The New York Times
It's been awhile. I've been around. I'm finally finding my feet and the writer inside is finally coming out from under his rock. There was a long spell where I didn't know what was next for me. Worse, I didn't know what I wanted next. I wasn't at the end of my rope. There simply was no rope at all.
Out of the blue, one of the millions of resumes sent out garnered a phone call on a Monday afternoon. I had a job offer and was to start the following Monday...on the opposite side of the country. I said "yes" not knowing what would happen, but willing to take the chance. I began driving what few possessions I still have, including AxL. The vet said it "was time" but I couldn't do it and so we both hang on to what's left of us "old boys." Along the 3,000 mile journey I called everyone I knew who might be able to help find us a place to live. We were three days away from landing in Manahattan with no place to live and likely, no place to park a Uhaul and a dear old dog while I went to my first day on this job.
A phone call came back and a rowing buddy from college (God bless Georgetown U!) manages apartments and I was able to rent my new home by cell phone. I'm finding out that this is unheard of for the big apple so I am attributing the job and the apartment to God. I think sometimes you have to take life, but very often, life takes you. In this case, I'm along for the ride.
I never dreamed I would live here. In fact, part of me has always wanted to try it, but more of me has always wanted to avoid it. Considering I had no other choice and was down to my last nickel, I took the risk. So far, so great. My soul was pretty much dead until this past Monday. When I arrived here, I feared what my place would look like, I feared the new job, living in a city where I know next to no one, etc. etc. My friend met me with keys, a lease and a "New York Welcome Package" which consisted of a bottle of champagne with a roll of toilet paper stuck on top.
We went up the stairs and unlocked the door. Our new home greeted us with perfect warmth and happiness. It's one of the best apartments I've ever had. Granted, it's not huge, but it is wonderful in its own special way. It's our New York City studio loft. It has hardwood floors, bright light through two large windows and sits on the top floor so we have high ceilings and no stomping from above. We live on the corner of 8th Ave and West 21st Street in the heart of Chelsea which I guess is one of the best neighborhoods around. It is very "gay" but that just means it's very "chic" as well. After unpacking for a bit, another friend showed up with yet another bottle of champagne. He helped me unpack for a bit and at one point exclaimed:
"DUDE!!! THAT'S THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING OUT YOUR WINDOW!!!"
Sure enough. I'm in NYC!
Start spreading the news...if I can make it here, I can make it anywhere. Someone once said that, I think.