how to be proud to be an american

As much as I appreciate who I am and where I come from, I wouldn't necessarily call myself patriotic. I'm grateful for all this and know how untrue these stereotypes are... but, well, Jeff Daniels articulated my reasoning better in this Newsroom monologue:

Being abroad--viewing the United States from a less biased perspective, through a European lens--has made me a lot more critical. Then again, I'll never forget the kindness I received driving across our beautiful country. I was madly missing everything about the familiarity of home just one month ago. In these past two weeks, I've adored every moment at my friend's wedding, at my parent's house, at my favorite tourist traps. And, my, oh my, was I thrilled to celebrate the Fourth of July on an American beach:

Yesterday, on our Independence Day, I had a lazy afternoon in the sun, barbecued in the backyard, watched fireworks from the porch, and enjoyed this movie with some of my very best friends. I woke up this morning overwhelmed with how lucky we are for all of it. I'm not proud to be an American because this is the greatest country in the world, but I couldn't be more proud of the friendly spirit, adventure, and imagination I know and love to be American; not to mention the irreplaceable opportunity I have to express and share my opinions with you here. Happy belated birthday, America. Thanks for everything.

lessons from long pond

It's almost funny that last year, when I first experienced Long Pond, I needed the weekend getaway. This time around was no different. As I alluded to earlier, there's some family stuff to deal with; in addition to expected pressure of the Parisian countdown--pressure to enjoy everyone and everything while also working incredibly hard to save as much money as possible. I needed to take a deep breath, preferably in nature, and just be in the company of great friends. I'm so grateful to have been able to do just that last weekend. This is what I learned:

Anna makes a mean egg salad.

Local, fresh-picked berries are the ultimate "working vacation" snack.

This UFO-ish thing is kohlrabi, a cruciferous vegetable like broccoli; eat it raw or cooked.

Beer o'clock is better with your feet in the water.

 

Fresh tuna is fantastic on something as simple as Triscuits.

Sassy Gay Friend is a bonding, after-dinner experience.

Sunsets are prettier over water (but I kinda already knew that).

A morning walk/run/hike is better with a filling breakfast beforehand.

 

The third book in the Hunger Game series is a great lying-in-the-sun read.

 

Dock picnics make lunch more fun. Avocado hummus is recommended.

Paddle boarding is almost as challenging as it looks, but it's easy to pick up.

Uncle Frank is hilarious; invite him(/her) on your next booze cruise.

That "weird pea thing" is an optional but delicious side dish to dinner al fresco.

When possible, "townie" ice cream is a must.

Brunch = a specially-prepared, late breakfast meal enjoyed amongst others.

 

It's no wonder Anna is such an amazing host, so is every other member of her wonderful family. Thank you all for such a perfect weekend!

happy birthday, america!

As much as I'm thrilled for the next international adventure, I already know I'll miss New York and the entirety of the U.S.A., like, a whole lot. I kind of love this perfectly imperfect country, and I am so, so happy and grateful to call it home. 

And what better day to appreciate all the reasons why...

• Real breakfast foods: pancakes, breakfast burritos, NY bagels, etc.
• The college experience.
• The right to have an opinion, and to express it.
• Four beautiful seasons (in the Northeast at least).
• Thanksgiving.
• Non-smoking restaurants, bars, pools.
• Broadway. Off-broadway, too.
• Real fudge brownies.
• The ability to vote.
• Crisp local apples. And apple pie.
• Work ethic.
• The childhood belief that you can be anyone you want to be.
• Winter sleigh rides and autumn hayrides.
• American literature, and poetry, and art.
• Disneyland.
• Watching the ball drop in Times Square on New Year's Eve.
• Oreos, now more than ever.
• Free and unlimited water at bars and restaurants.
• Independent films.
• 24-hours anything (and usually everything).
• Innovators: Nora Ephron, Julias Schmid, Amelia Earhart, Martin Luther King, Jr., Margaret Sanger, Steve Jobs, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, etc.
• Family barbecues.
• Hugs.
• Road Trip USA.
• Clean streets and sidewalks.
• Authentic Mexican food, if you know where to look. 
• Music of all kinds.
• T-shirts, blue jeans, flip-flops.
• City parks with WiFi.
• Real pizza--outside of Italy, that is.
• Quality mattresses and water pressure.
• Fireworks on the Fourth of July.
• Immigrants, especially the ones who have produced the countless number of multicultural friends and family members I adore.

Wishing you a fun and festive holiday!

summertime solstice

Hello, hello! Happy summer to you! Just one year ago, I kicked off the day by yoga-ing in Times Square. Today, on the other hand, I'm working from home home (am I the only one who repeats words in order to emphasize their meaning?) so I can see my sister off to her junior prom at the end of this very hot and very long first day of summer. How times change :). Anywho, being that the season has officially begun, I thought it appropriate to share what I'm most looking forward to:

early morning runs, days at the beach, spinach smoothies, weekend getaways, best friend visits, farmers market bounty, weekly ice cream and gelato outings, rooftop parties, picnics in the park, vacation with my family, yoga al fresco, lunch/dinner al fresco, happy hours al fresco, and one huge announcement.

You'll have to sit tight for info on that last part :). In the mean time, let's reflect on a very special meal with my dear friend, Claire, shall we? As soon as she arrived in New York, we made plans to catch up in between family obligations. I suggested we meet at a lovely bistro, bakery and wine bar in Tarrytown, Chiboust.

We each enjoyed a refreshing glass of rosé and a piece of their fantastic bread. Then, as my entrée, I had the grilled Artic char served with truffled wild mushrooms and crispy leeks in a red wine reduction. It was exquisite. Her ratatouille seemed delicious as well. And when it came time for dessert... 

we did that, too :). The best part of the meal though was being able to chat with Claire. It's amazing, really. Her and I just briefly met through blogging while I was road tripping through Ann Arbor, and something just clicked. Aside from our appreciation of wine, travel, and vegetables, she too is a twenty-something trying her best to figure things out and follow her passions (like many of you, I suppose). It's so nice to sit back, relax, and connect with a friend like that. Reassuring, even.

"Summer, after all, is a time when wonderful things can happen to quiet people. For those few months, you're not required to be who everyone thinks you are, and that cut-grass smell in the air and the chance to dive into the deep end of the pool give you courage you don't have the rest of the year. You can be grateful and easy, with no eyes on you, and no past. Summer just opens the door and lets you out." -Deb Caletti, Honey, Baby, Sweetheart