Do you ever want something so bad that you just want to cry? No? I guess it’s just me then. I’ve been missing New York a little too much recently and it’s eating me up inside. Last year, I was able to visit NYC five times: March, May, June, July, and November. It was surreal how many times I was going. Who knew November was going to be my last trip to New York?

If you asked me what my plans were a year ago, I would have told you I’m moving to The Big Apple after I graduate. With the pandemic, things have obviously changed. Honestly, I’m not sure about NYC anymore. My life is pretty good in Arizona – I’m close to family and I have a great job. Additionally, I love the weather and we’re able to buy a home in Arizona.

Overall, life’s good.

I think the reason why I want to move to NYC so badly is because of the saying: “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere”. Thanks, Alicia Keys. Now I feel like I have to move to NYC. There’s also a saying: “If you’re comfortable, you’re not growing”. Quite frankly, I’m comfortable with where I am right now, which is driving me crazy. I want to do something drastic, like jump into a pool with my clothes on. I sound insane and I feel insane. Quarantine has gotten to me.

Someone take me to New York please because I think I’m going mad!

Missing New York City

Every now and then, I’ll stumble across photos I took in New York on my phone. I realize that I never shared most of these photos. So let’s take a trip down memory lane.

March 2019

In March, I was dating someone that was living in NYC. It was spring break so I flew to New York to visit him. It was my first time being in the city, and to be honest, I wasn’t a huge fan because of the weather. The weather was cold and let’s just say I didn’t pack properly for this trip. I wasn’t really feeling New York.

Luckily, I made some friends through Audree Kate. I’m so glad for the opportunity to shoot for her Fashion Fundamental launch.

With friends!

More friends!

I love making friends.

Gloomy day in New York City.

Rainy day in New York City.

Exploring Wall Street.

Saw this huge bear and decided to take a photo with it!

Freezing in Times Square, haha.

May 2019

The semester ended, and the day after my last final, sayonara! I packed up my bags and went to go visit my boyfriend at that time in NYC. The city was growing onto me a bit and I was definitely looking forward to exploring.

I worked with 16 Handles and got to try out their frozen yogurt. In addition, I found this super cute bakery shop, Bibble and Sip, and they had the cutest macaroons. Lastly, I was able to meet up with some friends I made through Instagram and during my first visit to the city.

Frozen yogurt at 16 Handles.

Photo by my friend Shauna in front of the Flat Iron building!

Rainy day in the city – this selfie was taken shortly after a man gave me his $2 umbrella before hoping into an Uber to the airport. What a nice man!

Frisson Espresso has delicious coffee and this huge mirror – perfect for a silly selfie.

Detective Pikachu macaroons from Bibble and Sip!

More adorable treats from Bibble & Sip!

Working at The Bean – I was working remotely during my trip. I couldn’t afford to take a week off. #BrokeCollegeStudent

June 2019

June’s trip was a very spontaneous trip. My friend Ryan had to go to NYC for work, so my friend Maggie and I decided to go too! This was when I really fell in love with the city. We also made a new friend, Cami! Maggie and I were walking around Little Italy and Cami came up to us and asked if we can take her photo. The rest is history.

Also, check out Maggie and I’s spontaneous San Francisco trip if you haven’t.

Maggie and I at Columbus Park!

Maggie, Cami, and I at Dumbo, Brooklyn!

Typical tourist photo of me in Brooklyn.

New York City + Friends + Comedy Show = Best thing ever.

Went to an event hosted by NYC Brunch Squad and made some friends.
Photo by Heather Gerber

July 2019

My mom and sister had never been to New York before, so for my mom’s birthday, we decided to go to visit my favorite city. I was the tour guide for my family and learned how to navigate the subway. Can you believe that it took 4 trips for me to learn how to use the subway?

My mom standing next to a small Statue of Liberty, haha.

Exploring the Oculus at the World Trade Center!

My mom and I in Times Square on her birthday!

Smiling because New York is the best!

November 2019

I had the opportunity to work with a boutique located in Times Square. Traveling through my blog is one of my goals and I felt so accomplished. Exploring the city by myself was so much fun and it’s nice to be able to change plans on the whim.

I won’t bore you with many details – you can read more about my November trip to New York City through Lord & Moris!

Exploring near Freedom Tower – I think. Forgive me, I was lost the whole day, haha.

Back at the hotel, Lord & Moris, ready for bed and to explore the next day!

You know that feeling when it’s freezing cold outside but then it’s like a hot sweaty sauna on the subway?
Yes, that’s how I was feeling.

Reflecting Back

Now that I’m looking back on this, I don’t know how I feel about New York. I suppose it’s okay if we don’t know what we want. Any type of change is always scary and frightening. As for now, I have a good life in Arizona. If it’s not broken, don’t try to fix it. I’m happy with where I’m at and Arizona is growing rapidly. Once this whole pandemic is over, I’m going to visit The Big Apple every 6-8 weeks!