I love NYC in the Spring time...

What is it about spring that I love so much? Is it that New Yorkers start walking with their heads up and smiles on their faces? Is it that this Northern city turns into a Southern small town with everyone chatting it up with people they hardly know? Maybe it’s that I get to burn all my heavy winter coats that I develop a deep hatred for? Or maybe, just maybe it’s because I just function better with the sun in my face instead of sloppy wet snow. I am pretty sure it’s all of the above.

Regardless what it is I am SO SO SO thankful that it’s here/around the corner. Last weekend we had a very warm day. It was in the 70’s and we were able to sit outside in the sun, in swimsuits and actually have to put sunscreen on. I even had a snow cone but ended up having to throw it out when it melted all over me due to my fear of getting my tongue and lips stuck to the ice. I think the freezer was a little too cold. It was an amazing weekend full of friends, sun, park days, sun, wonderful dates, sun, runs along the water, sun and brunch outside. Did I mention it was sunny? It makes me so happy!!

I like to wear Bright Socks...

Here is a video of every guy I have been out with in the past 6 months. How will I ever pick just one?

Spring is in the Air...

This is basically how I feel that Spring has arrived to NYC!!

One Month in....

And I think I am doing ok. I have been so exhausted lately that it's tough to find the time to fit everything in. But here is what I have accomplished so far...

Make my Home MY home: I finally painted my living room. I have been living with paint swatches on the walls for months now and finally picked out a color. I picked out a color after slowly eliminating them one by one. And of course as soon as I walk into Ace Hardware to buy the paint I change my mind and am standing there looking at different colors for hours. I am happy with the color I picked but now wishing I would have gotten a lighter color for the hallway. Oh well, I can always go back and paint the hallway a different color. Who knows, I could always move to a whole different apartment.

I have ordered some decor for the new living room as well but those will be delivered soon and photos will be up on the next blog post Hopefully.

Falling Asleep without the TV: I haven't accomplished this 100% but I am getting better at going to my room when I start feeling sleepy instead of falling asleep on the couch and waking up in the middle of the night to sleepwalk to bed. It also might help if I hang all the clothes up that are on my bed So it is more appealing to sleep there. I have this problem of doing my laundry and then leaving it on my bed and not putting it away. Then days go by and after trying something on, not liking it and then throwing it on my bed day after day night after night the pile grows larger and larger. My goal this weekend is to have a clean room. We will see if that happens.

12 New Foods: I am such a pansy. I am counting this for right now but I am not happy with this "try". Collard Greens. I tried them. Fail. Did not like them at all. They have never been on my list to try so why did I even attempt this? Well it's the only thing I have attempted this month. I almost want to punish myself and try 2 new things next month. But nonetheless I tried them. Why do people eat them? They were not good at all.

12 New Things in NYC: I went to Lincoln Center to Dizzy's to hear Jazz. It was awesome!! I have wanted to go to real Jazz clubs here in NYC and Dizzy's is one of the best of the best. I had a blast and plan to go hear more. I recommend it to everyone when they come visit. I went with Miguel and Bethany for B's 30th Birthday. (She is due with a baby boy in 8 weeks. So excited!!)

Company: In the process of getting the name trademarked. Excited to share with you guys once it is.

Getting my Body Back: Having the flu for a week helped me loose about 5lbs. I wasn't really wanting to loose weight but I am not complaining. I was wanting to "tighten up" instead but this will work for now. I have decided to start swimming. Running is hurting my knees more and more and making me get closer to surgery. I want to avoid surgery as long as I can so swimming will hopefully help me get in shape and build the muscle around my knees for support. Picture of Meredith in our swim caps and goggles coming soon.

So that is about it for right now. It doesn't seem like a lot but I barely have time for sleep much less my personal life. I work about 80 hours a week in a 40 hour time frame then I usually have something every night after work, don't get to bed before 1:30am then wake up at 6:30am to start the day over again. On the weekends i beg to sleep in but usually have something planned with the girls and then dates or dinner with friends planned for the night. I am worn out.
Yes, I have been dating. It's.... ummm... interesting. None so far I have been excited about and a few of them I just wanted to run away from. I didn't think I was picky but I am starting to think that I really am. If a guy is my height that is a deal breaker. If he says "like" too much when he talks that is a deal breaker. If he has never lived outside of his hometown that is a deal breaker. Come on friends, you can find better men to set me up with than that.

