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I am going to admit right now that I am a reality television junkie. One of my favorites? MTV’s The City.
I was watching the most recent episode and I get all pumped up when I watch the intro. I hear the Pussycat Dolls begin their song, “Gimme them bright lights, all night..” and I think back to the time in my life when I was in my early twenties, commuting to the city, attending graduate school and loving every minute of it.
I loved the city, the people, the energy, the rush.
Earning a degree from one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education in the nation was one of the most memorable moments of my life. But, it’s not the degree itself that makes me feel this way. It’s the experience I had while attending Columbia University that made an impact.
When I watch The City and I see Whitney experiencing all of what New York has to offer, I see myself in her in so many ways. I was single, in my early twenties, ready to take on the world, right there in New York City. It was a rush that is hard to put into words. I felt a part of something bigger than myself. It was such an exciting and memorable time in my life.
The Pussycat Dolls say it best in that song, “Got my whole life here in front of me, I’m taking over when I hit the streets…” and that’s exactly how I felt, too. I had my whole life ahead of me and the world was at my fingertips in the city.
In these faces.
In their smiles, hugs, and unconditional love for me.
{ 62 comments… read them below or add one }
What a lovely post. Your children are beautiful. I love the half smile on your daughter's face…LOL
Love reality tv and the picture of your children.
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Great post! First of all, you are not alone in your love for The City and reality tv. I too love watching it and think back to the ol' days when I was young and excited about making my mark in my new life. Ahhhh, such great memories. But like you said there's nothing that compares to the rush you get from greeting your kids faces every day! Thanks for reminiscing!
I too am a reality tv junkie. So jealous of your college experience. I was in the woods of Maine.
What a great post, your kids are adorable
I love reality shows too. And I love NYC. I've only been there twice but it was the greatest both times. I remember having similar feelings in downtown ATL when I was young. Great mems.
Sandra
I too love reality T.V. Love this post and great photo of the kids.
Beautiful children and beautiful smiles , as well !
God bless them
I always wished I could have lived in the City. I'm sure your memories are great. But, yeah, those faces are the best:)
I adore reality tv but I'm pretty sure you're a little bit smarter than Whitney.
What gorgeous children. They make the worst days better just with a smile, don't they.
Aww, what cute babies!
Your children are precious!
I missed ya girl!
Oh The City. I love Whitney. She's so sweet and genuine.
I agree with you though. Aidyn is my rush now. Nothing compares.
We are fans of the city too! You are right about the rush and energy…now our rush and energy is found in our children
I can't wait to take my boys to a trip into the city!!
My husband went to Seton Hall…he always wanted to live in the city:)
I just made my first trip to NYC this past summer. It was wonderful! I can imagine feeling all that you wrote about.
And my goodness, those kiddos are adorable. Love the pic!
Your kids are just adorable –what a handsome boy and a cutie pie for a girl (LOVE those cheeks)!
You are right –none of the 'highs' in my life pre-kids could compare to the rush I get when I get cuddles and kisses and hugs from my little ones.
How very true! All the things that thrilled me and made me happy when I was young do not compare to when you have kids and the day they laugh for the first time or say Momma for the first time and all their other first seem to bring me more joy and excitment then anything I ever did before I had kids .
but isn't it great that you had the city rush, and now you have the baby rush – best of both worlds, really, what we want for our kids too! great post luvy!
Your kids are beautiful. Makes you just want to kiss on them cheeks. Love fat cheeks, make them look healthy.
I have never watched The City. My reality show favs are Top Chef, Project Runway (which is sucking this season), and Idol.
Although I have been known to watch a marathon (or 10) of cheesey VH-1 reality shows such as Rock of Love.
OMgosh, I can totally see my daughter loving that life you describe. She is definantly a city girl stuck in suburbia. I sure hope she gets to grab hold of her dreams and move somewhere fascinating like that. Of course, the rush of your own children way out shines that, but she has lots of time to get there if she chooses.
It's amazing how our perspective changes. Years ago I would have loved to live in NYC and now I'm so glad I don't.
You are a smarty!! I lived in NYC for a few years. It is a rush, and now I love to go and visit!
great post. I am so grateful for all the years I had in NYC, I really hope my kids get to do the same. Everyone should get the chance to be in the heart of that fab city!
I love it! I too am a "graduate school" mom and I LOVE reality TV. We're practically sisters. Well, SITStahs anyway! Happy Tuesday!!
Oh so jealous you went to my fave school where I planned on doing my law school studies. Sigh.
