Why NYC?

New York City is one of the most recognizable places in the world. Iconic. Classic.

When I was a little girl, I fantasized about a penthouse apartment with floor to ceilings windows and hopelessly modern décor. I envisioned myself in a silk dressing gown drinking champagne and wearing a sleep mask as a headband ala Holly GoLightly. Growing up on the Jersey Shore, we were far enough removed from the urban traffic and lifestyle, but close enough to still feel the cultural influence of the city. I used to visit the city frequently. By the time I shipped off to college in College Park, MD, my love for NYC started to fade. All of my friends were so in love with suburban life and dreams: get the house, the spouse, and the kids. I started to buy into that fantasy, dreaming of a life the DC/Maryland suburbs where I could raise my family. Whenever I’d visit NYC, instead of it feeling vibrant and sophisticated, it started to feel chaotic and crowded. Loud. I shifted my dreams, and settled in Alexandria, VA.

In 2012, I started traveling to NYC for work. Staying overnight solo, I started to fall back in love. It became apparent to me that as an adult in love with living in DC, the Manhattan dream was still alive and well, and my love for NYC had been lying dormant, but not dead. I began to find any excuse I could to run off to Manhattan. A weekend here, and a few nights there. Hotel rates dropped? Book me an Acela! Friends flying into NYC? I’ll be right there! I NEED BLOG CONTENT, I THINK WE SHOULD GO SHOOT IN THE CITY. I could find any excuse to make the trip to the Big Apple.

In late 2017, Nate got a client in NYC. He was with them for several months, and was up there Monday to Thursday. Fast forward to January of 2019, Nate started working again with the same client. He was up there Sunday to Friday most weeks. This time around, I was finally able to join him. We discovered that the Conrad Hotel allows dogs. This was a game changer for us, because it meant we could all travel together. From January to late June, we basically lived in NYC. I haunted coffee shops, bars, and lunch spots as my office. We explored different restaurants and immersed ourselves in New York City culture; We made a life for ourselves.

The more time I spent in NYC, the more and more difficult it was to leave. Usually after work trips, I was so relieved to be home for a few days. Now, I dreaded heading home. In other cities, I can usually see and do all that I wanted. No matter how often I was in NYC, there was never enough time.  Finally, Nate and I sat down and agreed. It was time to list our house and make the move.

It was a JOURNEY. The move was consuming, and fraught with setbacks, but we are here. Our home in Virginia is rented, we have an apartment that is mostly unpacked, and we’re living our dream life as New Yorkers.

Xoxo, Mary

Photography: Lydia Hudgens