but a see ya later.

When I decided to move to New York City 8 years ago, I had never visited it. A trip to NYC was never in the cards as a kid. It was expensive. It was dangerous. But for some reason when my best friend said “Where do we want to move” I blurted out “New York City!”. All I knew was that it was time for me to start the next chapter, I got to move with my BFF, that I had a degree in theatre and that NYC was THE city for theatre people. Simple as that.

And what an amazing decision it was. I have met the most amazing people. I have experienced things I still can’t believe are real. I’ve found a job that created a whole new path for a career that I didn’t even know existed. But most importantly, I made this city my own. I carved out a tiny little corner for myself and that is something that can never change.

I love New York City. I love the smells, yes, even the bad ones. I love the people and their resilience. The way they don’t take crap from anyone but will blindly help each other when they need to. I love the whale hanging in the Hall of Biodiversity at the Museum of Natural History. I love the ceiling at Grand Central Station and the archways that act as voice tunnels just below it. I love the window in my bedroom and the tree that grows outside of it. I love seeing the city from afar, at any time of day or night. It never gets old. I love the Rockettes and cry every time I see them. I love Chinatown and Little Italy. I love the diversity that’s everywhere here.

But even with all this love, all good things must come to and end. It’s time for me to leave NYC and start the next chapter. It’s time to be closer to my family and make plans for my own business someday. And as sad as that makes me, I would rather feel sad about leaving, than regretful. I haven’t overstayed my welcome here. I have no regrets about my time here and feel good about leaving with all this love.

I’ll always have New York City. I can’t wait to visit, bring my significant other here and eventually my kids. They’ll have NYC because I had NYC. And that’s an amazing parting gift.

I LOVE NY.

Buffalo here I come!