So, You Think New Yorkers are Rude Huh?!?!

New Yorkers have one of the worst reputations for being rude in this country, actually in this world. Well think about this, imagine you get in your car and start to drive to work, all of a sudden you find that a car is on the wrong side of the road and coming directly at you. Scary huh? Well that's the typical commute to work for a New Yorker. And you wonder why we snap at people. I want to walk you through what it is like to live and work in NYC, maybe then you will understand why we "appear" to be not so friendly, but really, New Yorkers are some of the friendliest people on earth. Get ready!!!

OK, so here is the thing, living and working in NYC is extremely challenging. The things that most people take for granted are a huge luxury to us New Yorkers, like for example riding in a car. Do you have any idea how much it cost to ride in a car in this city? Trust me you don't want to know. In any event, life just isn't the same around here. The worst thing in the world is the subway. For starters, you have to wait what feels like forever and a day for the darn thing to come, and then once it does come, yeah it is packed so you can't get on the thing, and you have to wait again for another one to come. Now that is just frustrating. So OK, you finally get on a train that isn't "too" packed, but don't even think about having a seat, cause you won't find one. So you stand next to someone, whom you probably don't care to stand next to in the first place, and you and them are so close you can hear each other breathe, sound fun yet? Yea i didn't think so. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, you arrive at your destination, which is the middle of nowhere, so now you get to walk to where ever it is you are trying to go. So for all you tourists out there who think pedestrian New Yorkers are rude, yea I have two words for you... HA HA, just kidding, but really that is enough right there to drive a person nuts.

There are over 8 million humans living in NYC, not to mention the zillion other creatures walking around. That means this is one crowded city. Everywhere you go, there are always a ton of people. You can't even go to the bathroom in this city alone. Moving around is always difficult and frustrating because you have to do so with at least a million other people at any given time. The only time you get peace (and slight peace at that) is when you are in the "comforts" of your 2 by 2 foot apartment, if you are lucky enough to have an entire apartment to yourself. Space is so limited that most people live in very tiny apartments, unless you are fortunate enough to be a billionaire and can afford a slightly bigger dwelling. Even my desk at work is crazy small. Most people across the country get to sit in, at the very least, a small cubicle. You are lucky if you have a desk in New York. I sit in a small little "workstation" amongst my fellow co-workers. I can hear every phone call, every little conversation and I pick up every disease that might happen to be floating around, so annoying to say the least!

The next challenge, being on display. As I am sure you have comprehended by now, space is very limited in this city. You are never alone. That being said, you are always on display. This might be more of a challenge for a female than a male, but since the ratio of females to males in this city is 52.6% to 47.4% (another huge challenge if you are a single female), chances are I am talking to mostly females anyways. You have always got to be on your game here. Don't make a mistake or you will be ostracized for it. Always look your best because you are always being judged. This is a particular hard thing for me. I like to just kick it. I couldn't care less about looking good; I am perfectly content going out in my sweats, big no no in the city. NYC is the land of everything designer. So unless those are Gucci sweats on my rear, I best not wear them out. It is hard keeping up in this city and if you try, you will certainly go broke!

As you see, there are many challenges on the typical New Yorker. We have a lot on our brains. Mostly how we are going to get to where we are going. We truly aren't thinking about being nice or being rude. We are pretty much just concentrating on surviving the day. The thing is when push comes to shove (not literally), we will always fall through for you. We really are some of the nicest people on earth. People just don't get us. No, we are not like most people around the country, but that being said, we also don't deal in the same situations as most people do. The situation here in NYC is very unique and unlike any other city (large or small) in this country.

I know New Yorkers are kind people from personal experience. I am probably the worlds clumsiest person. I am always tripping over my own feet which usually results in really nasty spills (those of you who know me have some really good stories I am sure). So one of these nasty little falls happened in Brooklyn when I first moved to the city. I was trying to cross the street after getting off the subway (so you know I was extra messed up at the time). I saw a bit of water that no one else would walk through and in an effort to get away from the crowd, I decided to walk through the puddle, I mean how deep could it have been? It turned out to be a small river in the middle of the street, and because I was unaware of its depth, I lost my balance and fell into the puddle. My body was completely infiltrated by water. I was wet from my head to my toes and so was everything in my purse. Do you know that at least 15 people came over to help me? OK, so it was kind of embarrassing, but I was glad to know that my fellow New Yorkers had my back.

You see, we are just like everyone else. We cry, we bleed, we get angry, we get happy just like everyone else in this country, and we can even be nice at times. But don't come to this city and expect us to cater to you, we don't have time, space or the energy for all that. Come at your own will (meaning look out for yourself) and do be careful because just as there are anywhere, we do have a "few" bad apples. But instead of looking at us as the impatient ones, bring your patience to the city and try to be a little understanding of our situation. Til next time!!!!!

