Time to Keep Score

It has been almost a year since I moved to New York and everyday I tell myself that I must document this time in my life. Why? Well, the internet makes it remarkably easy. Also, I hardly ever admit to this because to some extent it is rather corny. It is very 'starry-eyed West coast girl' of me. I had been dreaming about moving to this city since the first time I visited in 2003. Keep in mind that back then I was in Morningside Heights visiting Columbia University and Barnard College. Nonetheless, I fell in love with the energy, even if I did feel as if I was betraying my native city of Los Angeles.

Immediately I became the annoying person that championed the New York City version of urban centers and denounced the car haven known ask Los Angeles. Since then, however, I have reconciled my love for both cities.

Though I moved here ten months ago or so, it is until now that I feel like a true part of this city. Up until now I have been pretending. Why did I suddenly graduate into being a New Yorker?

1) Having more than one job: Currently I have two jobs. I babysit and I also teach art at a camp. All of my friends have more than one job. A few have three jobs. We are all constantly working. Oh, and did I mention I am also a 'freelancer'? (Find me another city that has this many freelancers per square foot.)

2) Real Estate is a major topic of conversation: See, I thought that when I first was looking for an apartment (from the wonderful luxuries of the Upper East Side), it was tough and stressful. That was only a search for a ROOM in an apartment, which ultimately meant that I paid rent, I had room. NOW looking for an actual apartment involves thousands of dollars upfront and the sad, pitiful realization that no you cannot live in Fort Greene or even Clinton Hill. It is Crown Heights or Bed-Stuy for you! Now, don't get me wrong, I am ultimately from the 'hood, if you will, but it is more of a distance barrier for me. Far from my cafes, far from reliable trains, far from young people. Now, this is remarkably pessimistic. There are thousands of young people in my same position. But this brings me to my next point....

3) Complaining/whining is a hobby: I have never complained more in my life! The trains aren't running on their regular line. The metrocard machines are full of people who don't know what they're doing. The doctors office has a ridiculous wait and I have to get back to work. The supermarkets here drive me up the fucking wall (how hard is it to shop here you ask? Argh, honestly, don't get me started). People here are fucking rude. Why can't they be a little more patient? A little more polite? No, I do not appreciate it when you push me when you are trying to get on the bus OR when you're trying to get off the bus. Yes, I will push you if you are standing RIGHT IN FRONT of the doors to exit or enter the train. I can't believe I am paying this much for rent and I live HERE. $10 salad? What a deal. Etc etc etc...

I will continue to add to this list.

Now for an amazing photograph courtesy of the Gowanus Lounge

View woodendesigner's map

Taken in a place with no name (See more photos or videos here)

So I was walking back home from Park Slope the other day and saw this stuff floating in the Gowanus canal as I walked over the Carroll street bridge. Every now and then you can see this stuff floating in the canal. I'm not sure what kind of pollution it is but it is definitely pollution. It makes me kind of ill knowing that it is in there and that I live a mere block and a half away but at the same time there is some beauty in it. The sun was out and the colors coming off this garbage was really amazing.
I'm guessing that this stuff is part of the reason Whole Foods is not open yet on 3rd street...... but that is more than I want to get into right now.