And I'll Still Love You New York

Cue Ryan Adams singing in the background. 

I came to the harsh realization a week into 2011 that even though I had my heart set on moving to NYC in August that I just wasn't going to be able to afford it. I think I fell in love with the idea of living in New York and being the dreamer I am, I wasn't thinking realistically about the financial aspects of living there. Sure, if I had three roommates and lived in a tiny apartment I would be able to afford it but that idea didn't appeal to me. I wouldn't want to move to a big city and not enjoy it because of constant lack of funds. I'm not giving up on moving back, but I no longer think this is the best time. I was telling friends that I'm now in the process of re-loving Charlotte because for a while I had become so frustrated that I wasn't taking advantage of what Charlotte has to offer. I'm changing my way of thinking and focusing on the positive, optimism is key for 2011! After all, I'm going to be 25 this year. 

With that said, at the moment I'm currently looking for my own apartment- my own one bedroom/one bathroom. My parents have been gracious and have never made me pay any type of rent since I moved back home in August 2009. Living at home hasn't been bad at all I'm ready to have my own place again, it's time for change and change is good.

"I'll always love you New York"- Ryan Adams

Big City, Bright Lights

I'm officially a Color Expert! I can't fully put into words how amazing New York City was. I learned so many different makeup techniques at Color Encore and I'm so excited to share them with my castmates. I know at times, I have a love/hate relationship with Sephora but they offer a lot of opportunities to grow within the company. I think I fell in love with New York this week- it's a different feeling since I grew up in Queens and moved to Charlotte when I was thirteen, my family didn't venture into the city that often. Now that I'm in my early 20's that's all I want to do! The diversity there is wonderful and I couldn't help but notice the copious amounts of good looking men of all ethnicities, delicious! Moving doesn't unnerve me as much anymore and I think my family is family coming around to the idea of it and that makes me happy. Pro Team tryouts are next Thursday and I'm nervously looking forward to that. I know it's going to be an intense two days but I refuse to be anything else but optimistic. Here are a few of my favorite photos from the trip: 

Home

After weeks of restless sleep and many conversation with my lovely friends who live in New York, I've decided that I'm moving back next year around August/September. I've been in Charlotte for about twelve years and I would always say "I don't see myself living in New York again but I definitely love visiting!" But then, I kept thinking why not? Why wouldn't I want to live in New York? It's a massive city that never sleeps, there is always something to do, diversity is abundant and I think that's what I need in my life right now. I do love Charlotte but I feel like I'm growing tired of it, tired of seeing the same people, going to the same places. When I briefly talked to my mom about it her exact words were "People move from New York to the Charlotte" and I responded "Yes, when they're older and have families. I'm 24, single, and I don't have anything holding me back". I agree that many people from up North do move to Charlotte, the last guy I dated was from Buffalo but the majority of these people have spent most of their life in New York. My family and I moved to Charlotte from Rosedale, Queens when I was thirteen and my sister was six, I never got a chance to truly explore the city. I know I would love it.

Now, as great as this sounds I know the transition isn't gong to be all rainbows and sunshine. Saving for the move has to happen NOW. Since I know I'm still going to be employed at Sephora I would have to interview with several stores up there in order to transfer. Would it be necessary to bring my car? I couldn't imagine being without my Honda but that all depends on the area as well. Cost of living is higher so I would be getting paid more but will I be able to afford an apartment with roommate(s) along with school loans and other bills? I can only hope that I can. One thing that keeps me excited is that I wouldn't be up there alone. Marvin, one of my best friends from high school lives there (and if things work out, we'll be roommates), LaZelle and Leah all people from my Southpark store that have/will be relocating to the city. This is probably one of the biggest decisions I've made in my adult life so far, let's hope it's a good one!