Life Isn't A Movie

I watched a really awesome and touching movie today called "August Rush". I don't know if many of you are familiar with this movie, but it is about a young boy who searches for his birth parents through thier common love of music. This movie was so touching and ofcourse had a happy ending. As wonderful as this movie was, it made me reflect on the many non-happy endings I have had in my life, and I thought to myself, well "life isn't a movie".


I don't know about you all, but I have had lots of dissappointments, many of which have occurred with in the last 2 years. I spend so much time looking for that perfect moment, those things that will please me, basically, a movie life. What I am beginning to realize is that there is no such thing. We all expereience heart ache and discomfort, but we have to find ways to release this negative energy so that we can find peace and happiness. This is becoming increasingly harder to do, especially in light of the recent events with our troubling economy. With so many people losing thier jobs, and the market becomig non-existent, many of us are finding ourselves in a state of depression.

These are hard times, and while I do not want to harp on that right now, I feel it is important to stress how bad things are, because I fear we have not seen anything yet folks. We are all going to have to come up with ways to make ourselves and those around us happy. But I think what is most important from all of this is that we all learn from this so that it does not happen to us again in the future. I know I myself have slowed my spending; I have really started to watch my every dime, which means no more regular cup of starbucks for me, so sad. That is a hard one to swallow (no pun intended) for me, and I think people all over the country are experimenting with this exercise, which can make for unhappy times if we allow it.

The point of all this people is that, yes, now is a very depressing time, but lets try to find those things that can make us happy during this depressing time. Let's make our own happiness! I absolutley adore my family and love spending time with them. Nothing makes me happier than being with my family. All the money in the world could not make me as happy as being with them, so I am really looking forward to this upcoming holiday season even though my family has decided to not spend a lot of money this year on gifts. But what I have realized is that the gifts do not make me happy, being with the ones I love makes me happy!

I do not have any advice for you on what can make you happy. You have to find your own happiness. You have to search for that thing that makes you happy. Maybe it is a good book, a good movie, working in the yard, cooking, playing with your kids, I do not know, that is a personal thing. What I can tell you is that now, more than ever, it is really important that we all find those things that make us happy, do not allow yourselves to get caught in all the negative energy that surrounds us today. It is important to keep moving, keep upbeat and most of all keep your faith in GOD. We will all get through this. But stop looking for that movie ending, cause that just is not real. Remember that we all go through ups and downs, and that a movie always ends on an up. So I guess a better way to think of it is like this: Life is a series of happy endings followed by a series of not so happy endings. So let's focus on those happy endings. Til next time my friends!!!

Perfectly Poughkeepsied

As you all know by now, I was born and raised in Poughkeepsie which is located in the heart of New York's Mid-Hudson Valley region. I took growing up in this wonderfully rich cultured area for granted. I spent my entire life trying to get out of there, and once I finally achieved this goal, I realized how great living there is, in fact, I spend almost all of my weekends there. That being said, I catch a lot of grief from my "city" friends for this. They can not understand why I would want to leave the city and go "upstate" (this drives me nuts, Poughkeepsie is hardly upstate) every weekend. Well my friends, I am writing this post to answer that very question for you. After reading this, you will understand the many reasons why I chose to leave the city life behind every weekend and head "upstate" (ah whatever) to my "little heaven". Enjoy!!

I would like to start off by saying that there is an enormous amount of history in the Mid-Hudson Valley. Lets first explore the numerous wealthy families that inhabited the area in the early days. Have you ever heard of the Vanderbilts, the Mills, Franklin Roosevelt, or the Montgomerys? I am sure you have, and yup, all these families have beautiful homes in Dutchess County that are now open to the public to visit for minimal fees. These homes (all of which I have visited) are so magnificent and rich in their own ways.

The Vanderbilts, built there home in 1898 located right off the Hudson River in historic Hyde Park, New York (next town up from Poughkeepsie). This beautiful 54-room mansion was one of the first steeled framed houses in the United States. It is 55,000 square feet and the smallest of the Vanderbilts numerous estates. (http://www.frommers.com/destinations/mid-hudsonvalley/A33079.html) This is a must see beauty along the Hudson. Perfect for picnics and family fun all year long.

Another inhabitant of the wonderful Hudson Valley was former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. FDR and his wife Eleanor also lived along the Hudson River in Hyde Park. As a matter of fact, they lived right up the street from the Vanderbilt's (excellent neighborhood). Next to his home, he built is presidential library which along with his home is open to the public to this day. (http://www.frommers.com/destinations/mid-hudsonvalley/A33080.html)

The Mills were another family who decided to dwell in the Mid-Hudson Valley area. Ruth Livingston Mills, wife of Ogden Mills (a financier and philanthropist), inherited this gorgeous 25-room Greek Revival. They lived in the home in the late 1800's and the early 1900's. Today the estate belongs to the state and like the other 2 mentioned mansions, is open to the public.

