Jessica Klepac - Blog - Not a Tourist Anymore

Thursday

Oct222009

Not a Tourist Anymore

Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 6:47PM

My husband and I have been in New York for a little over two weeks now. Being a native Texan, it's still hard for me to believe that we actually live here. We aren't wandering around like tourists anymore! Well, for the most part.

I have really grown to love our apartment in Astoria (Queens). We live just off of the East River and have a great view of the Hellgate and Triborough bridges from our back porch. Just a couple of blocks away is Astoria Park. Every time I walk down there it is filled with tons of people just enjoying the outdoors; people running, biking, playing on the playground, walking their dogs, playing tennis. (Our dogs are still in Texas and I am aching for them to come run in the park with me!) It is so refreshing and relaxing to be out there and take it all in, especially after being in the city all day. The photos shown here are views from the park. Just breath taking, isn't it?

Probably the biggest change for me is just getting used to walking everywhere. I come from a place where we drive cars 24/7, even if our destination is just down the street. Around here it's not uncommon to get asked if you even own a car. Of course, the subway is the main source of transportation in New York. I have learned to wear comfortable shoes, even if they are ugly, and pack my high heals in my bag. My first day was ruined with blistered heals and toes!

Since I have been wearing business clothes every time I go into the city, I guess I look like I live here. I have already had so many people ask me for directions and to take their pictures! I feel like asking the same thing back sometimes! Just from getting on and off the subway I have past Time Square, the Empire State Building, the World Trade Center site, and several other famous areas that people might only get to see once in a life time. I haven't even been to these places on purpose yet!...just in passing. I love that I live here and can visit these places any time I want!

I think everyone should experience New York City at some point in their lives, even if it's just to visit. There is so much to see and experience here. I can't wait to go to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, see the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and go ice skating in Central Park. I know winter here will be quite a shock for me, but I am ready to take it on! (And ready to buy that new winter wardrobe!) New York has been good to us so far. I am anxious to see how this adventure will play out for us in the future.

If you ever come visit, know that you have a place to stay. But don't expect your own room, a blow-up mattress will have to do! We'll be sure you get to experience NY to the fullest!

11 Comments |

Reader Comments (11)

Jess,

I am so glad you are liking NY. I can't wait to visit you when we come in March. You will know all of the great places for us to see by then. Congrats!

Kim:)

October 22, 2009 |

Kim

Hi Jess,
I am glad you are enjoying The Big Apple. You are experiencing many of the things that I did many years ago. Yes, it's a great city and sooo much to do.
The winter will be tough, but your positive attitude will get you through it. Any luck yet with finding a job? I hope so.
Say Hi to Matt for me.
Take care,
Love,
Peeps

October 22, 2009 |

George (Italian Grandpa)

Hi Jess, It is beaqutiful. I don't know if you remember Tracy Brown (Tucker Brown) from Lubbock. He lived in NY for 4 1/2 months. He sent me some great stuff on what to see and what to do. I'll share that if you would like!! Enjoy NY!!!

October 22, 2009 |

Debra Scarbrough

Hey Jess!! I just wanted to say I love your site - SO cute! I hope you and Matt are enjoying NY - if Joel and I ever get up there for a few days, we'll definitely have to meet up with ya'll!!! Hope everything is going well - take care!

-Amy

October 22, 2009 |

Amy (Easdon) Beskow

Jess I'm so happy to know that you are happy and relaxed in NYC. It is good to know that you have such an optimistic outlook on your future there. I'm just thrilled for you guys. You cracked me up when you said, "I feel like asking the same thing back sometimes," that was too funny. I can hear you say that. It was really funny because I was thinking the same thing right before I read the line.

Miss you much, give Matt my love.

Tyrone

October 22, 2009 |

Ty Ty

Reading your blog entry makes me miss you even more! Your enthusiasm and sweetness just shine through. So proud of you and Matty and so excited to see what the Lord has for your future in the Big Apple. Get the blow up mattress ready!! Looking forward to seeing "the tree" with you. Love, love, love you. Hugs to my boy.
xoxo
Mom

October 22, 2009 |

Mom

Michele forwarded your blog to us. We love it. We are all so excited for you and Matt. You have a wonderful attitude--open for whatever. We
haven't visited NYC for years. I feel your excitement just reading your news.

Much love and best wishes to you and Matt. Behind every successful man is a wonderful woman!!!

xoxoxox

October 24, 2009 |

nancy stackhouse

Hi Jessica, I'm still amazed you and Matt are actually living in NYC. I know both of you are ready for "permanent" jobs to come about so we'll just keep on praying for you both! I'm proud of you both with your ambitious attitudes interviewing and moving around the city. Thanks for taking time to do the blog!
Love, Dad

October 26, 2009 |

Russell Hartsfirld

Jessica - I clicked on your website from Ryan's facebook. I am so happy for you and Matt. What an exciting life as a young married couple. Holly, Hillary and I took a mother-daughter trip in July '09 to NYC and spent 8 days "touring the sites." You are right! Everyone should experience it at least once. We are already planning our return trip. I will be praying God's blessings on your new business and Matt's career. Hugs from Trexa

November 4, 2009 |

Trexa

Can't wait to experience NY to the fullest with you and Matt.

February 27, 2010 |

mom H.

Life just like shoes at our feet. Only wear comfortable, it can help to move forward for you. Believe me, if you want to achieve something in life, you need a pair of good shoes.

cheap uggs boots
cheap ugg
ugg outlet
uggs outlet
cheap ugg boots
discount uggs
uggs on sale

December 20, 2010 |

discount uggs

Post a New Comment

Enter your information below to add a new comment.

My response is on my own website »

Author:

Author Email (optional):

Author URL (optional):

Post:

↓ | ↑

Some HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>