The Endgame

This are trying times for my fellow New Yorkers. I do feel like the native New Yorker is a dying breed. After my experience it seems easier to get to NYC than to stay here. So many people fight and bleed for both of them and it makes this city so unique to any other in the world.

I myself am a Native New Yorker who was born in Brooklyn, and lived here for the whole of my 23 years of life (save for the four years I spent at college and even then I had summers in the city).  It was a wonderful time growing up in the city. As a child I felt so engrossed in the art and culture that was literally drowning me.  I could go to a park without seeing an art fair, and every time I went to Broadway it was a treat.  I learned that New York was my world, and the world of so many others. Growing up, I never was not in the center of things.  9/11 happened when I was in the 6th grade, and I never felt the city become so unified in its identity.  I was a scared child then, but I realized then that this was an important place.  It was where are, and business, and opportunity, and tragedy all intertwine into a singular being.

It wasn't until college that I realized what a privilege New York was.  I went to a small liberal arts school which had nothing in common with New York City.  Much of the population from my school was from upper middle class to upper class white families who lived in suburbs of major cities along the east coast.  I never thought I'd meet someone who'd never been to a Broadway show or the Brooklyn Museum of Art before that day.  I met people who grew up on farms, who dreamed of the city (I also met people who lived on farms and were dying to go back, and I'm in no position to judge.)  It was then we I got the "Where were you during 9/11?" questions.  My favorite was also the "OMG you must go to shows all the time!!!!" (which I did, but that's beside the point).  It felt good to know that my city, is the pinnacle for most people.  At least in that moment anyway.

After I left college I came back to the city...along with all the people who had always told me that they would love to be in the city.  Here we are, in out mid twenties, trying to make names for ourselves.  Needless to say I was lucky because I've never had to fight these battles, but many of these kids come armed with a group of semi-good friends and their parent's credit reports and find a temporary home here in the city.   I think its fascinating that so many people do not intend to make this their home after so many more already have.  This is THE home for millions of people from all walks of life.  To the people of Bed-Stuy, Brownsville, Coney Island, The Village and countless other neighborhoods...this was not a stepping stone for a career, but rather the beginning of a lifetime.  I would hate for people to come to this city without the intent of making it a better place.

For a lot of us this is the goal, and New York City should always be.  I'd like to close this post by reminding everyone that they should appreciate how much work it took to get here, and remember it will take even more to stay in this city.  That's the endgame after all, isn't it?  :)

Catching up...over drinks

I feel like this weekend is a good weekend to finally update my blog.  It's been weeks since my last post and my life has just gotten crazier and I'm still learning that there is so much in the world. 

I had my first full blown Williamsburg night this weekend.  And it was eye opening the amount of activity that is available to me in my own backyard.  I never realized that I could have so much fun on my own island, without ever having to cross the East River.  The Manhattan parties will always have a spot in my heart but I was equally content in Brooklyn.  Also, the people continue to amaze me here.  Everyone has such an open mind and is so down to earth.  I mean, as far down to earth as you get in New York City anyway.  It was just nice to see regular people and not the social elite that control Manhattan and its various clubs and bars.  It was the first time that I was also totally OK with not trying to go home with anyone.  It was amazing to have that sort of freedom.  I literally just danced and listened to the music.

I think people should try that more often.  Dance and feel how liberating the music can be.  I've also been listening to a lot of Lana Del Rey.  That's probably why I feel so depressingly free.

Gotta live it and love it.

Working in Brooklyn

Ok so...working in Brooklyn.

It's like another worlds over here.  Who knew the difference between working in Midtown and Brooklyn could be so eye opening.  Being a native Brooklnite, I never thought twice about it but now I see the different sides of New York City that exist. 

I worked for a few months in Midtown and the idea that I got was that someone, somewhere was always having a meeting and no matter what you will always be  late/unprepared.  Also blackberries.....everywhere.  Brooklyn has a much more laid back attitude.  I see people on the commute who look a little happier and dress a little more down to earth (but still uber trendy and professional).  People aren't trying to work for the suit, but the suit works more for them.  I think that applies to most people in Brooklyn.  We make shit work for us.  I know I did.  I also work next to an art gallery and down the block from a Trader Joe's which is like amazing.  I just can't believe that there is such a strong cultural identity in Brooklyn that is the complete opposite from Manhattan.  If NYC were a holiday family dinner, Manhattan is the cousin who went to boarding school and is now a lawyer.  Brooklyn would probably be the cousin from the other side of the family who has an art degree and plays the mandolin.  I would probably party with both of those cousins...so its not the perfect analogy I guess, but w.e.

Anywho I can't wait to explore Brooklyn some more and tell everyone about it!