Snow Blizzard in New York!

I've lived in New York for awhile now and I have never seen a snow storm as bad as the one we got in New York on December 26th thru December 28th!! 20 inches was recorded in New York's Central Park! Wind gusts was recorded at 35mph and it was not safe to drive, walk, or SHOP!! During the storm, I was already Upstate New York..which it really couldnt get any worse! I live in a smal town with slopy hills and lots of trees..so its safe to say we were not safe from the blizzard at all. No matter where you went, your feet was stuck knee high in snow and clutching onto your coat so you are not blown away..Literally!

On another note, i enjoyed the lil quiet time i spent with my mum who didnt go out the entire day (i missed her) and my sibs and i cooked and ate. The fridge and pantry was overstocked with food (i have 5 sibs) and we truly enjoyed the luxury of having food to eat and a warm home. I was able to brave the ghastly winds to take a picture of the snow on my driveway! The snow buried the trash bin..I could've sworn it felt like I was in the desert.. I could hear the wind howling outside. Later on that night, I said a prayer for any homeless person on the street of New York City that night...no one could survive it not even within the concrete and steel "comforts" of a subway station. The next day, it was mentioned in the news that NYC spends at least $20 million (or a million dollars/inch) during the blizzard.

With all the bureaucrats that live in NYC, we can certainly afford it. On that note, I am certainly looking forward to the heat and warmth of Summer!


Love,

Jennifer

The Long Drought!

Its been a long time since i posted my last blog. Alot has happened in my life since then...but whatever you believe in (that is, if you believe in anything :)), I've felt His presence in my life. I wish I can catc you up on what's been going on but its a long drought from blogging! I've had some ideas that i've saved to my phone..which i'll explore in a little bit. My last post dates back to August 3rd.. and we are exactly 2 days from 2011! Thus, I have NO reason to not update my blog.

Thank you for following, reading, and enjoying my blog!! I appreciate the love!! There might be a name change coming up..I recently did a research and I found out that there's already a blog/website that exists titled Subway Chronicles..and I will like for my blog to have its own IDENTITY. What you think? Please leave comments below :)

42nd Street Adventure: Take 1

As much as I despise taking pictures while I'm walking, I couldnt resist taking some on a beautiful Sunday afternoon corresponding to the 1st day of the new mnoth...(August) during my trip to Dream Hotel in Downtown Manhattan. When I got off at 50th street subway station, I ran into an elderly man, hunched over by age. I'll probably give him 89 or 90 years of age and of Polish descent. He had a gray hair, playn music out of a piano and lil electric lights flashing in front of plastic dolls...it was a bit weird at first. But at a closer look, I saw he was wearing a smile. My friend put in a dollar into his donation box and we walked onto the street.

Up next, we saw other beautiful sights and sounds of NYC...there was the famous Ed Sullivan Theatre where David Letterman has his Late Show. I felt tourisy taking this pic but I couldnt resist. Sometime last year, the famous Sir Paul McCartney had a mini concert on top of the Late Show sign.

Then I came across this really beautiful architecture in between two buildings. I dont know if i should call it a glass house but it was a sight to behold. I even took a picture! Gosh, I need a camera LOL

As I walked down the block, I saw my fave person's office! Sean John building! This man is amazing and when you think of New York, Sean Combs is in the conversation

And lastly, as we were about to get on the Shuttle Train or S train to head down to 42nd and Grand Central, we spotted two Black men working out on the street corner. I thought that was the weirdest thing and even more funny was that they had a crowd that was watching on and taking pictures. Yes, their body looked good but their faces needed some work or a smile or something. Regardless, doing their body building routine on the street corner might actually give them a job as a doorman in one of NYC's affluent clubs or as a personal body guard...who knows! Enjoy the pics (sorry my camera is not so good...they looked better in person LOL)

I always enjoy these little trips in some parts of NYC...There were little shops and vendors for more than 2 blocks. They were selling the fedora hats, handmade jewelries, Greek food, roasted corn (yummy), and so much more! Living in NY is just a beautiful thing!



