I was talking to one of my friends from back home on the phone last week and she asked me “what made you decide to go to NYC of all places, and with all of those people?”  I had all of my answers. It’s where I was accepted to school, the city offers lots of opportunities for us creative people, and it seems like a fun place to live.

But I am starting to wonder if I really made the right choice. I know I haven’t been here long, but I still wonder.

I love Queens College’s writing program.  It’s nice to work with students and faculty who share my interests.  Moving to NYC was a chance for me to try something new.  I’ve walked more than I ever have in my life.  I’m learning how to get around on the buses and subways.  I rode the bus in Denver but I knew where I was going there.  Seeing things from a whole different perspective just gives me a chance to really think about the world and what’s out there.

Then I think about the cons.  My cons may be different to those of you who are native New Yorkers or have lived in the city for many years.  I knew the cost of living was going to be high.  I don’t think I realized just how much.  I ask myself all of the time, “how do people afford to live here?”  The cost of an apartment here is the mortgage on a house (or two) back home.  Until I moved here, I had never heard of apartment complexes charging the residents extra if they want to park a car in the complex’s parking lot.  Back home, when you move into a complex, parking is one of the things that just comes with the package.  Each person usually gets two reserved spaces.  No additional cost.

And trying to find a place for me and my dog to live.  Who knew that could be so difficult?  I might have to leave the dog back home until I graduate in a couple of years.

I hated driving in Denver but I do miss my little car.  I know I’m going to really miss it when I’m walking home in the snow this winter.

I told my friend on the phone last week that I don’t regret coming here. I think everyone needs to live in a different state for awhile. Just to experience living someplace different.  I like the city.  I really do.  So many writers live here.  And there are so many good plays to see.  And everyone has been very friendly.  And everyone that I’ve met says they love living here.

I think I just imagined that things would be a certain way, right away.  Patience is a virtue.