Things That Make Me Happy: #81-#83
81. City parks:
One of my favorite things in New York City are all the city parks that we have available. There’s a small park down in the West Village that makes me feel like I am in a movie, or an episode of Sex and the City. Then there is Bryant Park, which is a little oasis in the middle of midtown. But my favorite park is the one just three blocks away from my apartment: Central Park. I love sitting in the middle of Central Park, surrounded by children laughing and playing, watching tourists enjoy the park, and getting lost (literally) along the paths by the lake. But at the same time, still seeing the skyline of Manhattan from the park bench reminds me of the amazing city that I live in. No matter what time of year, Central Park is just amazing to be in. It should be on everyone’s list to visit.
82. Online video sharing websites:
Since I’ve found myself with a lot of time on my hands, I’ve been enjoying old episodes of some of my favorite TV shows using YouTube. I have actually never been big into watching those viral videos that get passed around endlessly, although the ones I do watch are usually at least mildly entertaining. But lately I’m just appreciating the fact that some of my favorite TV shows from my childhood, like Star Trek: Voyager, are still available for me to watch and enjoy no matter what time of day it is. There’s just something really nice about having that available.
83. Time to myself:
The last few weeks have certainly given me this in spades, but if there is one thing that I have learned is that it is critical for me to have time to myself. In this city, it’s very difficult to get away from it all and now that I’m engaged, my “free time” is usually spent with at least one other person. But even just spending some time in my room, alone, to read or think, is time well spent. It’s important to me that I have time to really think and reflect on my life regularly, and to also spend quality time with God, even if it’s not in the formal prayer. In a city of eight million people, you have to take alone time anywhere you can get it.
