The Life Home

Well its now November, I have been home now for over three months. I do Miss NYC. I do miss the potential of NYC. I had one of my new friends from NYC come visit. That was great. I am always amazed.

I have been home and back to work. APC has been good to me. The people I work with and have met through committees etc have been the best. But I feel the drive to move forward which I will be.

My next challenge is on the horizon. I will be starting my new career in the new year. Moving to a Halifax. That should be good and I know challenging.

My NYC experience--in a word!!

NYC.....Can I describe in one word, my experience in NYC for the last 3 months--unforgettable.

I think I want to move back and live there for a year if not two. It was a great experience for me for so many reasons. I grew intellectually no doubt....even if I may not pass the NY state Bar ( I wont find out til November) I learned alot about 21 areas of law. I think given another 2 weeks of study, I could substantially increase my knowledge of those areas.

Physically, well NYC is a walking city. I didn't take my car with me (Nor did I want to, with the crazy NYC drivers and the high cost of gas and there are so many reasons why I didn't want to take my Car) so I walked alot. I walked everyday to get to subway and/or to sight see. I loved it. I did more waling int he last 3 months than I have in the last year. I felt good!!!

I made new friends, and reacquainted with old ones. I made new friends randomly by attending book stores CD launches and by joining Book clubs. The best relationship discussions I had were with my five book club buddies. I also made friends through my bar course. I also got reacquainted with and old friend I went to law school with---we shared great food and great laughs. And of coarse I moved there because of the invitation of a very dear old friend.

I dated, I had more dates in the last three months than I have for the last three years. My first night in NYC I got asked out on a date. In my first two weeks I had met and dated two men. And in the next 2 months I continued to date one and had a few dates with others. For th0se of us who watch "Sex in the city", I used to watch it and think, yeah right its not that easy to meet men and get asked out. But in NYC it really is. I enjoyed this as well.

Well, maybe in the next few months I will send my resume to a few organizations in NYC and see if I can get a nibble. We shall see what I catch:) I think I want to continue making unforgetable memories!!

Classes Over---Studying Begins

Its been a while since I have updated the blog, eh Mon. I think you are the only one who reads my blog. I am in my new place. Love it. Its a huge one bedroom apartment. Its a great place for studying. I got up this morning had breakfast and started studying. The family left yesterday to continue with their vacation. It was great having them around---but I cried like a big baby when I left them at Penn Station. I went home and spent the day watching Law and Order...which I must say was a treat..since I didn't have TV or cable at my other place. :)

Brad Brag

Well...I woke extra early again last Friday so that I could go see Brad Paisley sing live in Bryant Park. It was so worth it!!! But I can be such a doufus sometimes. Why? Well when I was able to meet Brad Paisley and luckily get a couple pictures taken with him, I am presenting myself as one his biggest fans (ok some of you out there,,,may argue I am--big that is) when I ask him where in CANADA is he from. He isn't. Every "real" fan probably knows the answer to that question. I probably lost some credibility points with him but he did laugh so I must have gained some points for humour. He laughed and paid a huge compliment to Canada...."Im not" he says, "but I know there's a lot of nice people up there."
:) LOL. I love him more now and am now going to buy his next CD.

Salicious Sunday

I woke up today with the intention of accomplishing three things--to attend mass; to hang out at central park and to see a movie. I am happy to announce I did all three. But it wasn't just accomplishing my goal that made me happy...it was also the little things that happened in between doing the other three that helped contribute to my sense of adventure.



After having breakfast, I tried to find a RC church here in Harlem but I couldn't find the Catholic Church. So I decided to take the subway down to Times Square area--to attend mass at Saint Patricks Cathedral. Where I stumbled into an extremely colour coordinated crowd---with people wearing red, white and blue Puerto Ricon t- shirts and hats and waving Puerto Ricon flags. The crowds were heading to the Puerto Rican parade, so of coarse I followed. This was kewel. What a sense of pride the people have for their island!!! The festivity in the streets was contagious. It took me awhile but I did make it for mass--and I lit a candle for my family and everyone in Elsipogtog.



After mass, I walked up to Central park. On my way there, I saw a crowd of people with cameras standing outside the Radio City Music Hall. Of coarse I stopped and asked what was going on. I guess they were waiting for Kevin Spacey, Bernadette Peters and Cynthia Nixon. They were in Radio City rehearsing for the the Tony Awards happening later that evening. I stuck around, along with a Japanese women, here in NYC to learn Hip hop dance, so can can teach it in her aerobic classes back in Japan and an elderly couple visiting NYC for the weekend. I saw Bernadette Peters and Kevin Spacey but Cynthia snuck away somehow. Cynthia--plays Miranda on Sex in the City. I really wanted to get my picture taken with her for Norah. I did get pics of the others but they are blurry. While we were waiting for the "stars" to come out, a really nice NYPD came over to chit chat---he has been on the force for 18yrs and commutes 4 hours a day to get to work. He is looking forward to retirement in 2 years. He was a really nice cute married cop. SIGH...Once we all knew Cynthia Nixon had already left we all dispersed. I headed to Central park.



