Finally fulfilling a dream that began over two years ago, I packed up and headed for the center of the universe, as I see it, landing squarely on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
Before I left Atlanta for good, everyone wanted me to be sad, nervous or even a little scared, but anticipation and crawling-out-of-my-skin excitement would have more accurately described my sentiment. That blind optimism and thrill of all things new is still strong, two weeks into my New York City life.
My first weekend was predictably chaotic with my parents in town and Bed, Bath & Beyond directly siphoning my bank account dry. Then on my first day at work as I navigated multiple subway lines and the PATH train that connects Manhattan to my company's main office in Jersey City, NJ, I sensed that I have never felt more alive.
There are certainly adjustments to be made-- the cold stares as opposed to the warm smiles from strangers in Georgia; the fall chill on the streets yet sweltering heat on the subway platforms; the lightning fast pace that everyone subscribes to on the streets. Soon enough I won't think twice about those things and instead can focus on the many things to see, do and live in this place I now call home.
Of course I miss my Atlanta friends already and cringe when I think of missing UGA home games, friends' parties, sushi Mondays, dance parties at Cavern and all the other things that made my native city so special. It's even weird to think of life going on without me there, but i hope to incorporate all of my friends into my new city I adore so much already. Visitors are encouraged and requested at any time.
So goodbye for now, Atlanta. I'll visit often and think of you even more. And hello, New York, I look forward to getting to know you well.
JLH
