First of all, many apologies for not posting a blog in a couple of months.  The holidays hit and were amazing.  I got to spend the week of Thanksgiving in TN plus I was home for nearly two weeks at Christmas which was much-needed.  We moved into our new apartment at 96th and Columbus, still on the Upper West Side, all in preparation for Laura moving up in January.   Well, after much discussion and prayer, Laura and I both felt she should stay in Tennessee for another 6 months until Cassie graduates from Walker Valley High School and Conor finishes his Sophomore year at UTC.  I waited a year, I can wait 6 more months.  Family will always come first.  The good news is that Laura is moving here July 1 and Conor is going to spend the summer in NYC with us working as an intern in the City.  I can’t wait!!

Well, this past year has been surreal.  It truly is a tale of two cities, in this case Cleveland TN and New York City.  I’ve learned so much the past 12 months about myself, my family, my priorities and my communities.  I love Cleveland, it is and always will be HOME.  I don’t use that word “home” lightly anymore.  Home truly is where the heart is and I will always be a Southerner.  Having said that, I have learned to love New York City.  The City has welcomed me with open arms and adopted me without strings.  The amazing thing about NYC is how truly wonderful the people are…once you get to know them.  Diversity here isn’t a goal, it’s a reality.  Everyone is from someplace else, trying to fit in, trying to “make it”.  It truly is a melting pot with all the good and bad that comes with cramming 8 million people on an island.  It’s probably the most efficient City on the planet.  Every day I am amazed that everything (actually anything) functions.  The hardest part of living here is the homeless situation.  WIth 52,000 homeless, you see it everyday in every area of the City.  The problem can be overwhelming and is definitely heart wrenching.  All you can do is give relief one person at a time.  Soon I’m going to start volunteering with Hope For New York.  It’s a great organization that works directly with the homeless.

So in this year, what are some of the main things I’ve learned.  Here are a few:

• Family is everything – I’ve always known this and said this.  However, I could never have done this without the love and support of an amazing family.  Laura is my rock and my soul mate.  My kids are everything.
• Faith in God is my foundation – I never have to be alone
• Absence truly does make the heart grow fonder (see above).  Laura, I love you!!!
• Community is vital – A strong network of people who have your back and truly care for one another is essential.  As people, we are made for community.  My faith community is essential both in Cleveland and NYC.  My work community is also an essential part of making life happen.
• Art is important – NYC taught me that.  Art was never a big part of my life but here, it’s an important part of the CIty experience.  It’s intertwined with daily life.  There is amazing art everywhere…from the museums to the subways.
• Proscuitto is a gift from God.
• Real bagels can only be found in NYC
• Real biscuits can only be found in the South
• I love food
• I love food
• I love food
• NYC is a runners paradise
• Tennessee is the most beautiful place in the US
• Technology has been a life saver for me (FaceTime, Facebook, Social Media in general).  It helps me stay connected to both of my CIties..both of my worlds.
• NYC IS EXPENSIVE!!!
• I love showing friends around my adopted City.
• New friends add so much color to the tapestry of life
• Old friends add so much depth to the tapestry of life
• January in NYC is miserable
• August in Tennessee is miserable
• Summers are better in NYC
• Winters are better in TN

That’s enough for now.  I’ll try to stay more consistent with my blog updates.  Until next time….