Homeless, But Not Hopeless

More than 300 million people live in the United States. New York City is home to more than 8 million of those people. Some of those people are homeless. I found an article from 2010 that said 3,111 people were homeless in New York. That was in addition to the nearly 38,000 people who live in shelters. Let me say that again ... 38,000. Does that number bother you? It should. Because everyone should have someone or some place to call home.

I’ve lived in cities and in more suburban areas and the homeless are people I always notice and try to acknowledge ... be it with some food or some money ... or a McDonald’s gift card. But there are people down on their luck for some reason or another. Maybe they lost their job. Maybe they’re back from the war and are just lost. Maybe they were sick and had a lot of medical bills to pay and got evicted. Every homeless person has a story. I always wonder what those stories are. I never really inquire because it’s really none of my business. I smile and ask how they are and move on. 

The one homeless man I saw today didn’t seem “in the right place.” I kinda slithered pass him ... as he cursed and threw punches in the air. But he is a person.. and it bothered me as a guy in front of me pushing a double stroller muttered something under his breath at the homeless man and shook his head. I mean who are we to judge other people’s circumstances. Our lives aren’t perfect. Nobody is perfect. The fact that this man just walked away in such a matter bothered me. It’s like he didn’t care about another human being.

A friend of mine saw a homeless person the other day and it affected her as well. I think the fact that she acknowledged this person’s existence was a good thing ... because it’s when people start not acknowledging those down on their luck that one become de-sensitized. 

A homeless guy I gave a health bar to the other day told me “Homelessness is a state of mind. Homeless is a state of being.” Interesting, I thought.  Then ... as I walked further down the block I passed the same woman I had passed a month ago near work. She had been sitting in front of Starbucks with a sign saying “Homeless, But Not Hopeless.”  This time her sign said, “Homeless But Not Hopeless. I’m waiting to hear back from a job interview.” I hope she got that job. :)

Kiss Me I'm Irish... well for the day at least!

St Patrick’s Day. It’ll begin here in NYC in a few hours. It’ll be my first St. Patty’s Day in New York. No, I won’t see the Chicago River run green ... or throw down some Reuben Rolls at the County Clare ... have the beer sampler at Titletown Brewery ... or have a side of green chili salsa with my Jameson Whiskey (Nora I’ll have a shot for you). What I will do is try to come up with a new tradition for New York. However, I’m a bit overwhelmed with my choices since New York is as big as the Pot O’ Gold at the end of the rainbow Leprechaun Larry is standing guard by. I do know I plan on making my gluten free Shepards Pie and plan on going for a run. It’s what to do after that that baffles me. Should I hit a parade, hit a pub, see some Irish dancing (cue the Lord of The Dance music for my mom here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGRkU6ipZ8Q&feature=related) .. have a Shamrock Shack... or do nothing Irish at all? My blog followers ... it’s up to you to choose my New York St Patty's Day tradition.

So as you think about that ... put on your “Kiss Me I’m Irish” shirt  ... and do a jig because it’s Saturday AND St. Patrick’s Day ... here’s a little toast from me to you.

May the Luck of the Irish always be with you .... and

Here’s to cheating, stealing, fighting, and drinking.

If you cheat, may you cheat death.

If you steal, may you steal a heart.

If you fight, may you fight for a brother.

And if you drink, drink with me.

Glasses up!

*click the link below for a song from my favorite Irish group

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0TBwFLW4GY&feature=related

Happy Valentine's Day!

It’s Valentine’s Day everyone! Happy Cupid’s Day! I don’t know how I feel about this holiday. As a child I LOVED going to school and handing out cut-out Valentine’s and sticking them in the handmade paper envelopes we pasted to the front of our desks and decorated. As an adult, I’ve never experienced a true Valentine’s Day with the candlelight dinner, roses, etc... or whatever society says couples are meant to do. I’ve had fantastic Valentine’s Days with friends and sorority sisters. Oh... that Valentine’s Day at The Sandbar was a blast! I wonder where that paper went where we wrote down what was happening all around us went? Let’s just say it was a good time.