The last of "the ridiculously wealthies" I will mention are the Montgomerys, who built their home in nearby Kingston, NY (also along the Hudson River). Montgomery Place was designed by Alexander Jackson Davis and built in 1802 by Mrs. Montgomery on a working farm in Northern Dutchess County (http://www.hudsonvalley.org/content/view/79/272/). This is another great estate open to the public.

All of these homes are truly breath taking. They are great places to visit with your family, or a date, for outstanding indoor and outdoor fun. Each of these families have contributed to our country in great ways (far too much to get into for the purpose of this blog). I encourage each of you to check out the cited websites too learn all the interesting historical facts behind each of these families.

OK, next lets talk about the number of Colleges and Universities that are found throughout the area. Poughkeepsie itself houses 2 outstanding colleges and the state's number one community college. Marist College and Vassar College are both in Poughkeepsie. Marist College has a number of on campus activities for both students and residents of the community. On weekends, Marist's numerous sport activities are the hot spot for all. Marist has an outstanding Men's and Women's basketball program. In fact, the Men's team has even had players go pro.

Vassar College, of which I am sure many of you have heard of, has a beautiful campus located about half a mile from my parent's house. The culture on Vassar's campus is like no other. The student body is widely unique and the faculty is amazing. There are many events and activities to partake in such as the college's numerous plays, art shows, and their popular farm. In addition, the campus is extremely inviting; you will always find people strolling the campus and relaxing by the pond. It is quite a site!

Poughkeepsie also houses the number 1 community college in the state. Dutchess Community College has an excellent reputation for preparing their students for both careers and further attendance at 4 year accredited universities. The college has a great relationship with the community and is always hosting events. Their arts program is amazing and plays are often held which are open to the community.

Many other colleges are found in the area such as, SUNY New Paltz, Bard College, and The Culinary Institute of America. The Culinary is located a little under a mile up the street from Marist College in Hyde Park, NY. If you have not heard of this wonderful cooking school, you must have been sleeping under a rock. The cuisine here is absolutely amazing, and the graduates almost always go on to open their own restaurants (many times in the area, which is why the eateries in Poughkeepsie are fabulous) or make their way to our great NYC and other spots all throughout the nation and abroad.

I can not end the discussion on the fine institutions found in the area without mentioning West Point. West Point educates our elite military soldiers and can be found on the Hudson River. In addition to the excellence that is produced, the campus is truly a beauty. Visiting here in the fall and winter months is a must. Just sitting on the campus lawn and admiring the beautiful Hudson River valley with all its fall foliage is just enough for me!

What else does Poughkeepsie have to offer you ask? Well the food and shopping in the area are exquisite. Of course, like all areas, we have our share of the lovely chains such as Outback, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Applebees, Chilis, Red Robin, Ruby Tuesdays, IHOP, Friendly's, you know the usual. But there are even more private owned delicious restaurants such as, Coyote Grill, River Station, Hudson's Ribs and Fish, Double O Grill, The Brewery, Twist, Casimos, Christos, South Side Cafe, Cappolo's, Spanky's, I think you get the picture. The eating in this area is out of this world. But to add to that, the area is even known for a very fine winery located in nearby Millbrook, NY. The winery is open regularly for wine tasting, which is a load of fun.

Shopping in the area is also incredible. We have the Poughkeepsie Galleria which is OK, but there are a number of independent stores like, Barnes and Nobles, Pier 1, Raymour and Flannigan just to name a few. But a short ride takes you to the Danbury Fair Mall (located in Danbury, CT) or the The Westchester (located in White Plains, NY), both of which offer amazing shopping. Another wonderful nearby shopping attraction is Woodbury Commons, a world known attraction that is only 45 minutes away. If that doesn't suit you, NYC is only an hour and a half train ride!

Now, I myself am not huge on night life, but if that is your thing, Poughkeepsie's got it! There are numerous night clubs and bars, that the residents of Poughkeepsie frequent. There is Mahoney's Irish Pub, Mulligans, Darby O'Gills, McGuilicutty's (ok, the Irish are very popular in the area), The Dutch Cabin, Front Street and many more.

There is also a number of historical sites in the Poughkeepsie area. For starters, there is the Bardavon Opera House. I am sure many of you have never heard of this place, but it is a great historical land mark in the Poughkeepsie area. It was built in 1869, and ever since, has been providing wonderful cultural performances. The Bardavon has housed many great performers such as Smokey Robinson, Frank Sinatra, James Earl Jones (who by the way lives in the area), Mark Twain and many more. (http://www.bardavon.org/about.htm) For more information, see the above website.

