My Bronxgiving Weekend

The very first holiday away from home and it's my absolute favorite one! Thanksgiving is the only time in the year that I can eat all I want and not feel terrible. A few weeks before the day, I had a few choices to make...Where would I go? I could have gone home for a few days, but at what expense? I could have stayed in DC and cooked a great meal, but for who? I could go to NYC and spend the holiday surrounded by a few friends. I decided on the third option. I packed a bag along with all the ingredients for my famous peach cobbler and off I was towards what could possibly be a new tradition for me.

The drive was quiet and beautiful. Passing through Baltimore and into New Jersey showed off the eastcoast autumn leaves on the trees in bright reds and yellows. Although the turnpikes were plentiful. I felt that we passed a toll booth every half an hour with exits labeled with numbers instead of names of streets. Everyone seemed to be leaving the city and here I was driving into it with a calm that I did not think I would have on such a day. I was sure that I would miss everything about being at home. I knew that Thai was already up with putting the turkey in the oven. The house smelling of spices, sweet potatoes, and melting butter. I thought of them, but my heart did not ache to be there as much as I thought it would.

I get into the city by early afternoon and await my friends arrival to pick me up. He lives in the Bronx and I was excited to see his new place. As I sat and waited in Union Square, I looked around and noticed that the city was still very busy with lots of people out and most of the stores still open. I thought to myself how unaffected this city was with this holiday where I was constantly thinking of my family back home and worrying that I would be lonely. As I breathed in the crisp air, I knew that the energy pulsating in the streets of NYC will make it impossible for me to feel lonely.

With the arrival of one of my best friends, we were off to the Bronx via the 6 train. It was great to see a familiar face. I began to feel more comfortable and then loosened up a bit. The jokes and laughs came out soon after. Looking at him calmed me. Thanksgiving was a success! There was only five of us, but we cooked for about fifteen! A 20 pound turkey...mashed potatoes, mac-n-cheese, stuffing, spinach casserole, yams, and of course cornbread! We ate and ate and ate! Tackling the sales pages of the newspaper to see where we would shop the next day was next. A stream of storytelling, newpaper articles and hours of mindless television later I was getting ready for bed.

I woke up the next morning with every intention of going into the city and exploring. I even had a lunch date. As I walked outside, a brush of the 32 degree air gushed towards me and I knew then that I wouldn't go that far. My first concern was the hunger I felt, so I walked around the block a bit in search of something to eat. The neighborhood was nearly all residential, with a few markets sprinkled within. Admiring the buildings while walking, I finally found a place. I sat and watched people from the restaurant. Even in this part of town where there were nothing but brick homes and parked cars, the people still seemed to be in a rush to be somewhere. I guess the cold can give a pep to anyone's step as it did mine. Just an hour after leaving the house, I was back in the warmth and comfort of his room. Television was my company until he came home. With drinks in tow, I knew that the night would be spent indoors which I was grateful for. "Pour me a shot!"

The next couple of days happened the same as this. Intentions to go into the city took a backseat to walking around the Bronx. I wanted to know the different areas of NY without just saying that I was in Time Square. Who hasn't? The different bourroughs were more interesting. Plus, the walking around gave us time to talk to each other and catch up. We visited the South Bronx where the soul of true hiphop lingered in the streets. It was an amazing feeling to be there. On 116th is the tightest boutique called Everything Must Go. I wanted almost everything in the store. Thanks for the hook! Then lastly, we visited an upcoming area called Parkchester. The neighborhood is full of people and great places to eat and shop. At night we visited a few neighborhood bars and kept close to home.

By the end of the weekend, I was pretty familiar with this part of NY. I was proud of myself. I had a relaxing time with a great friend and by the time I was on my way back to DC, I knew that I had made the right decision in coming to NY for this holiday. Although I was a bit anxious to sleep in my own bed again, I knew that these last 4 days would sustain me until I can go home for the next big holiday.

Seasons Change

After a lingering summer and a few days of rain and humidity, the Fall Season is upon us in the nation's capitol. I woke up to a brisk Monday morning this week feeling energized because of the time change. I am ready to start the new week. As I wait for the G2 bus at the end of my block, I noticed the trees. The leaves on the trees have changed from a dark green to a mixture of yellowish-orange. The air smells fresh and crisp as I take a deep breath in through my nose. It makes me smile. I can't believe I am witnessing the seasons change. In the Bay Area, there was one straight season for the whole year, which is all the seasons combined. The rain comes in waves and then there are days and days of sunshine. My wardrobe is definitely one from California; no jacket thicker than a track-jacket from A&F. Those that have been in D.C. through a few winters laugh at the sight of my thin sweaters as if they could ever keep me warm. As a slight wind blows my way, I begin to feel the chill. The feeling is a different kind of cold. It's a kind of cold that makes me wonder if I shouldn't have put on another layer or two. The fur-lined boots are now a necessity rather than a fashion statement. My smile slowly disappears. I mentioned the cold to a co-worker and she said, "Get ready, this is just the beginning." This worried me a bit, but take small comfort in knowing that I'm not in the northeast or the mid-west where is apparently can be 20 degrees below zero. INSANE! I know that the Bay Area is not the O.C., but the coldest I've ever felt was maybe 40 degrees, whereas it is in the high 40s here now and I am already complaining. What have I gotten myself into? Whose great idea was it to move here anyway? Oh yeah, it was mine!