I’m most excited to share posts about places I’ve travelled and where I want to go. But that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate where I am now. Especially because where I am is New York City. “The City”

I grew up only 30 minutes north of Manhattan in Westchester County, yet it was always my dream to live in the city one day. It probably had something to do with the small town I was raised in that had me wishing I could go somewhere bigger and new.

Moving into the city wasn’t a very far trip, but nevertheless it required hard work, determination and a few years of saving up. After graduating from college I lived in my parents home and commuted to my job in West Chelsea, which could take as long as an hour and a half door to door depending on midtown traffic. I saved most of my salary until I could find an apartment with friends to share. Two years later, my girlfriends and I joined up to rent an unbelievable apartment (4 people with 1 fake wall located on the FDR but we we felt like we struck gold)!! I moved out on my own, and the rest is history.

I’ve now lived in the city for over 5 years. I struggled for a while in the beginning to live the life I wanted while paying so much in rent. But I’ve made decisions I’m happy with and try to enjoy living here as much as I can each day. I can’t lie! Sometimes I have to force myself to see the good in it. Especially when the sidewalks are covered in garbage or I see that city tax on my paystub.

But I honestly believe there is nowhere like it. Endless choices, endless opportunities. There is so much beauty to find in it too. Whether taking in the charm of the West Village, seeing the flowers bloom in Spring across Gramercy Park, or watching the waves lick the base of the Brooklyn Bridge.

I love the energy, the pride, the culture and how different one person is to the next. I love the feeling of leaving a restaurant here after a mind blowing meal like Lilia, or dancing to country music all night with a room full of friends at Hill Country BBQ — walking home with Ry and a slice of pizza at our usual spot.

I questioned whether this pandemic would change New York, and it has. It’s different right now, empty and quiet. But I know it won’t stay this way for long, and I can’t stay away from it for long. I’ve been using this time in quarantine to explore it a little more - the geography, the neighborhoods - usually on a run or a bike ride.

I can’t wait for the day this city opens up again, has all the life added back into it. When it does, I’M GOING TO PAINT THIS TOWN RED. Until then, I’ll keep searching for new ways to love this place.