So that has been my month in a nutshell. I think it's been pretty good so far. They only thing that worries me on time is the reading thing. I better get to work on that.
I will do a better job at posting as the month goes on.

5 Days of Captivity

So it was my first week with my new year plan and wouldn't you know it, I get the flu. It was so bad that I missed 3 days of work. 2 of those days I attempted to go in only to have them send me back home. I tried at least. Friday morning when I came crawling back home it was the last I would see of the outside world for 3 days.

I can't tell you a time where I have slept so much. Friday when I got home I had soup, a hot bath and slept for 4 hours. When I woke up I took another bath and had more soup and then slept again. It was like that pretty much all weekend. I would try to get on the computer to work some but my mind just wasn't functioning. It was even hard to watch TV and we all know that seems impossible for me.

I feel sorry for my roommate because I am sure she is sick of seeing me there on the couch coughing up a lung. She was a sweetheart and played mom when she was there though. Making me tea, bringing me soup and getting me a Starbucks from the outside world.

For 5 days all I had was soup and juice. I think I lost a few pounds which is one bonus of being sick. So I guess I am doing one thing on my list, right? Nothing like the Mary Kate Olsen Diet to get you started. I couldn't have picked a better weekend to stay in though. It was 14 degrees out and windy. Who wants to be out in that anyway?

This thing came out of nowhere and knocked me on my butt. It definitely told me that I am not taking care of myself though. I never get enough sleep, I run myself in 3 directions and never slow down and I probably should eat better. Skipping breakfast and lunch and only eating chips and salsa for dinner does not equal the five basic food groups.

Today I am back at work and feeling much better. I still have a cough that sounds gross and scares every eligible bachelor off but I will take that over not being able to breathe, eat, move, think and finish complete sentences any day. I will attempt to get started on my list this week. I promise.

What To Do Before I am 35...

Ok 34 years old here we go......

I can't believe I am 34. I don't feel that old and in now way do I even feel that I am where I wanted to be at this age. Therefore I am providing the following list of tasks I have to accomplish, fears I have to overcome and dreams I have to fulfill in order to be ok with turning 35. Now remember, this is NOT everything I want to do in life, there is plenty more on my Life's To-Do list. These are just some things I want to do before I turn 35.

Also, you may notice that I have left 1 blank. Well this task are in your hands. Whoever gives the best idea I will do it. They can be as silly as you want them to be. They don't have to be life changing at all.

to turn 35 (I, Jamie Chitty, will set out and accomplish everything on this list starting today and ending on my 35th (aka the scary age) birthday, January 22, 2011. If I do not succeed I will not be allowedhmm maybe I will fail on purpose). I will document each one accordingly.
Here is my list (to be complete in no particular order):

1. Make my home MY home - For years I have been living as if I am in a temporary location. I have never seen as my apt as my permanent home. Well it has been for the past 5 years and I am sick of living in a place that doesn't represent my personality. This will require a home makeover.

2. Become a Volunteer for a worthwhile cause

3. Find what my Hobbies are again - I used to be so active and do everything. When recently asked what my hobbies were I had no idea. Shopping? Is that considered a hobby? So I will go out and redefine what my true hobbies are. Tennis? Golf? Book Clubs? Who knows.

4. Eat Seafood - If you all know me you know that my biggest fear in life is fish therefore I never have eatin seafood because I am afraid of it. So I have to at least try it this year. As simple as this may sound this will be one of the hardest things on my list right along with...

5. Hold a Fish - Umm ya, I really don't see this one happening but I am sick of my fear controlling what I eat and where I vacation. It's a stupid fear and I am going to take control of it. I will probably attempt this Jan 21, 2011 haha. At least it will make a funny video for you.

6. Start my own business - I know this seems like a huge goal but I have been talking about it for a while and this year I am going to do it. More details on this to come.

7. Trapeze Lessons - Ever since I moved to NYC I have wanted to take trapeze lessons. What other city can you do that in? So I will attempt to fly through the air with the greatest of ease. And P.S. No I'm not doing this because it was on Sex and the City. It's because I sit out there and watch them every Summer and never do it, geez.

8. Get MY Body Back - Or maybe Kelly Ripa, Jennifer Aniston and Kate Hudson's body. Nonetheless, I am going to be rock solid in a year. There is no excuse. I HATE working out and come up all kinds of excuses to not. But if you guys call me fatty that will make me go.

9. Go see a concert at Madison Square Garden - Yes, this seems easy to do but I have been here for over 5 years and have yet to do it. I wonder who it will be. Better be someone big!!

