I have been in the city one month and have already learned a great deal, and in some ways been reminded of things that I forget.
I have learned DMV doesn't just suck in California, it sucks everywhere and New York is definitely no exception. It is one of the most disorganized place for chaos in the city. After 3 hours of spending my times in lines (thankfully they have some spotty wi-fi) I surrendered my CA State license in exchange for an interim license as I await my NY State license to make it in the mail... which leads me to...
The dependability of knowing the Postal Service also sucks. It has been a battle sending and receiving mail. Many of my letters out are delayed, while others get them in record time. Also, not receiving mail that is being sent directly here and not being forwarded from California. I think the mail is like the lottery and there is a chance I may not get it. You would think with the reduction overall of people sending mail with everyone emailing, tweeting, facebooking, and alike that there is less mail for them to process, which in turn simplifies the task. Apparently not the case.
I am learning that in New York, that while you have everything and anything at your disposal from grocery stores, shoe stores, FedEx, clothing stores, churches, cabs.... some things come with a trek. Target, a great experience in and of itself requires a 40 minute trek just to go about 2.2 miles. Ikea in Brooklyn involves subways and ferries with the completion of home delivery because you can't have three girls bring a dresser back on a boat, then a subway, and then up your 2nd floor walk up.
I have learned that delivery time frames... are just that... frames. When they say between 5-9... they mean... see you at 8:45pm, but don't really tell you that so you can give up your evening of things you could be doing like laundry, grocery shopping, gallivanting.
I have learned that grocery shopping here is actually better for the budget. While it is said it is slightly more expensive to buy food here... I am actually buying what I will be using. Since I don't have a car to load up with weeks worth of groceries, I must buy wisely and walk it home.
I have also learned that routines can be key, and this includes making sure you have a good pair of headphones for walking or running around the city, or even on those commutes on the train. I have learned running in Central Park makes for a great workout and just walking to work 40 blocks down (2.2 miles in 40 minutes power walking).
I am also learning the real greatness of facetime, skype, and facebook.... to be connected to those who I can't be with here in New York, and it makes them feel just that much closer :)
I am also realizing that no matter how big New York is... God is just that much bigger!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Sunday, August 19, 2012
The Adventures Have Begun
Moving to New York has been nothing less than adventure to date. I am all for excitement, but I also like some sort of a routine. Having been in New York for almost a month and for the most part settled with my stuff that is familiar in a place that is slowly becoming familiar.... I wonder when the "newness" will fade.
I have not had the moment people have asked me.... "I live here" thought! And letting it sink in and soak it up. I had the opportunity at the right time, with everything falling into place by God's grace to be where I have wanted to be for many years. I am in a place where the opportunities are endless for those who have drive, motivation, and the courage to go get it. You can't sit idle and hope it comes to you... you have to JUMP and roll over, and anything possible. Two weeks in to working in my new area I realized "I really don't like retail hours nor the concept of retail". Mind you, for two years I have worked for Verizon, and overall been satisfied with my job and company. I have great benefits and perks and the pay is worthy for one with a college degree (and slowly pursuing their masters). The job security is solid, and I am adding to my skill set to continue to be an asset for this company and potentially for others. Now, yes, that sounds so can fed boring, I almost bored myself to sleep writing it. It is true though; I am doing these things, but am I passionate about them? No. I have no one to blame but me and I would never think to blame someone else for the position I am in or would be in. I know the areas I am passionate in, and I know the opportunities will come as I seek them and ask God to be in the details. God is always in the details, and I think that is what I forget sometimes. He orchestrates everything. It doesn't matter what I want or think I need... God knows all those things, and if I want to do what He wants His way, I had better think twice, right? It never works on my time table, in my way, but God's. When good things do happen... I never soak it up, I wait for some fall out. I never want to get my hopes up and I look for the hole that could bring everything crashing down. Bad perspective, yes... working on changing it? Absolutely. With God all things are possible. I mean here I am.
I came here after living 10 years in a place which will always have a place in my heart, and a part of my heart is forever there. In those 10 years I gained "family" through an amazing church, friends, and loved ones I wouldn't trade for the world. Will I be in NYC forever? Doubtful. I know me too well to know that once it wears off and I (perish the thought) miss driving.... and miss my Pacific Ocean and want the calm small town, non-city life again... I am sure the Central Coast will be there (God willing). I know it is there, because it is comfortable. It also lacks opportunities in some personal and professional ways, and sometimes change is good no matter the length of the season. God never wants us to be comfortable or complacent, and I was there.... and now... I am here. I am blessed once again with great roommates who love the Lord and encourage me each day. The hardest part beyond meeting people, settling, nailing down where I will be grocery shopping to trains to take for various things.... is finding a church. Nothing will ever replace my church home, Oak Park... but God knows where to lead so I can continue to grow and serve and have community. I have tried a couple since living here; one was so..... commercialized that is wasn't church to me... either I am getting older or my values are mellowing out, but I want church with generational diversity. I want my cute old people in the front, and youth kids and kids running around as well as young families and professionals and the whatnots. I don't need a rock concert or lots of lights and theatrics. Just community, fellowship, and a strong teaching and opportunity to grow closer and serve Jesus in my church, community, and in the world. Prayers are always welcomed in this area. One of my roommates does go to a church I went to a year ago when I was visiting, and I really liked it. It was more traditional and more "my style".... and so I am feeling led there.
