Empire State of Mind

I had, and to a certain extent still have, a lot of reservations about moving to and living and working in New York. I have never considered myself a city girl, despite growing up in the US's 8th largest city and then transplanting myself to the megacity that is Seoul. I love the slowness, the openness, the nature, and the pronounced easy-going-ness that colored my youth and is typical of southern California. The terrible thing that I discovered, upon my return to CA after years in Seoul, was that everything felt too slow, too relaxed, too small. Living abroad had changed me and I couldn't --refused to-- believe it. I didn't even fully admit this to myself until I stepped onto the sidewalks of New York, taxi cabs flying by my feet and the surge of pedestrians quickening my pace, that I felt that familiar lull. I am by no means at all at home in New York, and the energy of the city is definitely one of a kind, but there is something so fittingly comforting in being in a big city again. Instead of being overwhelmed, as I was afraid I was going to be, surprisingly, I was comforted. It amazes me still.

I'm finally feeling more settled with my living situation, although I am still crashing at a friend's place. After what seemed like ages of combing through listings, narrowing down boroughs and neighborhoods I wanted to be in, and visiting different apartments, I think I found a place that really suits me. I was almost set on living in Brooklyn, almost put down money on a place that was totally fine and a great deal in a good neighborhood. But then I visited a different area on the strength of a suggestion from a friend, and when I got off the train and walked its tree-lined streets and saw the parks and the charming homes and quirky cafes, I knew I had to live there. It was love at first sight and it's true what they say, you just know :)

Lastly, work has been great. I only worked 2 days this week but already I'm learning so so much and my bosses are so good about being patient with me and thoroughly explaining processes. They are heavy on the education aspect of this internship and I'm so so happy I decided to come out to New York for this opportunity. I'm still nervous and want so desperately to do a good job and not mess up, and everyone has been so wonderful that I don't want to let them down. More than anything, I'm so excited for the work that I do. Any lingering doubts in my mind about this new career path are slowly being assuaged. It is a comforting feeling, even as I stumble my way through it all.

And yes, I know I've been super corny with my post titles, but I couldn't resist :)