Love,
Jennifer

Bootleg Anyone?

A familiarity in New York City is the contrabrand goods available on street corners with the street vendors calling out prices for their wares...bargaining to sell their products as fast as they can. Even on the Subways, it is no different. DVDs of recent Blockbuster releases are sold at a low price..the Asian lady walks through the crowd flashing the DVDs. She makes her way through the subway cars and usually sells them for $10. I find this hustler mentality intoxicating but at the same time highly disturbing. It is clearly illegal in every sense but generally accepted; I guess in this case our morals take a backseat so that we can enjoy a movie for a price difference of $3.00 and some change.

Another instance is when young Black males get on the train with candy boxes for sale at $1. They say it is for "Fundraising" but I find that hard to believe. At any rate, more power to anyone hustling to make a dollar. These are the sightings that I witness on the subway...I sometimes wonder what Life is like for them outside the subway.


Love,

Jennifer

Good Deeds on the Subway

Most people often describe New Yorkers as nonchalant, go-getters, fast paced people with lack of emotion especially for outsiders (tourists, non-New Yorkers, etc). But I have experienced great acts of kindness from some New Yorkers since I've been back to NY. For instance, after my long and exhausting trip from North Carolina to NY, I was contemplating how I'll take a large box of heavy books all the way back to my apartment using the subway. Without a trolley or a friend to lend a helping hand, I was stuck at Penn Station for what felt like an eternity. As I waited for the elevator, I sent up a little prayer, asking God to send me an angel to help me with this load. As the elevator door opened, low and behold, a man with a trolley was in there...he asked to help me carry the box and he was with me all the way to my first train stop. And there, we parted ways. But once again, another young man helped me with my luggage and boxes (carrying books)all the way to my apartment!! I asked to pay for his bus fare and he strongly declined...all he asked for was a cup of cold water which I obliged. This was a perfect example of good deeds on the subway...But I guess you have to be a good person for good things to happen to you :)

Off course there are other instances; such as a young man or woman getting up for an elderly or disabled or a child. These type of courtesy shown by New Yorkers definitely defies what other may think of us...Yes we like to RUSH to everywhere that we are going but some of us have a strong, pulsating vein of human emotion in them. Every Good deed is rewarded.

Love,
Jennifer

29 years with the MTA

I believe everyone has a story to tell...it is how you tell it that matters. I met an MTA employee that told me his story on his journey to America and how he remained in the United States. He first came to visit his father that he hasn't met for 15 years and ended up remaining with his father. Soon after, he started working for Metropolitan Transit Authority and he said he loves his job. When I ran into Ahmad, he was sweeping the platform; he was wearing a handsome smile, the years have taken a toll on his eyes and hands....you can tell he has worked many hours of hard labor. As we got into a conversation about culture and living in the United States, he mentioned his 29 years of service with the MTA and how it has great benefits. I simply nodded in agreement. Personally, working for the State/City is actually a great job/career because of the many benefits it offers. However, working that long for the City is quite beyond me. Everyone should always look on the bright side when it comes to your job; it might not be the IDEAL job, but its a start and you can pay off your loans/bills/etc. While talking to him, he mentioned how some immigrants come to the U.S and remain here. He boasted about his home country and his dreams of going back there...

He described his beautiful island of Barbados as a place he will love to return to during his retirement. He painted a very vivid picture about buying his own boat and sailing around the island. I told him that sounded like a great retirement plan! After working 29 years, he deserves every bit of it.

