It’s Not New York City – But It’s Home



When I was a girl I always knew that when I grew up I would live in New York City in a beautiful flat. I would play make believe in my room that I was some fashionable woman who wore all the right clothes and had the most beautifully decorated Manhattan apartment.
In my imagination, my room would become this apartment and I would have the best dinner parties and get-togethers.



I also dreamed that I had the most amazing man in my life too, and, especially at Christmas, time we would go to Rockefeller Center and see the Tree all lit up.


Then we would do some window shopping before ice skating in Central Park.


I never made it to New York City in spite of having watched EVERY episode of Sex and the City through my 30’s and still swearing at the time I was gonna go.



Well, I am all grown up now and I married the man of my dreams.


I am now in my 40’s and I live in a small town of about 2000 people with my husband and 2 children. My best friend has lived here all her life and still lives in the same house she grew up in.
I don’t have that posh New York City flat; I live in an older ranch. We don’t have the best dinner parties, I have candle parties and go to Tupperware parties with other moms where we talk about the latest sports our kids are now playing.
And while we don’t have the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, we do have a tree on the way in to town that we look forward to seeing lit up EVERY year. It is really quite beautiful.




We may not have window shopping and outdoor ice skating, but we have the coffee shop to stop into and get some hot chocolate when the snow and ice gets a bit too much. We can always count on a friendly smile and conversation.

People in this town really know each other, for better or for worse, depending on what day you ask me… 



I may still get to New York City to visit one day and see all of the things I dreamed about when I was a little girl,

but I can assure you that I will always be happy to return to my little town…

It’s Not New York City – But It’s Home
From Our Home to Yours, Wishing You a Merry Christmas and Hoping You Find Happiness in the New Year to Come, No Matter Where You Are!
 



Anna, The Pilot’s Wife
And the rest of the family:
Mike, Brady & Sydnee

27 comments:

Denise Mulligan said...

Hi Anna,
Love your post. I was in NYC today. I live in the suburbs outside of NYC. It's an hour train ride there. We went in to see the tree. Lots of fun for a day. Alot of crowds, high prices, tourist traps but is still fun to visit.
I sure am glad to be out of there now and back to my own little town.
Have a very posh Carrie Christmas in your treasured small town. :)

Erica K said...

ok, that was so sweet. and creative. Hope someday you'll make it to NYC.

thank you for stopping by and grabbing my button. I'm already a follower but am so happy you came by so I could be sure to see this post.

Beth@Wiccan Make Some Too said...

I loved your post. You make the best of what you have & seem very happy with it. Bravo for you Girl! I've been to NY in the winter for the holiday season. The city could use some cheerful souls like yourself. The Rockefeller Center Tree was beautiful but it was cold, raining & miserable. (not knocking NY people, it was just funky depressing & raining when I went) Enjoy your quaint home town & family. Have a Blessed Hoiday!

Suertemom said...

Great post! I can really feel the Christmas spirit.

Gina Alfani said...

I really loved your post . . . hope you make it to NYC next year! Actually, your town sounds much more pleasant and festive.

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Gina

Unknown said...

Great post! That hot chocolate looks awfully good. I'm following you from BassGiraffe blog hop.

I'm inviting you to Come Caroling with Family Literacy when you have a moment. Just link up your blog and tell us your favorite Christmas Carol. You can link to your Christmas post if you'd like - some are even adding a video or song to listen to. =D Just something new & fun to do!

http://familyliteracyandyou.blogspot.com

Merry Christmas! Tina "The Book Lady"

The Frugal Free Gal said...

Your newest follower! Would LOVE a follow back!
http://thefrugalfreegal.com

Sherry said...

Great post! It is a great town and when I was younger we did have a place to ice skate. And, we had a barn hill to sled ride down for hours on a winter day. Lots of Christmas caroling also. Enjoy! Merry Christmas and a very Happy 2011 to you and your family!

Gina said...

I live about a half hour north of NYC - and you know what, as nice as it is sometimes to go visit and do all those things on your list, it's nice to come "home" to a quieter space.

Merry Christmas!

Lori Thomas said...

Enjoyed your post....May you & yours have a very Merry Christmas!!!

Katherine said...

A lovely post. I always wanted to go to Vermont in the Fall. I said I'd Go for my 30th birthday, then my40th and then when I turned 50 this year I didn't mention it. ( Nov 1 was my birthday) . Truth is I've been very fortunate and I have traveled and lived in exotic places.So if it happens one day that's fine. But for now, I'm like you, content where I am. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, Hugs, Katherine

J said...

beautiful words that I can relate to. Thanks for sharing and merry Christmas to you!

Unknown said...

Your beautiful Christmas tree beats that picture of a swanky NYC apartment! Have a great holiday in your little town - it sounds just perfect to me!
-Buffi
My Wonderfully Dysfunctional Blog

Ellie Great said...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2011 to you too!

Krystal said...

Following from Thursday Blog Hop!

http://www.honestgirlreviews.blogspot.com

Nicole weaver said...

Hello,

I am your newest follower. I also liked your FB page. Please follow back and like my FB fan page. Thanks so much!

Nicole Weaver
children's Author
http://marieandherfriendtheseaturtle.blogspot.com
FB URL: facebook.com/frenchspanishauthor

Janine Claire Robinson said...

Loved your post and pics and am glad to be following now too =0) Merry Christmas!!!

Unknown said...

Hope you and your family have a very Happy Christmas and a great New Year!

entreplou said...

I have dreams, too. One day, at 44, I would also marry the man of my dreams.

You have great post. I hope to see you visiting mine, too.

Sincerely,
Luisa
www.entreplou.blogspot.com

Audrey @ Tight Wad in Utah said...

Following back! Thank you!!

Spoiled...but Not Rotten said...

Thanks for stopping by Spoiled...but Not Rotten. You have a new follower as well! I hope you have a fantastic New Year!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for following.....I am now following you back...have a Happy New Year...

smashbravo said...

What a great post! Loved it and I love your pictures, especially the header shot. Such a lovely moment. Looking forward to many more posts..!
http://www.sammymakessix.com/

Unknown said...

I am here to follow you back...thanks so much for following me! Happy New Year!

(Single)Mommy said...

Aww what a cute post! NYC is so overrated don't worry you're not missing out on much (I live in 1 of the 5 boroughs of NYC) rent prices are too high, apartments are too small and you just don't get that "homely feeling" like you do in small towns. Believe me I loved living here as a single girl in my early 20's but now as a mother I just want someplace quieter.

If you do make it to NYC for a visit check out my blog post called "My NYC Bucket List". It has some great ideas of things to with kids.
http://myadventures-in-mommyland.blogspot.com/2010/10/my-nyc-bucket-list.html

Tania :)

ann said...

I love that post! NYC does sound pretty cool, but your life sounds quite wonderful. Happy New Year!

OtienoHongo said...

I have been to Manhattan several times but given the choice between Manhattan and a ranch in a small town, I would choose the ranch every time!! Nice post and I hope you had a wonderful time!