Next there is Locust Grove. Ever heard of Morse Code? Well Samuel B. Morse, the creator, had a home in Poughkeepsie. The estate is referred to as Locust Grove. For history on the estate and Samuel, visit http://lgny.org/history/morse.html. Today the estate is open to the public and is the center of many events. Some even have weddings on the beautiful landscape.

Another historic landmark is the Senate House. Oh the history here is absolutely amazing. In 1777, New York State Senate had their first meeting in this house. They were chased out of New York City by the British, and made their way up to Kingston, NY (directly across the Hudson River form Poughkeepsie). Later in the year, the British burned down every house in Kingston (punishment for the war) including the Senate House. This is when the capital was moved to Albany, NY. The house was rebuilt and still stands today. (http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/kingston/k2.htm) Again, the history behind this structure is so great, I encourage you to navigate to the above cited website for more information.

The events, places and things to do are so numerous that I just can not name them all. But I think you get the picture of the history and culture that Poughkeepsie has to offer. It is truly a great place to live, work and visit. I considered myself very blessed for having grew up in this magnificent area that is so enriched. I can honestly say, that I would not be the person I am today, had I not been exposed to all of this. But, I am not the only person who feels this way. There are a number of well known people who have either lived or live in the area. To name a few there are, Mary Tyler Moore, James Earl Jones, Eddie Murphy, Kevin Bacon, and Katie Curic. It really is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. It is not a boring, uncultured, upstate hick town as many of you may think. I encourage you to go there and see for yourself and then maybe you will understand why I choose to spend so many of my free weekends there. And if you still think Poughkeepsie is not on the map, in your free time, check out Sex and the City (the movie), Friends, Law and Order or call Paris Hilton, because they have got the news on Poughkeepsie. Til next time my friends!!!!

YO YO YO!!!!!

Hi everyone, my name is Jessica and I live in Brooklyn. Brooklyn is such an interesting place, but I will get to all that business later. Right now, I just want to introduce myself to all of you. I grew up in a suburb of NYC called Poughkeepsie (thats po-keep-see, for those of you unfamiliar with this popular town). I was born and raised there and just recently left, well 2 years ago. I spent the previous 24 years living with my parents in their home in Poughkeepsie. I have one brother, who left the house when I was 13 to go to college. He pretty much never came back to the house to live which made me an only child for 11 years, hahaha, I'm just playin, he came back occaisionally. But, I am the favored child :) So anyways, there is so much to me, but I will keep it short for introducution purposes, as you will soon learn more than you ever wanted to know about me.

Like I said, I grew up in Poughkeepsie, NY and I went to highschool at Arlington Highschool, that was, what I thought at the time, the worst years of my life. I hated that place, the teachers were racist and the kids were stuck up rich snobs, but i still managed to make some wonderful friends there that I will keep for life. Many of whom, may be reading this blog today, HI!!!! After graduating from there, I thought I wanted something different. Honestly, I had enough of being discriminated against (you will see that equality for all is one of my major stand points in life), so I was off to Hampton University, where I was sure that I could get a quality education and finally feel comfortable in my own skin. Boy was I wrong. If I ever felt really uncomfortable with who I was, it was there. But again, I will tell you more about those expeirences later.

I left hampton after only 1 semster, I was misreable there. I came back to Poughkeepsie, so sad, and moved back in with my parents. Now, after I left there, I had serious issues, I had to seek therapy and oh do I have thoughts on that, again ... later. I enrolled in community college for a year til I could recover and then I finished my studies at Marist College, which was in a funny twist exactly like Arlington Highschool, except I found the teachers to be fair, they really weren't racist at all. I rather liked "most" of my professors, one very much so in particular.

So I graduated from Marist, after 4 short but very challenging years, and was on my way to NYC. I don't know what I was thinking, I hate NYC, but that is where I got a job. I was hired by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (lets just call this place PwC in the future) as a Tax Associate in the NY Metro Investment Management Group. Hmmmmm.... is all I have to say about that for now. In any event, I am still employed there to this day and working in the same group. The last 2 years of my life have been major. A lot has happened to me, I have grown tremendoulsy in those years and have made some awesome friends that I really hope I keep for life.

This blog spot will talk to you a lot about my past, present and future in hopes to teach you all a little bit more about who I am, where I came from and where I am hoping to go in the future. Take it for what it is and nothing more than that, and hopefully you will enjoy what I have to say. All of what I say are just my thoughts on life, I certainly do not expect everyone to agree with me on everything, but I hope that it gets you thinking or maybe you will just think I am crazy...