Love,
Jennifer

Full Course Meal on the Subway

This is the second time I'm blogging about subway passengers that bring out their food (some smell bad...the others smell OK)to eat with crumbs falling all over their lap and just bad eating habits overall. I think I was on the 1 train and this guy was eating this burrito like it was going out of style. It disgusted me. I didnt understand why he will touch the pole in the train and use the same hand to eat his food. I mean, it's his food but why eat like a scavenger and look up from his food like some1 will take it from him. Naah, I'm good.
You can always tell where you are by what people are eating. Let me explain...If you are catchn a train from Uptown, you will occassionally catch the whiff of a Jamaican dish or a Gyro or something that's less "healthy." I guess to keep up with the fast paced New York City lifestyle, New Yorkers are more prone to eat on the go and thus, the many reasons for sandwich and pizza shops. For me, the only thing I eat on the train is a twix bar, thank you very much! =)
On a serious note, if you cant eat properly (w/manners) in public, please refrain from doing so and save us all from watching you eat like a pig.


Love,
Jennifer

NYC RUSH HOUR

In your small town, EVERYBODY knows the time frame for the Rush hour because of the bottleneck traffic, impatient drivers, and a big sea of people "Rushing" to God knows where. So its an accepted norm within that time frame. Now, in New York City, every Minute is a RUSH HOUR!!! If you are a visitor or a tourist, you will not grasp the idea of "Walk Slow at your own Risk!" This concrete jungle is made for people that know the meaning of time & money and understanding the meaning of BOTH. I already walk fast so I fit into the fast paced lifestyle and I actually enjoy it. I get very irritated when I see tourists that take their beautiful time crossing the street or taking up the entire sidewalk so they can crank their neck to see a towering skyscraper. People, please move. We understand NYC is a beautiful city but trust me, doing all of that neck movements with your camera in ONE day wont possibly capture it. And of course, you have those tourists that are lost for days and will rather not do their research before they step out...WHY? As funny as it sounds, they hold up the NYC Rush Hour (at least in my book, they do)

Another funny thing about NYC rush hour is the look on people's faces when they are trying to swipe their card to make it to the train that is clearly about to leave the station. They are so determined that they look like wild animals making their way through a sea of people and not caring if they trample anyone. The stampede is hilarious and sad at the same time. You see people with heavy bags and funny costumes rushing to get on the train...especially when they know another train is on its way. The best thing to do is to stay out of their way which most of the time is hard. I keep wondering where are they rushing to? Another important meeting? All the same, the sight of the rushing crowd bewilders me.

I wont say I have never been among the rush hour crowd. It only happens on a day that I have appointments at school or if I'm running late to a class (which rarely happens) but when it does, I can understand the sense of urgency that some New Yorkers feel when they are trying to catch the train.
Something funny that also happens is when as they are approaching the door, it shuts in their faces and keeps moving; the face that is behind the glass door is comical like they ran a marathon and were not able to finish in good time.
Then again, some of these people rushing to get on the train are not "FIT" but will rather compete with those that look like they are and end up all out of breath when they make it on the train. They tryNa look at everybody on the train like "Hell Yea!! I'm a Big girl but I can get my Nike on." Nobody cares. You are sweating profusely and nobody wants to see that.

In conclusion, please only partake in RUSH HOUR if you have an IMPORTANT business to tend to!! Dont Run and trip over a stair u clearly missed out on or have the contents of ur purse spill out en route to the train. Better yet, dont engage in a RUSH HOUR if you have a baby or child with you!!! It's not that important to endanger your child because you have somewhere to be at. There are many forms of transportation; use them.


