Although I’m a firm believer that the best people, sports, celebrations, and cuisine come from below the Mason-Dixon line, I’m also a firm believer that almost everything in life is what you make it out to be. Now I realize this may sound a bit humanitarian, so allow me to make one minute disclaimer: In absolutely no way, shape, or form am I a philosophical genius. In fact, the term philosophical quite honestly makes me shake in my boots (and heels too, of course). Believe it or not, Introduction to Philosophy was by far the most challenging college course to ever exist on my class schedule. I could give a presentation about any communication concept known to man with ease and little discomfort, but stood like a deer in headlights when it came to decoding philosophical assumptions. With that said, please know that the last thing I’m attempting to do is to compete with Aristotle or Plato. Instead, I’m simply sharing a life lesson learned through numerous trials and tribulations.
So now that I’ve openly admitted to my philosophical deficiency, let’s continue. In case you were somehow lucky enough to avoid my digression into philosophical assumptions, I’ve previously claimed that almost everything in life is what you make it out to be. Now of course you may be stricken with circumstances which seem out of your control, unbearable, and down right unfair, but such is life. And more times than not, I’ve found that people who approach obstacles with positivity and optimism often find themselves surrounded by positive and optimistic environments. On the other hand, however, I’ve also found that people who approach obstacles with negativity and hatred quite often find themselves surrounded by negative and cynical environments. It doesn’t take a philosopher to figure that one out.
So what does any of this have to do with “back roads” or “Broadway?” you may ask. Well, allow me to explain. While recently critiquing my most recent post, I suddenly realized that I was sounding less like Nikki May and more like Negative Nancy or Debbie Downer (I promise there’s no direct correlation with any of the previously mentioned names). And to be quite frank, that’s just not my style. So although New York City is still ranked as the second rudest city in the nation, and although I still think they could benefit from a strong dose of southern hospitality, I also think there’s a lot of good that could come from this experience. As a southern lady, I’ve realized that the absolute only way to approach this new chapter in my life is to approach it as I would a friend (or enemy for that matter): with grace, open arms, and an open mind.
With that said, I’ll start my new life in the city by recognizing some of New York City’s finest assets. However, keep in mind that the following interpretations come from a small town girl with only a few short weeks of city life under her belt. So without further adieu, let’s get started.
1. First and foremost, it’s impossible to get a speeding ticket. Yes, even for this speed demon. As a new member of such a congested city, I was strongly advised to leave old faithful beneath the barn. While I felt stranded and deserted for my first few weeks here, I’m happy to report that it’s actually worked out in my favor. Not only does the V6 get a break from tacking on ridiculous mileage, but my driving record can finally begin to breathe again. On top of that, my monthly insurance has dropped considerably and I’ve saved hundreds in gas spendings alone. If that’s not a good feeling, I don’t know what is.
2. And since I’m left without a car, only a few modes of transportation remain. I can ride the overly populated city bus, ride the rat infested subway, or enjoy a nice stroll through Times Square. Now I don’t know about you, but there’s only one acceptable option from that charming group of choices. Times Square, I’ll take your crowded streets over that crowded train any day. By walking to and from everywhere, I’m forced to exercise on a daily basis. Bye bye holiday stricken stomach, hello toned beach body!
3. Additionally, while walking amongst the massive amounts of people swarming every corner, I’ve realized that you can pretty much do whatever you want. Because frankly, there’s no such thing as a stereotypical “normal” person. I could literally walk around the block in a polar bear costume, wearing a Hawaiian shirt and lay, and never even get noticed. Quite contrary to the South, where every detail of your breathing existence is on display for the world to see, people seem to mind their own business here. And they sure seem to like it that way.
4. Now those observations are fine and dandy, but let’s get to the fun part. I’ve always heard that New York City was the “city that never sleeps,” but now I know that New York City is definitely the “city that never sleeps.” It doesn’t matter if it’s 12:00 noon, 4:00 in the afternoon, or 4:00 in the morning … people are still out, restaurants are still open, and music is still playing – at all hours of the night. No matter what kind of extra curricular activity you may fancy, you’re bound to find it somewhere between uptown and the Meat Packing District. So if stiletto heels and sequince are what you’re looking for on a Saturday night, this is definitely the place you want to be.
5. And yes, even the most bona fide Southerner can enjoy a night or two out on the town. In fact, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing New York nightlife first hand. Although I’m a sucker for Southern nights beneath the stars, staring at the New York City skyline from atop a sky scraper is hard to beat. In fact, it’s even hard for this hopeless romantic blogger to express into words. Just imagine yellows, blues, greens, reds, and oranges reflecting off the shores of the Hudson River at midnight while the sound of distant music fades into the background. It’s a fairytale ending that everyone should experience at least once.
Even with endless flashing lights and deafening sirens, it’s hard to deny the beauty of this east coast city. In fact, I’m slowly beginning to appreciate the culture and history of a city which continues to amaze me. Although the fast paced lifestyle and crowded streets will never be my forte, it sure is one heck of an experience for this young dreamer.
There. I said it. New York City, our love/hate relationship may turn out to be something beautiful after all.
xoxo, Nikki May
