New York New York

From 22 years of getting to know myself I know that I am fairly inquisitive, observant, outgoing and strong enough to handle new situations and adapt easily. However, my adaptation is to quickly emulate the attitude of my immediate surroundings. For example, in my three week study abroad in Budapest I noticed that nobody smiled, laughed or even spoke loudly in public (I only assume from the lingering Communist-era universal mistrust of humans. Who can blame 'em?). After 1 week I was mentally cursing my fellow American students for being, well, loud and American. Once, on a short bus ride, a woman was playing and laughing with her baby. Even though I couldn't speak the language, I commisserated with another rider on the obnoxiousness of their behavior. I didn't agree, but at least I blended.

I love New York. And not just the reality show, (because I really do love watching shameless self-congratulatory and -indulgent raunchiness from afar) but the city itself can rock. However, as much as I love being overstimulated, I'm fairly certain I could never live there. Although I had a wonderful time on a recent trip to see Beau and his dad, saw and did things that many people don't get to do, and gained 1.5 pounds in one restaurant alone, short visits are all I will ever be able to manage. It just harshes my mellow too much.

It takes me only 3 days to become bitter in New York. The first day is reserved for skipping and frolicking, the second for wandering (I still can't get my bearings there), and the third is for bitterness. Bitterness at other tourists who just don't understand that sidewalks are not for standing, Christmas decorations are just twinkly lights, and a $12 drink mug/bucket from Radio City Hall is not authentic or classy in any way. And at the N train, for being 20 minutes late (We nearly missed Paul Moony!). On this trip I reserved the fourth day for apathy.

At this point in life, people my age focus on where they are physically to affect where they are mentally and emotionally. Social networks, night life, education, environment, transportation and cost of living have a much bigger impact on twenty-somethings than job security and mobility. We have the skills and adaptability to get a job anywhere, but contentment isn't found everywhere. Penelope Trunk has an excellent blog post on deciding where to live in association to one's affluence, career and social preferences. Find the place that you fit in is more important than the place that you'll make the most money. As the axiom goes, "Attitude is everything".