Love,
Jennifer

My Mother's 1st trip on NYC Subway

My mother has her internal fears of getting on the escalator, elevator, and subway. I have tried to understand it but never did. I always found it comical when she starts throwing tantrums and making us feel guilty for leaving her behind. We never laugh in her face but we always end up rolling at the end of the day's adventure with her. When my mum called me recently and announced she was gettn on the train to NYC, I gasped and automatically, my protective instincts kicked in. I don't want my mum riding in a train or been around strange people. I know it contradicts my lifestyle as I enjoy that a lot but knowing my mum, this was goin to shock her. When she got into the city, the first lap of her journey was completed; now its time for her to board the #2 train heading uptown. My sister went down to the station to pick her up because my mum wouldnt know where to begin.
My mother described her experience as a very interestn one; she talked about what people were lookN like, sounding like, & overall attitudes of NYC subway riders. Usually when I get on the train, I dont smile at people; I keep a straight gaze and mind my own business. On the otherhand, I do smile sometimes. It depends on the situation. My mum (been the friendly & outgoing lady that she is) smiled at everyone that looked her way, she sashayed her beautiful tall figure into the train, & sat down like the lady she is. My mum is a beautiful woman! So without a doubt, she had alotta of the men in the subway car staring for a while before they realized that they were. That's the type of presence my mother has. She takes her time to get ready and refrains from buying cheap jewelry. It did not take a genius to point out that she is not from around here...thats the type of presence and effect my mum has on people.I had an opportunity the next day to take her to Harlem the next day and we spent the whole day together. She bought fruit from a vendor (that definitely duped her & did not give her everything she paid for) and we went down to Fashion avenue and did a light shoppn. My mum had a great time while she wasin the city but I have to share this really funny scene that took place. As we were about to cross the street (32nd 2 be exact), the light went green, knowing NY traffic I wasn't goin to make a run 4 it...she said come on and sashayed across the street mid traffic and all the cars stopped for her...she isa show/traffic stopper indeed. We ended the day gettn on the train again and with the rush hour traffic, she was standing for a long time & I was worried about her. Eventually, she got a chance to sit down. A man standing in front of her proceeded to ask her if she was ever a model? I shot daggers at theman because all he wanted to do was talk to my mum. Many times, I caught a man or two staring at her and if eyes could tell a story, mine was teLLN them to look away. Funny! :) Even on the way home, every man was still lookN at her...her presence is easily noticed/felt. I always observed my parents and the way they both walked into a room and everyone took notice. Its about holding your head high even when all is not right, putting a bright smile on ur face will make people love u and are curious to know all there is to know about you. Thank you mum for teaching me and I learned and acquired this presencewithout knowing. I thank God for her everyday. Her first train ride with her daughters was definitely one to remember.

Love,
Jennifer

Child Dancer

My subway rides home...there is always something different or entertaining & I welcome the distraction from staring at my reflection on the window. On March 30th, right after my spring break, I was on the 2 train when all of a sudden, this B-Boy crew interrupted the hum of the train & incess ant conversations to give us a show. A hip-Hop selection was played; a young boy (which I'm sure he was younger than 10) starts of the routine. He does a couple of moves and I was quite surprised that he could move so well. Then the other young man in the group started doing back flips using the bars in the train. Once again, I was amazed @ how acrobatic they were. It was entertaining until one of their stunts went wrong.
As the tempo of the music crescended, it was time for their surprise finale. The lil boy was supposed to jump on the young man & do a back flip. However, as he jumped on the young man, the lil boy hit his head really hard on the roof of the subway car. The passengers gasped at the deafening sound of it... I turned around and stopped watching. The lil boy walked it off. I don't know if this was planned but right after, the DJ of the crew took his baseball hat off and started requesting for money...''Canadian dollars, food stamps, pennies, coupons etc.'' Some of the passengers felt bad because of the incident involving the lil boy & gave them some money. The packed their things and headed to the next subway car.
So is the life of New Yorkers. They always look for a way to make it...like the famous phrase goes, ''if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere...'' (Frank Sinatra-New York, New York!). And these are some of the few examples that I see everyday on the subway. I welcome them as they expose me to the New York life & experience.

Love,
Jennifer

Spring in New York City

The weather is finally shifting in the right direction and the subway is beginning to look colorful once more. During the winter, it's like everyone is in hibernation and awaiting for the first sight of spring. Goodbye to the bubble coats and weary eyes and Hello skirts and flats!
Further, with the arrival of spring, most New Yorkers don't have to worry about allergies due to the absence of trees in certain neighborhoods. Overall, everyone welcomes Spring in NYC and gives us a reason to redo our closets, spend more, and indulge in outdoor activities.
I always advise my friends to visit New York in the spring because they can't seem to handle the cold. As fun as Spring may sound, it comes with heavy rains, puddles, and occasional subway riders that smell like wet dogs. I made it a habit a long time ago to watch the weather channel every morning before I left the house...clearly some people forget to do that. Now is the time to invest in a sturdy umbrella, rain boots, and a trench coat.