However, Valentine’s Day often has some people sad and thinking about the love that they don’t have. So I don’t have a special person to send me roses. Who cares! I have a handful of close friends that are like family to me ... a loving family ... and lots of love to give. I sent out my Valentine’s (yes I do send out actual cards still with stickers and everything) and have had a piece of chocolate today and got dressed. Now, I was going to wear a red dress to work. I have two fantastic red dresses, but then thought, “Ummm... overkill.” So I’m wearing black pants and brown sweater with a black big heart in the middle. LOL. I literally just laughed-out-loud at that. I went from red to black. But hey ... I like it and I think it’s the second time I’m wearing pants to work on a work day! 

So if you’re all alone on this Valentine’s Day try not to drown your sorrows in a bottle of wine (a glass or two is fine) ... treat yourself... eat whatever chocolate you want ... and think of all the love in your life you do have. It’s a day to celebrate whatever kind of love that is in your life ... because if you are loved and do love ... well... that’s probably one of the best gifts anyone can give you this Valentine’s Day!

And PS.. Best quote ever by an unknown person. "I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon."

xxxoo

Jess

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=840NbiFF1zM

MTA: Many Trains Around

So it’s been a bit since I blogged. I’m sorry for that. Adjusting to a new city and new job can eat up your time. All is good though in The Big Apple! I’m still adjusting but still enjoying the new challenges of my job (usually LOL) and am lucky to work with some amazing people and for a great company. New York City is still great .. as it always is to me. Something about this city still gets to me every day. I feel very lucky to be able to work and live here. Anyway, it’s supposed to snow today. I think it has snowed once since I moved here! While I’m enjoying this Spring-like Winter, I do miss the snow and cold. I mean a girl likes to dress up in her cute and cozy winter clothing! 

Speaking of cold ... I turned another year older last month and went home for a couple of days to Chicago to celebrate with my parents. It was nice to see them and my grandma, but oh my ... when I stepped out of the airport back into the bitter cold Chicago air ... Yikers! I had forgotten how miserably teeth-chattering cold it is in The Windy City. BRRR! 

After some yummy meals and family time I came back to New York and to the Spring-like weather and got back to work. I take the subway pretty much everywhere. I get asked a lot of questions from non-New Yorker’s about the safety of the Subway, etc.

There are certain things that are starting to drive me coo-coo for cocoa puffs about the subway though. Yes, I still enjoy taking the subway to work. There are many aspects of it I enjoy. BUT ... here are some things that get on my nerves about subway riders.

1. Seriously. Wait for the people to get off the train before you get on. If you’re already waiting for the train and not running to it you’ll get on it. Slamming into people getting off just so you can get on is just rude and dangerous. Seriously.
2. When you get on. Please don’t congregate by the door. You can take a few steps into the aisle so as to let more people onto the train. I mean standing crunched together like sardines while you can just take two steps into the aisle will make everyone’s ride a bit more enjoyable.
3. I’m all for listening to music on your ride to wherever you may be going. HOWEVER, please use your earbuds or headphones. I do not want to hear your punk rock, or whatever music you are listening to ... and I’m sure the stranger sitting next to you doesn’t either. It’s just plain annoying! 
4. When the train is packed (I mean you can’t move another inch packed) and not one more person can get on it ... PLEASE don’t use your hands to pry open the door and then shove people to get on. I for one don’t want to get crushed to death on the train. Neither does the little baby in the stroller. There is probably another train right behind the one you’re shoving your way on. FYI, I love when the conductors yell at people who do that. 
5. Okay. Eating. I get eating a granola bar or something of that nature but don’t bring your Taco Bell on the train and eat it. Yes someone did that at 1am the other day. No, he wasn’t drunk. A) The whole train smelled like a Chalupa and B)It’s just gross. Plus why would you want to eat a meal on a dirty train??!?! GROSS! That’s just my opinion. I watched someone eat a salad on the train too. Gag.

Anyway, I am off to catch the train. So travel safely as you go about your day. I hope wherever your day takes you it’s good!

