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.