I {Love} New York

I moved to New York almost 10 years ago. When I moved to the city it hadn't been my first choice nor did I think I'd be here more than the 2 year job I was taking.  Flash forward 10 years and I am as close as a lifer as i think i can get. 

New York to me is a person, family even.  I talk about her like she's a person.  I feel about her like I would a close close friend.  So it shouldn't have surprised me when I got offended when someone put her down.

I was walking to the subway last night when I overheard someone say "I really don't like the city."  You could tell the comment was made by someone who lives here or around here and not a tourist.  When she said it I had a physical reaction.  I almost turned around and glared at her.... but then the rational side of me realized. "Kim, she's entitled to her opinion."  

I don't get upset when people visiting the city or those who don't live here say they don't like the city.  I mean I feel sad for them :) But I don't have a reaction to their dislike but coming from someone who lives here I was deeply offended. It equated emotionally to her saying "I hate your mom."  I wanted to argue with her and tell her all the reasons she should love the city.  I felt bad for the city that this person said a mean thing about her.  

Ok I know I sound a touch crazy right now... and I kinda am... but it surprised me as much as its confusing you I am sure.  I've always known I had a deep love and affection for the city but I didn't realize just how deep it went until that moment. I get that people don't like the city but I just love it so much that I apparently have instant reactions to it :)

Now, I do like the suburbs. I secretly want a house with a yard and the ability to get in my car and drive 5 minutes to the store.  It took me an hour and a half to go 1 mile uptown to pick up dinner for a friend and then back down a mile to deliver said meal.... if i didn't live in the city it would have taken 20 minutes TOPS. I miss the convenience of living outside of the city.  I also need a vacation once or twice a year to re balance... but I do love the city... The funny thing though is what i love about the city is not really NYC related but the community of people here.  Yet I still get offended when people put it down.  

The city is a pretty great place and in many respects I kinda grew up here. I might have been in my late 20s and 30s while I've been here but I learned more about who I am here than I did before.  When people ask what i love about the city I can't tell them this museum or this show or this attraction. Although lovely, what I love more about the city is the feel, the people, the heart.  Something you can't really taste until you've spent time here.

Have a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

103 won't get them down

One of the 5 billion reasons I love this city and this neighborhood. It might have been 103 today and most people might not have AC but these guys didn't let that stop them.  They turned their streets into a play ground.  I think almost every street probably did!