And so, tomorrow we leave the city. I’ve been here a full four years now. Four years sounds so short, but much like New York itself, it has been extreme dense and full. I truly love this city, but it is time to move on and take this adventure elsewhere; all the way to California!

Thing I will not miss:
The noise. I am so ready to experience some semblance of silence, especially at night and in the morning. At our apartment, on the streets, at the office… my eardrums are constantly bombarded.
The smells. Especially this time of year, the stench is just out of control!
The subway construction. It has gotten really awful this year and it’s only going to get worse. I am thrilled to be getting away from our shaking building, yelling construction workers, jackhammers, and the general disarray and destruction that goes along with all of it.
The office. I have been stuck in this windowless place for nearly 4 years and I have been climbing the walls to get out of here. I count myself so lucky that I have job I can do form nearly anywhere. I hope never to set foot in a traditional office again!
The people. Some days I have more patience for it than others, but it feels as though, recently, my tolerance for slow people and large crowds is incredibly low. I am looking forward to some more personal space.

Things I love:
My friends. We have met some really amazing people who have made our lives in NY so rich and exciting!
The people. Even though the masses of people get to me sometime, I don’t think I’d have it any other way (aside from the “tourist lanes” haha!). It creates such a vibrancy and energy, no matter what time of day or night.
The subway. Yet another piece of the city I have a love/hate relationship with. But really, as much as I complain about what the MTA is lacking I know that having access to such an expansive public transit system is a luxury not provided in most cities (I’m from Atlanta, so trust me, I know).
The sites. I am so amazed to think that I live within walking distance of Central Park, The Guggenheim and The Met! I work with the Empire State Building, Time Square and Bryant Park right out side! All I have to do is take a short train ride and I can see the Statue of Liberty or Union Square! I’ve walked up and down Broadway and Fifth and Madison Avenue more times than I can count. I am sometimes just completely caught off guard by how amazing this city is. New York I love you and I know we’ll be seeing you again really soon!

For the next month, during our road trip, I’m not sure how frequently I’ll be updating the site. Maybe weekly… but we will have to see how things feel once we’re on the road. I’ve also put the stores on vacation mode. At the very latest we will see you in September!

Love, Jules
Image from The New Yorker | Via Dad