Manhattan Fairytale

Last week I celebrated the 2nd anniversary at my current job. Times like this always make me nostalgic, and sometimes a bit sad. I've spent the last week reflecting on how different my life is than it was two years ago. At the time, I felt this sense of adventure, of accomplishment. I was so proud of myself for landing my dream job, and I had done it all on my own. So without looking behind me, I kissed a good paying job goodbye, and embarked on a journey into the unknown. And although I may not have as many pennies as I had two years ago, I sure have made up for that in other ways. And I may not have the love of a man in my life, but I am certainly loved. And for all of this, I am infinitely lucky. So I've decided to share my thoughts and experiences, tips for cheap living and search for love in this big city and hope that others can learn a little from my tales and adventures. 

In my state of melancholia, I found something I had written the day before I started my new job. Things aren't always what they seem. Sometimes they're more scary, but sometimes, they surprise you and are even better. 

The song "Nolita Fairytale" came through the office loud speakers. There's a line in the song that always strikes home: "Nolita flat on rent control/That's the life I chose." I've often been criticized by friends and family members back in Rhode Island for choosing to move my life to Manhattan. They don't understand why someone would want to struggle, move from job to job, and be away from the people who they've known all their life. And maybe that's what makes this city so special. We all have a different relationship with it that's so personal, no other can fully understand it. Well, I came here in the summer of 2008 in search of a dream. Until about two weeks ago, I thought I'd never reach it, but I did. I have my first real job in New York City theater. The best part? I did it all on my own. It's times like these, as I'm sitting here sipping a Skinnygirl Margarita at my desk, I remember why I came here. People come to New York to be insipired. To fall in love. To find something. So on Monday morning, I'm exchanging my beautiful Hudson River view  for touristy Times Square. While I'm not excited to dodge picture-taking visitors every day, I could not be happier. Things are just as they should be for once....at least where my work life is concerned. With a sigh, I can honestly say that I'm happy. I am lucky. 

Maybe I'm crazy. Maybe I'm in love. Maybe I'm a New Yorker.