Concrete jungle where dreams are made

I have now been a resident of New York for half a year. Seriously, where does the time go?

While I still miss my beloved New Hampshire desperately, I've tried to take advantage of the opportunities here that I never would have had at home. I've joined a book club, started training for a half-marathon in the fall, and I volunteer a few hours a week at the Bideawee animal shelter in Manhattan. I've become obsessed with New York bagels (so cliché, I know) and I've learned to avoid Times Square like my life depended upon it. No, I don't feel like a New Yorker, and I'm sure I won't for a very long time. While these six months have certainly not been easy, I know I won't regret pushing myself out of my comfort zone in the long run.

Here are a few highlights of my time in New York so far. Thank you to everyone who helped make leaving home a little easier, whether it be sending me baked goods, calling me for a long phone chat, or even just overwhelming me with tons of book recommendations. I'd be lost without you guys. (I'd also be lost without HopStop. How did anyone move to NYC without a smartphone?)

A scene from my morning runs. Thanks Instagram for making it look so artsy.

Bonding with strange cats in record stores

Of Monsters and Men at Webster Hall, 4/6/12

You have no idea how hard it was not to dognap these little guys at the shelter.

The Lumineers at the Music Hall of Williamsburg, 4/21/12

I have also become obsessed with the ice cream sandwiches from Coolhaus.

The view from Governor's Island

Here's hoping that when it comes time for my "one year" post, I'll be able to brag about Ryan Gosling—New York's real life superhero—saving me from being hit by a taxi. Or something.

Jukebox the Ghost keep me upbeat while I relocate

I know, it's been too long since my last update, but I have a good excuse. I just moved from my beloved New Hampshire to New York City! Part of me still can't believe I'm here, but I'm excited for my new life in the big city. It's time to pursue my journalism dreams, and this is the place for me to do just that.

I will miss having all this in my backyard though. Live free or die forever.

Obviously, moving has been pretty stressful. Thankfully, I've had music to get me through it. One of my first nights here, I caught a set by Jukebox the Ghost at Irving Plaza. Now that's some serious melodic power pop for you. I'd never heard of them before, but within just a few minutes, I was tapping my toes and bopping my head along. 

My favorite Jukebox song so far.

After the show, I checked out the band's latest album, "Everything Under The Sun," and I'm pretty impressed. I know I'm late to the party, as this album came out in 2010. But better late than never, right? These tunes are sunny and catchy and will make you want to dance down the street. It's certainly no wonder the band is currently on tour with piano-pop powerhouse Jack's Mannequin right now. Just don't bother listening to Jukebox the Ghost if you're feeling bitter, as the overly cheery sound will probably just irritate you. But if you're in the right mood, this snappy, sweet brand of pop will hit just the right spot. 

The album artwork sums up exactly how this record makes me feel.

www.jukeboxtheghost.com