A Bloody Good Time

Okay, so I'm not in England (though that would be amazing). I'm talking about Bloody Mary's ... the lovely tomato/vodka concoction that make your taste buds tingle and warms you from the inside.


I've been feeling a little under the weather but took myself out this morning for brunch and a Bloody Mary. Let me say that this bloody was one of the best I've had! I mean ... I like mine with all kinds of goodies in it. Everything from celery, pickles, to cheese, to olives, to beef sticks. This drink had none of that, but it had a lot of spicy goodness and was served in a mason jar! I mean how can you beat that!?


As I sipped my drink and watched all these friendly faces walk into the restaurant I remembered something.  Every time I've had a Bloody Mary it's been associated with a good time. I had the infamous drink often in Green Bay with my friends Laura and Kristin. I saddled up to the bar for a Bloody Mary ... or two... or three... at 10am after a loooong night of work with the world's best morning crew in Milwaukee. I've sipped the drink on the Lido Deck of cruise ships as I watched the waves of the ocean ripple in the sunlight. I've had the drink so many times with so many good friends and family I could probably fill up a page with memories. I've even converted a close friend of mine into a Bloody Mary lover!


This time I sat alone drinking my Bloody Mary. I was tired ... not feeling well ... but happy to be where I was at that moment. I was surrounded by families and a Birthday party for a little girl in a neighborhood I truly love. I opened my magazine and drank up the peppery, spicy drink, and smiled as people left or came into the restaurant. One woman with a child looked at me and said, "I envy your leisurely breakfast." So take the time for some leisure before your week of work, or school ... or whatever you have planned for the next 5 days begins. You deserve a little leisure.

Find The Beat Again

Finding the beat again. That's what I'm trying to do. As you all know I started a new job last week. While everyone has been amazing, supportive and patient ... it has been a bit overwhelming. There were times last week where I found myself a little dazed and confused! BUT ... I think I may be finding the beat again thanks to a lot of cheerleaders and my co-workers. 

New jobs are always challenging at first but this job is pretty new to me in terms of it not being for a live newscast. So, finding the beat has been a bit challenging sometimes. At times I'm waltzing along. Then, there are times I turn into that spastic dancer you see dancing all alone and you're thinking to yourself, "Oh my lord. What in the world?!" Sometimes I forget the steps to a dance, but then my co-workers show them to me again. Sometimes they have to show me a few more times because well ... I forget them. The good news is I know I'll find the beat again.

So, as I took the train home from work today, my iPod shuffled to Sugarland's "Find The Beat Again." I found myself tapping my toes and bobbing my head as some loud people at the other end of the car debated Caribbean food. 

So if you are having a tough time or a tough day and things just aren't going your way remember ...

Hey! (Hey!)

Things are lookin' better now

Hey! (Hey!)

Nothin' lasts forever if you open up your heart and let it in ...

You'll find the beat again

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgCKTGVyCho

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rg6vc66foXE

I made it through my first day of work! While it was overwhelming (and am sure will be for the next month as I learn my new job), it was a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious first day! Wow, that is a long word.  I don't think I could have asked for anything more from a first day ... minus the normal computer/human resources glitches that usually come with your first day at a new company. It'll all take care of itself in time. Plus, I'm sure it doesn't help that most people are on vacation for the holiday!

Anyway, it was truly a great day! My co-workers have been really awesome and so was everyone else I met throughout the day or talked to on the phone. I learned some new things about the company as well, and am very excited to learn this new job and conquer the challenges that come with it.

My friends and family also made this day very special. I couldn't check email or texts very often, but when I did there was always a friendly "Good luck" email or "Thinking of you" text. Then I came home to an early Birthday present that brought tears to my eyes. I also had a nice, but quick chat with my parents and bestie.

While it has been a great day it's been an exhausting one too. So ... I'm off to bed to get some zzz's before I head back for Day 2 tomorrow morning.

And remember ... don't forget to wish upon a star tonight ...


Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires 
Will come to you