Where I stumbled upon some really hot men who were selling their 2008 Calender filled with pics of them showing off their 4-8 packs. I bought a calender and got them to autograph it.



The movie I saw---the lives of others---was great. **** The movie is set in East Berlin. It will really make you think.

My New NY Experience

It has been a while since I 've posted an update on the blog. Alot has been happening with me on all levels. What triggered it, first of all, was Maur and Steve moving back to Canada. Once we packed their apartment and they dropped me off in my new pad...it hit me--I am alone here in NYC. It was nice having fabulous friends to come home to after a long day of studies and sightseeing. Steve is a good cook too, so many times there would be a nice home cooked meal to come home to. My new room mates, though probably just as nice are scarcely seen. Everyone is pretty well doing their own thing. My second trigger was moving into a neighborhood with not the best reputation--Washington Heights/Harlem and it took me awhile to get comfortable with my new surroundings. My first night here, I didn't feel comfortable with leaving my apartment like I usually do because I wasn't sure of the safety issue. That night I moved in there was a street party outside the building with kids playing basketball on the sidewalk.

These two triggers helped me realized that in the last few years I haven't really spent much time alone. At home I with family, on the road I am with co-workers or friends. I have rarely spent any time alone. I wasn't quite sure on how to spend time with myself. It created a bit of anxiety for me for a couple days...I was actually stressing over it. Then it hit me!!!!

The creator is provided me with me a great gift--the journey of self discovery. New York City is a great place to grow not only intellectually ( I am here primarily to study for the NY State Bar exam) but also spiritually. THANK YOU CREATOR!!!! And thank you to my special friends and family who helped me realize this....Luv ya all!!!

Living in the Hood

Well its early sunday morning. Maur and Steve finished their packing yesterday around 3:30. They dropped me off in my new pad around 7. I live in Harlem on 152 st off Broadway. I have 3 new roommates. But have only seen one since I moved in. Miss my buds...but I will adjust.
Am too tired to keep writing. I will update on Chris Daughtry and The Dog, another day.

Memorial Day Monday

Today I am helping Maur and Steve pack up their apartment. They head home Thursday May 31st. sniff..sniff. Its been nice having a place to call home with long time buds. We are listening to 90's music while we pack...bringing Maur and I back to the party daze. Ode the wild women we were. LOL.

Its an American holiday today. Memorial Day--similar to our Remembrance Day. Well today I remember my Grandfather---he was a veteran. He was in the American Air force I do believe. He was a role model in Mi'kmaq tenacity, will, wit and rez smarts. He married my Grandmother young and they had three children. My dad was the youngest. The marriage with my Grandma did not last for whatever reasons and he moved on. I imagine that was a difficult time for my grandmother. In many areas of his life, he taught himself very difficult things--he was a pilot, a mechanical engineer, an entrepreneur. Love ya Mitata. Happy Memorial Day!!

The Naked Cowboy

Hey Mon...
This entry is for you. After class on Thursday I was feeling great. Seth, my buddy just called me and I was walking around Times Square sharing my latest adventures with him when I saw this guy in his fruit of the looms playing his guitar in the middle of times square. Seth knew exactly who he was....he tells me "that's the Naked Cowboy!!" I was like really how do you know? Anyway I walked over to get my picture taken with him and he says we have to get our back shots. So we turn around and he grabs my hand and put it on his butt. Then he says "i have to do the same" and he grabs my butt. I was shocked and laughing my head off and I was still on the phone with Seth. It was funnee.

Anyway you asked for a picture of me and a hot man...I hope this qualifies. LOL

Second Saturday

Slept in this morning-which was nice. Because yesterday, I was up at 7am and and out the door by 7:30. It was for a good reason--it was to go watch Fergie perform live on Bryant Park. Good Morning America will be taping live there every Friday where they will be showcasing a new performer. This week was Fergie--the crowd loved her and so did I. She performed two hit songs. They clapped louder for her than for the host of Good Morning America-Diane Sawyer. Next Friday they will have Chris Daughtrey performing live. I am definitely going to see him. Another Morning show by NBC will have Maroon 5 performing live Monday at the Rockfeller Center early in the am. Going to see them too.

Yesterday I got the keys to my new place---I am moving to the heart of Harlem next week. Its going to be interesting to live there. I had mixed feeling was worried about safety issues. But I will be subletting a room in a 4 bedroom apartment and sharing the place with 2 of Maureen's fellow students both of whom are female. They assured me since they have lived there a year that the neighborhood was fine.

Maureen and I went to Coney Island yesterday to beat the heat. NYC was hitting 30 degrees and above. It took over an hour to get there by subway. It was nice. Maureen and I went on a few rides-the scrambler and another one which gave us a good view of Coney Island Beach. I tried to go beach glass hunting as well but there was none to be seen. Only fresh stuff.

Cheryl

Thank God its Thursday

Well the end of the work week is today for me. I have no classes tomorrow or Monday. I guess that makes it a long weekend for me. I do believe the plans so far...are to see Fergie play live on Bryant Park tomorrow a.m and then head off to Coney Island for the afternoon to go beach glass hunting. We shall see what the beaches here have to offer. The weather is expected to be really hot tomorrow..in the 30's. I do believe I already have a burn from wandering the streets the last three days.

