In addition to working, I'm just trying to really adjust to my life in New York. I can't say that I'm doing a very good job of it. At one point, I thought that adjusting to the weather would be the hardest part of moving here. But, alas, that has been the easiest part of moving here. It's cold. I put on layers. Good to go. See?
The reality that I'm painfully aware of every day is that this place does not feel like home. I'm not sure it ever will. Having no church community and no core group of friends makes it difficult to feel connected to this place.
Recently, I was having a conversation w/ my co-workers and I mentioned something that I like about New York. When I said it, they gave an exaggerated gasp at the fact that I actually found something that I like about NYC. Now, I don't go around complaining about living here. I don't. I promise. It wouldn't be wise to do that at work. But, it must be written on my forehead that I love California and won't stop.
Anyways, in light of all that, I thought, it would be a good idea to share what I DO like about NY so that anyone who is curious doesn't get the sense that I hate this place. Here goes: (in no particular order)
1. You can go to McDonald's and get 2 apple pies for $1. In LA, they stopped offering that deal. But here it's alive and well and thriving (if I have anything to do w/ it).
2. Street fairs! The cynical New Yorkers hate them. But I love going to the different booths, trying out different foods and perusing the items they are selling.
3. The holidays! Anyone who knows me well knows that I'm a bit of a Christmas nut. New York, with it's ice skating rinks, Christmas decorations, holiday music playing in stores, etc. encourages me to appreciate this time of year even more.
4. Food: There are so many places to try that it would take years to go thru them all. Yes, I have my favorites already. But, I love discovering a new place that I haven't tried before...and there are a lot of them.
5. The Highline: It used to be a railway. But, now it's like a park that people walk thru, sit and chat, etc. To me, it's beautiful.
6. The Walking: Believe it or not, I'm mostly glad that I got rid of my car before coming here. I'd never drive in Manhattan. I'd have a heart attack. But, I actually like walking. Not only is it good exercise (not that I'm super concerned about that), but it allows me to easily stop and change course and explore to my heart's content. As long as I have my Sketchers Go Walk shoes, I'm ready to walk for hours.
7. The Shopping: Unfortunately, I take advantage of the abundance of H&M, Gap, Forever 21 and Macys stores entirely too often. But, I can't (or really just don't want to) resist. It takes effort to wear layers and be cute at the same time. So, I shop sometimes (or often). But, it's an investment, right? :-)
Hmmm....Is it bad that I can't think of any others right now? I'll add to this list as time goes on. Next time, I'll share the things they I hate about this place. Until then, wherever you are, be grateful for whatever that place is that you call home. :-)
