Country To City One Year Later

Posted on 15. Jul, 2010 by in NYC

Today is my official one year anniversary with New York. A year ago I remember sitting on the porch swing at my old house going through a total Jessie Spano mess of emotions. I was so excited, I was so scared – and no I wasn’t on caffeine pills. I was looking forward to what this new adventure would bring, but also really anxious about leaving my friends, family, job and the friendly fields of Iowa. I’d never made such a drastic change before, and had no idea if I was going to sink or swim.

This has been a year of growth, an emotional puberty of sorts. I realized that a lot of the things I was scared about turned out to not be that scary at all. I’ve made some great friends, found a job I love, and for the first time ever have gained a sense of direction (I can now distinguish North from South, go me).  I never thought I could be this comfortable here.  I have a new tolerance for risk, and am no longer so freaked out by change.

In honor of my NewYorkVersary I thought I’d make a  list of the things I love about NYC.

Things I Love About New York

Talking to Strangers
I’ve had some pretty interesting conversations with strangers.  One night I was riding the subway home and a friendly Italian man started talking to me.  As I stood to get off the train he handed me a brick of Parmigiano Reggiano and told me that he ‘really wanted me to have it’, like giving a stranger cheese was the most normal thing in the world.

Food!
The food here is amazing.  If you want it you can find it, and it will probably be the best you’ve had.

Great Free Events
I can’t believe how many great free events there are around the city.  I’ve seen some pretty amazing shows without paying a dime.  This weekend I’m headed down to Coney Island to check out the 10th Annual Siren Music Festival.

Easy To Get Around
I no longer own a car, and to be honest I don’t really miss it.  I enjoy walking around the city – it’s amazing that you can walk a few miles and not realize how far you’ve gone.  I received a bike for my birthday, and that quickly has become my favorite mode of transportation (Thanks again Brian!). Plus, you can get almost anywhere you need to go for only $2.25 on the MTA day or night.

Culture
The culture here will never cease to impress me.  In my neighborhood alone I can walk through areas that are heavily Latino, Polish and Italian all within a few blocks.  The city is truly a melting pot.

Check out some of my favorite photos from the past year

Thank you again to my friends and family who’ve supported me this past year.  I love you guys so much and I wouldn’t be here without you.  I mean that literally – you are the ones who got my crap across the country, made me feel better when I was homesick, and let’s be honest mom and dad, if you hadn’t conceived me I REALLY wouldn’t be here.  Ewww gross. . .  . . anyway. . . .

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?  How did it go?

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  • http://www.riptapparel.com TJ

    I moved from Des Moines to Chicago. I’m indifferent now as I’m ready to pack my bags and leave this grand city but when I moved here I was so happy and it was brilliant.

    Good things have come from my move though, I met my wife here and just got married. I wouldn’t have found her if I hadn’t taken the plunge and left the great corn state of IOWA.

    Grats to you!

  • Jeremy

    I have yet to actually take that leap and leave the great state of Iowa. I know it’s going to happen one day. I know, deep down, I’m a big city guy. Not that I haven’t loved watching Des Moines grow like it has. Eventually, your whole body needs a reset.

    As someone that used to rearrange my room all the time as a kid, it’s surprising that I haven’t craved that big rearrange. The change of scenery. I think it’s my mind’s way of either being really scared, or it’s telling me that my “business” in Iowa isn’t quite finished. Either way, I know something new is in store for me in the future and I look forward to having the kinds of experiences that you’ve had.

    Also, I miss you.

  • Kay

    In 1974 I packed all my belongings into my old Toyota Corolla and moved to Des Moines where I didn’t know a soul. I took a job at WHO-Television to make good use of my Bachelor of Journalism degree from Mizzou. My work friends became my family and I grew to love this place, despite the cold weather. Without taking that risk I would not have met my husband and had three wonderful children. In turn, my daughter would not have met you and you would not be her lifelong friend. And I would not have known you and your awesome family. Remember where home is and come back often. Love you!

  • al

    This has nothing to do about your most recent blog, but I can’t stop staring at your face – changing – face.

  • Dana

    The biggest risk I have ever taken was moving to Seattle, leaving everything and everyone I knew to marry the most amazing man in the world. Yes, risks are worth it! :) So happy for you girl!

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