Onto the Next Phase

In our lives, there are seasons marked by the weather, or seasons marked by the calender (if you're in California). There are also phases that overlap numerous seasons. This past phase in my life can be defined by playing for the National team (from 2006 to present) and further defined by living in New York City for a season (the fall).

NYC - UN building (green box-like building)

I've been living in NYC for almost two months now and have finally settled into what you could consider a "normal" routine for the city - that is, each day is different. I have a different set of friends in various activity circles - intramural dodge ball, soccer, and club field hockey - a coaching job with Columbia University's field hockey team, and of course my job and activity - yes, its still an activity for me because its fun! - that trumps all other jobs and activities - playing on the Women's National Field Hockey Team.
Empire State Building

At the beginning of November, we start a five-test match series vs No. 2-in-the-world Argentina. We will take on the best player in the world Luciana Aymar and Las Leonas (nickname; literally translated as "The Lionesses") for the third time this year. Side note, if anyone can think of a good nickname for the United States field hockey team, please email. Sorry, but please refrain from the common themes of "chicks with sticks" or anything along those lines. Back to the test match series - This time the competition will be held on our turf in Chula Vista, CA at the Oympic Training Center - matches will be held on November 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th, and 10th. Check the US Field Hockey website for updates!! (www.usfieldhockey.com).


With only a week left in the city before heading westward, I had time, while on my 40 minute subway commute to practice, to reflect on the months I got to spend in the biggest city in the country. For being a PA girl, I didn't do so badly. I took the wrong subway only 50 percent of the time, when sub merging from a subway ride, I walked the wrong direction only every time, and I avoided getting my shoes spit on by the every day NYC passer-byer every single time - thanks to those agility workouts!

East Village

What I liked and disliked the most though was the fact that nothing was familiar to me. At first, it was intimidating to walk the streets. Getting elbowed in the ribs while walking as fast as possible to get to the subway, I learned the hard way. So, rain or shine, agenda or no agenda - as soon as I stepped outside of my apartment, I narrowed the brows and marched, speed-walker style with tunnel-vision until I reached my destination, throwing the 'bows if need be... just kidding.. only sometimes!

There are of course downfalls - black holes to be exact - where only your money goes. There are few places you can go in this world where grocery shopping is comparable to my monthly car payment. On the flip side, there are few places you can go where you are able to get every ethnic cuisine desirable within a 2 block radius - and it is absolutely the best thing you've ever tasted..for 100 dollars! So what I'm saying is that it's expensive here - to eat in, to dine out, to rent a 4 x 6 room, to take public transportation, to buy a yoga mat!

U.S. Open

Nevertheless, it has been an experience I would choose to do again. Living here has made me appreciate all of its characteristics - good or bad, beautiful or ugly. I feel "accomplished" having survived the shoe spitting, subways, and rough crowds and know it will be a place I will return to.. next time - better prepared! The city's got nothing on me!