Live. Learn. Love.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Simplicity

It's been about a month now since I started volunteering, and this week has been challenging. With my community of volunteers, we live out simple living, which is one of our main values. These past couple of weeks, I have truly embraced simplicity. I changed my spending habits such as cutting back on dining out. I definitely appreciate simple living because it helps me see joy in simple pleasures.

I don't even notice my changed lifestyle at times. We find free things to do on the weekend using Time Out New York, a really useful magazine if you're looking for things to do in NY. Just last weekend, I went kayaking with a friend in the Hudson River. It was great to be outdoors and enjoying the beautiful weather. It doesn't even bother me that I can't afford to go to concerts or movie theaters on the weekend. The best things in life really are free.

But this week I have been feeling tempted to go shopping. Maybe it's just a combination of factors creating this urge in me to consume. Work was hectic, and I worked all seven days of this week. My weary state of mind is causing me to think I need to buy something pretty to cheer me up. I am hoping that after a full day's rest tomorrow, I will be back to my normal self and embracing simplicity.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

NY vs. LA

I've noticed a couple differences between NY and LA.

People: New Yorkers talk fast, walk fast, and just about do everything in a NY minute. Even when there's a stop sign, there's nothing stopping pedestrians from getting a head start across the street. Los Angelenos tend to take their time and stop to smell the roses.

Weather: In LA, there's no need to check to weather on a daily basis. It rarely changes -- in the coastal area the weather stays at a mild temperature year round. But in NY, you better check the weather forecast frequently. It can change from hot and sultry to a chilly day in just a couple of hours.

Food: I can't really compare the food since I had a more flexible budget in LA, but Manhattan definitely has some overpriced eateries. Ramen at Ippudo will cost $14. I definitely miss the convenience of Koreatown in LA. It's about a 25 minute drive from home. I haven't even ventured out to Flushing, Queens which is NY's Koreatown. I hope to go soon though. It's about a 1.5 hour subway ride from where my apartment. I do appreciate the diverse communities; I can walk one block west to enjoy some tamales or one block east to enjoy dim sum.

Religion: There's a lot of diversity in both cities. Hopefully I can venture out to various places of worship and learn more about other religions. I've been two different churches, and I noticed that one pastor spoke with a fiery passion, which is something I'm not used to back home.

Lifestyle: There's definitely a lot more things to do in NYC. And it's relatively inexpensive, which is surprising because NY is the most expensive city to live in the United States. You can walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, people watch in Manhattan, or hop on a ferry to Governor's Island.

I don't want to bore you with constant chatter about NY this and LA that...

This is my update until next time!

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Labor Day Weekend

Went exploring this weekend around NY.

Chinatown.


On Crosby Street.


Housing Works Bookstore, Soho.


Sunset Park, Brooklyn.