Look Out Carrie Bradshaw-

Listening to "Boston" and "Twenty Years" by Augustana.


I've started to notice I have a very "Carrie Bradshaw-like" commentary that runs through my head while I walk around the streets of New York. In the words of Carrie, when I'm observing things "I can't help but wonder..."

Today I did a lot of wondering, exploring, and a ton of walking...my feet have the damage to prove it. I will never again believe the labels on shoe boxes that say "extra comfort." I don't care how much you pay for extra cushioning-you're still gonna get blisters.

I woke up and went for a run. I've been excited all week to begin the search for my comfortable running route in the city. Today I wasn't terribly successful at finding the best one, but I did get a run in. I had studied a map that had a spot on it listed as "Chelsea Park." I'm not sure that I found it, but what I did find was a park with a mission and a huge line of people waiting to get in. The minute I heard a man talking about going to beat someone up with a bat, my run began. I had walked to the area that I thought was Chelsea Park, but before I knew it I was flying back towards 34th street and just decided to run around the city.

Now I get why people in New York seem to call it jogging instead of running, because if you went off into a full out run on the busy sidewalks, you wouldn't get too far before you'd take out another pedestrian or two or ten. I was satisfied with jogging though and it went by quickly because of the energy and the buzz of all of the people and the packed sidewalks. At one point I accidentally ran to the Times Square Area. Who does that? Me apparently. I stopped paying attention to the street numbers and suddenly I was there.

The unfortunate part of jogging in the city is all of the stopping at the crosswalks. Jog. Stop. Jog. Stop. That's kind of how it went. The search for a close park continues.

In the afternoon I ventured out to Washington Square Park and the Village. It was a beautiful, warm sunny day. Not to make another Sex and the City reference, but I always loved how Carrie would dress her best regardless of whether she was going out on her own or "with the gals." I decided I wanted to feel good today and so I dressed up a bit and went out by myself.

This leads me to my message for all men out there. Cat-calls are only appreciated when they come from fabulous gay men who are just complimenting a woman's outfit.

Washington Square park was packed as expected. It was fantastic to sit and people watch. There were a few things I loved most: the old men sitting with chess sets waiting for someone to come and challenge them, and then the older couples sitting on the benches. Today was the only day in my life I wished I knew how to play chess. These little old men were the scrappiest guys I've ever seen and I'm sure they were full of great stories.

As for the couples, I was in love with the little gray haired men sitting on the benches next to their wives. It was such a great contrast to the younger, somewhat "boho" crowd that was gathered there. I remember one couple in particular where the man had his walker resting next to him while he sat on a bench next to his wife. I think they were holding hands and just watching the people around them. I just love how the different generations gather at that park. The older people didn't seem to mind the street performers, the girls in bikinis, or the tattooed guys hanging out. Everyone was just there to do the same thing: enjoy the beautiful day.

From that point on my people watching seemed to lend itself toward couples of all ages. Carrie always talked about love in the city, and she's right-there's a lot of it. I was rather surprised to see how many openly affectionate people there are walking around. I remember feeling that way in Rome, which I've decided is the public make-out capital of the world. But here it wasn't so much annoying pda, it was actually pleasant to see how happy people looked just holding hands. It's even more interesting because of the extreme variety of people out on the streets.

I guess it is the writer in me that likes to look at these people and wonder, "What's their story? How did they meet?" I saw so many people that looked exceptionally happy. Instead of making out, the men would do things like kiss their girlfriend on the forehead or even the hand while walking across a sidewalk. I guess it was another refreshing contrast to the busyness of the city. Amongst the hustle and bustle, are people who are simply enjoying the moment they are in.

While wandering the streets of New York, you pass hundreds and thousands of other people through out the day. It's pretty incredible to think each and every one of them have a story. Old people, couples, the homeless, the hot dog stand man. The fuel for a writer in this city is endless.

To cap off my Carrie Bradshaw themed day, I found myself standing next to Mario Cantone, aka "Anthony" from Sex and the City, at a crosswalk on my way home. As much as I want the "Jen" experience in New York, I don't mind little coincidences that add to my fantasy of living out Carrie Bradshaw's life. ;)

Tomorrow is the first day of my internship. Can't wait!



I can't get enough of these roof top views. Last night at the W!


Washington Square Park!


Obsessed with the view from even my bed and out the window...and this is why they call them "crack-berries."