This past month has been a roller-coaster. I’ve realized that my moods largely depend on the weather (duh, I know), and we had spring weather with blossoms, followed by eight straight days of rain (and yes, I was counting), followed by the sun’s triumphant return and greens replacing the pinks. Personally, I celebrated my birthday (how was that less than a month ago?!), fell into a depressive funk, and then got happier but stayed super lazy as it started to warm up outside (again…). Here’s a little glimpse of the drama.

I spent a morning frolicking around Tribeca with friends (how good is the view?!) and an afternoon frolicking around Washington Square (my fave) during the early days of spring.

My friend Dani came to visit from San Diego, and we decided to celebrate with the first al fresco meal of the season: healthy burgers at Bareburger! Unfortunately, it got chilly as soon as the sun went down. We may have been overly optimistic…

It was miraculously 70 degrees on my birthday and I wore a dress for the first time this season! My roommate made me that beautiful strawberry shortcake (because I don’t like frosting – so thoughtful!) and Emmie came over after work (and dinner!) to sit with me while I opened presents from my family. It was a most excellent day!

National Pretzel Day was a highlight, of course. I don’t need an excuse to indulge – I frequently stop at street carts for pretzels, and the new Wetzel’s in the Fulton Center is a hazard to my health – but I spoiled myself by picking up some spicy mustard for the occasion.

I’m glad I took advantage of the weather and got so many photos before it got dreary out!

It’s very, very hard to capture good imagery in the rain. The only highlight (metaphorical, unfortunately) in that week was an afternoon with my friend Molly. For our birthdays every year (they’re six months apart!) we splurge on Thai food (Republic, above, is a favorite) and then browse our favorite bookstores.

When the sun finally did emerge, I already had plans to be super lazy with takeout and Netflix (and Emmie, lest you think I’m super anti-social). Still, it was nice to see the rays streaming into Chika while I waited for my burrito bowl.

Naturally I spent the last week outside as much as humanly possible! I popped by Bryant Park on a day off and it happened to be the first day the lawn was open for the season – the joy was palpable!

On Friday night, my church had a Sisterhood event – always a highlight for me! Havilah Cunnington was able to join us and preach an amazing message, and I was super lucky to have a front-row seat. So excited to hear her speak again at She Is Free in the fall!

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As I’m sure you’ve noticed, life has been a little crazy lately with travels – yet I still have so many nuggets of New York life to share with you all! We were blessed with a mild winter and an early spring – my favorite season! – so every second I spend in the city is filled with adventure. Here’s a peek!

The day I left for San Francisco was, naturally, the first truly warm day in a while – as in, light jackets were all that the weather required. The streets were filled with happy New Yorkers frolicking in the sunshine. Although I was cooped up in the office and then headed straight to the airport, I was so glad to soak up the sun rays through our floor-to-ceiling windows.

Luckily, the good weather repeated itself the next weekend, and I continued snapping pictures of the blue skies every chance I got.

Upon return from our trip to the Bahamas, my friends and I weren’t quite ready to say goodbye to each other or the long weekend – even though we’d just spent three full days in each others’ company. So when we got back to Brooklyn, our first stop was our local burger joint, Dutch Boy – I just can’t wait until it’s warm enough to drink at their attached outdoor bar, Franklin Park!

As the warm weather continued, I celebrated in every way I could think of: I grabbed a bouquet of flowers for my windowsill. I spent my free days sitting by the water with a book and enjoyed the views. I grabbed ice cream with my friends (bonus: the ice cream had donut chunks in it, and the cone was funfetti. Ice & Vice is a MUST!) I saw the sun set on the way to dinner.

I’m a huge fan of snail mail and especially postcards, so I was thrilled when my best friend Jordan sent this postcard from my favorite rum bar in Phoenix.

Possibly the most exciting thing to happen lately: We renewed our lease! I’m so excited for a third year in Crown Heights. Also, as of November 2016, this will be the longest I’ve ever lived in one apartment, including my apartments in Phoenix. Who would have thought I’d be at my most stable in such a transient city?!

Of course all good things must come to an end, and last week was rather cloudy and rainy – still, just another sign of spring. As much as I prefer sunny days, I can’t deny the beauty of New York in the gloom – especially at sunrise!

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