For those of you who don’t know, June was a big month for me. I packed my bags – and several boxes – and headed back north. I’m officially a New Yorker again.

I’m working at a better-for-you food and beverage PR firm in Midtown and have my own apartment in upper Manhattan. In my first week alone, I’ve managed to set off the fire alarm in my apartment, (which wasn’t my fault I’d like to add), make it to work on time everyday, have lunch in Bryant Park, find an addictive show about cheerleading on Prime Video and the biggest win – find a Target not too far away from where I live.

Every day I make a point to go home a different way to not only see the neighborhood, but find a new route to take, just in case. I’ve seen Law and Order SVU. Anything for you to not hear my story. 

It’s been about two weeks since I’ve been able to get in a good workout, so that was my goal this weekend. I found a trail along the river to run on just a few blocks from where I live. While I walked more than I ran, it’s good to know it’s not too far. I guess I’m a runner now?

I also found a row of restaurants and cafes with outside seating and music a short walk in a different direction. It’s a quiet but still bustling strip near the Hudson that I’ll have to check out and of course write about. 

Work has been an adjustment, dealing with massive media lists and having to keep track of so many moving parts while becoming acclimated, but in time everything will come together.

In between sleeping, moving and exploring and building media lists, I’ve also had some time to spend with family, which was a big part of the reason I moved.

It’s still kind of crazy to think I live in my own space and that this is my new life, but years from now I’ll look back and it’ll be either the best or worst decision of my life. Until I find out I’ll have to live it to the fullest.

Until next time…

-Jae Marie