Day 103: I Love New York

Today is a beautiful day and I am taking some time to stop and smell the flowers.  New York is in full bloom.

Near Madison Square ParkI’ve been busy following up on a few opportunities on the west coast and meeting with some of my contacts here in New York.  I am trying to build a network out there so that when I arrive I can jump right into meetings, line up some offers and have my pick.

Lyla on our walk around Gramercy Park. If only we had a key.As I walk Lyla today, a sadness comes over me.  With everyday that goes by, the thought of leaving New York becomes more real.  I am happy that I decided to take my time and enjoy New York before I leave.  I am going to miss this place.   I think back on the past three years, to the people and places that have shaped my New York experience.  I know there is so much more that I could do here.

Holiday Party at my first apartment in Murray Hill

Lyla’s first winter in Sheep Meadow, Central ParkIt was easy to come up with a list of things that annoyed me about New York when I was living and working here a few months ago.  Those things still annoy me, but I can’t negate all of the wonderful things this city has to offer.  It is like no place else.  Most New Yorkers will tell you, this is the best city in the world.  Having traveled the world, I can’t disagree.

I think of all of the things I will miss….

1.  New Yorkers.   People here are real.  There isn’t enough time in the day to pretend. This city attracts the most motivated and driven people in the world.  People come here with purpose.  There is a hunger in the belly of every New Yorker.  Frank Sinatra was right, “if I can make it here, I can make it anywhere.”  I’m about to leave here for anywhere, USA.  I know I will no longer be constantly surrounded by people with the same ambition and sense of purpose as that of New Yorkers.

This city has no shortage of characters2.  The plethora of interesting things to do and the constant stimulation.  If you are bored in New York, then something is really wrong.  The possibilities are endless.  Every day, anytime of day and anywhere in the city.  There is always something to do.  There are the museums… the Met, the Frick, MoMA, and my favorite, the Museum of Natural History, just to name a few.  Live Jazz, Sunday brunch, a stroll in the park… I can’t even touch the surface here.

Sailing around the harbor

Kate sings “A New York State of Mind” at karaoke3.  My family.  I am fortunate to have almost my entire family within a sixty mile radius.  I’ll make it back for all of the holidays, but I won’t be able to see my family in the same capacity as I’ve been accustomed to.

My family at my aunt Gail’s house last ThanksgivingLyla chasing my brother Matt4.  Going for a stroll around the neighborhood.  I am going to be spending a lot of time in the car soon.  I take Lyla for a loop through Union Square, around Gramercy Park to Madison Square Park and back down to Washington Square Park this afternoon.  We are on our way back, walking up 7th Ave, when I notice a little boutique with colorful dresses in the window.  I stop in for a look.  As I try on a dress, I chat with the owner, Clara.

“How long have you been in this location?”

“10 years,” she tells me.

How odd that I’ve never noticed this place.  It is about the size of my closet, but they have a nice selection.  I pay for the dress and I am on my way.  As I walk out the door, I realize that this is not how I will be shopping in the future. 

Lyla on our walk5.  My friends.  I don’t know many people in California, yet.  I’m great at making new friends, but friendships take time to build.  I’ve made some truly wonderful friends in this city.  Many, if not most, of my friends from college or from my childhood are here too, and those friendships have grown in ways I never expected. 

High school friends catching up on my patio two summers ago

My 25th birthday at Tortilla Flats

At the Jane for Sima and David’s engagement partyJay and Nicki at Don Hills after the Seeds of Peace fundraiser

Pool party at my parents’ house in PrincetonI know that you will always be in my life, no matter where I am, but I am going to miss your daily presence.

My soccer team

Jamie, Billy, Gustavo, me and Sywia on Billy’s roofdeckHalloween party at my apartmentHoliday party at my apartment last winterThe list of things that I love about New York goes on…  the restaurants, parks, neighborhoods, nightlife, architecture, diversity, shopping, shows, skyline, delivery food, characters, history.  It’s endless.

Maybe I’ll be back in a year, maybe two.  I may end up staying on the west coast for business school.  Or perhaps I will hate it there and want to come back shortly after I arrive.  But in order to give this a real shot, I’m committing at least six months to this move once I’ve settled in LA or SF.  I think that will give me enough time to decide.

At my brother’s old apartment in Gramercy, before I lived hereIt’s comforting to know that New York will still be there when I leave.  I can come back if and when I am ready.  I see New York in my future.  I know that when I do return, I will come back with a new found appreciation for this incredible city.  See more pictures.