In A Nutshell

This trip has been so amazing and really opened up my eyes to what the east coast has to offer. Coming from Hawaii, everyone wants to attend schools on the west coast because of the "name brand schools" and also because it's closer to home. At least I felt like that before coming here. New York and the east coast in general has so many job opportunities offered to students right out of college. The price of living in NYC is pretty damn high but people can afford it because of how well they do. The vibe is so different than Hawaii or any place i've ever been to, but I could definitely see myself living here one day. People cross the street on red lights, not phased at all if a taxi cab is speeding by. Musicians play on the street and skinny high heeled women flaunt their tight body con dresses even in the 22 degree weather. In New York, you can be just about anyone you want to be, and no one is there to judge you. You're a nobody in the biggest city in the world. But thats whats so great about it. You're free to be you. It's interesting to just sit down in a Starbucks and people watch. I love that everyone who passes by has their own story, a life that I have no idea about. I tend to forget that my life isn't the only life in the world. There are so many different people in New York, in the world in fact, and I think that's whats awesome about seeing and meeting new people. People who live completely different lives from you. To hear and understand their story.

My parents and I are headed to LA right now to see my brother Matt, i'll be posting my New York video very soon! It's been a great trip. I'm so grateful.

New York- Day 4

Today was the coldest weather i've ever experienced. Cold weather + wind = horrible combo but we had another awesome day. We road the train this morning to Philly to check out a school, came back to meet with our family friend Leslie, and saw Times Square lit up. We were frozen for about 90% of the day but it was so worth it.

New York- Day 3

Ventured NYC with my dad today, boy is he a trooper. We got to see the Grand Central Station, Rockefeller, a beautiful view from the "top of the rock" where we could see the entire city, strolled through Central Park, watched a musical "Jersey Boys" on Broadway, and got to ride a limo back to our hotel. My god I felt like I was in a movie! I am exhausted after this full day but I loved every minute of it.

New York- Day 2

To start the day off, we had an amazing breakfast at Sarabeth's, where I devoured these lemon ricotta pancakes. My parents had a salmon eggs benedict which was amazing too. A little overpriced but hey its New York. Excited for all the good eats we'll be having on this trip. 

Took the subway to the Bronx where I got to visit Manhattan College. It was nice to be able to explore the campus and talk to few of my friends who go there. Thank you Juliana & Allie for everything! 

New York- Day 1

After almost an entire day of traveling, we finally made it to NYC! It's such an exciting environment to be in, with taxis flying by, the people (some not so nice), the cute little cafes on the corner of the streets, and huge concrete buildings... i'm in love with this place already.

I was driving home this afternoon and passed by this boy in my neighborhood, trying to get my attention with his sign. I smiled at him and drove away. Then I got that inner gut feeling (i think you all know what I'm talking about) to turn around and go back to listen to this boy play his music, so I did. When he saw me come back he had the biggest smile on his face. He said that I was the first person he played for today. Im glad I made his day because he definitely made mine. He was absolutely amazing. Always go with your gut feeling. 

Regarding my last post, I actually went through with it! My goal is to paint at least once a week. I might want to start gardening too...am I becoming a mom or? Nonetheless, it felt great to have some alone time and to be painting again. I am happy.

I had some time to kill while my car was getting a safety check so I decided to go to Ben Franklin, a craft store in Kailua. Looking at all the paints and canvases and just being surrounded by it all made me really miss painting and taking art classes. Painting is something that i've always really enjoyed and am actually pretty decent at. As busy as life can get, don't forget about the things that truly make you happy. Make time to do these things. Reading, going to church, making art, exercising, spending time with your family, baking, etc. Know that you deserve some "me time" every once in a while too. Just a thought I had. It's time I start making time for these things that i've put aside for so long. I encourage you to do the same.

Sunday

Got to spend this rainy Sunday with my lifetime best friend Nora. We don't get to see each other that often but when we do its like nothing has changed, that's what I love about our friendship. New favorite studying spot @ Chadlou's Cafe in Kailua.