10. Get out of Debt - Realistically I can not be debt free in a year. But I do plan to have HALF of it paid off. This will be such a great feeling!!

11. Get my Groove Back - I was a dancer. I danced ALL THE TIME. I loved it. But 5 years ago I quit. It's time to see if I still have my rhythm and take dance classes. Hopefully there will be a recital at the end of the year you all can come to .

12. Learn to fall asleep WITHOUT the TV - This has been a challenge for me since 6th grade. It's time to be an adult.

13. Take a writing class - I really enjoy writing and want to be good at it. I would love to learn how to write dialog so I can finally try to write the sitcom that is going on in my head. No, it will NOT be pitched to NBC.

14. Try 12 New Foods - I am the pickiest eater. And only picky because it's all in my head. If I say I don't like something it's because I've never tried it and am afraid of food. I'm pretty sure it's the reason a few of my past bf's have broken up with me. I have to eat 12 things that I am afraid of in 12 months. This does NOT include seafood. That will only be done once because I am not sure if I can eve get through that.

15. Read 6 Books in 12 Months - This may be simple for all of you but I have been reading the same book for a year. I have the attention span of a nat and it's hard for me to focus. But something I want to be better at.

16. Learn How to Rollerblade - Get out your video cameras. This is sure to be a hit on Youtube. I should go ahead and call the hospital and let them know to expect me.

17. Bake for the Firemen - 5 years ago when I moved here I said that I would bake for every firehouse in NYC. Have I? Not a one. And seeing how there are a million in the city I am planning every 2 months to visit the stations in my neighborhood and bring them goodies. Ladies, I will film this for sure. Ouu la la.

18. Learn Italian - 13 years ago I went to school in Italy. I took Italian while I was there but never learned it. In a year I want to be able to have a conversation and understand. Shopping terms do not count. I already know them.

19. 12 New York Somethings in 12 Months - I have to do 12 things in NYC that I haven't done yet. This might be more of a challenge than I think because I feel that I have don't a lot. It will take some thought.

20. UP TO YOU GUYS!!!! (be nice)

So there you have it. Sure some of them may not be that exciting but this is only a year. I have the rest of my life to travel around the world and date foreign politicians.

Wish me luck!!

Mid-Thirties Life Crisis

I remember when Birthday’s were fun and exciting. It was just a day of getting gifts, having slumber parties and everyone celebrating YOU. I loved getting older. I looked forward to it. Now it’s a completely different story. All I want to do is hide and stay inside and try to pretend that it’s another day. That it’s nothing special at all while trying hard to ignore the fact that I am about to reach my mid thirties.

34!!! I’m not so afraid to turn 34 as I am to hit 35 and feel like I haven’t accomplished anything with my life. Sure I’ve moved to NYC and traveled to some amazing places and have enough horrific dating stories that I could write a book but what have I really done? And lately I have asked myself “What have I done for ME lately” (cue Janet Jackson).

I have spent all of my adult years (from 18-34) trying to please other people. Thinking that my life can’t really start until I get married. Putting things on hold because I think that I can’t do them alone. It’s kinda what the South teaches us, that a woman’s life is not complete without a family. Well seeing how I don’t see a husband or family anywhere in the near future and the fact that I am a year away from my scary age it’s time to do things for myself. Make them happen for me and because I want them to. No more excuses and no more putting my life on hold. Let’s face it; I’m not getting any younger.

So why am I writing all of this?? Because I need my fellow bloggers and followers support. I am setting a list of things that I have to accomplish from January 22, 2010 to January 22, 2011. I will have one year to do everything on my list and I need you ALL to hold me accountable. This way, maybe, I will feel better about turning 35. I have been working on my list and I am sure I will add things as I go but it’s things that I have been putting off to do tomorrow or later in the future for a long time. Things that I don’t like about myself and want to change or things that I want to prove my doubting self wrong.

I will be documenting each event either with photos or video but always a story. I am sure I will want to quit mid way through or probably wait till December to do some of them. Let’s face it, I am a procrastinator. But that is where I will need you guys to step in. Push me to, more like shove me to do these things.

We never know if we will get another day much less another year. I don’t want to roll in to 35 feeling like I am waiting for my life to begin. And more importantly, I don’t want someone else determining my own life and happiness.

I will post the LIST Friday and that is when I will push the play button. But in the mean time everyone pull out their pom poms and start stretching. I want big and flashy spirit fingers.