How does it feel?
I get this question a lot from people when I say I moved from San Diego about 5 months ago. Well, usually the first question is, why would you ever leave San Diego for New York? Then it's, how does it feel, or how do you like it, or have you adjusted? I admit at first it was really difficult. I cried a lot. I feared a lot. I was uncomfortable in my everyday. I don't know how that all changed. Overtime or in an instant it feels, but only 5 months later, I feel normalized in a sense. Then I see something like the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State or Chrysler buildings and I snap into a realization that, Whoa, I'm in New York. And the most unsettling thing is realizing that I have gotten used to it. I almost don't want to be used to it. I want that sense of wonder, but without the fear. I have to remind myself to be aware of the world around me, lest it become too routine. Do you have eyes that can see and ears that can hear? - Mark 8:18
On to the log...
9/27
After a late day at work, I arrive home to find my Danny at home, playing the mandolin. He gives me the biggest hug, then begins to play the mandolin behind my back while still kissing me. Can't help lovin that man of mine. He also made me a mahi-mahi sandwich for dinner, then I quickly changed into my new purple dress and we drove to Red Hook to watch Shotgun Party perform at Jalopy. I'm feeling very sexy lately. I've lost a noticeable amount of weight and had to buy a new pair of pants because the others were getting loose! This dress was also a purchase to make my body smile :)
9/28
It was wonderful to wake up with Danny. He even made our traditional egg and cheese bagel sandwich with hot sauce. Yum. I forgot to throw out the old milk, so unfortunately he got a mouthful of stale. Good thing I got some orange mango juice from TJs. Went to work as usual, but it was difficult to focus because I was thinking of coming home to spend more time with Danny, even though I knew he would be out at a jam. I thought I would see him later, but he stayed out really late and I got mad at him. Well, not angry, but upset, resentful, yes, ok maybe a little angry. I tend to get a little emotional at night I've noticed, so I decided not to press it until the next day.
9/29
Another morning with Danny, and I'm thankful to have him in my life, regardless of the short time I get with him. After work I head over to GAFS for another night of Greek dancing. It's so much fun to be on the dance floor again, but I feel like I'm holding back. One of the women, Rhea, is the most friendy toward me, and I end up getting comfortable enough with her to make a few jokes. She said that she thought I was serious, but realizes that I'm funny. I guess I do give off the "serious" vibe when I'm not as comfortable with a situation. When I become more outgoing, I relax and I get silly. I like that me. I need to remember to be that me.
9/30
I grabbed a bagel from Sam at the cart this morning. He said he was noticing me walk down the street, and that all the guys behind me were looking at me too. It was nice to start the morning with a compliment. I was all covered up, but I guess not that many people wear flowy skirts in the city. Oh, and smile or say hello. I guess I picked that "common sense greeting of your fellow man" from Brooklyn folk. My hood is really into saying good morning, good day, or how was your day and really meaning it.
Life got a bit serious at work when I saw the news that a student apparently committed suicide off the GW bridge because an internet broadcast showed him in a sexual encounter. This is sad and disheartening for many reasons. I am angry at intolerant people. I am sad for a society that brushes the pain away. I feel helpless. I do not have all the words to explain how I feel or the ideas to make it all better. But I do have the patience to listen. To those who are angry, to those who are sad, to those who feel helpless. If that is all I can do, I think I can help. But we cannot ignore.
I got off work early so I could watch Danny play with Miss Tess at the Rockwood in the Lower East Side. They started off the night early at 7pm, so (new friends from last weekend) Jeremy and Jonathan missed their set, but they stuck around for Hey Mama and Lake Street Dive. I was glad that they made it out for the show, and that I could hang out with them again. Next weekend will be Octoberfest and I'm sure more galavanting to come. Afterward, Danny wanted to take me to a really cheap and good Indian food place called Punjabi, but I was still full from that huge chicken souvlaki I had for lunch with Daryl, a coworker. All 3 bands decided to head to Welcome to the Johnsons after the show and even though I felt like I was stealing Danny's attention away from the friends and fans, I didn't care all that much. He's only mine for a few days, so I take advantage of it.
10/1
It's difficult to get up after a late night, but Danny is good at pushing me off the bunkbed. He even made me a bagel and cream cheese to go. Too bad for Sam, I won't be buying a bagel from him today. Danny is off to Boston tonight, for their EP Release Party at the Lizard Lounge. Since Tess really made it big in Boston, I'm guessing it will be much bigger than the Rockwood show. So tonight I stay in, but it's a well deserved rest. Tomorrow I go to a lamb roast at church and then who knows. There's always something to do in NY, but I have to remind myself that I don't have to do it all in one weekend.
