A good friend told me that you cannot really call yourself a true New Yorker until you have lived in the city for 10 full years. I am not sure if this is an urban legend or just something New Yorkers say to make sure that people realize that being a true citizen of the city has to be earned. Nevertheless, I find it a bit ironic that I will be leaving New York exactly 10 years to the day I arrived.
Yes, I am leaving New York City. This city that I truly love. I have always said that you either love or hate New York City, that there is no in between. There is no possible way that you could live in New York if you “sort of like it” here. You cannot simply put up with it. It would be impossible. New York demands your attention, it consumes you, becomes a part of you.
New York has and will forever leave its imprint on my heart, soul and spirit. This city has shaped me in a way that really is, in many ways, indescribable. I have explored its vast neighborhoods and cultures, logged miles and miles on its streets and in its parks, dined, shopped, got lost, drank, people watched, cycled in the dark, danced, worked, screamed, laughed, cried, loved, lost, learned, saw many, many amazing exhibits, shows, street performers and have taken more pictures than I can count. Most of all, I have met some of the best people I could ever imagine, friends who are like family.
But, it is time to go. Time to take a big leap, to jump off and chase a dream that has always been in my heart. At the beginning of July I will be hopping in a car and traveling cross country to California to start a new adventure. For those of you who know me well, I have always had a strong desire to live in the San Diego area. My love of the ocean and the great outdoors is no secret.
I have been thinking and planning this move for a couple of years and then of course the pandemic hit and like many people, I began to question everything. In the end, the decision that I had made is still the right one and I am excited (and a little bit terrified) to start this new life. A is heading off to college (fingers crossed) and R has somewhat enthusiastically agreed to go along with this crazy plan. If I have learned anything with recent events, it is that nothing in life is guaranteed and I cannot let fear drive my choices.
I do have to admit that it feels very strange to be leaving New York during this unprecedented time. Sort of like sneaking out in the middle of the night. Not only will I not get to say a proper goodbye to many of the friends I so dearly want to see and hug, I will also not get to say a proper goodbye to this incredible city.
One thing I do know, is that my love affair with New York City is not over. I will always have a bit of New Yorker inside of me, the invaluable lessons that this city has taught me, the pride I feel as I walk down the street, the faces that stare back at me, the secrets the buildings hold, the love and strength that will not break. New York strong.
I will not say goodbye. But simply, until we meet again. Much love my friends, I will catch you on the west coast… please be patient with me as I flood my page with pics of waves and sunsets.
Until then, be safe, healthy and keep spreading love and kindness.
It's Always An Adventure 