We made it. Two flights and a car ride and there it was, our new apartment filled with boxes and furniture. And there he was, waiting for us at the airport with a big smile on his face. Since the wedding I’ve missed that man more than I can say. Being together and settled (although I use the word settled loosely since I just dislocated my toe on one of a billion boxes) is in a word… happiness.
We took a break from packing to venture into Central Park. That particular little path is currently the only mode of public transportation I feel confident about at this moment. I’m doing a lot of map studying, and realizing my inner sense of direction is about as good as a drunk squirrel trying to climb a tree. Thank goodness for google maps.
Jane thoroughly approves of the subways and the parks. She acts as if she’s lived in this city her entire life, and there’s not an ounce of intimidation in her body. As I watched her march down the street holding our hands, her sparkly dog purse slung across her chest like a blinged out little Indian Jones, I was a little bit in awe. She’s so like me in some ways, but in others, like her bravery? She’s her own person.
And this sweet man is coming to terms with the fact that he now lives with two very girly girls, accompanied by all their stuff. Our apartment is a good size, but considering we’re merging two adult households and one four year old’s belongings (and man, does she have a lot), it’s a work in progress. But I love it so much. I love him. I love being here. I love watching Jane look at the giant buildings, smile and say, “I’m so glad we came to New York.” Because I am too. I’m glad we’ve come to this giant city to live with a wonderful man who treats us so well.
We’re here. We’re happy.
elizabeth-harrell.com 
I don’t remember the last time a blog post made me this happy to read!!! So your joy is not just internal, it’s also contagious 🙂 xo
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Oh, and welcome to The City! (Local speak for New York City or NYC.)
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Oh, I’m so happy you like the East Coast of the U.S. What an adventure. Love seeing that tall, lighted building outside your window too. I am bubbling over with excitement for the three of you.
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I am so very happy for you.
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And I’m so very happy for all three of you. You have found love again. He seems like a wonderful and loving man. You are truly blessed. I shall follow you and see how you get to know your new home and city. And of course, Jane’s input is the most important of all! Brenda
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You write the first blog I ever found that caught my interest enough to keep coming back. I’ve never commented, but feel like I need to today. You are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your life with us. I have always loved that your writing is so real and I’m so happy that you have found happiness. I don’t know you, but I feel like I do and I smiled today as I read your post. I’m happy for you. Enjoy New York and your little family. You deserve it.
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And I love that you’re so happy!
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When I lived in Queens and used a lot of public transit I found the subways WAY easier to figure out than the buses with the exception of the route directly outside my apartment. I feel the need to warn you that at some point soon while you’re riding the subway someone will probably fall asleep on your shoulder especially if you’re traveling during afternoon rush. Weird but you get used to it. Good luck, it’s the best city in the world! I miss living there!
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Hi Liz! Oh, I’m so glad to hear you arrived safe and sound! You’re in The City!!?? Oh, you’re almost my neighbor. Well, we live outside of Albany, a bit down or up the road. I don’t have my directions down yet so I don’t know. When we go to The City we take the train. It’s wonderful. I can’t imagine living right smack dab in The City but will enjoy it so much through your eyes. Again, I’m happy for you, darling.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
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So happy for you’all…and I admire Miss Jane’s confidence trudging thru NYC! I have only been there a few times and am always overwhelmed by the size of the buildings, all the noise and all the people…and I’m a “growed woman”! 🙂 Kinda wish I had been introduced to all that at a young age…oh well…maybe in my next life! Best of luck in everything you do and enjoy your new life in NYC!
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I know not any of you personally, yet the joy bubbling through this post is moving. Life can be so SO wonderful when its lived loving fully. Janes a lucky girl to live an example of what is possible.
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I’m so excited to see what your adventures of NYC become. I love reading your blog. You write so well. I absolutely love NYC. I’m so happy for your happiness.
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i am SOOOOO happy for you!
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I’ve followed your blog for a long time and I am so happy for you and what is happening in your life right now. What a magical time!
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Your new view is a far cry from the soft hills and brown lakes of the Ozarks, but it sure is exciting! Looking forward to posts from your new life, and lots of photos!
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Congratulations! I go to NYC for my first time next week! I’m pretty nervous but staying in an apartment in Manhattan, so at least I’ll be in a neighborhood figuring everything out. Maybe we will bump into each other … I’ll be at the fabric stores and eating food from the street vendors. — michele
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This is such a happy post, full of wonder & new beginnings! So happy for you! Enjoy exploring your new home!
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I’m so excited for you!!
Also, there is an NYC Subway app that you can put in your destination and it will tell you which trains to take where in order to get there. It’s about $4, but it was the best $4 I’ve spent on an app. It really helped me learn how to get from point A to point B, even without using the app. Good luck!
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I’ve so enjoyed following your journey and appreciate your honest voice along the way. Your photos are stunning. As a life-long small town “girl” Iove living this adventure in NY vicariously through your blog. Please post as much as you can. If it’s not too nosy, I’m curious to hear how you and Fayez met with all the miles that separated you. Enjoy the winding road God set out for you.
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This makes me happy. I am thrilled for you both!!
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I am also totally thrilled for you. Your daughter is amazing (like her mom). New York is a magical city…enjoy!
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I enjoy following your journey. I don’t want to be a total lurker, so decided instead of just reading for once, I’d comment. Funny how happy we can be for people we’ve never met, but I wish you all much health and happiness. Congratulations!
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I’m so happy for you. Can’t wait to experience NYC through your eyes and stories.
I live one state over (CT) and I rarely go to the city.
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Hopstop is a free app that is great for navigating the buses, subways and trains. Fever is another free app for free and cheap happenings in the city. Missing home is normal but before you know it NYC will feel like home. Also find a Melt shop for the best grill cheese ever. Have fun exploring there is much to experience.
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Hi! I have just caught up on your blog and was so surprised and happy for you to see that you and Fayez got married!! Congratulations on your wedding, relocating and starting a new and happy chapter in your life with Fayez and Jane (she’s such a nut!!)
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so excited for your new marriage – congratulations!
and hopstop goes blank on you when underground as far as apps/ routes go. first time that happened to me i panicked. maybe they’ve adjusted it now, but i use google maps/transit option. it’s the best! especially the “arrive by” option.
and buses are NYC transportation PHASE II.
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