January 1, 2012 marked my 60-day milestone as an NYC resident. The year started off with a bang (literally) as I celebrated with the New York Marriott Marquis hotel team in Times Square, assisting with camera crews and PR needs. The ball drop in Times Square should be an item on everyone's bucket list, something everyone should experience at least once! Sadly, with the entrance of a brand new year, my journey at The Chelsea has come to an end.
I am a person who loves challenges. The past few months of 2011 taught me about my limits and the idea of pushing past them in order to achieve my dreams. A move to New York City is ambitious – for even the most ambitious person. And I did it! It was a lofty goal and there were certainly moments where I thought there was no way I’d survive. As I prepare to leave The Chelsea and embark on my new journey as a permanent NYC resident, I can’t help but think of it as my safe haven. The place where it all began. In fact, I would go so far as to say that I could not have made this move without The Chelsea. I can clearly remember walking into my new apartment for the very first time on November 1st, greeted warmly by Cesar and Ruth who assured me that a move to NYC was the right thing to do. A huge, life changing decision, softened by the comforts of a furnished, temporary apartment and a built-in family. This place will always have special meaning for me – and I wouldn’t be surprised if I end up living back in the neighborhood some day – all because of my experience here.
The past two months have been a serious time of transition, where the most important and familiar things in my life took on new dimension. It began with The Chelsea and after several weeks of exploration and soul searching – a new chapter begins in a new apartment on the Upper West Side. A neighborhood where, like Chelsea, I feel at home. I found my apartment on a whim, and while it is not as spacious as my current digs and it lacks a doorman as gracious as Stephen, it will be my new home. The place where I begin a new chapter as a true resident of the Big Apple.
The most important thing I have learned during my stay – we all possess the courage and inner strength to make our dreams a reality. It just takes hard work and a healthy dose of support from those around you, who might appear and lend a hand in ways you least expect.
But I don’t plan on totally disappearing … don’t be surprised if you see a guest blog from me from time to time, just to check in and say hi to my Marriott Execustay family! Who knows, I may even discover another city with Marriott ExecuStay sometime in the near future!
2011 was quite a year. Thanks for being here with me. Happy 2012, everyone!
Really like the blog, appreciate the share!
Posted by: john | April 22, 2012 at 12:32 AM