In a New York minute...

A couple of months after I arrived my friend Rebecca asked me when I had my "oh my gosh, I'm in NY" moment. I think my response was every time I look at the Empire State Building as it's a reminder of the streets I'm on. But I really hadn't had this moment until last week Wednesday. This was my first day at work. I travelled from Manhattan to Queens for my first shift. Then treated myself to lunch in Korea town in a place called Mandoo, specializing in dumplings which they make fresh in the window for everyone to see as they walk by. Then I headed home and took Paco for a walk down to Madison square park, which was lovely on a sunny day. I had just enough time to drop him back at home before heading back out, to my art history class at the MoMA. It was at this point that my cheeks started to hurt at the ridiculousness of it all. It was official, I felt relaxed and comfortable. Finally.

And all it needed was a job. I know that on the surface being here sounds like a dream. Oh poor me having nothing to do in one of the most wonderful cities in the world. While my husband gives me money to go out and enjoy myself. But I've always been independent. And what fun is exploring if everyone else is at work? But more importantly I came here to work and my biggest worry was that I would come home having not done so. I would have felt so disappointed. Luckily patience is all it needed. Just as many friends told me.

¡Ai Tulum!

Well, we're back from sunny Mexico. At 11:00am we were swimming in the sea with the sun beating down on us and by 11:00pm we were back on the cold streets of New York. Tulum is beautiful and still underdeveloped, which for me is a good thing. It's colourful and full of character with chic hotels with boutiques selling anything from designer fragrances to designer yoga wear. We stayed in El Pez which boasted beautiful seafront views. Eating out provided a new dining experience, the restaurants and bars are scattered along the beaches, and even those inland are open to the elements such as Hartwood. The fantastic weather makes dining underneath a bed a stars the only option. 

As you know the real purpose of this trip was my birthday. I miss my friends, my family and having to go through such an important milestone without anyone was really painful. This is why we went. So rather than say that no one was able to come, I could say that I had escaped. I had a good old cry in the morning and then went on to enjoy my day which included breakfast on the hotel terrace with a full view of the ocean. Followed by a two hour massage at the wonderful Coqui Coqui, and two hours Skyping friends and family. A long walk on the beach and dinner in one of the fantastic restaurants. Finishing with a glass of champaign and star gazing (for the first time ever I managed to identify a constellation- Orion's belt). Coupled with all the Facebook wished, it was perfect. 

Those who can't... teach

Now there is a HUGE problem with the quote above. Mainly that if you can't do your job properly, that does not mean that you have a miraculous ability to impart knowledge. Teaching/educating is a skill. To bring a subject to life for a student is a talent. And to be able to inspire someone is a gift. If you just want extra money, go and work in a faceless profession. Where what you say will have absolutely no impact on the person unfortunate enough to be on the other side of your awful, no good, god forsaking, talentless ability. This I feel should have been the road travelled by my current photography teacher. So bad is this gentleman that I actually walked out of my class. Only to be met by She-MAN-nay!

Yes, I kid you not. My teacher switched on me. He told me I never asked for help, that I never approached him for clarification and that I needed to understand that he was not the issue, I was. For weeks now my classmates and I have sat helplessly waiting for clarification from said teacher, turning to the teaching assistants for help. When we have asked for help he has literally called us idiots (seriously). It's such a shame as learning can be a really amazing experience. The right teacher can completely change your views and open up your world. Instead I'm left feeling angry, offended and insulted. How did that happen?

Winter Wonderland

While Christmas has been and gone the snow has only just begun. The first few days being simply slush and then reports of a storm hit. In just one night the cover was inches deep. The only way to enjoy the snow was to head over to Central Park with Paco. And it seems that everyone in the city agreed. It was as packed as you might expect it to be in the summer. Kids were sleighing, dogs were running wild and grown men (it's always the men) were behaving, well you get the picture.

It did look really beautiful and magical although, I'm over it. Yes it's kinda cool but enough already. Bring on spring. I still haven't properly explored this city and I can't when the weather is like this. I'm not a winter tourist, maybe if there' a fire and hot chocolate but even then.

Peace of mind?

All of you who know me are aware of Shaney-ney. If you know me really well you've encountered Shanay-ney. And if you've been on the wrong side of me you've experienced Shaney-ney. While I love her more positive attributes such as her ability to stand up for herself,  being able to speak up when she feels things are wrong and be completely open and honest with her opinions. I don't like being left with the side effects of her coming out, otherwise known as her negatives attributes. Things such as never feeling at ease, a constant feeling of being wronged and a constant feeling of anger.

In a city famous for being full of angry people it would seem then that I fit right in. But in fact I'm left with a niggling feeling that something has got to give. So I've signed up for a meditation class. Is it working? No idea, but while I'm there it sure feels relaxing.

Development

Did I mention that I started a photography darkroom course? Yesterday was my second week and we finally got to develop some film. It's quite nerve-racking pouring all these chemicals into your roll of film and wondering what's going to happen. Then, slowly you unroll your film and if you notice shapes then you know you're good. Hanging a roll of film up to dry feels very rewarding. Next week we develop some photos. I'll let you know how it goes.