Classes are going well. I am feeling more comfortable with class mates and moving beyond surface discussions to find out who these people whom I am sharing my time are. I usually sit beside two people---Matt and Adelle. Matt is a young guy who graduated from University of Southern California Law School. Hes interested in Entertainment Law. He seems like a nice kid though I haven't seen him the last three days and I am getting worried about him. Hes the first person I met in class.

Adell is from Great Britain. Shes writing the NY state Bar in hopes of moving to NYC and getting a job here. She has an Uncle in Jersey whom she's currently staying with while taking the course.

Then there's Alex. Talk about meeting a male mirror image of me. An older single person whos highly educated and not slowing down on that front LOL. He's taking the NY state Bar but has already passed the Pennsylvania Bar. He has an LLM in Anti-trust Law. He has been practicing law for 5 years and is taking a year off to take another LLM in Hong Kong. He is single without kids too. LOL. He seems like a nice guy. He offered to share his study notes with me...i didn't refuse.

I have spent more time this week actually exploring the city. I walked up to central park 3 days in a row---via 5th Ave, 7th ave and Broadway. I Love Central Park.

Star gazing....well other than ET's Elliot (he's alot older) and Barbara Walters--I saw Carmen Electra who is promoting her new book--how to be beautiful. Maybe I should buy the book. Oh and the famous Naked Cowboy.

PS pics on all my adventures are on my Facebook.

Marvelous Monday

Today I almost slept in. Thank God Maureen woke me up around 8 giving me a half hour to get ready and get out the door. I had peanut butter toast for breakast and really good coffee not sure who makes it--Maur or Steve but its good. I packed up my study materials for the day and headed out Riverside Drive toward Broadway on 125th to catch the 1 train down to Times Square. Maur leant me a book to read, which Im doing on the subway, thats what NY'ers do on the subway read their papers, magazines or books. The book I'm reading is written by one of Maureen's Journalism Professor "Finding Manana" where she shares stories about Cuban exiles including her families. I'm enjoying it. I was in Class for 3 and half hours The topic was on Corporations and liabilities associated with it. Need to study that topic more. After class I had lunch not sure of the name but the food was good. I had a Panini and soup. I called home and spoke to Oasoeg, Mom, Aunt Anna and Seth today. I was looking for their advise on where to live. Got different views from them all. Then I went to the UN and listened in on the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples for abut 45 Min's. Met 2 individals from India and Africa. Then off I went to the Bryant Park to study. I did my readings for tomorrow. (At least I hope so.) After studying I just wandered the streets of NYC. First time today I really had a chance to do this. I walked up 7th Ave then into Central Park, through Central Park to Broadway where I stumbled upon Barbara Walters. Of Coarse I got my picture taken with her. LOL---love NYC. I also hung out at the Barnes and Noble Book Store...3 floors of books. I met an old lady going up the elevator. She seemed nice and was excited for me...meeting Barbara Walters and asked to see my picture. She asked me if I was going to a book launch by a Journalist writing on Political perspective of women across USA. Now I am back with Maur and Steve and we are watching TV and I am Blogging.

Lazy Sunday

Today is my first day In NYC where I don't have to rush out anywhere. I am sitting on Maur and Steve's Comfy Futon (that has hosted and provided a refuge for many of their NYC guests). I am enjoying a decent cup of coffee made by Maur. (Much better then the stuff I was making at the hotel the last 3 days). I do have to study eventually and make an appointment to see a few places because I am still looking for a place to live for the month of June. I haven't had any time to check out any sights either. As I sit here the possibilities are endless for what I could do today. I could go to Central Park and spend a lazy day enjoying nature. I could shop...head to Century 21 or Marshall's. I cant afford to shop at the places that make NYC famous--Louis Vuitton, Prada,Saks 5th Ave, yet. I will though once my sister and mom come up. I may buy a LV. I could head to a coffee shop it one of the hoods and sit back relax and read a book. That's the beauty of Laze Sundays.....we have the time and choices to do whatever we like.

In Class

I am in Class--NY Practice. Not sure what area of law that is. Should I be worried. It seems to be a catch all of rules and procedures of litigation in NY State. Go ahead ask me a legal question and I'll answer. After some research of coarse!! I survived my first week of classes--covered criminal law and NY Practice. Next week it Corporations and Agency and PArtnership. I have my first essay due on MOnday on Criminal Law. Will do that tomorrow. I have my moments where I wonder why I am doing this. But then I get excited with all that Im learning. The webs are getting cleared in my brain surely god. LOL. Love and miss you all!!

My NYC Restaurant Reviews

NYC Tour Mi'kmaq Style...Before i arrvied here I inteded to write in here every day and gie you my synopsis on sites seen and restaurants visited. But honestly haven't eaten at any fancy resturants really. Maureen and I ate pub food in Hells' Kitchen (what was the name of the restaurant?) it was good. It was even better because one of Maur's classmates picked up the bill. ANyway classes have started up again and I got to go!!!