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I'm the girl, Gracie. Here at GML you can follow my journey of dreaming, working, eating, loving, dancing, and blogging my way through life in NYC.
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I’m sleep deprived.
And already behind with work.
And unapologetically quite lazy right now.
So here’s a light-on-words recap of bits&pieces of this fun little weekend of mine. Starting with…
Us. Thinking we’re much funnier than we actually are.
Giiiiiiirls niiiiiiight. For the most part.
I treated my overnight guests (AKA Jessi) to an “oatmeal bar” (AKA the only food I have in the kitchen). You’re welcome.
I decided to start reading again. I hear it’s a good habit to have.
And frolicked around the Union Square Christmas Market.
Finally, we closed the weekend with some her’s & her’s hot chocolate at Max Brenner.
Just ’cause.
Now let’s start the holiday week, shall we? xoxo G
What book(s) are you reading right now?
& tell me something fun you did this past weekend!
Speaking of jobs…
Just over two weeks ago, I actually resigned from my job.
…yep, the same job that got my foot in the door and essentially made it possible for me to live in New York City. I still sort of wonder what I was thinking too. But after about three months of advice-seeking, budgeting, and most importantly – prayer – I could not be any more excited or sure about the decision I made.
So, what happened? To put it simply, the opportunity arose for me to work for my dad’s company again. They’ve been swamped with work for months now, and I’m already familiar with how they run the ropes. Although I didn’t necessarily dislike the job I’ve been at for the past seven months, I couldn’t really pass up the benefits that came with working for the family business. There’s a bit more to the story, but I won’t bore you with those details.
What now? Starting this week, I’ll be working full-time for poppa G’s real estate appraisal company – remotely from here in NYC. While I’ll be working just as many (if not more) hours than I have been, my schedule is much more on my terms. I’m not sure exactly what my days will look like just yet, but I’m excited to be able to dedicate more time to FreelyBe and GML, and also working from home or my favorite cafes/lounges around the city. In other words, I’m essentially going to be living my dream of frolicking around NYC as a “Jane of all-trades.” And I like that. A lot.
what I’ve learned. It’s been a crazy year, to say the least. While I’ve definitely enjoyed the journey – three moves, starting and leaving a job, and essentially adopting a whole new way of life here in NYC – I feel like I’m finally exactly where I want to and am supposed to be. More specifically, I’ve learned that – to me – flexibility is worth a million times more than any paycheck. Sure, there are perks to a nine to five six gig, but that’s just not how I’m built. I always knew I had an entrepreneurial mindset/personality (thanks, Dad), and I’m really looking forward to seeing where that leads my career and my life.
why I’m thrilled. On that note, with my newfound flexibility I can’t wait to:
- rekindle my blogging career
- develop and grow FreelyBe
- explore NYC more
- be able to spend more time with my friends and family
- …and then some.
The bottom line is that I feel more free than I ever have. Only by God’s faithfulness and favor do I feel like I’m not just following my dreams anymore, but actually living them. And that makes me happy.
Until next time… 
After a runaround weekend that seemed to extend into a runaround week, it felt great to spend some time escaping to Pennsylvania this weekend.
I had an early orthodontist appointment on Saturday morning (gotta keep the teeth in their rightful place, na’mean?), and despite plans to head back to the city that evening, I decided that my body and soul could use just a bit more time to rest. So rest I did.
Visits to PA always result in other perks too, like how Momma G sends me back with the essentials-that-I’m-too-lazy-and-cheap-to-buy-myself.
(Yes, that’s a lunch box. I’m gonna look real cool walking to work.)
And then there’s the homemade chicken soup, which we all know is the meal of all meals when it comes to R&R.
Next on the needs-resolved – as you may have noticed by my instagram-y photos…
…yes, this one-time Blackberry lover/ iPhone hater has officially become an iGeek. I’m actually using my dad’s old iPhone 3 until the 5 comes out (thanks Daddio  ). And, I’ve got to say, I LOVE this thing. Sorry Blackberry, you just weren’t keeping up with the times enough. Maybe we can rekindle our romance again in the future, but I’d need to see some serious effort on your end.I’ll leave you with some of the lyrics to a song we sang in church today, “Thank You,” which left me all sorts of humbled and expectant for the week ahead.
