For me, New York City living is a pendulum that consistently swings from “can’t live with” to “can’t live without.”

CAN’T LIVE WITH
The rent.
The rat race.
The dating scene.
51st Street stop on the 6/E trains.
Starbucks and 7-Eleven on every corner.

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
The view.

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The cute dogs of Chelsea & the West Village.

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The Flatiron fitness scene.
Artichoke Pizza
Hudson River Park
Nail salons and bodegas open 24/7 on every corner.

Which leads me to the question that I always come back to in conversation with both myself and others: “Where else would I go??” My family is here, my friends are here, my blog is based here.

I’m exactly a month out from my birthday, a time when I typically come down with a mild to medium case of birthday blues. But, this year, I’m just saying no. Why?

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Well, for one thing, I’m a fighter. I was born a preemie, so I pretty much had no choice, beginning with my actual birthday. I embrace the fact that if you look up, you’ll see better. And, if you look down, you’ll find worse. Plus, you never know what happens in other people’s lives behind closed doors. So, I take everything from elevator chit chat to social media posts with a grain of salt. In other words, I try my best to be content with the good things in life that are real, here and now.

So, with a new baby in our family, a hunky boyfriend by my side and having just seen Katy Perry’s amazingly inspirational show at Barclays, I’m riding that ever-elusive happiness wave all the way through to the end.

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12 thoughts on “Birthday Girl

  • August 3, 2014 at 9:02 PM
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    You have them beat by being a beautiful person with great parents.
    Liam is the cutest, he also helps.

    Reply
    • August 4, 2014 at 9:15 PM
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      Thanks for reading (and commenting)!

      Reply
  • August 3, 2014 at 9:17 PM
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    Keep your chin up and keep running. Your strength grows and your intelligence multiplies. Very proud the stork dropped you in our household! Happy almost Birthday. Many blessings all around you! Freedom and good health and friends and family who love you. A bit of luck around every corner!

    Reply
    • August 4, 2014 at 9:15 PM
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      Thanks to the most optimistic person I know.

      Reply
  • August 4, 2014 at 7:01 AM
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    Happy birthday. What an amazing woman you have become. Love you more and more each day.

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    • August 4, 2014 at 9:14 PM
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      Thanks to my best friend.

      Reply
  • August 4, 2014 at 7:48 AM
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    Your blog is terrific! Keep writing and keep running. You are amazing!

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    • August 4, 2014 at 9:14 PM
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      Thank you!!

      Reply
  • August 4, 2014 at 11:53 AM
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    Very well said R, a great outlook, keep it up! Happy almost birthday, looking forward to celebrating. J, K, L

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    • August 4, 2014 at 9:14 PM
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      Thanks to my fave trio: J, K, L.

      Reply
  • August 4, 2014 at 6:55 PM
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    Keep enjoying life!! Everyday is a special day when you maintain a positive attitude. Your blog is an inspiration to us all. Wishing a very special person an amazing and wonderful birthday on your very special day!! I am sure you will have a blog telling us about it!!

    Reply
    • August 4, 2014 at 9:13 PM
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      Thanks, Nanette!

      Reply

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