Ode to New York City

The idea that being away from something makes the heart grow fonder, I think, is true. I just returned from an apartment hunting trip in NYC-a city that I've been away from for about 2 1/2 years. I admit, I was afraid it wouldn't have the same magic it did when I first took the plunge and lived there for six months in 2004. But I'm happy to report that, YOU Manhattan, have still got it!

Many people are surprised when they find out that I once lived in NYC and are even more stunned that I'm going back for more. (But those are the people who enjoy small town living and have never ventured out of California-more power to them). I feel extremely privileged to have lived in Manhattan and am thrilled (though slightly nervous) about going back. It is truly an amazing place-Disneyland for adults so to speak. But it's not the easiest city to live in-I'll make a bet that there are more tears shed in Manhattan than any other place in the country. If you piss someone off or they don't like you for some reason, they will express it to you-loudly and with emotion!

Many people ask me why I'm going back to NYC. The main reason is I'm pursuing a second career (well, actually my dream career) but here are 10 things that I love about NYC (in no particular order) and that keep me coming back...

1. Fabric Stores-If I had all the money in the world it still wouldn't be enough for all the amazing, funky, beautiful fabric in the garment district!

2. Metropolitan Museum-What can I say about this place? If you're having a bad day-go to the MET. So many beautiful pieces of art, history, costumes,-so many things to be happy about. And admission price is a donation of your choosing! I usually pay $2.00.

3. The artists (musicians, designers, actors, dancers, painters, writers etc.) living in NYC, struggling, just trying to get through each day.

4. Fire engines, ambulances, and police sirens throughout the night-I know this means that someone is very sick or is in danger but those sounds just make me feel safer. It also helps me sleep.

5. Looking out your window at 3am and seeing people taking a leisurely stroll (many of them aren't even drunk!).

6. The plethora of vegetarian restaurants (even though I won't be able to afford eating out) in every neighborhood in Manhattan.

7. Times Square-I frigging love Times Square. I love the lights, the Las Vegasness charm of it. Many New Yorkers (the real ones, who were born here, not the ones that live here a year and call themselves New Yorkers-much like what I will do in July 2008!) hate the way it's been glammed up, much preferring the hooker, drug induced zombies and sex shops that littered the area pre-Giuliani. I understand how they feel but I still love the place. I like going there early evening on a Saturday and walking amongst the thousands of people. I love the lights, the smell, the energy. There's not a lot to do there-not a lot of shopping but if you want Broadway-it's the place to be. Also, two huge movie complexes are there so if your feet are tired you can always rest them for a couple of hours while catching a flick.

8. Lower East Side-I think about the immigrants coming to New York City in 1815-1914 or so and living in those tenement buildings. The tenement housing had a strong effect on me when I first visited NYC. So much history. Also, on my first visit to the Lower East Side Tenement Museum (I highly recommend any first time visitor to put this on their to-do list), our guide was a struggling actor. I don't remember his name but he was one of the reasons I decided to pursue this second career because he was struggling (believe me, he was struggling, you could tell!) so hard to be an actor. I really respect people like that-it takes so much courage to pursue a dream. I often think that I should write a story about a seamstress living in a tenement housing project in the 19th century. Well, maybe someday...

9. Times Square Subway station-I love this place. I love the entertainers in the subway. I love that it's a main transfer point. I love seeing all the people having someplace to go-having a purpose if only for a little while.

10. I love the fact that my feet are my transportation..