I'm sitting on a big leather couch in this rad coffee shop that I just discovered which is playing the best playlist of 90s rock I've ever heard. It's a mildly warm/ slightly cool rainy day in New York City-- my favorite kind of day. You can walk around boldly without an umbrella because it's only drizzling, and you don't have to have a coat on because it's nearly 60.
The barrista is in hysterics crying… I quickly search on google if we've been attacked… it doesn't seem so… maybe his girlfriend broke up with him?
It's so weird living in this mecca of culture, knowing any day it could be attacked. My approach is simple: avoid big events and popular places.
I just felt compelled to write down the things New York has taught me thus far.
I am amazed when I realize I was always meant to be here during this season of my life. I am saddened when I think of moving on from this crazy but amazing city in nearly 5 months.
I don't think there's anywhere in the world that can prepare you to be an adult quite like New York City… I could be wrong.
Life Lessons from New York:
1) Suck it up
After my first experience crying on the subway during my second week here, I knew I never wanted to do it again. New York lacks personal space AND social graces-- something that sounds like an equation for disaster, but somehow it fits just right. I used to hate that I couldn't have my 2 minutes of peace here, or that I could never have a truly private conversation on the phone when I'm not at home, but it's taught me to toughen up in a lot of ways. Just the other day, I wanted to cry on the subway-- but i closed my eyes, and held it in. Repression is good sometimes? lol
2) Don't give into the New Yorker stress-bug
There is a certain energy here, you hear people say it all the time. And indeed, it's true. Everybody's got somewhere to go, a deadline to meet-- and they're friggin' stressed about it. This is something I refuse to cave to. They say it's good to shake your core beliefs by throwing yourself into a different environment. Well I definitely rose to the challenge by coming from a population of 2500 to 8 million. But, one thing I've decided I will not relent on-- my chill attitude. The only thing that truly stresses me out, is stressed out people. I strive to advocate for laid-backness as much as I can. So many of my classmates constantly tell me they can't believe how calm I am. I think it's the secret to staying sane here. Just don't allow yourself to care too much-- it'll all be okay.
3) You can definitely get immune to coffee
'Nuff said. I don't think my heart rises a beat from my crack of dawn cup of joe.
4) 99cent pizza
Because why spend 15 dollars on any other meal around town?
5) A Levain cookie solves most problems
If I ever have to give myself incentive to complete an assignment, or have a tough day at the hospital, these cookies are all the motivation I need!
6) When in doubt, brunch it out
Because sunday carbs don't count
7) Just because you're a pedestrian does not mean you burn off that bowl of pasta
One of the most unfair conclusions of this lifestyle. You mean to tell me I walk my butt off every. single. day. At least 5 times more than you Floridians, and I don't shed a pound of fat? Yes, Miranda, that's precisely what I'm telling you.
8) Patience is a virtue
You gotta learn to accept this one early or your life will be a living hell. To get anywhere in the city, allow a minimum of 30 minutes. Always. Period. End of story.
9) Haters gonna hate hate hate hate hate
There are some angry people in New York. It just is what it is. You're going to occasionally bump into someone on the sidewalk, or cross the road a few seconds too late, or just be somewhere at the exact moment that an inconsiderate New Yorker doesn't want you there. And you will receive the F word. And you just gotta shake it off, shake it off.
10) The faster you walk, the quicker you'll get there
All my life in Florida, I was the slowest walker ever. People would always complain of my pace. Then I understood what 20 degrees and sleet almost every winter day felt like.
11) 55 degrees is pleasant, not cold
Florida, just because it got to 40 at 2 am does not mean it was cold at 12 noon-- in fact it was 75 at 12 noon, wasn't it?
12) The world is a really big place
If New York has taught me anything, it's that anything is possible-- and you should always keep exploring and stretching your comfort zone.
Peace & Love,
Rambo
