So my first week working in NY is behind me and I thought I would share a few early perceptions of living and working here. First and foremost, I miss Laura. She’s not only my wife and soulmate but also the best friend I’ve ever had. She’s my rock and even though I can talk and Facetime with her “multiple” times a day, it’s just not the same as having her by my side. But it’s just for a short season and you know what they say “absence makes the heart grow fonder”. Plus I’ll see her at least every few weeks. I also miss all of the kids, they each add so much to my life. Considering all of that, I truly love being in NY. The people here have been amazingly friendly, warm and welcoming. New Yorkers have been unfairly labeled as rude and unfriendly. While I’m sure there are people here like that, they are the exception, not the rule. The people I know, from the building I live in to my work have gone out of there way to try and help me in every area.
They love their city and want me to love it also. I live in the Upper West side and it has a great family feel (lots of kids and dogs and runners everywhere). I’m only a mile from the heart of the tourist section (Times Square) but this part of the city is much quieter with great little coffee shops, book stores, cafe’s, and museums. Everything here is incredibly expensive (off the charts in some ways) but the real New Yorkers have helped me make it very manageable by showing me the best places to get inexpensive but amazing food (best food in the world) and where to take my dry cleaning. There are so many amazing, free things to do here that I don’t have to spend a lot of money to stay entertained. In fact, tonight just walking down the street outside my building, I followed two young opera singers as they strolled and practiced a piece they were working on. I followed behind them for about 15 minutes just listening in amazement…As far as getting around NY is concerned, taxi’s are $$$$, but the subway is great and only $2.50 per trip or $100/month unlimited (bus and subway). I spent way more than that on gas each month when I had a car. As far as the job goes, I’m loving working in an office again and VNSNY is a great company with an amazing mission. There are three people in my team from the South so that keeps me from getting too homesick. So, my first week has gone well. If Laura were here, it would have been perfect. More later from this Southern boy in NYC…