Isn't life great the way it sneaks up and changes on us. Your kids are too cute and your son looks JUST like you! Has your eyes mama.
xoxo
I need to tune in to The City – I've never even heard of it. I <3 NYC too.
I went to college in the city too and worked there for the following 10 years. There is nothing like the energy of NYC.
I take my son in every chance I get, there is so much to explore and so many wonderful places to visit. It's a great rush for me when I take him around.
Adorable picture! I haven't seen The City. I'll have to try and catch it sometime.
OMG – i love THE CITY too – first, the kids are ador, now down to it
can you BUH-LEEVE roxy? that girl is a snake in the grass
and OLIVIA? i would love to smack her right upside the head. someone needs to give her a reality check. spoiled witch.
and WHITNEY is so sweet, i hope my daughter turns out as sweet as her and i'm so glad she got rid of that idiot JAY
I LOVE THAT SHOW!
Loved this post. Your right our kids bring a rush that nothing else really ever could.
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Oh I love The City! I'm extremely jealous of all of Whitney's cute clothes though and her
super-cool first job : )
How cute are your kiddos?
I have a great respect for a city girl. Xo
Lovely pic! Such a great post!
First off, NYC is my favorite city. Los Angeles doesn't even come close in my opinion. I couldn't live there but I love visiting. Secondly, when I was single and in graduate school, it pretty much defined me…I guess because it was almost my whole life.
As I look back, graduate school really means nothing to me now. I gave up my career associated with that graduate degree for something much more special and priceless. My job as a mommy is definitely the most rewarding career ever!
It's great to appreciate the experiences in our lives. I love that you ended your post with the most precious part of your life.
You have two VERY BEAUTIFUL children! I can understand the NYC rush when you were back in your
)
20's in college, etc., but me doing the same thing in my 40's does NOT make me happy – I hate every.single.minute of it! *sigh* But it is a great City to be a part of despite the commuting issues and the late hours that I have to put in.
Good post…makes me long for a visit to the city.
I remember the rush I got when I was in college in a small town. The slowness of the town the feeling of community. My early 20's were the best. But I do agree with you on the present "rush" with the kiddos. You have beautiful kids.
Happy Monday
awww sweet post! isn't it the truth though….my kids give me the biggest rush…that is a gorgeous photo of your kiddos by the way!
I love this for a multitude of reasons. First, your credentials are IMPRESSIVE – woo hoo! Second, as a West Coast girl I adore New York City. It has so much to offer that I find intriguing and exciting. It IS my favorite place to visit. And mostly I love the transition you make from longing for your big city life to the rush you get from your babes. I agree there's nothing greater, but I appreciate your perspective on it. Great post, Theta Mom!
Beautiful babies! And I feel the same way about San Francisco. Went to school there and left my heart.
I've realized, since I had Bree, that I would swim across oceans and climb the tallest mountains, just to get to her if she were ever in trouble. You have this little child, and you love them so much, that suddenly that is what your life is all about. It may sound horrible to someone who doesn't have a child, but it's WONDERFUL & every Mama understands
It's so funny how one's priorites change in life!
Ahhh… great post… beautifully said… and so true! When I graduated University, I was accepted to work as an intern for CNN, NBC, and CBS in Washington, D.C. I quicky chose CBS, as it would have been the closest subway ride from the house I was going to be living at… and it was SUCH an amazing experience. Living in a 'big, powerful city' – not NYC by any means, but still – a fun city that I truly loved – all alone, working, going out, having fun… such a great life experience. But… since becoming a mom… that thrill is so much more amazing and awe-inspiring, you know?
Someday I plan to make it to NYC and take my kids.
Lovely post about the different seasons of life.
Interesting, as I read this post I was thinking along similar lines. Then I get to the end and see that your kids are now your rush; mine too!
I relate to this post on so many levels. I love the picture of your kids
I feel the same way! I lived in Boston for 5 years before moving to Maine to start my family. I have never looked back, but when reminded of my friends, my job or anything else that connects me to that urban lifestyle, I miss it just a little. I do love my little hometown in Maine too. It's just great in a different way.
It's the way when I lived in the city, I longed to park my car right outside my doorstep, or how I wanted my own washing machine and not to have to spend a Saturday morning at the laundromat.
Now I have those things but miss the "rush" of public transportation, stores open 24 hours, friends gathering for drinks or dinner any day of the week and endless choices for adventure on the weekend.
I'm grateful to have had both experiences in my life!
Isn't it amazing how our kids capture our hearts?! A gift to be a mom…for sure! Holly at lifelaughlatte.blogspot.com