Evolution Of A Man

Today I celebrate the 10th anniversary of my move to New York City! Ten years ago today, I packed up three suitcases, filled with my most prized possessions from my 22 years of life, and got on a plane to New York. Words can’t express the excitement I felt when that Jet Blue airliner descended toward and touched down at JFK, on what was not a simple vacation or short-term visit, but the beginnings of living the life of my dreams. I mean, dood…my parents met in New York. Growing up hearing stories about the city, and watching various depictions of the Big Apple on TV only fueled my desire to become a New Yorker; and I was finally HERE! From the car ride to Long Island, where I was to stay, rent free, til I got on my feet, to my first subway-escorted jaunts around the city; I knew I was home.  And I’m proud and happy to say that, 10 years later, I’m still in love with the NYC!

The [unwritten] rule ’round here is that you can claim you’re from New York after 5, 7, or 10 years; depending on who you talk to. But today I’m officially and undoubtedly asserting that I am a full-fledged, betta-not-f*ck-with-me, New Yawkah! From Brooklyn (put ya lighters up).

The past 10 years have been filled with many ups, downs, and all-arounds, which have benefited me greatly, and helped mold me into the person I am today. I can honestly say I came here a boy, and now consider myself a grown-ass-man. Reading the journals from my first year in New York, it was clear that I knew NOTHING and was scared of EVERYTHING!! Although I had a job, I hadn’t the slightest clue how to search for an apartment, hail a cab, or go out and meet people without the benefit of a college dorm/student group. Also, I was out of the closet, but not yet fully comfortable with my sexuality; which resulted in me doing things like looping the block two or three times before summoning up the courage to walk into a gay bar, coffee shop (remember the Big Cup?) or even the LGBT Center. I was a mess!

Though I still have a certain naivete about me (which I LOVE), and am continuously pushing toward breaking out of the shell of my insecurities; I am not the timid, wildly gullible and easily manipulated young pup I was back in 2002. Papa’s seen some things and mastered some rules. I can get a NY apartment in a week, walk into any gay bar or establishment without a second thought, can recognize when someone’s tryin’ to play me, can hail a cab with the best of ‘em, and am definitely more comfortable now with starting random conversations with strangers. My New York life has certainly been a blessed one, fostering tremendous growth in numerous ways. And I can’t wait to see what’s next!

From where I sit, I’m a “lifer.” I’ve got my laptop, my comfy apartment, and a handful of friends and acquaintances whom I love dearly. I ain’t goin’ no where. Just call me Carrie f*cking Bradshaw! Looking forward, however, I want to EXPAND! I’ve got a really great foundation under my feet, and I’m now ready and beginning to build UP, both personally and professionally. There are still soooo many cool places I’ve yet to visit, and sooo many interesting people I’ve yet to meet in this vibrant and eternally exciting city. Professionally, I’ve been blessed enough to work for companies here that many would kill to be a part of, and now I want and am working to create, launch and build a viable, successful and lucrative business that I can call more of my own. Oh, and, let’s not forget…I’m still looking for love (where you at, man?). I am determined to take full advantage of this next part of my New York journey. The first 10 years have been nothing short of amazing; and I am fully confident that the best is yet to come!

Happy 10-year New York Anniversary to me!