LIZZING OUT

LIZ’ 2012 TOP TEN LIST

1. Best New City :: New York CIty

A few short months ago I would never have pictured myself living in NYC, so far away from the life Brian and I had built in Seattle. But here I am! Brian arrives on Sunday and I’m excited to officially start this new chapter in our lives. There are days when I hope this chapter is short and days I hope it never ends, but it’s happening and life feels really different, really scary, really exhausting and really exciting.

2. Best ‘Old’ City :: Seattle

What I miss about Seattle are the people. When Rhianna left after Christmas, I really wanted to go back with her, back to the people I know, the people I trust, the people I laugh with (at), the people who support me. It’s hard to be away from your friends.

3. Best East Coast Non-Profit  :: God’s Love We Deliver

To move to NYC and work for an organization held in such esteem nationwide always seemed like it would be so amazing. To be living it now is quite surreal. I am slowly learning the ins and outs of the job as we prepare for a temporary move this summer in preparation for the remodel of our current space in 2013-14. To be able to join God’s Love during this transitional period is quite humbling. I have been welcomed warmly, challenged daily and reminded constantly what a privilege it is to live this life of mine.

4. Best West Coast Non-Profit  ::  Lifelong AIDS Alliance

I can’t speak of my new home at God’s Love and not acknowledge my former home at Lifelong. I was sent off in November with such fanfare and recognition. People rarely get a chance to see what an impact they have had on others, so to be celebrated with people dressing up as me for Halloween, showering me with gifts and well wishes, and people openly telling me what I have meant to them was a  rare and meaningful honor.

5. Best Foreign Trip :: Barcelona May 2012

In early 2012, my biggest fear was having to fly to Barcelona alone, take the subway to the city center, buy a train ticket to Madrid, take that train to Madrid, and find the club Brian was going to be playing. I am currently writing this on a pull out sofa in my friend Mardi’s apartment that I’ve been sleeping on for a month while working a new job in New York City having arrived here 4 weeks ago with 3 pieces of luggage. Looking back, getting to Madrid seems like the easiest thing in the world. Spending time with Brian, exploring the beautiful City, going to visit Chris in Portugal and hanging with Mike, Ani, Adam and Parker was an incredible experience.

6. Best Roadtrip :: Oregon/California Coast February 2012

Rhianna, Mishka and I drove from Astoria to San Luis Obispo in a marathon adventure to see the sites: Seal Caves, Goonies’ House, Tillamook Factory, tall Redwoods, Elephant Seals, The Golden Gate Bridge, a Mission, Crater Lake (didn’t actually see it due to snow). The Nissan Juke is a roomy and reliable vehicle for two travelers and their canine companion. It was great to see Rhianna’s family, Tom, Mitch, and Ricky and to spend time with Rhianna.

7. Best Holiday Craft :: Tina’s Ornament

Tina made me an orange felt mustache ornament. I love Christmas, I love orange, I love mustaches, and I LOVE Tina crafting! It was a very special gift for my first Christmas in New York.  

8. Best Social Network Achievement :: Instagram post of new job title on new office door – 63 likes

We all know that I love marketing, as long as I am marketing my favorite brand: myself.  On December 3^rd, I instagrammed a photo of my new title and name posted outside my office door and 63 of my nearest and dearest “liked” it. Quite a feat! ;) Brian has far surpassed me with his photo of his Verellen Amp, serial number 001 with 129 likes. Well played, Brian, well played.

9. Best Liz :: Mardi Moore

Despite the competition, Mardi Moore ONCE AGAIN clinches the coveted title in 2012…her second year running! Last year she won for having inspired Lizzingout from a NYC magnet which became my tumblr account and instagram handle. Little did I know that 12 months later, I would be living with her in the Lower East Side. Mardi has provided a warm and welcoming home for me, has shown me the dos and don’ts of NYC, and taken me on countless adventures as we explore my new home. Thank you Mardi for making this transition possible and pulling out all the stops to be the best Liz around.

10. Best Life Partner, Roommate and Future Husband :: Brian Cook

This year we will celebrate 15 years together. In 15 more, we’ll look back on those crazy days when we up and moved to NYC and I’ll be so happy that I followed my instincts and attempted something I really wanted. Brian has been an amazing support to me this year, as he is every year, and I truly appreciate him allowing me to follow my dreams. It is hard to pack up your life, leave your friends and family, and start anew in a big city like New York.  I am counting down the days until he joins me. Thank you Brian. You’re my favorite Liz.