halcyon

Being home has stirred up emotions, memories, and thought. It's also offered solace. I feel as though I've hit a stride with accepting this awkward amount of time that I'm living under my parents' roof as I research and reconnect. I've also blogged less. I'm not sure how to express what it's like to be with family and friends who embrace me as though I've never left. I doubt I could explain how New York no longer feels like my city yet has welcomed me back with open arms. I will say this though: it's pretty darn great.

Due in no small part, I'm sure, to its impermanence. I'm hardly stuck. I've already got plans for Paris, and London, and elsewhere; and before any of 'em, a few more important to-do's such as tonight's (2nd) happy hour at Murray's Cheese Bar with my darling former roommate. I haven't seen her since the impromptu visit! By the way, when used as an adjective, "halcyon" denotes a period of time that was idyllically happy and peaceful. As we continue to enjoy 2014, let's please not ignore that many who are suffering in this bitter cold--or rather, 'polar vortex'--that's swept across the United States. Here's how you can help the homeless in your city.

bk twenty fourteen

Remember when it was New Year's Eve and I told you I'd "see you tomorrow"? I meant to check in with snapshots of low-key festivities, and then reflect on my Mom's birthday. Clearly nothing went as planned. Neither did the way I spent December 31st. But, I'm here now and woke up in an extra good mood and loved how my least favorite holiday's celebration turned out... so, yay.

Earlier that day, I sat down for lunch with my family: Italian wedding soup. According to my mom, it inspires good luck in the New Year. Cooked greens are said to resemble folded money and pork symbolizes progress and prosperity. With that said, there's not an ounce of Italian in our blood, so who knows whether or not we're accurate. Here's to hoping the placebo effect proves true anyway.

Later that evening, Debra and I drove into Brooklyn. First, I sipped wine as she and her friends got ready to go to a nearby party. Then I strolled over to Anna's with champagne and Buzzword in tow. Her, Leslie, and I watched midnight fireworks from the roof.

I'd hardly had expectations for kicking off 2014, yet it was perfect. Good food (homemade pizza!), good wine, great friends.

So much so, that I woke up extra-inspired on January 1st. Not in the "ohmygoshthisisgoingtobemybestyearever" kind of way, but in a significantly more realistic acknowledgement of lasting love and good fortune. I'm really enjoying being home right now, and I'm excited to delve further into thesis research, and I'm looking forward to discovering what else 2014 will contribute to my story.

The optimism spilled over into brunch at Kiwiana Restaurant--at which point I ordered lobster eggs benedict. Apparently having lobster on New Year's Day is "bad luck" because their backward movement signifies setbacks. I only recently found this one out. Let's hope it doesn't end up to be true for any of us this year :).

my madre

Yesterday was my mom's birthday. She made us grilled cheeses for lunch and we surprised her with a Broadway show that evening. Before then though, I gave her a card with a quote by Abraham Lincoln: "All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother."

Upon arriving home, I almost immediately (and unintentionally) compared my path to those of friends I'd been missing. Yesterday, on the other hand, I considered how my parents' lives have influenced my own; more so than a quick glance would suggest.

My mom moved out of her parents' house at 18 and worked full-time throughout her local collegiate studies. She's lived in the New York area ever since, except for a few months in Los Angeles with her cousin. She had a 1-y/o daughter (me) at the age I am now.

My circumstances have been entirely different because of how she lived her own. I've never met anyone more hardworking and resourceful, thoughtful and clever, and so freaking generous. She helped my father start his business, then started one of her own, and eventually pursued another professional interest in addition. She signed me up for everything, took us on vacation every chance she got (sometimes solo because my dad had to work), and showed me what it means to have an open heart to absolutely everyone.

Though I doubt I'll ever make as many friends as she does waiting in line, it's because of her that I know the courage to turn dreams into my reality. And for the record, I am capable of preparing grilled cheese for myself... she just happens to still do it best.

P.S. My dad gets credit, too, of course, but he has a summer birthday :).