Thank You for Your kindness
Thank You for Your mercy
Thank You for the cross
Thank You for the price You paid
Thank You for salvation
Thank You for unending grace
Thank You for Your hope
Thank You for this life You gave
There is no one like You
There is no one like You, God
All my hope is in You
Jesus, Jesus
Thank You for Your promise
Thank You for Your favor
And thank You for Your love
And everything You’ve done for me
There is no one like You
There is no one like You, God
All my hope is in You
Jesus, Jesus.
Last but not least, I want to pay a short tribute to the victims and families effected by September 11, 2001. I remember the exact moment I heard about the attacks when I was in my junior high geography class, and I never want to forget that day and how blessed and proud I am to be an American…and now a New Yorker. God. Bless. America.
xoxo G
What sort of cell phone do you have? Any applications I *must* download??
Dear Self,
When you get that sad feeling…like you could cry at any second…you’re really just tired. Or getting sick. Trust me on this one.
You should unplug more often. Let “relaxing on the couch” be just that…not “sitting on the couch while also blogging and working and tweeting.” Your mind needs rest just as much as your body does.
Think before you speak – not just about what you say, but how you say it – because despite your intentions, sometimes your tone sounds really, well…snobby.
It’s okay that you run out of steam – physically and mentally – more quickly than others. Being fragile is not a weakness, but forcing yourself to be stronger than you are is.
Working hard is important, but depending on God is more important. All the work in the world doesn’t even come close to His ability to give you the desires of your heart.
Everything will work out. It always does. And if it doesn’t, who cares?
You don’t have a “type,” so stop saying that you do. The truth is that there’s really only one person who is your type, and it has nothing to do with his looks or even his personality. You’ll find that out soon enough.
Always remember to completely unplug the curling iron before you leave the house because if you don’t, you’ll wonder all day if you left it on.
Move to New York. You might not understand why right now, but you will. Ohhh you will.
It’s okay that you’re so close to your family. It’s not weird, it’s a gift.
You need to start washing your jeans. It’s pretty gross that you rarely do.
Watch more movies. It’s good for you.
Sincerely, G
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Oh, and dear Katie,
You won my Love Grown Foods giveaway! Please email me at gracie(at)girlmeetslife(dot)com with your full mailing address. Congrats!
Enjoy your weekend, loves…
So long sun-kissed tan, hello 5pm sunset.
Okay, okay, we’re not there just yet.
But with the end of August does in fact come the near-end of summer. So here’s a look back at a few of my favorite things from the past 30 days.
gilt groupe.
I never used to understand the draw of online shopping. In my mind, why would anyone a) buy something without seeing it in person first b) pay a shipping charge and c) miss out on the exhilerating experience of real-life shopping?
…But then I was introduced to websites like Gilt Groupe, Haute Look and the like.
The draw? Major discounts on designer goodies – like this Swiss Legend watch, which I got for almost $1000 off the original price.
You read that right: $1-0-0-0. Yeah. I get it now.
[peanut butter] pinkberry.
Pinkberry tends to get flack for being too trendy and for not having self-serve fro-yo. But to me, all has been forgiven with the release of their new peanut butter flavor.
It’s rich, creamy, and insanely peanut-buttery. I promise that my fellow peanut-butter freaks lovers will not be disappointed!
one day.
I like a good chick flick as much as the next girl, but I also like to think that I appreciate good films. You know – an interesting plot, good acting, impressive cinematography – all that artsy fartsy stuff. And One Day had all of those things.
…the fact that Jim Sturgess is my kinda stud didn’t hurt either. Ahem.
journaling.
Speaking of being artsy fartsy, thanks to BFF Jessi I’ve been doing a ton of writing in journals over the past few weeks.
I’ve kept journals in the past but would always find myself throwing them away when I was done. I guess it just always felt weird to write my thoughts and “feelings” down on paper…? Whatever the case, there’s no denying that writing – whether it’s deep or mere random thoughts – is the best way for me to sort through whatever is going on in my life and give it all to God. So in that sense, I’ve found that a journal isn’t just a log like I once thought – it’s an ideal form of release.
el vez.
Sorry, NYC – Philly beat you out for best restaurant this month.
Although Spice Market is a very close 2nd, El Vez‘ Mexican fusion fare was literally some of the best food I’ve ever eaten. It’s unique and flavorful yet also the Mexican comfort food that drives me all sorts of loco.