Love from the 5 train
Jennifer

Inner Beauty: Entry I

On March 2nd, 2010 I was on the 1 train going downtown. As I quietly observed my surroundings, I quickly noticed a young gentleman sitting directly in front of me. He wore ''ALL black everything'' which made me think of Jay-Z. I could also tell he was an introvert...a quiet geek perhaps. He was carrying 2 heavy black bags; one on his shoulder & a larger bag that he balanced in between his legs. At a closer inspection, I realized he had only 2 fingers on his right hand. As he got off the train, he struggled just a bit with the larger bag. I wasn't goin to lend him a hand because I didn't want him to think that I felt ''bad'' for him. I didn't feel ''sorry'' for him because I could tell he is a strong man. This small encounter made me appreciate every flaw on my body even tho its barely any.
We seek perfection in everything thing we do and that only limits our taste for adventure and thinking outside the box. When all we have to do is appreciate what we have because nothing is ever constant.

Food For Thought

The beauty that surrounds NYC is amazing! From the towering skyscrapers to the nearby art museums, coffee shops and sprawling Central Park, New York City attracts every age group to indulge in the City Life. In my young life, I can attest to the fact that NYC is a very health conscious city. I have never seen so many healthy choices in grocery stores,selection in restaurants, and fitness centers.

Black & White: Tuesday, February 16th 2010

This blog tends to go different angles...& it all depends on my mood for that day. Please bear with me through these changes. As I walked out of my apartment heading to the subway station, the road looked like white blankets with dots of human feet that led to different destinations.
As I walked into the subway, It was empty & I reflected some more. I had a rare quiet moment until it was rudely interrupted. It’s always interesting to me the empty stares people have on their faces as they are sitting across from each other...faces void of any emotion. I seem to always have a smirk & I steal a few glances from the dark subway window.
During these cold months, the subway cars become a resting place for some homeless people & every once in a while, I run into them; carrying their belongings in a shopping cart. It’s a sad sight to behold but on Tuesday, I had to switch cars...not because of the sad picture but from the stench that evaporated from him. As I walked out of the subway station, I heard the MTA employee announce loudly into the midnight air that this was the last stop and the train was returning to the garage...my heart fell because I knew that he will have to find somewhere else to sleep for the night.
What can we do to make this world a better place? It starts by actually ''doing.'' Only heaven knows what mistakes & misfortunes that befell him...these experiences continue to make me a better person & to value life and the little blessings that come my way every day. Every day is not always a good fashionable day on the NYC subways.

Love,
Jennifer

Another NYC snow storm

Since the snow storm

I haven't left my house but twice since the snow storm hit last tuesday. Needless 2 say, I enjoyed been cooped up in the house; studying and watching the NBA ALL-STAR game.
Now, I'm over here @ the laundromat and its as hot as devil's drawers. Another feature of living in NYC; going to a laundromat to do your laundry. I tell you its a big business here. This one has four samsung flat screen TVs and its buzzing with people. Since its a holiday, everyone it seems is taking time out to do some house cleaning. There's also a rumor of another storm coming our way...I might stay home again. Its a great day outside and I hope I accomplish all that I have set out to do today. Safe travels!

Love,
Jennifer

Celebrate BLACK

Presidential Holiday: Celebrating My BLACK president

I took a minute to reflect on the importance of today & how HIStory will never be the same. I celebrate my BLACK history and our Black President. So many struggles & sacrifice have led to this change; a face of a BLACK man in the President Book (if there's such a thing). Thank you to those that led to this very moment in HIStory where a BLACK child can give a presentation on a BLACK President and celebrate his heritage.