Other than all that.... things are great. I love the walks around my neighborhood and being a block from Central Park, and a half block to my train to get to work or anywhere in midtown or downtown Manhattan. I love the fact it takes a water taxi/ferry to get to Ikea, and that I am just as close to New Jersey as I am to Brooklyn (travel time wise). I love that a ride on the train.... is always an experience and something you either pray you can block out at the end of the day or remember. A couple weeks ago I got off on a stop to run errands in midtown and a homeless guy at the end of the stairwell was singing "Our God is Greater" and all he had was a guitar... and I am not sure his motive for money or if he was singing to worship or a bit or mix of both, but the words in itself... I was blessed by and reminded. It doesn't matter how big of a city I live in or how bad things get or tough... He is Greater than all of it. It is amazing how God can use just about anything to remind me of things I should always know and remember.
I wish I could tell you I am being a tourist in the city.... but... well wait... I don't wish I could tell you that. Living here is a way better experience than touring, and I am learning a great deal about myself and what I can handle. For those who have me on Facebook, I update the pictures when I can (and no, I don't frequent the Starbucks on the bottom floor of my building).
Thanks for the prayers, kind words, love, support, and to those who have Skyped with me.... it's always great :) For those who don't know, I will be home visiting on the central coast for a week in October from the 26-Nov. 2. Until then, Skype and those avenues will have to be a good substitute.
Blessings and Joy,
Caitlyn
I have not had the moment people have asked me.... "I live here" thought! And letting it sink in and soak it up. I had the opportunity at the right time, with everything falling into place by God's grace to be where I have wanted to be for many years. I am in a place where the opportunities are endless for those who have drive, motivation, and the courage to go get it. You can't sit idle and hope it comes to you... you have to JUMP and roll over, and anything possible. Two weeks in to working in my new area I realized "I really don't like retail hours nor the concept of retail". Mind you, for two years I have worked for Verizon, and overall been satisfied with my job and company. I have great benefits and perks and the pay is worthy for one with a college degree (and slowly pursuing their masters). The job security is solid, and I am adding to my skill set to continue to be an asset for this company and potentially for others. Now, yes, that sounds so can fed boring, I almost bored myself to sleep writing it. It is true though; I am doing these things, but am I passionate about them? No. I have no one to blame but me and I would never think to blame someone else for the position I am in or would be in. I know the areas I am passionate in, and I know the opportunities will come as I seek them and ask God to be in the details. God is always in the details, and I think that is what I forget sometimes. He orchestrates everything. It doesn't matter what I want or think I need... God knows all those things, and if I want to do what He wants His way, I had better think twice, right? It never works on my time table, in my way, but God's. When good things do happen... I never soak it up, I wait for some fall out. I never want to get my hopes up and I look for the hole that could bring everything crashing down. Bad perspective, yes... working on changing it? Absolutely. With God all things are possible. I mean here I am.
I came here after living 10 years in a place which will always have a place in my heart, and a part of my heart is forever there. In those 10 years I gained "family" through an amazing church, friends, and loved ones I wouldn't trade for the world. Will I be in NYC forever? Doubtful. I know me too well to know that once it wears off and I (perish the thought) miss driving.... and miss my Pacific Ocean and want the calm small town, non-city life again... I am sure the Central Coast will be there (God willing). I know it is there, because it is comfortable. It also lacks opportunities in some personal and professional ways, and sometimes change is good no matter the length of the season. God never wants us to be comfortable or complacent, and I was there.... and now... I am here. I am blessed once again with great roommates who love the Lord and encourage me each day. The hardest part beyond meeting people, settling, nailing down where I will be grocery shopping to trains to take for various things.... is finding a church. Nothing will ever replace my church home, Oak Park... but God knows where to lead so I can continue to grow and serve and have community. I have tried a couple since living here; one was so..... commercialized that is wasn't church to me... either I am getting older or my values are mellowing out, but I want church with generational diversity. I want my cute old people in the front, and youth kids and kids running around as well as young families and professionals and the whatnots. I don't need a rock concert or lots of lights and theatrics. Just community, fellowship, and a strong teaching and opportunity to grow closer and serve Jesus in my church, community, and in the world. Prayers are always welcomed in this area. One of my roommates does go to a church I went to a year ago when I was visiting, and I really liked it. It was more traditional and more "my style".... and so I am feeling led there.
Other than all that.... things are great. I love the walks around my neighborhood and being a block from Central Park, and a half block to my train to get to work or anywhere in midtown or downtown Manhattan. I love the fact it takes a water taxi/ferry to get to Ikea, and that I am just as close to New Jersey as I am to Brooklyn (travel time wise). I love that a ride on the train.... is always an experience and something you either pray you can block out at the end of the day or remember. A couple weeks ago I got off on a stop to run errands in midtown and a homeless guy at the end of the stairwell was singing "Our God is Greater" and all he had was a guitar... and I am not sure his motive for money or if he was singing to worship or a bit or mix of both, but the words in itself... I was blessed by and reminded. It doesn't matter how big of a city I live in or how bad things get or tough... He is Greater than all of it. It is amazing how God can use just about anything to remind me of things I should always know and remember.
I wish I could tell you I am being a tourist in the city.... but... well wait... I don't wish I could tell you that. Living here is a way better experience than touring, and I am learning a great deal about myself and what I can handle. For those who have me on Facebook, I update the pictures when I can (and no, I don't frequent the Starbucks on the bottom floor of my building).
Thanks for the prayers, kind words, love, support, and to those who have Skyped with me.... it's always great :) For those who don't know, I will be home visiting on the central coast for a week in October from the 26-Nov. 2. Until then, Skype and those avenues will have to be a good substitute.
Blessings and Joy,
Caitlyn
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