Tag: thoughts

Today

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6.30 am: the alarm rings and I snooze for about an hour. That extra hour feels very good today. Next, breakfast. I heat up some berries and mix them with the chiapudding I made last night. I catch up on emails, and projects before I head of to school. It’s Friday so I only have one lecture. At noon the bell rings and I rush to the Subway, trying to avoid the heavy rain showers. The 6 train is on the track and I run down the stairs so I don’t miss it. Made it. Before I head to the office I buy a yoghurt and some fruit, remembering it’s almost 5 hours since I had breakfast. I get to work, write a bunch of reports and emails, and enjoy the company of my coworkers.

The hours pass and suddenly, it’s 7 pm. I check my texts and see an invite for drinks, but I a walk home. It’s been a hectic week and I need to rest. I put on some Franck Ocean and start walking. The fresh air feels good. I walk past busy bars, and crowded restaurants, fascinated by the fact that there is room for all these people on one, relatively small, island. 8 million, that’s a lot.

I turn a corner and see the Empire State building light up. I smile, thinking of how lucky I am to live her. To pursue my dream. I get home, make dinner (I’m starving. Note to self; get better eating habits), and watch some series with the roomies before I continue my research project. I text my friends and set tomorrows plans-  both brunch and dinner is on the agenda, and I cant’ wait. It’s been forever since I’ve been social, and I need it.I put on a mask and go to bed. Happy and exhausted. Friday, you’re quite nice. 

Xx Hanna

 

 

Honey, you’re a New Yorker

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The other day I was stressed out and had a quick therapy session with a friend- you know those long conversations where you contemplate every aspect of your life, what’s going on and what’s going to happen. When heading class, I finished our conversation with a short sentence: “honestly, I’ve reached the point where I just don’t care.” My friend looked at me and laughed, “Hanna, you’re officially a New Yorker, welcome to the club”.  I laughed, because what she said, was so damn true.

I’ve been quite a few places in the US, and I think it’s safe to say that New Yorkers aren’t like regular Americans- they’re a special kind of people; a special breed that thrive on the diversity of this energetic city. Becoming a New Yorker doesn’t happen after you’ve visited Times Square or shopped at Macy’s. On the contrary, a New Yorker avoid those areas at all costs. And to be honest, I don’t know how to define a New Yorker per se, but what I do know is when I realized that I  had become a part of this fantastic community.

dsc_0383-copy.jpgWhen people, including the taxi drivers, started asking me directions, and I knew exactly what to answer

Speaking of transportation, when I realized that an empty subway cart is not a blessing, it’s a curse.. What is that smell?

When the sight of three people walking down the curb annoyed me on another level – Step up, speed up, or get out of my way! 

When I started jay walking. Definition “An inability to give a care about when streetlights and signs say it is ‘safe’ to cross the street”

When the local Starbucks started to remember my order – Grande skinny dirty chai latte, hot, coming up. 

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When I found a 2 bdr for $3500 dollars, and thought it was reasonable. 

When I mastered the art of avoiding eye contact with everyone at the subway. Because doing so, may cause very uncomfortable situations.

When going to bed at 1, and getting up at 6 became OK. It’s true what they say, this city never sleeps. (I’m so tired right now..) 

When doing 5 things at once became the norm, not the exception. You’re expected to get good grades, have an internship, attend events and have a social life. 

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When I realized that I’m no longer afraid to speak my mind. Not that that has ever been an issue, but this city really does “toughen” you up. After you’ve lived her for a while, you get really sure of yourself, without being arrogant, of course.

Every day, when I walk these streets, I feel like I’m home. I guess it’s true what they say, being in New Yorker is a state of mind; an empire state of mind.

(The two first pictures are from google)