Well, hey there. It’s been a minute and a lot has been happening. I’ll stop here to plug our most popular social media accounts so that you can always stay connected with us even when we have to take a blog hiatus for big life moments. I’m always snapping pictures of the Manhattan architecture and Hannah’s always at a new trendy cafe in D.C. tweeting her heart away. You can follow along with us on Instagram and Twitter @theswirlblog.
I’m freaking exhausted. Over the past two weeks, I’ve moved 7 hours away from my childhood home to a place that so many young twenty-somethings come to for a fresh new start. That’s exactly what I’m here to get. I’ve learned so much about myself in the short time that I’ve been here and I’m going to share a few of those in today’s weekly chat, but I’m also going to share some of the fun things that I’ve been up to as well *hint hint* room updates!
So, if you’re super curious about how a new graduate student has adjusted to life in the city then be sure to keep reading and give me a follow on my personal Instagram, @gabbywhiten.
Let’s do it!
What’s the Roast: Life
If you’re new here, hey hello what’s up! I’m Gabby and I just moved to NYC to pursue a Ph.D. I started orientation last week and I’m currently doing the first portion of my first graduate school course working full time in lab learning techniques that are way outside my usual wheelhouse. It’s been fun getting to know the people in my program in small groups and can’t wait to continue to learn about the incredible people I’ll have in my network for the next 5-6 years.
One thing that the graduate students will tell you is that they always make time for themselves outside of class and outside of working in the lab. A lot of them are involved with student groups on and off campus; I love that they basically encourage you to develop other passions that you have and to take time to explore the incredible city that we live in.
This weekend my mom was in town and it was nice having her here close to my birthday since I don’t know many people here yet that I would make a big deal about my birthday in front of. [Although my lab group is the sweetest and splurged on lunch outside the med campus for my birthday yesterday.] We had to play along with the random storms that were bouncing around all weekend. We actually still covered a lot of ground and got a chance to see Chelsea Market, The High Line, Central Park, Soho, and Midtown.
It basically gave me the chance to be a tourist for a little bit while also having to pretend that I know what I’m doing when it comes to public transportation around the city.
What’s the Roast: Recent Purchases
I spent a hell of a lot in the past month since I’ve last talked to y’all in a blog post. Between buying furniture for my apartment and some last minute style staples that I needed to add to my wardrobe {think cute and comfortable walking shoes}, I’m pretty strapped for cash until my stipend hits my bank account.
My mom and dad are the best and really spoiled me yet again for my birthday. My mom treated me to a Key Clay from Louis Vuitton [don’t worry, I’m still shocked to be an owner of the legendary LV.] and my dad indulged my obsession with the AirPods. I’m at the age now where birthdays are simply a reminder that I’m getting old every now and again; but my parents, family, and friends really go above and beyond in making me feel so loved. The best.
Notable recent purchases are:
- these comfy Adidas all-white Neos
- these clothing racks take a room from tragic to classic
- A Longchamp with a shoulder strap is the way to go.
I can’t wait to share my new NYC room with y’all, but until then be sure to be following us on Instagram stories for tons of sneak peeks. I pretty much post anytime I get a package in the mail.
What’s the Roast: Health and Fitness
It’s so easy to get tied up in all the amazing food here in the city and the convenience of special delivery services that can bring you anything you want at any time of the day. I gotta quit it — looking at you Postmates.
I’m super proud that I signed up for a gym membership! And I’m making a pit stop a Trader Joe’s tomorrow morning to pick up some goodies to make dinner. I’m also in the market for a killer Crockpot so if you have any suggestions [preferably ones available on Amazon] that would be much appreciated.
I’m also going to treat myself to a swell water bottle with an athletic cap to hopefully force me to drink a ton more water. My skin is seriously giving me so many issues and increasing that H2O intake always does the job.
All these New Yorkers are super fit [probably from all the walking], so I gotta get to it.
What’s the Roast: From My Lens
My camera is getting dusty and it’s making me so sad!! I’m looking for some New York blogger babes to meet up with to at least get some shooting in and to make some new friends. If you know anyone living in the NYC/NJ area that you think I’d click with, let me know!
ALSO, if anyone is coming up for NYFW, I 100% totally forgot that I live in this city and will be here to take pictures of ya and more importantly meet more of ya! You can check out my rates here and simply message me on Instagram or Twitter if you want to meet up for coffee or happy hour!
I’m writing a blog post about things to consider for picking graduate schools to apply for and next week a post all about what I’ll miss about undergrad is going live! Be sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel, another vlog is going live this Sunday because I’m on a roll!
I’m so excited for the next chapter.
keep on keepin’ on,
