From The Big Easy to the Big Apple: The Scatterbrained Diaries, Volume 1

So I live in New York now. Have been for a few months. It’s taken me this much time to take it all in before I make any documentation (oh, how I can justify procrastination…). Some might say I made an odd and curious decision migrating here when I did. The economy is a mess and New York, though as an economic epicenter — what with Wall Street (for better or worse) and the country’s highest commercial activity — isn’t a budget friendly place for the less than top ten percent income earners (me and a bunch of other folks).

But I see every day those less fortunate than me (i.e. people without family and friends willing to “invest” in their future while they remain unemployed) walking the streets and riding the subway somehow making it. Their tired faces suggest they work the harder end of the daily grind, or maybe it’s just that down-to-business, no nonsense New York manner. Anyway, the point is, if there’s that many dream chasers other than myself out there putting in the time, then New York has got to deliver. I mean, obviously. This is the city of opportunity and inevitably of course, competition. Like Jay-Z and probably a lot of other people before him said, “If I can make it here, I can make it anywhere.” So, there you have a babbled response to those who think I’m wack for moving here during one of the greatest economic recessions ever.

I came from New Orleans which by all intrinsic measures is pretty much the opposite of New York. New Orleanians lack a certain focus that New Yorkers have. Unless that focus is all put into getting to Happy Hour, which in New Orleans isn’t at all a designated or limited period of time. People there are so lovesick with life and everyone they meet that they are by nature easily distracted. When New Yorkers start a job they finish it and in a swift fashion so they can promptly experience its benefits. New Orleanians would rather have fun while doing the job than be restricted to just having fun after the job is done. New Yorkers are more long term oriented and New Orleanians are more right now oriented. And right now in New Orleans it’s all about the Saints. The unthinkable has been accomplished. THE SAINTS ARE GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL. I know not one Saints fan present in the Dome or watching intently on their couch that didn’t cry when Garret Hartley kicked that winning field goal in overtime play. I’ve never been much of a football fan or even observer, but if something like that can lift up a troubled city to new heights, then I am a full fledged football endorser. But isn’t it just like the Universe to allow my adopted home to blow up just after I leave it for new, personally unchartered territory? What is that — Murphy’s Law or something? What am I saying? I’m just homesick, because New York is obviously blowing up at all times.

And this is not to say I haven’t been enjoying some of New York’s own cultural delights here and there. Oh, no. Just the other day I was at The Met and saw some of the most mind blowing man made artifacts. I walked inside a huge structure — a tomb perhaps — crafted by Egyptians a whole lot of years ago. I also saw straight up super old school samurai swords and ancient Japanese warfare grade body armor. Those treasures in the company of Degas and Monet originals make The Met’s collection among the utmost impressive.

I also visited The New York Public Library recently which debunked my idea of what a public library should be based on my previous public library going experience at more casual locations like New Orleans and my hometown, Athens, Georgia. This seemed more like a museum than a library, like an extension of The Met for books. I was afraid to touch some of their inventory, scared I would be escorted out of the building. There were security personnel everywhere in sight at this place. There was someone to check my bag (for explosives?) upon entering in the front, at each new wing of the library and upon exiting, as well as patrolmen just standing around waiting to spot any unruly patrons. All of the books I needed were available for library use only and not to check out so I left the huge, ornate beacon on Fifth Avenue and proceeded to the Barnes & Noble across the street.

Well, friends, I’m signing off for now, but will regale you with further New York adventures. Cheers.