I Heart New Yorkers

I've found New Yorkers to be some of the nicest people I know. They are sometimes portrayed as being unfriendly, but that's a misconception. New Yorkers are just highly efficient, and oftentimes that gets misconstrued. In my experience, they're generally very helpful and kind.


I've been thinking about New York a lot lately and am especially lonesome for three New Yorkers in particular, Allie, Steven, and Sarah. 


Allie and I met at The New York Center for Children where I worked for nearly 5 years. Allie is a longtime volunteer at the NYCC. She was an advocate for me while I was interviewing  there. I've learned that during the hiring process, I was dubbed "that southern girl". Allie liked me anyway:) She was one of my first friends in the city - I think we are kindred spirits. She has a real knack for forming great friendships, regardless of age. In fact, you may have already seen Allie when she was featured on the Today Show about friendships across generations a few years ago.


A few weeks ago, I got a surprise text on my phone from Josh. It was this...

...a picture of Allie (on the right) with her friend Muriel, sitting in their usual spot in Central Park, listening to David Ippolito play guitar. The picture came with the caption, "Jealous????" Yes, I was, not only because Josh was in Manhattan for the week, but also because he ran into Allie.


And then there's Steven...

A 2009 birthday celebration at the Italian Wine Merchant, Union Square

...whom I think of as a modern day Renaissance man. He's launched his own investment business, run marathons throughout the country, has extensive knowledge of Italian culture, food, and wine, etc., etc. His spirit is even bigger than all of that. He's thoughtful, loving, funny, and it feels good to be in his company. He's lived in Manhattan for years and  appreciates the city as much as any native New Yorker. He knows just about every nook and cranny of The Met and Central Park (and some skeezy bars!) Zagat should seriously consider taking him on as a contributor to their NYC restaurant guide. 


We were lucky enough to get a visit from Steven recently, and then yesterday this came in the mail from him with a card that read, "fatten up":

The drawing of Zabar's on the packaging makes me lonesome for the Upper West Side and for Zabar's Panini #2.


This next picture of the chocolate swirling around in that babka makes my mouth water. 

Last night, I couldn't sleep. Did I actually follow his "fatten up" instructions and cut myself a slice and eat B.I.B. (Babka in Bed)...in the dark...next to my sleeping husband? Maybe I did.


And now onto my friend, Sarah:

At 85th and Columbus on our way to celebrate Margaret's baptism in 2009.

Sarah and I worked together at the NYCC. Sarah is a social worker and she's really good at her job. She started off as a social work mentor to me and ended up being my best friend in the city. How I miss those post-work pedicures, waddling up 2nd avenue to JG Melon's for burgers and beer at the bar. Mmmmm...JG Melon.


I love New York and New Yorkers, these three in particular. I'm past due for a visit, and it's on my to-do's for 2012.