2,900 Miles.....Worlds Apart

Ok.....so I've been gone for a while. I've been busy. As mentioned, I traveled last weekend back to New York, drove with my parents up to Syracuse to be there for my sister's graduation and then flew back to New York to be part of a close friend's wedding as his Best Man. The travel was more or less uneventful, other than a complete mental loss as to which day of the week it was throughout. With Thursday travel and a Sunday wedding, I was all thrown off as to whether I and the rest of the world was on weekend time or if I was missing any key news and/or information.

The graduation was great, Kristen got to go on stage (as did all the graduates...how about that) and received a $160,000 pin. I'm not sure as to what bothers me more....the fact that after four years of hard work all she got was a pin or that in just the 6 years since my SU graduation, her $160,000 pin is a heck of lot more in debt than my $120,000 pen. (Which I still use on all of my interviews! Boo-Yeah!)

In addition to her ridiculously expensive pin, Kristen did get honored at her department reception with an award for being the top Psychology student. I can say I am definitely proud and excited for her to keep moving forward and to see what her future will bring.

After a flight back to New York City, it was wedding time, and it could not have been a more beautiful ceremony and reception. The wedding was held in Prospect Park on a beautiful, if a little chilly, day. The ceremony was very touching and the reception was a lot of fun. Good to see some joint friends again and just a great time had by all. My married friend is now living it up in Spain on a quite extravagant two-week honeymoon. I am very jealous, as I sit here in my stuffy apartment typing this blog. (Maybe I will go out in a little bit -- coffee, walk on the beach...hmmm. By the way....very hot in Cali this week.....ugh!)

But back to this posting.....the weekend was wonderful and on top of everything, the best part was that I was reunited with Mel for a few days. As my job stuff moves forward as well as things for her, I hope we will be reunited permanently very soon. It has been very difficult being so far apart, but as I say....being apart will only be for a quarter of a year (or so) in a relationship that I look forward to lasting for multiple quarters of this upcoming century.

Now as I have rambled like I often do, I should direct this blog to the very thesis that I am trying to reach. Having traveled this past weekend and having spent a good portion of the time in the culture of New York (Brooklyn to be exact), I can really begin to see the contrast in coastal cultures. There is a very true essence to New York, a honesty that I believe to be unmatched anywhere else. There is of course also an aggression and impatience that seems to come out as frequently as, and perhaps as part of, this honesty. There is a direct willingness to help if asked within the people, but also a radiance of the true desire to be left alone. It is a very unique place and different to me than the Bay Area. While I am still trying to understand the true pulse of the Bay Area, I can say that there is more of resonating joy that I feel even if that joy make not be steeped in true honesty. That being said, I feel a calmness in the area that I don't feel when East. The classic example is the traffic light situation in which in New York, if one does not press the gas in .5 seconds of a green light, he will have five cars blaring their horns. Around here I find almost a lackadaisical calm in which if the car does not move at the green light immediately, others will brush it off knowing that he will move eventually. A very cliche'd situation I know, but the most readily available and resonant for me as I was honked at about 20 frickin times trying to figure out directions in Brooklyn. Phew...sorry about that. Which also reminds me that there are way too many traffic lights in New York and the Boroughs and all the stop and go is probably a good reason why drivers are so uptight.

There was a moment when Mel and I were looking for a parking space where I began to look around the neighborhood and just observe. Now I must say that I think the borough of Brooklyn is fantastic and Manhattan has an excitement to it like none other, but in looking around, I could feel that this area was not for me. This is an ok realization and a one that I am happy to be coming to. My friend for example loves New York. He may never leave, who knows....but that's cool because that is him. And while it doesn't define him, it definitely embodies his spirit. I am learning personally that my soul connects with the calm, if perhaps tepidness of the West Coast. In driving home upon my arrival flight, I looked around the neighborhoods and felt a peace of mind that I did not have previously. Throughout the week I have been noticing this as well whether it be running to the Super Market or driving a few towns over for an interview. This is an area which, while I cannot fully define yet, is one that agrees with my spirit and mentality. Now what I do desire to see if that remains true upon entering into the stresses of a job, a full household, and other daily rituals. I hope so....but that is for time to tell.

On a quick side note, work stuff is still moving forward. I have a promising opportunity that I am waiting to hear back about after a follow-up interview on Tuesday. I feel optimistic, but am trying hard not to get too anticipatory in the event of further disillusionment. I will of course let you know.

I also have a Three Months in Review coming, which will probably be this weekend....so hold out for that one!! Oh I know you will waiting with baited breath. Anyhow...that is all for today. Have a great one and I will blog with you later.

-Nice Guy SMA-