spare your feet on your walk and change your shoes at the office. I’d say about a third of the women on the subway do this. I see a lot of flip flops! I’m not sure what they do in the winter though.. Uggs are a little more bulky than flip flops. Stay tuned for the winter update in a couple of months.

3.) Reading Material- I’m old fashioned when it comes to print media. I will probably be the last one to get a Kindle for the very reason that I love having a hard copy in my hands. There are two main free daily papers that they hand out by the subway entrances each morning, AM New York and Metro New York. I’ve picked up both on different occasions, but don’t really have a preference yet. I must say that the AM New York paper lady is much more outspoken handing out papers than the Metro lady though. It doesn’t matter what you grab, but if you’re lucky enough to catch a seat reading material makes the ride go by much faster! 

4.) My last tip is a spin-off of the cover article from today’s AM New York, “Which One Are You: What Your Subway Stance Says About Your Personality.” While, I didn’t really identify with any of the options of The Door Hoverer, the Corner Seeker, The Wide Sitter, The Wanderer, The Pole Hog, or The Pole Avoider they are all definitely types I see everyday. If you’re really wondering I guess I fall somewhere inbetween the Corner Seeker or Door Hoverer, but usually because it’s really crowded in the morning and the door is the only place left to stand.

What I can say is do your best to not be a.) The Wanderer: The rider who moves around the car several times during the trip b.) The Pole Hog: The straphanger who leans against the pole, making it tough for others to hold on and c.) The Pole Avoider: The commuter who refuses to hold on to the pole, often crashing into others as the train lurches along. If you refrain from these types you are less likely to annoy the other passengers and make for a more peaceful commute! Unless you’re going for that..

So there you have it, 4 tips to a better start in the morning!