This week, I am celebrating my one year anniversary of moving to NY!
New York City is a little different than South Carolina. (Newsflash!) It is fair to say that the past year of my life has been a bit bizarre, and moving here has definitely added to the mountain of change that was already taking place. You know you are in an odd situation when leaving all of your friends and family and moving to a totally different part of the country is kind of a side note! The plans to move were in the works long before Project Runway called, which led to me looking homeless in my pre-show home visit when I was really just mid-move. Nonetheless, I guess that makes good tv!
- Newly arrived and ready to conquer the city…I have no idea what I’m in for.
I love New York. I love walking down a new street every day and constantly being caught off gaurd by something different and exciting. I love the diversity and the architecture and the fact that you can get the best pizza you’ve ever had in your life at 4am. I love that people move to this city to DO something. It’s a big city full of big dreams, and I am just one of millions that move here to pursue their passions.
…but let’s just be honest here…this city is tough! It is fast and gritty and can eat you alive. So many people quit New York after only a year, and I find myself keeping score on a daily basis. Thus, I present to you CH v. NY!
For example:
I recently negotiated my largest fabric purchase to date (New Yorkers are quite the bargainers) with much success, only to take the wrong subway three times in a row and get accosted by a pigeon on the way home. CH 1. NY 2.
After sleeping on an air mattress for faaarr longer than one ought, I finally bought a bed…a sign of permanency! CH 1.
Three days later, I lost my blackberry in a cab. NY millions.
At the end of the day, I think NY always wins based solely on points, but the longer I’m here the more I enjoy it. It may not be the easiest place to live, but I think it is probably the most exciting.
Things I’ve learned:
That pigeons are scary. And aggressive. And they like me.
To walk very fast.
That the movie Elf is halfway decent preparation for moving here. No, the yellow ones do not stop. You are correct sir.
That I had no clue what the word “cold” actually meant in South Carolina.
Ipod + subway = your life as a movie with your own soundtrack. Very enjoyable.
That there really is no nice way to say “Leave me alone” and that sometimes you just have to say it.
Why anyone who has lived here and moved away talks about it so much.
That just because you live here doesn’t mean you have to stop saying ya’ll.
Happily Yours,
Carol Hannah
Happy One Year Anniversary!! A major accomplishment on your list of accomplishments, for sure. I almost screamed with delight when you were chosen one of three in the finals. Not totally surprised as you were a front runner in my book from the start…so I am anxiously awaiting the finals and can’t wait to see your collection. Even though it’s technically all over, I still want to wish you luck.
This is one fabulous post and totally sums up my feelings exactly. I’ll have to see how I fair after I can move from France! Keep up the good work representing the South!
You are my hero. I’ve said it before. It’s still true. You’re one of the top five coolest people I know.
This post is just amazing. I want to do what you did, move to New-York. The only thing is, I’m only 15 years old, and I live in Holland. Though I think I will do it when I’m a bit older. This post really helped me, is really helpfull to read about your thoughts and feelings!
I want to wish you luck, you’re a great designer! xoxo
Man CH, your blog is awesome!!! You are an incredible designer and writer. Keep it up! I love hearing your voice through what you write.
A very big “Congratulations” on all your accomplishments.
You are a very kind, talented person with a genuine heart.
Thank you for sharing through “fresh” eyes your view of NYC.
Having lived here for almost 18 years, you begin to take things for granted. I wish you continued happiness and prosperity.:)
CH – I love your insights into NYC. I’ve lived in Chicago for the past few months and even though it’s smaller than NYC, I definitely feel the battle against the city sometimes. But you’re right – having your own soundtrack to your life in the city makes urban life much more idyllic.
And, like Rella said, good luck in Fashion Week, even though it’s all over. I would wear all of your designs in a heartbeat.
Too bad about the various challenges you’ve faced, particularly the loss of the BlackBerry…
I’m glad that you have the right attitude and continue on fighting for what you love. Here’s hoping NY never wins!
Fabulous post and about sums up my feelings when I moved to NYC from Georgia. The cold, though… Approaching my third winter here and while I love, love, love New York, winter weather it the only thing that ever makes me think “was moving here really wise?” (well, that and the fact I can’t find decent cheese grits and boiled peanuts, and that northerners seem confused when I try to explain boiled peanuts).
The things you’ve learned about NYC are dead on! I’m a New York native and all of these things are so true, and NYC always wins. I’ve loved watching you on Proj Runway and KNEW you’d make it to the finale, I can’t wait to see your collection!!
Fun to find you online…love your clothing and your writing — how do you manage to sound so down to earth when you’re so talented?
awww, this entry makes me love you more than i already did! cheering for you! knew you would be in the final 3!
Thanks you guys!
It’s so fun to hear about ya’ll’s experiences too!
And Katie, I’ve concluded that there are NO decent cheese grits here! Don’t even start me on the barbeque. I can’t claim to have ever been a fan of boiled peanuts, but they do make me nostalgic. Siiggggh.
Kristin- thanks! That’s definitely a compliment. I don’t think I’ve got any reason to be snooty! I’m definitely anti-snoot. Hehe.
First, congrats on all your accomplishments!
Second, I whole heartily aggree with the IPod + Subway. When I moved I had to start taking the train to get to work and my IPod was the best thing ever to kill the time and get my day started.
as one southern-girl-nyc-transplant to another, never let ‘em say you need to give up y’all. its been a good 7 years and i’m still sticking it in nearly every sentence ;o)
ps, i dont hate the cheese grits at Virgil’s…
Love the photo for this entry — tiny & triumphant!
btw, I found boiled peanuts from brooklyn this year, but neglected a try before summer was over.