Here's Looking at You, 2016

I'm excited for 2016. This is because 2015 was the year I got off my sorry ass and finally moved out of San Diego.

San Diego is not a dead end for most; it's beautiful in it's simplicity. For me, there comes a time when you know--YOU JUST KNOW--that you have outgrown a place. I had known for years, but still tried to hang onto some remnants of San Diego I loved. My family and friends were really the only things keeping me there.

However, what everyone learns (at some point in their lives) is that living an unauthentic existence simply because you don't want to hurt other people only does a disservice to everyone. The mind, the body, the spirit all become depressed pretending to love a life you're not actually connected to. When you start feeling like a shell of a person, you are no longer enriching anyone's lives, especially your own.

And so, as most of you know, I packed up and moved to New York City on a complete whim. The past 4 months have been a whirlwind in the City. There's been an adjustment period--a time for building community and getting used to this new life. There have been nights where I have asked myself if I made a mistake, and mornings where I brushed off my doubts as growing pains. It's all part of the process, and I am a big believer in the quote that "the process is the result." I am already a changed person from all of four months ago.

Moving into a new year, I couldn't help but make a resolution list to continue my process of growing, living, and learning. So here we are, my Resolutions for 2016:

1. Visit one New Landmark in NYC Each Week. New York is HUGE and slightly overwhelming. I want to see it all and sometimes am unsure of where to start. I started making a list of things I must see to conquer them all. One landmark a week is certainly doable.

2.  Travel. Attempt to save up and take a trip to London and Berlin in late spring (HOPING I can swing this one). Go to Boston for St. Paddy's Day. Visit Philly in early March (this one is happening for sure).

3. Continue to Grow at my Job. I waited so loooooong to get this position. As I was adjusting to a new city, I was also adjusting to a new job. I'm doing well, but I really want to start to SHINE in my new role. This involves perfecting and organizing my daily schedule to maximize my time and energy.

4. Meet More People in the City. I already have a solid community in NYC, but I want to continue making more friends! This may include joining a club/league/something.

5. Write Down What I'm Thankful For EACH Day. Life gets hectic anywhere; life in NYC is hectic x1000. If I don't take the time to appreciate what I have everyday, I'll miss it all. To add to this, I wanna get back in the swing of blogging...so a post once a week (at least) is my goal.

I'm excited for 2016, and I am excited to live this life. Who says you need to slow down at 30?! Not this lady.

A Three Sentence Movie Review

1. Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens

I'm not the biggest Star Wars fan (Star Trek reigns supreme, ok?). However, I enjoyed this, mostly due to the main character, Rey, who wasn't a helpless little lady, but a self sufficient heroine who kicked some major ass. Throw in BB8, the cutest little robot, and that makes this Star Wars one of the best and something you should see on the big screen.

2. The Danish Girl

Eddie Redmayne is trying to nab all the Best Actor awards...AND SUCCEEDING. The film is beautiful overall, as is Eddie's performance as the first transgender woman (as well the supporting actress, Alicia Vikander, a recent favorite of mine). I will say the plot was predictable and the ending left me wanting something better, something not so CLICHE; however, the entire film is most definitely worth a watch, although you don't need to be in theaters to watch it.

3. Joy

Odd film, but to be expected from the same director who created Silver Linings Playbook, among other strange films. Joy is not his best, but I will say the story is fascinating (especially because it's based on a true story). Also, end rant: I like Jennifer Lawrence, but when is she going to play anything else besides herself (it's time for a more challenging role, J Law)?

4. Carol

Does Cate Blanchett ever have an off performance? I'm pretty sure she's one of the ultimate queens of acting, as she proves yet again here in this tale of a lesbian relationship in the 50s. Overall, I liked it a lot but wanted just a little more development of the relationship between Cate and Mara--not the fault of the actresses, but the script.


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Picture Credits: 1/2/3/4

For Shits and Giggles

It's Monday and we are oh-so-close to the holidays. To help get in the festive spirit, I wanted to share the funniest things I found on the internet recently (there's some holiday themed ones in there!).

My NYC Bucket List: Walking on the Brooklyn Bridge

Living in New York City sometimes feels like a crazy mad rush of events and a blur of people and places. City life, right?

In order to catch a piece of the blur I thought I'd start this blog series, titled "My NYC Bucket List." On this particular day, I decided to walk on the Brooklyn Bridge.

My good friend David who is always down for spontaneous adventures came along. That's one thing I love about people who live in New York--we say yes to doing things. Why sit at home when you can be doing things instead? Of course, it helps that there are an overwhelming amount of things to do in this mad, mad city.

If you've seen Kate & Leopold, then you probably know why I took the photo above: "The world has changed all around it, but Roebling's erection still stands!"  *cue 13-year old boy laughter*

And JUST LOOK AT THE VIEW. YES, I'M YELLING, BECAUSE ISN'T IT FREAKIN GORGEOUS?!?????

And thus, I ✓ this one off my NYC Bucket List. 

Holiday Markets and Winter is Coming!

My buddy Christian! 

WINTER IS COMING. And since it's starting to get chilly, I'm heading to Miami for a few days (haha). I'm a wimp!

But before I go, and because I haven't blogged in quite awhile, here's a post.

New York has it's pretty moments, one of them being Christmastime, I'm realizing. The lights are twinkling, the markets are about, and the people are coming together.

One such market is Union Square Market:

We said goodbye to this cute little one (below). Her name is Aki, and she was the roommate of Christian (above). Christian and his roomies let me stay a month and a half at their place while I scoured the inter webs for an apartment. I'm thankful to all of them. Now she's off to Seattle, her hometown.

New York is definitely one of those transient cities. You realize you might get to know someone well enough for them to feel like family, only to let them go a month, 6 months, or a year later. While it can be distressing, it also makes you appreciate this extended family, no matter how far apart they are from you. These transient bonds can never be broken, something I've remembered from living in London. Gypsy souls gotta stick together!

Lastly, we had some food, because even though winter is coming, and even though we were saying goodbye, food always makes everything better. And these rice balls were gooey warm goodness.

A photo posted by Ashley (@ashleyjay33) on Nov 30, 2015 at 6:23am PST

I'll have more Christmasy things to show you soon, but until then I hope you enjoy the next few days while I sunbathe in Miami!