All in all, I must say that August was a great month, but I’m also welcoming September with open arms. Scarves, boots, Halloween, and all things pumpkin – I’m ready for ya  xoxo G
What do you think about online shopping?
And, are you a journal-er??
I may not be the next Julia Child…
…but at least I’m not starving.
I may not run a marathon…
…but I walk at least a few miles a day.
I may not be a professional dancer…
…but at least I don’t care what I look like on the dancefloor.
I may not be the most graceful of people (don’t let the name fool you)…
…but at least my clumsiness makes for some pretty interesting stories.
I may not be entirely “realistic” with my big dreams…
…but at least I dream.
I may not know what tomorrow holds…
…but I know the One who holds tomorrow.
What’s your “may not be…?”
A few nights ago Jessi and I went to Peels for dinner after work. I had been to the NoHo eatery once before for ice cream, and I loved the overall look and feel of the place, so I was interested to see how their food measured up.
Apparently I was feeling particularly vegetarian-esque, so I went with their Gazpacho and Summer Succotash for my meal.
I really loved both dishes – the milk-based gazpacho was refreshing and flavorful, which was the perfect contrast to the warm and hearty succotash.
Peels has other delicious-looking homestyle dishes (Shrimp & Grits? yes please) and a supposedly great brunch that I’d love to try next time. Check out their menu here.
five things.
A few weeks ago Ali tagged me in her Five Things post – passing along the task of listing five things that I love about me and/or give me confidence. So, here are mine!
1. I’m a hard worker. If you give me a task – I’ll get it done, I’ll do my best, and I’ll most likely get it done pretty quickly. This can actually be one of my biggest setbacks too because the perfectionist within me can also lead to a huge ball of stress within me, but I think I’ve been learning how to manage that…
2. I’m a good listener. I truly believe that listening is one of the most important aspects of communicating…and of relationships as a whole, for that matter. So many problems would be solved if we’d just shut up and listen (and I mean really listen) to each other, don’t you think?
3. my freckles. I actually used to hate my freckles with a passion, but over the years I’ve learned to not only embrace them…I actually like them.
4. Continuing the “I actually used hate” theme, number four is my name. I used to wish I had a “cool” name like Stephanie or Clarissa, but as I got older I realized that I liked have a unique name like Gracie. So thanks, mom and dad
5. I’m confident in waiting for God’s best for me. The truth is that the only love within me comes from Him alone! My confidence lies in the fact that God’s promises are real and true, and I will not settle for anything less.
Your turn – tell me one thing you’re confident/love about yourself.
One of the things I’ve learned about living in NYC – about myself, at least – is that taking time to relax and do nothing every once in a while is a non-negotiable. And, I find myself blogging about this often because it seems as though I need the constant reminder/accountability…
I’m just not someone who runs well on empty…and with a full-time job, my many side jobs, and maintaining a social life – unfortunately I reach empty way easier than I’d like to.
That’s where days like today come in. I had nothing planned after work (a rarity), so I made sure to keep it that way. And, since the evening was all sorts of gross and rainy, I think God wanted me to keep it that way too!
Tonight’s nothingness looked a little bit like this…
Upon arriving home, I instantly made myself a home-cooked meal some food.
I thought about making myself an actual meal but….well, this is real life, folks.
I must confess that I did squeeze some work into my night of nothingness. But, considering I love everything about FreelyBe and GML, it isn’t really considered work, right?
I’m happy to say I did manage to unplug for a few hours, where some much needed quiet-time took place.
And last but not least, I rounded out the evening with some quality television.
Irony at its finest…?
So, it may not seem like much, but this one night of downtime is quite possibly all I need to make it through a non-stop week or two. It had better, at least…
What does your perfect night of nothingness/downtime look like?
What’s your favorite blogging style?
As a reader, I mean.
Because me? My favorite – to read and to write – is regular old life updates (aka lifecasting). I find them to be simple, fun, and one of the things that blogging is really all about.
The thing is, though, lately I’ve found myself having trouble writing these types of posts…mainly because I seem to have adopted the idea that these “dear diary” posts are…well…narcissistic. Like, who really cares how I spent my day? Or what’s bothering me? Or what I ate? I’ve somehow convinced myself that my blog posts have to be filled with more content of substance and importance…
But you know what? From now on, I’m going to write with a who cares mentality. GML isn’t a news magazine…it’s a blog.
