Happy New YOU!

As I've entered the New Year, I have quickly reflected over the year 2011, remembering the decisions I've made for the best and for the worst.

I've noticed:
-I can go out, work, take 22 credits, and achieve a 3.85 GPA.
-I need to make blogging more of a priority when I want to share something - not just when I'm bored.
-Love is something I won't concern myself with for a while.
-I am more open to trying new things with new people in new places.
-I won't spend over a grand on a designer bag (well, maybe if it's cute).
-I love my friends in Tulsa as much as I do my friends in New York (but I love my city the most!).
-I've kept my weight consistant!  I spend too much on designer clothes for them not to fit.

And..
-I've kept my eyes on God more and more with each day.

I know my parents are proud of who I have become, and if the world doesn't end this year, I want to keep excelling and maturing as a young adult.

Update #2

I realize I was blogging a lot earlier because it was the summer and I was bored.  Would you like to know why I haven't been blogging? It might be because I am....

• Taking 22 credit hours in college and I don't have time
• Working 20 hours a week
• A student ambassador- which means a lot of meetings and touring/hosting perspective students
• Volunteering at Victory Church
• Spending way too much time with my boyfriend 
• Finding things to do in Tulsa, OK
• On facebook/twitter instead
• Learning how to cook
• Attempting to go to the gym

And the list goes on.  Yeah, no wonder I don't have time....buuuut we have our fall break coming up, so I will take some time to post on something interesting :)

Update #1

It's been a while.  I decided to take a break while relaxing in Disney World. I mean, when you are paying so freakin' much to be there...there is no reason why I should be blogging. But besides having an amazing vacation, I've started my sophomore year at Oral Robert's University and hopefully I'm on track to complete my undergrad in 2 1/2 years.  This means that this will be a super busy semester but I feel so confident - and that makes me :)

OH - I got my first car.  And it is a brand new 2012 Honda Civic Coupe.  No other words to explain my gratitude to my parents and most importantly God.  I am truly blessed.
Are you all familiar with the fact that I can't drive?  Who drives in NYC? Exactly.  So I've been doing the majority of practicing out here in Oklahoma.  Still haven't pumped gas for the first time...being that my car is hardly a week old and I don't want to pump gas.

Here it is! I still need to name him, but it is definitely a "him":

Frugal in New York City: FOOOOD

In one expensive city, yeah, good luck.  A city where we have $40 burgers and $1,000 omelets (who knew that was even possible!). So, you want some tips now??

• Rite Aid: For any snacks, cereal, toiletries, candy, etc, it is one of the cheaper drug stores in the city. With amazing sales, this can be the next best thing to Walmart!
• Water Cases: Buying a $6 case of 24 water bottles ahead of time to keep in your house saves more than you think. Carry one with you for the day, this way you don't have to spend $2-3 on a beverage outside. 
• Food Carts: One of the best things the city has to offer.  You can usually get a unique snack/meal for under $5 which could be halal (rice and lamb/chicken), waffles, dumplings, tacos, hamburgers, etc.
• Stick with Water: Special drinks can add a lot to your bill at restaurants (especially alcohol, which doesn't concern me since I'm not 21...).  So by the end of your meal, sometimes your drinks cost just as much as your food.  But tap water is free, healthy, unlimited, and you won't gain any weight! 
• Hint: If it's not a restaurant chain, RARELY will you get free refills on soda, tea, etc.  Always double check and ask before you end up spending $10 for a diet coke....
• DOLLAR PIZZA: Enough said.  I won't ever pay over $1 for a slice again.  Located around the 42nd st area on 8th and 9th and St. Marks (and more popping up, recently on 55th and Bway).  You can also get the special, which is 2 slices and a soda for $2.75.  It really doesn't get better than this.
• Hint: $1 Pizza NYC Locations
• NYC Restaurant Week: There are select weeks in the year that pricey, upscale restaurants offer "prix fixe" meals (pre-selected multi-course menu of items) to customers at a low set price.  This is usually during off-peak season in NY, but is a great way for anyone to try some of NY's best varying from $35-$50.
• Simple is Key: Although the appetizer looks great, and you would love to get that NY strip steak, be realistic.  You can eat at pricey places and spend little by being smart.  Stick with the cheaper items and don't get the $8 virgin pina colada, the $4 for extra meatballs, and the $10 dessert.  Chicken, water, and skipping dessert is ideal.  Honestly, I've even done a $12 appetizer as a meal and been more than satisfied!
• Skip Fast Food: It sounds cheap, but fast food here means spending about $8 for a value meal at McDonald's.  It's insane.  You can eat simple at a restaurant for around the same price or do a food cart and save money.  It's unhealthy, and definitely a prime example of not getting your money's worth.

Road Trip Itinerary

Currently- Packing for an 11hr trip from New York to North Carolina.

July 17th
4:30am- Wake up!
5:00am- Pack up the car and drive away
5:00am-3:00pm approx- Arrive at North Carolina home.

July 23rd
Sometime early- Leave for 9hr road trip from North Carolina to Florida....aka Disneyworld!!
Arrive 9 hrs later- Eat and head for the parks?

July 31st?
Sometime early- Leave for 20hr road trip from Florida to Oklahoma....aka college
Arrive 20hrs later- See friends, unpack, get dorm set up.

These upcoming 2 weeks will be crazy. 4 different states.  40hrs in a car.  And all the weight I lost walking in New York will soon be gained.  Here we go.