I am back in New York City. I was gone 7 weeks house sitting
in San Diego. The most often asked question of me was: Do you like New York City? The second most asked question was are you staying in New York ?
Answering the first
question is not as simple as a yes or no. Do I like New York when I run into
rude people? NO Do I like New York on a sunny, low humidity day sitting outside
at Starbucks? YES Do I like walking so much? Well, YEAH. Do I like walking
every single day? No! I could go on and on but you get the point.
New York City is in some respects is like your city in that
there are things you like and things you don’t. The main thing is that NYC is
different for me, challenging, quirky and unpredictable. That I am able to be around my son and his
Rebecca is something I like very much. So the better question is: Is New York
City likeable and doable for you now? That answer is yes
I’m staying in New York as long as I stay in New York. I don’t
have a time table. Life changes so quickly that I have no idea what my life
experience will be like in 3 months let alone 9-10 months. In July of 2012, I
was worried about a potential a serious health issue and I was wondering if I
would ever get to New York. A year later, in July of 2013, I’m driving a truck
around San Diego, playing pool in a nice house in San Marcos, and doing a
scavenger hunt at the ZOO. Go figure! All I know is that this is where
I am today.
I do like San Diego and I came to appreciate (even more) those friends that also care about me. For some of the people I
knew there; when I left a year ago they dropped me off their grid. Not there?
Fill in the space with someone else.
BUT other friends in San Diego were happy to see me this
summer. For them, distance had not diminished the knowing of each other. One of
the worst things that can happen is complacency. Just assuming you will see the
other person again soon and often. Now when I see my friends in San Diego, I
know it might be the last time I see them, so I want each minute to count, to
enjoy my time with them. In most cases ( while there) that is what happened. They aren't mutually exclusive you know. I like
being in New York for now and yet I also care more about my friends in San Diego
than ever.
Nice post! I think we can all relate to your comments on "place."
ReplyDeleteWhy, as we all know, Will, we are so blessed to have a 'few' real friends in our lives -- many acquaintances. So very happy to call you my friend and look forward to another visit -- whether there in New York, or back here in San Diego. There is nothing better than being near your son. Keep us updated on your adventures as we always look forward to your next installment!!
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