A blog about meeting life.
So dear diary, here’s how I spent the past few days….
On Friday I hopped on the train after work for a less-than-24-hour stay in PA. The reason? Chrissy’s bridal shower, of course
The shower was at the Valley Green Inn in Philadelphia. It was the perfect spot for the afternoon wedding celebration, complete with mingling, scrap-booking, and plenty of cupcakes.
After the shower I headed right back to NYC to make it back for FreelyBe’s first hosted event for MATTOO. The event was a huge success – especially considering we put it together in just about one week! Stay tuned for a full event recap later this week on FreelyBlog.
Sunday was a jam-packed day, but a great one. After an amazing service at Liberty Church, some of the FreelyBe team and I headed to Tapeo 29 for brunch with the MATTOO team.
Tapeo 29 is a Spanish Tapas restaurant nestled in the city’s Lower East Side. Their brunch menu included a dozen or so options that come with home fries, toast, two drinks, and dessert for just $20 (which, in NYC is quite the deal). I went with the Flamenco Eggs: Eggs in a chunky piquant tomato sauce on a bed of sautéed vegetables & chorizo.
SO good. The home fries were a mixture of veggies, white potatoes and sweet potatoes (win), and the veggie/chorizo combo pretty much rocked my world. NYC brunch at its finest, for sure.
After brunch we headed to the Brooklyn Tabernacle to hear Gungor play, which is now one of my new favorite bands. You could literally feel the presence of the Holy Spirit!
Fast forward to today, where I can’t really believe the weekend is already over  I kicked my morning off by kicking the habit with two fully packed meals.
I can honestly say it feels so good to no longer be spending $20(+) a day on food! It is seriously such a freeing feeling – I actually didn’t realize how much bondage I was in for the past few months by dining out so much. Thanks, FreelyBe
And now, here I am, finishing up blogging on my lunch break (because that’s what you do when you don’t buy lunch, obv) and about to head back to work. So dear diary, I’ll catch you on the flip side.
xoxo G
Over the past few days, I’ve been working on a little project.
I’ve always liked the way vases and jars looked when filled with something other than flowers – sand, seashells, marbles, even rocks – so I knew I wanted to hold on to the vase that was once home to birthday flowers.
But, since I a) didn’t feel like tracking those other items down and b) am always seeking any sort of encouragement and chance to reflect, I decided to fill the jar with something else.
Now, whenever I need a little pick-me-up, I’ll pick a note out of the vase.
Some of them are favorite quotes or sayings.
Most of them are Bible verses or hymn lyrics.
All of them will help me to slow down in the midst of life’s craziness and remember what’s really important.
I thought about calling this an “inspiration vase” or a “reflection vase,” but I think reminder vase is much more suitable. Being inspired and reflecting are great things, but what I really need is the constant reminder that God hears me, He saved me, and He loves me.
What do you try to remind yourself of on a daily basis?
What’s your favorite quote/verse/song lyric?
Home. It’s one of those words that no matter how you define it, it generally evokes a positive connotation.
My definition of home has changed a lot recently. In fact, I’m coming to realize that home isn’t always necessarily a good thing.
If I’m being completely honest with myself, it was my love for home that caused me to shut myself out from numerous opportunities in life. I would use home as an excuse to yield to my fears, and now here I am at 24 years old lacking some key experiences.
Travelling more.
Cultivating more relationships.
Learning more about my passions and abilities.
Experience is a crucial factor in what makes a person who they are…and who they are not…and leaving our comfort zone is what usually yields the most meaningful experiences.
I’m not saying it’s bad to be a home-body. Heck, I’m curled up in the B-low as I type. But, I wonder, if I have an eternity awaiting in a Heavenly home, why do I try so hard to set up camp here?
Being grounded in a particular location and community is good. It’s healthy. It’s where growth can take place.
But playing it too safe – missing opportunities due to fearing the unknown or being set in one’s ways – it’s a surefire way to stop that growth from taking place.
So step out! Home will always be there, but those opportunities and relationships and experiences to be had…they might not be.
How do you define home?
Is it a place? A group of people? A mindset?
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