Wednesday, February 3rd.

It was Groundhog Day yesterday. The gopher says there will be six more weeks of Winter and on my way to work this morning, the ground was covered in snow so it looks like he might be right. For some reason, I have it in my mind that it will always be Winter here. I think it’s because it’s all that I’ve known since I’ve been living here so that my perception of New York is now tied to this weather. My summer’s will always be set in California mentality until I experience otherwise. I am really looking forward to Spring. Once things start heating up again I have serious plans on investing in a fixed gear. That’s a bike by the way.

Moving to Chelsea was quite the transition. The cop friend of Corinne's ending up completely bailing on us the morning of the move so I was stuck with little to no option other than taking a cab to haul all of my stuff. Corinne told me to let this be a lesson to the both of us that you cannot depend on any man for anything. Man, is she right. I have felt more dependant on myself these last few weeks than I have my entire life. I think it's a good learning experience for me to do things on my own. I appreciate my efforts. Anyway, with plans to load a taxi van to transfer me to my new apartment I was interrupted with the generous offer of a ride from my roommate's mom who happened to be in town. She totally made my day. I gladly accepted and we filled her VW convertible to the brim before she drove me to the city with the top down. Leaving Brooklyn surprisingly made me a little bit sad. I was just starting to feel at home in my ghetto neighborhood where I was the clear minority. Entering Manhattan was like a whole new world. Driving up to my apartment I had to remind myself that I was the one who was living here. It's kind of surreal for me still I guess.

I have been getting caught in a lot of deep thought lately. I look at my life today compared to a month ago and everything is so different. I mean, quite obviously my location has changed. But I don’t mean just that. Something is different. I’m different. I’m not necessarily sure how to describe it. I suppose you could say my view on life has altered. I think a lot quicker than I used to. Before I came to New York I didn’t even know how to use a map. Now I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere without one. Walking is definitely preferred above any other form of transportation and I swear it’s the best workout that my body has ever responded to. I have ventured to all sorts of foods that I didn't even know existed. I have always been open to new things but I feel as though I would literally try anything that came my way now. New York has that affect. I have taken part in countless conversations with random strangers in coffee shops, subway trains and in the middle of the street that have lasted for a couple of minutes but might effect me for the rest of my life. There are so many interesting and passionate souls that live in this city. Everyone has dreams. There is that guy with all the money in the World who has no one to share it with when he gets home to his lonely apartment. There is the woman with countless ideas and no idea how to apply them. There are the bums. Some that sing, some that dance and some that just want someone to talk to. There are the working girls who are faced with some of life's hardest lessons as they do whatever it takes to keep food on their table and a roof over their head. There are the hipsters and the wannabe hipsters that roam the streets of Williamsburg holding most of the good looking boys in this town. Personal opinion. There are the cheaters and the liars that will feed you the best bullshit you've ever heard. Then there are the artists which in some way or another, I think everyone would like to be considered. I myself can be attached to any of the descriptions I just gave you. I've found that I can relate myself to everyone that I meet here in one way or another. Some of the greatest minds, musicians, artists and souls roam NY and the greater portion of these people will never reach the majority of the World. That thought alone sort of breaks my heart, but at the same time enriches my love for this place. There is truly no place like New York City.

In coming here, I had no idea what was going to happen. I didn't know if I would find a job, find a decent apartment or even find happiness in the adventure. All I did know was that if I didn't take a chance now, I may never be brave enough to do it. I think that's what life is about. Taking chances. When it comes to guarantees, there is always some form of disappointment attached. I am done being disappointed. In taking the risk of coming here with nothing but a positive outlook and the best intentions, I have found more success than I could have ever predicted. I made it and this is only the beginning. I have learned a lot so far but I know that I still have a lot to learn. That part never stops. There will be hard times and challenges I'm sure, but I welcome these obstacles with open arms. I am going to take each moment in and soak it up for all that it's worth. I can honestly say that I am the happiest I have ever been in this very moment. Sure, there are things missing like my friends and family to be here with me, but I know the ones that matter most are riding right along my side during this journey. Thank God that I have those people that love me as much as I do them. I feel incredibly lucky. So this entry concludes my blog of getting my life started in this new environment that I now can call home. I am so excited to be in this state as well as state of mind. I look forward to the possibilities as I know they are endless. And you know? I am finally ready to fall in love again. We all have a story to tell in this book of life and I think I am just getting to the good part.

Thank you for listening and until we meet again,
Megan