iris independent

Tonight, the city pauses for its first snowfall of the year.

Six inches are expected and, for me, that means it is the perfect night to stay in. Though I will say that I’m astonished at the temps back home and how uncomfortably low they are, people in New York are taken aback whenever I complain about being cold: “But, but… aren’t you from Minnesota?”

True, but I have been reveling in the balmy weather. This is one adaptation that has come easssssily.

Not all changes have been welcomed and I’m still acclimating to much. However.

I’ve been loving public transportation and all the easiness it brings to my life.

The music scene is - unsurprisingly - wondrous. I haven’t actually made it to any concerts yet, as I’m still in the search of a concert buddy, but there are armies of indie music appreciators who fervently share the love.

I’m used to working at public schools that don’t have a dime to spare. I’m used to appreciating the small tokens of thanks: being served coffee during Teacher Appreciation Week, a pen with the school’s name printed on it. You get the idea. Working at a school that has a crazy amount of money is something I could get used to. My Christmas gift this year? A Visa card with $250 dollars on it. AND - perhaps more impressively - each staff member was gifted a book that had been carefully selected for him or her. Hardcover, which equals special.

Lenny’s will deliver hot coffee right to my door. Enough said.

So far, the intensity of the city is satiating. People. Everywhere. All the time. They’re all working themselves to the bone and expect you to be doing the same. They’re all up for anything. They’re all uber-competitive. I’m just waiting for the moment when loving this becomes loathing this.

Finally, I never want to do laundry again. The Colombian man who runs the laundry next door has a real appreciation for my clothing. He adores each article and wants to take good care of it. I drop it off dirty, pick it up clean and folded, and am only 10 dollars lesser.

Speaking of, it’s time to pick up my laundry, order some Lenny’s, and wait for the snow.