© James Fee

We have hit the 2 week mark of our time in NY and are slowly starting to get adjusted to our new way of life. It definitely is taking some adjusting…more so for me than for Miller. Miller’s heart has been in this city for years so he already feels right at home. I, on the other hand, may take a little more time! Not that I don’t love it here- because I really do- but it takes me longer to get comfortable with things. A couple things I have got to get used to:

1. The cold, windy weather. It is freezing and we walk EVERYWHERE. My skin hates me for it….My face is always red and peeling and my lips are constantly chapped! I have not figured out how people manage to look cute here in the winter…and believe me, they do! I guess that’s something I will figure out in time. The good news is that warm weather is around the corner, and I have heard that New York City is such an enjoyable place during May and June. AHHH, I can’t wait!

2. Learning to open myself up to meeting new people…all types of people. I have a hard time with this because I have pretty much had the same friends since I was in 6th grade. I am not used to putting myself out there and making new friends. Miller and I know the main thing that is going to make us feel at home here is having a great community of people around us. So our main goal right now (besides work) is to meet as many people as we can. Miller’s grandmother, Meme, said something so simple this week…but it was something we really needed to hear: “To make a friend, you have to be a friend.” To me that means that we can not just sit around and wait for people to come to us. We have to make an effort, pursue people, and just start showing some Alabama love to these New Yorkers!

I feel like Miller and I are both going to grow and learn so much during our time here. We are motivated more than ever to build Miller’s business. We have already gotten one job since we have been here, and I think some very exciting things are around the corner! Today, I started cold calling editors at magazines trying to set up a time for them to meet Miller and see his portfolio. This is going to be one of my daily job responsibilities. At first, I was super nervous about making the calls, but after a few calls, I got over the fear. I think the key for us right now is to stay encouraged and not to let rejection get us down- because that’s going to happen over and over again. If we stay positive, it will pay off.

Things I already love about being here: Seeing someone super interesting around every corner…the people watching will never get old / Trader Joe’s grocery store/ Le Grainne, an amazing French cafe around the corner from our apt/ My new gym, Equinox, which I had to join so I can continue having breakfast at this next place a couple times a week/ Doughnut Plant- there are no words to describe the Tres Leches doughnut / ABC Home…a furniture store where I could spend a whole day and never get bored/ Last but certainly not least…Getting Mail. Getting something in the mail has taken on a whole new meaning since we moved here. We have gotten so many sweet notes and care packages from friends and family, and it seriously makes our entire day…THANK YOU!!!!!