Empire State of Mind

What does it mean to have an Empire State of mind? Sounds pretty cheesy to me.  That is, until I really started to look into it.  The phrase has a historical reference going back to George Washington calling the state of New York the "Seat of an Empire" pointing out its superior geographic battle advantages.  So how, do you ask, did this stick around and make it into Alicia Keys lyrics? (Empire State of Mind)

I guess one could compare it to Texas pride, something I am more familiar with: Lone Star state, Remember the Alamo, Don't Mess with Texas.  I never noticed the similarities until I started researching what it is that New Yorkers are so obsessed with: THEMSELVES and THEIR CITY.  Does this sound familiar? Once I started to reflect, there really are striking resemblances between New Yorkers and Texans (GASP)!

Both have pride in their history, the diversity offered, the food, their independence, their resilience...both have lots of songs written about them.  Maybe I have more in common with these New Yorkers than I thought.  As I was reading this blog about the New York mentality: Fresh NYC, one phrase stuck out to me: "You cannot be a wuss and live here." This is so true.

See, New Yorkers take the things that are hard (to outsiders) and see the beauty in them.  Now that I have been here over a month, I see that, for example, all modes of transportation are annoying in their own right, whether it be the subway, driving, taking a cab or walking.  You can either embrace it, or fight against it.

This week, I chose to grasp the walking by the metaphorical horns and go for it.  We ended up walking miles and miles, but it felt great!  I remember my first week here and being completely overwhelmed by the walking, especially with the extra burden of the double stroller.  This time, I felt myself relaxing and feeling more confident, taking it slower.  I was able to enjoy the experience and sights around me without being stressed out by the logistics.

For one, I started to appreciate the many different types of people in New York.  It is people-watching on a whole new level.  As a southern girl, my first instinct was to be wary and assume everyone is trying to mug me, but as I am unwinding, I am noticing how friendly everyone is.  With the wonderful August weather in New York, the typically all-business population is in a great mood, and so am I.  I graciously accept do-gooders opening the door for me and my stroller, and occasionally SMILE at people.  Who am I becoming???

It is strange to have to be in direct proximity to people every time you go somewhere.  Imagine, if you had to walk next to all the people you see in their cars on the way to work, or the gym, or to lunch.  Would you see them differently? Maybe, maybe not.  It definitely makes it more interesting.

Now this Empire State of Mind does have its advantages.  There is a multitude of impressive buildings, parks, things to do, sights to see.  The streets are busy and buzzing day and night.  Just this week we visited High Line Park: The High Line.  This is an old railroad line that has been transformed into a living, breathing park, winding through the skyscrapers and apartment buildings in Chelsea and the Meatpacking district.  Seeing the city from this angle was surreal.

Looking at the Empire State Building from the High Line

One thing that has been particularly difficult these past two weeks, is the absence of my husband, traveling for work.  I am normally a champ when it comes to this, but of course I was used to family helping me in Houston with the girls, especially in this kind of situation.  This poses the question, do New Yorker's call their mommas?  How tough is too tough?

For this "new" New Yorker, I did bring out the big guns.  I called my mom.  There is an ongoing, grueling mental struggle while raising small children.  A feeling of being alone, but never alone.  Sometimes the togetherness can be a lot to handle, as they depend on you for their happiness, schedule, food, well, everything.  The resilience of children to new situations is truly astounding, and I have to admit I am envious of their zeal for life. I wouldn't change being with them for the world, but it sure was nice to have my momma take care of me too for a change!

At Riverside Park with Kippy

With her help, we ventured to the Children's Museum of Manhattan, the Upper Westside Farmers Market, Zabar's (a gourmet grocery store in the UWS), and even New Jersey (we had to have our Chick-Fil-A fix, people).  It was what I needed to keep going!  We ate fresh pasta, researched radiator covers, went to church, shopped for winter coats in August, and took turns chasing after the newly speedy Savannah.  The ease of family can often help us have the confidence to continue doing more than what we thought ourselves capable of and remind us of our strengths.

Next week we will head to Houston to see the rest of our family, recharge our batteries, and then when we get back, move in to our new apartment!  We will officially be Upper West Siders!  Pre-war apartment, here we come: window units, radiators, creaky wood floors, and beautiful molding, we will take it all.  I'm sure there will be some bumps along the way, long days, and crazy tales, but we are ready to be in our home for the next three years.