Snow Fever: Feb 9th, 2010

The meteorologists are predicting a rather snowy mess 2 blanket the streets of NYC & its surrounding environs. After DC experienced their 20in, people are paying close attention to the weather reports. However, I'm still yet to run into a NY resident that is afraid of the impending storm. As compared to my friends in NC that literally rob the entire Wal-Mart store for the basic essentials. Its actually a funny sight to me...all the chaos that breaks/out from the announcement of a storm. But I understand their concern as they are not used to a snowy weather or a storm even.
As we New Yorkers settle in for this storm that I think is blown out of proportions, I hope everyone stays warm. I pray for those that have to sleep on the cold streets tonight and the subways...

Love,
Jennifer

Subway Manners

Postdated February 5th, 2010

Manners on the subway seems to be lacking. Hmm. I really hoped that she didn't just spit in2 that bag! Yikes! Yes she did. I don't expect everyone to have the same manners that I grew up with...that was instilled in me...but I also don't expect any Human 2 spit into a bag in an enclosed area where other Humans can observe that non-human like behavior. We have to do better. Please learn some social etiquettes & actually apply them. No one says that u have to be an Uppity character after, its a matter of making you and those around you better! Plus, it comes in essential when you are in social settings, a job interview,& daily life activities.
Now I'm done on that topic. Officially getting off my ''high horse''

Love,
Jennifer

Make Something Out of Nothing

Another thing that I don't understand is the purpose of people that are able 2 make something out of their life chooses 2 remain jobless...walkn in & out of subway cars asking for money. Now this is my personal opinion but I believe that this system was designed in such a way that there are many opportunities for American citizens to achieve the American dream. But first, they (those Americans lacking direction & motivation) have to believe in themselves and take advantage of what the system has to offer and plant themselves where anything is possible.
And I understand that we some of us are still in a recession, but YOU can get through anything...its all about ''Mind over Matter'' and having a dream. We all have to start somewhere. Life is full of mistakes but we have to learn how to learn from them and take each opportunity life gives us.

Love,
Jennifer

My experiences on the train has made me appreciate everything that I have...both the not so good & the good. Heading to the subway on Tuesday of last wk, snow flurries were already cascading down onto the streets & shop windows. With the beauty of this sight, you can easily miss the scrunched up old man wrapped up in a wet blanket that I doubt was keeping the cold fingers at bay. I looked away with sudden anguish because I couldn't help & wouldnt even know where to begin. I felt bad.
As I crossed the street heading to Central park west, I thanked God for my blessings. The train ride home was very reflective & knowing the streets are going to be dark, I paid less attention to those around me.

Winter inspirations

My first train ride of the New Year was definitely not one to forget. The season has people looking like homeless children sometimes...you can tell some people don't care what they look like as long as they stay warm. Functionality is preferred to style. This is inspired by the Northern cold winds.
I have found this to be an interesting observation. On the otherhand, I love 2 dress with bright colours but I won't say I'm as warm as the next person. However, I have come up with strategies to stay warm. New York is beautiful in the winter! Its beautiful every season actually. This is my first winter in NYC since 2003 and I really dreaded it...But now, my skin is getting used to it. The trick is to stay hydrated and nourish the skin with essential oils. I especially love to use oats & honey scrubs and body lotion. Stay warm!

Wonderfully blessed
Jennifer

Since I've Been Gone

I can't remember the last posting I had on here...regardless it has been a minute since I shared my thoughts and feelings of living in NYC. My heart is full of joy knowing I would rather be here than anywhere else in the world...well except for 2: London & Nigeria.

I wrapped up my finals for the Fall semester on Dec 22nd and headed upstate on the 24th. My last subway ride was dry...the stops zoomed past me as I was looking forward to coming home and celebrating a successful semester!! My time upstate was worth it. I got a chance to relax a little bit, cooked for days...and then i was ready to get back to NYC.

I wasnt able to spend New Year's eve in New York City but i was still glad that i was here in the state rather than N.C.

This a NEW YEAR!! new start and I'm ready to focus on my BLOG...subway chronicles